Chapter 60.2

Today was the launch press conference for Imperial Power. The stage had been set up early and there was also a red table covered with symbolic offerings—fruit, pastries, even a whole roasted pig. The production had already been drawing attention due to recent buzz, and now with both the director and male lead having won international awards, the media turnout had exceeded expectations by dozens of outlets. The venue was absolutely packed.

Fans from all camps had also gathered, kept outside by barricades.

Due to the limited number of spots, the ones who made it here were lucky fans selected through a random draw on the official social media account.

And statistically speaking, Gu Xi’s fans made up the majority.

When the lead actors were brought out by the director, the crowd erupted like a landslide.

Someone in the audience even shouted, “Gu Xi!”

Gu Xi waved toward the sea of light boards and banners, sending the crowd into an even more frenzied cheer that ignited the whole atmosphere.

All the reporters swarmed in, surrounding the group for interviews. Naturally, the ones bombarded with questions were Director Liu Yu and Gu Xi.

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“Can’t blame them, others would beat them to it if they don’t do it now. How else would these entertainment reporters survive? It’s not an easy job, y’know.”

“How do you think Gu Xi will respond?”

“Actually, when they walked in earlier, I was paying close attention to Xixi and that newcomer, Rong Jing. They treated each other like air. When their eyes did meet, it felt cold. Especially during the lineup just now, the director told Rong Jing to move a little closer, and Xixi’s expression instantly dropped. It wasn’t super obvious, but you could tell there was some rejection there. Not even a shred of face given.”

“Rong Jing didn’t move closer either. In fact, he stepped even farther away. This newcomer seems to have some spine.”

“I noticed that too! Forget the unspoken rules, I thought a fight might break out! This newcomer looks gentle, but with that build and presence, he’s definitely a tough Alpha type.”

“I’m starting to believe they really don’t get along.”

“Yeah, you can feel it. That cold politeness between strangers pretending everything’s fine.”

“Gu Xi’s probably unhappy with the newcomer because of all those rumors. Looks like he’s genuinely upset, being slandered like that.”

“Who wouldn’t be? I mean, he works so hard at acting, but in the end, all of his efforts get overshadowed by rumors. People don’t care about his achievements, just the scandals. Even as a bystander, I feel bad for Gu Xi. He’s constantly being used for hype by newcomers.”

“But this newcomer has it tough too. I saw his performance mishap. To be fair, maybe he really does have acting potential since the director finalized the casting with him as male lead, right?”

“Some newcomers have all kinds of tricks and connections. Climbing up the ranks by riding the hype and getting tied to big names isn’t exactly rare.”

“Earlier in the livestream, a ton of people, especially Xun Jiarui’s fans, were waiting for the newcomer to be kicked out of the cast.”

“Anyway, whatever the case, they clearly dislike each other off-screen. And I heard they have intimate scenes on-screen. With things this tense, how are they even going to film?”

“Yeah, just imagining it feels uncomfortable.”

“If the newcomer doesn’t act well, Gu Xi might just get him cut from the project. Gu Xi’s professionalism is beyond question. This is going to be interesting.”

If one looked closely, one would notice a few of Rong Jing’s fans at the scene as well, standing far off, determined to stay away from Gu Xi’s fans who constantly thought that others were desperate to cling to their idol. These Rong Jing fans were some of his earliest supporters from his fanbase. Ironically, their constant clashes with Gu Xi’s fans had united them even more. This time, they had even crowdfunded their way to the filming location.

They overheard the conversations between other fan groups around them. Outnumbered and powerless, all they could do was huddle together for comfort. They didn’t dare speak up or ask questions, only looking toward Rong Jing at the center of the stage with deep concern.

At that moment, Gu Xi took the microphone and glanced at the reporter who had asked the sharp question. When the reporter saw Gu Xi’s calm and composed gaze, he felt a faint chill rise from deep within, as if they were being watched by something that looked harmless, but still made them instinctively uneasy.

Gu Xi took note of the logo on the reporter’s mic. It belonged to a certain magazine company with both entertainment and fashion sections. This new company had been working to build connections in the entertainment industry.

