18
Zhao Jinjin was notorious for her fiery temper. She never tolerated the slightest injustice. Even her manager had sighed, saying it was a shame such a sharp tongue was attached to a face perfect for heart-wrenching melodrama.
Seeing that the audacious little newcomer showed not a trace of shame upon hearing her sarcasm but instead boldly sized her up, Zhao Jinjin grew even more convinced this was a deliberate provocation. Ignoring her assistant’s attempt to hold her back, she whipped off her sunglasses and stormed over.
Xu Zhaixing glanced at the poster on the wall, then back at the girl approaching her, and asked cheerfully, “Are you Zhao Jinjin?”
Zhao Jinjin snapped, “I am!”
Xu Zhaixing beamed, “You look even prettier in person than in your poster.”
Zhao Jinjin: “…”
Hold on, is complimenting your opponent the new trend in arguments now?
Well, fairness is important, gotta respect the opponent. So, Zhao Jinjin stiffly replied, “You… you look pretty good too.”
Xu Zhaixing was genuinely flattered and politely said, “Thank you.”
Zhao Jinjin: “…”
What’s wrong with you? Why so much preamble for a fight? Done with the formalities, she cut to the chase, “Which school did you graduate from?”
Director Guo’s projects were notoriously picky about acting skills. As a graduate of the prestigious Central Academy of Drama, she wasn’t someone any small fry could compete with.
But Xu Zhaixing just said, “Huh? Graduate? I haven’t graduated yet. I’m only in my first year of high school.”
Zhao Jinjin: “???”
You’re in high school and not focusing on your studies? Why are you competing with me for resources?
Kids these days are so flighty!
Zhao Jinjin realized this girl wasn’t as malicious as she’d initially thought. It was mainly seeing that annoying message first thing in the morning that had fueled her anger. After chatting a bit, she calmed down considerably.
Adopting a grave tone, she advised Xu Zhaixing, “This industry isn’t as simple as you think. The earlier you step into it, the easier it is to get tainted by all sorts of colors, losing your original purity. You’re still young, so I won’t hold it against you. But what’s mine is mine, and I won’t give it up just because you’re younger. You should watch your step.”
With that, she turned and strode away with her assistants, leaving behind a cool, aloof silhouette.
Xu Zhaixing, who had no idea what had just transpired: This sister is really pretty, but it seems there might be something wrong with her brain.
After finishing her look at the artist posters, she continued wandering. The lower floors housed the planning department, publicity department, PR department, and other behind-the-scenes teams. Though the company was small, it was fully equipped. Xu Yan had meticulously organized every aspect, laying a solid foundation for future growth into a major corporation.
After her tour, Xu Zhaixing was very pleased. She started planning when they could acquire the entire office building. This was going to be the future hub of culture and entertainment—a real showpiece!
She imagined the words “Star Era Entertainment” emblazoned in gold on the front and sides of the building, grand and magnificent.
Ah, so beautiful, so perfect.
Lost in thought, she walked to the third-floor meeting room. Xu Yan had just finished a meeting with artist managers and department heads. Seeing her wandering with a silly smile, he couldn’t help but chuckle and call out, “Zhaixing.”
His call made everyone stop and look. The artist managers, who had been itching to ask since the meeting but hadn’t found a chance, were now poised to make their move.
Just as they were gearing up, they saw the young girl happily run over and call out to Xu Yan, “Brother.”
The managers: “?”
Xu Yan smiled, “Done looking around?”
Xu Zhaixing’s eyes sparkled. “Mm-hmm! Everything looks great—spacious and beautiful.”
The company’s only female manager, Su Man, couldn’t hold back any longer. “Mr. Xu, who is this?”
Xu Yan said, “This is my cousin, Xu Zhaixing. She’s also the daughter of our company’s Chairman Xu.”
Although Xu Zhaixing’s father had never visited the company, he held 51% of the shares and was nominally the chairman. Everyone knew about this behind-the-scenes major shareholder.
At first, they thought she was a newly signed artist. But she turned out to be the daughter of the big boss?!
