Chapter 68: Promotional Photos, Heated Discussions, Officially Joining the Crew

September 16th, Saturday. Clear skies turning to cloudy, temperature twenty-six degrees.
An auspicious day to begin filming.
Under the guidance of Director Zhu Ming, the cast and crew of “Black Wave” gathered to burn incense and pray for smooth production and soaring ratings.
As the leads, Ren Yi and Wang Fei took turns offering incense.
Next, everyone went on stage together and unveiled the red cloth.
“Black Wave” officially began filming.
The media interview segment followed.
Ren Yi, Wang Fei, Song Wen, Lin Xing, and Ji Ya were responsible for facing the reporters.
The moment interviews started, the true meaning of “traffic” was on full display.
“Lin Xing, why did you decide to take on ‘Black Wave’?”
“Lin Xing, you’re the only traffic star in the cast. Do you feel pressured?”
“Lin Xing, what role are you playing in this series?”
“Lin Xing…”
…
All eyes were fixed on Lin Xing.
“I really like the script for ‘Black Wave’. I must thank Director Zhu for giving me this opportunity. As for pressure, it certainly exists, but it’s not simply because I’m a traffic star…”
Lin Xing answered with flawless composure, carefully avoiding spoilers, only mentioning that his character was entirely different from Du Fei.
“Lin Xing, how does ‘Black Wave’ differ from the original novel?”
“Lin Xing, is it true you participated in the recording of ‘Comedy Must Laugh’?”
“Lin Xing, what’s your response to the online rumors that you snatched someone else’s role in ‘Black Wave’?”
…
Such was the media today.
Especially in the entertainment industry, they only chase what’s trending.
This segment belonged to Lin Xing, so naturally, all questions were for him.
Anyone aware of the event would know it was the launch of “Black Wave”; outsiders might think it was Lin Xing’s personal press conference.
Some gossip reporters even probed into Lin Xing’s romantic life.
Good grief.
Could they be any less professional?
“First, thank you all for your concern. But today is the launch of ‘Black Wave’, so I hope everyone can focus on questions related to the drama.”
Lin Xing decisively interrupted the endless chatter, and smoothly began to steer the conversation himself.
He mentioned, for example, that “Black Wave” marked the first collaboration in twenty years among Ren Yi, Song Wen, and Wang Fei.
He noted that compared to the source material, “Black Wave” elevated real cases to a new level.
Thus, Lin Xing successfully redirected the spotlight onto the three main leads—Ren Yi, Wang Fei, and Song Wen.

Apart from them, there was only one female in the interview session—Ji Ya.
Her role in “Black Wave” was substantial, and she had scenes with Lin Xing as well.
So Lin Xing made sure to cue Ji Ya, allowing her to answer a few questions.
Twenty minutes later, the interview wrapped up.
“Xiao Lin, nicely done.”
Director Zhu Ming came over with a cheerful smile. “All the necessary publicity was handled.”
Lin Xing replied quickly, “Director Zhu, as long as you don’t mind me causing a stir, I almost overshadowed the rest.”
“That’s not your fault. The media only care about what’s trending at press events.”
Director Zhu waved it off.
Using a traffic star had its pros and cons, and Zhu Ming had considered this long before.
He never cared about traffic for its own sake; he chose Lin Xing because he fit the role.
But Zhu Ming couldn’t deny that since Lin Xing was officially announced for “Black Wave”, the buzz had never dipped.
“No wonder so many people are willing to use traffic stars,”
Zhu Ming had sighed to the publicity team just days before.
Half an hour later, Lin Xing left the “Black Wave” set, heading to Dafeng Mountain to record tomorrow’s show.
Meanwhile, online press releases about the launch of “Black Wave” had already appeared.
“This lineup is impressive, but I still don’t understand why they cast Lin Xing?”
“Right, it’s all veteran actors, then one traffic star—looks like they just want to boost the traffic star’s profile.”
“Don’t you remember last year’s spy drama? The leads were a top male idol and a young female star, with all the seasoned actors supporting. I bet ‘Black Wave’ will be the same.”
“It can’t be, I still trust Director Zhu. Besides, didn’t you see the three main leads are all heavyweights?”
…
With the press releases out, many continued voicing their disapproval.
Discussions always made a point to mention Lin Xing, and once “Black Wave” hit trending, even more people started attacking Lin Xing online.
No—
To be precise, Lin Xing had been trending under criticism for days and hadn’t had a break.
After all, some heard Lin Xing was invited to join “Comedy Must Laugh,” a highly regarded variety show.
Seriously.
Why does Lin Xing always get the good gigs?
It’s known that “Comedy Must Laugh” rarely invites traffic stars.
Thus, conspiracy theories about “Lin Xing relying on capital” surfaced again.
Hot on their heels came the launch event for “Black Wave.”
At 2 p.m., after the press releases had made their rounds, the official account for “Black Wave” posted the first batch of actor styling photos.

A nine-square grid in total.
Lin Xing was among them, as one of the leads.
Then, the comments and reposts changed instantly.
“Wow, is Lin Xing playing a domineering CEO again?”
“If Lin Xing is a CEO in this series, I’m all for it.”
“The suit and glasses—feels like Du Fei all over again.”
“Haha, but why does Lin Xing’s smile look so adorable?”
…
The finale of “Just Waiting for You” had only recently aired, so the popularity of Du Fei’s character was still strong.
The hate and the insults from fandom circles were niche.
For most real viewers, they didn’t understand fandom culture online, nor did they grasp terms like ‘idol sculpting’ or ‘discipline’.
Let alone all the other vitriolic phrases from anti-fans.
Viewers cared only about the work.
Take “Black Wave”: at first, many were annoyed with Lin Xing, swept up in the online narrative.
But now, seeing Lin Xing in a suit, some viewers changed their minds.
And so, the buzz started anew.
Some ‘neutral viewers’ even wondered if it was appropriate to have a domineering CEO in a crime drama.
Then, those who liked Lin Xing began to feel uncertain again.
Such is online opinion.
Today you’re seen as capable; tomorrow, one wave of hype, you’re not.
After three days, the online noise finally quieted down.
As for Lin Xing, his side never responded.
So no one knew he had gone to Dafeng Mountain to record a poverty alleviation variety show.
Once Lin Xing finished recording, it was time for him to join the cast.
September 20th, Lin Xing officially entered the crew.
And the first scene was nothing short of thrilling.
…
…