Chapter 482 Facing Reality
Early in the morning, the crew of "Joy of Life" was running at high speed like a sophisticated but noisy machine.
In a corner of the temporarily designated rest area on the set, there was a subtle atmosphere of tacit understanding.
Lead actress Jing Tian had just had her assistant deliver a round of iced American coffee to the entire crew, and was now surrounded by several supporting actresses, chatting and laughing.
Dressed in an extravagant costume, with picturesque features and a bright smile, she listened to the slightly flattering teasing from those around her.
Since joining the crew, the heroine has been famous for her generosity. She bombards herself with coffee, milk tea, and desserts, acting like she has no shortage of money.
Coupled with those luxurious film and television resources, the word "relative" is almost written clearly on his face.
Not far away, a huge parasol cast a small shade.
Li Xiaoran sat alone on a folding chair, with the glass of iced American coffee that she had gotten by luck placed on the table in front of her.
Born in 1976, she just turned 37. Her makeup is meticulously done, but it can't hide the depression between her brows.
The role she played in "Joy of Life" is Jingtian's mother, Princess Li Yunrui.
This character is complex and sinister, with great dramatic tension. It is a "good pie" for any talented actor, but the huge gap in generation really makes her feel mixed emotions.
His eyes inadvertently swept across the laughter.
Although Jingtian cannot compare with the "Double Liu, Yang, and Zhao" and several of the most popular 85 flowers, she can also be regarded as a non-staff member of that circle.
Now is the era when the 85 flowers occupy the top resources in the entertainment industry, and the living space of middle-aged actresses born in the 1970s like her has been severely squeezed.
In the past two years, there have been very few books handed to me, and even fewer that are outstanding.
It took her agent a lot of trouble to get her into the huge project "Joy of Life".
I had hoped to get an important female role of the same generation, but unexpectedly, what I got in the end was the "Princess".
If she accepts it, it will be tantamount to publicly admitting that she has become a "mother" and it will be embarrassing to carry the sedan chair for a young actress.
I turned it down, but I couldn't bear to give up the exposure and generous pay of this top-notch production.
After much deliberation, her career ultimately won out and she accepted the role. But the frustration she felt inside has been lingering ever since.
It was especially exciting to see Jingtian, a young girl with a mysterious background and astonishingly good resources, being praised by everyone. Her every move revealed the calm and noble air nurtured by wealth and power.
I couldn't help but complain in my heart: His acting skills are just average, he just has someone supporting him behind the scenes. Such a resourceful person really makes me angry.
Just as I was lost in thought, the executive producer hurriedly passed by with a young girl and a male actor.
She recognized the actor, he was the child star Zhang Yishan.
The girl next to him looked unfamiliar and very young, with a hint of childishness still on her face. However, her eyes and eyebrows were lively, and her gaze was quite spiritual.
Li Xiaoran raised her chin and nodded slightly in that direction, then asked the assistant beside her: "Who does that little girl play? She looks so young."
The assistant was well-informed and immediately whispered back, "Sister Ran, that's Tangren Film's newest talent this year, Chen Yao. She plays the second female lead, Fan Ruoruo."
"The second female lead, Fan Ruoruo?" Li Xiaoran raised her slender eyebrows, her tone tinged with sarcasm. "Oh, whose connections are these again? Our crew is almost becoming a hub for connections."
Needless to say, the leading female role Jing Tian; as for Zhang Ruoyun, it is said that director Ma Xin chose the leading male role against all odds.
But who in the industry didn't know his father was the renowned producer and director Zhang Jian? She absolutely wouldn't believe it if she said there was no such relationship involved.
The assistant fell silent, lowered his head and didn't dare to respond.
Li Xiaoran's mood became even worse, and an inexplicable restlessness lingered in his heart.
A thought suddenly popped into my mind: There will be a scene of confrontation with Jingtian's mother and daughter later.
Perhaps, they could be a little more "serious" when filming, and give this young lady who is the center of attention a bit more intensity, so that she can truly experience the pressure brought by acting.
At this moment, the phone rang. It was her agent calling. Li Xiaoran moved to a quiet corner and answered the call.
"Xiao Ran, is everything going well on the set?" Agent Sister Yao's voice was filled with concern.
She knew the artist she was managing too well. He had good acting skills and a unique temperament, but he had a stubborn temper and always caused some trouble every one or two years.
This time, she joined the crew of "Joy of Life" to play the role of "Princess", fearing that this young lady would cause trouble again.
"What can I do? It's just like that." Li Xiaoran said in a dull and listless tone, "Just be a good mother to others."
A light sigh came from the other end of the phone, and Sister Yao softened her tone: "My aunt, please don't feel wronged.
