CHAPTER 63

Cai Juan stepped forward to greet Xiaoyuan as she walked out, "How was it? How did the audition go?"

Xiaoyuan didn't answer and said to him, "Let's talk while we walk."

Once they were outside, the cold winter wind blew against their faces, making Cai Juan even more nervous, "So, how was it? What did Director Huo say?"

"Well, I finished my performance, he just watched me with a smile, applauded, and said I was quite interesting," Xiaoyuan shrugged, "But he didn't say a definite word about giving me the role."

"That's typical of him," Cai Juan said, leaning closer. "Huo Bijun is a double Oscar winner. Even as a director, he doesn't forget his 'acting' style—never says things directly, always makes others guess. If someone guesses right, he might not even be happy!"

"Do you know what his nickname is?"

Xiaoyuan thought for a moment and uncertainly said, "Peacock?"

"Flower Peacock," Cai Juan chuckled, correcting her, "Did he wear a floral suit today?"

Xiaoyuan remembered, "He was wearing a lake green suit."

"Yeah, besides black, he wears every color, even skirts. And the amazing thing is, he doesn't look feminine at all when he wears them, he's super cool, super manly!"

Cai Juan clicked her tongue, "Straight guys dress better than gay guys!"

"..." Xiaoyuan looked at him speechlessly, observing his infatuated expression.

"By the way, why did you pretend to have a limp when you went in? You seem fine now."

"This is a suspenseful detective movie, you're easily scared, I was afraid you'd get scared to death, so I didn't let you read the script." Xiaoyuan squinted slightly at him, her voice slightly deeper, "There are a lot of frightening murder cases in it."

Cai Juan felt a chill down his spine as he shook his head abruptly, "Well, in that case, I'll pass..."

This is the third installment of Huo Bijun's self-directed detective series. The first two films did exceptionally well at the box office, not only popular but also critically acclaimed, winning numerous prestigious awards, including script, editing, and directing awards.

In the first two films, the female roles were minor, but this time, the female character is a standout lead role, making the competition unprecedentedly fierce.

It's said that many actresses of a similar age in the entertainment industry have auditioned for the role, and even after two months, the creative team hasn't made a decision.

"I feel like the casting director doesn't really like me. She said I'm too pretty and my aura doesn't quite fit the female lead." Xiaoyuan said, "But she did say I performed well."

The two of them got into a vehicle provided by Feiyi for Xiaoyuan, and her assistant, Tiantian, handed her a cup of warm milk.

Nowadays, things are different from before. Xiaoyuan's schedule was much busier than before, and Feiyi had taken this seriously, enhancing her protection. Considering that Cai Juan was a man, they assigned her a female assistant with Xiaoyuan's consent.

Tiantian was about the same age as Xiaoyuan. She had just completed training after being newly hired by Feiyi. Not much of a talker, she held a college degree and had experience in new media work. With several siblings at home, she was the eldest sister and quite capable of taking care of others, so she was assigned to be by Xiaoyuan's side.

"Ah, the casting director said that? Being pretty is not okay? What's the character's setting in the script?" Cai Juan asked, puzzled.

"I only received half of the script, so I don't know much. Even if I did, I can't tell you—spoiling it would be a problem," Xiao Yuan replied, sipping her milk. "The female lead probably needs to look harmless and delicate, like someone you'd want to protect..."

"...Then how do you not fit that?" Cai Juan was even more confused and turned to Tiantian. "Tiantian, don't you think so?"

"Sister Yuan is suitable for any role!" Tiantian nodded. "There's no character that Sister Yuan can't play."

Xiaoyuan chuckled and playfully tapped her on the head.

Tiantian's face turned a bit red as she smiled along.

"There are many scripts lately... it's just..." Xiaoyuan paused, not continuing, and started drinking her milk.

There were many scripts, some decent, but truly good ones were lacking. Most of the offers she received were for TV dramas, and most were period dramas, almost all featuring roles similar to Ling Yao's.

That's how the market works, when a project becomes a hit, the streets are filled with its low-quality knockoffs.

These versions also aspire to replicate the success of "Zui Xiaoyao" and hence invite her.

"It's not that you can't play roles you've played before, but the interpretation of this character should allow for more depth, not less..."

"Of course, repeating the same role is not very interesting, but..." Xiao Yuan paused again.

Cai Juan looked at her, and so did Tiantian.

They both understood what she hadn't finished saying: she needed follow-up projects to solidify her current popularity and couldn't afford to rest too long.

"It's all my fault for not being able to secure any good resources for you..." Cai Juan blamed himself.

Currently, their film and television contracts were still in their own hands. As a young company, Feiyi was doing reasonably well in business development because the founder had many connections in the fashion industry, but they were indeed weaker in film and television contracts.

"It's not that the script is bad. The team is great. It's just the role..." she hesitated slightly, furrowing her brows, "I..."

She muttered a few words softly, which Cai Juan didn't catch as he was still immersed in his frustration over not being able to help.

Tiantian looked at them, hesitated for a moment, and finally said, "Brother Cai, Sister Yuan, actually something big happened at the company recently..."

Cai Juan seemed to remember, "Oh, I think I heard a bit about it—did a new boss join?"

Though Tiantian wasn't a core employee, she knew a bit since they were in the same company. "We at our level don't know the specifics yet, we haven't had a meeting."

Cai Juan and Xiao Yuan exchanged glances. They had both been busy lately and had grown accustomed to working independently for years, believing their relationship with Feiyi was purely collaborative. Who knew it had suddenly been acquired?

"Who is the new boss? Will it affect Xiaoyuan?" Cai Juan asked.

......

