Chapter 154: A War of Words—Has Bai Ling Completely Offended the Directors?

Actually, many had already noticed Wang Dagang’s darkened expression during Bai Ling and the others’ performance.

After all, Wang Dagang had just expressed his fondness and approval of the original work.

But now, the script had been completely altered by Bai Ling.

Even though, in everyone's minds, the changes were clearly improvements.

If it weren’t for Wen Yan’s reckless interference, this performance could have been described as quite splendid.

Bai Ling and her team’s ratings would have risen several notches.

However, Wang Dagang was not someone to be trifled with.

Many actors were well aware of this.

This guy would definitely come looking for trouble.

Not to mention, he had already criticized Bai Ling during the first episode’s recording.

Back then, Wang Dagang had been more restrained and hadn’t caused much of a scene.

But today was different.

Zhuge Tianguang was the first to stand up and speak, essentially backing Bai Ling.

With him there, Wang Dagang would have to show some respect.

But obviously, Zhuge Tianguang had overestimated the situation.

Just as Zhou Xuan was about to speak, Wang Dagang cut him off.

He looked at Bai Ling without hesitation and said,

“Bai Ling, you’re quite something.”

“I must have been blind not to see your incredible talent for screenwriting.”

“Oh dear, it seems I haven’t been doing my job as a writer properly. How dare I sit in this position?”

“Here’s an idea, Teacher Bai Ling: you take my place on stage, and I’ll step down.”

The sarcasm and provocation in his tone were unmistakable.

Everyone’s expressions changed.

This was no longer mere nitpicking.

This was an outright confrontation.

Such absolute words?

The viewers in the live stream were stunned as well.

Soon, the comment section exploded.

“Wow, is this about to turn into a full-blown argument?”

“My goodness, the tension is thick!”

“Wang Dagang mocking Bai Ling like this? Is that appropriate?”

“Mocking? He’s practically shouting at her.”

“Yeah…”

“Wang Dagang has a history of this—how will Bai Ling handle it this time?”

“How can she handle it? How many contestants dare snap back at judges? Those who do usually end up out of the game!”

“Who knows. I respect other judges, but Wang Dagang…”

“Bai Ling isn’t someone to be bullied either.”

“This is the stage. I doubt Bai Ling can really fight back though.”

Many were curious about how Bai Ling would respond.

Many thought she was in for big trouble.

In their minds, she was destined to suffer today; they just didn’t know how badly.

Of course, such thoughts were understandable.

In today’s entertainment industry, the glamorous names are usually singers or actors.

But fame is only one key factor in determining status.

Among singers or actors, those with higher fame enjoy greater status.

But…

The comparison becomes tricky when crossing roles.

For lyricists and composers, unless they are top-tier within the industry, or produce hit after hit, elevating singers to stardom,

they will always be ranked below the singers.

After all, truly gifted singers can write their own lyrics and music.

But if a lyricist or composer is mediocre, how can they compare to a singer?

Similarly, in the film and television world,

the lowest status belongs to screenwriters, minor actors, basic crew members, and some stunt performers.

Next up are the actors qualified to play supporting or lead roles.

At the very top, unquestionably,

are the directors!

In an ordinary production, the director’s word is law.

Even executive producers often cannot fully direct the director.

After all, these so-called executive producers are mostly representatives of capital here for appearances.

Big and small matters alike still need to be handled by professionals.

Any director active in the industry is someone actors avoid offending.

Partly because they hold certain rights and resources.

And partly because if an actor becomes too arrogant and ignores the director, the directors collectively resist and reject that actor.

Over time, this may result in that actor having no roles to play.

That is the true danger.

Don’t believe the notion that young, fresh-faced actors can make directors back down.

Is it really their talent that forces directors to yield?

No, it’s the capital deeply tied to those actors.

In other words, in the entertainment industry, capital reigns supreme.

Directors are the closest to the capital circle.

Wang Dagang belongs to this category.

He was originally a bestselling author who started from copyrights and then founded his own film company to incubate IPs.

Thanks to this, even though his directing skills were relatively average, he still stood on equal footing with Zhao Zhengang and Zhou Xuan.

In some respects, Wang Dagang was even more confident than they were.

Now, without hesitation, he rose and angrily reprimanded Bai Ling.

To the viewers online and everyone present, this was undoubtedly a disaster for Bai Ling.

She hadn’t expected the situation to escalate this way.

She looked at the sarcastic Wang Dagang with some displeasure.

Still, she didn’t want the scene to become too ugly.

So she refrained from snapping back immediately.

But did that mean she would silently endure it?

Impossible!

Immediately, Bai Ling said, “Director Wang, why get so worked up?”

“Making some plot changes to suit the stage performance isn’t a grievous offense.”

“Besides, Director Wang, you never said we weren’t allowed to make changes.”

Bai Ling appeared quite polite.

Many then thought their previous assumptions might be correct.

Bai Ling didn’t dare to lose face; today, she was probably going to be thoroughly tormented by Wang Dagang.

Sure enough, Wang Dagang was not one to back down easily.

He sneered and continued, “No need?”

“Why do you say there’s no need?”

“This film is my labor of love, the script I spent so long writing and that was turned into this production.”

“Now, your frivolous changes have destroyed a classic.”

“Why shouldn’t I be angry?”

“Bai Ling, I know you wrote a script for The Prince’s Consort.”

“But frankly, that disaster was just an online drama. Without your popularity, how could it have survived? Do you really think you have the skills of a professional screenwriter?”

“Even seasoned screenwriters in the industry have no right to alter my script!”

Wang Dagang spoke arrogantly.

Praising himself while belittling The Prince’s Consort.

He then glanced at all the actors and said, “An actor’s duty is to perform well according to the script and the director’s instructions, to portray their role properly—not to change fully formed characters based on personal preference!”

“Everyone, do you intend to arbitrarily alter scripts when filming in the future?”

“Do you think you can add scenes or change personality traits as you please?”

“Such behavior is exactly why this industry is becoming more chaotic and unbearable.”

“Tell me, shouldn’t I be angry? Surely?”

“Surely!!!”