Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 398 Night Talk on the Qinhuai River
At the end of March, spring was in full bloom in the ancient city of Nanjing, with lush grass and birdsong everywhere, a scene brimming with vitality.

Inside the rest area of ​​the "Silent Shorthand" crew, Wan Qian, the second female lead, dressed in a simple and elegant cheongsam, paced back and forth, holding a script and softly reciting her lines.

However, her agent, Fu Zhuoyu, waved her hand impatiently and asked urgently, "My dear aunt, I didn't come to the set to listen to you recite your lines."

Are you really not going to audition for the female lead in the movie "Tiny Times"? This film is adapted from a bestselling novel and already has a huge fan base; the box office is guaranteed to be good, especially since it's a two-part film!

Wan Qian stopped and shook her head, her tone resolute: "Sister Fu, we all know in our hearts that there are no such things as free lunches."

These high-quality resources have basically been decided long ago, so why waste time joining in the fun?

A few days ago, the film "Tiny Times," adapted from Guo Jingming's best-selling novel of the same name and mainly invested and distributed by LeTV Pictures, was officially launched. The production team publicly recruited four female leads in the entertainment industry for auditions.

Fu Zhuoyu muttered in response, "That's true! But you can't say there's no luck involved at all. You got this second female lead role for free!"

Wan Qian glared at her agent, then glanced around warily, and snorted irritably: "My character only has a few costumes over and over again, they're all very plain."

Then look at Liu Shishi, she has over seventy formal outfits alone. When the show airs and the characters are compared, I'm sure I'll be completely overshadowed.

Fu Zhuoyu reassured her, "Silent Notes is a well-made production, and with Liu Shishi's ability to carry a show, the ratings are sure to be good. Even the second female lead will get a share of the benefits. I'll arrange for some press releases later, and I guarantee your popularity will skyrocket."

"I hope so." Wan Qian put down the script, sat down in the chair, and picked up her phone to browse Weibo's trending topics.

1. Chen Sicheng and Tong Liya officially announced their relationship.

Upon seeing the entry, Wan Qian curiously clicked on the link. It turned out that Chen Sicheng, the director of the hit drama "Love Story in Beiping" last month, had made a heartfelt confession to actress Tong Liya on a variety show, officially announcing their relationship.

After reading this gossip news, Wan Qian couldn't help but sigh: "In the past, celebrities would hide their relationships, afraid of being discovered. Now, they confess their love in public all the time, making it known to everyone."

"Times have changed! Nowadays, popularity is traffic, and as long as it is managed properly, it can be converted into popularity. Tong Liya is currently very popular with 'Beijing Love Story,' and if she exposes her relationship now to create hype, her popularity will definitely rise to another level."

"She had already gained some popularity from 'Palace' and with the added popularity of 'Beijing Love Story,' she has no problem securing her position as a second-tier actress. She has finally made it. The competition among female stars is getting fiercer and fiercer."

Thinking that Tong Liya is a year younger than her, Wan Qian couldn't help but sigh. She is already thirty years old this year, and her prime years are only a few years away. If she doesn't seize the opportunity now, it will be difficult for her career to make a big breakthrough in the future.

After admiring Tong Liya for a moment, Wan Qian had a sudden inspiration and asked her agent, "Sister Fu, these days female celebrities all seem to be creating personas. The most popular actresses born in the 85s all have personas. Do you think I could try creating one too?"

Fu Zhuoyu nodded thoughtfully: "Establishing a persona can indeed increase brand recognition and attract fans precisely. A persona is like a 'living advertising slogan,' which can help the public remember you more quickly. I think it's worth a try."

With her agent's approval, Wan Qian's eyes sparkled with anticipation: "Sister Fu, what kind of persona do you think would suit me best?"

As a celebrity agent, Fu Zhuoyu has a lot of insights into this: "If you want your persona to last, it's best to make it close to your real personality."

If a persona differs too greatly from their true nature, it's difficult to maintain in the long run. Once exposed, the backlash from the collapse of that persona is too severe; it requires careful consideration.

Wan Qian lowered her eyes and pondered, when a bold idea suddenly popped into her mind: "If we're going to establish a persona, let's establish the most outstanding one! A classic Eastern beauty, taking a low-key, elegant, and serene route, what do you think, Sister Fu?"

Fu Zhuoyu looked at Wan Qian meaningfully, never expecting that the seemingly docile girl would harbor such ambition.

Looking across the entire entertainment industry, the only one who dares to cultivate a persona of being indifferent and unassuming, without vying for attention, is that top female entertainer in China!
Fu Zhuoyu's tone was solemn, each word like a hammer blow: "Have you thought this through? You should understand that on this track, there is a strongest opponent."

She is the epitome of the "light-colored" look and is regarded as a dual benchmark of Eastern classical aesthetics and fashion culture.

The key is that she has the confidence to do so; she can follow her heart and not compete or fight for anything, but other women in the entertainment industry can't!

