A Core Ship From The Start-Chapter 2368 - 1590: Recruiting Members (Target Locked: Da Tingyun’s Meow)
After that, "Jintian" finally didn’t encounter any issues, smoothly completed filming, and simultaneously aired on NKH and streaming platforms.
Due to the manga "Jintian" being very popular on its own, coupled with the earlier news of "underage actress being forced to the brink of suicide" breaking out, many people who originally didn’t follow manga took interest in this TV drama. The manga’s storyline was already great, and both the crew and actors performed exceptionally well. With episodes airing daily instead of weekly, everyone watched it with delight.
Therefore, after broadcast, the TV series of "Jintian" became an instant hit and a huge success. The manga also had to be reprinted, even selling out completely. It received unanimous praise from both audiences and critics. Especially for the original fans, who, due to various previous incidents, were mentally prepared for a mediocre adaptation, but were unexpectedly pleased with its quality, claiming it’s simply the best live-action adaptation.
Along with the show’s explosive success, several leading actors also rose to stardom.
Arima Kaname, with her superb acting skills, completely shed the image of a washed-up child star and once again received unanimous praise from the public.
Hei Chuan Chi Yin’s impressive performance in the series gained her many supporters, especially since she had the additional attention from the previous news where she was forced to commit suicide, people became more sympathetic and admired her perseverance and strength.
Even Yukiyuki Washimi, who played a villain, picked up fans due to her friendship with Hei Chuan Chi Yin in behind-the-scenes footage and her exciting performance in the drama.
Sakurajima Mai’s performance was also commendable, and MEM was pleased to gain a wave of attention, drawing viewers to their channel.
But the one who became the most popular was Duanmu Huai.
Due to his request, the crew didn’t release the male lead’s name for the first eleven episodes, leading many to speculate who was playing the male lead in "Jintian." Some thought it was a newly debuted actor, others thought he might be a model, and some believed his acting was so skilled that he might be an unknown actor turned lead.
Of course, most people figured the secrecy of the lead actor was likely just a gimmick by the crew.
So naturally when the twelfth episode concluded, and Duanmu Ai’s name appeared in the credits, almost everyone was shocked.
The first reaction—it’s her?
The second reaction—well, no wonder they didn’t say!
After all, Duanmu Huai mostly played villains in films, so if it was revealed he was the actor, most people might automatically see the male lead as a villain...
Just like how people are used to seeing Nanny Rong, even if she played a kind and understanding granny, audiences might subconsciously feel she’d pull out needles at any moment...
Additionally, an interesting fact is—the stalker in the last episode was also played by Duanmu Huai!
Initially, another actor was cast as the stalker, but he was too intimidated in front of Duanmu Huai. Can you imagine a stalker holding a knife and nervously saying "Get lost!" to the male lead? Is that a threat or begging?
After several unsuccessful takes, Duanmu Huai reluctantly decided to play both roles himself, and for the scene where the stalker is beaten up by the male lead, a stunt double was used instead.
Thus, Duanmu Huai played two male characters in this series: one bright and cheerful, the other dark and sinister, both outstandingly so. Therefore, after the series aired, Duanmu Huai received widespread acclaim, and not a few girls even became infatuated with him...
However, unlike others who after gaining fame immediately busied themselves with gigs, advertisements, and variety shows, Duanmu Huai did none of that once filming wrapped. Although after his role as "Jintian" male lead, many dramas and even films invited him to be the lead, Duanmu Huai rejected them all, and he barely participated in variety shows.
Everyone... well, to be honest, everyone is used to it.
After all, Duanmu Huai has been acting for ten years, and everyone knows his habit is to film only one project a year, except for promotional interviews before and after filming, he rarely appears on variety shows. As for advertisements, Duanmu Huai only does one or two...
So according to his custom, having filmed "Jintian" this year means his work is completed, don’t bother him with other matters.
Other actors definitely couldn’t pull this off, but Duanmu Huai is indeed both player and referee himself, so he does as he pleases.
Of course, besides this, there’s one more thing...
"I’m Hei Chuan Chi Yin, starting today I’ll be joining Mei PRO, please take care of me."
Standing in the office, Hei Chuan Chi Yin bowed deeply to everyone, greeting them.
Hei Chuan Chi Yin had her reasons for joining Mei PRO, as during previous turmoil her agency didn’t step up to manage the crisis and even feigned ignorance, causing her mother profound anger and disappointment, leading her to take them to court and eventually terminate the contract.
Hei Chuan Chi Yin then chose to join Duanmu Huai’s agency Mei PRO.
