Chapter 63: What About The Good News
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Xi Mo naturally knew that Lu Yao, this manager, was not easy to deal with. Listening to Yan Mu's words, he had already rejected several plans arranged by Lu Yao. She couldn't help but furrow her brows, saying, "Her expression definitely won't be good. But if things continue like this, you might have trouble. Do you have any plans?"
In her opinion, it's better to prevent such matters early on rather than scrambling around when things happen.
Yan Mu lowered his head, seeming a bit disheartened. "I know this can't go on, but for now, I don't have any specific plans. I can only take it step by step. Sister Lu has been in the company for many years and is already a senior figure. She has so many resources and connections. I can't temporarily break away from her. But sometimes, I really can't accept some of her ideas. If I have to make a plan, I'll have to wait until I can establish myself independently and open my studio. Although running a studio will have many difficulties, at least I'll have some freedom."
Ding Pei frowned upon hearing this. "That's going to take a while. Won't you have to endure her for a long time?"
"There's no other way." Yan Mu smiled bitterly.
The entertainment industry may seem to be full of gold and jade, but it's just an empty shell on the surface. Beneath the glamour, there are many hidden currents and concealed dirt. Although various media platforms have exposed and scrutinized it, people have different levels of understanding based on their personal situations. Only the artists themselves truly understand the extent of the problems.
Unless one has a strong backing and feels confident, otherwise, even with fame, they still need to practice the art of "endurance" to navigate smoothly in this circle.
Ding Pei now regarded them all with sincerity. "Brother Mu, let me tell you something. I used to think you were so popular and envied you so much. I'm not afraid to admit it. I looked up to you as a role model and, hope to be like you one day. I never thought you had such troubles. I always thought Sister Lu cherished you dearly. I never expected it to be like this."
"I envy you." Yan Mu smiled and said, "Brother Yi is so kind to you."
Ding Pei felt a bit happy yet sad and touched his head. "But I'm not popular. I feel sorry for Brother Yi."
Like the director, managers in the industry come in many varieties, and their attitudes are directly linked to the artists. Most of them tailor their services according to the artists' status.
People like Xi Mo, who are at the top of the industry, wield absolute authority. Even someone as prominent as Lu Qingming, a top manager, who is sought after by many artists in the company, hoping to curry favor with him; serves Xi Mo wholeheartedly.
For Wei Yi and Ding Pei, both manager and artist are on an equal footing, both in a disadvantaged position in the industry, so they support each other and move forward together. Wei Yi cares for Ding Pei, and Ding Pei respects him; they're like brothers.
In theory, Yan Mu is quite popular, and his manager should treat him as well as Lu Qingming does with Xi Mo. However, both he and Xie Dingkun are at a similar level of popularity, and they happened to fall under Lu Yao's management. Lu Yao, who has been with the company for many years and has many connections, can't solely focus on him. When Lu Yao proposed that he and Xie Dingkun create a CP, Yan Mu was popular enough to refuse. However, despite declining, friction with his manager has already arisen. Although not yet openly confrontational, there are already underlying conflicts. If these grievances deepen in the future, as long as Lu Yao decides to obstruct him behind the scenes, Yan Mu will face obstacles.
There are also some managers who have many resources at their disposal and have many small artists under their management, and these artists obediently follow their managers' arrangements without dissent.
As for managers like Yan Tinghuan...
Well, forget it, there is none like that.
Ruan Yesheng watched Yan Mu and Ding Pei talking, both looking deflated, especially Yan Mu. If his relationship with his manager, Lu Yao, continues to deteriorate, Lu Yao will surely take some measures to pressure him, and he might soon face difficulties.
Thinking of this, Ruan Yesheng felt some sympathy for him. However, since they're not from the same company, she can't really help him now.
Ruan Yesheng turned her head to see Xi Mo still furrowing her brows, lost in thought.
On the other side, Yan Mu slapped his thigh suddenly.
Ding Pei was startled. "What's wrong?"
"I originally had something to discuss with Sister," Yan Mu said, a bit disheartened. "But we got carried away chatting.”
"What is it?" Ruan Yesheng asked.
Yan Mu's mood quickly shifted, now excited. "I have good news and bad news to tell you. Which one do you want to hear first?"
Xi Mo: "..."
…I don't want to hear either.
Ruan Yesheng adjusted her expression and said, "I don't want to hear either."
Yan Mu disagreed, "That won't do. You have to listen. Let me tell you."
Ruan Yesheng said, "Then tell me the bad news first."
Yan Mu suddenly realized, "So you like bitter food first, huh?"
Ruan Yesheng casually said, "No, I prefer sweet food first. I feel like your bad news might be better than the good news."
Yan Mu: "..."
Yan Mu then shared what he considered bad news, "I'll finish filming soon.”
Ruan Yesheng: "..."
