[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-i-became-a-viral-sensation-in-the-entertainment-":3,"chapter-i-became-a-viral-sensation-in-the-entertainment--i-became-a-viral-sensation-in-the-entertainment--chapter-121":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","I Became Famous by Burning Incense",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1941285,2650,"Chapter 121: Shocking Turn","i-became-a-viral-sensation-in-the-entertainment--chapter-121",121,"\u003Cp>While Xi Mengze was anxious and Sui Lingfang was calculating,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>disaster struck at I Am a Singer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After deciding on the lineup of inaugural singers and challenger singers for the first round and sending the list to the singers' agents,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>they began receiving replies one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these replies were not about continuing negotiations; they were rejections!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A staff member hurriedly reported, \"Li Lang's agent rejected us, saying Li Lang is holding a concert that conflicts with I Am a Singer's schedule. To devote himself fully to the concert, he cannot come!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another staff member rushed over: \"Luo Yongda has also rejected us, saying he has already accepted another music variety show and cannot participate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Same here; Xue Ningning said her schedule doesn't align, so she can't come!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me too; Yuan Na can't make it; her schedule is completely full!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All these singers had previously come to the site for trial performances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, the discussions went reasonably well; their attitudes hadn't been so ambiguous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why, when making his selections, Hong Xiao eliminated those with vague attitudes and chose only those who were clear-cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But who could have expected that, less than a month before the show's premiere, these singers would suddenly turn against them and refuse to participate!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Um, excuse me, I have something else to report.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xiao looked over, rubbing his brow. \"Which singer is rejecting us now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The staff member said, \"No, she isn't rejecting us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Mengze's agent contacted me. Originally, we discussed a contract for a challenger singer, but now she's become an inaugural singer. Shouldn't the contract be adjusted accordingly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xiao's eyes flickered. \"Xi Mengze? She didn't reject us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had a deep impression of this female singer; although she sang only one song during her trial performance, she handled it exceptionally well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That love ballad—he had listened to it several times—and each time, it left him with a heartbroken feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xiao pondered aloud, \"Send someone to negotiate properly with her agent. Xi Mengze is a top-tier female star with considerable popularity; let's offer her treatment befitting a top-tier artist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In reality, Xi Mengze's popularity paled in comparison to Jin Li's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn't been diligent about taking on engagements in recent years and had long since dropped to second-tier status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But popularity is subjective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he believed she possessed top-tier popularity, then she did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that all those other singers were kicking them while they were down, it was rare to find one who agreed; naturally, they had to seize this opportunity firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paying a bit more was only reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some rejoiced while others worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Xi Mengze was fretting, Qiu Qiwen also faced some criticism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recently, The Ideal Husband had exploded in popularity due to Jin Li's acting, escalating from a modest hit to a massive sensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consequently, the acting of the male and female leads in the production also came under public scrutiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People fear comparisons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without comparison, one wouldn't know; but once compared, it became evident that Jin Li's acting was superb in every aspect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Rumor has it that Xi Mengze personally invited Jin Li, and not just once. Isn't this backfiring? lol The supporting actress's acting completely crushes the lead actress's!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Is Qiu Qiwen's acting bad? Compared to Jin Li, it falls short, but how many Jin Lis are there in the industry? Compared to most newcomer actors, her performance is already excellent!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[But when Jin Li and Qiu Qiwen are placed side by side, Qiu Qiwen becomes utterly invisible...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[+1. During the early academy arc, I already felt Liu Ci resembled the female lead more than Lin Zhiyi did, and I still hold that view now!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recently, while attending engagements, Qiu Qiwen encountered several other stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These stars began discussing Jin Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being second-tier celebrities themselves, they wanted to curry favor with Qiu Qiwen, so they deliberately brought up Jin Li right in front of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually, I think Jin Li's acting is a bit exaggerated; Sister Qiwen's feels much more natural.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think so too. Her acting is just average, but her character is quite likable; after all, netizens prefer stories with clear-cut love and hate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister Qiwen, your acting in dramas is excellent. Just gain more experience in a few more productions, and the Best Actress award will be within your reach!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Qiwen sat lazily on the sofa, sipping champagne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This group of stars had all come to attend a brand event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the event had concluded, everyone had gathered in the backstage lounge to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since it was an ultra-luxury brand event, the standards were high, and the hospitality was excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While this crowd surrounded Qiu Qiwen, discussing the matter, she remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after they had finished speaking and run out of things to say did she finally open her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you all finished?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other stars exchanged glances, uncertain about Qiu Qiwen's attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Online,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>netizens were comparing Qiu Qiwen to Jin Li, claiming that Jin Li's acting completely crushed Qiu Qiwen's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone who looked at those online evaluations would feel uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in their eagerness to flatter Qiu Qiwen, they overlooked one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Qiwen spoke slowly: \"The netizens are absolutely right. I invited Jin Li repeatedly, multiple times, because I felt she was perfectly suited to play Princess Liu Ci.