Chapter 47 World 2 [17]
Yu Hongjun is a veteran in the circle, and her old friends are about the same age as her. They have all been in the circle for more than 20 years and have built their own careers.
Therefore, the people who appear in the teahouse are either familiar veteran actors like Yu Hongjun, or senior people in the industry who have moved behind the scenes and become producers and directors.
Including Shao Qing and Yu Hongjun, there were five people in the teahouse box, four women and one man. As the only junior, Shao Qing was a little reserved when he first entered.
After Yu Hongjun introduced her friends, Shao Qing greeted them one by one, and then sat obediently beside her and concentrated on drinking tea.
"Xiao Shao, I heard Director Hu talk about you. You are a very talented actor. She even greeted me." One of the director friends took the initiative to mention Shao Qing.
"I'm planning a martial arts drama recently. Are you interested in playing a role?" Director Li looked at Shao Qing with admiration for his junior. "It's about a female swordsman. The drama will be about half martial arts and half drama. Are you interested?"
"Director Li, when do you plan to start filming? I will reserve time in advance." Shao Qing agreed without hesitation.
"Why don't you read the script before making a decision?" Director Li raised an eyebrow and asked, "What if I invite you to star in a money-making TV series?"
Shao Qing smiled sweetly, "I've seen your films, Director Li. The female characters in them are all very impressive. I've wanted to work with you for a long time."
"Besides, you are Sister Hong's good friend. You definitely won't deliberately set a trap for me, who is also Sister Hong's friend, right?" Shao Qing said as he picked up the teapot and took the initiative to pour water for Director Li.
Director Li was delighted. "Okay, just for what you said, please leave me your contact information and I'll send the rough outline of the script to your email later."
"The start time of filming has not been decided yet. I guess there will be a period of open auditions for roles. The earliest it should start after the New Year, the plan is to shoot from the end of February to May." Director Li said.
"By the way, this is the producer. You can just call her Boss Hao. We often work together." Director Li said, reaching out and pulling the relatively quiet woman next to her.
Boss Hao nodded at Shao Qing and said, "I've seen the film you won the award for, and your acting is pretty good. But I have to tell you something: Lao Li and I don't like actors using body doubles. If you want the role, you can start training soon. You can join the crew in February and start filming."
It was obvious that Boss Hao had a good impression of Shao Qing and had no objection at all to his friend giving the role to him.
"Okay, Director Li and Boss Hao, don't worry, I will try my best." Shao Qing responded seriously.
"By the way, I will also make a cameo appearance in the film. If nothing unexpected happens, I should play the female swordsman's master. If you have any questions about the role, you can always contact me." Yu Hongjun added with a smile.
Although Shao Qing had not formally agreed, the people present had already considered her one of their own, and their words and deeds were full of care for the younger generation.
Shao Qing was a little flattered. After her career began to decline, she hadn't felt such a harmonious atmosphere for a long time.
After the five people who got along well chatted in the teahouse for a while, it was already past four o'clock.
Shao Qing couldn't introduce resources to his seniors, so he treated them to a meal. After they were all in the car and returned to the hotel, he got into the car driven by his assistant, ending this fruitful meeting.
-
Not long after returning to the hotel room, Shao Qing received the script from Director Li.
Director Li did not hide anything and directly sent the outline of the entire drama along with all the content related to the female swordsman.
After taking a shower, Shao Qing casually blew his hair, then sat down impatiently to read the script. Since he had nothing to do the next day, Shao Qing read until one in the morning.
[It's already so late, aren't you going to rest yet?] Jing Ke couldn't help but ask. This was the third time she asked a similar question.
"Almost immediately, there's only a little bit left, I'll finish reading it quickly." Shao Qing said, his eyes glued to the script, a gleam in his eyes, he looked very excited.
Five minutes later, Shao Qing leaned back in his chair and relaxed. "Jing Ke, what do you think of the portrayal of this female swordsman?"
Jing Ke said, "The female swordsman's character is very three-dimensional. She didn't lose herself just because she fell in love with a man, and she never changed her original intention of traveling the world with a sword."
