When will I be the queen

Chapter 502 Accident
There are many actors who specialize in playing villains in the entertainment industry. Most of them are excellent actors, but most of them also have good looks.

Cai Cai didn't see any outstanding villainous acting skills in Cheng Jihe at the moment, because Cheng Jihe's appearance was very gentle. To be honest, when Cai Cai first saw Cheng Jihe, she thought he would be the kind of actor Jarvis liked, the kind who could act in romantic scenes with a group of men and women. She planned to ask Xianjun later if Cheng Jihe had any intention of auditioning with Jarvis, so she could help submit his resume or something.

"So even though this director went to jail for hit-and-run, I kept writing to him and contacting him. He's the kind of person with terrible character but incredible talent. To be honest, he's been a huge help to me." Cheng Jihe was quite outspoken, even though the cameras were still recording.

The Immortal Lord gestured to his assistants to immediately shred and delete the entire recording of Cheng Jihe introducing the film. He could guarantee he wouldn't tell anyone, and he trusted Cai Cai wouldn't either, but he couldn't guarantee others wouldn't. Not to mention the audio and video recordings; for Cheng Jihe's future, deletion was the best course of action. Even if rumors circulated later, it wouldn't be a big deal. Many celebrities have private connections with disgraced celebrities. After all, most disgraced celebrities only lose their screen time; they still retain resources, funds, and connections.
However, people like Cheng Jihe who maintain contact with inmates are extremely rare.

Cai Cai frowned; she felt that hit-and-run was the worst mistake one could make. "Director, what did you hit?"

Cheng Jihe hadn't expected Cai Cai to be curious about this, and after a moment of silence, he said, "You crashed into a bridge."

Good heavens, they even dared to escape.
"He didn't have the money to pay compensation. Luckily, no one was injured, only his leg was broken. He fled because he didn't want his wife to find out about his affair. But actually, his wife already knew." Oh, right, "This director's mistress is the male lead in that fantasy drama that's currently airing."

"." Wait a minute, there's a lot of information here.
Wei Min and the others quickly searched for it and were all surprised. The male lead had also officially announced his second child and had a family variety show about to air.

Tang Jinyi also searched, but he was unfamiliar with the entertainment industry, so his search was slow. However, because he rarely searched for these things, the big data system immediately received his request and pushed more content to him. After quickly scanning through it, Tang Jinyi was even more speechless.

The entertainment industry is so chaotic, and the chaos is so obvious that it only makes it seem even more chaotic.

Cai Cai was looking at Tang Jinyi's phone, so she saw more content. Wow, buddy, you're something else!
What the Immortal Lord found most frustrating about Cheng Jihe was his personality—always unconsciously receiving information. Perhaps due to his merchant family background, Cheng Jihe was exceptionally skilled at gathering intelligence. People in the industry said he was a paparazzi whose talent was wasted on being an actor. Moreover, despite his excellent acting skills, Cheng Jihe wasn't well-liked in the industry, largely because of this peculiar skill.

Many people reminded Cheng Jihe, and he tried hard to change, but he failed no matter what he did. He seemed to be a natural at gathering information. Then he felt that changing would make him unhappy, so he simply gave up. Fortunately, he wasn't a blabbermouth, not the kind of person who gained benefits and attention by sharing other people's secrets. He would only speak when he felt it was necessary.

Now Cai Cai has asked, and in his judgment, it's when necessary.

However, this kind of unwitting access to someone else's secrets is like holding their weakness in one's hands—it's a crime to possess a treasure. That's why Cheng Jihe has managed to stay in the industry for so many years, maintaining a laid-back attitude. He hasn't had any truly bad projects, but neither have he had any great ones, thanks to his family's wealth and indulgence. So, after trying something and feeling unhappy, he completely lost interest in changing. If it weren't for knowing he actually loves acting, the Immortal Lord would have believed the rumors about him retiring from the industry.

"So you only felt like you'd figured out your acting skills after playing a villain?" Cai Cai noticed that the Immortal Lord was a bit down and quickly changed the subject.

