Huayu 2015, the Artist of Light and Shadow

……

Failure is not scary; what is scary is not daring to even try. This will only cause good opportunities to slip away. — "The Science of Success"

Sitting in the boss's chair, Yang Mi had a book titled "The Science of Success" open on her desk.

The above are famous quotes and sayings from many successful people on how to be a boss.

Yang Mi read the book over and over again. In summary, the whole book can be summed up in just three words: execution!

She wasn't just talking the talk; she was going to take action.

After pondering for three seconds, Yang Mi picked up her phone and called a new actor her company had just signed: "Dai Si, I checked your schedule, and you seem to have a lot of free time lately. Come to my office. I have some work for you."

"Honey, I'm coming right away."

Upon hearing about the new job offer, Dai Si immediately became excited.

She is Uyghur, just like Reba.

A while ago, Dai Si returned to his hometown and filmed a youth inspirational TV series called "My Promise with Populus euphratica".

She plays the female lead in the drama, named "Dilinaer".

This development path is exactly the same as Dilraba's.

Unfortunately, even the drama that Dilraba starred in didn't make a splash.

Although Dai Si had a little bit of hope in her heart, reason told her that she couldn't become famous because of this drama.

Therefore, she needs to find new opportunities.

It would be even better if there were idol dramas to film.

"Sister Mi, what do you need? I can endure any hardship." Upon arriving at Yang Mi's office, Dai Si immediately pledged his loyalty.

Dai Si was born in 1991, making her one year older than Reba.

Seeing that Dilraba had become popular with "Diamond Lover", Dai Si felt a little envious and also had high expectations for the company.

"Director Lu Yunzhou is about to head to Thailand to film 'The Day Is Coming.' It's a TV series starring Tang Yan. It's an urban fantasy with time travel elements, so it's quite complex."

"Kiwifruit attaches great importance to this project. Mr. Ma, the second-in-command of Kiwifruit, personally served as the executive producer of this series and even helped to contact the Thai partners."

"Based on my understanding of kiwifruit, this drama will definitely be a major production early next year, an S-level or S+ level project."

Yang Mi first analyzed the project's prospects for Dai Si, then poured out her troubles to him, saying, "You know the company's current situation. Dilraba is now a hit, and all of the company's resources will be prioritized for her."

"Your image is too similar to Dilraba's: exotic, dance background, and great figure. With the same resources, the company can only promote one person."

The implication is that Dai Si has already been eliminated from the competition with Reba.

Seeing Daisy's dimmed eyes, Yang Mi offered another sweet treat: "But I know you work very hard in private, and you're no less hardworking than Dilraba. So, I'll point you in the right direction: go find Director Lu Yunzhou."

"Tell him about the rivalry between you and Dilraba."

In Yang Mi's opinion, Tang Yan's most hated female celebrity is definitely Dilraba.

If Dai Si and Reba are competitors in the company, Tang Yan might think that a rival's rival is a friend and give Dai Si a chance.

But Yang Mi didn't finish her sentence. She looked at Dai Si sincerely and said, "Director Lu Yunzhou has some prejudice against our company. Whether he's willing to use you or not depends on your abilities... By the way, let me tell you quietly, he's a music student. Most of the girls he used to hang out with in college were dance students."

As she spoke, Yang Mi glanced at the crop top Dai Si was wearing today.

Nice body.

She even has abs on her slim waist, and her belly button is very sexy.

From Yang Mi's perspective, there are few people in the entire entertainment industry with a better figure than Dai Si. Her figure below the neck is absolutely top-notch.

Their dancing skills are at the national team level.

The dance moves were graceful and powerful, with a rhythm and cadence full of flavor.

Unfortunately, Dai Si's face is too rugged, and his features are too large, not as delicate as Dilraba's. Of course, he is qualified to be a supporting actor.

But if you want to play a leading role, you won't be very popular with the general public.

We can't cultivate an actor like Dai Si ourselves.

Yang Mi planned to give the gift to Lu Yunzhou as a small present to ease the tension between the two.

Even if Lu Yunzhou refuses, I won't lose anything. I can even use it to my advantage later, saying I was doing my sister a favor and trying to make peace, but she rejected me.

Once Lu Yunzhou accepts, it will be a huge gain for both Dai Si and herself.

Let's just consider it a way to make use of waste.

