Chapter 44 Speechless [VIP]
Chapter Summary: The worst outcome is nothing more than...
I can't understand this bizarre move by the agent.
Mu Zhi has expressed to her agent her desire to develop in the film and television industry. After successfully completing the filming of "The Bell Ringer", Shang Jian, as her agent, should focus on helping her find resources for her next film.
If there are no good film and television resources, it is understandable that the company has to arrange for its artists to work.
However, Mu Zhi did not make it into the group, and "The Bell Ringer" was not broadcast. Netizens' impression of her remained that of an idol who participated in a talent show.
Going on TV to talk about dating? Shang Jian must be out of his mind.
What will fans and netizens think of her?
The fans will be so shocked they'll all flee overnight.
Without even thinking, Mu Zhi refused outright: "At this stage, I am not considering recording any more dating reality shows."
"I want to take on acting roles and film movies."
Shang Jian had anticipated Mu Zhi's response. Leaning back on the sofa, he crossed his legs and said unhurriedly, "Whether 'The Bell Ringer' can be broadcast smoothly is still a question."
Looking up at Mu Zhi, a mocking smile curled at the corner of her lips: "You look down on the resources arranged by the company, yet you're already thinking about playing the female lead right from your debut."
He tapped the table a few times with his hand, and reminded her impatiently, "Right now, not to mention a representative work, you don't even have a single piece of work. With such high standards, I'm afraid I don't have a script that can satisfy you."
You young girls, your ambitions are sky-high. In the entertainment industry, countless people are fighting tooth and nail for a single role. It's not as simple as you think; you have to work your way up. Don't think that just because you landed a lead role in a role, you'll become a star.
He patiently persuaded her, "Going on variety shows is great, it's easy and you make money quickly..."
It's almost the end of the year.
Let Mu Zhi record some variety shows, take on some promotions, and make an appearance at a few grand events in the next two or three months.
I'll consider filming again after "The Bell Ringer" airs next year.
Based on observations over the past few months.
Shang Jian admitted that Mu Zhi was a rare talent with great potential, but if a disobedient artist ran away after being promoted by the company, wouldn't that be a waste of time?
After careful consideration, he decided to temper Mu Zhi's temper and prevent her from taking advantage of him as her agent.
But Shang Jian didn't realize that simply suppressing and belittling an artist wouldn't keep them in check; it would only push them away.
Mu Zhi had tolerated the agent's arrogant attitude for a long time and didn't want to play dumb and deal with him anymore.
Let's just lay it all out on the table.
"The company made me famous, and I made money for the company. We all acted according to the contract and got what we needed. As an agent, your responsibility is to plan the artist's career based on their conditions and characteristics."
"As a newcomer, I landed the lead role in an overseas drama through my own ability and luck, and filming went smoothly. Don't I have any potential to develop in acting? And what about you, my agent?"
Shang Jian was dumbfounded, not expecting the artist to dare to contradict him like that.
Ignoring the question, I listened as Mu Zhi continued speaking.
"Aside from giving me two terrible movie scripts at the beginning, you never gave me any film or television resources. You constantly belittled and suppressed me, trying to make me realize that 'reality' meant I could only stay at the company."
Are you worried that I'm too ambitious and will leave the company sooner or later? But have you considered that this isn't the artist's problem, but rather a problem with the company and your abilities as their manager?
Mu Zhi stood up and looked down at Shang Jian.
He sneered, "You only treat artists as tools to make money, and only think about exploiting them; in turn, the artists will only treat the company as a stepping stone, and will leave naturally when they have a better platform."
As an agent who's been in the industry for almost ten years, you should keep up with the times. Put away your manipulative tactics; they won't work on me.
If she agrees to take on one dating reality show today, there will be 2, 3, 4, 5 more...
Saying "no" to your agent will at worst result in being sidelined or blacklisted.
Let it be shelved.
Mu Zhi doesn't want to become a variety show personality; she wants to retain as much mystery as possible as an actress.
Even though she is currently a minor idol, she has her own pride and bottom line.
He finished giving his manager a good talking-to.
Without looking at the expression on his agent Shang Jian's face, he walked out of the office without turning back.
After leaving the Galaxy Culture building.
Mu Zhi plans to contact a real estate agent to look at houses.
As soon as I unlocked my phone, I saw a new message pop up in the "Botanical Garden of Beautiful Girls" group.
Upon opening the app, Zhou Jingzhu and Liu Cai learned that Mu Zhi's new film had wrapped up filming.
I asked her if she had any free time to get together in the last couple of days, and inquired whether she had secured a role in her next film.
Mu Zhi replied in the group chat.
[Zhizhi] I'm going to take a short vacation soon.
[Zhuzhu]? What's going on?
Mu Zhi briefly explained the unpleasant incident with her agent.
[Zhuzhu] This lousy company is better off not staying here. Zhizhi, should we consider changing jobs?
Before filming wrapped up, Mu Zhi had anticipated this situation.
After falling out with Shang Jian.
She plans to keep an eye out for projects starting filming in the next few months, and if there are any roles that interest her, she'll try to audition. She also wants to use this time to learn about the major talent agencies in the industry and see what kind of compensation they offer...
