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

The box office of "Goodbye Mr. Loser" continues to climb, and its popularity online remains high.

But in the conference room of Mohen Pictures, a new round of project promotion meetings has already begun in full swing.

Chen Zhixi stood in front of the projection screen, his laser pointer pointing at the character relationship diagram on the screen.

"The 'Ode to Joy' project has been basically finalized, with an investment budget of around 80 million yuan and a filming period of approximately three months."

"We still plan to use Wang Jun, who directed 'A Little Reunion,' as the director. His control over this series has already been proven."

She paused, and Wang Jun stood up and bowed slightly to Shen Mo. Shen Mo nodded and told him to sit back down.

Chen Zhixi continued her story.

"This 'Ode to Joy' series is different from the previous 'Little' series dramas; it will initiate a deep collaboration."

Shen Mo sat in the main seat, twirling a pen in his hand, gesturing for her to continue.

Chen Zhixi clicked on the next slide of the PPT, which showed five photos and a diagram of relationships between the people.

"Andy, a high-level business elite who returned from New York and is a senior executive at an investment company. Liu Tao plays the role, and her temperament is a perfect match for Andy's elite aura. There is no controversy regarding the casting, and she has also reserved time to join the production at any time."

"Fan Shengmei, a princess from a poor alley, is a senior HR at a foreign company. She is beautiful, but unfortunately, she grew up in a poor family that favored sons over daughters. She is played by Jiang Xin. Her understanding of the character was unanimously recognized by the team, and we felt that she was very suitable."

Her laser pointer swept across the remaining three photos.

"The remaining three are the key areas for our collaboration."

The first photo is of Bai Lu.

"Jiang Xiaoguo, the tough and hardworking girl from Northeast China in 'Twenty Your Life On,' is portrayed in this drama as someone who, after graduating from university and struggling in the workplace for two years, still maintains a spirit of never giving up."

The second photo is of Tian Xiwei.

"Fang Duoduo, a junior high school student in 'A Little Reunion,' is set as a recent college graduate. She is confused and hopeful as she enters society. She is a well-behaved girl from a good family who has been living a life that her parents have planned for her for the past twenty years. During this time of sharing an apartment, the flame of rebellion is ignited."

The last picture is of Li Lin.

"The last major female character is Qu Xiaoxiao, a quirky rich second-generation, a young business owner just starting out, a rose with thorns, and a charming little fox. She's fun, interesting, real, sharp, and unpretentious. Played by Li Qin."

Chen Zhixi put down the laser pointer and looked at Shen Mo.

"In this way, Ode to Joy can be linked with the Little series."

"The characters Jiang Xiaoguo and Fang Duoduo are directly carried over from previous dramas, so the audience will feel a natural sense of familiarity with them."

"Although the other three are new characters, their popularity with the audience and their acting skills are already established, so there shouldn't be any problems."

Chen Zhixi turned to look at Yang Tianzhen, who nodded and began to add to the discussion.

"The purpose of this arrangement is also to allow other actors from 'A Little Reunion' and 'Twenty Your Life On' to make cameo appearances."

"For example, Jin Qinqin, played by Liu Haocun, and Zhang Yueyue, played by Wang Churan, can bump into their old friend Fang Duoduo, whom they haven't seen for many years."

"Luo Yan, played by Meng Ziyi, and Liang Shuang, played by Dilraba, can also hang out with their college best friend Jiang Xiaoguo."

"Their cameo appearances can also evoke nostalgia among the audience for the 'Little' series from a few years ago."

Yang Tianzhen smiled and looked at Shen Mo slyly.

"Actually, we have another idea: to have Yitong play Li Lin's cousin."

There was a moment of silence in the conference room, followed by a few hushed discussions.

"Looks like sisters?"

Tian Xiwei's spicy snack voice suddenly broke out in the quiet environment, instantly eliciting laughter from everyone.

Shen Mo stopped writing instantly, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"That's a good idea. But I need to ask Mr. Li himself if he's willing."

"She would definitely agree."

Yang Tianzhen gave her a knowing look, saying, "She loves playing this kind of official meme game the most."

Shen Mo didn't reply, but simply nodded.

"I don't have any specific opinions, let's proceed with this plan."

He stood up, and the people around the conference table followed suit.

He glanced at Bai Lu, Tian Xiwei, and Li Qin, who were listening to the meeting from the side, and simply clenched his fist.

"come on!"

Bai Lu gave an OK sign and smiled, her eyes crinkling.

"Don't worry, Brother Mo, I'm a professional."

