I became famous in the entertainment industry by burning incense

Chapter 544 Stealing the Show, They're at it! (Seeking monthly votes)

Lian Baozhi quickly accepted the role in the drama "Flowers Bloom on the Road".

At this point, the production team had just sent the script out via Dongfeng Express, and it was absolutely certain that the script was still at the express transit station and had not yet been shipped.

So, the script was leaked?
If she hadn't known the script was so excellent, why would Lian Baozhi have accepted the role?

Very few artists are willing to accept a role without having read the script.

The production team of "Flowers Bloom on the Road" immediately thought of Li Xunfang.

The only artist they contacted since the beginning of the year was Li Xunfang.

Because of her ambiguous attitude, the production team of "Flowers Bloom on the Road" once thought there was hope, so they did not contact the second artist.

In other words, only Li Xunfang has the script.

If the script wasn't leaked by the production team, then it could only have been leaked by Li Xunfang.

The producers of "Flowers Bloom on the Road" nervously called to inquire, vaguely asking Lian Baozhi where she had seen the script. They were worried that the script had been leaked seriously, and that the plot would be published online in advance, which would be a devastating blow to the production team before the film was even released.

Lu Shanjie raised an eyebrow and said calmly, "This matter wasn't leaked from your script."

Instead, I mentioned to Lian Baozhi that you were making horizontal short dramas, and the female lead was quite flirtatious, having romantic relationships with several men. The actress we had previously worked with was Li Xunfang.

Upon hearing this, Baozhi readily accepted the role without even glancing at the script.

Having decided to take the job, Lü Shanjie made sure to say some good things about Lian Baozhi.

Baozhi believes that the team that makes horizontal short dramas has an advantage in editing, the pacing is not slow, they understand what the audience likes to watch, and they can pique the audience's curiosity.

Even if you switch to producing long-form dramas, they will definitely still have the style of short dramas, so she thinks that's great. Plus, Li Xunfang is quite popular this year, so your production team must have the confidence to approach Li Xunfang.

This confidence likely stemmed from the script. A well-crafted script is essential to securing the artist's consent. Therefore, after careful consideration, Baozhi agreed to join the project without even reading the script, to avoid any unforeseen complications.

Lu Shanjie changed the subject, "My idea is to sign the contract as soon as possible, what are your thoughts?"

After a few seconds of thought, the producer decisively said, "Since Ms. Lian Baozhi thinks so highly of us, we also want to reach a cooperation agreement with her as soon as possible."

So, I'll take a taxi there this afternoon and personally bring the contract to your door. What do you think?

Lu Shanjie smiled with satisfaction: "Very good, I wish us a pleasant cooperation!"

As soon as the producer of "Flowers Bloom on the Road" hung up the phone, he immediately called the director.

"There's no need to contact Li Xunfang anymore. I've already found a replacement actress. Even Baozhi is willing to join the crew tomorrow."

The director was taken aback.

"So fast? The script was just sent out, and she's already received it?"

The producer shook his head: "No, she didn't even read the script. When she heard that we were making a horizontal short drama, and that the artist we had approached before was Li Xunfang, she readily agreed to participate."

The director clicked his tongue in surprise: "Is it really not a script leak? We did have some fame for shooting horizontal short dramas before, but this time we're transitioning to shooting long dramas. She really trusts us that much?"

The director felt confident enough to extend invitations to actors who wanted to film long-running dramas because the scripts were excellent and would satisfy them. In addition, since these actors weren't completely inexperienced, they would have a chance.

For example, Li Xunfang, whom we contacted before.

After learning about their production team, I instantly became indifferent to them.

Later, I saw the script and was somewhat tempted, so I kept negotiating with them.

Actors simply want more screen time, better advertising moments, and ultimately, a one-man show where the lead actor isn't overshadowed by any other actor.

The producer scoffed: "If you're satisfied with us because of the script, then where did the script leak from before it was even released? Was it from our side or Li Xunfang's side?"
Don't forget that Li Xunfang and Lian Baozhi are sworn enemies in the industry, never to be outdone. Whenever paparazzi ask them about their opinions of each other, they always exchange barbed words with hidden veiled hostility. Do you think Li Xunfang would leak the script to Lian Baozhi?

The producer countered with his own guess before the director could answer.

“She would leak the script to other artists, but definitely not to Lien Po-chi, so it couldn’t have been her. So you suspect someone from the production crew?”

The director felt a chill run down his spine; this was a potentially fatal question.

He built his own team, and with everyone working together, he was able to produce one excellent horizontal short drama after another.