[You seem to like this role very much? ]
Shao Qing nodded. "Yes, I really like the free and easy nature of the female swordsman. She won't be trapped by men. After realizing that she would be trapped in the backyard, she decisively ended the relationship."
"That's what a true swordsman does. Nowadays, idol dramas are too focused on romance, as if people are willing to give up everything for love."
Shao Qing said: "In my opinion, such characters are just tools to set off the male protagonist. It's like they are programmed in advance. No matter what their background is or how powerful they are when they first appear, in the end they will give up everything for a man and willingly give up their lives to make soup."
"But if you love someone, shouldn't you give everything for them?" Jing Ke asked with a hint of doubt. "Many people say that love can make people blind and reckless."
"Love can indeed make people blind, but not to such an outrageous degree." Shao Qing briefly explained her own views. "Nowadays, ancient idol dramas like to put the male and female protagonists on opposite sides. It's not like you killed my parents, I killed your whole family."
"There will always be a blood feud between the two, but soon, for various reasons, they will come to terms with the death of their parents, and the princes will come together and live a happy and fulfilling life."
Shao Qing commented, "If I were one of them, I wouldn't be able to let it go. This would be a permanent barrier between us."
"I don't know what other people think, but for me, I can't sleep with my enemy, let alone stay with him for the rest of my life."
Jing Ke was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized, "Then what I did before to help Xu Yin, is it also unforgivable to you?"
"Didn't you say you were forced? It wasn't your own will." Shao Qing took a sip of the cold water on the table and said with a smile, "It's Xu Yin I can't forgive, not you."
It is impossible to say that he doesn't care at all, but Shao Qing is sure through his own observation that Jing Ke is not lying to him.
In addition, Jing Ke did help Shao Qing a lot, and some subconscious reactions were difficult to fake, so Shao Qing chose to give him some trust.
If Jing Ke had lived up to this trust, their relationship would have become increasingly harmonious, from friends to good friends, and finally to the point where they could trust each other with life and death.
After briefly expressing his views on the love-sickness that filled the screen, Shao Qing finally lay down on the bed before two o'clock.
"I want to listen to French poetry today, is that okay?" Shao Qing asked, and found that he was still a little excited.
【Okay, I'll continue reading what I didn't finish last night.】
"Thank you, Jing Ke, good night." Shao Qing relaxed his mind and fell asleep smoothly with Jing Ke's French sleep-inducing words.
-
The seven-day live broadcast of the Deserted Island Survival program, combined with the evidence and information released by Jing Ke, greatly improved Shao Qing's reputation.
Many active netizens were also attracted by Shao Qing's looks. After watching her works, most of them became her fans. They were eager to help with data anti-blackening and could work for several hours a day.
The ones who reacted the fastest were some light luxury brands. After seeing Shao Qing's reputation improve, these brands began to extend olive branches, wanting to provide timely assistance and negotiate endorsements at the most favorable prices.
But Shao Qing's agent, Sister Ke, is not an inexperienced novice agent. After seeing that her artist is showing signs of becoming popular again, she has tightened her control over announcements and has decided not to touch any non-high-quality ones to ensure that Shao Qing's commercial value will not be arbitrarily lowered.
On the other hand, after reading the script repeatedly, Shao Qing told her agent that she would play the second female lead in Director Li's TV series, and planned to clear out February and May next year.
"Is this how you got this script?" Sister Ke was a little surprised to see that her artist would find resources on his own.
"Teacher Yu introduced me. She took me to meet her friend." Shao Qing did not hide anything. "Sister Ke, Director Li gave me a promise. As long as I am willing to act, the role of the second female lead will be mine."
Sister Ke touched her chin and first gave a positive response, "Everyone knows Director Li's strength. The female characters in her works are all very outstanding. Many people who want to get rid of the idol label want to star in Director Li's works."
"It's not easy for you to get this opportunity, but you don't have many dramas to be broadcast this year. If you also block out the first half of next year, your exposure will be greatly reduced, which is not good for you."
From the perspective of a professional agent, Sister Ke offered advice, "Director Li isn't the type to stick to his guns. It shouldn't be a big problem for him to free up two days during filming to attend some magazine and endorsement shoots."