Yan Mu felt wronged and said, "Sister, aren't you also reluctant to part with me? You must be sad after spending so many days with us on set, right? It's definitely bad news for you, as you must be heartbroken. I also don't want to leave you all, but Liu Zhao's scenes are about to end. After I finish shooting my scenes, I'll probably only see you again at the final wrap-up banquet."
Ding Pei exclaimed, "So soon? But you're the male lead!"
Although "Sui Ting" is primarily a drama centered around the female lead, Deng Sui's tumultuous life, Liu Zhao, the male lead, also plays a significant role and has a lot of screen time.
Ruan Yesheng asked, "Wasn't there still some time left before your wrap-up? According to the script, you still have some scenes left. Why are you wrapping up so early?"
Yan Mu's face darkened slightly again, "Sister Lu arranged for me to work on some other dramas as well. The schedules clashed, so I discussed it with Director Lin and accelerated my shooting schedule. That's why I'll be wrapping up earlier than planned, and I'll have to go to another set in a few days."
Xi Mo frowned again, "Lu Yao asked you to juggle projects?"
"...Yes."
Xi Mo asked, "How did Director Lin react?"
Yan Mu noticed that Miss Ruan seemed quite concerned about his affairs today, asking him several questions from time to time. Touched and guilty, he replied, "Director Lin didn't seem too happy, but he didn't say anything else. He just agreed to it."
Although Lin Qitang usually appears easygoing and is willing to accept some unspoken rules of the industry, many details indicate that he actually has high standards for his work. He's a serious director, and facing a situation like this where projects overlap, he must feel uncomfortable. His cooperation with Lu Yao's arrangement this time might be due to their relationship, otherwise, he probably wouldn't have agreed.
Nowadays, artists’ schedules are packed, especially for popular young actors and actresses. It's impossible for them to be tied to just one project. Some have to juggle between several sets, and even squeeze in time for advertisements and various commercial events. Some do it willingly to earn more money, while others are forced to do so by their companies.
Xi Mo has a very special sentiment towards acting. She considers herself an actress, so she has always respected acting and even immersed herself in it. This dedication makes her somewhat displeased with the phenomenon of juggling projects.
When she used to shoot movies, she would focus solely on one project. Her company also favored her, and unless there were special requirements, she would be very cautious about endorsements and appearances. Being such a dedicated person, Ruan Yesheng naturally wanted to behave like the old Xi Mo. Now that she's on a TV drama set, she still follows Xi Mo's instructions and maintains the habits she had when shooting movies. Apart from necessary commitments, she spends most of her time on set to avoid compromising the quality of filming or delaying the shooting progress.
So, the crew of "Sui Ting" was also very surprised. They were accustomed to seeing stars juggle projects, but even Yan Mu would disappear from the set from time to time to attend to other commitments. However, with Xi Mo's high status, she should have the most say in scheduling her time, and every moment counts. Who would have thought that most of the time she would stay on set, and even if there were other commitments, she would ask Lin Qitang for permission? Even Lin Qitang himself was shocked, let alone the crew members.
Of course, this is also related to the movies Xi Mo has previously made. Movies have a higher threshold than TV dramas, and she has mostly collaborated with well-known directors who have strict requirements and dislike actors juggling projects. But in many TV dramas, it's common for popular actors to juggle projects.
"What about the good news?" Ruan Yesheng asked next.
Yan Mu looked mysterious, but the excitement in his eyes was almost bursting out.
Seeing his expression, Ruan Yesheng suddenly didn't have a lot of expectations.
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Yan Mu thought she was waiting for his answer and grinned, "Sister Qingqing messaged me, saying she wants to visit the set!"
Ruan Yesheng: "..."
Xi Mo: "..."
Suddenly, a strange silence fell, and the air felt thick.
Yan Mu was still oblivious and repeated, "Sister! Qing! Qing! wants! to! come! Are you surprised or surprised?!"
Xi Mo remained silent: "..."
Shen Qingbie coming to visit the set?
I almost ended up in the hospital again!
Ding Pei was stunned before, but then became excited too and said: "Surprise! Unexpected! I am a fan of Sister Qingqing!"
Xi Mo: "..."
Didn’t you say you were my fan before?
Are you thinking of switching sides?!
After a pause, Ruan Yesheng whispered, "Did she say when she's coming?"
Yan Mu said, "She hasn't given an exact time yet, but it should be in these few days since she's on vacation. If she sets a time, she'll message me."
The break ended quickly, and after chatting for a few more moments, everyone got busy again.
Later, after shooting all afternoon, as evening approached, the set cleared out, but Xi Mo hadn't left yet. She leaned against a pillar in Deng Sui’s palace, her brow furrowed, lost in thought.
Seeing her, Ruan Yesheng approached and said, "Why haven't you gone to eat yet?"
