Shen Xingsui never expected to hear such a low salary in his life. You know, his current advertising rate is over 100,000 yuan for a single advertisement that takes several days to film.
Three thousand.
He spent half a year on the film set. After deducting the cost of food, transportation, and accommodation, and even the time he wasted during those six months, wasn't that just a waste of money?
Zhang San clearly understood this principle, and he quickly said, "I know, I know. I've been trying to attract investment recently. It will be fine once I find investors."
Shen Xingsui hesitated for a moment, then decided to discuss it with her agent.
When Shen Xingsui came to see her, Wang Meican had no idea what surprising things her artist would say. She was still asking, "How's the production of your song?"
Shen Xingsui replied, "It went very well, very smoothly."
"That's fine then." Wang Meican said, holding a folder in her hand, "To be honest, Sui Sui, for the past two years, all the gigs we've gotten for you have been music-related, song production, and variety shows to keep you popular. Although your dream is great and your music production is also very good, you should know that music actually... doesn't make money."
Shen Xingsui understands this principle: a company can't just train artists to help them realize their dreams; agents need to eat, and teams need to eat too.
"Sister Wang, I'll accept whatever arrangements you make for me." Shen Xingsui said honestly and obediently, "As long as you're still willing to let me continue writing songs."
He's always so honest and well-behaved, it melts everyone's heart.
Wang Meican quickly said, "Don't worry, Sui Sui, I won't stop you from writing songs. But I've looked at your schedule over the past two years, and even if it's just to keep up with current trends, I'm thinking of getting you some TV drama and movie roles."
These words coincided with Shen Xingsui's thoughts!
Shen Xingsui first probed, "Sister Wang, do you have any good resources?"
Wang Meican sighed. This was exactly what was troubling her: "The roles you've been offered so far, the ones inviting you to play the lead, are all idol dramas."
Shen Xingsui took the document from her and glanced at the titles of the scripts: "The Fiery Princess and the Iceberg Prince," "School Heartthrob, Don't Go," and "Domineering CEO, Don't Spoil Me"...
Shen Xingsui hesitated for a moment: "Maybe we should just forget it. I'm afraid I can't handle it."
“If you play the male lead in these idol dramas, you can only make quick money.” Wang Meican said, “And in other higher-quality movies and TV series, if you play a supporting role, you can’t compete with veteran actors for screen time. You’re too young, and your image doesn’t quite meet the requirements of some actors.”
Taking the opportunity, Shen Xingsui said, "Sister Wang, I've recently come across a script that I think is really good. What do you think of it?"
Shen Xingsui also liked Zhang Sansan's script. He gave a brief overview of the story and shared his thoughts and interpretations of the script, allowing Wang Meican to learn more about it.
Wang Meican paused for a moment and then said, "Then... what about the pay?"
Shen Xingsui told the truth.
Wang Meican remained silent for even longer. She had never heard of such an outrageous film crew in her life. Even extras were paid more than this. They wanted to hire her daughter, whom they considered a "cabbage," for only three thousand yuan? Did they really think she was a "cabbage"?
"Unless he can secure sponsorship and investment," Wang Meican threw the script down, "otherwise, forget it!"
Shen Xingsui nodded obediently: "Okay, then I'll go talk to him."
Wang Meican seemed somewhat surprised, her expression softening considerably as she chuckled, "If you're so eager to act, won't you be upset if I stop you?"
Shen Xingsui found her phone, chuckled upon hearing this, and shook her head, saying, "No, you're my manager, you're definitely doing this for my own good. I'm not alone, the whole team is by my side, so of course I can't just think about my own happiness."
Wang Meican is feeling so comfortable.
When Fu Jinxiao asked her to take over Shen Xingsui, she was a little reluctant because he was young and had just entered the industry. As a young master, he was bound to be a bit willful. But she didn't expect that after getting to know him, Shen Xingsui would be so sensible that she couldn't help but be happy.
Wang Meican softened her heart and said, "The script for this film is very good. If the director is also very skilled, it might be an award-winning film. However, its theme is pure love, which is unprecedented in the market. Investors and sponsors will definitely wait and see before making a move."
Shen Xingsui nodded: "I know."
Wang Meican smiled at Shen Xingsui again: "But... it's not entirely hopeless."
Shen Xingsui's eyes lit up.
This was the first time he realized how powerful his agent was, and the first time he understood the importance of money. Bringing his own investment to the production team and becoming a film investor were things he had never understood before, but Wang Meican solved them all one by one.
