Chapter 95: Drunk

"Jiangshan Yigu" was officially released, and this film had garnered such a massive following throughout its journey that its premiere instantly crashed servers and networks.

With Director Wang at the helm, tickets sold out overnight, and pre-sale box office figures soared into the hundreds of millions. Jiang Hu’s anti-fans were just as vocal, with groups of them clamoring to boycott him and vowing never to watch the film. In the first few days, the movie was flooded with negative reviews, all orchestrated by his detractors. The comment sections were filled with calls for Jiang Hu to get out of the entertainment industry.

However, just as pearls hidden in dust cannot be dimmed, the film’s brilliance could not be obscured. The sheer scale of the audience was far beyond what Jiang Hu’s haters could suppress. As more and more ordinary viewers watched the film, word-of-mouth began to spread, with positive reviews gradually overtaking and burying the negative ones. Professional critics almost universally gave it high scores of over nine points.

The film was majestic and grand; its themes of national duty and loyalty deeply touched everyone’s heart. From the costumes, props, and set design to the cinematography, editing, post-production, and acting, it was a masterpiece rarely seen. Jiang Hu’s performance left an indelible impression on the audience; his acting was explosive. From the righteous and imposing Jiang Hu at the beginning to the unpredictable, morally ambiguous villain by the end, he far exceeded everyone’s expectations.

In particular, the look in his eyes after he realized the truth was enough to make everyone in front of the screen shiver. It was as if he were truly staring right at them, and the fear rising from the depths of their souls was impossible to control. The romantic tension between him and Mo Niannian drew thunderous cheers from the cinema audiences. Their "ship" had become more popular than the original leads, with a vast crowd of fans clamoring for them to be together. The tragedy of them standing on opposite sides of the battlefield was simply devastating.

Jiang Hu was a breakout success once again, incredibly popular, and his remaining fans finally dared to speak up for him. Like gold refined through fire, the fans who had stayed by his side through it all wanted his success more than anyone. In the beginning, they had been too small, easily overwhelmed by attacks the moment they spoke, so they had cowardly chosen silence. Now, they stood tall, determined to protect Jiang Hu. Having walked this path with him, they knew better than anyone how difficult his journey had been, and they knew he deserved the best.

The first week of "Jiangshan Yigu" saw a staggering two billion in box office revenue, and the numbers continued to climb at an astonishing rate. The film was a hit, even gaining international acclaim, and was hailed by industry insiders as the benchmark for war films. Everyone involved in the production became famous, but none more so than Jiang Hu and Mo Niannian.

Mo Niannian was a complete newcomer, and people began digging into her background; such a beautiful woman could not remain anonymous. Unfortunately, they found nothing, and as Mo Niannian had no intention of entering the industry, she remained elusive.

Jiang Hu’s years of accumulation exploded overnight. Every headline, newspaper, short-video app, and television channel was filled with his face. Endorsement deals poured in like snowflakes, with many international luxury brands extending invitations.

Hearing the reports from her agent, Mo Niannian felt a sense of relief. It was worth all the money she had poured in; she had finally successfully launched Jiang Hu. It was a pity, however, that this stubborn male lead still hadn't reduced his malice value—not even a little.

Just as she was thinking of him, Jiang Hu appeared from behind her like a ghost. He leaned in close. "Niannian, there’s a celebration banquet tonight. Will you accompany me?"

"No, I can't be bothered," Mo Niannian replied without even looking up.

Jiang Hu fell silent for a long time—so long that it made Mo Niannian feel uncomfortable.

"Please, come with me."

Jiang Hu’s low voice resonated. He tugged at her sleeve, his eyes filled with longing.

Mo Niannian: "..."

How could this man be so shameless?

She felt a bit awkward. "Just talk, why are you acting all coquettish?"

"Niannian, will you go with me?" His voice dropped even lower. "Niannian..."

He called her name again and again, each time more lingering and soft, like a lover’s whisper. Mo Niannian was a soft-hearted person who preferred gentle persuasion over force. She was a foodie and a bit of a sucker for a handsome face, and Jiang Hu hit every one of her soft spots.

"Fine, fine, let's go."

Jiang Hu’s face lit up with a smile as bright as the first thaw of spring. If he had been hard with her, she would have been harder, but he always chose this approach. When she stopped to think about it, he had been by her side for decades, so as long as it didn't violate her principles, she was willing to grant him small requests.

When they arrived at the banquet, a crowd of reporters waited at the entrance. As soon as Jiang Hu appeared, he became the center of attention.

"Jiang Hu, look here!"

"The success of this film shows your transition was a triumph. What are your plans for the future?"

