CHAPTER 493: CHAPTER 383: THE NEW CREW (PART 3)

As if echoing the relationship between the two actors in real life, by the time episode twenty aired, there was suddenly an online flame war between fans of Liu Rusu and Yang Zhen.

One side staunchly supported "lovers destined to be together," while the other insisted "duty over love," and both sides fiercely debated who Song Chi should end up with in the end.

By this point, "Heart Inquiry" truly gripped the viewers’ hearts, and regardless of which side they chose, they were deeply invested in the show’s plot.

As for "Mother and Son Inn," which had been riding on the coattails of the hype from the start, it had been completely outshone by "Heart Inquiry."

They simply weren’t in the same league.

The heated debates sparked by "Heart Inquiry" gradually became a social phenomenon, with more and more people joining in the discussions and, consequently, the ranks of those following the show.

In the midst of this fervor, Zhou Yun and Su Yan tacitly agreed to a ceasefire.

Everyone knew that at times like this, it was best to let the show reach its own climax quietly, keeping the actors’ private affairs at a distance, so as not to affect the show itself.

Besides, even if the two of them called a truce, their fans continued to battle it out.

Of course, they weren’t fighting for Zhou Yun and Su Yan, but rather for Liu Rusu and Su Yan.

"Liu Rusu never intended to break up He Mu’s family with Yang Zhen, that’s why she chose to leave. If she had even the slightest intention of snatching Song Chi away, the situation wouldn’t be as it is now."

"Haha, according to you, once Liu Rusu becomes Prince Heng’s Wife, she should just play her role and not send any messages to He Mu, right?"

"I’m speechless. Haven’t you ever loved someone? When you love someone, can you just watch them march to their death? Does loving someone mean you have to seize them for yourself?"

"If I were Liu Rusu, I should know my place. Since He Mu has already started a family with Yang Zhen, even having their own child, I should keep my distance and never again step into He Mu’s world."

"Yes, never step into He Mu’s world again, and then He Mu dies, Yang Zhen becomes a widow, I’ll just be content being Prince Heng’s Wife, in wealth and splendor, and not care about your life or death."

...

The show reached its climax when He Mu entrusted Yang Zhen and her child to Liu Rusu.

Discussions about the show were explosive.

Nobody expected Liu Rusu and Yang Zhen to actually start living under the same roof.

It was also at this time that fans started cursing He Mu as a scumbag.

...

"The ratings broke 1.5!" Wu Chengbao excitedly announced the good news with a ratings screenshot in the group chat.

"The views also broke 20 billion!" another person followed up with a post.

Seeing these two messages, Zhou Yun smiled happily.

She had originally been most worried about the show underperforming, causing Song Chi to lose out. After all, aside from his former company Zuo Jing, he had also invested in the show himself.

The show made Zhou Yun red-hot again, continuing the popularity she gained from "Life."

In no time, offers for collaborations poured in, especially for acting roles.

Zhou Lan even complained to her that the team member responsible for reviewing scripts was clamoring for a raise because there were too many scripts to read, causing them to work overtime every day.

During this period, Zhou Yun’s appearance fee doubled as everyone vied for her schedule.

But Zhou Yun wouldn’t be able to take on many roles anyway since "Falling Leaves" was about to start filming, and she was about to join the cast.

Before joining the cast, Director Kang Xin arranged for the main crew of "Heart Inquiry" to gather for a meal.

When Director Kang personally took charge of the arrangements, who would dare not show up? Director Kang Xin’s contributions to the show’s success were second to none.

Even Su Yan, who had been scolded on set, cheerfully accepted the invitation.

Everyone warmly drank, ate, and chatted, celebrating the show’s great performance.

Director Kang Xin said, "This show has performed exceptionally well. My old friends are congratulating me, saying that the old tree has blossomed anew and that I’ve made another fine piece. Song Chi, I need to thank you for insisting on having me as the director."

"This show could only be directed by you," Song Chi said. "Other shows might be ok without you, but ’Heart Inquiry’ could not have been done by anyone else."

Director Kang Xin smiled, his face creasing with laughter, "You little rascal, you always put me on such a high pedestal. Just be careful not to fall off the stool, or it’ll be a big joke."