After the initial shock, the managers all looked at Xu Zhaixing with some regret. Su Man, straightforward and cheerful, immediately asked with a smile, “So you’re the young mistress! With such lovely looks, are you interested in joining the entertainment industry?”
Xu Yan chuckled and shook his head, “She’s only in her first year of high school, Sister Su. Don’t joke about that.”
It made sense. Typically, wealthy heiresses like her were groomed to inherit the family business and rarely ventured into the entertainment industry. Who knows, Star Era might one day be hers, making her the future boss.
It’s wise to build goodwill early on.
Xu Zhaixing politely greeted her future employees. Xu Yan checked his watch and said to her, “I have a meeting with a producer. It’s a formal occasion, so I can’t take you along. Go wait in my office, don’t wander off again. If you get bored, you can do your winter break homework.”
He then instructed his assistant, “Take her to my office. Order lunch for her at the company; it’s too cold outside.”
Upon hearing this, the company’s artist manager Wu Zhiyun immediately chimed in, “Mr. Xu, that’s not fair. Zhaixing finally visits the company, and you make her do homework? Homework can wait!”
He smiled warmly at Xu Zhaixing. “Uncle is taking an artist to audition for a play at the theater. Would you like to come along and watch?”
Xu Zhaixing was genuinely interested and nodded eagerly. “Yes, please!”
Seeing her enthusiasm, Xu Yan didn’t object. He just reminded Wu Zhiyun to keep an eye on her and told Xu Zhaixing to behave. Both agreed, and Xu Zhaixing happily followed Wu Zhiyun to the underground parking lot.
The car was a Mercedes-Benz business van. Xu Yan never skimped on appearances; he always aimed to give outsiders the impression that Star Era was financially strong, well-backed, and highly prestigious.
As they approached the car, the door slid open abruptly. Zhao Jinjin was sitting inside, staring at them with a mix of disbelief and fury. Her voice was sharp, almost distorted. “Brother Yun! Why did you bring her?!”
Before Wu Zhiyun could even explain, “Zhaixing is…”
Zhao Jinjin cut him off, her voice strained. “You promised me this role wouldn’t be contested by anyone else in the company! What are you doing now?! The company made such grand promises when they signed me, and this is how you treat me?!”
Wu Zhiyun: “…”
Xu Zhaixing: “…”
Five minutes later.
Zhao Jinjin huddled nervously in her seat, trembling slightly. “Young Miss, are you thirsty? Would you like some Coke?”
Xu Zhaixing: “…”
Wu Zhiyun turned from the passenger seat. “How many times have I told you, no more Coke! Xiao Xiao, hand over that Coke!”
The assistant silently pulled a can of Coke from her bag.
Zhao Jinjin pouted, “It’s sugar-free…”
Wu Zhiyun: “Sugar-free or not, no soda! You’re cutting out all carbonated drinks! From now on, only mineral water!”
Xu Zhaixing couldn’t bear it anymore and came to the poor girl’s rescue. “Give it to me, I’ll drink it.”
Assistant Xiao Xiao quickly handed the Coke to Xu Zhaixing. She slowly opened the cap to release the fizz. Once Wu Zhiyun turned back around, she secretly slipped the can into Zhao Jinjin’s hand, mouthing, “Just one sip.”
Zhao Jinjin’s fondness for the young miss shot up instantly.
Wuwuwu, Brother Yun was right. I really need to work on my temper. I can’t just fly off the handle at every rumor. Thank goodness the young miss is generous and doesn’t hold grudges. With my behavior today, I could’ve been blacklisted for life.
Seeing Zhao Jinjin’s fearful demeanor and remembering how she had been worried all day because of the rumors about her, Xu Zhaixing didn’t feel angry. In her eyes, Zhao Jinjin was just a twenty-year-old kid. You have to be patient with the younger generation.
Plus, being so pretty, it’s only natural she’d have a bit of a temper.
She took the initiative to break the awkwardness. “So, what role are you auditioning for today?”
Zhao Jinjin eagerly explained the play and the role she was trying out for. Xu Zhaixing felt that many things had changed since her rebirth. This play Zhao Jinjin mentioned was one she hadn’t heard of in her past life.
