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

In the conference room of Mohen Pictures, the annual work report is underway.

Shen Mo sat in the main seat, listening to Chen Zhixi's report.

Chen Zhixi switched to the PowerPoint presentation, and the project logo for "Nirvana in Fire" was displayed on the screen.

"We think we can start the 'Nirvana in Fire' project now. Mr. Li acquired the rights to this drama earlier, as I mentioned to you before."

"Our initial plan is for you to play Mei Changsu and Li Lin to play Princess Nihuang."

"The director is in contact with Mr. Kong, and the first draft of the script has been sent to your email."

Shen Mo nodded slightly and tapped his finger lightly on the table.

"I've skimmed through the script. The story is solid, but there are some issues that need to be addressed."

He raised his head, his gaze calm yet carrying an undeniable seriousness.

"The logic that Qin Wang's 800 soldiers could stage the Xuanwu Gate Incident and that 70,000 elite Chiyan Army soldiers were massacred must be corrected."

"Let's change it to 700 core elite troops."

"In addition, the logic of the political intrigue needs to be strengthened. Some of the schemes and character transformations are too abrupt. They are just plot devices given by the author, not political intrigue."

"Tell the screenwriting team that there's no rush; polishing the script is the top priority."

Chen Zhixi nodded and noted it down.

"Next," Chen Zhixi continued, "is the film project you mentioned yesterday, 'Take My Brother Away'."

"You will play the older brother Shi Fen, Tian Xiwei will play the younger sister Shi Miao, and Wang Churan will play the role of Miao Miaomiao."

"We are inclined to invite Zheng Fenfen as the director. She is good at handling youth and family themes. The project has been submitted for filing."

Upon hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Shen Mo's lips.

He remembered how Tian Xiwei had jumped around with movie tickets in her hand a few days ago.

"Okay, next one."

"Okay." Chen Zhixi noted it down and continued reporting.

"The next project is unexpected."

Wu Jing is preparing a military action movie called "Wolf Warrior" and originally wanted to find Huayi Brothers to invest in it.

"But now Hua Yi... everyone knows the situation, so he came to us with the notebook."

"The subject matter is quite hardcore, and our assessment is that the investment risk is not low."

"But Mr. Li suggested that we invest, and even said that in addition to Wu Jing's own investment, we should invest on our own."

At this point, Chen Zhixi stopped speaking and looked at Li Yitong.

Li Yitong stopped twirling her pen, a glint of light flashing in her crescent-shaped eyes, but she didn't speak immediately. Instead, she looked at Shen Mo.

Shen Mo did not hesitate at all.

"cast!"

Even if Shen Mo didn't care about the entertainment industry in his previous life, he had heard of the success of "Wolf Warrior". Moreover, now that the other party has taken the initiative to come to him, how could he not invest?

"Although military themes have never been popular, I trust Mr. Li's judgment."

At this point, Shen Mo turned to look at Li Yitong, and the two smiled at each other, understanding each other's thoughts.

"Do you want to act?"

"The female lead in 'Wolf Warrior'?"

There was a moment of silence in the conference room.

Yang Tianzhen raised an eyebrow. The female lead in a military action movie?

This is quite different from Li Yitong's previous image.

Li Yitong herself was also stunned for a moment, then her crescent-shaped eyes curved into a smile.

It carries a hint of eager, adventurous spirit.

"Me? Action scenes?"

Shen Mo nodded. "With your background at the Beijing Dance Academy, your coordination, flexibility, and strength are much better than the average actress."

Moreover, both of them had undergone enhancements during their rebirths, so at least in this respect, Shen Mo wasn't worried about her abilities at all.

Shen Mo continued, "Most importantly, didn't you want to break the stereotype of idol drama heroines?"

"This role as a female special forces soldier would be quite suitable."

"Want to give it a try?"

"Let's give it a try!" Li Yitong smiled, "I'll give it a try!"

"It's just an action movie, right? I'll take it!"

"I've been feeling a bit lazy lately."

She had played police officers and soldiers in her previous life, and had many action scenes, but she had never tried being a special forces soldier with such intense combat.

Thinking of this, she suddenly felt a surge of excitement about the challenge.

Chen Zhixi smiled and wrote down: "Understood, I will communicate with Wu Jing."

"Then I'll trouble Mr. Yang to arrange Mr. Li's schedule and pre-production training in advance."

Yang Tianzhen nodded to indicate that she understood.

The meeting continued.

The collaboration on "Lost in Thailand" in 2012 was very successful. Xu Zheng was willing to share the profits with Mohen, considering that there was an excellent producer like Chen Zhixi and strong marketing capabilities.

Therefore, Xu Zheng chose to formally sign with Mohen Agency in the form of a studio a few months ago.

He has now produced a new script for the "Lost in..." series, titled "Lost in Hong Kong," with the goal of releasing it during next year's Spring Festival.

Chen Zhixi turned to the next slide of the PPT, which displayed the name of the movie "Lost in Hong Kong".

