Huayu 2015, the Artist of Light and Shadow

……

"Ruonan, this is the company's template contract. Please take a look."

"The company will handle your entertainment activities, brand endorsements, offline commercial performances, etc... By the way, how's your singing?"

"If you have singing talent, we can help you create an album and package you as a good-looking singer."

"Don't look at me with that skeptical look. Both the company's chief music officer and I used to be singers. He's good at composing, and I'm good at writing lyrics."

"If you really have singing talent, we can definitely help you become a top-notch singer."

While Lu Yunzhou and Jiang Bing were chatting about the variety show "Idol Producer," Ji Rujing and Zhang Ruonan were in another office discussing management contracts.

Ji Rujing wasn't bragging.

Although she has been working as an agent for many years, she still has a passion for creating.

"The Woman Who Grows on a Bread Tree" is a TV series that Tang Yan just finished filming, and it will probably be broadcast at the end of the year.

She wrote the lyrics for the theme song herself!

This allowed her to rediscover the joy she had when she first entered this industry.

Creation is a form of self-expression, and a very high level of joy.

If the songs you create are loved by the public, then the joy and sense of accomplishment will be magnified a hundredfold!

It's so refreshing!

This is why many people who enter the entertainment industry can never leave.

Because fame and fortune are simply too tempting.

Under the spotlight, all their joys and sorrows are magnified 100 times, satisfying their enormous vanity.

Ji Rujing saw immense ambition in Zhang Ruonan's eyes.

She knew that beneath this girl's delicate appearance lay an extraordinary and powerful belief.

"Sis, before we sign the contract, I want to ask you something: what's your relationship with Sister Tangtang and Brother Yunzhou?"

Zhang Ruonan needs to get to the bottom of this.

Knowing the relationship between Zhang Ruonan and Lu Yunzhou, Ji Rujing didn't hide anything and told the truth: "The three of us started a film and television production company together. 'The Day of Death' is the company's first project."

"In this project, Tangtang is the female lead, and as a top star, she brings popularity and attention to the entire project."

"But in reality, what we really want to promote is director Yunzhou."

"Of course, you and Qiqi are also in this plan."

After a moment's hesitation, Ji Rujing decided to reassure Zhang Ruonan: "You saw Qiqi just now. She has a rather carefree personality, and to be honest, her acting skills are just average."

"Unlike you, you're like a rough diamond. I only gave you some reference material, and you were able to perform everything the script required."

"Even in performing arts academies, such talent is extremely rare."

At this point, Ji Rujing grasped Zhang Ruonan's hand, stared intently at her, and said sincerely and earnestly, "Ruonan, join our company. Tangtang and I will pour all our resources into you and make you a superstar."

"By then, Yunzhou will become a top director in the country, and you will become a top female star. The two of you will be the golden brand of our company, and the golden couple that everyone in the industry envies."

Why didn't you just say we were a "golden couple" earlier?

You have excellent taste.

Zhang Ruonan felt her ears getting hot, and quickly pretended to look down at the contract to hide her secret joy.

However, feelings are feelings, and career is career.

This point needs to be clearly defined.

Zhang Ruonan was not swayed by Ji Rujing's sweet talk.

She carefully reviewed the key clauses in the contract to ensure there were no unfair terms or personal restrictions.

She then signed the confirmation: "President Ji, please take care of me in the future."

"Of course."

Ji Rujing originally thought that Zhang Ruonan would call her mother over and then ask Lu Yunzhou for his opinion.

She is prepared for a protracted battle.

Unexpectedly, the little girl was so decisive.

She likes people with strong willpower.

"Xiao Nan, in the drama 'The Day Is Coming,' you don't have many scenes, but you are the main character in one of the episodes."

"As a newcomer, this kind of role usually only earns around 10 yuan. However, since you're an artist under my management, your treatment will naturally be different. I'll try to get you a 20 yuan salary. What do you think?"

