The Entertainment Industry in Turmoil: Young Actresses All Want to Rise to the Top

Chapter 183 Hmm... Why not?

Since what happened a few days ago, Liu Haocun has been working even harder to arrange extra training for himself, hoping to meet the requirements for acting as soon as possible.

Moreover, she didn't know what else she could do besides practicing more to relieve that pressure.

When she saw Tian Xiwei's message, she was curled up on the sofa in the practice room.

"Brother Mo personally requested this..."

"The movie 'My Old Classmate'..."

"No audition needed, straight to the set..."

She felt very uncomfortable, not from pain, but from envy, mixed with inferiority.

Chu Ran has a movie, Xi Wei has a movie, but I don't.

So, is it still that previous incident that affected the company's perception of him?

She watched the rapidly scrolling chatter in the group chat, her finger hovering above the screen. After hesitating for a long time, she finally typed it carefully.

Congratulations! Sister Xiaotian, I'm so envious of you~

After sending it, she stared at those words and then felt something was off. Was she being a bit of a spoilsport?

Will it cause Xiaotian's sister to misunderstand?

But... she was genuinely envious.

Tian Xiwei replied quickly, her words free of any ulterior motives, and she even offered her some enthusiastic "advice".

behave in a spoiled manner……

Liu Haocun gently bit his lower lip.

It's not that she doesn't know how to act cute; she often does so in front of her parents and familiar relatives.

But for Brother Mo...

She didn't really want to ask for Mo Ge, who had appeared out of nowhere when she was most helpless and desperate, in this way.

That's not what she deserves.

Mo Ge has already helped her so much.

but……

Deep down, there was always a little black devil stabbing at her head.

Xiao Tian is right, Brother Mo is soft-hearted.

Maybe Mo Ge isn't refusing to give me roles, or maybe he's just too busy to remember.

Moreover, even if she doesn't get the role, just being close to him would make her feel at ease, just like the feeling she had when he led her out of that hospital room.

This entanglement, like a tangled mess, plagued her all night.

In the following days, she was somewhat distracted during training in the company's practice room.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I can't help but think of Tian Xiwei, Wang Churan, Bai Mengyan, Meng Ziyi...

Am I really willing to accept this?

You know what you want, but do you really dare to fight for it?

Dare?

Liu Haocun asked himself in the mirror.

Are we just going to have to wait forever?

When will we be able to pay off the company's debt? When will we be able to relieve the pressure in our hearts?

Are you just going to sit here envious, agonizing over things, and then wait for Brother Mo to remember you one day and arrange a role for you?

Do not!

She was startled when the thought popped into her head.

But what followed was an unprecedented clarity.

She didn't want to just wait passively anymore.

Once this idea takes root, it spreads and grows rapidly.

She found Shen Mo's WeChat account and revised the wording repeatedly for more than ten minutes before finally sending it out.

"Brother Mo, I'm on vacation now. Can I visit your film set and learn something? I'm very curious about filming martial arts movies and want to see how a real film crew works."

Don't worry, I promise I won't disturb the crew's work, okay?

After sending the message, she stared nervously at the screen, her heart pounding.

Wouldn't that be too abrupt?

Will I be rejected?

Fortunately, Shen Mo replied quickly.

Come on, contact this WeChat account when you get to the film set, she'll come pick you up.

Along with it came a business card, named "Zhou Xueting," with a profile picture of a chubby, cute girl.

Liu Haocun knew her. Bai Mengyan had said that after she left her assistant position, Li Yitong went to the human resources department to help her choose a new assistant.

It worked!

Liu Haocun was so happy he almost jumped for joy. He then ran back to his dormitory to wash up and change his clothes before heading towards Huairou.

When she stood at the entrance of the Huairou Film and Television Base, her heart jumped, and a trace of fear rose in her heart.

Before she could even think about it, she looked up and saw the chubby girl, who was not short at all, in fact, taller than her.

Zhou Xueting also noticed her, walked over with a smile to greet her, and then led her inside.

Filming is underway on set, and all is quiet.

Liu Haocun saw the figure from afar. Shen Mo was dressed in a dark red flying fish robe and held an embroidered spring knife. Even from a distance, she could feel the gloomy and tense aura.

She subconsciously held her breath and, following Zhou Xueting's instructions, stood in the rest area, but her gaze remained firmly fixed on the figure in the center of the camera.