A moment of hesitation flashed in Wan Qian's eyes, quickly turning into a resolute determination. The sense of crisis of turning thirty was ever-present; if she didn't give it her all now, when would she ever make it in the entertainment industry?

So, gritting her teeth, she decisively replied: "Sister Fu, how many times in life can you take such a gamble? My current status is far below Liu Shishi's, so even if I create a similar persona for her, it won't have much of an impact."

As for the possibility of my public image collapsing and causing backlash in the future, we'll have to wait until I become famous before we talk about that.

“Okay!” Fu Zhuoyu smiled. The agent liked artists with ambition and drive the most. “Establishing a persona is not something that can be done overnight. Since you’ve made up your mind, I will help you plan it out slowly.”

From this moment on, in public, you must maintain a humble and unassuming attitude. I will gradually release press releases to guide public perception and cultivate a "Buddhist goddess" image for you.

"We're all counting on Sister Fu!"

"Our interests are intertwined, and I also hope that you can become famous and reach the top tier, so that you can get a share of the pie in the entertainment industry."

As Wan Qian and Fu Zhuoyu were carefully planning, two youthful and beautiful figures burst into the rest shed.

The two smiled broadly and greeted each other in unison: "Sister Qian, Teacher Fu!"

"Yuan Bingyan, Hu Bingqing, it's you!" Wan Qian responded warmly, but a sense of urgency grew in her heart. The post-90s generation had already begun to enter the entertainment industry, and she had to hurry.

Hu Bingqing smiled, her face showing the innocent optimism of a newcomer to the entertainment industry: "Sister Qian, Bingyan and I just asked Director Kong for leave and are going to Beiping tomorrow to audition for the movie 'Tiny Times'."

Upon hearing this, Fu Zhuoyu glared at Wan Qian, her eyes clearly a sarcastic remark that even the newcomers were more enthusiastic than her.

Wan Qian pretended not to see the agent's look and smiled at the two young women, saying, "The entertainment industry is very deep and more complicated than you imagine. I'm afraid you'll have made a wasted trip."

"It's okay. Bingyan and I are still students. Let's just treat it as a chance to broaden our horizons and gain experience."

Looking at the two bright and cheerful faces, Wan Qian forced a smile and encouraged them, "It's good to give it a try and experience the atmosphere of a movie audition."

"Bingyan, why aren't you saying anything?" Hu Bingqing looked curiously at her friend beside her. Usually, she was the most lively person on set.

Yuan Bingyan looked shocked and pointed to the rest shed next door where the female lead, Liu Shishi, was staying. She stammered, "That...that's Song Ci? Am I seeing things? Song Ci actually came to the film crew!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a handsome man in a sharp suit walking into the rest area under the guidance of the assistant of the top female boss. His noble air and outstanding appearance, which surpassed that of a star, made him highly recognizable. Everyone recognized him at a glance as the richest man.

"They must be here to visit Liu Shishi on set." Wan Qian squinted, pondering whether she should go over and pay them a visit, hoping to become acquainted with the richest man.

Wan Qian wasn't the only one with this idea. Yuan Bingyan's eyes burned with excitement as she tugged at Hu Bingqing's sleeve, eager to try: "Sister Qian, Bingqing, should we go over and say hello?"

As the others hesitated, Liu Shishi gracefully arrived in her high heels. Her meticulously styled wavy hair was half-up in a retro bun, and a beige woolen skirt hugged her lithe figure. A dark brown belt accentuated her slender waist, and a beret was casually perched on her temple. She exuded elegance and poise, her every gesture radiating the charm of the Republic of China era.

As they approached the rest area, Liu Shishi suddenly quickened her pace, ran and rushed into Song Ci's arms, hugging her husband tightly, her voice tinged with a coquettish tone.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming to the film set beforehand? I could have picked you up from the airport."

Having not seen his wife for several days, Song Ci missed her dearly. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist and gently kissed her forehead: "I missed you, so I came to see you."

Liu Shishi rested her head on her husband's chest, her voice tender and loving: "I missed you too, my husband!"

The two seemed oblivious to everyone else, and quietly embraced each other tenderly for a while. Liu Shishi blushed and let go of her hand: "Yiyi, shall I show you around the film set?"

"No need, film sets are all pretty much the same." Song Ci shook her head with a smile. "But Lin Hao heard you were filming in Jinling the other day and insisted on visiting the set. When he comes, you can show him around the set; he's very curious about filming."

"Oh right, Lin Hao is from Nanjing. I haven't seen him in ages."

The couple sat down and chatted casually. Their assistant, Su Xiaoxiao, attentively served them snacks and fruit, inviting Mr. Song to enjoy.
"Yiyi, Guo Jingming, who was once as famous as you, has actually switched careers to become a director and is going to make his novel 'Tiny Times' into a movie."