Shen Xingsui discussed this matter with Zhang Sansan, who readily agreed. The contract they signed was an investment contract. Out of gratitude for Shen Xingsui's help, Shen Xingsui would take the lion's share of the box office revenue after the film's release.
It took almost half a month of discussion to fully conclude this matter.
Zhang San San said to him, "Sui Sui, I have been paying attention to you for a long time. At first, I was attracted by your composition. Later, I got to know you more in detail in the variety show 'Starlight'. Because of your goddess dance, your goddess image is particularly deep in my heart. It was because of that image that I created the character Fang Zhiwen in 'Lonely City'."
The script for "The Lonely City" is actually set in ancient times.
Young Fang Zhiwen is a tragic figure. He lost his father at a young age, and his mother worked hard to send him to school. At the academy, he met another protagonist, Xu Yan. For Fang Zhiwen, Xu Yan was the most important salvation in his life. The young and promising Xu Yan, who came from a prominent family, was initially indifferent, but he was gradually moved and later became friends with Fang Zhiwen.
Years later, the two were separated due to an unexpected event.
Fang Zhiwen became a street performer, while Xu Yan became a renowned general.
After their reunion, their youthful friendship remained. Xu Yan took Fang Zhiwen into his life, and Fang Zhiwen joined the army to help Xu Yan win many battles. They had a life-or-death bond and friendship. Just when Fang Zhiwen thought that Xu Yan would accept her feelings, Xu Yan returned to the capital to report and was ordered to marry the princess.
When the news reached the border, Fang Zhiwen could not believe it.
But Xu Yan didn't send a single word of explanation, which made him even more miserable...
Afterwards, Xu Yan took the princess back to the border to search for soldiers, which made Fang Zhiwen feel even more hopeless. The enemy army that had been repelled launched a night attack to capture the princess, and there were also local accomplices in the army. This sudden change caught everyone off guard.
...
Shen Xingsui suddenly realized and said, "I knew that's why Fang Zhiwen ended up wearing the princess's goddess dress."
Zhang San nodded and smiled, "It's all because of your goddess attire that I became a leader. I was thinking that if a boy with a strong and resolute spirit wore this sacred robe, he would look just like this."
“It’s a pity…” Shen Xingsui sighed as she thought of the ending of the script: “Fang Zhiwen’s love was too pure, and Xu Yan came too late.”
Xu Yan's marriage to the princess was a scheme orchestrated by his enemies, who conspired to kidnap the princess and seize the throne.
He wanted to become emperor, marry Fang Zhiwen openly and honorably, and give his beloved child the position of empress. He was worried that the message would be discovered, so he wanted to bear it alone.
He wanted to give Fang Zhiwen a surprise when the plan succeeded.
But that person, in order to ensure his and the princess's safety, disobeyed Xu Yan's retreat plan. He put on the goddess's robes and stood on the lonely city. In order to divert attention and ensure Xu Yan and the princess could leave safely, he ultimately perished in the flames.
Holding the script, Shen Xingsui said, "Actually, when I read the script for the first time, I thought Fang Zhiwen was really stupid. He had many choices, so why did he choose to die?"
Zhang Sansan, standing nearby, spit out some water and said, "Perhaps for him, this is the best ending."
He knew he was already dead the moment he learned that Xu Yan was getting married to the princess.
Who knows if dying in the fire wasn't a kind of relief for him?
Shen Xingsui wasn't quite confident about the role of Fang Zhiwen, so she asked, "By the way, Director Zhang, are Fang Zhiwen's childhood and adulthood portrayed by two different people?"
Zhang San San replied, "I think you can do it all by yourself. You have a youthful appearance, and you should be able to handle Fang Zhiwen when he was young."
Shen Xingsui was both amused and exasperated: "Isn't it to save money?"
Zhang San chuckled and scratched his head, saying, "Actually, I found one of my classmates from the acting department to play the young Xu Yan, but the adult General Xu, with his cautious approach, mature forbearance, and decisiveness on the battlefield, is not something my classmate could portray."
Shen Xingsui understood, and asked, "Then who are you considering?"
Zhang San gave Shen Xingsui a meaningful look, then smiled somewhat sheepishly: "Actually, I also have someone I'd like to have in mind..."
Shen Xingsui suddenly had a bad feeling: "Who is it?"
“I think if anyone could perfectly portray Xu Yan, it would be Fu Jinxiao.” Zhang Sansan showed an admiring expression: “Besides Teacher Fu, I can’t think of anyone else in the entertainment industry.”
Shen Xingsui fell silent.
