Chapter 60: The Commencement Press Conference

In the study of the Beijing villa, Ma Jun and Qian Mo Duo appeared at the same time.

"Xiaohua, report the current energy and reputation points!"

"Energy: 11,000. Reputation points: 4,000."

When mentioning the reputation points, Xiaohua’s tone was less than pleasant; it was clear she was still dissatisfied with Ma Jun’s idea of accumulating reputation. Ma Jun, however, had no intention of explaining himself, disregarding the resentment Xiaohua felt. He asked Lao Qian to leave, then went to the bathroom, soaked in a hot bath, enjoyed a comfortable cigarette, and finally collapsed onto the bed for a deep sleep.

For the next few days, Ma Jun spent his evenings gaming with his roommates and wasted his days at school. A few days later, Ma Jun requested leave from the university, preparing to film a drama—a youth series currently all the rage. All arrangements had been made in advance, and Junma Film was one of the investors.

The filming was set in a district near Beijing; most scenes would take place in a university campus. That morning, after breakfast, the driver Lao Zhang drove the nanny van with Ma Jun and his assistant, Ruan Xinyue. Following behind was another car carrying two bodyguards and two makeup artists; together they headed to the launch conference.

The drama was titled "Silent Blossoms," adapted from a famous work. Both the director and the main creative team were well-known in the industry. The leading man and woman were already established stars, two of the hottest young actors in their twenties.

Despite being a TV drama, the launch event attracted a large number of reporters and media. The conference was held in a star-rated restaurant outside the studio. When Ma Jun and his entourage arrived, the hotel entrance was already bustling. The staff led them to the actors’ lounge, and before entering, arranged for the bodyguards and makeup artists to rest elsewhere.

Just as Ma Jun pushed open the door, a voice called from behind, "Hey, make way!"

Ma Jun paused and turned to see a woman around twenty approaching. She ignored him completely, leading a short-haired, chubby girl with a backpack into the room.

"Jun, that's Gu Xin—the female lead of this drama," Ruan Xinyue whispered with a frown.

Ma Jun shrugged and entered. The room was filled with the drama’s creative team.

"Hey, Jun’s here!" Sitting closest to the door was Director Wang Tie, unshaven and bespectacled, beaming. "Come, sit over here!" He turned to the actors. "This is our second male lead, Ma Jun. Everyone, welcome!"

The applause wasn’t overly enthusiastic, but at least it wasn’t awkward. Ma Jun smiled, greeted the main cast, and when it came to Gu Xin, she was turned away, speaking with her assistant.

"Who was that just now? Acting so important. I don’t recall any big shots in this project," she said.

Her assistant signaled her, and Gu Xin turned, frowning, "And you are?"

Gu Xin hadn’t looked when the director introduced Ma Jun earlier, but as the female lead, she’d surely seen his photos beforehand. Her intentional indifference was clearly meant to embarrass him.

The male lead, Wu Zhuoran, who appeared even more handsome than Ma Jun and sat beside him, chuckled, "Gu Xin, this is Ma Jun, our second male lead. You two will have scenes together—get acquainted!"

Wu Zhuoran tried to smooth things over, but Gu Xin still showed little courtesy, nodding expressionlessly, "Hello, Ma Jun."

After the repeated provocations, Ma Jun instantly dropped his smile. He took off his jacket, revealing a tight-fitting shirt beneath, his bronze skin and athletic build drawing the room’s attention.

He tossed the jacket to Ruan Xinyue, sat down without acknowledging Gu Xin, and turned to Wang Zhuoran with a grin, "Senior, I’m a freshman at Beijing Film Academy this year. Lucky to join this project—please look out for me! I’ll treat you to a great meal sometime."

"Absolutely!" Wang Zhuoran agreed readily. "How did you get that physique? You look intimidating when you don’t smile!"

"And me, don’t forget me, Ma Jun!" called out Tian Jingwen, the second female lead, who’d previously been involved in rumors with Ma Jun to promote a new drama.

"How could I forget Sister Tian?" Ma Jun replied cheerfully.

Gu Xin, on the other side, looked deeply unhappy, seeing the creative team chatting and laughing with Ma Jun, feeling herself isolated.

Director Wang Tie, sensing trouble, wisely stayed out of it, speaking alternately to Ma Jun and Gu Xin, careful not to offend anyone.

Soon, a staff member arrived, announcing the conference would begin shortly and inviting the creative team to proceed. Everyone entered the meeting room, found their seats in the front row labeled with their names, and behind them sat a crowd of journalists. Before them was a stage, with a screen displaying pre-shot character photos.

A hostess soon appeared on stage, and the launch began.

"Welcome to the launch conference of Silent Blossoms! I am—"

She opened with a joke to liven the atmosphere, then introduced the investors one by one.

"Next, please welcome our creative team!"

Ma Jun followed the others onto the stage, played a few games guided by the hostess, then introduced himself. Soon, the journalists began their questions.

After several routine inquiries, one reporter asked, "Gu Xin, in the drama you’re torn between Ma Jun and Wu Zhuoran. In real life, who do you prefer?"

Gu Xin kept her smile. "Zhuoran is such a handsome guy—I wouldn’t dare pick him, or his fans would tear me apart. As for Ma Jun, I don’t know him well yet. I heard he’s a freshman at Beijing Film Academy, landing a role so quickly—his acting must be impressive. I’ll have to learn from him during filming!"

"Director, what was your reasoning for casting Ma Jun in this drama?" another reporter quickly asked.

"Hehe, we auditioned several actors, and Ma Jun was the best fit, so of course we chose him," the director replied with a smile.

Sensing the situation was getting tense, the hostess swiftly intervened, "Alright, as we know, the relationships between the four leads are very complex. Next, let’s have each of them share their thoughts on their roles!"

The conference ended, and the creative team gathered for a meal. Later that afternoon, Ma Jun finally left, sitting in the nanny van and dialing Lao Qian.

"Hey, Lao Qian, the female lead in this drama—her name’s Gu Xin. What’s her background?"