Chapter 47: World Two [17]

Yu Hongjun was a veteran senior in the circle, and the old friends she met were roughly her age, all having navigated the industry’s ups and downs for over twenty years, each having carved out their own career.

So the people who appeared in the tea house were either familiar veteran actors like Yu Hongjun herself, or seniors who had transitioned to behind-the-scenes roles, becoming producers and directors.

In the private room at the tea house, there were five people in total including Shao Qing and Yu Hongjun—four women and one man. As the sole junior, Shao Qing was somewhat reserved when she first entered.

After Yu Hongjun introduced her friends, Shao Qing greeted them one by one, then obediently sat beside her, focusing on drinking tea.

“Little Shao, I’ve heard Director Hu mention you. You’re a very talented actress; she even spoke to me about you,” one of the director friends proactively brought up Shao Qing.

“I’m currently planning to shoot a wuxia drama. Are you interested in playing a role?” Director Li looked at Shao Qing, her eyes full of appreciation for a junior. “It’s a female swordswoman, roughly an even split between action and dramatic scenes. Are you interested?”

“Director Li, when do you plan to start filming? I’ll make sure to reserve the time in advance,” Shao Qing didn’t hesitate, practically agreeing immediately.

“You’re not going to look at the script before deciding?” Director Li raised an eyebrow. “What if I’m inviting you to act in a drama just to make quick money?”

Shao Qing showed a demure smile. “I’ve seen the films Director Li directed. The female characters in them are all outstanding. I’ve wanted to work with you for a long time.”

“Besides, you’re a good friend of Sister Hong. You definitely wouldn’t deliberately set a trap for me, who is also Sister Hong’s friend, right?” As she spoke, Shao Qing picked up the teapot and proactively poured tea for Director Li.

Director Li was amused. “Alright, just for that, leave me your contact info. I’ll send the rough script to your email later tonight.”

“The filming start date isn’t set yet. There’ll probably be a period of open auditions for roles. The earliest would likely be after the New Year, with plans to shoot from late February to May,” Director Li said.

“Oh, and the producer is this person here. Just call her Boss Hao. We often collaborate,” Director Li said, tugging on the relatively quiet woman next to her.

Boss Hao nodded towards Shao Qing. “I’ve seen the film you won the award for. Your acting skills are good. But I’ll be upfront with you: Lao Li and I both dislike actors using stand-ins. If you want the role, you can start physical training soon. Then you can jump right into filming when joining the crew in February.”

Clearly, Boss Hao also had a good impression of Shao Qing and had no objection at all to her friend pre-assigning the role to her.

“Alright, don’t worry Directors Li and Hao. I will work hard,” Shao Qing responded seriously.

“By the way, I’ll be making a cameo appearance in it too. Barring any surprises, I should be the female swordswoman’s master. If you have any difficulty understanding the role then, feel free to reach out to me anytime,” Yu Hongjun added with a smile.

Although Shao Qing hadn’t formally agreed yet, everyone present already considered her one of their own. Their words, both direct and implied, showed care for a junior.

Shao Qing was somewhat overwhelmed by the favor. After her career began its decline, it had been a long time since she’d felt such a harmonious atmosphere.

After the five compatible people chatted for a while at the tea house, it was already past four o’clock.

Shao Qing couldn’t offer senior figures resources, so she treated them to a meal. Only after seeing them all into their cars to return to their hotel did she get into the car her assistant had brought around, concluding this very fruitful meeting.

–

Not long after returning to her hotel room, Shao Qing received the script Director Li had sent.

Director Li hadn’t held anything back, sending the entire show’s outline along with all the content related to the female swordswoman.

After showering, Shao Qing haphazardly dried her hair, then eagerly sat down and began reading the script. Relying on having nothing to do the next day, Shao Qing read all the way until one in the morning.

[It’s already so late, aren’t you going to rest yet?] Jing Ke couldn’t help asking. This was the third time she’d asked a similar question.

“Almost done, just a little bit left. I’ll finish soon,” Shao Qing said, her gaze firmly glued to the script, fragmented light shimmering in her eyes. She looked very excited.

Five minutes later, Shao Qing leaned back in her chair with relief. “Jing Ke, what do you think of how this female swordswoman is portrayed?”

[The character of the female swordswoman is very three-dimensional. She doesn’t lose her sense of self just because she falls in love with a man. From beginning to end, she never abandons her original intention to travel the world with her sword.] Jing Ke stated.

