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Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
After the successful audition, it was only logical to begin discussing the next steps, such as the salary, schedule, andâthe screen credit.
The matter of screen credit can seem both insignificant and significant. It is said to be important, but in truth, it is not as crucial as a solid piece of work and a well-established character.
In Wang Ju!s film, the top billing was reserved for Bo Yan, with the focus being on the leading lady and her supporting counterpart. Though one was the lead and the other the supporting actress, there wouldnât have been much dilemma if the supporting actressâs role was played by Li Yiru.
But unexpectedly, a thorn in the side appeared: Xia Siyu.
Xia Siyu had been in the industry for six years, starring as the lead in all eight films she did. Despite the lack of awards and a not-so-great personal reputation, her box office numbers were still impressive. Some audiences, who had been enthusiastically discussing her âglorious deedsâ online just days ago, would go to watch her movies with mixed feelings only to find themselves genuinely moved.
If Shang Feifei hadnât won the Best Actress award, her momentum might have been slightly weaker. But now, having won the award and being the lead, this delicate balance was shattered.
In truth, Xia Siyu had no issues with the screen credit. Otherwise, she wouldnât have set her sights on the supporting role, ignoring the competition for the lead.
However, her personal feelings about it didnât matter; what counted was her teamâs stance.
Especially her agentâQin Baizhou.
Qin Baizhou was a true example of personal inspiration. From an ordinary star scout to the owner of Huixing Company, it only took him a few years.
Seven years ago, he discovered Xia Siyu and introduced her to the entertainment industry. Three years ago, when Xia Siyu was mired in a scandal, vilified by the entire internet, he and some partners established Huixing Company, signed her on, and started crafting a new image for herâ embracing her notoriety all the way to the top, ultimately turning her into an A-list celebrity.
Even though Xia Siyu received a lot of criticism, her popularity remained high. Sponsors and investors always wavered between signing her and rejecting her.
But no one could deny that she was a star, a big star.
Whenever she attended events and was simply put in a crowd, all the cameras would automatically focus on her, ignoring everyone else. Even on trending social media lists, she would dominate, with others barely visible.
But without Qin Baizhou behind her, without his support to fall back on, she would lose half her luster; perhaps she would have been chased out of the entertainment industry three years prior.
Xia Siyuâs decision to take the supporting role was spur of the moment. Due to the time crunch, she even drove herself to the audition, not informing Qin Baizhou nor even having time to tell Wei Jingjing. At this point, she was left alone here.
When asked, she remembered to make a phone call: âIâll communicate with my agent first.â
Shang Feifei wasnât in a hurry at all. She came prepared, and negotiations regarding salary and schedule could be handled by her team. Issues with screen credit and others didnât require her to charge into battle personally; she could leave them all to her management company.
Bo Yanâs side had already settled on the matter and didnât care much. He was just watching Xia Siyu with a slightly narrowed gaze. đređđđđđođel.cđšđ
So the biggest problem rested on Xia Siyuâs shoulders.
The call was made to Wei Jingjing, but Wei Jingjing didnât pick up.
Just as Xia Siyu was feeling puzzled, a call came inâit was from Qin Baizhou.
The moment she answered, before she could explain her situation, Qin Baizhouâs voice came through, calm and gentle, âSiyu, come out. Iâm waiting for you outside..â