Cheng Jihe nodded, "Yes. Back then, I didn't really understand what 'enlightenment' meant, because from my debut, I received pretty high praise for my acting skills. But since playing villains over the years, I've definitely felt like I've had an epiphany, and my understanding of the characters has become deeper. But it also feels more tiring, so I haven't been as proactive in my work these past few years."

In Cheng Jihe's understanding, once he "got it," he should be able to act more easily and grasp the role more skillfully. But in reality, every time filming wrapped, he felt completely drained, from his soul to his body. This feeling was painful, leaving him exhausted and empty, yet also incredibly excited, giving him the illusion of having overdrawn his life force.

Cheng Jihe frankly expressed his feelings, "I'm afraid that one day I'll also go to the rooftop, or take a path of no return, so I reduced my workload. Then rumors started circulating about me dying or retiring from the entertainment industry."

At this point, Cheng Jihe looked at Xianjun and then at Cai Cai. Both of them were recognized both inside and outside the industry as talented and hardworking actors. He was curious to know if they felt like they had exhausted their life force after finishing their roles. If so, how did they recover?

Cheng Jihe still really enjoys acting and wants to work hard to leave his mark on film history, especially after experiencing the exhaustion of performing. He dreams of winning a Best Actor award. If it weren't for this aspiration, after all these years of ups and downs in the industry, and the feeling of being effectively blacklisted, he would have retired long ago. But he can't bear to give it up—he can't bear to leave the feeling of standing in front of the camera, focused on performing.
He was genuinely curious about the situation between the Immortal Lord and Cai Cai. He really needed help in this regard.

"I don't dare to ask for help casually because I'm afraid of being taken advantage of." Even outside the entertainment industry, Cheng Jihe has witnessed far too many examples of people being exploited. Examples in the entertainment industry are practically out in the open. Because celebrities really love to confide, love to show off, and love to complain.
Neither Xianjun nor Cai Cai had these quirks, and Xianjun was the person he trusted most in his circle. Cai Cai also had a high opinion of him. Now that there was a chance, how could Cheng Jihe not ask?

Cai Cai glanced at the Immortal Lord. She didn't feel qualified to share her experience in this area; her total filming time was less than a tenth of the Immortal Lord's. And that was even with the Immortal Lord being relatively unproductive.

The immortal lord also couldn't understand why Cheng Jihe, who had been in the business for so many years, would still have this problem.

"Didn't you ever feel like you were draining your life force when you were acting before?"

Cheng Jihe shook his head directly, "No, I really don't."

"Then you've never truly and completely portrayed a character," the Immortal Lord said bluntly. "Before, you were just being lazy. You have talent, and you need to find your own traits in the characters you portray, grasp them, and you can act well. Or perhaps it's because your personality is complex, you have many traits, and you are indeed very talented, so no one noticed that you were taking shortcuts, and no one noticed the similarity in your acting." That's a kind of luck, too. But whether it's good luck or bad luck, only you know the truth.

Cai Cai, you're sneaking a glance at the Immortal Lord, you're really too direct!
Cheng Jihe was completely stunned by what the Immortal Lord said. Wei Min even felt a little sorry for him. Huang Xin and Li Muzi huddled on the other side of Wei Min, not daring to make a sound.

This was a significant blow to Cheng Jihe, as can be clearly seen.

Even if Tang Jinyi didn't fully understand, she knew how outrageous the Immortal Lord's words were. This wasn't like the Immortal Lord at all; he could have said it more gently and tactfully. While the Immortal Lord wasn't always benevolent, he would never embarrass anyone. "Immortal Lord" is important, but "Lord" is equally crucial. The Immortal Lord truly deserves the title of "peerless gentleman." However, this also shows that Cheng Jihe was indeed quite close to the Immortal Lord; otherwise, the Immortal Lord wouldn't have stated the reason so bluntly, at most offering a hint.

Cai Cai thought the same thing. But even if they're close, they shouldn't be so blunt. The person wants to know what medicine to take, not to hear you say you're not sick, but that you were previously in a vegetative state.
Cheng Jihe snapped out of his daze, took a breath, then another, and shook his head. "No, I've seriously studied every role I've played, including the stunt doubles. I've carefully considered each one. I've done my best for every character; I haven't taken any shortcuts."

