He wasn't angry because Tong Yizhe was using him as a stepping stone to gain popularity.

For Ye Lan, this was a common occurrence. Every year there were a few times when he was used as a publicity stunt by film productions or co-stars to boost their own popularity. Ye Lan didn't care about that at all anymore.

But this time was different.

[He is a very dedicated actor with good skills.]

[It's very comfortable acting with him.]

These were words he had said about Jiang Chi.

The matter of arranging for Starlight Media to sign Jiang Chi was proceeding in an orderly manner. Next year, a few months after the movie finished filming, Jiang Chi would officially sign with Starlight. Coordinated with the movie's promotion, the new company's marketing, plus his and Ren Haichuan's previous evaluations of Jiang Chi, Jiang Chi could have a smooth and steady transition, transforming himself as a big-screen leading actor and once again raising his value.

Although Ye Lan hadn't done it deliberately, time and again, he had indeed paved the way for Jiang Chi.

Now, this path had been stepped on by someone whose name he couldn't even fully remember.

It had been a long time since Ye Lan had someone hijack his efforts midway. This anger was stuck in his throat, not so easy to swallow.

Cen Wen knew Ye Lan had a bad temper and didn't dare to make another sound. The entire dressing room was so quiet you could hear people breathing.

Ye Lan's phone suddenly rang.

Cen Wen jumped. She glanced at the phone on the table. It was a call from An Ya. She quickly took the phone to Ye Lan and said softly, "It's Sister An Ya."

Ye Lan said in a deep voice, "Answer it."

Cen Wen pressed the speakerphone button.

An Ya's voice was gentle: "You're not angry anymore, are you?"

Ye Lan said faintly, "What do you think?"

"I pretty much know why you're angry, but we discussed it... and we think it's best if our side doesn't respond." An Ya comforted Ye Lan, "Who are you? And who is he? We can't chase after a dog and bite it back, right? Besides... this matter hasn't affected your reputation, and no one is slandering you. It's not good for us to make an official statement, otherwise it could easily cause controversy, with people saying you're bullying a newcomer or what not. And... maybe the crew will make a statement?"

Ye Lan was silent for a moment, then said, "Ren Haichuan isn't good at public relations, and the crew doesn't care about this kind of bullshit. They won't clarify anything."

"Uh..." An Ya said awkwardly, "If they don't care, then you shouldn't take it to heart either. It's not like when you first entered the industry."

"I know you're unhappy," An Ya said earnestly. "But you were just dragged into some hype by Jiang Ying. We let it go for the sake of promoting the movie's release. The heat from that topic hasn't even died down yet, and you want to add something else for yourself? Always getting mixed up in these messy things, it's easy to lose fans."

"Film Emperor Ye, have some pity on these young girls. When the rumors with Jiang Ying were spreading last month, so many fans' hearts were broken." An Ya gave a helpless smile, then changed the subject, "If you're angry because of Jiang Chi, then there's even less need for it."

An Ya knew Ye Lan's temper well and said softly, "Regarding him signing with Starlight, I've already contacted President Ye. President Ye said he would consider it, and the departments below are also quite interested in Jiang Chi. Today, I'll contact them again, okay? This matter is practically a sure thing. Once he's signed to your own uncle's company, won't you be able to take care of him however you want?"

The expression on Ye Lan's face softened slightly.

An Ya pressed on, "President Ye dotes on you so much, it's always been whatever you say goes. In the future, won't Jiang Chi's affairs be completely up to you to handle as you please? What are you so anxious for?"

The phrase "Jiang Chi's affairs be completely up to you to handle as you please" coincidentally hit the mark, scratching Ye Lan right where he itched. Ye Lan lowered his head and burst out laughing with a "pfft".

When Ye Lan laughed, the huge stone in An Ya and Cen Wen's hearts finally fell. Seeing that he had been mostly placated, An Ya coaxed him further, "See? You get it now, right? Alright, this matter will have two days of heat at most. Don't worry about it, just focus on filming. The weather's been bad recently, take care of yourself. I'll come visit you on set tomorrow."

Ye Lan hummed in agreement and hung up.

Ye Lan took a deep breath and tapped lightly on the desk.

An Ya was right. From any angle, there was no need to get serious with this person.

Ye Lan didn't get to where he was today just by cheating the system. His popularity was built up day by day by his solid works, his team, and countless people. He had to be extremely cautious when dealing with these trivial matters.

Besides, it was just as An Ya said. In the future... as long as he wanted to, he had plenty of ways to help Jiang Chi.

Ye Lan took a breath, and his mood improved considerably.

He picked up his phone again and opened Weibo.

The number one trending topic was, glaringly, the picture of Ye Lan and Tong Yizhe behind the wine cabinet, in a pose as if about to kiss.

Ye Lan's eyes narrowed slightly as he scrolled down.

Among the other miscellaneous news, there were several articles related to him. The content was more or less the same; a single glance told him it was personal promotion done by Tong Yizhe's side.

All the major entertainment marketing accounts were reposting it. A few even dug up some old news, mixing it all together to rehash Ye Lan's various past scandals.

Ye Lan gave a mocking smile, "A shallow pond has many turtles."

Ye Lan continued to scroll down and saw that Super Entertainment had posted another long-winded press release five minutes ago.

[What is the deeper meaning behind Film Emperor Ye's comment that "acting with Tong Yizhe is very comfortable"?]

The article started by straightforwardly analyzing how much Ye Lan appreciated Tong Yizhe and how much potential Tong Yizhe had. Then, with pictures and text, it praised Tong Yizhe's looks and acting skills to the high heavens. At the end, after summarizing the article and piling countless compliments on Tong Yizhe as if they were free, it didn't forget to vaguely and passive-aggressively imply that Film Emperor Ye, who was rumored to swing both ways, had probably been moved by Tong Yizhe, and that his various praises for Tong Yizhe in previous interviews might be due to him getting too deep into his role.

Cen Wen had been standing by Ye Lan's side the whole time. Reading this nonsensical advertorial made her heart pound, afraid that Ye Lan would smash his phone in the next second.

Abnormally, Ye Lan didn't get angry. By the end, a cold smile had even appeared on his face.

Ye Lan fiddled with his phone for a moment, then stood up and said, "If An Ya calls your phone looking for me, just say I'm filming."

Cen Wen was completely baffled. Before she could ask, Ye Lan had already gone out.

Feeling uneasy, Cen Wen took out her own phone, opened Weibo, and refreshed it. Her heart skipped a beat.

One minute ago, Ye Lan had reposted Super Entertainment's news article and commented: "Fuck your grandpa."

Cen Wen: "!!!"

That wasn't even the most explosive part. After reposting the Super Entertainment news, Ye Lan then reposted a selfie Weibo from Jiang Chi from a few months ago, and commented: "Very dedicated, good acting, very comfortable to act with."

Cen Wen's phone started ringing earth-shatteringly.

Cen Wen banged her head on the makeup case. She didn't want to live anymore...

Outside the lounge, Ye Lan turned off his phone.

If Film Emperor Ye was unhappy, no one else could be happy either.

After several years, Ye Lan once again went head-to-head with the entertainment media. Your daddy is still your daddy.

A smile played on Ye Lan's lips. He pursed them slightly and gently knocked on Jiang Chi's door.