Actresses

Chapter 28 Insight

"Hurry up, we need to be efficient. If we can get it approved by the end of the year, we can start the meeting in Q1 next year," Wei Ning urged.

"Okay, I understand."

After hanging up the phone, Shi Jiahe switched back to WeChat. Among the row of new messages, she suddenly noticed a message from Zhuang Pan's agent, Sister Shi. She thought to herself, "Oh no, what if Wei Ning contacted Sister Shi? Wouldn't she know that it was just a meeting, and that He Yuran was explicitly rejected?"

She thought, why not give it another try?

"Hello, Sister Stone, you said you'd like to get together sometime, but actually I was thinking, is it possible for us to meet up first? I have something I'd like to talk to you about."

Stone Sister replied quickly. "Go ahead. But if it's about joining a production, it might not be possible; our Panpan is indeed not in good condition right now."

"I was just thinking, is there anything I can help you with? Please feel free to tell me. I'm really sorry to bother you."

Shi Jiahe had just finished typing that line when she suddenly realized something. Why was she being so humble? She didn't owe them anything. No, she hadn't finished speaking. So she deleted it, edited another line, and sent it.

"Actually, regardless of whether things work out or not, I think we're all friends. There are some things that artists can't say between themselves. But as her manager, I have to say it. After all, Ran-jie is a senior, so why is your messaging like this? Isn't it a bit much to belittle a senior like that?"

I don't understand what you mean.

A while later, Stone sent another reply.

"You mean the title?"

Shi Jiahe continued typing: "Yeah. You clearly saw it too. Do you think this tone is appropriate? No matter what, our Sister Ran was talking to your Zhuang Pan about serious business, and you're just trying to undermine us like this. Luckily, Sister Ran is still sleeping right now, I don't know how I'm going to explain this to her when I wake up."

"But we've never discussed this matter. It couldn't have been us who posted it. Besides, what good would it do us?"

Shi Jiahe gritted her teeth and thought, "I don't know either. But no matter what, you owe me, you owe He Yuran an explanation."

In short, her current principle is to try and bluff Stone and see what she says.

Unexpectedly, after thinking for a while, Sister Stone replied: "I really didn't expect such a headline to appear. Jiahe, please wait a moment. I'll talk to Panpan and see how to give you a better reply so that I can explain it to Sister Ran."

"What's wrong? Is your Panpan still not feeling well?" Shi Jiahe typed while laughing, and she could even tell that she was being sarcastic.

"Mr. Shi, you're asking a question you already know the answer to. We're all agents; when the artists are in a bad mood, do you think we're having a good time?"

"Now that you put it that way, I'm starting to sympathize with you."

Shi Jiahe thought about it and decided to be kind.

"Actually, I think you're quite professional, Sister Stone. It's also really not easy for you."

"Hey, if you really empathize, you should know that those headlines weren't communicated by me. We're just as passive as you guys. Those marketing accounts and bystanders are clearly just looking for trouble." Stone Sister sent a voice message.

Shi Jiahe thought to herself, "If you send a voice message, then I'll send one too." She relaxed a lot, picked up her phone, and started recording into the microphone.

"That's true, but I don't have any artists around right now. To be honest, the reason the title is like this is because we're not doing well right now. Otherwise, why would we go through all the trouble of putting together a movie ourselves, only to make you laugh at us?"

As Shi Jiahe spoke, her tone unintentionally carried a hint of helplessness, and her attitude softened considerably.

"Uh, now that you put it that way, I'm a little unsure how to answer." Stone Sister is on the phone now, since we can't see her in person. Her voice doesn't sound like that of a tall, imposing person. "How about we meet up sometime? Even without celebrity stuff, we can still be friends."

"Sure, I can do it. It's just that you guys are probably much busier than us. I'm usually fine, not too busy."

As soon as she sent the message, Shi Jiahe felt a pang of surprise. Why couldn't she still hide her sarcasm?

"Then wait two days for me. I'll take care of some things, and then I'll ask our PR team to immediately communicate with the marketing accounts and try not to use this topic and copywriting. It's just too much of a nuisance."

