Chinese Entertainment: Becoming a Superstar After a Breakup

Chapter 103 Casual

"This is much easier than completing an assignment, right?" Shen Ze said to Chen Xinxuan beside him after leaving the photography studio.

"That's how GG is, just like a photo album," Chen Xinxuan said.

"You know, I didn't film many videos of guys back in school, unlike you guys who film one after another," Shen Ze said.

Logically speaking, even if he doesn't like to flatter, it's impossible for him to say that he didn't have a job during college and that he was still involved with Dilraba. It's not about shifting blame; other people can find opportunities to socialize on Sundays, but he spent his Sundays on the road.

"There's no such thing as a set of rules. If you put it that way, everyone would be envious of how popular you are right now," Chen Xinxuan said.

This is no exaggeration. Right now, in their class, besides Nazha and Zhou Dongyu, Shen Ze is the most popular. The other two are either actresses who rose to fame through films directed by Zhang Yimou or actresses who became famous before even starting school. They can't compare.

But two months ago, Shen Ze was just like everyone else. If you were to say he signed with a company, 70% of the class did too. But once this drama became a hit, things changed.

"Don't be so realistic. Where are you going? Back to filming?" Shen Ze asked.

"Are you busy? Now that you've made some money, of course I'll treat you to a big meal." Chen Xinxuan patted her phone, indicating that the money had arrived quickly.

Shen Ze's money should arrive soon. It's in his studio's account. In his previous life, Shen Ze had heard of cases where celebrities failed to break out of the industry. Many celebrities fell at this hurdle, and he didn't want to cause any trouble. Everything was for safety.

"I'm not busy, I'm planning to look at houses," Shen Ze said.

"You can buy a house now? Don't even mention it, it hurts my heart." Chen Xinxuan looked at me with a shocked expression.

"What are you thinking about? Renting a place. I'm still staying in a hotel." Now that he has money, he can indeed rent a place. This money has relieved some of his anxiety. Before, just looking at the fire would cost him several thousand yuan. Now it's better.

But there's no need to rush. I'll be joining the cast of "With You" in September and "Ode to Joy" in October. The production teams will provide food and accommodation. Before that, just see where it suits you and decide after filming is finished. Hotels are actually quite convenient.

"The lease on the apartment you rented before has expired," Chen Xinxuan said.

"Alright, let's go. You were going to treat us, how about hot pot?"

"Let's go." Neither of them had a car, but that didn't matter.

"Can I ask you something? How did you end up introducing me to a job?" In a booth at the Old Chongqing Hot Pot restaurant, Chen Xinxuan asked Shen Ze about something she was quite concerned about.

As for their relationship, they were just ordinary classmates at school, so why would he introduce her to such a good job?

Don't underestimate 20,000 yuan. It's nothing to a celebrity, but it's a pretty good amount for a minor artist.

"The first person Naza mentioned was you, so I'll contact you. The main reason is that you have a special advantage, since she didn't contact you," Shen Ze said directly.

"They contacted me a couple of days ago, asking if I had signed with a company. I was wondering about that, but now it makes sense. So tell me, what advantages do I have?" Chen Xinxuan asked curiously.

"The money that ends up in your hands is already meager. If a company takes the lion's share, and it's not even a resource introduced by a company, you're really at a loss, don't you think?" Shen Ze said.

"I understand now. Thank you both for your help." Chen Xinxuan suddenly understood, and everything made sense.

"As expected of a teacher, you put it well," Shen Ze said with a smile.

"Are you kidding me? Say it again, and I'll record it and send it to the group chat," Chen Xinxuan said.

"Never mind what I said. I'm afraid the folk artists will come looking for me with a stool leg. Can't I even joke around? Aren't you all teachers?"

"You guys are pretty impressive, all from the same arts school," Shen Ze said. He only found out after starting school that most of the arts schools his classmates attended were now all under a company called Leqiji Culture Communication.

Na Zha, Chen Xinxuan, Wang Ruiquyi and a whole bunch of other classmates are like that. In fact, these people also work part-time as art exam teachers. Their identity at Beijing Film Academy is just memorizing, so Shen Ze jokingly calls them teachers.

"What, you want to be one too? I'll introduce you, you'll definitely be welcome," Chen Xinxuan said.

"Forget it then, I can't teach students. What's going on with you? Are you going to just be a teacher and not act anymore, and not sign with a management company?" Shen Ze said.

"The good ones don't want me, and I don't want to go to the bad ones. I'll just muddle along for now. We're all in the same boat," Chen Xinxuan said.

Not everyone who graduates from the Beijing Film Academy can become a star. Upon graduation, some people accept reality and need to make a living. Some become art school teachers, others open their own art schools in their local area, or join local theater troupes. These are all options; they need to survive. There are also those who pursue further education, like in traditional Chinese performing arts.

"Take your time, there will always be opportunities," Shen Ze said.

"You're still the same. Come to think of it, you're the strangest one. Do you know what kind of image you have in everyone's eyes?" Chen Xinxuan said with a smile.

"What kind of image?" Shen Ze was also quite curious.

"Be casual, calm, and never in a hurry. Even if you seem indifferent on the surface, you should still try, see, and strive for it when the opportunity arises."

"Only you are always so unhurried, taking it easy or not, as if you're not anxious at all. You really seem to be enjoying university life, which is quite enviable," Chen Xinxuan said.

Although I'm a college student, I still get to know things in the industry to some extent, and it's inevitable that I'll be influenced. I also experience anxiety because everyone wants to make something of themselves, especially at this age.

Therefore, Shen Ze was indeed different from his classmates. This was not just a matter of appearing unhurried; it was a genuine indifference.

This is something that normal people can't do. As long as you're human, you'll be influenced by your surroundings. The desire to become famous at a young age is always the main theme, no matter how relaxed you pretend to be.

Shen Ze was able to enjoy university life and his romantic time with Dilraba Dilmurat thanks to the Superstar System. Without it, even someone reborn would be in a hurry.

He knew he just wanted an opportunity, and he had more opportunities than most people. He only needed to seize one, or even not. Even if he couldn't become the male lead or activate his destiny, he had the potential to become a superstar. He could accumulate that potential for a few years, promote himself, and rise to the top by stepping on his own two feet.

This is his true mindset; he appears casual. It seems he's auditioned a lot, but have you truly put in the effort? Do you understand the interviewer's preferences? Have you been to any private drinking parties? Some things are unavoidable. This is why Shen Ze didn't have many opportunities during his university years. Even a guy can earn several thousand yuan. Why should I give that to you? If someone isn't irreplaceable, the person you choose becomes very important.

"I didn't expect everyone to know me so well. You're all so authentic," Shen Ze said.

"I think you've said too little. How can you be so narcissistic?" Chen Xinxuan said.

"Maybe I've always been this way, and people just haven't really looked into it."

"You don't let people know anything about you. You're the least known classmate at the reunion. We're even less willing to learn about you. With your partner standing there, everyone's scared."

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