[{"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-123":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},1941287,2650,"Chapter 123: Filming a Public Welfare Short Film: Director Zhong's Decision and the Improvised Small Studio","i-became-a-viral-sensation-in-the-entertainment--chapter-123",123,"\u003Cp>While other stars were growing frantic, Jin Li and the others sat calmly, like anglers on a fishing platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li observed this with a thoughtful expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this not, in itself, a portrait of all living beings?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, the stars who had changed clothes remained, while those who hadn't were directly persuaded to leave by the staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the stars had ordinary clothes on hand, there might have been room for discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for some stars, their agencies were too far away to call assistants for delivery in time, forcing their managers to buy clothes nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, a location chosen for filming could not be too bustling; otherwise, how could crowds be kept at bay?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the managers bought nothing, and the stars were forced to eliminate themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While waiting, Jin Li heard the sound of crying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked over and saw several stars weeping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They tried to communicate with the staff, but the workers on site were iron-faced and impartial, insisting they leave and refusing to let them stay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Mengze said, \"At first, I suspected Li Xunfang had joined forces with other stars to spread misleading rumors and gang up on the rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But now, I'm no longer sure. Could it be that the production team intentionally wanted to eliminate some stars, so they seized this opportunity to make an issue out of it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if the stars were dressed very plainly, would they not find other reasons to carry out eliminations?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Qiwen said thoughtfully, \"Have you counted the published list? How many artists are there in total?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li hadn't counted, but she remembered the number. \"Sister Xiang mentioned it to me; there are about 230 people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Qiwen nodded in understanding. \"That makes sense. I initially thought we were filming dozens of short films, which would require so many people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But we're only filming ten short films. That averages out to 23 people per film. Do you think they'll actually use that many?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li and Xi Mengze fell into contemplation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Qiwen clarified, \"Even if they aren't eliminated now, they will be during filming. This is called screening.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's just like stars appearing on the Spring Festival Gala; there are many stages in the process. It's common for cast members to be swapped during rehearsals or for entire programs to be scrapped mid-practice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li exhaled lightly. \"If they were eliminated during the screening process, they probably wouldn't feel so unwilling to accept it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But failing to prepare in advance, arriving in inappropriate attire, and having no backup plan...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was, in itself, a display of carelessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Losing at this first step left them nowhere to seek justice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the eliminated stars were cleared from the site, the crowd seemed less dense. Directors began arriving one after another to observe the artists, selecting some for filming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after, Director Zhong Wenkun arrived and immediately selected Jin Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Xi Mengze and Qiu Qiwen were chosen by another director for different films.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon arriving at the designated filming location, Jin Li finally received the script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She began reading it intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Wenkun was communicating with the coordinator, floor manager, and others, as he still wished to modify the venue slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing his conversation with the on-site staff, he turned to look at Jin Li and called out to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li did not respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Wenkun observed her and realized she was reading the script with great seriousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded inwardly with approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He appreciated this kind of focused attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jin Li!\" A floor manager moved to call her but was stopped by Director Zhong. \"Wait until she finishes reading the script, then ask her to come find me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the short film was only three or four minutes long, the script was not lengthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li spent ten full minutes reading it three times over; she felt she understood much of the content and grasped the significance of this short film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short film she had received was themed around \"a thirst for knowledge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The film consisted of one turning point and two scenes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A little girl grows up in a poor, backward village; to study, she must walk an hour along mountain paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she encounters harsh weather like strong winds or heavy rain, she might be unable to attend school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This first scene must depict the harsh environment, followed by images of the little girl studying despite adversity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the sake of education, she did not hesitate to walk two hours a day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even during heavy downpours, wearing a raincoat, she would shield her textbooks and make her way carefully to school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the second scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It shifts to the little girl after she has grown up, which is when Jin Li makes her entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene opens with her, having just graduated from a university in the city, standing quietly at a bus stop, holding a book and reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside her sits a large suitcase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The suitcase is extremely heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the bus arrives, a kind-hearted person helps her lift the suitcase and asks curiously, \"It's so heavy; what's inside?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li answers gently, \"Books.