"The core of this film is still the iron triangle of director Xu, Wang Baoqiang, and Huang Bo."

"In addition, we have arranged for teachers Sha Yi and Zhang Songwen to join us, which will enrich the comedy."

"Female characters don't have many scenes, so we haven't assigned any of our people to them yet."

After saying that, she continued turning the page. "Then it's about Happy Twist."

"When we invested, we acquired the film adaptation rights to their stage play."

"We believe that the film version of the stage play 'Goodbye Mr. Loser' is ready to be launched."

"As agreed, actors from Mahua FunAge will be given priority for the main roles."

"Therefore, the male lead, Xia Luo, will be played by Shen Teng. As for the female lead, Ma Dongmei, what are your thoughts, Mr. Shen?"

She paused for a moment and looked at Shen Mo.

Shen Mo answered without hesitation.

"For Bai Lu."

Li Yitong paused slightly as she twirled her pen, then resumed her normal motion, though a glint flashed in her crescent-shaped eyes.

Shen Mo continued to explain.

"Bai Lu showed a great sense of variety in 'Running Man'. She also has an open personality and can play a down-to-earth and humorous character like Ma Dongmei."

"The most important casting criterion for comedy films is that the audience can laugh when they see her."

"Okay, I understand. What about the school beauty, Qiuya?" Chen Zhixi continued to ask.

After pondering for a while, Shen Mo answered.

"Qiuya, give this to Meng Ziyi."

Her figure perfectly embodies the character of Qiuya.

"Let's try to use the original cast from Mahua FunAge for the remaining roles."

"Tianzhen, arrange for Bai Lu and Meng Ziyi to go to the Mahua Theater in advance, try attending a few performances, and get a feel for it."

Chen Zhixi continued to turn the page, revealing the logo of "Detective Chinatown" and a brief synopsis.

"The next new project comes from director Chen Sicheng's studio."

After collaborating on two consecutive "Beijing Love Story" films, Chen Sicheng also chose to join Mohen, as the collapse of Huayi Brothers provided him with a significant shock.

"Director Chen submitted a detective comedy script. The idea is very novel. It is set in Thailand and involves both investigation and comedy."

"He hopes to invite you, Mr. Shen, to play the role of a detective..."

"It's cancelled."

Shen Mo interrupted him directly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"I already have two projects lined up, so I can't spend too much time filming in a year."

He understood the value of "Detective Chinatown," but he was even more aware of his own time constraints; one TV show and one movie were enough.

He doesn't necessarily have to make movies that are particularly famous or profitable, like "Take My Brother Away." What he values ​​more is being able to work with Tian Xiwei on a film.

Moreover, his advantage in being reborn lies in his overall strategic planning; the filming of a movie cannot make him abandon the overall plan for the company.

"I've read the script. Let's do as he says and have the male lead find Wang Baoqiang."

"Another young detective character..."

Shen Mo pondered for a moment, "Give it to Liu Haoran, the one Yang Zong just signed. Young people need opportunities."

"Let's give the role of the little girl Si Nuo to Liu Haocun."

Chen Zhixi nodded and turned to the last page.

"The TV series 'Diamond Lover' was tailor-made for Dilraba Dilmurat, who plays the female lead, star Gao Wen."

"This character has a glamorous exterior but a contrasting inner self, which is very suitable for Dilraba's current persona and growth stage, and can further solidify her popularity."

All filming projects have been reported.

The remaining task was to report on the situation at Mohen Agency.

From the collapse of Huayi Brothers to the incident involving Xiaoma, Mohen has recruited many middle-aged and older actors to fill the gap in Mohen's agency, which consists entirely of young and teenage actors.

In addition, the second round of trainee recruitment, which takes place annually, has also begun.

The difference is that in early 2013, talent scouts went to trainees' homes to recruit, while the now well-known Mohen only needs to sit in the company to screen trainees.

The screening interviews are scheduled for next week, and Yang Tianzhen suggested that Shen Mo and Li Yitong could go and take a look if they were interested.

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

The conference room of Mohen Media was filled with dozens of young men and women.

Today is the interview day for the second batch of performing arts trainees recruited by Mohen. Compared to the past when Mohen's talent scouts had to come to their door to persuade them, Mohen has now become famous.

As soon as the second batch of performing arts trainee recruitment announcements were released, applicants flooded in.

After initial online screening, the young men and women who came to the event today are the lucky ones, one in a thousand.

Each of them was outstanding in appearance, and their eyes were filled with both anticipation and anxiety for the future.

Some people practiced their self-introductions in hushed tones, some repeatedly checked their makeup in front of a small mirror, and others tried to strike up a conversation with the people around them to ease their nervousness.

In the back row of seats, a girl stood out.

She was wearing a simple knit sweater, black jeans, and her long hair was draped smoothly over her shoulders. She also wore a beret.

She didn't show much expression on her face, just sat quietly, exuding a cool and aloof feeling that was out of place with the chattering atmosphere around her.