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that netizens hold her in such high regard, doesn't that prove my excellent judgment? I spotted Jin Li's potential at first glance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other stars followed with forced laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Sister Qiwen has excellent judgment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was indeed Sister Qiwen who gave Jin Li this opportunity!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister Qiwen is such a good person!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Qiwen continued, \"And as for my acting skills compared to Jin Li's.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, then said calmly, \"Stop forcing the praise; it's becoming unbearable to hear. How could it be so exaggerated? Are you saying my acting is better than Jin Li's?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Say such things only in front of me; do not say them before others, or I will feel ashamed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are you to qualify to judge the acting of Jin Li and me? And who are you to claim my acting surpasses hers?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Instead of focusing these thoughts on me, you would do better to consider how to curry favor with Jin Li. Within five years, she is bound to win Best Actress!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did she really say that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same luxury brand event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her exclusive resting room, Li Xunfang heard the news gathered by her assistant and felt somewhat startled and uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even among first-tier stars, there are distinctions in status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some remain marginal figures despite being first-tier, while others are the hottest within that tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xunfang, for instance, enjoyed relatively high fame and popularity among first-tier stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She maintained good relations with major luxury brands, often liked promoting luxury goods, and counted many luxury brands among her friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, for this event, she possessed an exclusive resting room provided by the brand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xunfang's agent was also present, his expression somewhat serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qiu Qiwen relies on New Edge Entertainment. Apart from her, an artist who rose through variety shows, their other artists follow an acting path and possess some resources in film and television.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does Qiu Qiwen's optimism regarding Jin Li imply that New Edge Entertainment also favors Jin Li?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xunfang pondered for a moment, then shook her head. \"Unlikely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qiu Qiwen is not a shareholder of New Edge Entertainment; her opinions do not represent the company's stance. She might simply personally favor her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, then smiled. \"On the contrary, I suspect Qiu Qiwen harbors resentment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Resentment?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xunfang retorted, \"Qiu Qiwen claims Jin Li will definitely win Best Actress within five years. Do you think that possible?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for others to answer, she stated first, \"Impossible!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't you know that resources in the film and television industry are divided into those easy to obtain and those difficult to secure?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jin Li exploded in popularity with one TV drama; she might secure TV drama resources, star in several more leading roles, and perhaps win Best Actress for Television. But films?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xunfang couldn't help but sneer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even for me to break into the film circle is incredibly difficult, let alone for Jin Li!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jin Li's company is nothing but a makeshift outfit; what connections could they possibly provide her?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I struggled immensely to get into a famous director's film. Upon entering the film industry, I won 'Best Supporting Actress' with my second female lead role; my entry path was truly smooth sailing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But afterwards, trying to secure film roles became very difficult.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Either the style didn't suit me, or the genre was inappropriate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With Jin Li's simple, innocent 'little white flower' image, what kind of film could she possibly act in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xunfang casually blew on her newly done manicure. \"Playing a lead role and playing a supporting role are different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Currently, she shines as a supporting character; whether she can explode in popularity again when stepping into a leading role remains uncertain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So many actors failed with their second drama.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whether Jin Li can sustain this momentum is truly hard to predict.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assistant, struck by some thought, proposed an idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jin Li has enjoyed great luck within the industry. Should we discreetly ask around to find out what TV dramas Jin Li's team is currently contacting?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The agent's eyes flickered slightly as he looked at Li Xunfang. \"I think this idea is good. What about you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xunfang gave a faint \"Mm.\" \"If they have their eyes on a few promising dramas, snatch them over for me to act in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occurred not only with Li Xunfang but with other stars as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entertainment circle is an extremely competitive industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stars need excellent works to bolster their standing yet cannot lack exposure, spending their years running between film sets and variety shows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever a star rises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only agencies but also fellow stars pay attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This year, Jin Li's resurgence led not only online rumors about her good luck but also an industry-wide belief in her fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The engagements she selected were of high quality, and the scripts she accepted were equally good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, the entertainment circle is a place that believes in metaphysics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone thought: either appear in the same frame as Jin Li to rub off some of her luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or seize the engagements Jin Li wants; perhaps the quality of those engagements is exceptionally good?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was several days later, when Jin Li returned to the company with Xi Mengze for a meeting, that she heard Sister Xiang mention this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sister Xiang said with clear annoyance, \"Several companies had favored scripts for female leads. We originally intended to communicate further to see if we could replace their chosen stars with our own company's artists.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everything had been agreed upon nicely, yet suddenly, in these past few days, everyone reneged.