Tian Xiwei muttered quietly beside her, "A professional Ma Dongmei?"

Bai Lu glared at her, while Tian Xiwei laughed heartily, put her arm around Li Qin, and strode away.

Li Qin almost lost his balance when Tian Xiwei suddenly pulled him hard, but beneath his calm expression, there was an uncontrollable smile in his eyes.

Shen Mo shook his head with a chuckle, while Bai Lu immediately moved closer to him.

"Brother Mo, are you sure you want me to be in the same group as Li Lin?"

"Aren't you afraid she'll chop me into mincemeat?"

She still gets embarrassed when she thinks back to that crazy night; how could she have dared to do that!

Just thinking about how I'm going to get through the next three months is giving me a headache.

Shen Mo reached out and ruffled her hair. "That depends on how Bai Mengyan tries to fool your sister!"

"Aren't you afraid we'll fight?"

Shen Mo smiled slightly, "You can't beat her."

"Who said that?" Bai Lu retorted.

"Why don't you give it a try?"

"Let's give it a try!"

……

A week later, filming for "Ode to Joy" officially began.

That afternoon, the hashtag #OdeToJoyStartsFilming# trended on social media, and the comments section exploded.

Wait, wait, is Jiang Xiaoguo in "Ode to Joy"? Is it the Jiang Xiaoguo I know?

[Jiang Xiaoguo from "Twenty Your Life On"? What about Luo Yan? Liang Shuang? Da Bao?]

[Fang Duoduo is in the character settings?? My god, Duoduo has already graduated from university???]

This is a real TV series! Mohen is so clever!

[Liu Tao + Jiang Xin + Bai Lu + Tian Xiwei + Li Qin, this is a massive CP battle! I'm shipping them first!]

[Inkmark really knows how to play the game; I'm impressed.]

Some sharp-eyed netizens also spotted the key point.

[Wait, Jiang Xiaoguo is Bai Lu, Fang Duoduo is Tian Xiwei, so what about Jin Qinqin? Zhang Yueyue? Luo Yan? Liang Shuang? Is it possible they'll make a cameo appearance?]

[Lee Sin, you've hit the nail on the head!]

[I strongly request Liu Haocun to make a cameo appearance! I want to see Jin Qinqin and Fang Duoduo reunite!]

[Wang Churan is here too! The three childhood friends reunite after being separated!!]

[Meng Ziyi! Reba! You guys come too!]

[Inkmark, can you hear this? This is the voice of the people!]

Meanwhile, the filming location of "Ode to Joy" was bustling with activity.

The main event begins right from the start: the first encounter of the five female protagonists.

After all, the five women's first encounter was with unfamiliar strangers, so filming this scene at the beginning of the production was perfect.

The first scene was given to Liu Tao and Jiang Xin. Andy met Fan Shengmei, who had just returned from get off work, in the elevator. The polite office lady started a polite diplomatic conversation in order to become familiar with Fan Shengmei. This scene was a piece of cake for the two of them.

Immediately afterwards, the second scene moved to the corridor, where Jiang Xiaoguo, played by Bai Lu, squatted at the door of 2202, searching for the key while muttering, "Where's the key? Where's the key?"

Standing next to her is Fang Duoduo, played by Tian Xiwei, who is carrying a bag of fruit for her. Her face is full of the restraint and obedience that a recent college graduate should have.

"Hey, I found it!"

Jiang Xiaoguo finally found her keys in her bag, and when she looked up, she saw two people walking out of the elevator.

As the other person walked towards her, she paused for a moment, then grinned and flashed a bright smile.

"Hi, new neighbor?"

Andy nodded politely and walked towards room 2201, while Fan Shengmei stood in front of her and looked her up and down.

"You're... from room 2202?"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

Jiang Xiaoguo nodded repeatedly. "My name is Jiang Xiaoguo, and this is Fang Duoduo. We are both from 2202."

Fang Duoduo was called upon and quickly nodded to the two of them with a shy smile on her face.

Hello, sisters.

Fan Shengmei's expression was cold. She raised an eyebrow, but a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

"I'm also from 2202. We live under the same roof. It's fate that we met. If you have any problems in the future, you can come to me. I can help you out."

"Really?" Fang Duoduo's eyes lit up. "Thank you, sister!"

Andy smiled slightly, opened his door, and went inside.

"Okay, click!"

Director Wang Jun's voice came from behind the monitor.

"Great, one take! Ten-minute break, get ready for the next round."

The tense atmosphere instantly relaxed.

Bai Lu was the first to jump up, shaking her legs which were a little numb from squatting for too long, and then moved closer to Tian Xiwei.