Zhang Sansan coughed lightly: "Do you think he would agree if I went to Teacher Fu's humble abode three times to ask him to come?"
Shen Xingsui also took a breath: "Let me put it this way, with the monthly salary you asked for of three thousand, the chances are probably zero."
"..."
Is it really necessary to be so cruel?
As they were talking, Shen Xingsui received a call from Fu Jinxiao on his way back. He quickly answered, a smile unconsciously appearing at the corner of his eye: "Teacher Fu?"
"Hmm." Fu Jinxiao's voice came from the other end of the phone. The man said slowly, "I heard you signed the contract?"
Shen Xingsui was surprised by his good news, but still nodded: "Yes, it's already signed. I was just about to call you."
Fu Jinxiao chuckled lightly: "Really? I thought Teacher Shen wouldn't have thought of me."
"How could that be?" Shen Xingsui said as she walked outside while making a phone call. "Did you hear about it from Sister Wang?"
Fu Jinxiao replied, "I've reviewed the contract for you, there are no problems. Now that it's signed, let's film it properly."
Shen Xingsui was surprised that Fu Jinxiao would personally review the contract for him. He felt a warmth in his heart. He knew that this man was very busy, extremely busy, and rarely had time to rest. But even so busy, he still took his own affairs very seriously.
Shen Xingsui said softly, "You're so busy, yet you still helped me review the contract."
There was some noise on Fu Jinxiao's side, but it soon quieted down, and a man's voice slowly came from there: "There are some loopholes in the entertainment industry's contracts, and many of them take advantage of newcomers. What can I do if I don't go through it for you? If you get scammed, you'll have to spend your own time coaxing them."
"..."
Shen Xingsui felt a sudden mix of emotions, from a lump in her throat to sweetness.
Finally, somewhat embarrassed, he said, "I'm not that delicate."
"Yes, yes, yes, Teacher Shen is amazing."
Fu Jinxiao responded slowly, drawing out his tone. Shen Xingsui could almost imagine the lazy smile on the man's handsome face through the screen, a smile that was a little mischievous but extremely charming.
The more I imagine it, the more I miss it.
They hadn't seen each other for more than ten days, and he was about to start filming again, so he didn't know when they would meet again.
I wish we could meet...
I wish we could see each other more often; I really miss him.
Shen Xingsui remained silent for a moment, but even though he didn't say anything, the person on the other end of the phone noticed it and Fu Jinxiao called his name softly: "Sui Sui".
Shen Xingsui was taken aback, and replied, "What's wrong?"
Fu Jinxiao's voice was decisive: "Hang up the phone."
Shen Xingsui didn't realize why the call was being hung up, but Fu Jinxiao had already hung up. He felt a little wronged and before he could even ask why, another request popped up – a video call.
Shen Xingsui was both happy and anxious. She quickly looked at her appearance in the mirror before answering the video call.
The face that appeared on the other end of the video was the one I had been longing for. Fu Yingdi truly lived up to his reputation as having the face most suited for the big screen. He is very handsome in real life, but even without beauty filters and effects, he still looks great on screen.
Fu Jinxiao's side looked like a balcony for a banquet.
"What are you doing?" Fu Jinxiao said, leaning against the balcony railing. "You haven't answered for so long."
Shen Xingsui breathed softly, glancing at him with a hint of resentment: "Tidy yourself up."
Fu Jinxiao was taken aback, then chuckled lightly: "You're quite concerned about your image. You don't need to be so nervous next time. After all, I've seen you looking disheveled in the morning. How could I possibly find fault with you?"
“That’s different…” Shen Xingsui muttered, then said softly, “After all, we haven’t seen each other for a long time, so let’s be more formal.”
Although his voice was very soft, Fu Jinxiao still heard it.
The man's casual smile slowly faded, and his eyes darkened as he looked at Shen Xingsui. Then, a hint of tenderness appeared on his face, and he said softly, "My work here will be finished in a while. When you're about to start filming over there, I'll come visit you on set."
Shen Xingsui suddenly became happy: "Really?"
Fu Jinxiao nodded: "Mm."
Speaking of this, Shen Xingsui suddenly thought of the script that Director Zhang had mentioned. She wondered if Director Zhang had contacted Fu Jinxiao yet, and whether Fu Jinxiao would agree.
Shen Xingsui had no intention of getting involved in how Zhang Sansan would invite Teacher Fu. Of course, he wanted to, and hoped to, make a movie with Teacher Fu. After all, he had liked Teacher Fu for so many years, and it would be an incredible honor to work with this man.