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After graduation, she resolutely chooses to leave the city and return to the village that raised her since childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having witnessed the prosperity of the city, she ultimately decides to return to her hometown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—To teach and nurture people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as her teacher once tirelessly encouraged them to study hard when they were young, so that they could go out into the world and see it when they grew up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that she has grown up and seen a corner of the world, she decides to return home to become a teacher who gives her all until her dying day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heroine in the script does not regret her choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Life in the village was peaceful, yet not peaceful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She too had encountered many troubles and faced harsh weather with wind and rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she was young, it was her teacher who grasped her small hand and led her forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after growing up, she became a teacher herself, becoming the one to grasp another small, young hand and lead them...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of the short film, a little girl's clear voice calling \"Teacher!\" came from off-screen, prompting Jin Li to turn her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the little girl, Jin Li felt as though she was seeing her younger self.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes brimmed with tears, seeming to emit a warm, faint glow as she loudly responded:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey! The teacher is here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cut!\" Director Zhong shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After two days, the filming of the public charity short film officially concluded!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li snapped out of her acting mode and asked, \"Director Zhong, what about the little girl who came to act? When are you planning to film her scenes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The filming schedule for Jin Li's short film was faster than that of the other shorts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was because she was not the sole protagonist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first half of the short film, the young actress playing the female lead's childhood occupied more screen time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the young actress was still attending school and had not yet arrived, they filmed Jin Li's parts first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Zhong said, \"She won't arrive until the day after tomorrow. Do you want to meet her?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li said regretfully, \"I do want to meet her, but I have a scheduled engagement the day after tomorrow, so I'm afraid I won't be able to.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Zhong smiled: \"This young actress was someone I spotted while filming 'City Drifting Diary' last time. The village she lives in has very limited transportation access; getting to school requires at least an hour of walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large portion of my short film is drawn from the little girl's own experiences. If you don't have time to come over, you could give her a video call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just spoke with her yesterday and mentioned you. She said she knows you, likes listening to your Pink Girls' songs, and wants to meet you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li was greatly surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She immediately took out her phone and urged Director Zhong to send her the little girl's contact card.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment's thought, she said, \"If I ever get the chance to attend university and become a college student, I want to go to the little girl's place to volunteer as a teacher, even if it's just for a short term.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Wenkun gave her a thumbs-up: \"That's a great idea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he changed the subject: \"But there's a prerequisite: you must first get into university. While you still have time, you'd better hurry up and study!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During these two days of filming, Zhong Wenkun had also figured out Jin Li's temperament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was gentle and not impatient by nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, she was also someone who would seize every opportunity to do her own tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon arriving on set, no one saw Jin Li holding a script; instead, she was always holding a copy of \"Five Years of Gaokao, Three Years of Simulation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this did not mean Jin Li's attitude was poor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had already memorized the entire script; what more could anyone expect regarding her attitude?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through this brief contact, Zhong Wenkun had also gained some insight into Jin Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was an actress with great potential!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, unsure whether Jin Li could handle his film, he had specifically contacted Director Li—Li Wenguang, who directed \"The Ideal Husband\"—to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Wenguang was his college classmate; they were in the same directing department and even the same class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing his purpose, Li Wenguang strongly recommended Jin Li for his film and stated:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She possesses great spiritual vitality. Her acting carries some conventional techniques, yet lacks that rigid academic style; her malleability is extremely strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I filmed her, I had a feeling that instead of casting her as Liu Ci, she could have played the female lead or even the third female role! She can handle any character!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, her appearance actually has a blockbuster quality. She hasn't undergone any plastic surgery, so her face doesn't look stiff on camera...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the first time Zhong Wenkun witnessed\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>what it looked like when a peer praised a talented actress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Wenguang even offered to serve as an assistant director if one was needed during his filming, volunteering himself for the role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Zhong Wenkun had replied: \"If needed, I will consider it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snapping out of his memories, he watched Jin Li's retreating figure as she left holding her \"Five Three.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Wenkun pondered for a few seconds, took out his phone, and made a call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Old Duan? Regarding the actor auditions, we can remove one role from the tryouts... the role of He Hui, the female lead, can be cut...