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

In the conference room of Mohen Pictures, Shen Mo sat in the main seat, opposite Chen Zhixi and Yang Tianzhen, whom he had called to give a report.

Shen Mo's gaze swept over his two capable lieutenants.

"I've cast Bai Lu and Zhi Xi in 'Love O2O,' and we'll start production after the New Year. Zhi hope, you can start preparing now."

"Naive, make sure to free up some time for Bai Lu a few months after the New Year."

"Regarding the script, Zhang Wei communicated with the original author. The adaptation should retain the sweetness and charm of the characters in the original work, optimize some plots, and enhance the dramatic tension."

"By the way, we need to communicate with the special effects team in advance about the presentation of the game. We need to avoid using the same old thing and create something new."

Chen Zhixi deftly took notes on the tablet.

"Understood. Gu Man has always been quite interested in participating in the adaptation of TV drama scripts."

"For the game's visuals, I'll contact the special effects team I worked with before on 'My Love from the Star,' they should be able to come up with a good solution."

"Um."

Shen Mo nodded, then seemed to remember something.

"I remember when Yitong and her team bought the copyright to Gu Man's works, wasn't 'Silent Separation' included?"

Chen Zhixi adjusted his glasses and pulled up another document.

"Yes, Mr. Shen."

"At the time, we purchased the film and television adaptation rights for 'Love O2O,' 'My Sunshine,' and 'Boss & Me' for five years in a package deal."

"The copyright of 'Shan Shan Comes to Eat' was transferred to a partner last year, and we received a premium."

"The copyright of 'My Sunshine' will be five years old in just over a year."

She turned the screen towards Shen Mo, where the copyright expiration date was clearly displayed.

"If we don't start filming 'My Sunshine' next year, the copyright will automatically revert to the original author."

"Or we may need to pay a hefty fee to renew the contract."

Shen Mo looked at the date and threw the question back to the two people in charge.

What are your thoughts?

Chen Zhixi and Yang Tianzhen exchanged a glance.

Yang Tianzhen spoke first, her tone as straightforward as ever.

"Mr. Shen, considering the copyright time limit, I think we must start as soon as possible."

Chen Zhixi then added.

"Gu Man's IP value has been proven by the market, and 'Why' is one of her representative works, with a huge fan base."

"If we don't start, other companies will definitely scramble for it once the copyright expires."

"If we're going to launch the project, the lead actor... still needs to be considered."

She paused, glancing at another schedule in her hand.

"After the New Year, we plan to launch 'Princess Agents,' a major female-led historical drama project, originally slated to star Yi Tong."

"But considering that you and Yitong don't plan to work together for the third time in the near future, so..."

She looked at Yang Tianzhen.

Yang Tianzhen chimed in.

"After repeated evaluations, we recommend Li Xian as the male lead for 'Princess Agents'."

"He has a rugged image, good acting skills, and a good foundation in period dramas and action scenes. He should be able to create a good chemistry with Yi Tong."

"and……"

She emphasized this point, even leaning slightly forward to show her importance.

"Regarding intimate scenes, we have communicated and confirmed with the director in advance that all kissing scenes and overly intimate shots will be completed using camera tricks and professional kissing doubles."

After all, Li Yitong is Shen Mo's girlfriend and the company's co-founder. They had considered this issue when they started the project.

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo's expression remained unchanged, but a barely perceptible hint of softening flashed in his eyes.

He nodded, indicating his approval of their arrangement and attitude.

"Li Xian is acceptable."

Yang Tianzhen nodded, and then continued to report on the arrangements for the other artists.

"As for Li Lin, she landed an important role in the period drama 'White Deer Plain' through an audition, a rare opportunity."

"Before that, we helped her land the second female lead role in a movie, 'So Young,' where the female lead is Liu Yifei."

"Her character in this movie is well-designed, and her makeup and styling are eye-catching. It can also help her solidify her connections and recognition in the film industry."

"We've coordinated the schedules; there won't be any conflicts."

"Can."

Shen Mo agreed with Yang Tianzhen's arrangements for Li Lin.

"She knows what she wants. Just keep going at this pace, and you all need to provide support."

"In addition," Chen Zhixi continued.

"The project that Mr. Wang of Fiber Optics is producing, directed by Stephen Chow, 'The Mermaid,' previously invited Mohen to co-produce it. I have successfully connected with them. The film's cost is estimated at 3 million yuan, and we invested 5000 million yuan, getting a 15% share."

Seeing that Shen Mo did not object, Chen Zhixi continued.

"We sent Ziyi to audition for the female lead, and she performed well. Director Zhou quite appreciated her nonsensical comedic sense."

"It is also expected that they will join the production team in the first half of next year."

Shen Mo couldn't help but smile slightly as he recalled Meng Ziyi's sometimes nonsensical humor.

"It's good to let her go. You can't just walk into Stephen Chow's film crew."

"Tell her to be quick-witted, observe and learn more, and speak less."

"I've already repeatedly reminded them," Yang Tianzhen said with a smile.

Chen Zhixi steered the conversation back to "My Sunshine".

