Rebirth of Chinese Entertainment, the Diary of a 95 Flower

Meng Ziyi looked down at his phone; the screen was still lit.

Jiang Yang's news lay there, so clear it didn't seem fake.

I opened the document that Jiang Yang had just sent me.

Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of her chest, the thumping sound echoing in her ears.

At the top of the document's first page is a striking red artistic font: Mars Intelligence Agency.

The logos of the production company and co-producers are displayed below.

Address and contact information, such as phone number, are listed in the footer.

This is a standard variety show contract!

As she scrolled down, the core terms of the cooperation made her heart race.

She participated in the recording as a junior agent guest.

To align with the program's theme, participants need to complete interactive games, topic discussions, talent showcases, and other segments...

The recording duration is shown below.

There is a recording process.

The expenses for transportation to and from the recording period, as well as food and accommodation, are also listed.

As he read through the list, Meng Ziyi could hardly believe his eyes.

it is true!
Jiang Yang actually managed to negotiate a deal for her.

"As previously agreed, the appearance fee will be deposited directly into my company. I need to take 50% upfront," Jiang Yang reminded him.

Hear the words.

Mencius came to his senses.

His face, which had been tense, finally broke into a smile.

In the contract, the thing she cared about least was the appearance fee.

It's only a few tens of thousands of yuan.

It's not even as much as her monthly living expenses.

Most importantly, it's about the level of exposure.

"What 50%? Jiang Yang, it's all yours! My share is yours, and I'll make up for the share that my company took!"

"real or fake?"

"Really, Jiang Yang, I'm not kidding!"

Jiang Yang chuckled: "I wish Chaoyue would have your level of awareness!"

Not a moment later.

Jiang Yang's phone vibrated; he received a message from Bai Lu: ["Boss, I'm here. I hope I'm not late. I noticed that Sister Meng's filming hasn't started yet."]
[“Bring me some food. I missed the film crew’s mealtime here, and they didn’t leave me any boxed lunches.”] Jiang Yang typed back.

He is really hungry.

Next, we need to work on Meng Ziyi's acting skills, otherwise Guo Jianyong will definitely pester him and not let him leave.

Her enthusiasm for him was genuine.

They really won't give you the money.

All he does is promise that he'll be the male lead in his next film.

They kept making empty promises, one after another.

If I ever actually act in one of Guo Jianyong's plays, I'll make him bleed.

However, in this circle, it's essential to maintain good relationships. Even if Guo Jianyong didn't say anything, Jiang Yang would still help Meng Ziyi put on a good performance.

After all, he knew that Meng Ziyi hadn't slept well last night because of him.

It's definitely not because he coached Meng Ziyi's acting skills and could exploit his attributes.

Bai Lu walked briskly towards the city gate, her white low-heeled leather shoes clicking on the ground.

The top is a fitted blazer.

The lower body is a knee-length pencil skirt, which makes the figure look neat and capable.

She wore a light gray silk shirt underneath, with the sleeves rolled up to her forearms, revealing her slender wrists.

Her long hair was styled into a low ponytail and tied with a black hair tie, with neat wispy bangs framing her forehead, and she wore delicate light makeup.

"Hey, you paparazzi, why are you dressed so formally?" Jiang Yang called out.

"Don't call me a paparazzi! Boss, it makes you look bad, you know? If you look bad, I look bad too." Bai Lu immediately waved her hand, stopping Jiang Yang from continuing.

The folder she was holding contained only one document.

It's Meng Ziyi's variety show contract.

This is the first time I've handled such an important document, and I feel I should make it look more formal.

It was Hao Chun who specifically reminded her.

You must do the things your boss assigns you wholeheartedly.

In her other hand, she carried a thermos filled with boiling water, also prepared for Jiang Yang.

He walks with his back straight and his eyes focused.

This skill was honed during her time as a model, and it actually gives her a more capable and professional look.

Three production assistants from the film crew followed behind him.

Two people were carrying a large box of bottled iced tea, while another carried several plastic bags filled with disposable paper cups. Bai Lu called out, "Actors, I'm Jiang Yang's assistant. I'm here to treat you to drinks! Line up one by one, don't push!"

The extras immediately surrounded them.

The figures that were originally scattered in the corners of the film set instantly gathered together.

Most of them were dressed in coarse cloth ancient costumes, some in gray short jackets, and some in soldiers' armor.

The armor was covered in dust and looked a bit old, but when actually photographed, it would be filtered to make it look brand new.

Some of the extras had just taken off their heavy helmets, revealing sweaty hair with stray hairs sticking to their faces.

Some of them were even carrying prop knives, with patches of paint chipped off the scabbards.

"Teacher Jiang Yang is too kind. I thought those who came along would get a share, but it turns out we did too!"

"You haven't taken on any assignments for this group before, have you? As long as Jiang Yang is around, there will always be perks."