However, he hopes that if it is a collaboration, it must be something Fu Jinxiao herself is willing to do.
He doesn't like accepting a case out of consideration for someone else or because of someone else's pleading, so he prefers to remain silent.
...
One month later
The studio was bustling with people, and the flashes of cameras and other equipment were constantly going off.
The man standing in front of the camera was dressed in a trendy dark blue outfit. Fu Jinxiao didn't even blink as the camera flashed directly at him. His body proportions were perfect, like a model's. Years of shooting experience made his movements very smooth, and he basically didn't need the photographers' instructions.
Very soon:
"good."
"knock off."
"Thank you, Teacher Fu."
"Thank you for your hard work, Teacher Fu!"
After the magazine photoshoot was over and the work was finished, Fu Jinxiao stepped off the stage. Her assistant, Feifei, quickly handed her water: "Today's schedule is basically finished. We have a press conference interview to attend tomorrow afternoon. If nothing unexpected happens, we should be able to return to China the day after tomorrow. I have already booked your plane ticket for the day after tomorrow."
Fu Jinxiao, holding a water glass, said, "Isn't it supposed to end tomorrow afternoon? Then let's book flights for tonight."
Feifei was taken aback.
They were originally scheduled to stay abroad for a month and a half. They were here to shoot a promotional video for a high-end luxury brand, as well as shoot a magazine for Fu's own products. There were also many other banquets and parties, and they would meet with some well-known musicians. All these engagements would take at most a month to complete.
Unexpectedly, Fu Jinxiao was working at a high intensity and hardly rested. When he was particularly tired and sleepy, he would use the time on the bus and during the journey to adjust. He managed to compress the time into a month. Unexpectedly, he did not rest on the last night and went straight back to China.
Feifei smiled unconsciously and teased, "Do you miss Teacher Shen?"
Fu Jinxiao glanced at her indifferently, her eyes containing a warning, but she did not deny it.
Feifei is definitely a clever little devil. They are usually very afraid of Fu Jinxiao, but when Teacher Fu is in a good mood, they can tease him as they please, especially when talking about their lovers, Fu Jinxiao is in the best mood.
Feifei said, "What's there to be embarrassed about regarding Teacher Shen? You're always so reserved, aren't you afraid someone will snatch him away?"
Fu Jinxiao chuckled, walked to the lounge, opened the door, and the man sat down on the sofa with an air of nonchalance, lazily letting the makeup artist remove his makeup while slowly saying, "Absolutely impossible."
Feifei snorted lightly: "You're just taking advantage of Teacher Shen's liking for you."
They were chatting, and the makeup artist and costume designer were there too. They were all from Fu Jinxiao's own team and were very familiar with each other.
The makeup artist asked, "Are you talking about Teacher Shen?"
Feifei nodded: "Yes."
"Wow, Mr. Shen is getting a lot of attention lately." The makeup artist said with a smile, "Although I'm abroad, my sister really likes him. Didn't Mr. Shen recently announce a movie? What's it called? I think it's called 'The Lonely City'?"
Feifei also became interested: "Gucheng has already made it official."
The makeup artist nodded: "Yes, yes, and then they officially announced a poster featuring young Xu Yan and Fang Zhiwen."
"Is it that poster? I saw it too! Oh my god, I never thought I'd find two guys standing together so alluring." The costume designer chimed in, "I even saved that poster as my wallpaper! Teacher Shen and Jiang Chao, who plays Xu Yan, look so good together!"
Apart from the assistant, the makeup artist and costume designer were unaware of the relationship between Fu Jinxiao and Shen Xingsui, assuming it was just a normal master-disciple relationship.
So neither of them noticed that the boss's expression was getting increasingly unpleasant, and they even reached out and said, "What poster? Let me see," while they were shipping the couple.
The costume designer, as if she had found a sister she could recommend, went on and on: "It's this poster, Brother Fu, look at the distance between them, the hands that were halfway clasped but had to separate, oh my god, this composition is absolutely amazing! Although the costumes look like they weren't made with a lot of budget, their good looks make up for it and they have a natural couple vibe, waah, they look so well-matched, what do you think, Brother Fu?"
An unsettling silence fell over the air.
Fu Jinxiao looked at the two people in the photo, their poses intimate, her eyes narrowed dangerously, and a fake, friendly smile appeared on her lips. She looked up at the stylist, slowly opened her lips, and every word seemed to contain a profound meaning: "Do you think they are a good match?"
"..."
The costume designer suddenly felt a chill down her spine.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
