Chapter 27 A Lifetime

Riemann was skeptical.

But with no other option, she went to find Ling Wei, who was then struggling with her studies in the directing department.

As a result, after Ling Wei analyzed Li Man's past stage performances, interview videos, and even social media posts, Li Man was completely convinced.

From the details of dance moves and the application of vocal techniques to the suitability of MV camera language, and even the subtle gap between her cultivated "rich heiress pursuing her dreams in the entertainment industry" persona and her actual audience appeal, Ling Wei can speak eloquently and incisively.

When asked how a directing student could be so knowledgeable about the idol industry, Ling Wei sipped her milk tea and said calmly, "It's simple. Since it's a product for the audience, it's essentially a carefully designed performance."

"Since it's a performance, the core is to figure out the audience's 'pleasure points' and 'pain points' and find the most perfect way to present it. What I do is simply to automatically correct the disharmonious and unmoving parts that I see to the optimal solution in my mind."

Li Man was completely convinced and immediately transferred the money to Ling Wei.

Later, Lu Zhao would occasionally come over and ask her how her adjustment was going, as if he were having a fit. As they chatted, the topic would always inexplicably veer towards her collaboration with Ling Wei.

When she learned that Ling Wei had given her a complete analysis report for 3,000 yuan, including after-sales support, her face darkened, and she finally lost all composure and left through gritted teeth.

Under Ling Wei's guidance, which was comparable to that of a career planner, Li Man's career trajectory did indeed undergo a visible positive transformation.

Ling Wei didn't give her any empty platitudes or motivational platitudes; instead, she directly helped her simplify her life and define her goals.

She pointed out that the industrialized training Riemann received in South Korea, while providing a solid foundation, had to some extent worn away the most brilliant aspect of her personality—the slightly arrogant and bright self-confidence that she had cultivated since childhood.

"Stop trying to fit into the standard girl group template. You, Li Man, are not the type to suffer and inspire."

Ling Wei, while reviewing her materials, hit the nail on the head: "Bring out that 'I'm a queen, but I'm also down-to-earth' attitude of yours. It's more appealing than forcing yourself to be a sweetheart or a cool girl."

Riemann then adjusted his strategy.

Based on the arrangements made by her Korean team, she began to consciously share some "real" moments of her daily training on social media, such as being so tired that she lost control of her facial expressions, secretly complaining that Korean diet meals were inedible, and occasionally inadvertently revealing her longing for the food from her hometown.

This contrast between "a top-tier heiress working hard" and her still-attractive looks, coupled with her steadily improving stage presence, unexpectedly resonated with Chinese audiences.

Ling Wei even pinpointed a detail Ling Wei had overlooked in her analysis of one of her comeback fancams: "Your ending shot had such an 'empty' look in your eyes. It was beautiful, but it lacked soul. Next time, try slightly raising your eyebrows with a hint of 'Look, I slayed the whole scene,' and you'll definitely go viral."

Riemann did as instructed.

Sure enough, the ending shot with a slightly arrogant expression was captured by fans and, with the tag "A Heiress's Homecoming Footage," went viral, even causing a surge in the fancam data for that comeback.

Although her main focus and contracts are currently mostly in South Korea, her popularity and fan base in China are steadily increasing thanks to these precise operations and her increasingly distinct personal brand.

Her reputation gradually shifted from "a strongly promoted heiress" to "a happy, nurtured rich woman," laying a solid foundation for her to gradually shift her career focus back to China.

Once Li Man caught her breath, she finally had time to examine Ling Wei closely, her eyes filled with obvious disappointment: "I'm telling you, Director Ling, I went through so much trouble to get that offer from your family, and you just threw it aside without even looking at it? What's the point of going to a place like 'Yaojiang TV' to be a small cog in the machine?"

The offer she mentioned was for a producer position on an independent film project at a film company under the Li family.

Riemann used some of the privileges afforded to the young princess to secure a deal for Ling Wei that was a combination of investment and trust, offering a high degree of freedom and substantial start-up capital. For a newly graduated director, this was practically a shortcut to instant success.

Ling Wei, biting her straw, avoided the main point: "Yaojiang TV is pretty good. It's a big platform with high exposure."

"What's so great about it!" Li Man said irritably. "That's just an assembly line factory. Do you think a newbie like you can get involved in core creative work? At most, you'll be doing odd jobs, following the team around, and waiting your time to gain seniority! My offer is real and solid. You lead the project, build the team, decide on the script, and if it loses money, it's on me. If it succeeds, you'll reap both fame and fortune! Aren't you tempted?"

“But,” Ling Wei looked at her, her eyes serious, “I’m not even sure of my own capabilities yet. If I let you invest money and it turns out to be a flop, leaving you with nothing, my conscience will hurt.”

Riemann: "Our family isn't short of money."

"No." Ling Wei shook the milk tea cup and drank it all the way down: "Manman, I want to be your friend for life."

She didn't say anything more, but Riemann understood instantly.

When unequal amounts of money and enormous risks are involved, even the strongest friendships can turn sour.

Li Man felt a warmth in her heart, both touched and amused. She rushed over and vigorously rubbed Ling Wei's face across the table, turning her composed face into all sorts of funny shapes: "Oh, you! Why think so much! Really!"

Ling Wei finally managed to break free from her clutches, tidied her disheveled hair, and explained, "Besides, going to Yaojiang isn't all bad. You can get in touch with the latest production processes, build connections, and meet some industry bigwigs and celebrities. These resources will come in handy when you start your own business in the future."

Riemann's eyes lit up with a new idea: "How about this! I'll be the leading lady for you! Consider it my own investment in myself, okay? Why let the good stuff go to waste!"

Upon hearing this, Ling Wei frowned immediately, looking at Li Man with eyes full of unbearable disapproval: "You're going to play the female lead? But..."

She seemed to be carefully choosing her words, but in the end, she was still the sharp and direct Ling Wei, "Your acting... is really terrible. Calling you a wooden beauty is an understatement. Your emotional expression basically relies on staring, and your delivery of lines is more exaggerated than a primary school student reciting a poem..."

"Okay, stop."

Riemann reached out and pinched Ling Wei's lips.

A small mouth, but it doesn't speak.

If we keep talking like this, we might not be friends forever, we might even break off our friendship right now.