"Oh well, it doesn't matter anymore, we're used to it."

"That won't do. In this industry, you can't just be a person for a short time. It's not good if others see it that way," Sister Stone said.

"Then I'll thank you in advance," Shi Jiahe said.

After ending the conversation, Shi Jiahe quickly ran through her mind, trying to think of any readily available, inexpensive items that would make a suitable gift for Stone Sister next time they met. It was nothing more than unused designer brands or gift boxes. With that thought in mind, she opened the kitchen door and returned to the living room.

Unexpectedly, He Yuran was already awake, yawning and looking at her phone. Judging from her expression, she didn't seem unhappy.

Shi Jiahe thought that they probably hadn't even seen the news online yet.

"Sis, are you hungry? I'll order some takeout."

"No rush, I'm not in the mood to eat. I'm thinking, should I go check on Jiang Fan? It's been so many days, and I haven't proactively updated him on the progress. Is that a bit inappropriate? It might seem like I'm not being attentive."

Shi Jiahe thought to herself, "This is truly a rain of red from the sky! My boss is actually considering another actress's feelings. This has never happened before!"

But at this moment, it's best to avoid trouble if possible.

"Let's not. What if Professor Jiang Fan really asks about the project's progress? What will you say then?" Shi Jiahe walked over and sat down, offering kind words of comfort. "It's not too late to talk to Professor Jiang Fan after we have at least a suitable script."

He Yuran sighed deeply. "I'm still doubting myself, and doubting the rationality of this whole thing. If it were possible, so many actresses in the industry would have done it long ago. There must be a reason why no one has taken the lead in making a similar project happen yet. You agree, right?"

"Reese Witherspoon." Shi Jiahe read aloud clearly from the profile page on her phone: "She founded Type A Films in 2000, which was renamed Pacific Standard in 2012 because she noticed a lack of female-led content in the industry, so she produced well-known films such as 'Gone Girl.' In 2016, she founded Hello Sunshine, focusing on telling female-centered stories, and launched popular series such as 'Big Little Lies' and 'The Morning Show.'"

She emphasized the names of these projects because she knew He Yuran had seen them.

He Yuran rolled her eyes at her. "That's Hollywood. Their industrial environment is much more mature, and we can't compare to their industrialization."

"I don't think that's the most important thing. Before accomplishing anything, I think the most important thing is the will, Ran Jie. If you can start from scratch and get to where you are today in this industry, you can definitely accomplish even more. But the premise is that you have to believe in yourself."

"Sometimes, I really feel that you believe in myself even more than I do," He Yuran said lazily.

"That's because I have to trust you. In a way, sis, you have a way out, but I don't. If you retire, the first thing I'll do is find a job. But that's not why I trust you. I may not be as rich as you, but I'm not just doing this for a job." Shi Jiahe looked at He Yuran with firm eyes.

These words stunned He Yuran.

He Yuran stared at her for a long time before slowly sitting up. "...I'll have another good talk with Zhuang Pan."

"No need for that, just wait for my message."

"...Okay." He Yuran was still staring, seemingly still not knowing how to respond to that heartfelt confession.

"Right now, I only need you to do one thing for me. That is, whenever anyone asks—especially those in production or acting—just spread the word in your own way so that people think you and Zhuang Pan have a very good personal relationship. And then, interact with each other as much as possible on social media."

"That's easy. So, what's the next step?"

"I don't know yet, I'll let you know in a couple of days." Shi Jiahe thought to herself, "My sister, I'm also waiting for Sister Shi to ask me out."

Her intuition told her that something must have happened to Stone, but she had to stay calm first.

Unexpectedly, Wei Ning was the one who was more proactive in making plans with her.

Less than two hours later, Wei Ning called again. "Haven't you finished discussing it yet?"

Shi Jiahe almost laughed. In such a short time, even if He Yuran spread rumors throughout the industry, it wouldn't have spread this quickly.

"How's it going? Have you made a decision yet?" Wei Ning asked anxiously.

"It can't be that fast, why don't you come and ask me yourself?"

