A hotel room in Los Angeles, USA.
"Something terrible has happened!"
An Yuanshan glared at his flustered assistant: "What are you doing?"
“A video of Zaiyu’s performance suddenly appeared online, and now there is a lot of skepticism.”
Before the assistant could explain, she handed the phone directly to Ahn Won-sun.
"What? How is this possible?"
An Yuanshan's eyes widened, and he immediately picked up his phone to check.
The international internet is currently calm, but all the pressure from public opinion is falling on our home base.
Fans from all sides seized the opportunity to launch a frenzied mockery, and Chinese netizens who arrived later added fuel to the fire, posting videos of Han Zaiyu and Xiao He's performances on the other online platforms ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) as well.
Then, the effect was surprisingly good.
Oh, I didn't mean Han Jae-woo's performance was good.
Although the props and equipment at the Francoide Grand Theatre were far superior to those at Xiao He's birthday party, Xiao He's acting stood out from the crowd.
His performances are more delicate and smooth; he can switch between even more complex roles very well.
As for Han Zaiyu—before seeing Xiao He's performance, everyone thought Han Zaiyu's performance was good. Although some of the character's expressions and states were hard to distinguish, blurring the subtle differences in the character, his ability to switch between them in one go was also commendable.
It's a pity, though; people can't be compared.
Otherwise, it's like comparing heaven and earth.
【So is there anyone who doesn't know that Han Jae-woo's recent Best Actor award was obtained through manipulation? The youngest Grand Slam Best Actor in South Korea? That's laughable.】
【Han Zaiyu's acting is really mediocre. In comparison, this Chinese actor named Xiao He is quite surprising. I remember he was one of the male leads in "Law of the Jungle," right? His acting is amazing! How come he hasn't won any awards yet?】
【Help! It's Xu Ning from "Law of the Jungle"! My favorite character! Sorry Han Zaiyu, this time I'm on Xiao He's side.】
"Damn it, what are they doing in operations? Release a statement right now!"
Han Zaiyu was furious when he saw those comments.
"I've already asked them to suppress the trending topics—"
An Yuanshan said.
"bite--"
As the hotel elevator reached the first floor, Han Jae-woo walked out with his manager, Ahn Won-sun, only to bump into the "Ford v Ferrari 7" crew checking into the hotel in the lobby.
Among the crowd, the young man in the black trench coat stood out with his tall and slender figure and upright posture. With his fierce aura subdued, he possessed a striking Eastern face, and even just standing there casually drew the attention of passersby.
Upon seeing that face, Han Zaiyu abruptly stopped, his face showing embarrassment and disbelief.
Seemingly noticing his gaze, the young man who was talking to his manager also glanced over, then casually met Han Zaiyu's astonished gaze.
His manager was also dressed in a black casual women's suit, with light makeup on her face and a sharp edge between her brows. Even standing next to the young man, she did not restrain her domineering and arrogant nature at all, and seemed to have a stronger presence than the young man.
But when their eyes met, the female agent smiled, her face showing a pitiful look as if she were looking at a pathetic creature. Even her demeanor softened, as if she were offering a final act of humanitarian concern to the enemy.
Immediately afterwards, the young man who had made eye contact with him raised his eyelids slightly, and his head also tilted upwards a bit. The man, who had been relatively gentle, suddenly revealed a ruthless killing intent, and even the way he looked at him changed to a condescending and disdainful gaze.
Most importantly, the person in front of me was dressed in a way that cleverly overlapped with the detective in the stage play, as if through the same skin, mocking his clumsy imitation in the performance.
Han Zaiyu was so shocked by that aura that he was terrified and couldn't help but take a step back.
Then he saw the young man and his agent laughing together.
That smile was faint, carrying a hint of contempt and disdain, which made Han Zaiyu feel extremely uncomfortable.
It was only at this moment that Han Zaiyu belatedly realized what was happening.
—In that standoff where no weapons were drawn, he seemed to be at a disadvantage.
After all, no one expected that the two sides, who were arguing fiercely online, would meet offline at this critical juncture.
At that moment, even with the thickest skin, Han Zaiyu felt a pang of guilt.
But then, Han Zaiyu felt angry.
What's with that look on his face? What does it mean?
He was, after all, a senior actor, a movie star whose achievements far surpassed the other's. How dare this guy look at him like that?
Those despicable Chinese people!
Meanwhile, Liu Rulan said to Xiao He, "What a pair of enemies! I didn't expect them to be in the US too."
They were also in Los Angeles and stayed at the same hotel.
Xiao He was also speechless: "I didn't expect to run into this person here. What bad luck."
It's true what they say, enemies are destined to meet.
What's even more interesting is that many people on set were completely unaware of the situation between Xiao He and Han Zaiyu. While netizens in their two countries were already arguing fiercely, things remained calm overseas. Many members of the crew were browsing Twitter and Douyin, completely oblivious to the "online war" taking place here.
So, apart from the teams of both parties involved, everyone around was busy with their own things and no one paid any attention to this side.
However, the assistant director, Bennie, called out to Xiao He and asked them to come over and register.
Liu Rulan waved her hand: "Xiao Chen, go sign it."
Xiao Chen took a deep breath: "Okay."
After studying English for so long, it's finally come in handy!
Knowing that Xiao Ge's rival was right next door, Xiao Chen walked with his head held high and his steps were exceptionally steady. He looked very reliable and had the air of a professional elite.
After Xiao Chen left, Liu Rulan and Xiao He did not take the initiative to attack. They just stood there, watching the group of people over there with amusement, as if they were looking forward to their arrival.
Han Zaiyu took a deep breath, his chest filled with the anger of being provoked. He wanted to lift his leg and walk towards Xiao He and the others, but in the end, he was pulled back by his manager.
Don't go over there.
An Yuanshan lowered his voice and said, "We don't know them, and they didn't come to greet us. If we go over there now, won't we be at a disadvantage?"
Han Zaiyu stopped in his tracks instantly.
That makes a lot of sense.
Whatever the online commotion is, it's a matter between the fans on both sides, and has little to do with their idols.
As long as they pretend not to know or see, those things will never happen to him.
"Let's go."
As An Yuanshan spoke, she gestured for her assistant to lead the way, while she subtly grabbed Han Zaiyu's arm to calm him down.
Han Zaiyu wasn't stupid. Although he was very unhappy, he only threw a glare at Xiao He from across the crowd before being led by An Yuanshan towards the hotel entrance.
"Tsk."
Watching the group flee as if they were running away, Liu Rulan clicked her tongue in disappointment, "They're so shameless online, but when they're offline, they suddenly become less thick-skinned."
It's such a pity. She originally thought these guys could keep being so shameless, so that when they slapped her in the face, it would be even more resounding.
Xiao He chuckled coldly: "They wouldn't dare."
—And he has always enjoyed chasing and killing.