Seeing that Dai Si still hadn't left, Yang Mi frowned slightly. After a few seconds, realizing something, she smiled and added, "The company will reimburse all your expenses for your trip to Thailand. If you fail, just consider it a vacation in Thailand."

"Thank you, Honey. I'll be off right away."

Upon hearing this, Dai Si instantly felt relaxed.

Being a small-time actor isn't easy; there's hardly any pay. Yang Mi even tried to trick him into switching jobs so she could make a penalty for breach of contract.

What a shrewd businessman.

However, Yang Mi is right. If she could get close to a director, even if she couldn't be the lead actress, she could still play supporting roles until she was sick of it.

For many professionally trained actors, being able to consistently play supporting roles already puts them ahead of the majority.

Whether you become famous depends on fate.

Just like Dilraba, who played the second female lead in "Diamond Lover" and became an instant sensation.

Who could have predicted this?

After Dai Si set off, Yang Mi immediately sent Tang Yan a message: "Tangtang, congratulations on shining in Europe."

"When are you going to Thailand to meet up with Director Lu Yunzhou?"

"Nothing else. It's just that there's a young actress in my company named Dai Si who's been staying home doing nothing lately. I don't think this can go on. Besides, she has a rather exotic look, and she doesn't look much different from a local Thai person."

"Your drama is being filmed in Thailand, so you'll probably need to find a lot of local supporting actors, right? Instead of using Thai actors, why not let Dai Si give it a try?"

"Let her do the cameo role for free, no money required."

Is it really possible to send a talented actor to your film crew for free and let them play any supporting role?

Could someone as shrewd as Yang Mi do something so stupid?

Tang Yan immediately became suspicious, but she couldn't figure out what Yang Mi could be up to behind the scenes.

They simply wanted to plant someone in the crew to get a feel for Lu Yunzhou's filming skills and, incidentally, see if they could poach her personal director.

However, this time is different.

Unlike Dilraba Dilmurat, who was a supporting actress and had the potential to steal the show, she's not a second female lead like in the last one.

In essence, "The Day Is Coming" is a long series consisting of 12 episodes.

The entire series revolves around only two characters, who are present throughout the entire plot: the protagonist himself and Lu Yunzhou.

And these two characters happen to have the fewest scenes.

What's so magical about this show is that... no matter how amazing the performances of other actors are, in the audience's mind, they are all portrayed as protagonists in a montage.

The actors' superb acting skills are tantamount to turning themselves into their own puppets, doing things for them.

"Tangtang, I was wrong before."

Seeing that Tang Yan remained silent, Yang Mi began to play the emotional card: "But you also know that my company signed a performance-based agreement. If I fail to meet the target, I will become someone else's slave and have to work for someone else for the rest of my life."

"I swear to God, it will never happen again."

"Let's continue being best friends, shall we? I'll have my daughter recognize you as her godmother. For my daughter's sake, please forgive me this once?"

Forgiveness is impossible.

Because Yang Mi has stepped on her own foot not just once or twice, but definitely more than three times.

Things shouldn't happen more than three times.

But Tang Yan thought that Lu Yunzhou's side really needed some strong supporting actors to improve the overall quality of the drama.

Thinking of this, Tang Yan finally relented: "Have someone come over first. As for whether it will work out, that depends on Brother Xiao's decision. I can't make that decision myself."

Upon hearing this, Yang Mi showered him with compliments as if they were free: "Thank you, Teacher Tang, the kindest person in the world."

……

Thailand.

Lu Yunzhou originally planned to have Tang Yan film the street scenes of Hangzhou first, but Tang Yan's trip to Europe was extended by 10 days because of the popularity of the short film.

This made it impossible for Lu Yunzhou to wait any longer.

He could only take the crew to Bangkok, Thailand, to film 12 episodes, and then return to China to film the scenes of the male and female leads in "Reincarnation Space".

"Brother Xiaochuan, your old friend gave us a high-quality ox or horse for free. You'd better take good care of it and not let his kindness go to waste."

Lu Yunzhou had just arrived in Thailand and settled in when he received a message from Tang Yan.

After making a joke, Tang Yan continued, "I've been thinking about what my old friend is thinking for an hour, and I think I've figured it out. She wants to use her beauty to seduce you. But she's not willing to use a good beauty; she's just throwing over a scrap. She's really looking down on people."