Ji Rujing is the executive producer of this drama. Within her authority, she offered Zhang Ruonan a much higher salary than most newcomers.

It shows a lot of sincerity.

However, Zhang Ruonan was not blinded by this number.

She knew all too well that all empty promises were meaningless; only what actually ended up in her own pocket was real and tangible.

After a moment's hesitation, Zhang Ruonan said earnestly, "Sister, don't blame me for being pragmatic. I want to ask, how much will I ultimately receive?"

Ji Rujing quickly did some mental calculations and said, "The company takes 30%, and you pay your own income tax. Out of the 20 yuan fee, you'll actually receive a little over 10 yuan."

After two months of filming, I received 10 yuan.

No wonder everyone wants to enter the entertainment industry!

This money is indeed easy to make.

After figuring things out in her mind, Zhang Ruonan said something that made Ji Rujing both laugh and cry: "Sister, could you help me get more jobs like this?"

Despite her young age, her desire to become a rich woman was practically written all over her face.

"Don't rush."

Ji Rujing reassured Zhang Ruonan, saying, "As a newcomer, don't be too ambitious at the beginning. Let's take it one step at a time and be steady. You should focus on filming this movie well first, and I'll help you find some acting coaches to solidify your foundation."

"You have to trust Yunzhou's talent; this show is bound to be a hit."

"As the female lead in one of the segments, your value will skyrocket. After the show airs, it will increase at least fivefold. Then, I'll help you find new jobs."

If the company's salary could be increased fivefold, Zhang Ruonan would certainly be willing to wait.

After several attempts, Zhang Ruonan concluded that Ji Rujing was a very capable agent.

Ji Rujing's performance earned her respect.

At this moment, Zhang Ruonan stood up, bowed to Ji Rujing, and solemnly said, "Sister, I'm entrusting you with my care from now on."

"Good boy. I won't let you down."

Ji Rujing was also very pleased to have accepted Zhang Ruonan, a promising young star.

She put her arm around Zhang Ruonan's small shoulder and whispered, "Yunzhou will definitely become a top director. If you want to stay by his side, you must work hard."

Zhang Ruonan's gaze towards Lu Yunzhou was, of course, clear to Ji Rujing, an experienced woman. The young girl's thoughts were practically written all over her face; there was no need to guess.

Zhang Ruonan's heart skipped a beat, and she nodded emphatically: "Sister, I will try my best!"

Seeing the determined look on Zhang Ruonan's face, Ji Rujing knew that this girl would work very hard even without his prompting.

She's definitely easier to manage than Tang Yan.

"Xiaonan, I'll go get the car. Go call Qiqi. She should be in the lounge. Let's go out for a big meal together."

Today is a really good day.

Ji Rujing was also very happy.

……

After getting on the bus, Chen Yuqi and Zhang Ruonan sat side by side in the back.

"Xiao Nan, thanks to you, we get to eat a big meal again today."

Chen Yuqi harbored no animosity towards Zhang Ruonan because the company's plan for her was to film as many period dramas as possible, playing heroic female warriors.

The company's vision for Zhang Ruonan was to portray a pitiful, innocent girl.

The two have different ecological niches, so they get along very well.

Chen Yuqi even took the initiative to help Zhang Ruonan with her bag and found a round, bulging thing inside. It was not only quite heavy, but it also made a splashing sound.

This left her completely puzzled.

"Xiao Nan, what's in your bag? It's hard, feels like a ball, and is quite heavy. Is it a bowling ball?"

However, Chen Yuqi only muttered a word and didn't ask any further questions.

At this moment, the words Zhang Ruonan had said to her before involuntarily popped into her mind: "Secrets make women more attractive."

……

Inside a private room at a hotel, two streets away from the company.

Today is our company's internal team building day. We're celebrating the successful casting of "The Dying Is Coming" and welcoming newcomer Zhang Ruonan to the company.

So there were no outsiders.

At this moment, Lu Yunzhou and Huang Yida were sitting in the private room, chatting casually.

