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

Currently reading: Chapter 184 I'll Act for Brother Mo for the rest of my life, latest chapters available here.

Shen Mo sat next to Li Lin, watching Liu Haocun running and jumping around with Zhou Xueting in the distance.

He suddenly spoke up, "Thanks."

Li Qin paused, looked up at him, her eyes filled with questions.

"Take her with you."

Shen Mo explained, "Her family situation is special, so she keeps her thoughts to herself, but she's not a bad person at heart."

"You've gone to a lot of trouble to get her relaxed and into the zone so quickly."

Li Qin remained silent for a moment, then placed her fingers on her knees and gently touched the script.

"It's nothing."

Her voice was soft, and her gaze fell on Liu Haocun, who was watching the martial arts instructor's demonstration intently not far away.

"She reminds me of myself when I first entered the industry."

"The same caution, the same..."

"I want to grasp onto something, to prove that I'm not that bad."

She paused, then added.

"Moreover, her eyes are very bright and expressive, and the intensity in them is very genuine."

I like her very much.

She spoke with a smile on her lips, then turned to look at Shen Mo.

"Besides, this was a task assigned by the boss."

"If the boss has to thank me for all this, then shouldn't I thank the boss for taking me in in the first place?"

"Otherwise, I would be the first person to trend on social media after the Hundred Flowers Awards."

"You..." Shen Mo glanced at her deliberately and teased, "You seem to have a cool and aloof personality, but you have much more drive than her."

Upon hearing this, Li Lin glanced at him sideways, her eyes filled with a hint of reproach.

"I'm easygoing and take things lightly."

"That doesn't mean I have no ambition!"

"I also have dreams and perseverance."

Shen Mo smiled: "That's true."

"You got to where you are today step by step through your own hard work."

His tone was filled with sincere praise, "Therefore, it's most suitable for you to lead this production."

Li Lin didn't say anything more, but turned her head and continued to look at the film set.

But Shen Mo noticed that her shoulders seemed to have relaxed a bit.

Li Qin needs recognition, but not exaggerated praise.

Shen Mo's words resonated with her. She was indeed indifferent to everything, but even the most indifferent person has dreams; after all, no one is a lazy bum.

She simply loved acting, starting with Dream of the Red Chamber, so she resolutely left the established path of Kunqu Opera and came to Mohen.

She was pleased with Shen Mo's affirmation; if this man were single, he would definitely be a good match.

Liu Haocun ran back with two bottles of water, handing one to Shen Mo and the other to Li Qin. Then, he quietly sat down on a small stool between Li Qin and Shen Mo, a little behind them.

Shen Mo took the water but didn't drink it. Looking at the two figures, one big and one small, a slight feeling stirred in a corner of his heart.

In this circle filled with fame, fortune, and scheming, it's truly rare to find someone who simply wants to put on a good show.

Perhaps, by helping them realize the dreams they couldn't achieve in their past lives, they can change their predetermined fate.

It was also an unexpected gain on his journey of starting over.

"Haocun," he suddenly called out.

"Hmm?" Liu Haocun and Li Qin looked at him at the same time.

Shen Mo smiled and glanced at the two of them.

"I'll treat you to dinner after work tonight. Consider it a welcome back to Sister Lin as she officially joins the crew, and a cheer for our little Miaotong."

Liu Haocun's eyes lit up instantly.

"Really? Thank you, Brother Mo!"

Li Lin glanced at Shen Mo, seemingly wanting to say something, but in the end only nodded slightly, the curve of her lips deepening a little.

"Um."

-----------------

As evening fell, the heat of the day dissipated in Huairou. The signal to wrap up work rang, and the film set relaxed from its highly tense state.

Shen Mo kept his word, and Zhou Xueting booked a private restaurant not far from the base.

Next to their private room, Zhou Xueting, Wang Zheng, and Li Lin's assistant were sitting.

Shen Mo naturally sat in the main seat, with Li Qin and Liu Haocun sitting on either side.

Liu Haocun was clearly still a little reserved, his eyes secretly scanning the private room, and he couldn't help but steal glances at Li Qin sitting opposite him and Shen Mo next to him.

Li Lin, on the other hand, was calm. She picked up the teapot and first filled Shen Mo's cup to seven-tenths full, then Liu Haocun's, and finally her own.