After exchanging a few words, Lu Yunzhou remained completely unmoved, and Tang Yan also felt bored: "I'll leave the crew to you. I'll definitely be back next week."

……

noon the next day.

Dai Si then went to Thailand and found the hotel where the "Death Is Coming" film crew was staying. Through Reba's introduction, she met Wu Xiaoqiang, the assistant director of the film crew.

Dai Si didn't dare to actually go to Lu Yunzhou. Instead, he hoped to get into the crew through the connections of assistant director Wu Xiaoqiang and play a minor role with only a few lines.

Yang Mi and Tang Yan are locked in a battle of wits, and she doesn't want to become a casualty.

"Dai Si, the director wants to see you."

However, due to Lu Yunzhou's outstanding abilities during this period, he has won over the entire crew.

An actor named Dai Si joined the crew. He's from Yang Mi's company, Jiaxing Media. Some people are worried that Yang Mi is here to sabotage their production.

To avoid losing their year-end bonus, someone immediately tipped off Lu Yunzhou.

After this period of adjustment, there were absolutely no secrets between Lu Yunzhou and the rest of the crew.

"Dai Si, please have a seat."

A short while later, Wu Xiaoqiang led his men to an open space where Lu Yunzhou was sitting and resting, preparing for the next scene to be filmed.

Beside Lu Yunzhou, Zhang Ruonan and Chen Yuqi, though not having any scenes, stood like two door gods, watching Dai Si with unsettling eyes.

They all knew about the feud between Tang Yan and Yang Mi. As Yang Mi's person, how could Dai Si possibly be treated well when he appeared in their film crew?

Looking at Dai Si, who was so nervous that he only dared to touch a quarter of the stool with his bottom, Lu Yunzhou asked very sincerely, "Dai Si, what is your dream?"

Ah!

He started!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ruonan and Chen Yuqi felt as if they had returned to yesterday.

Lu Yunzhou seemed to have asked them this question before. After answering it, they were like idiots, suddenly switching into "workaholic mode."

On set, they spent all their time thinking about the script and acting, and they became somewhat unlike themselves.

Initially, they didn't feel much about it.

But now, as bystanders, they witnessed another victim firsthand, and they suddenly realized that Lu Yunzhou seemed to possess a kind of magic that allowed him to easily make everyone believe him.

Under Lu Yunzhou's sincere and profound gaze, Dai Si felt as if he had been seen through completely, and that no secret could be hidden from him.

She lowered her head and whispered, "I left my hometown, and I don't want to go back in disgrace. I want to be a star and make a lot of money."

"That's a great dream."

Lu Yunzhou nodded slightly in appreciation, then asked in return, "But, can Yang Mi give you all of this?"

I can't give it to you.

Dai Si didn't say it aloud, but he already had the answer in his heart.

Because Yang Mi clearly told her that her competition with Dilraba was a failure, and the company would only promote Dilraba from now on, while she was the one who was abandoned.

Seeing Dai Si lower her head, Lu Yunzhou gently patted her shoulder, his tone like that of a godfather, compassionate and merciful: "You have very distinctive features, and your figure is flawless, full of vitality."

"A girl like you is simply irresistibly charming when she walks down the street."

"But Yang Mi probably thinks that you are not pretty enough and can only play some high-end accessories in film and television dramas, and will never become the leading lady."

"But in my heart, every actor, even a supporting actor, has his own unique charm."

These words made Dai Si raise his head instantly.

She had expected to be humiliated by Lu Yunzhou and then told to get lost.

Because even she herself knew that she was a tool Yang Mi used to fight against Tang Yan.

Lu Yunzhou must have known this perfectly well.

But Lu Yunzhou didn't take it seriously at all. Instead, he accepted her and let her join the crew. Moreover, it seemed that he would even create a very charming supporting role for her.

"Director, I..."

At this moment, Dai Si felt inexplicably moved, and even had a strong urge to tell Lu Yunzhou everything.

Lu Yunzhou gently shook his head, shushed him, and said, "Don't do anything foolish because of a moment of impulse."

"Get a good rest tonight. Join the crew tomorrow."

"I'll have Qiang send you the script and character cards."

Lu Yunzhou turned his head and nodded slightly to assistant director Wu Xiaoqiang, who then breathed a sigh of relief.