After filming a scene, Shen Mo took the water and towel handed to him by Zhou Xueting, wiped his sweat and walked towards the rest area, where he immediately saw Liu Haocun waiting there.

Liu Haocun's heart tightened, and he subconsciously straightened up, twisting his fingers around the backpack strap.

Shen Mo walked towards her.

"Mo, Brother Mo..."

Liu Haocun called out softly, his voice even softer with nervousness.

Looking at her timid appearance, Shen Mo's facial features softened, and he reached out to ruffle her hair.

"You're here?"

"Um……"

Liu Haocun nodded, mustered his courage, and looked up at him.

"Brother Mo, I... I just wanted to come and learn, to watch you film... I won't bother you."

"I... I can also help serve tea and water, tidy up things..."

Her voice grew softer, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her eyes were full of earnestness and a hint of barely perceptible flattery.

Zhou Xueting turned her head to look at her instantly, her wide eyes filled with disbelief.

Did I bring a competitor into the industry?

Shen Mo saw through her cautious longing and nodded.

"Just stay with Xueting, observe more, listen more, and do less reckless things."

"If there's anything you'd like to know, you can ask me after work."

"Really?"

Liu Haocun's eyes lit up instantly, and the little deer's eyes were instantly filled with light.

"Thank you, Brother Mo! I'll definitely listen!"

Looking at the backpack on her back, Shen Mo turned to look at Zhou Xueting.

"Xueting, why don't you take her to the hotel where we're staying and get her a room? She's on holiday from school, so let her stay here and learn more."

Zhou Xueting nodded, then turned and left with Liu Haocun.

But her lingering doubts hadn't subsided, and she couldn't help but secretly glance at the girl beside her.

She's really pretty, with fair, translucent skin, speaks softly, and carries a backpack. Is she here to be my assistant?

She was Li Yitong's carefully selected assistant, and she wasn't stupid. She realized that this was probably not as simple as a "set visit for learning".

However, on second thought, since this involved her boss, she decided it was best to pretend she didn't know anything; as long as she got paid, that was fine.

She was still all smiles, explaining the layout of the base to Liu Haocun as they walked, where the living area was, where the filming areas for different crews were, and what precautions to take, just like a responsible director.

Liu Haocun listened attentively, nodding occasionally, his humble attitude leaving her with no room for criticism.

When they arrived at the hotel where the film crew was staying, Zhou Xueting helped her with the check-in process.

"Put your things down and come back with me. Mo-ge's filming will take a long time." Zhou Xueting handed her the room key.

"Thank you, Sister Xueting. Please wait for me a moment, I'll be right back." Liu Haocun took the room key and bowed slightly.

Back in his room, after closing the door, Liu Haocun finally let out a soft sigh of relief. Leaning against the door, his heart was still beating a little fast.

It's really coming.

She took the first step.

Contrary to her expectations, she was not rejected; Mo even allowed her to stay there for the rest of her vacation.

This was even better than the best-case scenario she had anticipated.

She walked to the mirror and looked at herself.

Her cheeks were still slightly flushed from nervousness and excitement, her eyes were bright, and all the timidity she had felt earlier had vanished, leaving only determination.

"Liu Haocun," she whispered to herself in the mirror, "the opportunity has come, go for it!"

After putting down her backpack, she turned around and ran downstairs quickly, following Zhou Xueting back to the film set.

When the two arrived at the film set, the crew was still making preparations for filming.

Liu Haocun followed closely behind Zhou Xueting, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He soon spotted Shen Mo, who was exchanging movements with the martial arts instructor.

The action choreographer seemed to be explaining a move involving drawing a sword, turning around, and blocking. He listened attentively, occasionally mimicking the movements.

Liu Haocun didn't dare to get close, so he stood quietly by the prop box not far away and watched.

She discovered that Mo Ge at work was very different from the Mo Ge she knew at the company.

At this moment, his eyes were sharp, his expression focused, and he exuded the aura of a professional actor.

So this is how Mo Ge acts.

After filming officially began, Liu Haocun experienced firsthand the pressure of "getting it in one take".

A scene depicting Shen Lian and Lu Jianxing arguing in hushed tones in the duty room features dense dialogue and progressively building emotions.