This time, as he transitioned to filming a long-running series, in addition to his own efforts in studying composition, everyone else also had to be extremely focused.

Don't use people with suspicion, don't use people who are suspicious.

The show hasn't even been filmed yet, and people are already speculating about it. If that's the case, the show is destined to be bad.

The director wondered, "Since the script wasn't leaked, does that mean Lian Baozhi really has faith in us? Has she seen the short drama we filmed?"

"I'm not bragging, but although our short drama was very well produced, it still can't reach the same level of popularity as a long drama. Even Baozhi is a top-tier actress, would she pay that much attention to us?"

The producer sneered again: "I think you're really drunk. You think too highly of yourself."

director:……

Producer: "Can't you hear it? The key is Li Xunfang! We contacted Li Xunfang before, and even Baozhi immediately joined the crew. What do you call that? You call it stealing Li Xunfang's new drama!"

"Believe it or not, just this topic alone, once our drama airs, even if Baozhi only needs to subtly hint at it, will generate a huge buzz. Two A-list stars tearing each other apart over a drama, how unusual is that!"

The director realized what was happening and subconsciously said, "But Li Xunfang has to join the new crew for things to really escalate!"

The producer confidently declared, "Just wait and see, I don't think Li Xunfang will let this go so easily!"

The director tentatively asked, "If we leak this information, will Li Xunfang sign with us immediately?"

The producer said indifferently, "Yes, but I advise you not to have such thoughts."

“We contacted Li Xunfang before, and that was during negotiations. We were still talking to her, but neither side had made a clear decision.”

But Lian Baozhi is already about to sign a contract. If you spread the word that you're breaking your contract with Lian Baozhi and signing Li Xunfang instead, you'll lose your job in the entertainment industry.

No star wants to work with a production team that doesn't keep its word, and Baozhi definitely has a full recording. Don't underestimate Lu Shanjie, her agent.

Since Lü Shanjie was able to pull Lian Baozhi out of the vortex of LP's scandal and restore her to A-list status, she must have had a backup plan. After all, that was LP; very few stars can escape such a situation.

The producer's words were somewhat unfathomable, and the director was startled, not daring to think too much about them.

"Okay, I'll do it your way. I won't contact Li Xunfang anymore."

The director sighed: "It's better not to contact her. Li Xunfang has been keeping us in the dark for so long. Her agent originally said that she would be free to sign the contract in May, so we waited until May, but she completely disappeared. The crew has already signed the location, so we can't delay any longer."
-
"Has the director of 'Flowers Blooming on the Road' called again?"

In the private dressing room, Li Xunfang tossed a powder puff she had just used on her face into the trash can and said listlessly.

Zhao Rui had just returned from outside, her forehead beaded with sweat.

In May, the weather outside was already quite hot. She shook her head and said, "No, it was a call from Modern Women; they want to confirm some product details."

Upon hearing that she was a modern woman, Li Xunfang's expression darkened even further.

“Other celebrities, after signing contracts, can become hands-off managers, with nothing to worry about. They just need to wait for the product launch, take some photos and videos for promotion, and even if there are related interviews, they have the materials they can memorize and just say it directly.”

"Me? I'm so unlucky. I have to be both a father and a mother to everyone, and I even have to review product designs. I'm a celebrity, not a professional designer. Why are you asking me?"

She gets a headache whenever she sees the densely packed cross-sections, vertical cross-sections, material selections, and so on in the product images.

She didn't see herself as a spokesperson invited by modern women, but as an employee!

Modern women seize upon the details in contracts and exploit them to their advantage!

Zhao Rui comforted her, saying, "Actually, it's just a quick look. The brand doesn't really want your opinions, and even if you do, they might not take them into consideration."

Li Xunfang suddenly thought of something and scoffed, "No, since modern women want me to do everything myself, then let me do it myself! Let's see who can outlast whom! I want to give my serious opinions!"

Zhao Rui was a little stunned: "Huh?"

Li Xunfang reiterated: "I will give serious feedback. Modern Women must revise according to my suggestions, otherwise they are disrespecting me! They use the contract to block me, and I will use the contract to block them back!"

Since the contract requires my participation in the design and states that it will be based on mutual communication and reaching a consensus, if Modern Women doesn't design according to my ideas, our ideas will be out of sync, and I'll block it!

Zhao Rui couldn't help but say, "Qianfang, isn't this a bad thing to do..."

This is too...

Li Xunfang said resentfully, "It was Modern Women who wasted my time first, so what's wrong with me wasting a little of their time!"