"Yeah, let me tell you, just a few months ago, some bastard made a trending topic saying that Jiang Yang was abusing extras on set. It made me furious."

"Teacher Jiang Yang is incredibly popular right now, he's trending on social media. Big stars like Lu Han and Guan Xiaotong are all good friends of Jiang Yang."

"I just saw him talking to Director Guo, and he seemed quite easygoing."

While queuing, someone secretly took photos in the direction of Jiang Yang with their phone.

The atmosphere among the extras completely relaxed.

The previous sense of oppression vanished completely.

At the same time, staff from various departments quickly took their positions and began preparations for filming.

The director of photography adjusted the camera's focus, while the assistant squatted down to connect the camera to the power cord and checked again to make sure the memory card was inserted properly.

The lighting team is adjusting the angle of the soft lights.

He climbed the ladder and moved the lamp stand closer to Meng Ziyi.

They also used blackout cloth to block out excess light, ensuring that the light hit the actors' faces just right, making it both soft and highlighting their features, mainly for the sake of looking good on camera.

Meng Ziyi took the variety show contract from Bai Lu and glanced at it.

Even knowing that it was the same contract Jiang Yang had given her before, her heart still couldn't stop racing.

Bai Lu asked, "Sister Meng, I just came in and the atmosphere on set seems a bit off. What's going on?"

"You could tell?"

"Please don't question my professional abilities, what's wrong?"

Bai Lu's eyes lit up: "Tell me, and I promise I won't tell anyone else."

The smile that had just appeared on Meng Ziyi's face because of the contract faded somewhat.

Avoid Bai Lu's direct gaze.

The curiosity in his eyes was so direct that she was a little overwhelmed. "Actually, it's nothing much, it's just that, um, I didn't act well and the director scolded me..." Meng Ziyi said somewhat reluctantly, forcing a faint smile at the corners of her mouth.

I really didn't want to say this.

It was embarrassing to be scolded by the director. As a professional actor, it's shameful to not even be able to perform such a simple scene well.

He had only said a few words.

Jiang Yang interrupted him, saying, "What could have happened? It's just that when I was watching the monitor just now, I couldn't help but offer some advice to Lao Guo on the pacing of the scene, saying that he didn't direct this scene well and that he ran into a trap."

Hear the words.

Meng Ziyi was stunned for a moment, then looked at Jiang Yang.

Why doesn't she remember this?

Bai Lu laughed so hard she almost fell over.

The atmosphere on set was relaxed.

It felt like something had gently bumped into her heart.

"You're an actress, giving the director advice on directing? Seriously, Guo Jianyong is incredibly meticulous when he's filming; if he doesn't yell at you, who will he yell at?" Bai Lu muttered a few words, then asked, "What did you say?"

"I was saying that in Sister Meng's post just now, I felt that she could have toned down her emotions a bit more, and not be so outwardly expressive, which would have been more in line with her persona of being gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. But Lao Guo was in a hurry to finish the project, so he directly criticized me."

Jiang Yang imitated Guo Jianyong's serious tone when directing, saying: "I'll direct you, I'll direct you, you're the director, okay! You can direct all the scenes today, do you want? Jiang Yang, it's true that you have good acting skills, but that doesn't mean you can direct, you know? I have the whole plot of the play in my head, and there can't be a single mistake."

Bai Lu kept laughing.

Meng Ziyi laughed a few times.

Her eyes, as she looked at Jiang Yang, were filled with gratitude.

Guo Jianyong's anger was clearly directed at her; his accusations that she didn't act well and that she was slowing down the progress felt like pebbles poking at her heart.

I know it was her fault.

But with so many people watching, I wished I could disappear into a crack in the ground.

Jiang Yang so casually took the blame, defusing all the embarrassment and awkwardness for her in an almost joking way.

As she watched Jiang Yang mimic Guo Jianyong with great enthusiasm and a cooperative smile on his lips, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude welling up inside her.

Bai Lu lowered her voice: "Let me tell you, Sister Meng, remember that male makeup artist on the set of 'Fighter of the Destiny'? The short one with blond hair, the one who spoke in a high-pitched voice, do you remember him?"

"I remember you, what's wrong?"

He's gay!

Once the topic came up, Bai Lu couldn't stop talking: "I've actually suspected it for a long time, but I didn't have any evidence. Today in the dressing room, I glanced at his phone, and oh my god, there was a whole row of videos on it, all of them male-on-male..."

She spoke with great enthusiasm.

She glanced at Jiang Yang again and said, "Boss, really, you need to stay away from that guy from now on, you know? I've noticed that this industry is similar to the modeling industry, there are a lot of gay men."

After eating some of the snacks Bai Lu brought, Jiang Yang urged Bai Lu to go to the side.

Because they discovered that the cameras were already set up.

Guo Jianyong is probably sitting in front of the monitor right now, but he's just being polite by not reminding him.

