Feng Yunzui and Feng Siqian had not considered this angle before, but upon reflection, it seemed to hold some truth.
Therefore, despite their headache, the two sisters braced themselves and decided to spend the evening in the library, diligently studying the simplified script of this world.
Qi Yu and Si Qing also decided to visit the library, their objective being to pore over the script overnight, identifying any remaining issues in the subsequent filming locations.
Perhaps it was because none of them were originally from this world.
Thus, although Director Wang and Director Li had mentioned Mr. Huo, no one had truly paid it much mind until that evening, when everyone was in the library, engrossed in reading various books for their own purposes.
It was then that Qi Yu and Si Qing each received a call from Director Wang and Director Li, respectively.
Director Wang's voice was urgent: "Qi Yu, have you seen the news online? There's so much gossip everywhere about our crew targeting Wang Lili. You guys should quickly check it out online and figure out if our crew should collectively issue a clarification or something?"
In truth, Director Wang had encountered similar situations before. If it were any other celebrity causing a stir, he wouldn't have bothered making a call.
But it was Wang Lili, of all people. Wang Lili's fanbase was larger than that of everyone in their entire crew combined.
Furthermore, Wang Lili had Mr. Huo backing her. Even if he hadn't shown himself yet, he was still a force to be reckoned with and could not be underestimated. This caused Director Wang, uncharacteristically, to feel a bit flustered.
His flustered state wasn't entirely due to worry about the crew.
It was more about concerns that Qi Yu and Si Qing, these two major benefactors, might be harmed due to inexperience or other unforeseen reasons.
Director Wang was the type who valued talent.
He had always felt that Qi Yu, whether as an actor or an investor, was a kind and amiable person. Such individuals were precisely what the entertainment industry needed, and he didn't want to see them disappear.
As for Si Qing, Director Wang hadn't interacted with him much, but since his sister was so wonderful, he figured the younger brother wouldn't be any different.
Qi Yu first replied that she understood, then hung up. She then somewhat clumsily navigated to Weibo, following Director Wang's instructions.
Indeed, on Weibo, many onlookers were gathered beneath Wang Lili's Weibo, loudly hurling insults.
Wang Lili's Weibo post read: "I have officially terminated my contract with the 'Xian Xia Lu' crew. The reasons for the termination include my personal inadequacy, as well as the fact that the crew has found new investors. With a new, financially backed female lead joining, I am no longer needed. [Awkward laugh] [Awkward laugh] I wish the crew continued success!"
The comment section was filled with Wang Lili's fans, it was as if a pot had exploded:
"Sister Lili, what's going on? You've been abandoned by the crew. How could they do this? Even if there's a new actor with backing, they can't just snatch your lead role!"
"Exactly! Can someone find out who this financially backed female lead who stole Sister Lili's role is? What's her name? What does she look like?"
"How can Sister Lili be so outstanding? Are these crew members blind? I used to think Director Wang and Director Li were good people, but I didn't expect it was just for money..."
"What do you mean 'for money'? Is our Sister Lili poorer than anyone else? Moreover, Sister Lili has good acting skills and many works. These directors will regret it."
"Sisters, I think I've found out who the financially backed actress who stole Sister Lili's scenes is. Look at this video, it was uploaded by a staff member. This woman is incredibly wealthy. Her name seems to be Qi Yu. She started giving out gold bracelets to everyone as soon as she joined the crew."
"This woman clearly looks like a green tea bitch, doing whatever it takes with her money. But the entertainment industry isn't just about being rich; you still need talent. Like our Sister Lili, who has talent."
"However, this financially backed actress named Qi Yu seems quite decent. She is indeed very beautiful, which is understandable given her green tea skills to snatch Sister Lili's scenes."
"Sister Lili, this bitch can only snatch it once, not twice. Let's not stoop to her level; consider it charity. I'll see if this show can become popular without our Sister Lili!"
In addition to these, many netizens reposted Wang Lili's Weibo post, accompanying it with a barrage of abusive comments.
Even influencer accounts rushed to report on the matter, spreading all sorts of unsubstantiated claims.
Qi Yu carefully read through all of this content.
Si Qing, however, couldn't bear to read it. After seeing just one or two comments, he couldn't help but want to curse. He placed his phone on the table: "This Wang Lili is definitely problematic. She's playing the victim and accusing us first. Did we go and steal the show? It's clearly Wang Lili herself who doesn't want to film properly and is causing trouble, which is why things have escalated to this point."
The more Si Qing thought about it, the more indignant and angry he became. Eventually, he couldn't resist creating a Weibo account himself, intending to retaliate.
However, as soon as he clicked on the account creation page, before he could even start, Qi Yu stopped him.
"Sister, why are you stopping me? Can't I curse at her?" Si Qing pointed at the screen, at a few of the trolls leaving comments under Wang Lili's Weibo.
Qi Yu maintained a calm demeanor: "Why shouldn't I stop you? If you curse back like that, they'll just curse back again, and in the end, it's our reputation that will suffer."
Si Qing paused, then thought about it carefully and felt she had a point.
After speaking, Qi Yu calmly said, "Let them curse if they want to. We just need to calmly do our own thing. There's no airtight wall in this world. How Wang Lili performed on set is known to any staff member. Sooner or later, these things will be exposed by others. When that happens, the higher she climbs, the harder she will fall."
As the embodiment of the Heavenly Dao, Qi Yu now strongly believed in the concept of fate.
All futures that did not belong to oneself would eventually be repaid, with interest. Similarly, the words spoken and the deeds done would one day, for various reasons, cycle back and bring retribution upon oneself.
Si Qing sighed, "So, Sister, you mean we should just let it develop freely, without worrying about it? But then, who will watch our drama?"
"Alas, I think we should let these onlookers curse even more enthusiastically," Chen Xi suddenly had a peculiar thought. "I heard on videos before that 'black fame is also fame.' If all these people watch the drama with the intention of cursing us, won't the viewership ratings skyrocket?"
Si Qing: "...That makes sense."