After Being Blackened All Over the Internet, I Ruled the Military Variety
Chapter 714 - 704: Rise of Film and TV Criticism

Chapter 714: Chapter 704: Rise of Film and TV Criticism

After washing up and coming back, Jiang Lingxi saw the phone she had set aside before washing up was still in its owner’s hand and being seriously inspected. "Still looking at it?"

"I just came across an article by a film critic reviewing ’Empress Yuan Zhao’."

"Let me see."

Jiang Lingxi lifted the blanket and got into bed, her head naturally resting on Shen Yunqing’s shoulder.

Shen Yunqing cooperatively scrolled the article back to the beginning, and the two of them leaned heads together to read it.

Non-famous Film Critic: [Just watched the premiere of ’Empress Yuan Zhao’ today. I thought I would write this article tomorrow morning since it’s quite late, but I couldn’t help it. By the time my brain relaxed, I was already sitting in front of the computer, so let’s get started.

Wei Xiao, the director, and his team’s capabilities are well recognized by the audience, especially when it comes to period dramas known for their meticulous craftsmanship. A Wei Xiao production is a quality guarantee. So, I won’t elaborate on that. This time, I mainly want to talk about the female lead that Director Wei chose, Jiang Lingxi, who plays Empress Yuan Zhao.

I believe many, upon learning that Jiang Lingxi was chosen as the lead in ’Empress Yuan Zhao’, had the initial reaction that Director Wei’s judgment was questionable, and I was no exception. I simply couldn’t understand why he would choose such a young actress, with nothing noteworthy in acting skills before, to portray the most famous empress in history. Could she really hold up such a character?

Therefore, I started watching the drama with a critical eye. Determined, if Jiang Lingxi’s portrayal of Empress Yuan Zhao did not meet my ideal image, I would immediately turn off the TV and question Director Wei if there was some inside story behind this casting.

Then, two hours passed before I knew it. I didn’t turn off the TV until I watched the preview of the third episode.

Four words: Engrossed and Unsatisfied!

Although there are only two episodes so far, depicting the young Empress Yuan Zhao, I must say Jiang Lingxi truly captured the youthful exuberance and grandeur of how I imagine a young empress would be. For a moment, I thought she was the young empress herself, and I believe many viewers feel the same way as I do.

The other actors’ performances were also remarkable, but this time Jiang Lingxi left me in awe. Perhaps it’s due to the minimal age gap between the actress and the character, but I’m curious whether she can handle the middle-aged and elderly Empress roles so adeptly.

If she can, and the subsequent episodes maintain the same quality as the first two, then I have a hunch that this will be the first phenomenon-level drama of the year. Other shows wanting to surpass it might need to give it their all.

I will keep following this show and occasionally update my thoughts and reviews afterward. Friends who like my reviews can give a follow. Thank you, good night, and sweet dreams!]

Jiang Lingxi watched as Shen Yunqing used his alternate account to follow this non-famous film critic.

"I’ll see how he praises you later on."

"If I can’t even perform well myself, then it’s not worth being an actress. But I really did get lucky this time, there won’t always be such coincidences in the future."

"That’s not necessarily true; there might be other dramas or movies related to Empress Yuan Zhao in the future."

Jiang Lingxi furrowed her brow and pondered, realizing that it could indeed be possible.

After all, the entertainment industry is flourishing, and sometimes a historical figure appears in many dramas or movies, some becoming classics while others are mocked.

But as long as one drama or its characters become popular, there are bound to be imitators, eager to seize the easy fame.

"What if a role to play Empress Yuan Zhao comes your way again?"

"I won’t take it," Jiang Lingxi thought for a moment before shaking her head, "Always playing myself is quite dull, I’d rather try different roles."

"True, that makes sense."

The two spoke in low voices, and before long, were in each other’s arms and asleep.

However, many couldn’t sleep that night.

Some, like Tong Yue, were too excited to sleep, while others, like Zhou Lingyue, found themselves worried and restless after forcing themselves to watch the first two episodes of ’Empress Yuan Zhao’.

With a limited cake in the entertainment industry, there are only so many good projects each year. Many people fight for acting opportunities and top billing, leading to fierce competition behind the scenes.

Jiang Lingxi’s strong rise is evident to anyone with eyes—there’s now another contender for the smallest and sweetest piece of cake at the top.

Moreover, besides her fashion and commercial value, now she has a hit drama during the New Year period, ensuring constant buzz even if she does nothing over this time.

Just thinking about it is despairing!

"How can someone have such good luck!" Zhou Lingyue grumbled after finishing a glass of wine meant to help her sleep, but still unable to doze off, she grabbed her phone and made a call, regardless of whether her agent was asleep.

"Sister, you must help me secure the role of Xiao Chan in ’Shao Hou’!"

Zhou Lingyue’s agent, who had been woken up by the call to receive such an urgent task: "...What?"

Zhou Lingyue gritted her teeth, "I thought this role was secure for me, but after watching Jiang Lingxi as Empress Yuan Zhao today, I’ve got a feeling she’ll be my biggest rival."

"Alright, alright," the agent rubbed her throbbing temples, "I’ll contact the director of ’Shao Hou’ tomorrow. It’s really late now, get some sleep."

Holding onto the hung-up phone, Zhou Lingyue pouted as she sat on her bed, wishing to sleep but simply unable to!

*

The next day, Jiang Lingxi, well-rested, went to the company.

Only to be met with the sight of three pairs of glaring dark circles.

"What’s up with you guys? What did you do last night?"

Tong Yue looked at Jiang Lingxi, her complexion glowing without a hint of bruise under her eyes—a clear sign of a restful night—and said somewhat grudgingly: "Do you think everyone is as calm as you? We were so excited all night that we couldn’t sleep at all."

Lu Zhengzheng raised her hand: "I was watching videos. There are so many edited clips of the first two episodes of ’Empress Yuan Zhao’ online now, and I couldn’t stop scrolling. I also wondered how I couldn’t get enough of just two episodes."

Fang Yao sheepishly added, "I too surfed online all night, and before I knew it, it was already daylight outside."

Jiang Lingxi: "...You guys are something else."

The three of them chorused: "You’re even more so!"

Clearly, it was usual for them to be too excited to sleep and staying calm to sleep was the anomaly!

"’Empress Yuan Zhao’ has already reached the top of the trending search list. I never dared imagine it could get there before year-end. Also, many film critics have been posting articles, mostly praise, stirring quite a buzz. By the way, I’ve heard several film companies have already inquired about buying the online streaming rights for ’Empress Yuan Zhao’..."

Tong Yue spilled all the information she knew in one breath and finally took a deep breath, "I can already imagine being inundated with scripts and various offers soon."

Jiang Lingxi quietly regarded Tong Yue’s dreamy expression before reminding her, "So, are you still planning to take a vacation?"

Tong Yue seemed to have no intention of taking a break herself, but Jiang Lingxi was still quite keen on it.

She had even thought about how to spend her first New Year here!