"Thank you, Sister Qin," Liu Haocun said softly, holding the warm teacup in both hands.

"Let's order some light snacks," Shen Mo said, picking up the menu. "There are no outsiders here."

He handed it to Li Qin, saying, "Ladies first. See what you'd like to eat; let's not talk about dieting today."

Li Lin took the menu, glanced at him indifferently, with a hint of teasing.

"Is this based on your experience? Looks like you often advise people against dieting?"

Shen Mo raised an eyebrow and looked at Liu Haocun, who was secretly smiling.

"That was just health advice. Look at Xueting, she's been well-fed and plump since she came with me, hasn't she?"

Liu Haocun nodded quickly, "Yes, yes! Sister Xueting ate three bowls of rice at noon today, she has a great appetite!"

After saying that, he felt that what he said was a bit strange, and he laughed awkwardly to himself.

Li Lin smiled slightly, looked down at the menu, ordered two light dishes, and then turned the menu to Liu Haocun.

"Haocun, look, pick a few of your favorite foods. You're still growing, so you can eat more."

Shen Mo leaned back, relaxing. "Yes, choose a few more, and help your brother Mo choose some too."

Liu Haocun pursed his lips and stole a glance at the two people coming and going. His restraint dissipated considerably, and he boldly pointed to the sweet and sour pork ribs.

"I want to eat this..."

"Anything else?" Shen Mo nodded. "I saw a sign at the door that says steamed fish. Want to try one?"

Liu Haocun nodded, ordered a few more dishes, and after the waiter left, the private room became quiet for a while.

Liu Haocun was wondering whether he should start a conversation when Shen Mo spoke first.

"I heard you study Kunqu Opera?"

Li Qin was somewhat surprised that he would ask this, and nodded: "Yes."

"Is Mr. Shen only now thinking of investigating his own employees?"

"Isn't it getting a little late?"

She smiled, her eyes half-closed as she looked at Shen Mo.

"It's never too late to learn if you want to."

Shen Mo looked knowing. "Judging from your figure and demeanor, you must have a solid foundation in virginity training."

"Brother Mo, Sister Qin is the inheritor of the Kunqu Opera 'Guimen Dan' (female role) specialization program at the Shanghai Theatre Academy."

Liu Haocun suddenly raised his hand, looking at Li Qin with admiration.

"Personally selected by the dean of the Kunqu Opera Academy of Shanghai Theatre Academy."

"Oh?" Shen Mo was shocked; he had never heard of this before. "How did you know?"

"I looked it up while you were filming," Liu Haocun said. "I was just thinking of learning more about Sister Qin, wasn't I?"

Mentioning this, a complex mix of helplessness appeared on Li Qin's usually cold face, and she shook her head.

"What's wrong?" Shen Mo looked at her expression; something seemed off.

"I just feel like I've let my teachers down."

"I cannot live up to Haocun's claim as a successor of Kunqu Opera."

"Why do you say that?" Shen Mo proactively refilled Li Lin's tea.

Li Qin pursed her lips and sighed softly.

"The opera world already has a serious age gap, and even fewer people are learning Kunqu opera's female roles."

"The teachers all have high hopes for me."

"But at that time, I was tired of the same old rehearsals."

"Especially after starring in 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' I fell in love with acting."

Li Lin picked up the teacup, staring blankly at the pattern on the cup.

"Did you know?"

"Actually, after the play was finished, the headmaster called me and said, 'Come back.'"

"But all I can say is I'm sorry, I really can't go back."

Liu Haocun imagined that scene, and his eyes reddened.

"Do you regret it?" Shen Mo looked into her eyes, as if trying to see through something.

Regret?

She raised her eyes, but instead of meeting Shen Mo's gaze directly, she looked towards the carved wooden window behind him, as if gazing into the distance.

"It would be a lie to say I have absolutely no regrets."

Her voice was soft, yet exceptionally clear.

"Especially during holidays like Chinese New Year, when I call my teachers to say hello, they tell me about the new play the school is putting on, or how some of the younger girls are really talented..."

"I feel a sense of emptiness inside."

"That feeling is strange, like... you've left a home that raised you for a long time."

"Even though I know I can't go back, I still can't help but talk about everything at home."