I had a brief chat with Meng Ziyi about the key points of the upcoming plot.

Help Meng Ziyi relieve his emotions.

Guo Jianyong didn't disturb them, watching the three of them chatting and laughing on the set that had been set up.

If it were anyone else, he would have already lost his temper.

But Jiang Yang is not an option.

Having had more contact with Jiang Yang, I know that sometimes Jiang Yang manages to regulate the emotions of actors in this way.

He kept staring at the monitor and saw Meng Ziyi with her head slightly lowered, gathering her emotions.

He looked up again at the camera.

His eyes were no longer as dull as before.

The smiles that had just arisen from our casual conversation have completely faded away.

The awkwardness and confusion in his eyes were gone.

Her eyelashes, still glistening with moisture, no longer drooped or hid, but stared straight at the camera.

His gaze was like a fine needle that had been tempered by fire, sharp but not piercing.

There was sincerity, determination, and a desperate courage in his eyes.

“Yes, that’s exactly the look in his eyes.” Guo Jianyong immediately perked up: “Being trained by Jiang Yang makes all the difference. I wish Jiang Yang had come sooner!”

Meng Ziyi did not deliberately widen his eyes, nor did he frown exaggeratedly.

He simply gazed ahead with a steady yet powerful look.

It's as if you can see through the camera the prison where Zhao Yun is imprisoned in this scene, and the justice you are trying to protect.

Jiang Yang didn't watch Meng Ziyi's performance much.

In reply to Huang Lei's message.

Suddenly, I felt Bai Lu press my waist with her elbow: "Boss!"

"Ok?"

Jiang Yang turned his head to look, only to find Bai Lu staring at him with a stern face: "You old lecher!"

"What's wrong? Did I suddenly take your clothes off?"

"You old lecher, I know everything!"

"Speak properly, stop swearing."

"You old lecher! I just realized I've been used by you!"

Jiang Yang grew impatient.

With a snap, he pinched Bai Lu's butt, and Bai Lu immediately backed down, saying, "I'll talk nicely, stop pinching, you're about to reach the hair."

Wait until Jiang Yang lets go.

Bai Lu finally spoke: "I just asked the makeup artist, and Sister Meng was clearly scolded by Guo Jianyong before, not at all like what you said. Guo Jianyong didn't scold you at all. I was wondering why you, who isn't the type to meddle in other people's business, went to teach the director how to direct, and right now you're very popular. Guo Jianyong is trying to curry favor with you, he's too busy trying to use you to promote this movie, and he's even counting on you to train the other actors' acting skills..."

That’s what I just said.

Jiang Yang covered Bai Lu's mouth: "Keep your voice down, Sister Meng will definitely break character if she hears you."

"Sister Meng's eyes have changed when she looks at you. Don't you think I'm a great hero? If Sister Meng goes to your room tonight, she has to give me a raise... That dog of a boss used me to flirt with Sister Meng. Sister Nazha was right, you're a scumbag!"

"Who's the bastard?" Jiang Yang casually placed his hand on Bai Lu's buttocks.

"I told you, okay? I'm a lowly dog!" Bai Lu admitted defeat with a straight face.

The image of Meng Ziyi on the monitor perfectly captured the youthful and innocent nature of the character Shi Yan.

On the horse-drawn carriage, Jiang Yang's voice rang out from behind the walkie-talkie: "Director, is Shi Yan's emotion on point right now?"

"Perfect timing, absolutely perfect timing! Oh, Jiang Yang, I wish you had come sooner! Great job!"

"Then let the makeup artist touch up Sister Meng's makeup, and we can take the photos."

Guo Jianyong gave the executive director an order.

Immediately.

The assistant director shouted through a megaphone, "All departments, take your positions! Shi Yan, touch up your makeup! Hurry up! Jiang Yang has helped Shi Yan get into character, let's shoot right away and try to get it in one take! Quickly! While Jiang Yang is still here, let him give the actors some pointers. Let's all wrap up early!"

The film set immediately became bustling with activity.

The script supervisor quickly scribbled down the scene number and take number on the clapperboard, then walked to the camera, checked the position, and held the clapperboard to his chest, ready to start filming at any moment.

The makeup artist on site, holding a powder puff and lip gloss, quickly walked to Meng Ziyi's side, touched up the loose powder on her face, and then reapplied the lip gloss.

I realized that Meng Ziyi had already gotten into character.

I didn't dare to speak to Meng Ziyi, for fear of affecting his mood.

The prop team inspected the set, straightened the weapon rack that had been knocked askew, and tidied up the banners under the eaves to ensure that there were no flaws in the set design.

The sound engineer, wearing monitoring headphones and holding a microphone boom, quietly walked to the side of the scene, adjusted the microphone height, and ensured that Meng Ziyi's lines could be clearly recorded.

"Silence! Three! Two! One... Go!" (End of Chapter)