Just now, he was afraid that Lu Yunzhou would give him a severe scolding.

Because of this incident, what he did was indeed a bit unethical. But social interactions are sometimes hard to avoid.

……

"Brother, she has ill intentions."

"Brother Xiaochuan, Yang Mi and Sister Tangtang are arguing online every day. Wouldn't it be a bit inappropriate for us to let Yang Mi's people join the cast?"

Zhang Ruonan and Chen Yuqi instinctively disliked Dai Si.

A gentle breeze caresses the mountain ridge, a bright moon shines over the great river. Sometimes, we don't need to dwell on trivial matters. Otherwise, how tiring would our lives be?

Lu Yunzhou smiled and said nonchalantly, "Besides, Xiao Nan, have you forgotten? Your role needs a villain. Bullying you at school isn't enough; they also have to bludgeon you. That's the epitome of evil."

"Yesterday I spent half a day in a Thai school selecting high school students, but I couldn't find suitable candidates. They didn't seem to have enough presence."

"Did you see that Dai Si just now? She has a very powerful look. When you two stand together, your face is gentle and cute like a little white rabbit, but her face is like a cheetah, full of danger."

"She's a natural-born actress for the role of the one who kills you!"

Upon hearing this, and recalling Dai Si's face, Zhang Ruonan nodded slightly. He did indeed resemble a cheetah.

After hearing this, Chen Yuqi stopped objecting.

But Zhang Ruonan sensed a subtle change in Dai Si's gaze towards Lu Yunzhou just now; his pupils even seemed to glow.

She knew what that look meant, and couldn't help but emphasize, "But, brother, you just fooled her... The way she looked at you was like she'd met a kindred spirit. I'm afraid she might have other feelings for you."

You're practically self-destructing!

Hearing this, Chen Yuqi, who was standing next to her, almost burst out laughing.

Lu Yunzhou, however, didn't find this funny and said seriously, "That's how people are; they're easily moved by words that touch their hearts, especially those who haven't been recognized for a long time."

"Remember this: never listen to what others say, but look at what they actually do. Sweet talk is always the least valuable thing."

"I just gave her a casual analysis of the situation, and she believed it and even wanted to tell me everything. That shows she's not very intelligent."

"Such an idiot has neither the ability nor the guts to cause any trouble on set."

After saying that, Lu Yunzhou went back to work, leaving Zhang Ruonan and Chen Yuqi looking at each other in bewilderment.

Because, a few months ago, Zhang Ruonan and Chen Yuqi also had great faith in the future that Lu Yunzhou pointed out to them, and even had high hopes for it.

Now, they feel like they've been hit by a boomerang.

"Sister Qiqi, my brother always praises me for being very smart."

"Xiao Nan, what do you mean by looking at me like that? I went to Chengdu No. 14 High School. Although it's not a key high school, it's not a vocational high school either."

Although both women kept emphasizing that their IQs were definitely much higher than Dai Si's, the words they said always sounded unconvincing.

……

Back in the hotel room.

Dai Si received her own script and character card. It wasn't her first time acting, but for some reason, she felt this time was different.

The villain in the script is not a stereotypical bad girl. She has her own jealousy, inferiority complex, and obsession with dance. She is a living, breathing person, not just a tool with a few lines of dialogue.

In the past, she felt like she was just going to work; as long as she didn't make any major mistakes, she could get by.

But this time, she really wants to suffocate for Lu Yunzhou's dream, and she will give full play to her best acting skills and show the most brilliant vitality in her body.

She had the illusion that she wasn't acting, but rather creating art along with Lu Yunzhou!

Just then, a phone call from Yang Mi interrupted Dai Si's reverie: "Dai Si, how's everything going? What do you think of Lu Yunzhou?"

"Sister Honey, I've joined the crew, and things are going fairly smoothly. As for director Lu Yunzhou, I think..."

Dai Si had a lot to say, but in the end, all his words turned into a soft sigh: "I think he's a good director."

Are you out of your mind?

Is this what I'm asking?

Yang Mi was a little speechless, but she was already mentally prepared for Dai Si's low intelligence. At this moment, she could only comfort him, "You should rest well first, observe and listen more in the crew, and don't say anything that might cause trouble. Report to me immediately if anything happens."