Chapter 2700 - 2762: The Peacemaker

Even the cooperative agreement was merely verbal, but the Wang Brothers Group showed a particularly strong desire to collaborate. After the call ended, the signed artists under Wang Brothers Entertainment Company began unleashing their power, mobilizing their respective fans to attack Summer Entertainment, directly confronting them with a clear stance.

Online prevalence, the most sensational event in the entertainment circle in the past ten to twenty years, these entertainment news reporters and websites have been working around the clock for the past few days, receiving countless news articles and communications from various forces, as abundant as snowfall. Many people never imagined there would be a day like this in the entertainment industry.

After years of societal changes, the entertainment circle has become increasingly harmonious, unlike ten or twenty years ago when top stars bickered fiercely. Nowadays, everyone appears friendly, their interactions online resembling those of close siblings.

But who could have thought that after this outbreak, the entire entertainment industry would be plunged into chaos? So far, it’s just disputes among young people, young artists fighting amongst each other. If this trend continues, even veteran artists might get involved.

Veteran artists are not necessarily venerable; they might just be old, mixing in the circle for decades, which doesn’t guarantee authority. Take this star Han Lu, for instance, a big guy who started with singing years ago and has relied on entertainment programs lately, such as judging shows. Known for his sharp tongue and straightforwardness, he claims he is venerable and influential, often making comments that netizens criticize.

To put it bluntly, he likes to interfere in everything to show his presence. Regardless of gender, nosiness is irritating, let alone meddling in such affairs.

Not long after Wang Shaolei hung up, Ning Xin’er received a call from this entertainment big shot. Being called a big shot just means he is older, almost fifty now, famous in his early years for military songs and some ethnic music, aligning with the aesthetics of that era.

Ning Xin’er didn’t have his number, and felt a bit surprised upon receiving the call. After a few greetings, the other party explained their intention: "Little Ning, we haven’t seen each other for years, didn’t expect you to switch to directing now,"

"You’re joking, Han. I’m just dabbling in directing; I’m far from being qualified."

"Haha, it’s not just qualification, you’ve surprised everyone. I’ve seen quite a lot of news these days, the situation is rather heated!" the other party said with apparent sentimentality.

Ning Xin’er chuckled lightly, saying, "Speaking in net terms, this is getting hit while lying down. You’re witnessing this, Han. I don’t even know which nerve I’ve triggered for some people, who outright started ridiculing me with various fabricated rumors!"

Ning Xin’er immediately blocked the other’s words, causing Han Lu to pause before laughing: "I’ve observed this, too. Don’t blame Han for being straightforward, everyone’s a bit overreacted. Nowadays, people talk about harmony bringing wealth, stirring too much noise doesn’t look good on anyone,"

"Han, you’re mistaken. I haven’t provoked anyone; it’s not me creating the fuss. I actually feel my reaction is quite mild. If it was someone like you, Han, you might have stormed into their house to curse by now!" Ning Xin’er replied bluntly. Han Lu didn’t have much education and joined the troupe by singing during that era, and his current manner is none too refined. This often shows in programs where netizens label him as ugly, fat, short, and vulgar, also uneducated and unaware of it. Hence, talking with him doesn’t demand much courtesy, especially when he comes acting as a peacemaker but appears biased.

Maybe the people from Summer Entertainment felt overwhelmed by the stir, so they sought someone to mediate. However, mediation should involve fairness, not exerting one’s seniority to press others.

"You... Little Ning, this isn’t right to speak like this. It takes two to tango, you were the one who started stirring things up on Twitter. How can you say you had no fault? Listen to Han’s advice, we’re all eating from the same pot, don’t make it too big, it’s hard to wrap it up neatly. Many have failed to see reality over the years, and ended up dimming out. I’m not suggesting you endure it, but hope you don’t escalate it. There are too many things in the circle, and if it blows up, who knows what might get exposed... the consequences could be severe, so..."

"Han, I originally had no intentions, but the people at Summer Entertainment crossed the line. I’m a female artist and what did they expose? A bed scene video? They even hired a troll factory to defame me. I’m not one to be aggressive, but can’t I say something for myself on Twitter? Should I let them spread rumors and slander to that extent? Slandering a woman as loose, I can’t think of anything worse. Moreover, this isn’t a personal act, but defamation and oppression by an industry-leading company against an individual!"