Liu Haocun held his breath as he listened, feeling a bittersweet ache in his heart.

Shen Mo didn't speak, he just looked at her quietly.

Li Qin paused, then added, "But..."

She changed the subject, turning her gaze back to her hand holding the teacup.

"If I had to choose again, I would probably make the same choice."

She looked at Shen Mo, and in his clear, cold eyes, there was no confusion, only determination.

"Kunqu Opera is beautiful; it's something etched into my bones. I will always be grateful for that period of study."

"It gave me physical form, rhythm, and a perception of classical beauty, which have been of great help to my acting."

"But compared to that, I still love acting more."

"Every character, no matter how small, is first and foremost a 'person,' with flesh and blood, flaws, and a unique soul."

"I try to understand her, to become her, even if she is imperfect or even unlikable."

"This process makes me feel like I'm creating a work of art."

"Instead of...inheriting or imitating the classics."

She let out a soft breath, as if she had unloaded a burden, and a faint smile of relief appeared on her lips.

"So, what I regret is probably that I failed my teachers' expectations and failed to become the kind of successor they hoped I would become."

"But I don't regret choosing acting as a career path."

After he finished speaking, the private room fell silent again.

Liu Haocun was completely stunned. Looking at Li Qin, she felt as if Qin Jie was radiating light.

That clear understanding of dreams and unwavering pursuit deeply moved her.

Shen Mo remained silent for a moment, then picked up the teapot and refilled Li Lin's teacup.

"This cup of tea is a toast to your 'no regrets'."

He raised his glass, "To those teachers who may be somewhat disappointed, but will ultimately understand and be proud of you."

Looking at the clear understanding and approval in his eyes, Li Qin smiled even more sweetly.

She picked up her teacup and gently touched it to Shen Mo's.

"Thanks."

Her voice was even softer than before, carrying the relief of having vented her feelings and let go of a heavy burden.

Shen Mo smiled and drank the tea in his cup in one gulp.

Then, he turned to look at Liu Haocun, who was still immersed in his emotions.

"Did you hear that? This is the wisdom of our predecessors."

"Know what you want, and make your choice decisively."

He paused, looked at Li Qin, and his eyes were full of teasing.

Even if you make the wrong choice, you have to be stubborn and refuse to regret it.

Li Qin chuckled and glared at him, "Hey! Are you praising me or insulting me?"

"Of course it's a compliment!"

Shen Mo said confidently, "Just look at the energy you have, it's something most people can't learn."

After saying that, he raised his chin at Liu Haocun.

"Haocun, learn more from him."

Liu Haocun looked at Li Qin, then at Shen Mo, and nodded vigorously, his doe-like eyes sparkling.

"Okay! I'll remember that! I'll learn from Sister Qin!"

Li Qin turned and gave Shen Mo a disdainful look, and then the two of them smiled at the same time.

As we were talking, the dishes were served.

Shen Mo first placed a piece of pork rib on each of their plates: "Try it and see if it's good."

Liu Haocun took a small bite, and his eyes immediately narrowed with happiness.

"tasty!"

Li Qin paused for a moment, looking at the piece of pork rib in the bowl, then picked it up and put it in her mouth.

"not bad."

"Of course, how could my recommendation be wrong?"

Shen Mo was quite pleased with himself, and then scooped another spoonful of fish belly meat into Liu Haocun's bowl.

"The belly of the fish is the most tender part, and it has fewer bones. Li Lin, help yourself, don't be shy."

The three ate and chatted, and the conversation gradually drifted to all sorts of topics.

Shen Mo recounted a trip he took with his classmates to Yunnan during his university years. They filmed a short drama for a class assignment and ate some unusual local delicacies, including fried insects.

He vividly described the appearance and taste of the insect, making Liu Haocun grimace, and even Li Qin showed a look of polite refusal.

"Brother Mo, you really ate it?" Liu Haocun asked incredulously.

"I've eaten it," Shen Mo said without changing his expression. "High in protein, crunchy, and tastes like chicken. When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Li Qin put down his chopsticks, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said leisurely.

"Is this for filming or for art? That's quite a sacrifice."

Shen Mo caught the teasing in her words and laughed, "Of course. That's why you guys have such great filming conditions now, you should cherish them."