"We heard HT has designated you as their Asian ambassador."

"Jiang Hu—look over here!"

Reporters swarmed him. Jiang Hu helped Mo Niannian open the car door. "Excuse me, please make way."

When Mo Niannian stepped out, she seemed to carry her own theme music. Her parents were the type who had struck it rich overnight. With more money than they knew how to spend, they showered it on her, though they had limited taste and loved all things gold and flashy. They had practically wanted to weave her clothes from gold thread and embed them with diamonds. Mo Niannian, who had normal aesthetic sensibilities, had left those clothes gathering dust in a corner, only for Jiang Hu to dig them out. He insisted the dress was beautiful, and unable to win the argument, she had put on the shimmering, golden gown. If not for her stunning looks, she would have looked like a walking money tree.

Jiang Hu shielded her from the crowd as they made their way inside, while reporters seized the opportunity to snap photos.

"That person looks so familiar."

"It’s the dancer from the movie!"

"She looks even better in person than on screen, though that sense of style... it’s a bit hard to describe."

"Who cares about style? Just posting these photos will secure our headlines for the next two days."

"Right, right, almost forgot the main point."

The banquet had two segments: a press conference and a party hosted by Director Wang. Jiang Hu and Mo Niannian skipped the first part and headed straight to the party. When they entered, they nearly blinded everyone.

Director Wang gave Mo Niannian a complicated look. "Niannian, you certainly have a unique taste."

Mo Niannian didn't want to talk, so she glared at Jiang Hu. It was all his fault. Why did he have to give her that pitiful look? She had softened and agreed.

Jiang Hu said generously, "Niannian looks great like this."

Director Wang’s expression became even more unreadable. "You two are quite..."

*A match.* He didn't finish the sentence. It seemed they weren't together yet.

"Alright, go on in. A few people haven't arrived yet; I need to make some calls." Director Wang gestured for them to go inside and stop standing there.

"Niannian, over here! Here!"

As soon as she entered, Xiao Hua spotted her and waved frantically to get her attention.

"I—"

Mo Niannian started toward Xiao Hua, but Jiang Hu grabbed her. "Niannian, Director Wang wants us to go over there."

"Director Wang called us?" Mo Niannian was confused.

Jiang Hu nodded firmly. "Yes, I heard him. Let’s go; let's not keep him waiting."

Xiao Hua watched helplessly as Jiang Hu led Mo Niannian away.

"Director Wang." Jiang Hu stood before the director with Mo Niannian.

"You're here, sit, sit." The table was filled with lead actors and producers. "The success of this film has a lot to do with all of you. Come, let me toast everyone."

Unable to refuse, they each had a drink. Mo Niannian had a decent tolerance, but she didn't usually drink, so Jiang Hu blocked for her. She was content to eat and watch the show.

"Jiang Hu, you have to drink this one. You’re a major contributor to this film’s success." Director Wang was a bit tipsy and wouldn't let Jiang Hu go.

Mo Niannian watched as Jiang Hu downed several glasses.

"And you, Niannian! If not for you, I never could have found someone who so perfectly matched the image of the dancer in my heart. You brought her to life."

Mo Niannian wanted to roll her eyes. She hadn't brought the character to life; the character’s defining traits were beauty and high combat prowess, both of which she possessed naturally.

"Come, Niannian, it’s a happy day, you must have one."

Mo Niannian didn't put on airs and reached for the glass.

"Director Wang, let me take that." Jiang Hu once again intercepted for her.

Director Wang’s eyes were filled with significance. "Fine, you take it then." He handed the glass to Jiang Hu, who downed it in one go.

Having seen much of the world, Director Wang clinked his glass against Jiang Hu’s. "Then I wish you success in getting what you want soon."

Jiang Hu raised his glass. "I hope so."

"Hahaha."

As the star of the table, Jiang Hu was forced to drink quite a bit. He always wore a mask of gentle warmth in public, so he didn't refuse anyone. His cheeks turned a slight shade of red.

"Are you alright?" Mo Niannian whispered.

Jiang Hu shook his head, his eyes full of joy. "I'm fine." He smiled brilliantly at her.

Mo Niannian didn't think he looked fine at all. "Are you sure you're not drunk?"

Jiang Hu paused, then shook his head rapidly. "No, I don't get drunk."

Mo Niannian was even more worried. "Are you sure you can hold up? If you can't, let's go back first."

"Jiang Hu, we meet again. I told you you’d be a star, and sure enough." Another person approached.

Mo Niannian and Jiang Hu looked up. The man looked familiar; it took Mo Niannian a moment to remember he was the lead in a recent hit drama she had followed.