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why would I lie to you? I've found the right person! It's decided to be her, no changes... Don't dawdle, hurry up and make the change, hanging up now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After wrapping her filming, Jin Li did not rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she rushed non-stop to Tianding Entertainment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn't to look for March Sky, but because Sister Fang had booked Tianding Entertainment's recording studio for Gong Jiajia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In two days, Gong Jiajia's stage finals would take place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sister Fang had specifically called Jin Li to discuss the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confirming that it wouldn't affect her rest, Jin Li decided to serve as a guest singer for Gong Jiajia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since time was tight, Jin Li worried that insufficient rehearsal time would lead to a poor result.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, they had planned to go to the recording studio tomorrow for practice, but now that filming had just wrapped, Jin Li immediately called Gong Jiajia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Learning that she had no scheduled engagements, Jin Li said, \"Then let's go to Tianding Entertainment right now and start practicing early to gain more preparation time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gong Jiajia agreed, then suddenly remembered something and asked, \"Sister Jin Li, does Tianding Entertainment have availability? Their recording studios are booked solid every day!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li was stunned; she truly hadn't noticed that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting in the car, she tapped her forehead and said, \"Wait a moment, let me make a call to ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li thought for a moment, then directly called Gu Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, the call was answered, and Gu Cheng's clear, moist voice came through: \"Is something the matter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was very noisy around him, as if many people were talking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, all the background noise vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng seemed to have moved to a quiet place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li quickly explained the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng replied straightforwardly, \"If you go to the large studio on such short notice today, there will definitely be no spots available. Don't just think about yourself; even if we wanted to cut in line for the large studio temporarily, it wouldn't be allowed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li felt somewhat regretful and said helplessly, \"It seems I took things for granted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng chuckled lightly, \"Hey, wait, don't hang up yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just because the large studio is full doesn't mean the small studio is. You can use our exclusive small studio.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li was surprised, \"Exclusive small studio? A recording studio exclusive to you guys?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng replied, \"Yes. Bring her along. I'll tell Brother Guang, and someone will be waiting for you in the first-floor lobby.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li hesitated slightly, \"Won't this be too much trouble for you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng's voice became even more cheerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We aren't using it anyway, so there's no harm in you using it. If you really feel it's troublesome, just bring me some more scratch-off lottery tickets next time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li's expression turned solemn, \"Not just scratch-off tickets; I'll also prepare a whole bunch of specialty products from the Daoist temple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She added, \"Mm, I'll specifically prepare extra for you. Thanks, Little Teacher!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corners of Gu Cheng's mouth curled up slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you all still standing here? Aren't you going to record the program?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Lin patted Luo Yi and Yan Xingdong, who were still standing in place, and followed their gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why hasn't Orange come over yet? Why did he run so far away? Did his family call him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xingdong shook his head and said meaningfully, \"Seeing that lecherous grin on his face, I know this phone call is anything but simple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yi chimed in, \"If he had a tail, it would probably be wagging so happily it would be pointing straight up to the sky by now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Lin asked curiously, \"What, was it a woman calling again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xingdong glanced at him, then turned and walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talking to someone not on the same wavelength was a bit exhausting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yi patted Chen Lin on the shoulder and pulled him toward another spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop thinking about it; even if you think until your head explodes, you won't figure it out. Come on, let's go record the program.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While pulling Chen Lin along, he shouted, \"Gu Cheng, it's time to record the program!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng heard him, turned around, and responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly said into the phone to Jin Li, \"When you get to Tianding Entertainment, leave a bit later. I'll bring you a small gift; I prepared a lot of merchandise for this appearance, and it's all quite interesting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li didn't overthink it and agreed readily, \"Okay!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there was free time after practice, wasn't it just studying in a different location? That was absolutely no problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li first returned to Chenxi Entertainment to pick up Gong Jiajia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sui Lingfang happened to be taking He Yixuan out to audition for the third female lead, which was the scheduling resource provided by Xinrui Entertainment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since this opportunity came from Xinrui Entertainment, even though it was only for the third female lead, Sui Lingfang took it quite seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hoped He Yixuan would pass the audition on the first try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Gong Jiajia board the van, Sui Lingfang gave Jin Li a few more instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gong Jiajia is a newcomer; she doesn't understand anything and doesn't know how to speak properly. If you encounter any executives from Tianding Entertainment, look out for her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sui Lingfang lowered her voice and added, \"Also, keep a close eye on things; don't let Tianding Entertainment poach Gong Jiajia. It wasn't easy for me to sign a singer, and I want to nurture her properly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Li laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, Sister Fang. I guarantee I'll return her intact; not a single hair will be missing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2751,"2026-06-15T03:49:58.712Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","0b8f356140494df8cb72687705944b97ea1bc193d4c36a3e4f2244f96cdc8adf","i-became-a-viral-sensation-in-the-entertainment--chapter-124","i-became-a-viral-sensation-in-the-entertainment--chapter-122",794,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-became-famous-by-burning-incense-cover.jpg"]