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If only one or two had changed their minds, it wouldn't matter much, but all of them changing simultaneously makes me suspect something is wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So I had someone quietly investigate, and only then discovered that our company's engagement resources have been targeted by other entertainment companies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li and Xi Mengze exchanged glances, both feeling somewhat surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li asked, \"What does 'targeted' mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sui Lingfang said in a grave voice, \"We were targeted by other entertainment companies; they used various methods to snatch away the engagements our company was negotiating. This is malicious competition!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If those engagement organizers had been more steadfast, so many wouldn't have been lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All these organizers had come specifically for Jin Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they discovered Jin Li couldn't participate, and other entertainment companies were willing to concede profits and send top-tier stars instead, the engagements naturally got snatched away by those other companies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this approach was \"harming others without benefiting oneself\"; entertainment companies cannot sustain long-term profit concessions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, these companies specifically targeted high-quality engagements for their concessions, keeping a close watch on the internal trends at Chenxi Entertainment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sui Lingfang said, \"None of you need to come to the company this week; we are launching an internal investigation to root out people from other entertainment companies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li asked with a serious expression, \"What about the engagements we lost?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sui Lingfang pondered for a moment, then, as if thinking of something, sneered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh, it's fine. Let them fight over it if they want.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I know what they're up to; they just want to ride on your luck, snatch your engagements, and gamble on a massive breakout hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they don't realize that I didn't negotiate these engagements for you; they were arranged for the company's other stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't know how they contacted the organizers, but I doubt the organizers would tell the stars about this either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let them snatch them; I'd like to see how many of the stars who steal your engagements will actually become famous!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Mengze laughed aloud, thinking of something amusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jin Li's situation is quite special; her luck is something only she herself can enjoy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anyone else tries to steal her luck, they probably won't gain any benefit; instead, they'll suffer terrible misfortune!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sui Lingfang's eyes shifted slightly. \"From your tone, have you experienced this before?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Xi Mengze could speak, Jin Li laughed first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're not going to bring up that mahjong game, are you?\" Jin Li clarified immediately. \"It's really not my fault; your luck was just poor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sui Lingfang hurriedly said, \"Tell us the details!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Mengze glared at Jin Li. \"This isn't about luck; it's that whoever tries to steal from you ends up unlucky!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her kind of luck, whenever we played mahjong with her during Chinese New Year, out of ten games, she would definitely get a Heavenly Win in one of them right from the start, no playing needed; she'd self-draw just while shuffling the tiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We even switched seats, taking the spot she had just vacated, and ended up either with a Major Chao or a Minor Chao!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Mengze looked at Sui Lingfang. \"Tell me, isn't that incredibly unlucky?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sui Lingfang nodded vigorously. \"Extremely unlucky!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Sui Lingfang finally gained a true understanding of Jin Li's luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could any human possess such luck?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was clearly an ancestor to be revered!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several more days passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The public welfare charity short film, eagerly anticipated by the entire industry, was finally ready!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after the script was finalized, the list of invited stars for the cast was announced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eighty percent were top-tier stars, while twenty percent were rising second- and third-tier stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides March Sky, Tianding Entertainment had three additional top-tier stars selected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Chenxi Entertainment's selection was rather ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Jin Li and Xi Mengze were chosen; none of the other stars made the cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gong Jiajia learned of this during a meeting with Sister Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the meeting, she specifically gathered with He Yixuan, who had also attended, to chat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gong Jiajia said enviously, \"When will I ever reach Sister Jin Li's level, where I don't even have to try hard, yet the organizers still pick me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yixuan's expression remained indifferent. \"What else can we do but endure? None of us are destined for overnight fame.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she changed the subject. \"As for you, didn't you previously make a military pledge to win a championship in a competition show? How are your preparations going?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gong Jiajia nodded solemnly. \"Things are going smoothly enough. The finals are next week, and I was thinking of inviting Senior Jin Li to perform as a guest singer. I wonder if she'll come.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yixuan paused. \"Sister Jin Li isn't busy lately, so if you invite her, she'll probably come. But if she doesn't, don't resent her; she has no obligation to help us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No. Obligation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yixuan often reminded herself of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more she reminded herself, the more she felt like a clown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sister Jin Li was so kind, yet she, benefiting from the resources Jin Li provided, complained about heaven and blamed others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She resented Jin Li, and she hated herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She resented when Jin Li would finally step aside and make room for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And she hated herself for such humble and filthy thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>",2720,"2026-06-15T03:49:58.712Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","cb7bba96d4e628eb66735f33f21358cb4cf461b305194b800f46f508ccf42976","i-became-a-viral-sensation-in-the-entertainment--chapter-122","i-became-a-viral-sensation-in-the-entertainment--chapter-120",794,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-became-famous-by-burning-incense-cover.jpg"]