Shao Qing frowned subconsciously, "I've read the script. It says I'm the second female lead, but I actually have quite a few scenes. I still prefer immersive filming, which allows me to get into the role better."
"Are you sure?" Sister Ke didn't object directly, but asked again, "A window period of nearly six months is not something you can just say casually."
"Then I can post more updates, or maybe even a lucky draw or something like that." Shao Qing still insisted on his idea. "Besides, Director Li will also be in charge of publicity and promotion. He will definitely release behind-the-scenes footage. I can't be completely unexposed, right?"
Sister Ke raised her hand and made an OK sign. "Okay, since you've made up your mind, I won't say much. I'll help you turn down any announcements that can be postponed, but if a big name wants to work with you, you still have to make time. Some opportunities are lost if you miss them."
Shao Qing nodded, "Okay, then I'll trouble Sister Ke to take care of it."
"I don't have to worry about it, but I'm worried that after you turned down so many announcements, there will be problems with the role at the last minute." Sister Ke sighed.
"By the way, an invitation arrived. It's for a charity dinner. All the well-known artists in the company are invited. See if you have time to go."
Sister Ke said, pulling out a paper invitation from a drawer. "I personally suggest you go. After all, your sponsor publicly thanked you during your previous live broadcast."
Shao Qing flipped open the invitation and took a look. "Is it Sunday night?"
Sister Ke nodded. "Well, it's not a very large gathering. Half of them are our company's artists and executives, and the other half are people who have worked with our company before. If you go and show up, I can also arrange for a press release to be sent out."
After hearing that they were all his own people, Shao Qing agreed, "Okay, then I'll go over there when the time comes, Sister Ke, please help me arrange it."
-
Ever since Shao Qing finished recording the show, Jing Ke felt like she had become useless.
Shao Qing can use his mobile phone to check the direction of public opinion on the Internet. If there are malicious slanders by the Internet troll army, his agent Sister Ke will also let the Internet troll army hired by the company to fight against the slander.
The wake-up and sleep-aid services can be replaced by an alarm clock and music player since Shao Qing has a mobile phone.
As for self-improvement, Jing Ke can do even more limited things.
Jing Ke didn't know what to do to become a good actor. All she could do was to compile the relevant information here and then package it and send it to Shao Qing.
After seeing that Shao Qing was showing signs of becoming popular again, Zongheng Entertainment quickly arranged for her to have professional teachers, with dedicated staff to take charge of her acting, vocal music, and even body shape.
So Jing Ke, who was worried that she would not be needed, had to find another way. She tried to find some useful information on the Internet every day to make her presence felt from time to time.
Shao Qing, whose daily schedule suddenly increased, did not notice Jing Ke's hidden anxiety. Instead, he was busy exercising, trying to build up muscles within four months.
As for the news Jing Ke told her, she wrote it down very carefully.
-
Sunday came in the blink of an eye. After completing his exercise goals in the morning, Shao Qing went to do his makeup and didn't finish until after three in the afternoon.
Shao Qing's hairstyle was designed into a half-tied big wave, which matched with the red dress, magnified her bright and bold facial features exponentially.
She attracted everyone's attention as soon as she appeared on the stage. She was a walking spotlight. Even at a dinner party where flowers were in full bloom, she was still the most eye-catching.
Everyone in the circle was well aware of Shao Qing's past glory, so after seeing that she might become popular again, they were all very polite when they met her. No one wanted to make enemies with her at this time.
"Shao Qing, let me introduce you. This is our company's new director, Mr. Yuan." The director in charge of the female artists of Zongheng Entertainment waved to Shao Qing, and then brought her to a man who looked to be in his early thirties.
"Hello, Mr. Yuan, I'm Shao Qing." After hearing that it was a senior executive of the company, Shao Qing smiled and greeted him neither humbly nor arrogantly.
"Ms. Shao is indeed as beautiful as the rumors say. She is even better in person than in the photo." Mr. Yuan's eyes lit up when he saw Shao Qing.