"In regard to Miss Xiang, of course it won't have any impact." Xiang Zhishi listened to the woman in front of him, and the initial shock had passed. He listened quietly as she spoke, "However, I would like Miss Xiang to also entrust her film and television contracts to our Feiyi."

The woman in front of him, Ms. Ruan Qing, had once been well-known in the industry, having worked with several award-winning actors, including He Chenying. At the height of her career, she retired to marry a wealthy producer and moved to Hollywood, where she had become less visible in the domestic scene.

The last thing he heard about her was that she was involved in a messy divorce. It was said that her husband, well-connected in Hollywood, was unwilling to pay her any alimony and wanted her to leave with nothing. Since she was not a front-line star, the public didn't know much about her, but some industry insiders were aware of the situation and had even captured unflattering photos of her looking gaunt without makeup.

Xiang Zhishi had never imagined Ruan Qing would return to the scene and become Feiyi's new partner.

The woman in front of him was well-dressed, with a beautiful face and a smile as refreshing as a gentle breeze.

She continued, "Also, we will upgrade the services for Miss Xiang's business contracts. Ms. Yang will personally accompany her, and if the film and television contract is signed with Feiyi, I will be the one to accompany her."

Two bosses personally attending to Xiaoyuan? Such treatment surprised Xiang Zhishi. This was an opportunity that any actor would eagerly pursue.

It felt like a windfall, a golden opportunity.

Xiang Zhishi found it hard to believe that such an opportunity had come Xiang Xiaoyuan's way, but he also hesitated.

The relationship between agents and artists in the entertainment industry has always been complex, with power dynamics and negotiations. Most artists have little say in front of their agents and must follow their arrangements, which was why Xiang Zhishi had been concerned when Xiang Xiaoyuan had signed with the company right after graduation.

Though she had gained fame due to "Zui Xiaoyao," her foundation was still unstable. His and Cai Juan's abilities were limited, so having two heavyweight agents like them at this crucial moment was the best scenario. However, he worried that Xiang Xiaoyuan might be restricted by them.

"We see great potential in Miss Xiang's future development. She could become the next ''Three Golden' He,' or even better." Ruan Qing said with a light smile, noticing Xiang Zhishi's surprise and hesitation. "Mr. Xiang, rest assured, I will act as her manager. If she doesn't like a script, she won't take it. I will make suggestions, but the final decision will be hers."

She was willing to go to such lengths to accommodate?

Xiang Zhishi observed her expression, a speculation rising in his mind that remained unproven.

Ruan Qing smiled warmly. "I know Miss Xiang auditioned for Director Huo's project. I am an old friend of his, and we're having dinner together tomorrow night. If Mr. Xiang has no plans, would you like to join us?"

......

Ruan Qing's network was truly remarkable. That night, Xiang Zhishi met several influential figures behind the scenes.

He had a few rounds of drinks with Huo Bijun, praising Xiang Xiaoyuan for quite some time, but not giving away anything concrete. However, every time the producers mentioned other actresses, he subtly diverted the conversation.

Later, Ruan Qing told him that in her opinion, the lead role was almost certainly going to Xiang Xiaoyuan. She smiled and said, "Director Huo is a bit aloof, that's just how he is. He's quite adorable."

Xiang Zhishi: "..."

When a person is talented and successful, reaching the pinnacle of the pyramid, it's inevitable to have some endearing "quirks."

"Ah, but let's not get too excited for now. We should wait for him to notify us. Otherwise, he might not be happy, and he might even change his mind." Xiang Zhishi sighed and nodded.

Ruan Qing whispered to him, "We will definitely have news within three days."

By the time he returned home, he had made up his mind. After discussing it with Xiaoyuan, they agreed to sign her film and television contracts over to Feiyi, officially making Ruan Qing Xiaoyuan's agent.

Cai Juan couldn't stop grinning all night, both happy and shocked. He kept exclaiming how incredible it was that such a senior figure wanted to collaborate with them. He patted his chest, promising to follow the senior's guidance while trying to sneakily learn a few tricks.

Xiaoyuan also seemed a bit dazed. She only felt that she was a bit more famous now, a bit more recognized. Previously, she might have been jealous of others being more famous than her, but now she was only envious of others having access to good film and television resources.

But now, it seemed there was nothing much to envy.

What she needed was more works and more affirmation.

She hadn't yet realized how impressive this team was, her mind was still focused on Director Huo's script.

After returning to his room, Xiang Zhishi found himself unable to sleep. Logically speaking, Xiaoyuan's team was now complete. While she might not recognize how strong her team was, he and Cai Juan understood.

This was the best arrangement for Xiaoyuan—freedom without constraints. Moreover, Ruan Qing could offer her the best resources to pursue the projects she loved.

With Yang Qiao handling the business side and Ruan Qing in charge of film and television, both experienced seniors, there was really nothing to worry about.

But everything was going too smoothly, which made him a bit uneasy.

Feiyi now had three bosses: the original Yang Qiao, Ruan Qing, and the newly joined Mr. Liang, who held the largest share.

Liang Yuesheng, Jim Leung, was a name he didn't recognize. He looked him up and found that he was a Chinese-American lawyer practicing in California.

He's not someone from the industry.

It was somewhat strange.

He had initially suspected that Feiyi's new adjustments were related to Wei Zhuang, but now it didn't seem to have any connection to Wei Zhuang on the surface. Perhaps he didn't understand the deeper underlying relationships.

If his guess was correct, and that the behind-the-scenes boss was indeed Wei Zhuang, then there was no need to worry. Investing so much effort in Xiaoyuan must not just be for show.

Xiang Zhishi couldn't quite determine his attitude towards the relationship between Xiaoyuan and Wei Zhuang. Should he support it or just observe? In any case, he knew he couldn't oppose it, doing so would only have the opposite effect.

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