[Zhuzhu] My company, Xingyao Entertainment, mainly deals with talent shows, idols, and fashion. We don't have many film and television resources. Otherwise, I would have recommended you, Zhizhi, to be my fellow agency member.
Liu Cai popped up in the group chat.
[CaiCai] ZhiZhi, I'll introduce you to the company. Why don't you give it a try?
Just as Mu Zhi was about to thank Zhou Jingzhu and Liu Cai for their kindness, the phone suddenly rang.
I glanced at the notes; it was from Ji Binghe, the talent agent director of Lanxing Media.
One doesn't visit the temple without a reason.
Could it be that Director Ji's purpose in calling was what I thought?
Mu Zhi hesitated for two seconds before answering the phone.
Ji Binghe's voice came from the other end of the phone, asking Mu Zhi very directly: "Mu Zhi, are you free to meet up at noon today?"
Mu Zhi: "Director Ji, are you free? Where would you like to meet?"
Ji Binghe gave the name of a private restaurant, "Do you need me to send a car to pick you up?"
"No need, I'll take a taxi."
After hanging up the phone.
Mu Zhi glanced at the time; it was about time to head to the restaurant where she had arranged to meet Ji Binghe.
He hailed a car and left the coffee shop.
In fact, Ji Binghe had greeted him and made friendly gestures once or twice, and had taken the initiative to add his contact information.
Mu Zhi then realized that Ji Binghe intended to sign her.
However, Mu Zhi thought that Ji Binghe would contact her after her drama aired and she achieved success.
I didn't expect them to come looking for me so soon.
They acted quickly, but how much sincerity they showed is another matter.
A high-end restaurant.
Mu Zhi was led by a waiter to the private room that Ji Binghe had reserved.
As soon as I pushed open the door, I found that Ji Binghe had already arrived.
It must have just arrived.
He was hanging up his black coat.
Ji Binghe, with short hair and red lips, wore a white silk shirt and black trousers, paired with black high heels. This outfit, common among powerful career women, seemed to be made of armor that was impenetrable to swords by her strong aura.
Ji Binghe reached out her hand to Mu Zhi: "Teacher Mu, we meet again."
"Director Ji, hello."
"Have a seat. We have some of our signature dishes that are quite good. You should try them."
"Let's eat first, and then we can talk."
During the meal, when the signature dishes were served, Ji Binghe would introduce each dish to Mu Zhi.
Contrary to her cold exterior, Ji Binghe is very approachable in private.
Like the boss He Zhiyue, they both changed Mu Zhi's opinion.
She began to become curious about the company, Lanxing Media.
After the meal, Ji Binghe ordered a pot of light tea.
Then, Mu Zhi and I got down to business.
Ji Binghe seemed to know that Mu Zhi knew the purpose of her invitation to dinner. In fact, during their previous two encounters, she had not hidden her admiration for Mu Zhi.
Adding contact information is a very obvious hint.
We are all intelligent people, and now we are sitting at the table to talk.
That's how the thin layer of window paper was pierced.
"Last time, Mr. He and I visited the set of 'The Bell Ringer' and watched your performance for an afternoon. It was excellent, completely exceeding my expectations. You have a superior appearance, outstanding temperament, and exceptional acting talent."
I saw a dazzling diamond shining before me, and I wanted to hold it up to the spotlight so that more people could see its beauty.
"Mu Zhi, I would like to invite you to join Lanxing Media."
Mu Zhi listened quietly, showing no reaction when Ji Binghe directly stated that she wanted to sign her.
He asked directly, "I want to know, what can I gain by joining Lanxing Media?"
Ji Binghe was secretly surprised by Mu Zhi's composure and calmness. This young girl seemed to be shrouded in a light veil, beneath which lay a maturity and wisdom beyond her years, making her difficult to see through.
But that doesn't matter.
Her task was to secure a partnership between the company and Muzhi.
"Although Lanxing Media is a new company, all the artists signed under its management, except for Xia Xinyan whom you also know, are actors. We have the ability to secure suitable and satisfactory film and television resources for our artists."
Lanxing Media will pay your penalty for breach of contract.
These words touched on the issue that Mu Zhi cared about most: film and television resources.
Ji Binghe came prepared for today's dinner.
He took two documents out of his bag.
"This is a gift from Lanxing Media: a TV series and a movie, both with leading roles for the female lead. You can choose one to star in."
I'm confident I can make you the next Liu Rui.
Mu Zhi simply smiled slightly upon hearing this.
She knew that in Ji Binghe's eyes, she was at most a talented new actress, and that the idea that she could become the second Best Actress was already a remarkable career plan for her.
Mu Zhi took the document handed to her by Ji Binghe, glanced at it, and found it was a script.
He looked up at Ji Binghe and said, "Director Ji, thank you for your appreciation."
"Changing jobs and signing with a new company is a big deal, and I need time to read the script. May I take these two documents back with me? We can discuss it further after I've read the script."
OK, I look forward to your reply.
Lanxing Media.
After meeting with Mu Zhi, Ji Binghe went straight to the general manager's office upon returning to the company.
Report the situation to Boss He Zhiyue.
[Author's Note]
Waaah, my drafts are almost gone! (crying) Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants between 20220528 23:38:18 and 20220529 23:26:28!
Thank you to the little angel who threw the grenade: Xiao Li (1 grenade);
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