[You seem to really like this role?]

Shao Qing nodded. “Yes, I really like the female swordswoman’s free-spiritedness. She isn’t trapped by a man’s pace. Once she realized she would be confined to the inner courtyard, she very decisively ended that relationship.”

“Now that is a true swordswoman. Current idol dramas are overly obsessed with romantic love, as if people are willing to give up anything for love.”

Shao Qing continued, “Those kinds of roles, in my view, are just tools to highlight the male lead. Like a pre-programmed routine, no matter their background or how impressive they are when they first appear, they ultimately give everything up for one man, willingly trading their sword for cooking soup.”

[But if you love someone, shouldn’t you give everything for them?] Jing Ke asked with slight confusion. [Many people say love makes you blind, makes you charge forward recklessly.]

“Love can indeed make one blind, but not to that absurd degree,” Shao Qing briefly explained her own perspective. “Current ancient idol dramas love most to place the male and female leads in opposition. Either you killed my parents, or I slaughtered your entire family.”

“There’s always a blood feud between the two, but they quickly become indifferent to their parents’ deaths for various reasons, eventually getting together to live a happy, blissful life.”

Shao Qing critiqued, “If I were one of those parties, I couldn’t become indifferent. That matter would forever be a barrier between us.”

“I don’t know how others think, but for me, I can’t share a bed with my enemy, much less spend my whole life with them.”

Jing Ke paused, suddenly reacting. [Then, the things I did before to assist Xu Yin—are those unforgivable to you as well?]

“Didn’t you say it yourself? You were forced, it wasn’t voluntary,” Shao Qing picked up the now-cold glass of water on the table and took a small sip, smiling. “What I can’t forgive is Xu Yin, not you.”

Saying she didn’t care at all was impossible. It was just that through her own observations, Shao Qing had confirmed that Jing Ke wasn’t lying to her.

Plus, Jing Ke had indeed helped Shao Qing a great deal. Some subconscious reactions are very hard to fake. That’s why Shao Qing chose to entrust a portion of her trust.

If Jing Ke didn’t betray that trust, their relationship would become more and more harmonious, progressing from friends to good friends, eventually reaching the point where they could entrust their lives to each other.

After briefly expressing her views on the current trend of love-brained characters, Shao Qing finally lay down in bed before two o’clock.

“I’d like to listen to that French poem again tonight, is that okay?” Shao Qing asked, finding her mind still somewhat excited.

[Of course. I’ll continue from where I left off last night.]

“Thank you, Jing Ke. Goodnight.” Shao Qing relaxed her mind and, accompanied by Jing Ke’s sleep-inducing French recitation, smoothly drifted into dreamland.

–

The Wilderness Survival production team’s seven consecutive days of live broadcasting, combined with the evidence and information Jing Ke had released, improved Shao Qing’s reputation significantly.

Many active netizens were also attracted by Shao Qing’s appearance. After watching her previous works, most became fans. They eagerly helped boost data and counter negative comments, fighting online battles for hours a day.

The fastest to react were some accessible luxury brands. Seeing Shao Qing’s public reputation improving, these brands began proactively extending olive branches, hoping to offer timely assistance and negotiate endorsement deals at the most favorable prices.

But Shao Qing’s agent, Sister Ke, was no inexperienced newcomer. Seeing that her artist had a trend of regaining popularity, she immediately tightened control over her schedule, adopting a principle of only engaging with top-tier opportunities to ensure Shao Qing’s commercial value wasn’t casually lowered.

On the other hand, after repeatedly poring over the script, Shao Qing informed her agent of her decision to play the second female lead in Director Li’s TV drama, planning to clear her schedule entirely for February to May next year.

“How did you get this script?” Seeing that her artist was proactively finding resources on her own, Sister Ke was somewhat surprised.

“Teacher Yu introduced me. She took me to meet her friends,” Shao Qing didn’t hide it. “Sister Ke, Director Li gave me her word. As long as I’m willing to act, the role of the second female lead is mine.”

Sister Ke stroked her chin, first offering affirmation. “Everyone knows Director Li’s strength. The female characters in her works are all outstanding. Many people wanting to shed their idol labels want to act in Director Li’s productions.”

“Getting this opportunity isn’t easy for you. But you have almost no dramas airing this year. If you clear out the first half of next year too, your exposure will drastically decrease. That’s not so good for you.”