"Ms. Shao, I heard that you are very good at fishing. Would you like to join us next time we go fishing?" Mr. Yuan asked with a smile and extended his hand.
Shao Qing shook it lightly and then took it back. He was not sure whether Mr. Yuan was a fisherman or if there was some other hidden meaning in his words.
So Shao Qing just declined with a smile, "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Yuan, but I was able to catch fish purely out of luck. Don't ask me to go fishing with you. I still prefer to read at home."
"It's okay. Going fishing at sea is just for fun. Whether you catch anything or not is secondary. Having fun is the most important thing." Mr. Yuan said as he picked up two glasses of wine and handed one to Shao Qing.
Mr. Yuan: "Have a drink and make friends?"
"I can't drink much, so I can only drink a little. I hope Mr. Yuan can forgive me." Shao Qing avoided Mr. Yuan's hand and carefully took the wine glass.
The other party was a company director, so Shao Qing couldn't refuse too harshly and could only be relatively tactful.
Fortunately, Mr. Yuan had no intention of forcing Shao Qing to drink. When he saw that Shao Qing just touched his lips with his, he didn't care and instead smiled even more happily.
"Shao Qing, this Mr. Yuan is not a good person. He's a disciple of a wealthy family in the north. He spent a fortune to become a director of Zongheng Entertainment. He came here with a purpose."
Jing Ke's voice was very serious. "Mr. Yuan is the third son in the family. He didn't get much of the family fortune. He used some illicit means to win over some influential people to get to where he is today."
After hearing Jing Ke's words, Shao Qing's pupils shrank slightly and his body subconsciously tensed up.
Seeing that Mr. Yuan wanted to pull him aside to say something, Shao Qing no longer cared about being polite and quickly slipped away using the excuse of going to the bathroom.
-
After closing the bathroom door, Shao Qing stood in front of the shampooing table.
"Mr. Yuan relies on giving women away to maintain his status?" Shao Qing's seven years in the entertainment industry were not in vain. He immediately guessed what Jing Ke wanted to express.
[Yes, although there's no definitive evidence, big data analysis shows that Mr. Yuan particularly enjoys associating with attractive women, and those women experience a short-term boost in status.]
"Then what?" Shao Qing turned on the faucet and washed the hand that had just touched Mr. Yuan.
Some women have disappeared online, becoming virtually unknown. Others have become internet celebrities, significantly altering their online personas.
Shao Qing frowned slightly. Washing with clean water was not enough. He squeezed on hand sanitizer and washed his hands again.
"Is there something wrong with the red wine I drank just now?" Shao Qing suddenly asked, feeling a little scared.
I was still too lax. How could I let my guard down just because all the people at the banquet were from the company?
The entertainment industry is not a clean and transparent place. If you get caught by accident, no one will stand up for you.
[Don't worry, the red wine was poured from a freshly opened bottle, and the ingredients inside are normal.]
[The food you have eaten is also normal at present and does not contain any harmful ingredients.]
"Thank you for your reminder. If there is a similar situation next time, please continue to remind me." Shao Qing slowly exhaled and looked at himself in the mirror.
The person in the mirror is very beautiful and looks very nice, just like a blooming rose.
It’s a pity that this rose doesn’t have many thorns. If someone wants to pick the rose, there is little the rose can do and it can only try hard to avoid the evil hands of those people.
"Shao Qing, next time you attend an event like this, would you consider bringing a companion?" Jing Ke asked nervously.
"Companion? But some occasions are not suitable to bring an assistant along." Shao Qing said subconsciously.
[Not an assistant, but someone more suitable in terms of status, like a close friend.] Jing Ke reminded.
Shao Qing frowned slightly. She had indeed made many new friends after entering the entertainment industry, but as her fortunes declined, those friends gradually became acquaintances and their contact gradually faded.
Those who still keep in touch with Shao Qing are basically classmates who had a good relationship with him before entering the circle. But they are all outsiders, and Shao Qing does not want to pull them into the dirty entertainment circle.
After seeing that Shao Qing didn't think about him, Jing Ke could only express it more obviously.
[Although I will lose some functions after becoming a human, I will be able to do more things. I can be your reliable companion when necessary.]
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