Chapter 50: A Mutual Smile

In fact, Liu Tianxian was ostracized in every way, not just by Huayi and Tangren, but by half of the domestic entertainment industry.

How to put it? She had once blocked too many people's paths—not only stepping on a host of rising stars, but even making the Four Dan and Twin Bing step aside, and even Li Shui Shui had to play second fiddle to her.

You know, Li Shui Shui rose to fame by going head-to-head with people like Young Master Zhou and Fan Xiaopang, and she did it as the victor, becoming Hua Yi's top star.

But what could you do? Before absolute power, you had to play second fiddle to Liu Tianxian.

So Liu Tianxian had once been too popular—so popular she towered over all others, looked down on all rivals, stood alone atop the peak, and dared to seek the Great Dao's fruit.

Such a "Emperor"-styled girl naturally drew fierce competition from major sects, each offering generous terms to bring her under their wing.

But she joined no sect, seeking only to preserve her purity, avoid contamination, refuse to mingle with the corrupt, and cultivate the Dao beyond the rules.

The outcome was obvious: if you can't have her, destroy her.

So Liu Tianxian angered those who, having failed to win her, now sought to destroy her.

Do you really think Huayi and Tangren are that powerful? Not necessarily—Huayi is merely one circle among many, and Tangren doesn't even qualify as a circle.

At least the Shanghai circle, the Northwest circle, and the Northeast circle aren't afraid of those from Beijing's circle—half the domestic industry shunned Liu Tianxian simply because she wanted to escape the rules.

If you want to escape the rules, then go to Hong Kong and Taiwan!

That's why she could only drift in Hong Kong's circle; later, when she became too weak even there, she could only star in oddball Sino-Korean co-productions scattered across various circles.

Only after the traffic explosion did her situation improve—but she could only pair with people like WYF.

Though the "Emperor"-styled girl has now descended from her throne, the threat remains—every major company has had a hand in publishing smear pieces against her.

Also, those competing rising stars—Function Star and Da Baobei—are typical examples.

Function Star and Liu Tianxian had long-standing grievances, not over status, but allegedly—just allegedly:

{Back then, Function Star was new to the industry, with no connections, no money, no backing; during the filming of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, she was often looked down upon and frequently scolded by Da Hu Zi.

She wanted to leverage her talent and befriend the male lead of that drama—he was surnamed Huang—but Mr. Huang had zero interest in her and treated her with indifference.

That was normal—Huang was then a popular young heartthrob, so his indifference toward Function Star was understandable.

But Huang went out of his way to flatter the female lead, Liu—even when Liu treated him coldly, he didn't mind at all, still hovering around her constantly.

This made Function Star feel deeply unjust; during a three-person scene, she deliberately stood in the wrong spot, blocking Liu's shot. Director Da Hu Zi flew into a rage, halted filming, and slapped her across the face on the spot.

After such a humiliating insult, anyone's psyche would shatter; from then on, she kept her distance from everyone, and the seed of hatred took root. }

(Just treat it as a story—don't take it seriously!)

So it's easy to understand why two girls of similar age, who could have become close friends, ended up estranged.

That's also why, at this stage, Function Star constantly strives to surpass Liu—out of jealousy.

Look at the people Function Star posts photos with as "best friends"—Liu Sisi, Da Baobei—all of them are Liu's rivals, following the same path.

In this circle, posting best-friend photos is a signal of alliance—not proof of genuine friendship; don't actually believe they're close pals!

Function Star is formidable—she spans the Four Dan and Twin Bing, the Teddy Jie Mei Tuan, the Three Beauties of Sword and Fairy III—these groups all feud with each other, and she's behind them all.

She also fights other actresses—her combat power is extraordinary!

That's why she's black-red—she stirs up trouble everywhere!

Compared to these later rising stars, she's a whole different league.

This also involves Zhao Xiaodao, but that's another story—will be explained next time.

As for Liu and Da Baobei's situation—no more water.

So don't think Liu is naive—she knows perfectly well who's paying for the smear pieces against her; she just doesn't say anything.

Because she's endured too many treacherous, nauseating incidents in this circle—this is one reason her heart has shut down and she must self-regulate.

You never know how you've offended someone—it's completely random!

Distracted!

Chen Zhixi listened to Fang Hong's words and fell silent—she understood his nature.

If he compromised after a warning, he wouldn't be Fang Hong.

This is the man who dared to openly plagiarize and still held others in contempt—even using the Principal's name, he was prepared for eventual exposure.

Because he never intended to become a director or star—he was aiming for capital.

"Find another cinematographer—get someone recommended, and replace him as soon as possible," Fang Hong said.

"Alright, I'll arrange it," Chen Zhixi nodded.

It's not some sci-fi epic—no need for top-tier talent; replacements can be found anytime.

Besides, Beijing Film Academy Photography Department has many students—there's no shortage of cinematographers; anyone can be pulled in to fill the gap, though their professional skills are questionable.

That's fine—Yu Xian is highly professional; as long as he's there, the camera crew won't be left without support.

If Fang Hong can train one person, he can train two—let them try to pack up the entire talent pool of Beijing Film Academy.

He fears they can't afford it!

So this kind of thing barely affects Fang Hong at all—it might annoy him, but as long as his core team remains, everyone else is peripheral and not under anyone's control.

That's why he's building his own core circle.

As long as his core circle holds, he won't collapse—though if they poached Chen Zhixi, it would seriously hurt him.

Then "33 Days of Breaking Up" would have to halt production, since no suitable Producer could be found right now.

That's how it stands—Fang Hong merely noted it in his mind and continued with his work; without real power, any resistance is useless—before absolute power, he can't stir up waves.

The next day, the crew rented two more vehicles—a minivan and a passenger van.

The minivan still carried gear; the passenger van still carried people!

The shooting location was set in Chaoyang District's Sanlitun and Yi Shu Qu.

This area has fashion landmarks and buildings steeped in artistic atmosphere—no need to travel elsewhere; the entire film could be shot within this zone.

At a mall, crew members bustled about—set designers arranged props, lighting crews set up lamps, sound technicians installed microphones, cinematographers positioned cameras, and assistant directors laid down tracks.

It was still morning—the mall hadn't opened yet, meaning they had two hours of shooting time before opening at 9 a. m.

It's cheap, of course. If they really had to seal off a shopping mall to film, the price would be more than they could afford.

Fang Hong didn't bother with any opening ceremony to worship the gods — all that flashy stuff is just feudal dregs brought over from Hong Kong.

Liu Tianxian arrived early too. This is something you have to appreciate about her — she takes the work seriously and doesn't make trouble for others.

"Love Is Not Blind" is filmed entirely from her perspective. If she showed up late or went missing, the whole shoot would fall apart.

The two of them met, exchanged a look, then smiled at each other — everything said without a word.

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(End of chapter)