Starting today, your connections might take a hit. I don’t have many strengths, and I have plenty of flaws, but one thing I do best is holding grudges.

Gu Xi blinked innocently, “What false rumors are you referring to? Sometimes, I’m the last to know about these things. Every time, it feels like a sudden revelation to me.”

The actors beside him chuckled knowingly. It was true, they’d all experienced similar situations.

The atmosphere on set quickly shifted from tense and slightly hostile to light and joking. Gu Xi then called on a few other entertainment reporters to ask questions.

But the same reporter still wouldn’t let go of the issue. He was one of those people who had tried to tail Gu Xi at the hotel yesterday only to get caught up by Qi Ying making a scene and getting kicked out. He was still carrying the humiliation he felt of being kicked out into this interview.

“But this newcomer was standing so far away from you today that it was hard to even get a picture with both of you in the frame. Is it because you don’t like him?”

Gu Xi looked genuinely puzzled at first, then let out a laugh, looking half amused, half helpless. “I was just following the director around earlier. I didn’t even notice where the other actors were standing.”

The people present all thought the reporter was being unreasonable. There was no need for Gu Xi to lower himself over something so trivial just to pick on someone else. Besides, he was well known for mentoring younger actors. He had a great reputation in that regard. There was no reason for him to sabotage himself like that on purpose.

When the microphone was finally passed to Rong Jing, this reporter once again posed another sharp question.

Rong Jing responded humbly, as if unaware of the verbal trap laid out for him. He said, “As a new actor, I’m very grateful to the director for giving me this opportunity. I’ll do my best to portray this role well. I also truly appreciate Senior Gu’s guidance and hope I won’t disappoint him.”

After speaking, the two even exchanged a calm glance before quickly looking away.

It seemed the newcomer deliberately praised Gu Xi to dispel the earlier rumors.

Everyone present glanced at Rong Jing with mild approval. Say what you will about him, but his sense of propriety and tact was definitely a plus.

His response, however, bored the entertainment reporters who had hoped to dig up some juicy gossip or land an exclusive scoop. What was the point of such formulaic replies? However, his response also made it clear that neither Gu Xi, who was already at the top, nor the newcomer had any intention of airing their conflict in public.

There was this unspoken rule that when a newcomer tries to rise and the senior refuses to be tied to them for publicity, that alone becomes a hot topic. Now, it was just a matter of which reporter would get the first scoop from this issue. They were already eyeing each other, ready to compete.

After stepping off stage, the producer spotted Xie Ling standing nearby, his expression cold as he watched the stage.

Wasn’t this the God of Wealth who had just pumped several times the usual funding into their production? And he wasn’t just any investor. He was here in the entertainment industry for fun, not taking it seriously at all. The producer hurried over.

“Why are you here? You were supposed to give the opening speech just now.”

“Just came here to take a look.”

Xie Ling had initially wanted to tell the producer to take good care of his younger brother, but thinking it over, he knew that if he said that out loud, the kid would definitely kick up a fuss.

Xie Ling was not afraid of anything, except for that little debt collector being dissatisfied.

He knew Rong Jing had a fire burning inside him. He knew his brother wanted to prove himself and to gain recognition.

When the producer escorted Xie Ling to his car, Xie Ling pointed at someone not far away.

“Replace that person.”

Since it was confirmed that the person in Rong Jing’s room wasn’t Qi Ying, there was no point in keeping him around.

The producer turned to look and saw Qi Ying laughing sweetly with the assistant director.

“Understood. Don’t worry, he won’t be showing up on set tomorrow,” the producer had never encountered an investor who didn’t stuff people in, but actively removed them.

But when the God of Wealth gives an order, it must be done.

While Gu Xi was still being interviewed on stage, he felt a wave of warmth at the back of his neck. It lingered for a while before fading.

Once the opening ceremony ended, it was time for the director to deliver on his promise to several media outlets: filming the first official scene.

The set had to be cleared for the shoot. Fans began to leave in groups, and most entertainment reporters, now holding fresh interviews, were heading back to write their stories.

