Chapter 496

"Oh, thank you!" Gulnaza took the tissue and gently wiped away her tears.

Actually, if we talk about scandal, it's not really a deadly scandal.

It's nothing more than photos of her dating and shopping being exposed, causing the pure, maiden image she had cultivated to suffer some "persona" collapse.

But she isn't crying about that; she's an adult, dating is completely normal! She's crying because she thinks there's no chance between her and Jiang Heng! Yet when she first signed with the Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company, Gulnaza had feelings for Jiang Heng.

He's handsome, talented, his wealth could land him on the rich list, and he's not that old.

If she could rely on Jiang Heng as her backing, she wouldn't need to dominate the Chinese entertainment circle; even a modest share of that astonishing wealth would free her from having to strive.

But when she finally wanted to do something, she realized it was too difficult.

Inside the company, beautiful women abound and competition is fierce; Jiang Heng is never lacking in close female confidantes.

Although they had some ambiguity, due to busy work they saw each other too rarely, and the feeling gradually faded.

Gulnaza's looks were famous even during her time at the Beijing Film Academy; she was dubbed "the most beautiful arts exam candidate," and admirers never ceased.

Jiang Heng's side waited in vain for a reply, and she began to waver, happily talking about love, sometimes fantasizing that one day she'd be with Jiang Heng and become a wealthy family's lady.

That's how it's always portrayed in TV dramas—how many wealthy heirs fall for someone else's girlfriend!

But before that day could arrive, thanks to the hot release of Battle Through the Heavens, her romance was first exposed by the media.

Although it shocked and disappointed fans, the problem wasn't really serious.

As for Jiang Heng's side, how are they supposed to get along, how are they supposed to flirt!

Just thinking about these made her cry even harder.

"It's just dating, not cheating and getting caught—no need to cry like this. Besides, the company has already stepped in and suppressed the hype!"

Jiang Heng sat in his chair, chuckling.

Currently, the domestic internet media platform with the greatest influence, Weibo, is precisely a product of the company.

As for domestic media, the Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company also wields influence far beyond what people imagine.

To say they wanted to lower the heat, within a day netizens could hardly find any related information or topics anymore.

The methods may be a bit blunt, but they are a tried-and-true surefire tactic.

So the problem with this matter really isn't big.

As for the impact on Battle Through the Heavens' box office, it's even more minuscule.

Although Gulnaza's popularity surged because of this film, the movie wasn't marketed with her as the selling point, nor did people go to see it because of her!

Upon hearing this, Gulnaza finally stopped crying, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and said pitifully, "Sorry!"

Jiang Heng was somewhat bewildered, "What's there to be sorry about!"

He quickly realized, this girl won't have any inner drama, imagining a "domineering CEO" falling for me? Gulnaza said timidly, "Then what about my future..."

Jiang Heng laughed, "From now on, just develop normally—acting, dating, getting married—I already said it's fine, don't have those worries.

By the way, if you want good development going forward, you still need to keep honing your acting skills! Your roles in Battle Through the Heavens and Hero Legion aren't especially many; give you a few more directing sessions, shoot a few more times, you can still handle it.

But if you later want to play a leading lady, with your current acting skills, you're still lacking!"

"Oh oh, I got it, Director Jiang, I will work hard!" Gulnaza lowered her gaze and said softly.

Jiang Heng said with a smile, "Good, although this has been suppressed, you should still avoid appearing in front of the mass media lately—you know what I mean!"

"Understood, understood, Director Jiang, I won't cause you any more trouble!"

"Alright, go on!" Jiang Heng said, and Gulnaza stood up, walked halfway, then turned back, bowed to Jiang Heng before leaving.

Not long after, the office door opened, and it was Jing Tian, who hadn't shown her face in a while.

Because she didn't come from outside, she wore a white knit top and jeans with knee-high boots.

She came behind the sofa, bent down, and put her arms around Jiang Heng's neck.

"Actually, I'm quite envious of her!"

Jiang Heng's body stiffened upon hearing this, and he remained silent.

Jing Tian continued, "Being able to expose the romance—what a great thing!"

Jiang Heng reached out and patted Jing Tian's shoulder, perfunctorily saying, "That day will come!"

She snorted, "That day will definitely come, but who it exposes you with isn't certain!"

Jiang Heng felt a bit guilty, grabbed Jing Tian's hand, and pulled her to sit on the sofa as well.

"Saying that just hurts me—it's definitely about you and me!"

"Really?" Da Tian Tian widened her eyes, her pretty lashes fluttering.

"Of course it's true—when have I ever lied to you?"

"Hmph, you've lied to me plenty of times!"

Da Tian Tian put on an arrogant expression, yet leaned against Jiang Heng and said softly, "Your current wealth is enough to last several lifetimes—why do you still push yourself so hard? Other directors take a break of a year or two after a big blockbuster. Sometimes I think, living a peaceful, steady little life would also be nice!"

Jiang Heng said, "Sometimes, once a person reaches a certain position, it's hard to step down! The group company's industry is huge, with so many people relying on it to earn money, eat, and support their families. If I announced a shutdown or layoffs, those employees burdened with million‑dollar mortgages would have a rough time!"

Jing Tian wore a puzzled expression, "Can't they just go find new jobs?"

Jiang Heng slapped her thigh with a "pa" sound, "Your comment is just 'let them eat cake'! The film and television industry of the Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company already counts as a film industry! In today's domestic film market, besides us, who else could prop up this sector? China Film, Huayi, Shanghai Film, Wannuo? These companies are not bad, but to say they can shoot good effects‑heavy blockbusters and compete with Hollywood's film industry—that's still far from enough!

Jing Tian listened, not really grasping it, and only said, "Wow, amazing, honey, hearing you say that makes me feel you're really too amazing!"

Jiang Heng laughed and said, "You only found out today?"

As they were chatting, a few knocks sounded on the door, and Cui Zhenzhen came in.

Seeing Jing Tian leaning against Jiang Heng, she wasn't surprised either.

"Director Jiang, President Yu and Director Xu Ke have arrived!"

"Alright, please have them come in!"

Upon hearing this, Jing Tian naturally got up and left with Cui Zhenzhen, along the way remarking that the new cosmetics she'd tried were nice and that she'd give Cui Zhenzhen a set another day.

Yu Dong and Xu Ke arrived side by side, naturally for the film "Seizing Wei Hu Mountain".

After going through the script, revisions and improvements, location selection, actor schedule coordination, props, costumes, crew preparations and many other matters.

Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy, this film is preparing to start shooting before the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

Yes, that's how early.

If it were another film, they might consider waiting for the weather to warm up before starting shooting.

Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy, however, is different: the entire film consists of winter scenes, and the story takes place in the Forest Sea and Snowy Plain.

Even starting shooting now, Xu Ke feels it's late, there isn't enough time! (End of chapter)