"Uncle Da, how's the concert preparation going?"

Lu Yunzhou and Huang Yida had a good relationship.

He was very grateful that Huang Yida had stood up for him and vehemently confronted the clients during the screening inside Paradise Umbrella.

The two clinked glasses, Huang Yida took a sip of his drink, then sighed heavily, and the conversation turned to his long-awaited concert.

"I originally planned to hold a concert in a football stadium, but I was afraid that the tickets would not sell out, so I found a basketball court instead, but I was still worried that the tickets would not sell out."

"Little Boat Bro, what do you think? Should I try finding a concert hall or a theater? If that doesn't work, how about the school sports field?"

Ten years ago, Huang Yida was a sensation as the male version of Stefanie Sun. But ten years later, Huang Yida found that he had completely faded into obscurity.

Nobody recognizes him when he walks down the street.

It's truly heartbreaking.

Before the others arrived, Huang Yida had already drunk a few glasses. With blurry eyes, he pulled Lu Yunzhou aside and said, "Little Boat Brother, you must seize any opportunity to become a sensation. Otherwise, just look at me. Nobody cares about has-been singers."

It's one thing if nobody cares, but the main problem is that my status within the family is also affected.

"Uncle Da, thank you for reminding me. I will."

Lu Yunzhou doesn't really like drinking, but he picked up his drink and lightly clinked glasses with Huang Yida.

"By the way, Little Boat Bro, I saw a nice Steinway piano at the music store up ahead. It seems someone ordered it but then changed their mind. After we finish eating, do you want to go check it out and see if we can snag a bargain?"

Hearing this, Lu Yunzhou immediately woke up.

Steinway pianos are made for perfectionists.

In short, it was made for him.

But Lu Yunzhou didn't act immediately. Huang Yida, who was very suspicious, asked, "Uncle Da, if I may ask, does Sister Ji allow you to spend so lavishly on a custom-made piano? I heard that she manages all your money."

Silence, indeed, is the most deafening.

At this moment, Huang Yida stopped talking about the piano and started drinking in silence.

Lu Yunzhou couldn't help but sigh and patted Huang Yida on the shoulder.

it is more than words.

At this moment, Ji Rujing led Zhang Ruonan and Chen Yuqi into the private room, chatting and laughing.

"You're secretly drinking again. How many times have I told you not to lead Yunzhou astray?"

After Ji Rujing walked in, she smelled the alcohol and immediately spotted Huang Yida, muttering a few words in a low voice.

At that moment, everyone saw Zhang Ruonan open her small backpack and take out a huge coconut.

At that moment, Huang Yida was stunned, and his drunkenness subsided.

Chen Yuqi, who was standing next to her, suddenly realized: "So, you had a coconut in your bag. No wonder it was so heavy."

Ji Rujing then revealed a knowing yet mischievous smile.

Surrounded by onlookers, Zhang Ruonan skillfully pried open the coconut with tools, inserted a straw, and carefully handed it to Lu Yunzhou: "Brother Yunzhou, don't drink alcohol, I'll treat you to coconut water. This is healthier."

Lu Yunzhou was filled with doubt: "How did you know I like to drink this?"

In 2015, coconut water was still a relatively uncommon beverage. In particular, fresh coconuts were not widely available in fruit shops.

In another timeline, this thing probably started to become popular in China around 2021 after Luckin Coffee launched its "Coconut Latte".

"Last time we ate Thai food together, I noticed you seemed to really like this drink. I brought it for you this time."

Are you moved?

Zhang Ruonan felt that if a boy could remember her preferences like this, she would be moved to tears and never forget it.

Amidst the gossipy gazes of everyone present, Lu Yunzhou accepted the coconut water, took a small sip, and then praised, "It really is delicious. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm glad you like it."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ruonan's anxious heart instantly calmed down, and she revealed the sweetest smile in the world.

Promise me that coconut water will be your favorite drink for the rest of your life.