Unlike the others, she didn't prepare anything. She placed the paper name tag of "Zhou Ye No. 42" on her lap, held a cup of milk tea in her hand, and leisurely took a sip from time to time.

Her eyes showed no sign of nervousness, except when she inadvertently glanced at the poster of Shen Mo printed on the pillar in the hall, a small cluster of fiery flame would instantly ignite in her eyes.

"Number 036, Li Yiran, enter. Number 037, Zhang Ruonan, please prepare."

A figure stood up from diagonally behind her.

The girl was wearing light blue denim shorts, a simple black T-shirt, and a polka-dot jacket. She also had light makeup on.

With a pair of clear, doe-like eyes and sweet, innocent features, she has the typical innocent and harmless look of a delicate flower.

Upon hearing her name called, Zhang Ruonan took a deep breath, picked up her canvas bag, and prepared to leave her seat.

Two years of working as a Taobao model and experiencing the realities of society have washed away the pampered air of my student days, leaving me with an eagerness and tenacity for opportunities.

She envied Bai Lu's cheerful laughter on Running Man, envied Meng Ziyi's status as the school beauty upon entering university, and even more envied Tian Xiwei for being able to stand in front of the screen at such a young age...

Countless times late at night, she looked at those glamorous news reports and regretted it!

If only...

Fortunately, another opportunity has arisen!

This time, she was determined to seize it, no matter what.

Perhaps because he got up in a hurry, the strap of his canvas bag got caught on the armrest of the empty seat next to him.

Zhang Ruonan clicked her tongue and frowned slightly.

She pulled hard and managed to get the bag out, but she didn't control her strength well and her body swayed slightly.

He bumped right into Zhou Ye, who was also getting up.

"Oh, I'm sorry!"

Zhang Ruonan immediately steadied herself and turned to apologize.

Zhou Ye was knocked half a step to the side by her bump. She frowned instinctively, and her eyes swept over him with a sharp look that told strangers to stay away.

Their eyes met in mid-air.

Sweet and well-behaved, she is the type who easily gains favor.

This was Zhou Ye's first impression of Zhang Ruonan.

She is aloof, assertive, and has sharp eyes; she is the type of person who is difficult to approach.

This was Zhang Ruonan's first impression of Zhou Ye.

Zhou Ye saw no panic in the other person's eyes, only a hint of apology followed by a return to calm.

interesting.

"fine."

Zhou Ye spoke.

"You came alone too?"

Surprisingly, Zhang Ruonan did not sense that sense of alienation.

Her voice, on the contrary, was clear and pleasant, full of vitality.

Zhou Ye's sudden question startled Zhang Ruonan.

"Yes. You too?"

"Yeah! My mom actually didn't want me to come, but I came secretly with my dad's support."

Zhou Ye spoke quickly, his expression extremely vivid, and the smile on his face instantly shattered the previous aloofness.

"That punch you just threw was pretty powerful."

As she spoke, there was even a hint of teasing laughter in her voice, and Zhang Ruonan almost thought that she had just met her.

This is such a stark contrast!

She relaxed a little and replied frankly, "Sorry, I didn't notice you behind me."

"It's nothing! It's a small matter!"

Zhou Ye leaned forward slightly.

"You're going in, right? Good luck! I believe you can do it!"

Zhang Ruonan smiled, pursing her lips.

"You too, I believe you can do it too!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ye's smile widened, and she raised her hand to her mouth as if to share some secret.

"Let me tell you, Mohen contacted me back in 2012, but my mom... well, anyway, things didn't work out due to unforeseen circumstances."

"I'm so regretful! As soon as I saw the news, I immediately signed up and secretly rushed over!"

Zhang Ruonan clearly felt a resonance from her rapid words and bright eyes.

So, she was one too!

"I understand that feeling."

Zhang Ruonan nodded, her eyes shining with approval as she looked at Zhou Ye.

"I'm just like you; I don't want to miss out again."

"real?!"

Zhou Ye seemed to have found a kindred spirit and grabbed her arm, but then he restrained his outward emotions a little, after all, the occasion was special.

She looked Zhang Ruonan up and down, then suddenly asked.

Why didn't you come back then?

The question was very direct, but given her vivid expression at that moment, it wasn't offensive.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ruonan gently tugged at the corner of her mouth, revealing a somewhat complicated smile.

"Let's not dwell on the past; we were young and naive back then."

She paused, not elaborating on her experience, "Anyway, this time I'm determined to succeed."

Zhou Ye nodded as if he understood, then a smile appeared on his lips.

"Then I won't ask anymore. Anyway, good luck! You give me a great feeling, and I think you can definitely do it."

"Keep it up, you too!"

Zhang Ruonan replied, her smile this time more genuine.

"Then, I'll go get ready!" Zhang Ruonan pointed to the interview room.

"Okay! See you in a bit... oh wait, I mean, see you at the company after the interview!"

Zhou Ye released his grip on her arm, his smile radiant and infectious.

Zhang Ruonan smiled and waved to her before turning and walking toward the preparation room.