Chapter 150
Cao Muan moved to Xu Qingye's side and opened a PPT to show Xu Qingye. This was a PPT she made overnight, and she wanted to give the newcomer a chance.
"His name is Ji Zeming. He's a newcomer, I guess. He participated in a talent show before, but unfortunately didn't make his debut. He's been playing various supporting roles ever since. He recently got a role that really stood out, and he got it by not asking for any pay. He's really hardworking and loves acting, but his previous agency was terrible, so he doesn't have one now. If you're looking to sign someone, you might consider him."
Cao Muan tried hard to promote the role. She really thought Ji Zeming was very good, but it was a pity that he always seemed to be lacking in quality. After the role became popular this time, he did not seize the opportunity because he did not have the help of the agency, which led to the failure of subsequent resources. He wasted such a good opportunity.
People need to make a living, and they can't always rely on not asking for pay to get opportunities.
"He's really good. I've compiled a collection of his films for you to check out. He also has a clean background and graduated from a legitimate film school. He doesn't have any black history either. You could try signing him for a short contract."
Before Xu Qingye could say a word, Cao Muan had already said a lot. Xu Qingye glanced at her and his expression became more complicated.
"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Cao Muan turned around and saw Xu Qingye looking at her with a scrutinizing expression.
"You're being a little too enthusiastic. Tell me, do you know this Ji Zeming?"
"I don't know him. I just followed him during the talent show, but I forgot about him afterwards. A few days ago, I saw him working in a cafe, and I suddenly felt very sad. I felt that hard-working people shouldn't be buried like this. When I called him, he smiled at me. He even remembered my nickname when I told him. Do you understand that feeling?"
As Cao Muan spoke, his eyes were about to turn red, and Xu Qingye mercilessly poured a basin of cold water on him.
"You must have spent a lot of money, otherwise who would remember your nickname?"
"How could you say such cruel words!"
Cao Muan glared at Xu Qingye. Although what he said was true, it completely ruined the atmosphere.
"I suddenly feel like drinking a cup of coffee. Can you buy me a cup?"
Xu Qingye looked at the time. It was still early, so he had just enough time to have a cup of coffee.
Cao Muan subconsciously wanted to curse, but when the words were on the tip of her tongue, she suddenly reacted and quickly turned around.
"I just got my driver's license and bought a car. You can take my car. I'll definitely treat you to some amazing coffee."
Cao Muan pulled Xu Qingye out, and Xu Qingye felt a little uneasy after hearing what she said.
"I can drive, don't force it."
"Don't be afraid, let's go."
The cafe was not far from the studio, and Xu Qingye got out of the car trembling with fear. Fortunately, Cao Muan drove quite steadily except for his sudden braking.
The cafe is well decorated. As soon as you push the door open, you are greeted by the rich aroma of coffee. The overall decoration is in Maillard colors, and the lighting is dim, which gives it a very bourgeois feel.
As soon as she entered the door, Cao Muan went straight to the counter. She saw Ji Zeming and waved.
"Hey, I brought my friend here for coffee. Can you personally deliver the coffee later? My boss is a powerful insider."
Cao Muan whispered something to him, the implication of which was very obvious.
Ji Zeming has been up and down in the entertainment industry for many years, and he still has the necessary vision. He comes to work to make a living, and if he has the opportunity to continue acting, he will work hard for it.
Cao Muan has come several times. Although Ji Zeming didn't talk to her much, he could tell that she must be someone in the circle, so Ji Zeming knew very well what it meant for her to bring people here this time.
"Thanks."
Ji Zeming thanked him, and after Cao Mu'an ordered coffee, he took the initiative to pay the bill. Cao Mu'an didn't say much, just nodded at him.
Xu Qingye sat in a quiet corner by the window. There were not many people in the cafe on weekdays, and soon Ji Zeming came over with coffee.
Xu Qingye looked up at him. Ji Zeming looked a bit feminine, the delicate type, with semi-long hair tied into a ponytail at the back of his head. However, his temperament was not feminine at all, and he seemed to be androgynous.
Ji Zeming put down the coffee and smiled at Xu Qingye, showing his fangs in a quite friendly way.
Cao Muan ordered three cups of coffee, and it was obvious that one of them was for him.
"Sit down, it won't bother you to chat for a while."
Xu Qingye pointed to an empty seat and asked Ji Zeming to sit down.
"I'm not busy today, we can chat for a while."
Ji Zeming did not sit down in a hurry, but introduced himself generously first.
"Even though I'm not doing so well right now, I will continue to work hard if I have the chance. I've been running around in productions when I have free time and have secured a few small roles, so my acting skills haven't gotten rusty."
"Don't be nervous, I'm just chatting with you. Sit down first and let me introduce myself briefly. I'm engaged in film and television investment and also do some marketing work. I'm planning to set up an artist studio to test the waters recently, so I don't have any experience in this area. However, because of my film and television investment, I have some resources. Whether I can get them depends on the ability of the artist themselves, so I can't promise you anything. If you are interested, we can sign a short-term contract to test the waters. Since I'm also testing the waters, even if you don't have any announcements, I will give you a base salary of 5,000 yuan per month."
Xu Qingye directly explained the whole situation on his side. To be honest, his conditions were not very attractive. He was just a novice in the industry doing experiments.