"Oh, stop teasing me. If you're not comfortable with that, I can come over to you right now and explain things to you in person, showing you all my cards."

"Okay." Shi Jiahe thought for a moment and decided to meet near the company. "Wait a moment while I find a coffee shop."

"No problem, I'll let you know when I leave." Wei Ning hung up the phone.

"Boss, can I use your bathroom? I need to quickly wash up before I go out to meet someone," Shi Jiahe said.

"Go, go," He Yuran asked casually. "Who is it? Why the rush?"

"A platform producer, talking about scripts."

"Do you want me to come with you?" He Yuran asked.

"Huh?" Shi Jiahe was taken aback. "It shouldn't have come to the point where I need you to show up! Because today I just wanted to chat with her about the story."

However, Shi Jiahe thought it was necessary to report Wei Ning's words to He Yuran, so she briefly explained them.

"In short, she misunderstood when she saw you meeting Zhuang Pan, and I just mentioned it casually, so she thought it was really about to cooperate."

Unexpectedly, He Yuran suddenly perked up, her eyes shining. "What a golden opportunity! I have a feeling she came to us of her own accord. The fact that she's in such a hurry to see you proves she needs something from you. Why don't we talk to her? Otherwise, we don't have any other options right now. It's settled then, I'll go with you."

Shi Jiahe's eyes widened. "Then we can't meet at a coffee shop, right? What if someone sees us?"

"So what if they see? Am I someone who can't be seen? Zhuang Pan lives like that, and I'm just sitting on the curb in Chaoyang District drinking tea openly, so what?"

"I'm just afraid you'll have a problem with that..." Shi Jiahe muttered softly.

She thought for a moment, then asked, "Should I tell Wei Ning that you're coming too?"

"No!" He Yuran refused decisively. "Don't even mention me going; I could recognize her in a few seconds if I sat next to her."

"Whatever, it'll make us look like we really care and have something important to do, since you're here."

"No, no, no, I just need to know what you talked about. You know, sometimes you're too honest and easily taken advantage of. I'm better at judging people, and I've dealt with producers and directors more often. I can at least guess what they're up to."

"Sis! I really admire your confidence. It's great." Shi Jiahe couldn't help but smile as she looked at He Yuran, shaking her head in admiration.

She suddenly recalled how she had decided to join He Yuran's team.

Many people say that stars are born, and there's some truth to that. Only those with absolute self-confidence can become big stars. When He Yuran extended an invitation to Shi Jiahe, her radiant presence and captivating charisma made it clear to her that her future career would not be stagnant. Therefore, Shi Jiahe willingly became her behind-the-scenes manager, smoothing over the unspoken vulnerabilities of this boss she admired.

Without further ado, the two quickly tidied up and washed up before heading out.

Because it was close by, she walked there directly. He Yuran doesn't usually walk around the neighborhood much; she either stays right outside the gate or takes a car directly from the underground parking garage. Stepping outside, she was greeted by birdsong and fragrant flowers—a feeling more intoxicating than any drink.

"Our neighborhood is really nice," He Yuran said, looking around. "It's not very wealthy, but it has a lot of life in it."

Shi Jiahe thought to herself, "He's saying something that will only make me look bad!" This is supposed to be a pretty good neighborhood in Beijing, and people who can afford to live here are not ordinary people.

But she didn't want to complain about her boss at the moment, because she was in a really good mood for no reason.

"Sister Ran, you should take more time to go out for a stroll, especially on sunny days. Isn't it nice to just walk around like this? Sometimes I hear actors say they have to experience life, as if they have to go through some dramatic ups and downs. But I think life is just like walking along the road, a few people passing by, a few birds flying by. You don't need to have any direct interaction, but you'll see them. Life isn't the dramatic storms and life-and-death separations in a role; it's actually just this kind of ordinariness. Experiencing ordinariness, getting used to ordinariness, isn't that necessary?"

Unexpectedly, He Yuran suddenly stopped and turned to look at her. "Jiahe! What you just said is actually the core message we need to convey. We've got it! We've got it!"

Shi Jiahe asked, looking completely bewildered, "What?"