Shen Mo and Wang Qianyuan moved with almost no pauses or mistakes, from restrained forbearance to suppressed outburst, and finally to helpless silence, all in one smooth motion.

For several seconds after the director yelled "Cut," the set remained silent, still immersed in the tense atmosphere.

Liu Haocun held his breath as he watched, his palms sweating.

She wasn't unfamiliar with watching good actors perform, but experiencing the tension of such a performance up close on set was a shock that couldn't be compared to watching a finished film.

During halftime, Shen Mo went to the rest area, and Zhou Xueting immediately handed him ice water and a small fan.

It's August now, and the weather in the capital is unbearably hot.

Liu Haocun hesitated for a moment, then took out a box of throat lozenges, which she had specially bought on her way here.

She unwrapped a lozenge and handed it to Shen Mo, "Brother Mo, have a throat lozenge!"

Shen Mo tilted his head back to finish drinking the water, took the candy, and couldn't help but smile as he looked at Liu Haocun, who had taken the mineral water bottle from his hand.

"Haocun, you just focus on learning how to film on set. Let Xueting handle these things."

"Otherwise, outsiders would think I'm employing child laborers."

Liu Haocun felt relieved, smiled, then poked his lips with one finger and tilted his head to look at Shen Mo.

"Hmm...why not?"

Shen Mo was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening and reached out to rub her head.

"Little brat, you dare tease your brother Mo? Looks like you're not nervous at all now."

Liu Haocun raised his hands and placed them on his large hands above his head. He then shook his head and made a face at Shen Mo's sticking-out tongue.

Shen Mo was amused by her sudden funny face and couldn't help but laugh. He didn't stop rubbing her hair, but instead deliberately made her soft hair even more messy.

"You've got some nerve, little Liu Haocun."

He raised an eyebrow, his tone clearly teasing.

"You've only been here half a day, and you already dare to make faces at the boss?"

Liu Haocun's doe-like eyes curved into crescents, and his soft, sweet voice carried a hint of smugness.

"I'm not a child! Besides... Brother Mo, you laughed just now, which means you don't dislike me like this."

"Oh, you've even learned to observe micro-expressions now?"

Shen Mo withdrew his hand, crossed his arms, and looked at her with a playful glint in his eyes.

"Looks like you're really not nervous anymore. Well then, since you're so energetic..."

"Go count how many staff members are on site, then go outside and buy the corresponding number of milk teas, iced."

"Then we delivered them to them one by one."

Liu Haocun followed his gaze and looked around, then nodded firmly.

"Okay, Brother Mo! I'll go right away!"

Watching her run away, Shen Mo's lips curled into a slight smile.

Zhou Xueting leaned closer and whispered, "Brother Mo, you're really going to order him around now?"

"Otherwise what?"

Shen Mo picked up the script and flipped through it casually.

"Can she carry that many milk teas?"

"So, what are you still doing standing here?"

Shen Mo smiled slightly at her, "Keep an eye on it. Once she's finished ordering, have a few staff members go and bring it over."

"Pay the money while you're at it."

"clear."

Zhou Xueting nodded in agreement, "That little girl is really lucky."

On her first day, the boss helped her make connections on set, and she didn't even have to pay him.

Liu Haocun jogged out of the rest area. The afternoon sun shone brightly on the cement ground of the base, creating a wave of heat.

She stood in an open space, took a deep breath, and then actually began to seriously count the people.

The little brain worked quickly; after counting to ten, one finger quietly bent down.

Not satisfied with counting it once, she was about to count it again when...

Zhou Xueting walked over with a parasol, shielding her from view.

"You actually counted!"

Liu Haocun pouted and looked at her in confusion.

"Just talk to the stage manager; he has the exact headcount."

After saying that, he took her hand and walked towards the stage manager.

Having obtained the exact number of people, Zhou Xueting simply took her to the milk tea shop; otherwise, if she had to go out and find it herself, it would probably have taken her half a day.

This milk tea shop is a regular customer in Huairou, and handling large orders like this, such as 120 cups of iced milk tea, is a piece of cake for them.

Just as Zhou Xueting was about to pay, she saw Liu Haocun take out a bank card from his pocket.

She decisively stopped Liu Haocun.

"Brother Mo asked me to pay. You can save your money to prepare a gift for Brother Mo later."

Liu Haocun stood there awkwardly, muttered an "oh" softly, and then put the bank card back into his wallet.