He then asked Li Lin what she likes to do when she's not filming.

Li Qin thought for a moment: "Read books, listen to operas, and occasionally travel to see the scenery."

"It's better to perform than just listen to opera," Shen Mo raised an eyebrow at Li Lin. "If the company is having its annual party, how about Lin-jie performs a piece for us, so everyone can appreciate the skill of a young lady playing a female role?"

"Go to hell!" Even the usually calm Li Qin couldn't help but roll her eyes at Shen Mo. This guy looked more like a boss when they weren't familiar with each other.

"Haocun, what do you like to play?"

Liu Haocun was taking small bites of a pumpkin cake when he heard this and thought for a moment.

"I...I like to dance, and sometimes I draw, but I'm not very good at it..."

"Painting is good; it cultivates one's character."

Shen Mo encouraged him, "When the movie is released, you can draw some promotional comics for it."

"I...I can't draw that well..." Liu Haocun quickly waved his hand.

"What are you afraid of? Draw whatever you want," Shen Mo said nonchalantly.

"If the drawing is ugly, you'll say it was drawn by me, which is embarrassing for me."

Liu Haocun's eyes widened suddenly, his mouth agape as he stared at Shen Mo, then he burst into laughter.

Seeing how Shen Mo could make the little girl smile with just a few words, and how he neither deliberately distanced himself from her nor was overly enthusiastic, Li Lin felt an increasing sense of comfort.

Being with him is not tiring.

There's no need to speculate too much, nor is there a need to deliberately pander to others.

When we first asked him out for dinner, I really overthought things. I even thought about testing whether he really refused any unspoken rules as stated in the contract.

After spending time together today, I suddenly feel a little envious of Li Yitong.

We've almost finished eating, but there are still two pumpkin pancakes left.

Shen Mo glanced at it: "One piece for each person, shall we divide it up? Don't waste it."

Liu Haocun rubbed his stomach: "I...I'm a little full."

Li Qin also shook her head: "I can't eat anymore."

Shen Mo looked at the two of them and sighed, "Alright, it seems I, the boss, will have to take charge of liquidation."

As he spoke, he casually put the two pieces of bread into his own bowl.

Looking at his unpretentious manner, Liu Haocun couldn't help but laugh again.

She felt that Mo Ge tonight was particularly...lively, completely different from the distant boss at the company.

Li Lin watched Shen Mo eat the pancake and suddenly said softly.

"You're going to spoil people too much."

Shen Mo looked up, still chewing on a biscuit, and mumbled something.

"Who are you spoiling? The two of you?"

He swallowed his food and took a sip of tea.

"It's good that you've spoiled them. If you spoil them, they can't run away and will have to keep making movies for me to earn money."

Even though it was a joke, Li Qin felt a slight stirring in her heart.

She lowered her eyes to hide her momentary daze.

Liu Haocun didn't think too much about it; he just felt a warm glow in his heart and nodded vigorously.

"Yes! I'll act for Brother Mo for the rest of my life!"

"Oh, quite the boast," Shen Mo chuckled.

"That depends on how famous you become. If you become an international superstar, I can't afford to hire you for your film fees."

"Then I won't take the payment!"

Liu Haocun blurted it out, then realized he was being silly and blushed.

Shen Mo and Li Lin both laughed.

Shen Mo shook his head: "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"You can't get away with not getting a single point you're entitled to; that's the rule."

"If you don't take it, how will you pay back the debt?"

"Alright, now that we've eaten and drunk our fill, let's head home."

The moonlight was beautiful on the way back to the hotel.

The three walked side by side, at a slow pace.

Liu Haocun walked in the middle, looking at the tall Shen Mo on his left and then at the beautiful Li Qin on his right.

She suddenly felt that this night was so beautiful it was almost unreal.

"The stars in Huairou are quite bright."

Shen Mo looked up at the sky.

"Yes, it's much clearer than in the city."

Li Lin also looked up.

Liu Haocun didn't speak, and quietly looked at the starry sky.

She recalled that when she was a child, she often watched the stars with her parents.

But they didn't have the time or inclination for the past two years, and they didn't understand it at the time. Now it seems that something must have happened back then.

However, at this moment, that long-lost feeling has returned.

.