"I've heard that Yang Mi and Ni Ni have already been cast as the female leads in the movie."

Liu Shishi pouted: "The entertainment industry is still the same as always. Before, Nazha and I chatted on WeChat about wanting to audition, and I advised her not to waste her time."

Song Ci chuckled: "Guo Jingming is shrewd in dealing with people. When he was making 'Tiny Times,' he sought investment from LeTV Pictures and gave Ni Ni, LeTV's top female star, a role."

They also cast Yang Mi as the female lead, a move to curry favor with Tengda Culture. They're playing both sides—very shrewd indeed.

"By the way, Shi Bao, I have something interesting to tell you?"

Liu Shishi moved closer to her husband, smiling brightly, and asked, "What is it?"

Song Ci held his wife's soft hand, feeling its coldness, then took both hands in his palms and gently caressed them:

"Seeing Guo Jingming become a director, Han Han was not to be outdone and took the initiative to seek support from Tengda Culture, also wanting to cross over into directing."

"Han Han is going to be a director too! These two are really competing!"

Song Ci smiled faintly: "They have always regarded each other as rivals."

Back then, Song Ci, Han Han, and Guo Jingming were known as the 80 emerging writers. However, with the rise of Tengda Group, Song Ci became the richest man and has completely left the other two behind.

Netizens only compared Han Han and Guo Jingming. Now that Guo Jingming has taken the lead in transitioning to directing, Han Han feels he is no less capable and also plans to direct a movie.

The two looked at each other and smiled, completely unaware of the envious glances cast from outside the shed.

Song Ci stayed with the film crew for half a day. At dusk, she and Liu Shishi went to Confucius Temple to enjoy the magnificent Qinhuai Lantern Festival.

The gentle breeze of late spring still carries a touch of warmth, carrying the misty vapor from the Qinhuai River and brushing against the continuous lights on both banks.

As a nationally renowned scenic spot, the Confucius Temple area is already brightly lit and bustling with tourists, creating a lively atmosphere everywhere.

The couple, wearing baseball caps and masks, blended quietly into the crowd, admiring the various lanterns hanging under the eaves of the Zhu Pavilion.

"Yi-yi, I want to go on a boat!"

"it is good!"

As always, Song Ci indulged Miss Liu, and the two held hands as they boarded a painted boat moored on the banks of the Qinhuai River.

The painted boat slowly departed from the shore, with two vermilion ram's horn lanterns hanging at the bow, their light rippling across the dark blue water in tiny golden waves.

Liu Shishi leaned against the carved railing at the bow of the boat, and Song Ci embraced his wife from behind, feeling the evening breeze brush past their ears.

With a gentle light in her eyes, Liu Shishi savored the moment and admired the colorful lights adorning the upturned eaves of the buildings on both sides of the river. She murmured, "So beautiful! Husband, I really want to stay with you like this until we grow old."

Song Ci's voice was filled with a cheerful laugh: "My heart remains the same. Being with the one I love is truly comforting."

Liu Shishi nestled even closer to her husband, murmuring in her sleep, "I will love you well, Yi Yi."

Song Ci smiled and said, "That's right, your husband is very popular!"

"Hmph!" Miss Liu gave a haughty snort, then said softly, "Actually, before we got our marriage certificate, I was quite insecure for a while. I was afraid that I wasn't good enough for you, and that I wasn't good enough for you. I was very anxious."

Song Ci nuzzled his wife's hair with his cheek: "You're overthinking things again! Matters of the heart can never be measured by reason."

Love is not just about liking the good in someone, but also about knowing their flaws and still choosing to walk alongside them and grow together. In my heart, you are the best; I love you, and that is enough.

After saying that, Song Ci kissed his wife's lustrous earlobe through her mask, his warm breath brushing against her ear: "Just have fun when you're out having fun. We're an old married couple now, and we're destined to be together for the rest of our lives. Don't overthink it."

Look at that largest dragon and phoenix lantern in front; its reflection in the water makes it look like a dragon and phoenix dancing, so lifelike.

Liu Shishi collected her thoughts and followed her husband's gaze. Not far away, on a stone bridge, hung a huge lantern. The dragon and phoenix patterns on the lantern wall flowed in the candlelight and were reflected in the shimmering water, truly extraordinary.

With her head tilted slightly back, her profile was bathed in a soft glow from the palace lanterns, and her eyes, as they moved, reflected the lights on both banks and the figures of the people around her.

"Yes, it's really beautiful," Miss Liu responded softly, her voice gentle as water, "but..."

Under Song Ci's astonished gaze, Liu Shishi suddenly turned around and deftly pulled off their masks. She placed her hands on her husband's shoulders and pressed her warm lips against his moist lips.

The river breeze ruffled the stray hairs on Liu Shishi's forehead, and a few strands brushed against Song Ci's cheeks, tickling him but stirring a tender feeling in his heart.

(End of this chapter)