"President Shen, if we calculate it this way, among the actresses in the company who are both influential and suitable for urban romance dramas..."

"Yi Tong has 'Princess Agents,' Bai Lu has 'Love O2O,' Li Lin has 'So Young,' and Zi Yi has been cast in 'The Mermaid.'"

"Tian Xiwei and the other young actresses are not yet old enough or suited to the mature image portrayed in 'Why'..."

"Only Dilraba is left."

Yang Tianzhen immediately followed up.

"Dilraba has a bright and beautiful image and is very versatile. After being trained in 'My Love from the Star,' 'Anarhan,' 'Swords of Legends,' and 'Diamond Lover,' her acting skills have also steadily improved."

"Zhao Mosheng in 'My Sunshine' needs to have a sunny, cheerful, and even a little impulsive girlishness in the early stages, and a calm and resilient temperament after experiencing the world in the later stages."

"This growth arc is a great challenge and opportunity for Dilraba to showcase her talents."

"I believe she is capable of doing the job."

Shen Mo pondered for a moment, and decided it was time to let her take the lead role in such a highly anticipated IP drama.

The pressure is considerable, but if she succeeds, it will undoubtedly greatly enhance her status.

Where is the male lead?

Shen Mo asked, "What are your thoughts?"

Chen Zhixi and Yang Tianzhen exchanged a glance, and finally Chen Zhixi spoke, her tone slightly tentative.

"We discussed several candidates, but we considered factors such as the project's popularity, the guarantee of acting skills, and keeping the opportunity within the family..."

"We believe that if you could play the male lead He Yichen yourself, that would be the best choice."

She quickly listed the reasons.

"First, you and Dilraba previously collaborated on 'My Love from the Star,' and this second collaboration after 'My Love from the Star' can generate a certain level of anticipation among the audience."

"Secondly, the character He Yichen, an elite lawyer, is deeply affectionate and reserved, cold on the outside but warm on the inside, which is a great match for your temperament and acting skills."

"Third, and most importantly," Chen Zhixi said candidly.

"With you guiding Dilraba, we can provide the best possible support for this drama and ensure a more stable performance from her, helping her to better fulfill this important role."

"This was crucial for her career leap forward."

Yang Tianzhen added.

"Furthermore, Mr. Shen, if 'Love O2O' and 'My Sunshine' can be launched one after the other..."

"The influence of the Gu Man IP itself can be extended, and the fact that you are paired with Bai Lu and Dilraba is itself a highly topical arrangement."

"It can fully demonstrate the diversity of our Inkmark artist lineup and your ability to drive development as the core."

"This is a double boost to the company's brand and industry influence."

Shen Mo leaned back in his chair, quickly weighing the options in his mind.

Casting Dilraba Dilmurat as Zhao Mosheng is risky, but worth a try; she needs this opportunity to break through her limitations.

But he plays He Yichen himself...

But Chen Zhixi and Yang Tianzhen are right, this is indeed the solution that can best guarantee the success of the project and help Dilraba to the greatest extent.

Moreover, with Gu Man's IP and the cast of Gu Man and Dilraba Dilmurat, market expectations are very high.

After a moment, he looked away.

"Let me think about it some more."

"I still have a lot of company business to attend to, and continuous filming would have a significant impact."

"For the 'My Sunshine' project, Dilraba Dilmurat will be the female lead. As for the male lead... that's on hold for now. I'll sort out the schedule and give you an answer later."

"Over there, Reba," he said, looking at Yang Tianzhen.

"You should have a deep conversation with her and clearly explain the significance, challenges, and opportunities of the role."

"Let her prepare in advance, and it would be best if she could thoroughly understand the original work as well."

"clear!"

"You need to finalize the schedule coordination and detailed timeline as soon as possible."

Shen Mo stood up.

"The preparations for 'Love O2O' and 'My Sunshine' will proceed in parallel. Let's plan based on the possibility of me participating in them first."

"In addition, the casting, budget, and production team of all projects must undergo rigorous evaluation."

"Yes, Mr. Shen."

After Shen Mo walked out of the conference room, Chen Zhixi and Yang Tianzhen exchanged a glance.

"How should I put it? Are we planning to find someone else? The mess at President Shen's company really can't support a long period of filming."

Chen Zhixi smiled slightly, "I wasn't just flattering President Shen, I genuinely think he's the most suitable actor for the role."

A glint suddenly flashed in Yang Tianzhen's eyes.

"I might have a solution."

"What method?"

"If we can't do it, someone else might."

As he spoke, Yang Tianzhen took out his phone, opened his contacts, found a number, and dialed it.

When Dilraba received Yang Tianzhen's call, she was resting at home in Shanghai.

"The project for Gu Man's novel 'Silent Separation' that I told you before is basically finalized, and you will be the female lead."

"We are inclined to invite Mr. Shen to participate in the male lead role, but Mr. Shen's attitude is unclear at the moment, and we are still considering it."

"Dilraba, this is a huge challenge, but also a rare opportunity."

"You'd better go back to the company and talk to General Manager Shen about your determination."

After hanging up the phone, Dilraba held it for a few seconds, stunned.