"Wow, Hei Chuan Chi Yin joining our agency is indeed surprising."
Ruby’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Hei Chuan Chi Yin, very excited, while beside her, Arima Kaname watched her with a mischievous grin.
".........Why are you looking at me like that?"
Seeing Arima Kaname’s sly expression, Hei Chuan Chi Yin asked unhappily.
"It’s simple, because from now on, aren’t you my junior? Come on, go make a senior a cup of tea!"
"Wow, Kana, you’re really harsh on Hei Chuan Chi Yin, huh."
Watching this, Ruby couldn’t help but comment, while Hei Chuan Chi Yin glared at Arima Kaname.
"She’s always been this way: arrogant, rude, and self-important! Compared to Xiao Ai, she’s way behind! There are people so much more talented than you, and you had the nerve to call yourself a child star genius back then!"
"Ouch———!"
At these words, Arima Kaname’s expression instantly changed, as if she’s been stabbed.
"You’re no better! Just because of some online drama you went crying about wanting to die, when really it was just your stupidity leading you to such foolishness!"
"Ouch———!"
Hei Chuan Chi Yin’s expression twitched at this moment.
"Weren’t you the one who faded into obscurity after the capsicum gymnastics? Not focusing on acting and blindly expanding your route leads to this outcome!"
"Ugh———! How can you say that about me—————!"
Watching the endlessly arguing pair, Ruby, who stood bewildered on the side, sneaked over to Duanmu Huai, who was watching the show from the other side.
"Sis, are their relations bad?"
"I think this should be considered a good relationship. After all, if the relationship were really bad, they’d ignore each other like empty air. Moreover, not to mention Arima Kaname, but Hei Chuan Chi Yin is usually a shy and docile child. The only one who can bring out this side of her is probably Kaname. Though I don’t know what has transpired between them, there’s a saying..."
"What?"
"Since ancient times, red and blue make a CP."
Duanmu Huai shrugged her shoulders.
"Anyhow, at the set, their quarreling is not unheard of; everyone is used to it. That’s just their way of interacting."
"Oh, really......."
Ruby nodded vaguely, but she soon grabbed Duanmu Huai.
"Speaking of which, sis, when will I make my idol debut?"
"Are you serious about this?"
"Of course! I definitely want to be an idol! And look......!"
While speaking, Ruby cheerfully pulled out her phone and pointed at the discussion forum within it.
"In the discussion posts of ’Jintian’, some audiences say, ’This kid is quite cute, is she an idol?’ Thanks to the drama, I’ve gained some recognition!"
"That’s as it may be, but do you want to debut solo?"
"I still hope to revive B Komachi!"
"So, you still need to find others to form a team......."
Ignoring the argument going on over there, Duanmu Huai began to ponder.
Although Arima Kaname and Hei Chuan Chi Yin would be fitting, it’s impossible for them to do it, and the same goes for Duanmu Huai. Because they three are already at the top of the hierarchy in the entertainment circle, even within the acting community, the top tier theater actor Hei Chuan Chi Yin, the second-tier movie actress Duanmu Huai, and the third-tier TV actress Arima Kaname are quite renowned actors.
Especially in the aftermath of the popularity surge due to ’Jintian’, doing an idol group would be a downgrade, utterly impossible.
"When you were acting as a minor role, did you find anyone suitable?"
"Hmm......"
Ruby thought for a while, then clapped her hands.
"Ah, there is indeed this kid. I can go chat with her."
"A word in advance, if she belongs to an agency, it’s not doable."
"I’m aware, but she mentioned being in a troupe, honing her acting."
"I see, then you can go ask her. If she’s willing, bring her to try out."
Of course, nowadays idols also need online presence, so Duanmu Huai sought another person who specializes in this field for consultation.
"Idol?"
MEM blinked in surprise upon hearing Duanmu Huai’s inquiry.
"That’s right, are you interested? Our agency is organizing an idol group and recruiting new members."
"You want me to join?"
MEM pointed at herself, while Duanmu Huai nodded.
"An idol requires strong variety appeal, and you’ve done well in this regard. Haven’t you always been concerned about Chi Yin on set? You get along well, and unlike us, you are a network streamer without such baggage. How about trying for the idol?"
After all, unlike others, MEM had initially participated due to her topical appeal, so after the show’s completion, MEM’s YouTube channel gained many subscribers, though she didn’t receive industry work like other actors.
After all, at least idols can be considered part of the entertainment circle, while being a network streamer......... might not even be recognized as a real occupation.
"I want to do it!"
MEM responded almost without hesitation.
"Please let me join!"