"Don’t get too emotional, Han just said it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t speak up for yourself; just don’t make it too big, it’s unpleasant for everyone. Isn’t that right?" Han Lu replied.

Ning Xin’er blew out a breath, saying, "Han, first of all, I’m not stirring; I’m merely voicing for myself. They’re the ones causing the fuss, they’re the ugly ones. Besides, if I don’t voice for my innocence, who can be relied on? What would others say for me? If it escalates, it’s not my disgrace; why should I care about the scale? Moreover, whether it escalates or not isn’t up to me; if Summer Entertainment dared do this, they shouldn’t fear being cursed!"

Ning Xin’er’s staunch attitude frustrated Han Lu repeatedly, provoking his temper. Known for being irascible, he unleashed over the phone: "Ning Xin’er, why the hell won’t you heed advice? Summer Entertainment is a big company, top-ranked in the circle. You want to fight an entire company alone? Aren’t you afraid of losing out? Besides, if the commotion persists, who in the circle would dare collaborate with you? Anyone seeing you would avoid you; nobody would want excessive contact with someone like you!"

"Han, your reaction is rather overblown. I suggest you calm down. I, Ning Xin’er, rely neither on sleep nor sleazy sales. I’ve survived and sustained my position in the circle by genuine ability; never before and not now will it change. I don’t care who they are; if they wish to force me to submit this way, it’s not going to happen. Moreover, isn’t it because my low-budget film got international award nominations? They burnt five billion yet produced garbage. Originally, it’s a matter of abilities, yet Summer Entertainment uses this method to harm me; I must retaliate!"

Once the guise is torn aside, the other party finds it hard to swallow, especially when Ning Xin’er’s current response differs from before. Previously she might have been strategic or subtle, unlike the robustness now. This backbone comes from the Li family. There’s no need to sell favoritism; respecting seniors is a personal cultivation issue but there’s no need to respect an old rogue.

Han Lu snorted heavily, seemingly kicked something over on the other side of the phone, saying, "Since that’s your stance, I won’t advise anymore. You incited this, bear the consequences when it escalates; you’ll be the one losing out!"

"I won’t be the one losing out; plus, Han, you weren’t right from the start to advise, being biased is unbecoming!" Ning Xin’er replied.

"Bang!" The call was abruptly ended. Ning Xin’er pursed her lips, disdainfully smiling, not taking it to heart. Expecting such seasoned players to straighten out and speak from a position of justice, isn’t that a joke?

Certainly, this wasn’t the only call, but a start. Throughout the evening, Ning Xin’er answered several calls, all advisers attempting to mediate. Those slightly considerate would stand in Ning Xin’er’s viewpoint, rebuking the opposition as if that solidified their allegiance. Those biased like Han Lu, relying on their supposed venerability, leaned towards Summer Entertainment, coercing and enticing Ning Xin’er.

For the former, Ning Xin’er responded kindly; for the latter, not a shred of pleasantness was spared. This isn’t merely her nature but also due to the Li family backing her—no lack of money or people, no need to petition such individuals. She might still desire to mix in the entertainment circle, want to be a singer, actor, and director, but completely can bypass seeking from them. With money, any kind of person can be found, fundamentally no worry. Those mediators with good attitudes can be treated well; those with bad ones, roll away.

But it was nevertheless excessive, hence Ning Xin’er simply switched off her phone and began baking with her daughter, baking batch after batch of pastries, sending them to everyone. The evening thus turned out quite enjoyable, while online things turned upside down. A famous paparazzi suddenly published an exposé article, claiming to reveal the men behind Ning Xin’er over the years. The title seemed intimidating, yet the content was empty. Gullible viewers might take it as truth, but those with discernment would dismiss it with laughter, seeing the so-called disclosures held no substance. The array of alleged men included both young and old, none even barely rumor-worthy, except Li Yifei, who fits the word "rumor," yet it didn’t threaten Ning Xin’er at all.

Indeed, such revelations were naturally collected by lawyers, serving as direct evidence for lawsuits against those involved. It’s merely litigation, with money the best lawyers can be hired. Ning Xin’er isn’t short on money, so she’s determined to use the legal weapon to punish those attacking and slandering her for a fee.