But for Ji Zeming, this was already a good opportunity. It provided resources and a basic salary, which was much better than working in a cafe. He nodded without much hesitation.
"I am willing to do so. I will work hard to obtain the resources given by the boss."
Ji Zeming agreed readily, which caught Xu Qingye off guard.
"Don't agree so quickly. I haven't prepared anything yet. Don't worry, give it a few days to think about it. I'll go and form a team first."
Xu Qingye waved his hand. He hadn't found an agent, makeup artist, or anything like that yet. Just having an artist wouldn't be enough.
Xu Qingye originally just wanted to chat casually, but he didn't expect the other party to be so enthusiastic, and he was a little overwhelmed.
"Then I'll wait for your news."
"No, we're talking too fast. I haven't even had my coffee yet, how come it's already been decided?"
Cao Muan was also confused. She had just recommended him, but how come the other party had already negotiated the basic salary?
"You recommended it so confidently, so I have to trust you. Why are you still not satisfied with my promise?"
Xu Qingye drank his coffee elegantly and looked at Cao Muan with doubts.
"That's not what I meant, but this involves the company's business adjustments. Shouldn't we be more cautious?"
Cao Muan organized her words, but after she finished speaking, she felt something was not right, as if she looked down on Ji Zeming, and nothing she said was right.
"Okay, I'm just planning to give it a try anyway. It's settled that Ji Zeming is willing to be the test subject."
"So what do you think? Why do you agree to this?"
Cao Mu'an looked at Ji Zeming again. Shouldn't Ji Zeming be the most cautious? Why did he agree so casually?
"That watch the boss is wearing, if I'm not mistaken, should be a limited edition XXX. The market value is over 8 million. So at least it can guarantee that the company has sufficient funds and the resources it can access will not be bad. The biggest fear of an agency is poverty. Our company is at least wealthy, so I feel at ease."
Ji Zeming said it bluntly. His previous company was too poor, so poor that it couldn't even guarantee the livelihood of its artists. At least Xu Qingye still had a basic salary to receive, and he was already very satisfied.
"Where did you get this watch? Aren't you very frugal?"
Cao Muan looked at Xu Qingye again. Wasn't this guy wearing an electronic watch like her? Why was he wearing a watch worth more than 8 million?
"Oh, I recently reunited with my biological father, and I've become a second-generation rich kid. This watch was given to me by him. He has a lot of connections in the film and television industry. It's just a matter of father and son recognizing each other, and it's a powerful alliance."
Xu Qingye opened his sleeves and waved them in front of Cao Muan's eyes. The diamond reflected charming lights, making Cao Muan a little dizzy.
"Is there any justice in the world? I don't want to hang out with you guys anymore. I'm the only worker here, right?"
"Keep working hard and rely on yourself."
Xu Qingye comforted Cao Muan and added Ji Zeming as a friend.
"Come over in a few days to sign the contract. Also, I just invested in a web drama and am currently auditioning. You should check it out. Talk to Cao Muan first and ask her to be your temporary assistant. I'll arrange a formal agent and assistant for you once I've found one."
Xu Qingye sent the location and crew data to Ji Zeming, and then temporarily handed Ji Zeming over to Cao Muan.
"I've never been an assistant."
"You'll just be responsible for driving, ordering meals, flights, and hotels, and other miscellaneous tasks. You'll only be working for a month at most. Just drive your car first, and the company will reimburse all your expenses."
Xu Qingye's makeshift team was completely scrapped. While he was talking to the two of them, he was chatting with Zhao Wen on the phone, asking Zhao Wen to introduce a reliable agent.
They sat in the coffee shop for less than half an hour and the matter was settled. When Cao Muan went back, he still felt a little unbelievable.
"Is that it?"
"You're being long-winded."
"hehe."
Cao Muan smiled awkwardly, stepped on the accelerator hard and braked suddenly, shaking Xu Qingye so much that he almost vomited.
Xu Qingye naturally wouldn't tell Cao Muan that in his notebook, Ji Zeming's name was written a few names below Shen Que, a definite cash cow!
"Drive well and I'll give you shares."
As soon as Xu Qingye used his ultimate move, Cao Muan immediately became excited.
"Really? How much, fifty?"
"You're dreaming, five." Xu Qingye wanted to roll his eyes. This wasn't the way to rob money. The starting price was fifty. Yi He paid half of the money but didn't dare to ask for more.
"Five is fine, I don't mind, I promise to do my best."
"Help Ji Zeming rent a house first. It will be more private. Also, you should pay more attention to the team's affairs. I will find someone to come for the interview. You and Yi He will be in charge at that time. I'm a bit busy recently and may not be in the company much."
"No problem, leave it to me. But what are you busy with? The New Year is almost here."
Cao Muan nodded and glanced at Xu Qingye in the rearview mirror. It seemed that Shen Que had no schedule recently. He did not participate in the New Year's Eve party or anything like that. He was just filming on the set and did not seem to be very busy.
"I'm busy with social events. My dad wants to introduce me to some big names in the film industry. My schedule is already full. After the New Year, various film award shows are about to begin. Shen Que has a good chance of winning, so I have to make some arrangements."
Xu Qingye felt helpless, as he was also forced to slowly become an adult.
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