A short while later, two young men from the film crew arrived on electric tricycles, arranged by Zhou Xueting through the production assistant.

Liu Haocun placed a few cups of iced milk tea that had been separately noted on the menu aside; these were extra drinks she had prepared in case anyone had an upset stomach.

"You're quite thoughtful, aren't you?" a young man in charge of the production crew said with a smile as he looked at the order form.

Liu Haocun smiled a little shyly, "It's nothing, thank you both."

120 cups, packed into several large boxes, were loaded onto a tricycle.

Liu Haocun and Zhou Xueting followed the car slowly back.

When we returned to the set, the previous shot had just been filmed, and everyone was adjusting the set.

The event clerk who had just been consulted walked over to Lu Yang, said a few words, and then ran to the middle of the venue and clapped his hands.

"Everyone, please pay attention!"

"Teacher Shen Moshen is treating everyone to milk tea. If you're not busy, you can come over here to Teacher Shen's assistant to get some."

Liu Haocun took a deep breath, smiled, waved his hand, and spoke in a clear voice.

"Everyone's worked so hard! Brother Mo will treat you all to iced milk tea to cool you down!"

After saying that, he, Zhou Xueting, and two stagehands started distributing the supplies.

Zhou Xueting picked up a few cups and handed them to her, gesturing with her eyes towards a spot not far away.

Liu Haocun immediately understood, thanked her, and then walked over to director Lu Yang, bowing slightly as he handed it to him.

"Director Lu, thank you for your hard work!"

"Oh, thank you so much!"

Lu Yang took the milk tea, glanced at Shen Mo who was touching up her makeup in the distance, and nodded to Liu Haocun with a smile.

"Thank you, you've worked hard too."

"What's your name? You don't look like an assistant at all."

Liu Haocun smiled and said, "My name is Liu Haocun. I'm a new artist from Mohen. I'm here to learn about film shooting from Brother Mo."

Lu Yang nodded, looking like he understood.

Liu Haocun bowed slightly again, then turned and walked towards Wang Qianyuan and Li Dongxue.

Next came the heads of each department and key staff members.

Liu Haocun has a good memory; he can basically match the names with what Zhou Xueting taught him on the way here.

When handing out milk tea, she added a sincere "Thank you for your hard work, teacher" in a genuine tone and with clear eyes, leaving a good impression on everyone present.

Zhou Xueting watched from a distance, a smile involuntarily creeping onto her lips. She must have flattered him successfully.

However, this little girl is organized in her work and knows how to treat people appropriately. Most importantly, her meticulousness and sincerity cannot be faked.

No wonder Brother Mo was willing to give her a chance.

Finally, Liu Haocun took two cups of milk tea that he had specially reserved for less sugar and headed towards Shen Mo's rest area.

"Brother Mo," Liu Haocun called softly, handing over one of the cups, "Yours."

Shen Mo opened his eyes, took the milk tea, inserted the straw, and took a sip.

He looked up at Liu Haocun. She still had fine beads of sweat on her forehead, her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes were bright.

"Have they all been delivered?" Shen Mo asked.

"Yes! Everything has been delivered!"

Liu Haocun nodded, then added in a low voice, "Everyone is very grateful to Brother Mo."

Shen Mo looked at her cautious yet hardworking manner, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes.

He raised his hand, extended the milk tea, and pressed it against her cheek.

"ah!"

Liu Haocun shrank his neck from the cold, clutching the spot where he had been chilled, and stared at him with wide eyes, his expression a mix of bewilderment and accusation.

"Is it cool now?"

A hint of mockery flashed in Shen Mo's eyes. "Well done, Assistant Liu."

Assistant Liu… This title made Liu Haocun’s heart skip a beat.

Looking into Shen Mo's smiling eyes, she suddenly felt that the spot on her cheek that had been cooled was now burning hotter.

"Then... Brother Mo, you should rest. I won't bother you anymore!"

"Wait a minute," Shen Mo called out to her.

Liu Haocun paused, then turned around.

Shen Mo pointed to the cup of milk tea she was still holding.

"After you drink it, find a shady place to stay, so you don't get heatstroke."

"oh oh!"

Liu Haocun raised his glass, waved it at him, and a bright smile spread across his face.

"Thank you, Brother Mo! Then... I'll go find Sister Xueting!"