Originally, this scene was supposed to be filmed after the official start of production tomorrow. But due to the heavy negative publicity earlier, it was decided at the last minute to film Rong Jing’s first scene today.

Director Liu Yu deliberately selected a few relatively neutral media outlets and public accounts, not expecting praise, but at least hoping for fairness.

This drama tells the story of the Seventh Prince, Shao Hua, who suffered humiliation from a young age and secretly vowed to rise above all others. He hid his talents, but after being betrayed by his childhood friend, the Prime Minister’s son¹I think I used in chapter 28 the word Chancellor but I think Prime Minister is better here so I changed it, he no longer trusted anyone. By a twist of fate, he encountered the dying eunuch Fu Qianming, and upon discovering his exceptional intellect, promoted him to a trusted aide. The two developed a love-hate relationship, entangled in open and covert struggles with various factions, until Shao Hua ultimately broke through the siege and ascended the throne.

The scene today takes place during Fu Qianming’s sixth year in the palace. That year, the Imperial Concubine Xiang, whom he served, was found poisoned to death in a remote hall. She had only recently entered the palace as a noble lady, cherished by the emperor for her voice that was as delicate as a songbird singing in the valley.

Her sudden poisoning was staged to look like suicide by hanging, which enraged the emperor.

There were seven people responsible for her meals, ranging from low-ranking eunuchs to first-class palace maids.

Normally, no one would escape death under such grave charges. But the emperor, realizing that someone who could poison a concubine could also target him, ordered the real culprit be found and the method of poisoning uncovered.

The seven were gathered and interrogated. Two were immediately beaten to death as a warning.

The rest, in panic, began accusing one another. The lowest-ranking among them, Fu Qianming, powerless to defend himself, was about to become the scapegoat.

The scene starts with this round of accusations. The crew had already arrived at a beautifully decorated courtyard, with carved beams and painted rafters. The scenery was peaceful, and koi fish occasionally broke the surface of the pond.

Several cameras were set up around the area, the tracks for the dolly shots were laid out, and the other actors were in their places.

Rong Jing glanced at the positions of the three cameras, thinking through his upcoming movements. His hands, hidden under his costume, trembled slightly. After days of intense training, he no longer shook in front of the camera, but being completely in control still took time.

He closed his eyes briefly, clenched his slightly damp palms, and ignored the group of reporters and bloggers watching nearby, clearly hoping to catch some drama.

Next to him, the assistant director said, “Go over when you’re ready. Everyone’s waiting on you.”

Rong Jing tried to relax and slowly walked forward.

Just then, Gu Xi’s slightly cold voice cut through, “Some things are better said in advance. This is everyone’s shared effort, and your role is crucial. If you can’t perform well, neither the directing team nor we as actors can afford to keep you.”

Standing beside the assistant director were two new actors, ready to replace Rong Jing at any time.

Upon hearing this, their eyes lit up with excitement, while Gu Xi remained distant and indifferent, as always.

The reporters grew excited. This was it!

So the earlier peace was just a show; the real drama had just begun!

Everyone’s attention had been stirred by Gu Xi’s remark.

Director Liu Yu was the most surprised. He was the only one who knew the “truth.”

But looking at them now, had these two actually become enemies?

Rong Jing looked at Gu Xi. Even without words, he could sense what the other was really saying. From Gu Xi’s gaze, he heard a silent message:

Look at me. Don’t mind anyone else. Just focus on me.

Rong Jing stared at Gu Xi with a quiet fury, like a rookie who had just been humiliated.

In the sharp tension between their locked eyes, no one noticed that Rong Jing’s trembling hand had stilled.

The clapperboard snapped. The director shouted, “Action!”

Two freshly beaten corpses lay nearby. A fierce-looking old eunuch glared at the four trembling survivors.

His sharp voice rang out, “These two kept their mouth shut, tough as nails huh? I wonder if your mouths are just as tough?”

As soon as the words landed, the others began pointing fingers at one another. Only the small eunuch off to the side looked around blankly, like a mute.

There wasn’t a trace of Alpha presence about him. On the contrary, the youthful boy seemed drained of all masculinity. Though the makeup had made him look imposing earlier, this subtle shift in expression stripped him of any masculine aura.