This time, the immortal lord remained silent, his face calm, offering neither rebuttal nor agreement, nor comfort.

Cai Cai couldn't bear it anymore, but still didn't say anything.

After Cheng Jihe finished speaking, his eyes reddened, and he slumped back in his chair in dejection. So, it was because he had finally figured it out and could act that he felt like he was draining his life force. He didn't feel that way before because he simply couldn't act? This blow was really too much for him.

"Are you going to cry?" The Immortal Lord asked lightly, looking at Cheng Jihe. "You believe what I say so easily?"

Cheng Jihe suddenly looked up, staring at the Immortal Lord with wide eyes, "You...you lied to me?" "I didn't lie to you."

The entire room fell silent.

Cai Cai couldn't hold back any longer and asked the Immortal Lord, "Are you possessed by some kind of character?" How awful!!

The immortal looked at Cai Cai and said, "You've possessed me. Doesn't this seem familiar?"

Cai Cai's eyes widened. "How could that be? I would never be that mean!!" She's so gentle!!!

“Then you go and talk to him,” the immortal declaring. “I’m telling the truth. Don’t question me. You’ve seen his performance and know him as a person, so you’ll understand. You go and talk to him, and I’ll hear what you have to say.”

Cheng Jihe looked at Cai Cai. By this time, he wasn't as upset as before from what the Immortal Lord had done to him. He had never witnessed the Immortal Lord being so wicked and childishly mischievous before.

Cai Cai wasn't put on airs by the Immortal Lord at all. Instead, she asked him in return, "Since you saw through the problem with the Human Realm so early on, why didn't you remind me before?"

"Because he knows many celebrities' unknown sides, he has always despised authority, including me. He thinks that my achievements are 80% due to my appearance, 10% due to wealth, and only 10% due to talent. He thinks his acting talent is worse than mine, at least 30% better. But because he is not as good as me in appearance and wealth, his superior talent is dragged down, and his achievements are directly discounted. He is not as good as me and can only be my stand-in. So he will not listen to any of my advice because he thinks he is worse than me."

When the immortal lord spoke of these things, he was very calm. Back then, he saw through Cheng Jihe's unwillingness at a glance, but so what?
"Cheng Jihe, you know very well that in this industry, those who can be my stand-in are extremely rare. You're not as good as me, that's all. You have a high opinion of yourself; you're not as good as me, but you think you're better than countless others in the industry. If you weren't honest, shrewd but kind-hearted, with that kind of mentality, do you really think you could have survived in this industry unscathed?" He'd never been tricked. Oh, not that he'd never been tricked, but he'd never been successfully tricked.

Cai Cai then realized that the Immortal Lord might be about to do something, which was why he was behaving so strangely.

Cheng Jihe had calmed down. He wasn't surprised at all that the Immortal Lord had seen through him. In fact, he hadn't even hidden his resentment; it would be strange if the Immortal Lord hadn't seen through it. However, he wouldn't ignore the Immortal Lord's advice. He could choose to listen selectively. He would listen when he needed it or when he faced difficulties. For example, he genuinely had difficulties and had even asked, only to be met with a bizarre outburst from the Immortal Lord.
No, "What exactly do you want to say today?"

The Immortal Lord looked at Cheng Jihe and said, "If you sign a contract with Wanqian Xinghui, I will give you this project."

Cheng Jihe paused for a moment, then fell silent.

Cai Cai was speechless. You criticized Ren Jie for so long and complained that Ren Jie was arrogant. Even if you praised Ren Jie for being honest, it would be difficult for Ren Jie to sign you, right?

“I’m speaking to you today using Cai Cai’s personality because I want to open up and talk to you. The past is the past, and times have changed. Since you took the initiative to come to me after hearing the news, and didn’t hesitate to use your connections with me, it means you’re determined to get this project. I’m not taking advantage of your situation, but now that you’ve completely figured it out, you can act, and you’ve developed even greater ambitions for acting, why not sign with a company and try a different path as an actor?”