From her professional agent’s perspective, Sister Ke offered a suggestion. “Director Li isn’t unreasonably rigid. Taking a couple of days during filming to attend some magazine shoots or endorsement shoots shouldn’t be a big problem.”

Shao Qing subconsciously frowned. “I’ve read the script. Although it’s the second female lead, the actual screen time isn’t little. I still prefer immersive filming; it allows me to better get into character.”

“Are you sure?” Sister Ke didn’t directly object but asked again. “A nearly half-year gap is not something to take lightly.”

“I can post more updates on social media, or maybe do some giveaways,” Shao Qing still stuck to her own idea. “And Director Li will do promotion too. They’ll definitely release behind-the-scenes clips. It’s not like I’d have zero exposure.”

Sister Ke made an ‘OK’ gesture. “Fine, since you’ve decided, I won’t say more. I’ll help you reject the offers I can. But if a major brand wants to collaborate, you still need to make time. Some opportunities, once missed, are gone forever.”

Shao Qing nodded. “Alright. Then I’ll trouble Sister Ke to take care of it.”

“It’s no trouble for me. I’m just worried that after you turn down so many offers, something might go wrong with the role at the very last moment,” Sister Ke said, sighing softly.

“Oh, by the way, an invitation was sent from the higher-ups. It’s a charity dinner. Basically every artist in the company with some name recognition was invited. See if you have time to go.”

Sister Ke said, pulling a paper invitation from a nearby drawer. “Personally, I suggest you make an appearance. After all, during that previous live broadcast, you were publicly thanked by a beneficiary.”

Shao Qing opened the invitation and glanced at it. “The time is this Sunday evening?”

Sister Ke nodded. “Mhm, the scale isn’t huge. Half the attendees will be artists and higher-ups from our company. The other half are people who’ve collaborated with our company. If you show your face, I can arrange for a press release to be sent out.”

Hearing it was mostly their own people, Shao Qing agreed. “Okay, I’ll go then. Sister Ke, please arrange it for me.”

–

Ever since Shao Qing finished filming the variety show, Jing Ke felt a sense that she was becoming useless.

Shao Qing could check the online public opinion trends herself using her phone. If paid trolls were maliciously slandering her, Sister Ke, her agent, would have the company’s own paid trolls counter the attacks.

Wake-up calls and sleep aid services could easily be replaced by an alarm clock and a music player, now that Shao Qing had her phone.

As for self-improvement, Jing Ke’s capability was even more limited.

Jing Ke didn’t know how to become a good actress. The most she could do was compile relevant information here and there, then send the package to Shao Qing.

And once Zongheng Entertainment saw Shao Qing’s trend towards regaining popularity, they quickly arranged professional instructors for her—acting, vocal music, even physical training, all with dedicated coaches.

So, worried she wouldn’t be needed, Jing Ke had to find another path. Every day she racked her brain to find useful information online, occasionally brushing up her sense of presence.

Shao Qing, whose daily schedule had suddenly become much busier, didn’t notice the anxiety Jing Ke was hiding. She was busy exercising, striving to build visible muscle tone within four months.

As for the tidbits of information Jing Ke told her, she memorized them all very seriously.

–

Sunday arrived in the blink of an eye. After completing her morning exercise goals, Shao Qing went for hair and makeup, hustling until past three in the afternoon before it was finally done.

Shao Qing’s hairstyle was designed as half-tied up with large waves. Paired with a red dress, it exponentially amplified her strikingly gorgeous, expressive features.

The moment she appeared, she firmly captured everyone’s attention. She was a walking spotlight. Even at a dinner filled with beautiful women vying for attention, she was still the most eye-catching presence.

People in the circle were very clear about Shao Qing’s past glory. So, seeing she might be on the verge of a comeback, they were all quite polite when meeting her. No one wanted to make an enemy of her at this time.

“Shao Qing, let me introduce you. This is our company’s new board member, Mr. Yuan.” The director overseeing Zongheng Entertainment’s female artists waved Shao Qing over, then led her to a man who looked to be in his early thirties.

“Mr. Yuan, hello. I am Shao Qing.” Upon hearing he was a company higher-up, Shao Qing showed a smiling face and greeted him neither servilely nor haughtily.

“Ms. Shao is indeed as beautiful as the rumors say, even more stunning in person than in photos.” Upon seeing Shao Qing, Mr. Yuan’s eyes noticeably lit up.

