Chapter 86: The Beginning of the Scandal

Words : 1212 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 86: Chapter 86: The Beginning of the Scandal Professor Song, Song Minren, Mrs. Kang. In fact, most people in the entertainment industry know Kang Xin but are not familiar with Song Minren. Song Minren is not in the entertainment industry; she is a prominent professor in the field of biology, well-known in academic circles, and has achieved many outstanding accomplishments. Song Chi and Kang Xin looked towards Zhou Yun somewhat unexpectedly. Zhou Yun smiled shyly and said, "Two years ago, when you came to University B to give a lecture, I was studying there, so I had the fortune to attend your lecture." Song Minren looked more surprised. "Are you a student of University B? What’s your major?" Zhou Yun replied, "I studied chemistry." Song Minren laughed and said, "I see, no wonder you know me. It’s the first time someone from the entertainment industry called me Professor Song." Song Chi chuckled and said, "It’s good that I invited Xiao Yun today; otherwise, I would have made a mistake." Song Minren waved her hand and said, "I’m used to it. This guy is very famous. Outside, people always call me Mrs. Kang." Kang Xin showed an apologetic smile on his elegant face. Their personalities seemed so different. "Director Kang, Professor Song, let’s sit, sit down and chat slowly," Song Chi said as he helped pull out chairs for both. Song Chi displayed the full decorum of a younger generation. Someone came in to pour tea for them, sparing Zhou Yun the effort. Today was Song Chi’s show; Zhou Yun did not dare to speak recklessly to warm up the atmosphere, worried about stealing the spotlight. Fortunately, Song Minren was there; from her initial remarks, it was clear she was a straightforward person. "Xiao Song, sorry, I didn’t know he invited you today. I only found out when I got in the car, so I just tagged along for a meal," Song Minren, though over fifty, used the youthful expression "tagged along for a meal" quite smoothly, probably taught by her young researchers and students. Song Chi: "Please don’t say that, I’m honored to have you for a meal." Song Minren: "Alright, consider me not here. You talk about your things." She took out a tablet and a portable keyboard from her bag, set them up on the table, and began working on her own tasks. Song Chi turned to Kang Xin. "Director Kang, my company has already shown you the materials for ’Heart Inquiry.’ What do you think?" Kang Xin revealed a bitter smile. "I’ve read the scripts of the first three episodes; the script is indeed solid, one of the best TV scripts I’ve read in recent years. But I haven’t directed TV shows for a long time. If I take this on, it would be at least a year or two commitment, but I currently have at least five projects on my hands, and I can’t manage the energy." Kang Xin expressed his polite refusal right away. This left Zhou Yun somewhat shocked and at a loss. Was Kang Xin outright refusing? What Kang Xin said was quite normal. For a renowned director like him, schedules are generally booked several years in advance. ’Heart Inquiry’ is a TV series, much larger in scope than a movie. Zhou Yun looked at Song Chi. Song Chi, as if he had anticipated Kang Xin would say this, nodded and said, "Director Kang, I understand your difficulties and thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come for this dinner. ’Heart Inquiry’ is a project I’ve heavily backed; I’ve had my eye on it for years, bought it, and have been polishing the script since. Not to hide it from you, I really want to do well as an actor, so I specially wanted you to direct this series. You know, the material of ’Heart Inquiry’ isn’t the kind trending in TV right now; compared to the current market, it’s even somewhat outdated, but it’s a good script. If done right, it will make a great show, and it needs you to make it happen." Kang Xin’s face showed difficulty. It wasn’t true that Kang Xin had no interest in the series at all. If he were totally uninterested, he would have rejected it outright. But Kang Xin had many options, and ’Heart Inquiry’ was just one of them. His attendance was mainly due to the face of Song Chi. Though Song Chi was a top-tier celebrity, he was different from other celebs. He wasn’t an idol—originally planning an idol debut which didn’t pan out—he gained fame through acting. His first film, a youth campus theme, became the only movie that year to earn over one billion at the box office, stunning the industry. At that time, no one expected a youth-themed movie could achieve such high box office sales. As the undisputed leading actor, Song Chi also reaped the biggest benefits from the movie’s success. His acting skills at the time were not outstanding, but Song Chi played his role with heartfelt sincerity, overlapping with the handsome, spirited youth many remembered, gaining affection. He also received several nominations for best leading actor in major film awards that same year—mostly due to the movie and box office impact sending him to the nomination spots. After that, Song Chi’s career soared as if boosted by cheats, firing off one hit after another, be it in films or TV series. His loyal fanbase grew larger, primarily consisting of movie and TV series audiences, generally older, stirring significant momentum and surpassing many celebs in influence. Over the years, Song Chi filmed seven series, each a major hit, enriching producers immensely and turning Song Chi into a legend within the industry. In an industry that tends towards superstition, Song Chi’s acting skills were solid enough to draw praise, his track record was excellent, both in viewer affinity and fan loyalty unmatched, making him the top pick for most film and TV projects. As long as the role fit, the script would definitely be sent to Song Chi first. Kang Xin, as a top director, paid close attention to promising juniors. It seems that’s how people are; some grow old, increasingly worried about securing their standings, fearing that the new wave will overwrite the old, intimidated by or even oppressive towards the youth. Yet others grow more reflective about life’s twists and hardships. Looking back, seeing a promising sprout or young talent, they can’t help but want to lend a hand, support them, setting aside any considerations of interest - starting with a heart of pure intentions. Kang Xin quite liked Song Chi. He had seen many of Song Chi’s films; Song Chi’s works were consistently successful and well-received, making him a regular at award ceremonies. For Kang Xin, it was hard not to notice him. Having seen his films, Kang Xin trusted his own judgment and was very eager to get to know Song Chi. As an experienced director, Kang Xin knew well that an actor like Song Chi who could convince the producers, satisfy the audience, and achieve artistic expression was a rare gem. At this moment, a waiter knocked and came in to start serving the dishes.

Chapter 86: The Beginning of the Scandal

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