"..." If you're going to use a trick on someone, why drag me into it? And you're even using Cai Cai's personality in the dialogue. Cai Cai suspects that the Immortal Lord is scolding her.

The Immortal Lord gestured for Tang Jinyi to take Cai Cai back first, saying there was no need for her to stay any longer. Cai Cai didn't really want to continue watching their back-and-forth, but she was worried that the Immortal Lord would continue to slander her.

He reached out and patted the immortal lord, saying, "My personality comes with me, don't blame others!"

"..." The Immortal Lord was speechless. Did you really think it was some kind of possession? But, judging from Cai Cai's personality, the Immortal Lord wasn't lying. The Immortal Lord now discovered that sometimes, when encountering very complicated people and situations, using Cai Cai's personality to deal with them really had a divine intervention effect, catching people off guard. After all, Cai Cai's thought process was truly bizarre. The Immortal Lord hadn't fully grasped it after all these years. But learning just a little bit was enough. See, isn't this working perfectly now? Cheng Jihe was completely bewildered by his flurry of blows.

Huang Xin and the others followed, since Cheng Jihe would definitely be playing the role of master in the end, and there was no need for them to stay any longer. After saying goodbye to Cai Cai, they went to get busy.

Tang Jinyi noticed that most of the female directors were accompanied by male assistants, just like the eldest sister.

One of the advantages of those in positions of power is the ability to freely choose people of a different gender. Furthermore, there's a general consensus that the opposite sex is more effective.

Cai Cai thought Tang Jinyi was looking at something, but after hearing what he said, she was speechless. "Putting aside Mommy's choice, Huang Xin and the others chose male assistants because they're cheaper. Doesn't Mommy have many more female assistants? Only women who have truly reached a certain level can have excellent female subordinates. Huang Xin and the others don't have the resources to hire female assistants."

Male assistants are cheaper than female assistants in the industry. In fact, in many industries, female employees are more expensive than male employees.

Tang Jinyi didn't quite understand. "They're all directors now, they can interview people, and they still can't afford female assistants?"

Cai Cai explained, "It's not that we can't afford to hire them, it's that we can't afford to use them. There are too many directors in the industry, countless award-winning directors. Besides, this industry is constantly fluctuating, and you never know which way the wind will blow. Given Huang Xin's current status, using female assistants would only cause them to suffer. They themselves are already suffering, why drag other girls down with them? The social environment is ultimately controlled by men, and men tend to be more favored. For example, some things that would be considered unfair to a female assistant wouldn't be considered unfair to a male assistant." For example, dinner parties and drinking parties.

Tang Jinyi understood, "The entertainment industry actually brings out many things that are kept in the dark in other industries." Because artists have exposure, their behavior, good or bad, is commented on and judged, so many things are brought into the light.

Furthermore, "I thought the Immortal Lord could maintain his aloof demeanor at all times and in all places, but who knew he could be so unscrupulous." Tang Jinyi had met many celebrities in private, and no matter how they acted in front of the camera or how they marketed their personas, they were always slick and opportunistic in private. Even those brainless and low-EQ individuals would shut their mouths and smile at everyone they met. He knew that the Immortal Lord wasn't that type; he had a noble background and substantial wealth.

"I think he must have almost been scammed when he first entered the industry, which is why he developed his own capital. It's to prevent himself from smiling at everyone he meets." Just think about it, there must be countless people who want to see the Immortal Lord fawning over them, and he wants that too.

"..." Cai Cai could see the wickedness on Tang Jinyi's face. How should I put it? No wonder he's my family member, he really dares to think of such things.

"The Immortal Lord has indeed fallen into quite a few traps, but not the kind you're thinking of. Everyone's afraid he'll leave the industry. He's self-made, and I think it's mostly because he's optimistic about the returns in this industry. Don't forget, he's a shareholder in the entire conglomerate, and he even signed a long-term contract with himself, like a servitude agreement." The Immortal Lord himself is a huge investment.