251 Adding Fuel to the Fire

She looked at the pile of bowls and chopsticks in the sink and turned around. I’ll watch TV to relax first.

She pushed the remote control and the big screen turned on. She shifted to the capital entertainment channel.

"Top Chinese male model débuts in Asia today. 10,000 Citizen photo albums are selling like crazy..."

Qu burst into laughter when she saw the cute girl delivering the news in a dramatic way.

Interesting. In the news circle, people traded information with each other. Little had she thought that Qin Guan would have a connection with Wang Jingcao. That kind of propaganda was typical W. Brother style.

There were not that many idlers fussing over stars online. They were all paid internet users, but the method was very effective.

Qu leaned her head back against the leather couch and moved a sock to the side with her toes. Shall I add fuel to the fire?

She closed her eyes, trying to picture Qin Guan cleaning the room for her in an apron.

She opened her eyes again with a silly smile. Then she dialed the private number of Wang Jingcao.

When she got through, she heard some background noise. Wang was at a dinner party.

Qu was straightforward. "Sister Wang, this is Qu Xuemei. I saw the news. Did you sign on with another actor?"

Wang found a quiet corner to speak on the phone.

She smiled at the receiver. "I haven’t heard from you in a long time. How come you remembered me? Do you want to express your appreciation for the hot sales? You are just in time. I need your help. Can I promote an actor on your cover? Any issue would be okay for me."

Qu was silent for several seconds. What a cunning woman!

Qu was a cunning woman herself though, except where Qin Guan was concerned. With a consistent superior tone, she answered, "You are embarrassing me, Sister Wang. Your actors are not qualified to be in our magazine. The hot ones are not fashionable, and vice versa. I have the latest news on Qin Guan. Do you want it?"

Wang sensed it would be striking news. "What news?"

"In early 2002, he was selected for the next round of the Asian Fashion Men competition. The winners will be voted online. Isn’t that big news?"

Wang was speechless.

In fact, people in the circle knew that Asia was inferior to Europe and the US in the fashion industry. That competition was only a way to comfort Asian models.

In the domestic entertainment circle, the title could be overused. People were losing interest in the routines of the circle.

The fashion circle was strange and very tasteful though.

There were no vulgar models those days, because they lowered the taste of the whole circle.

Real luxury brands kept ties with countless fashion experts and top companies. A three-minute advertisement with an exclusive model cost about 6,000,000 dollars.

The title meant nothing for top luxury brands, but it was an important symbol for the domestic public and media.

Wang was excited about the news. At the time, Qin Guan was only a familiar face for TV show audiences. This would be the best way to call upon his fans.

She had to confirm the news for the sake of professional prudence though. "Are the news reliable? Can I ask who’s your source?"

Qu put down the remote control and said proudly, "I helped Qin Guan apply to the competition. I originally planned on publishing the news in our magazine, but I’d like to share it with you to get the best results."

Wang was content with her answer. "Got it! You are just in time! I appreciate it."

It will provide more fuel for the fire. Shall I share the honor with other actors?

Considering Qin Guan's simple, clean background, she felt pity for the boy. Besides, this was the perfect chance to shape him into a national idol.

Countless potential plans filled Wang's mind. She wasn’t in the mood to enjoy the feast anymore.

Qu wasn't able to calm down for a long time. She pressed on her phone and a photo of Qin Guan was displayed on the screen.

She blinked at the photo and then switched her phone off.

"I hate you..." she said and started crying weakly.

...

Qin Guan thought it was a wonderful world. He had been working hard for several years, but his popularity had been average at best.

With Wang Jingcao's help though, he had become famous overnight. That was the power of a big company.

It was also a sign that Qin Guan had been accepted by the entertainment circle. He had been labelled an "instant online celebrity".

In directors and producers’ minds though, those celebrities did not have a solid foundation.