Things are different now. How many people are scrambling to get in on this project? Look at the long term. If you play the role of the eldest princess well, the topic will not be low. "
After a pause, he lowered his voice even more, "To be honest, you are not young anymore, and you have to face reality.
Those 85 flowers are all very young, and the next few years may be their peak. This time, playing the role of "mother" is just a way to adapt in advance.
Li Xiaoran looked at the sun rising gradually in the sky, unwilling to admit that her youth was gone, but every word Sister Yao said was a heartbreaking fact.
Pursing her lips, she spoke with a hint of reluctance: "I'm just upset. That Jingtian and..."
Before she could finish her words, she was interrupted by Sister Yao, who said in a rare serious tone: "We must save face on Jingtian's side.
There are several versions of who is behind her, but none of them are people we can afford to offend.
Sister Yao tried to persuade her earnestly: "Think about it, 'Nan Shishi and Bei Tiantian' are known as the two most resourceful people in the circle, so you should understand her importance.
Don't be foolish enough to offend her. It won't hurt to have a good relationship with such a resourceful person.
Look at Tangren Film and Television, they cling to Liu Shishi's thighs, eating and taking things, how much glory they have gained...
"Alright, alright, I get it." Li Xiaoran impatiently stopped the agent from lecturing. "I'm not a fool. I know my limits."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, and then the tone suddenly became cheerful: "Don't be upset, I have good news for you."
Li Xiaoran's eyes flashed with anticipation, and she unconsciously stood up straight: "What good news?"
"I've got you a new role in a new drama, the female lead." Sister Yao's voice was filled with laughter. "It's the urban drama 'A Good Man' produced by Tengda Culture. The male lead is Wang Zhiwen. It's a good asset."
"Really?" Li Xiaoran was overjoyed, the gloom in her heart vanishing. The leading actress in a Tengda Culture drama was a highly sought-after character in the industry, and many people fought tooth and nail to get the role.
"Guaranteed! Yu Feihong, Tian Yu and others will also be in the show."
Li Xiaoran was stunned: "Why are they all from the crew of "Joy of Life"?
"Hmph!" the agent snorted, "Why do you think all the big names in the industry come to play supporting roles in 'Joy of Life'?
Isn't it just to establish a relationship with Tengda Culture? Tengda produces so many movies and TV shows every year. If you don't establish a relationship with them first, how can they think of you when they have good things to offer?
Sister Yao said earnestly, "It's true that 'playing a mother' is a bit unfair to you, but the path has been set up, so won't the resources come?"
"Thank you, Sister Yao." Li Xiaoran had to admit that the agent was more professional when it came to resource management.
"I won't talk to you any more. I'm just telling you the good news so you can calm down."
After Yao had calmed him down, she changed the subject, "There might be some changes to the blockbuster film produced by Pony.com and LeTV Pictures. I'm trying to find out."
"That 'The Crossing' movie directed by Wu Yusen and budgeted 400 million?" Li Xiaoran's eyes lit up and he asked curiously, "What's going on? Isn't Zhang Ziyi confirmed to be the lead?"
Yao explained: "Zhang Ziyi's box office performance in 'The Grandmaster' fell short of expectations, and coupled with the negative news surrounding her, the investors were not very happy with her and were worried that it would affect the box office."
"I see." Li Xiaoran nodded. But for such a big production, even if Zhang Ziyi was replaced, it wouldn't be her turn. She had some self-awareness.
As if she understood what Li Xiaoran was thinking, Sister Yao continued, "One thing can affect the whole body!
If Zhang Ziyi is replaced and changes occur, the supporting roles may also change. If you don't fight for it, there will definitely be no chance, but what if there is a chance?
Li Xiaoran paused and said solemnly, "Then I'll trouble Sister Yao to take care of it."
After the call ended, the executive producer clapped his hands and announced, "Everyone, please prepare. The next scene is the confrontation between the Princess and Lin Wan'er in the bedroom! Teacher Li, Teacher Jing, please help!"
Hearing the voice, Li Xiaoran adjusted the hem of her dark purple palace dress calmly.
Jing Tian also heard the announcement, stopped talking, and walked towards the filming area. When he passed by Li Xiaoran, he still nodded and smiled politely: "Teacher Li."
"Ms. Jing." Li Xiaoran responded in a calm tone, even with a hint of indescribable calmness than before.
······
On the 11th floor of the International Financial Center Building on Beijing Financial Street, two adjacent signs hang quietly: Huiwen Investment and Poetry Fund.
This is the office of Liu Shishi’s newly established investment company.
It was a chilly spring day. Liu Shishi was wrapped in a thin, long brown windbreaker, with sunglasses covering her face. Her high heels tapped against the marble floor, and the crisp sound echoed in the corridor. Her steps were calm and her aura was fully on display.