"Little Tian, ​​you did a great job just now. Your shyness was amazing."

Tian Xi hummed softly twice, put her hands on her hips, and raised her head.

"I've always been a shy person!"

"you?"

Bai Lu stared wide-eyed, looking like she thought, "Are you kidding me?"

"You're shy? Do you even need to look at your current appearance before you speak!"

Tian Xi chuckled and, without arguing, reached out her claws at Bai Lu. Bai Lu had anticipated this, slapped her away, and ran off in a flash.

Li Qin was looking down at the script when she suddenly felt someone tug at her body, and she swayed.

She raised her head, looked at Tian Xiwei in front of her, and then at Bai Lu behind her, a hint of helplessness flashing across her face.

"Hey! You guys can be crazy as you please, but don't use me as a scapegoat. Are you trying to fool me?"

"Sister Lin, you can't blame me for this!"

Bai Lu feigned a wail, "Look at this little Tian! He's a complete devil!"

Li Qin waved her hand, turning her gaze back to the script. "The next scene is mine, you guys go play somewhere else!"

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Tian Xiwei strode forward, circled around behind Li Qin, and hugged Bai Lu's waist, the two of them instantly becoming entangled.

Li Qin was swayed a couple of times by them, then widened her eyes in exasperation, put down the script, grabbed the two women's butts, and slapped each of them.

"Li Lin! You spanked me again!"

Bai Lu, clutching her backside, glared at him with wide eyes. "I'll fight you to the death!"

As she spoke, she pounced on Li Qin. The "mantis" behind her chuckled and pounced as well. Li Qin, who was at the bottom, was crushed and let out a scream.

After joking around for a while, the group separated again. After all, they needed to wait for the staff to finish setting up before starting the next scene, and they couldn't really delay Li Lin's preparations.

Not far away, Liu Tao and Jiang Xin were chatting together. When they saw the commotion, they looked at each other and laughed.

Not far away, Liu Tao and Jiang Xin were chatting together. When they saw the commotion, they looked at each other and laughed.

"It's so good to be young," Jiang Xin remarked.

Liu Tao nodded, his gaze falling on Bai Lu's face.

Have you had any contact with any of those three women?

Jiang Xin shook her head.

"But Bai Lu is quite a good actress."

"I've seen her portrayal of Ma Dongmei; she captured that fierce, stubborn, yet fragile spirit perfectly."

"Mohen is quite good at cultivating talent." Jiang Xin smiled. "Tian Xiwei's performance in 'Take My Brother Away' and Li Lin's performance in 'Brotherhood of Blades' were both quite good."

Liu Tao nodded thoughtfully.

On the other side, Bai Lu finally got rid of Tian Xiwei's entanglement, plopped back down on her chair, and took out her phone.

There was an unread message on the screen, sent by Shen Mo.

[Shen Mo: Did the computer boot up smoothly?]

Bai Lu stared at the line of text for three seconds, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously curved up.

She typed a reply quickly.

[Bai Lu: Success! I nailed it in one take, and Director Wang even praised me!]

[Shen Mo: That's amazing? What did Director Wang say about you?]

[Bai Lu: Praise me for squatting well! Praise me for flipping the keys well!]

Shen Mo: ...

[Shen Mo: Your thought process is quite unique!]

Bai Lu chuckled, drawing a sidelong glance from Tian Xi beside her.

"Was it posted by Brother Mo?"

Bai Lu nodded, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

Tian Xiwei leaned over to take a look at the screen, then pursed her lips.

"That's it? Your thought process is quite unique!"

Bai Lu glanced at her sideways.

"What do you know?"

Tian Xi gave a soft hum and silently took out her phone.

[Tian Xiwei: Brother Mo! Praise me! Otherwise I'll get angry!]

After finishing work and returning to the hotel that evening, Bai Lu had just finished washing up and lay down on the bed when she quickly took out her phone and made a video call to Shen Mo.

The screen went black for a second, and then Shen Mo's face appeared on the phone.

"Finished work?"

"Mmm!" Bai Lu nodded. "I just finished taking a shower."

"Are you tired?"

"It's alright," Bai Lu said, leaning back on the pillow.

"The first day's scenes weren't too demanding; it was mainly about blocking and getting familiar with the characters. Director Wang said we were all in good shape, and we'll start getting more intense tomorrow."

Shen Mo nodded, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment.

"You look like you've lost a lot of weight in just one week."

Bai Lu paused for a moment, then grinned.