Xi Mo looked up at her and said, "I was busy this afternoon, now I'm thinking about what Yan Mu said."
Ruan Yesheng's expression was also a bit odd as she asked softly as if being cautious, "Are you not happy that Shen Qingbie is coming?"
She knew Xi Mo and Shen Qingbie were not on good terms.
Xi Mo observed her for a moment before saying lightly, "No, it's not about that. Shen Qingbie is coming to see Yan Mu, not me. Besides, even if she comes, I am you now. Shen Qingbie won't come to see me, and it's not a big deal."
Ruan Yesheng's expression became even more peculiar: "... that's true."
Xi Mo instructed, "By the way, when she comes, don't have any contact with her. I'm not afraid of her, but there might be media at the set, and they love to make a big deal out of me and Shen Qingbie. Please pay attention for me."
Ruan Yesheng nodded slowly.
"What's wrong with you?" Xi Mo looked at her.
"Nothing." Ruan Yesheng finally smiled and asked, "Since it's not about Shen Qingbie, are you still thinking about the rift between Yan Mu and his manager? Are you worried that she might cause trouble for Yan Mu?”
"I know a bit about Lu Yao. She's managed to rise to her current position, so she must have some means. Yan Mu is no match for her. Yan Mu has had disagreements with Lu Yao lately. He hasn't cooperated with her several times, so Lu Yao will definitely react. But Yan Mu's popularity is soaring right now. Lu Yao still relies on him to make money, so she won't actually harm him. She might just make things a little difficult for him, like intentionally giving some resources that belong to Yan Mu to Xie Dingkun or someone else, leaving Yan Mu dry for a while, making him feel insecure and not daring to defy her like before. Lu Yao will use this method to force him to obey.”
Ruan Yesheng also felt worried, "That sounds like something Lu Yao would do."
Xi Mo said, "And Yan Mu is currently on the rise in his career, but Lu Yao keeps squeezing his value, making him juggle projects. This will ruin him. If he juggles projects too often, many directors will have a worse impression of him, especially those on the big screen. Many movie directors detest actors juggling projects. I'm afraid he might have difficulty getting good movie scripts in the future. Don't be fooled by his appearances in idol dramas. In fact, he wants to break into the big screen."
Ruan Yesheng smiled, "You seem to know him quite well."
Xi Mo glanced at her, seeming a bit having a headache, "After all, he has called me “sister” for so many years. I didn't pay much attention to him, but he always talked to me about random things. Gradually, even if I don't want to know, I do."
Ruan Yesheng's smile deepened, "Since you don't want to bother, you could just ignore his messages."
Xi Mo: "..."
Ruan Yesheng covered her lips and laughed.
"Okay, how are you going to help him with this?" Ruan Yesheng finished laughing and continued.
"Did I say I wanted to help him?" Xi Mo asked, squinting at her.
But Ruan Yesheng seemed confident, "You've been thinking about this, which means you want to solve it."
She looked at Xi Mo and said, "And I believe you can definitely solve this problem well. However, Lu Yao is not your company's manager, so even though this would be a small matter if it were your company's affairs, the problem is it's someone else's company's business. It wouldn't be appropriate for you to intervene, right? So, I want to know what you'll do."
"It's not convenient for me to get directly involved," Xi Mo said. "But Lu Yao still has to listen to the higher-ups in the company. If it's the instructions from her company's higher-ups, Lu Yao will surely behave. When you go back tonight, help me make a call to Uncle Ding. I'll tell you what to say to him."
Ruan Yesheng understood her meaning but still asked, "Isn't Uncle Ding not one of her company's higher-ups?"
Ding Ru has investments in several companies, some of which are related to the film and television industry, but as far as Ruan Yesheng knows, Ding Ru doesn't have any obvious involvement with the company where Yan Mu is.
Xi Mo said, "He's not directly a higher-up, but he has invested in that company and is good friends with the chairman of that company."
People like Xi Ji and Ding Ru are often the operators behind the scenes, even though the stars shine brightly on the stage, and various movies, TV dramas, and reality shows abound, the real decision-makers are often the investors who control the capital.
"Mr. Ding is really well-connected." Ruan Yesheng sighed.
Xi Mo didn't show much expression.
Ruan Yesheng's eyes sparkled as she kept staring at Xi Mo.
Xi Mo felt a tingling sensation in her heart as she was being stared at, and she furrowed her brow, and said, "What's the matter?"
Ruan Yesheng smiled and said, "It's nothing. Doesn't it seem like Yan Mu, unwittingly, hugged your thigh this time?"
Xi Mo perceived the teasing in her eyes but remained noncommittal.
Ruan Yesheng bit her lip, with a hint of coyness in her eyes, seemingly expressing admiration, "If you're like this, I also want to hug your thigh."
Xi Mo: “...”