The others couldn’t help but be drawn in by his sudden change in presence. Once Rong Jing got into character, his entire aura transformed.

Though he had no lines yet, his panicked glances, his attempts to speak only to be cut off, the sweat dripping down his temples, the anxious flush on his cheeks—it all vividly painted the character of the young eunuch.

When everyone pointed at him, Fu Qianming’s eyes welled with tears. He crawled forward towards the old eunuch on his knees, stammering, “N-no, it wasn’t me. I, I didn’t…”

The old eunuch glanced at him with disdain and motioned to have him tied to the bench.

Thwack, thwack, thwack. It was the sound of a heavy bamboo board hitting flesh.

Everyone knew it wasn’t real, but seeing the body bent over the bench made even the onlookers tense, as if he truly was suffering unimaginable pain. Fu Qianming’s fists were clenched, veins bulging at his temples, as he shouted ‘Spare me!’

Sweat dripped from his lashes to the ground. One drop. Two drops.

It was just one line, but his physical acting was packed with intensity, drawing everyone into the scene.

After the flogging, the day’s interrogation came to an end. The surviving palace maids and eunuchs, along with the barely breathing Fu Qianming, were taken back to the underground prison beneath the Imperial Court.

Nearby, a few eunuchs whispered, “Who knows about the others, but the one who took the beating really looked clueless.”

The old eunuch could see through it all. If that little eunuch knew anything, he’d have been spilling his guts by now, just like the others. Anyone would do anything to clear their name.

The old eunuch sneered, “In the palace, there’s no such thing as innocence. Understand?”

The others murmured in agreement.

It wasn’t clear how long had passed, but once the group of reporters and bloggers left the set, they finally exhaled in relief.

The scene they just witnessed had been intense. They were still dazed. Not a single actor fumbled their lines, and the veterans delivered perfectly.

Especially the rookie actor, Rong Jing, not only did he not drag the scene down, he actually made them look forward to his future performances. Once he was in frame, no one could take their eyes off him. Compared to the boy in the performance ‘accident’ video, he was like a completely different person!

With this kind of contrast, who wouldn’t be amazed?!

They believed the audience would be just as amazed when the show aired.

Everything from the costume and set design to the actors’ performances had promise. With the original novel as backing, the drama already had buzz. They couldn’t help getting excited.

The only question now was how could they craft their articles to build the most anticipation? That needed some thinking.

The others hadn’t seen Rong Jing act before this scene. Rumors had it he got the role through connections. But after watching his actual performance, they were all genuinely shocked.

Rong Jing looked over at Liu Yu. Liu Yu, knowing just how serious Rong Jing’s condition was, had been the most worried. If this first scene flopped, he’d have no way to explain it. Thankfully, Rong Jing delivered a satisfying performance.

Even the assistant director, who had always been skeptical of Rong Jing, couldn’t help but show a rare smile.

Rong Jing knew that his ability to cast off distractions just now was largely thanks to Gu Xi.

But when he turned to look, Gu Xi was already gone.

He only caught the sight of Gu Xi’s retreating figure. Just as he got back to his seat, Zhou You handed him his phone and a WeChat message from Gu Xi showed up from the screen saying: Come here, quick.

It was followed by a location pin.

When Rong Jing arrived near the restroom, he saw a few somewhat familiar figures approaching in the distance.

It was the entertainment reporters from the earlier interview. Not wanting to be seen, Rong Jing quickly darted into the Omega men restrooms. Inside a pheromone-proofed stall for those in heat, he found Gu Xi, his entire body flushed with heat, holding a suppressant.

The scent of Gu Xi’s pheromones was about to break through the blockers, seeping into the air around him.

Sensing Rong Jing’s presence, he lunged forward, both of them crashing into the stall door as Gu Xi reached back to lock the door.

“Quick… It’s starting again…”

He leaned against Rong Jing’s shoulder, voice trembling, barely holding himself back.

Just then, the two reporters walked into the Omega men restroom, chatting and laughing.

They were just a few steps away from them.