The role was for the female supporting lead #3. While the screen time was less than the female leads #1 and #2, the character was well-written and memorable. For a newcomer like Zhao Jinjin, this was already a great opportunity.
Xu Zhaixing found the description quite interesting and cheered her on, “Good luck! I’m sure this role will be a hit.”
Chatting along the way, they soon arrived at the theater. Several other business vans were parked nearby, each surrounded by assistants attending to female artists.
Wu Zhiyun explained, “Everyone wants a part in Director Guo’s production, so there are quite a few competitors.”
Xu Zhaixing nodded.
Most of the actresses vying for the female supporting lead #3 role were newcomers, all gathered in a shared waiting room for the audition. Looking around, Xu Zhaixing still thought Zhao Jinjin was the most beautiful. She also spotted a few familiar faces—actresses who would later become staples in TV dramas.
She was enjoying her observations when a sharp voice cut through the air from nearby. “Some people really have no self-awareness these days, daring to show up anywhere, thinking they can audition for anything.”
Xu Zhaixing turned to look. The speaker was an artist around Zhao Jinjin’s age. After she spoke, a man next to her, who looked like her manager, chuckled and added, “People from small, fly-by-night outfits will try to latch onto anything for a bit of the limelight.”
Xu Zhaixing was unfazed at first. But the moment she saw the manager, she felt a surge of anger.
Wasn’t that a damn manager from S-Star?!
That scumbag who allowed baseless rumors to smear Cen Feng, forced Cen Feng to take the fall for his teammates’ scandals, and suppressed his resources!!!
Suppressing the urge to rush over and tear him apart, Xu Zhaixing turned to Wu Zhiyun and asked coldly, “From Zhongtian?”
Wu Zhiyun was also seething. He gritted his teeth and said, “Yes. Recently, the script resources Star Era needs have clashed with their artists. We’ve secured several roles that their artists were after. Every time we meet, they sneer at Star Era, calling us a ‘small workshop’ that can’t compare.”
As he spoke, he noticed Xu Zhaixing looking around intently.
Zhao Jinjin asked nervously, “Young Miss, what are you looking for?”
Xu Zhaixing said expressionlessly, “Where’s my knife?”
Zhao Jinjin and Wu Zhiyun hastily held her back in panic.
Damn you, Zhongtian! Harming my idol, insulting my company—I want you all gone!!!
She took several deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down. A staff member from the production team called out from the doorway, “Candidate #3, Xie Ling, please come in for the audition.”
The group from Zhongtian immediately walked over. As soon as they entered, the other newcomers waiting in the room began whispering among themselves. Zhao Jinjin also lowered her voice and told Xu Zhaixing, “I heard Director Guo is quite fond of Xie Ling. He even praised her at a dinner as the standout among the new generation. Everyone thinks she’s likely to get the role.”
Zhao Jinjin fell silent for a moment.
Xu Zhaixing shot her a glance, then suddenly called out sternly, “Zhao Jinjin!”
Zhao Jinjin jumped, instinctively straightening her posture. She stared wide-eyed at this young miss, who was clearly younger than her but radiated a far more imposing aura.
Xu Zhaixing stared at her intently, enunciating each word, “If you can win this role, I’ll give you access to a top-tier international fashion resource.”
The young miss is personally offering a resource!!!
Zhao Jinjin’s body jolted with excitement.
The door soon opened. Xie Ling walked out, and a staff member called, “Candidate #4, Zhao Jinjin, please come in for the audition.”
Zhao Jinjin sprang to her feet.
She glanced down at Xu Zhaixing, then let her determined gaze sweep past Xie Ling and every other competitor in the room before marching inside, radiating fighting spirit.
Xie Ling had already returned to her seat, feeling uneasy under Zhao Jinjin’s gaze. She turned to her manager unhappily and asked, “What was she trying to say with that look?”
Before her manager could answer, a chilly voice came from beside them.
“She meant that she’s not targeting anyone in particular. She’s saying that everyone here…”
Both of them turned their heads to see a young girl sitting nearby, staring at them with an eerie intensity. The corners of her lips curled up as she pronounced slowly and deliberately:
“…is trash.”
**