The sunlight outside the window shone on her thick, curled eyelashes, casting a small shadow under her eyes.

determination?

Of course she does.

The longing that had never been spoken aloud before surged forth with this news.

He and Mo Ge played the male and female leads...

They have a complete storyline, and in the play, they openly pour out the emotions that can only be carefully hidden in reality...

She bought a ticket for the next available flight to Beijing almost without hesitation.

It was evening in Shen Mo's office.

Shen Mo was focused on an investment analysis report when there was a gentle knock on the door, which was then pushed open.

"Brother Mo."

Dilraba stood at the door.

Her voice was as soft and sweet as ever, but if you listened carefully, you could still detect a hint of tension.

She was dressed simply today, in a beige sweater and jeans, with her long hair flowing smoothly over her shoulders.

Her face showed some fatigue from the journey, but her large, exotic eyes were exceptionally bright.

Shen Mo looked up from the document and was slightly surprised to see her, but he quickly understood.

"Reba? Why are you back all of a sudden? Have a seat."

He pointed to the sofa opposite his desk.

"Yes, President Yang told me about 'My Sunshine'."

Dilraba walked in, gently closed the door, and sat down on the sofa as instructed.

She didn't initiate any conversation, nor did she look around curiously. She simply sat quietly with her hands on her knees and her back straight.

Shen Mo noticed her unusual silence, but he still had one last urgent matter to attend to.

"Wait a moment, it'll be ready soon."

"Okay, Brother Mo, you go ahead and get busy."

Dilraba nodded, but her gaze remained fixed on him.

At first, Shen Mo was able to focus on the report.

But gradually, he felt that gaze becoming stronger and stronger.

He would occasionally look up and meet her beautiful eyes.

It was a gaze tinged with complex emotions.

Shen Mo even sensed a hint of... resentment?

Yes, resentment.

Like a pitiful little animal, looking at you with those wet eyes, it softened his heart and even made him feel inexplicably uneasy.

Shen Mo sped up, skimming the last few lines almost at a glance, then neatly signed his name at the end, closed the folder, and clicked the cap off his pen.

Only after doing all this did he finally turn his attention to the girl on the sofa.

He leaned back slightly, looking at her with a calm gaze.

"Tell me, you flew all the way back just to sit here and watch me, didn't you?"

Dilraba did not answer immediately.

The resentment didn't dissipate after Shen Mo took the initiative to ask; instead, it intensified, almost turning into a tangible grievance.

Her lips pursed slightly, her eyelashes trembled gently, and her hands, resting on her knees, began to unconsciously twist the hem of her sweater.

Shen Mo was so overwhelmed by her gaze that even his usually calm heart began to flutter.

He cleared his throat and softened his voice.

"Dilraba? What's wrong? Is there a problem with the role?"

"Or... is there some other arrangement from the company that's putting you in a difficult position?"

Dilraba gently shook her head and finally spoke.

Her voice was softer than usual, with a heartbreaking tremor.

"Brother Mo..."

She paused, as if gathering her courage, her long eyelashes drooping and then lifting again, looking straight into his eyes.

"Do you...look down on me?"

The question seemed abrupt, but it surprised Shen Mo slightly.

"What do you mean?"

Dilraba's fingertips dug into her sweater, and the suppressed grievance in her voice finally overflowed.

"Sister Yitong and Sister Lin have both worked with you; Mengyan will also be acting with you in 'Love O2O' soon; even Xiaotian'er played your sibling."

"It's so hard... it's so hard to get an opportunity like 'My Sunshine'."

"Maybe...maybe I can act with you, play the male and female leads..."

"But……"

Her voice choked, and her eyes visibly reddened.

But she stubbornly refused to look away, instead staring at him even more intently.

He poured out all the confusion and disappointment that had been building up for so long.

"Why...why are you still hesitating?"

"Do you really dislike me?"

Her question was so direct that Shen Mo was momentarily speechless.

"Is it still because my acting skills aren't good enough?"

"Or do you think I'm not capable of carrying a drama like this?"

Dilraba pressed on, her voice carrying a sense of desperation.

"I can work harder, Brother Mo, I really can."

"Since I learned about this opportunity, I have already read the original work three times."

"Could...could you give me a chance?"

"I really... really want to work with you, Brother Mo, just once."

She took a deep breath, and the words in her heart almost slipped out.

That thought, hidden deep in my heart, that I've never told anyone.

She wanted to become a big star, to have enough confidence and radiance to stand closer to him.

Even just standing side by side is fine.

But in the end, the words circled on her lips before she swallowed them back forcefully.

She can't say it, at least not now.

She simply looked at Shen Mo with her eyes, which were brimming with tears, filled with stubbornness and expectation, and a hint of fear of rejection.

As the sun sank further, it illuminated the subtle expressions on Dilraba's face with exceptional clarity.

That resentment, that grievance, that reckless courage, and the burning passion hidden beneath were all laid bare before Shen Mo.

The scales in his heart, weighing the pros and cons, quietly loosened under the girl's straightforward and sincere accusations and pleas.

"it is good."