"Really? That's great! My diet is working! I was worried I might have gained a little weight!"

Shen Mo's lips curled up slightly.

"You really need to control your eating and eat less; you turn into Ma Dongmei (a character from a popular Chinese novel) too easily."

"Brother Mo!"

Bai Lu's eyes widened instantly.

"I recorded what you said, and I'll send it to the marketing accounts tomorrow!"

"Go ahead and release it," Shen Mo said nonchalantly. "Remember to have Director Wang pay me the marketing fee for boosting the show's popularity."

Bai Lu was speechless, choked by his words, and could only glare at him angrily.

Shen Mo's smile deepened as he looked at her.

"Is that Yumegaku?"

A familiar voice suddenly came from the other end of the phone, and Bai Lu was so frightened that her scalp tingled and she almost dropped her phone.

"Um."

Shen Mo's phone screen flickered and the camera panned.

Li Yitong's face suddenly appeared on the screen. She was wearing a loose nightgown, her hair was casually draped over her shoulders, and she looked like she had just finished washing up.

"Hi, Yume-chan!"

She waved at the camera.

Bai Lu froze on the spot, her mouth slightly open, unsure of what to say, as if she had been caught on a secret date by the other person's girlfriend.

It's not just similar, it's exactly like this!

Good heavens!

"Sister Tong! You're here too..."

Li Yitong seemed oblivious to her helplessness, her familiar crescent-shaped eyes appearing on her face.

"Yes, I just got back from filming 'Monster Hunt.' I won't bother you anymore. You guys continue chatting, I'm going to get my hair dried."

As she spoke, she disappeared from the phone screen.

However, even so, Bai Lu lost the desire to continue chatting and hung up after saying a few words.

After hanging up, Bai Lu stared at her phone screen for a while.

Tong Jie seemed to know everything, but she didn't say anything.

Bai Lu turned over, buried her face in the pillow, and sighed softly.

Forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore. I have to film tomorrow.

On the other side, Shen Mo walked out of the study, stood next to the sofa, and took the hair dryer that Li Yitong was holding.

She turned to look at him, a satisfied smile appearing on her lips.

"it's over?"

"Okay, it's over!"

Li Yitong shifted her body and lay directly on Shen Mo's lap, her long black hair hanging straight down from his side.

Shen Mo scooped up her hair with one hand and held the hairdryer far away with the other, as holding it too close would make too much noise.

"By the way, Tianzhen told me today that she wants me to have a cameo role in 'Ode to Joy'?"

Li Yitong raised an eyebrow, her lying position allowing her to see his expression perfectly.

Shen Mo nodded.

"They said they want me to play Li Lin's cousin?"

"This wasn't your idea, was it?"

"Mengyan and Li Lin are both in this group. If I make a cameo appearance, then this 'lookalike sisters' CP will be truly complete!"

Shen Mo smiled slightly, "So, are you going?"

"Go! Why don't you go?"

"I can't miss such a great opportunity to use a meme."

As she spoke, she hummed twice.

She paused, then fixed her gaze back on Shen Mo's eyes, her tone carrying a hint of coquettishness.

"But you're really wicked, coming up with this idea!"

After all, he had managed to gather all three sisters together in private.

Li Yitong couldn't help but think this way.

"But it doesn't matter!"

"Go ahead and make fun of memes, it's not like it's the first time you've made fun of me."

Shen Mo smiled speechlessly.

"Yukiko, you should speak with conscience!"

"Aren't you the one who's always messing with me? When have I ever dared to mess with you!"

"However, if you think about it carefully, your use of the word 'play' is quite ingenious."

Li Yitong glared at him, "Can't you think of anything normal? All you ever think about is lewdness."

"Hey! I didn't say anything!" Shen Mo's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "You're the one who said it!"

Li Yitong rolled her eyes at his smug look.

Shen Mo scratched the top of her head, and after feeling no more moisture, he turned off the hairdryer and tossed it aside.

Then he reached out and pulled her waist into his arms, giving her a quick peck on the pink lips.

"Yukiko, I want to play now."

Li Yitong stretched out her slender index finger and pointed it directly at Shen Mo's scalp, looking disgusted.

"That's not what someone said three minutes ago!"

Shen Mo looked up and kissed her fingers.

"Then just ignore me!"

Li Yitong was startled by his kiss and quickly pulled back.

"Don't try that on me!"

Shen Mo chuckled, used his leg strength to lift her up instantly, and then quickly ran back to the bedroom.

Only a melodious, coquettish sigh remained in the air.

"Shen Mo! Not there!"

"ah……"