“Ms. Shao, I heard your fishing skills are excellent. Next time we go on a sea fishing trip, would you like to join us?” Mr. Yuan asked with a beam, proactively extending his hand.

Shao Qing gave a very brief, light handshake before withdrawing. She couldn’t quite figure out if Mr. Yuan was a fishing enthusiast or if his words held some other, deeper meaning.

So Shao Qing simply declined with a smile. “Thank you for your kind regard, Mr. Yuan, but my catching that fish was purely luck. You needn’t invite me for sea fishing. I still prefer reading books at home.”

“It’s fine, sea fishing is just for fun. Catching fish is secondary; having a good time is most important,” Mr. Yuan said, picking up two glasses of wine and handing one to Shao Qing.

Mr. Yuan: “Have a drink, make a friend?”

“I have a low alcohol tolerance, so I can only drink a little. I hope Mr. Yuan will understand.” Shao Qing avoided his hand, carefully taking the wine glass.

The other party was a company board member. Shao Qing couldn’t outright refuse too firmly, so she could only be relatively indirect about it.

Fortunately, Mr. Yuan didn’t seem intent on getting her drunk. Seeing that Shao Qing only touched her lips to the glass, he didn’t mind; instead, he smiled even more happily.

[Shao Qing, this Mr. Yuan is not a good person. He’s a scion from a wealthy family in the north. He threw money in to become a director of Zongheng Entertainment for a purpose.]

Jing Ke’s voice was very serious. [Mr. Yuan is the third son in his family. He didn’t inherit much of the family business. He used some illegitimate methods to rope in powerful figures to have the status he has today.]

Upon hearing Jing Ke’s words, Shao Qing’s pupils slightly constricted, and her body subconsciously tensed up.

Seeing Mr. Yuan trying to pull her into further conversation, Shao Qing no longer cared about etiquette. She quickly excused herself to the restroom and slipped away.

–

After closing the bathroom door, Shao Qing stood in front of the sink.

“Mr. Yuan maintains his position by offering up women?” Shao Qing’s seven years in the entertainment industry weren’t for nothing. She immediately guessed the meaning Jing Ke intended to convey.

[Yes. Although I can’t find definitive evidence, big data analysis shows that this Mr. Yuan particularly enjoys associating with beautiful women, and those women all experience a short-term boost in status.]

“And then?” Shao Qing turned on the faucet, vigorously washing the hand that had touched Mr. Yuan’s earlier.

[Some of those women have lost their online presence, becoming untraceable individuals. Others became internet celebrities, undergoing significant changes from their previous online image.]

Shao Qing frowned slightly. Washing with just water wasn’t enough. She pumped some hand soap and washed her hands again.

“Was there a problem with the red wine I just drank?” Shao Qing suddenly asked, feeling a wave of lingering fear.

Had she been too careless? How could she have let her guard down just because the banquet was filled with company people?

The entertainment industry wasn’t some clean, transparent place. If she accidentally fell victim to a scheme, no one would seek justice for her.

[Don’t worry. The red wine was poured from a freshly opened bottle. The contents are completely normal.]

[The food you ate is also normal, so far. Nothing harmful has been mixed in.]

“Thank you for your reminder. Next time something similar happens, please continue to warn me.” Shao Qing slowly exhaled and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

The person in the mirror was very beautiful, very stunning, like a blooming rose, extremely eye-catching.

It was just a pity that this rose didn’t have many thorns. If someone wanted to pluck the rose, there was too little the rose could do—only try its best to evade those grasping hands.

[Shao Qing, next time you attend an event like this, would you consider bringing a companion?] Jing Ke asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

“A companion? But some occasions aren’t suitable for bringing along an assistant,” Shao Qing said subconsciously.

[Not an assistant. Someone more appropriate in terms of status, like a friend with a good relationship.] Jing Ke reminded.

Shao Qing’s brows furrowed slightly. After entering the entertainment industry, she had indeed made many new friends, but as her fortunes declined, those friends gradually became mere nodding acquaintances, their contact slowly fading away.

The people who still kept in touch with Shao Qing were mostly classmates from before she entered the industry, when their relationships were good. But they were all outsiders to the circle, and Shao Qing didn’t want to drag them into the unclean entertainment industry.

Seeing that Shao Qing wasn’t thinking of her, Jing Ke could only make her hint more obvious.

[Although I might lose some functions after becoming human, correspondingly, the things I can do would increase. When necessary, I could become a reliable companion for you.]