Behind him, two assistants, Lin Xia and Su Xiaoxiao, followed closely behind him. The three of them overlapped together, looking like a domineering female CEO.
Her husband was still attending a national conference. When she heard Zhang Tong report that everything was ready, she came to the company early in the morning to check it out.
Pushing open the glass door, a spacious and bright reception area greets you. Its light gray and champagne gold color scheme exudes professionalism and rigor while also creating a warm and gentle atmosphere.
Zhang Tong had already been waiting at the door with several senior executives. When he saw the boss come in, he immediately stepped forward and greeted him with a smile, "Hello, Mr. Liu."
The employees of Huiwen Investment all looked up and recognized the top actress at a glance. They couldn't help but whisper to each other, wondering if she was an important client of the company.
Zhang Tong's smile deepened as he introduced everyone in a clear voice: "Everyone, this is Ms. Liu Shishi, the founder and chairwoman of Huiwen Investment."
Everyone was stunned at first, and then surprise appeared on their faces.
I originally thought Huiwen was just a small startup company, but I didn't expect it to be personally run by the wife of the richest man. With such a strong background, I suddenly felt that the future was bright.
After a brief greeting, Zhang Tong accompanied Liu Shishi on a tour of the company. "This is the Investment Management Department, the company's most core department. Over here are Risk Control, Compliance and Legal, Marketing and Branding..."
As we walked around, we introduced that although the company was newly established and the team consists of less than 30 people, it has clear divisions and streamlined operations.
The open workstations are dotted with green plants and leisure sofas. The tea room is fully equipped with coffee machines, teas, and snacks. The overall atmosphere is warm and efficient.
Liu Shishi walked through the office area and into her own office. The bronze plaque above the door, which read "Chairman's Office," glowed faintly.
Standing in front of the door, I seemed to be back in a trance, as if I had returned to the day many years ago when I first walked into the office of the chairman of Tengda Culture with my husband.
Now, I have become the chairman of an investment company. Life is truly amazing.
Zhang Tong left in a hurry after reporting the basic situation of the company. The company was newly established and there were too many things waiting for her to deal with.
Liu Shishi sat down at her large desk and carefully reviewed the information Zhang Tong had left behind. Since she'd decided to invest, she couldn't just be a layman. Finance was a complex field, and she needed to get started as soon as possible.
I picked up a few financial reports of listed companies and read them carefully. The dense numbers and endless terminology made me dizzy.
Just as I was rubbing my temples and trying to take a break, the phone suddenly rang. It was Jiang Yuanyuan, the general manager of the studio.
"Hello, Yuanyuan?" Liu Shishi leaned lazily against the back of her chair, taking the opportunity to catch her breath.
"Shishi, let me report to you on the progress of Red Sorghum in Shanying." Jiang Yuanyuan spoke briskly but with a steady tone.
"Go ahead."
"Shanying reduced the cost to 130 million yuan according to our suggestions. Zhou Xun's salary was reduced by 10 million yuan, and the fees of other actors and screenwriters were also reduced by 10 million yuan."
Liu Shishi was slightly surprised. "Didn't they say they had no shortage of investment? Why are they willing to cut the budget?"
"It was Director Zheng Xiaolong who strongly requested it. He said if we didn't invest, he wouldn't shoot it."
Liu Shishi raised her eyebrows: "Why?"
Jiang Yuanyuan laughed and said, "Shanying insisted on using Zhou Xun. Director Zheng was afraid that he couldn't control this triple-Award-winning actress and that there would be trouble on the crew.
On the one hand, they insisted on inviting Qin Hailu to join as a check and balance, and on the other hand, they insisted on getting the studio to invest, hoping to use our reputation as a strong investor to suppress Zhou Xun's limelight."
"Older people are more experienced," Liu Shishi sighed. "Director Zheng really knows how to keep these big names who 'come down to earth' to make TV shows in check."
After a pause, he asked again, "Did Zhou Xun agree so readily?"
"If she doesn't agree, she'll have to replace her. She must have weighed the pros and cons in the end. 20 million is already a lot of money, and everyone else is taking a pay cut. There's no point in her making a scene alone."
"We shouldn't have spoiled him in the first place," Liu Shishi said calmly. "This actually saves us 20 million yuan."
"Then shall we vote?" Jiang Yuanyuan asked.
Liu Shishi hesitated for a moment before decisively deciding, "Since Shanying is sincere and Director Zheng is so strongly inviting us, the studio will invest."
Jiang Yuanyuan agreed: "Understood, I will go and finalize the details with Shanying right away."
After hanging up the phone, Liu Shishi looked out the window and saw the endless stream of cars on the financial street. She raised the corners of her mouth slightly.
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(End of this chapter)
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