The speed of the internet was faster than the wind; within a single morning, "nine" was known to everyone, even causing social platforms to crash several times due to trending searches.
At this point, all sorts of people familiar with the film and television industry began to jump on the bandwagon. They gathered and compiled all of "nine's" achievements abroad. It was only then that the audiences outside the screen realized that a majority of the globally popular films and television shows from the past three years had been produced by "nine."
For a time, no one dared to question "nine's" capabilities. Moreover, without knowing "nine's" true identity, the entire internet began searching for her. Rumors about her true self were rampant, with every version imaginable.
Furthermore, those keyboard warriors who had arrogantly positioned themselves on a moral high ground were all slapped in the face, deleting their comments and social media posts.
But the internet has memory; even with deletion, the traces of past existence could not be erased.
Yang Shuo watched as more and more people cursed him in his private messages, regretting it deeply. He vented his frustration by slapping Deng Jie, "You've really screwed me over this time. How could I be so unlucky to run into you?"
Deng Jie was still immersed in the shock of being fired from her company. After being slapped by Yang Shuo, she snapped back to reality. She was already in her forties, with elders at home and children to care for; she couldn't afford to lose her job.
So, she pleaded with Yang Shuo, "Director Yang, you won't go back on your word, will you? You promised to collaborate with me. This drama of mine will definitely be a massive hit. Once it's a hit, everyone will look up to us."
"Look at your current reputation online. How can I dare to use you? If you're smart, you'll pretend yesterday never happened. Otherwise, I, Yang Shuo, am still a renowned director, and I have plenty of ways to ensure you can never be a screenwriter again." Yang Shuo left with a dark expression.
Deng Jie sat on the ground, dazed. As if possessed, she began to browse the hateful comments directed at her. The more she read, the more energy she seemed to absorb. Gradually, she clenched her fists with a sinister look, staring intently at the "nine" on the screen.
...
Zhao Zhen was also woken up by her assistant's call early in the morning.
"Hello, Teacher. It's not good. The content you previously posted on social media has triggered an online backlash. The studio's inbox has received thousands of angry letters." So, you should delete the content quickly. The assistant didn't dare to ask directly but thought this in her heart.
Zhao Zhen found it very confusing at first. "What content? What online backlash?"
The assistant explained, "It's about that content targeting 'nine.' 'nine' is trending today, even causing Weibo to crash. Various parties are reposting and supporting her. The studio is being heavily criticized, and..."
Zhao Zhen's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly took out her phone to check. When she saw the news of several influential figures uniformly congratulating "nine" on her return, she was completely stunned.
How was this possible? What right did that "nine" have to such immense influence and popularity? In the entertainment industry, very few behind-the-scenes screenwriters are widely known. Everyone watches dramas; they don't pay attention to who the screenwriter is. Even if they did, it wouldn't create such a massive impact.
For a screenwriter, this kind of popularity could be considered phenomenal.
Zhao Zhen's eyes turned red with jealousy. How much effort had she put in over the years to create several hit campus dramas? Yet, even so, her Weibo followers were only tens of thousands. This "nine," having done nothing, why did she become an overnight sensation across the internet?
Zhao Zhen gnashed her teeth in hatred.
She was unwilling.
The assistant, not hearing Zhao Zhen's voice for a long time, called out.
Zhao Zhen came back to her senses and asked, "You said 'and' what?"
The assistant hesitated for a moment before cautiously saying, "And... Director Wang sent an email stating that the collaboration has been terminated."
Wang Can was a renowned director Zhao Zhen was about to collaborate with. He was a capitalist and an artist. Since his debut, almost every drama he produced had received rave reviews. Zhao Zhen had gone to great lengths to win this collaboration opportunity.
But such a rare opportunity was interrupted because of some damned "nine."
Zhao Zhen, furious, cursed, "Useless waste! He can just cancel it? Can't you call and explain?"
The assistant felt wronged. "I called, but he didn't answer."
"Idiot, if he doesn't answer, won't you keep calling until he does? I'm telling you, if this collaboration is canceled, I will hold you responsible for all the company's losses." Zhao Zhen hung up the phone in a fit of rage and then called Wang Can.
The assistant stared helplessly at Wang Can's contract rejection letter, feeling despair.
...
On the other end, Zhao Ziwen, who was also following the trending searches, focused on the foreign celebrities who supported "nine," unlike others.
He meticulously examined the collage and finally found someone he recognized. He opened his phone book, found a contact named John, and dialed.
It took a while for the call to be answered, and the voice was quite impatient, "Wen, it's two in the morning. You better give me a reason I can't refuse."
Zhao Ziwen chuckled lightly. "Do you know 'nine'?"
John, half-asleep, grunted in affirmation.
Zhao Ziwen's lips curved slightly. "Tell me, what kind of person is she?"
John mumbled, "A beauty."
Zhao Ziwen raised an eyebrow. "Oh? To have the national heartthrob John admit she's a beauty, I'm becoming even more curious. Do you have a photo of her?"
John's mind cleared a bit immediately. He shook his head. "I am a gentleman. I promised her I wouldn't send her photo to anyone else. You should also know that 'nine' never discloses her personal information publicly."
Zhao Ziwen leaned back on the sofa, his long legs crossed, appearing leisurely. "I will write a script exclusively for you."
John sat up abruptly, unable to hide his excitement. "Okay, send me your email."
Less than a minute after hanging up, Zhao Ziwen received an email from abroad. He clicked it open, and a photograph appeared before his eyes.
In the photo, the woman's appearance was as beautiful as the moon, her eyes carrying a gentle smile, like an orchid in a secluded valley.
Beautiful, truly a great beauty. The kind of beauty that is as serene as a virgin and as lively as a startled rabbit.
Zhao Ziwen rubbed his chin with great interest.
Wei Lan brought him a cup of coffee and happened to see his engrossed expression.
The man's pair of peach blossom eyes were already captivating. When he smiled slightly, he was even more soul-stirring. It was because of this face that Wei Lan, despite knowing he was a philanderer, was still willing to stay by his side, being one of his many lovers.
"What are you looking at so intently?" Wei Lan asked, walking over with a smile.
But as she got closer, she saw a stunning photograph.
Having followed Zhao Ziwen for five years, Wei Lan knew his character all too well. Such an expression directed at a woman meant he was interested.
Wei Lan tried hard to suppress the jealousy and anger in her heart.
She carefully examined the woman in the photo. She was indeed beautiful, but Zhao Ziwen was never short of beauties. Beauty alone wouldn't keep him by her side for long.
"What, are you trying to harm another innocent young girl this time? This girl looks very approachable and kind. She's not someone a rogue like you can touch. Don't ruin her." Wei Lan said with a smile, teasing.
Zhao Ziwen chuckled and sighed, "It's a shame. She's beautiful, but she looks rather uninteresting."