"Oh, right, and also the 'Flowers Bloom on the Road' production team, could you help me stall for a bit more?"

Li Xunfang hesitated for a moment and said, "There were no trending topics about Jinli and March in May, which gave many celebrities opportunities. I still need to participate in variety shows to ensure my exposure."

"Let's do it in June. If the production team calls you again, just tell them I can join the crew in June, and I'll definitely sign a contract with them then!"

Zhao Rui said, "Okay."

She personally agrees with Li Xunfang starting her promotional activities in May, because the opportunity is simply too good.

As for acting.

Li Xunfang's acting skills... it's really hard to say whether she should continue acting.

If she joins a production and it turns out to be another flop, then her reputation for acting will be completely ruined.
-
At 3 p.m., the producer of "Flowers Bloom on the Road" arrived at a certain TV station.

After waiting in the reception room for more than ten minutes, Lian Baozhi walked in wearing high heels, followed by Lü Shanjie, who looked shrewd and capable.

After shaking hands and exchanging greetings, Lü Shanjie got straight to the point. The producer took out the contract, and Lü Shanjie called over a professional to review it.

Lien Po-chi remained seated throughout, watching the producer with a smile on her face.

She doesn't speak on her own initiative, but she'll respond whenever the producer speaks.

The producer felt that Lien Po-chi was somewhat different from other top-tier artists in the industry.

She had almost no arrogance befitting a top-tier star; on the contrary, she was very humble and even somewhat flattering.

This is really strange.

The current trend in the industry is that only film crews pamper stars.

About half an hour passed.

Lu Shanjie pointed out the basic areas that needed to be modified, none of which involved script adaptation, but rather ensured the artists' rest time, meal allowances, accommodation conditions, and so on.

These were minor issues, nothing serious, and the producer readily agreed.

Then both parties signed the contract, the whole process taking less than an hour.

The producer, still somewhat dazed, held the newly signed contract. Was it really over just like that?

It's over so quickly?
No, what about all the prepared lines he wrote?
He also had a book called "How to Get People to Fall into Your Rhythm" in his bag!

Ahead, Lü Shanjie looked at him with a smile: "Mr. Fang, is there anything else you don't understand?"

Fang Qilin (the producer) thought to himself, "I should be the one asking you that question."

He shook his head and said, "No, I can feel Ms. Lian Baozhi's sincerity." He took out a script from his bag, "This is the script I brought. It should arrive even faster than Dongfeng Express."

Fang Qilin smiled and said, "Considering that Lian Baozhi has never read the script, there may be a gap in her emotional engagement. Tomorrow, the crew will start filming from the very first scene to get the emotions flowing."

Lian Baozhi's eyes flickered slightly, and she took the initiative to say, "Thank you, director, thank you, producer. You've saved me a lot of time."

Fang Qilin: "Of course."
-
When Li Xunfang received the news that the filming of "Flowers Bloom on the Road" had started, Lian Baozhi had already been filming on set for a day.

When she saw the message, her eyes widened in surprise.

"Sister Zhao, what's going on? Hasn't 'Flowers Blooming on the Road' been contacting me? When did they start working with Lian Baozhi?"

Zhao Rui was also a little confused when she saw the news.

"The crew contacted me the day before yesterday, asking when I could join the crew at the earliest. They said they had signed a contract for the location and had to start filming in the next day or two. But I said I would postpone it, so I did. How did it turn into Lian Baozhi?"

Li Xunfang's expression changed, and she gritted her teeth and said, "My gig has been stolen again. It must be Lian Baozhi's doing. She somehow found out that I wanted to take this role, so she snatched it away beforehand!"

It must be like this, it must be like this!
Back then, even Baozhi snatched the role that she didn't want, and as a result, she became an instant star and officially entered the entertainment industry.

Now she's trying to steal the show I was watching, how hateful!
Li Xunfang said fiercely, "Sister Zhao, find out about Lian Baozhi for me. I need to know what shows she's been doing lately, and I'll take all her shows away!"

Zhao Rui didn't understand what was going on either, so she went out to call the film crew.

But by then, the production crew was no longer answering her calls.

With the help of money, powerful personal connections become apparent.

A colleague revealed that just the day before yesterday, the crew of the TV series "Flowers Bloom on the Road" was still frantically searching for actors.

The production team has announced that they need an actress to join the cast as soon as possible.

In other words, many actresses knew about this the day before yesterday, and Baozhi probably found out about it around that time as well.

Zhao Rui frowned deeply: "Isn't it possible to know in advance?"

So, this drama wasn't stolen by Lien Po-chi?
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