Dazzling Film and Television City.
Shi Yan was a senior at the Central Academy of Drama, with excellent grades and some acting experience. This year, his mentor introduced him to his friend, Director Ding.
Director Ding was preparing for a movie but found current actors too artificial, lacking the natural flair he desired. So he turned to scouting talent from schools.
After evaluation, he felt Shi Yan had potential and gave him a chance to audition.
Shi Yan proved himself worthy and secured the role of the third male lead.
After summer vacation, he officially joined the crew.
A film set is an interesting place, with clear hierarchies, defined roles, and a semi-enclosed environment. Sometimes, the director seems like a dictatorial tyrant, making everyone tremble in fear.
Other times, it becomes a hotbed of ambiguity, with handsome men and beautiful women in close proximity day and night, emotions sprouting and growing uncontrollably.
Though not his first time on set, Shi Yan still felt awkward and out of place.
The extras formed their own system, while other minor actors had their own backgrounds. Though friendly, their words often carried undertones of probing. He didn't dare or want to approach the big-name actors, to avoid causing trouble.
So, during his free time, he sat alone in a corner, flipping through the script or gazing at the sky, becoming known as somewhat of a reclusive oddball to others.
However, a few days later, things took a turn - he received an olive branch from Jiang BaiYan, the male lead, investor, and his senior from school.
"I've heard about you from Teacher Zhang," Jiang BaiYan's opening was simple. "He said you're quite shy and asked me to look after you."
Shi Yan smiled bashfully.
Jiang BaiYan, however, chatted with him naturally, asking about his family, studies, and feelings about filming. The topics were casual, without any particular agenda.
Shi Yan gradually relaxed.
A few days later, the weather suddenly turned cold, but they had to film outdoors for a long time.
Shi Yan was shivering, unsure whether to go back for more clothes, when Jiang BaiYan's assistant brought him a thick coat: "Young Bai asked me to give this to you. Don't catch a cold."
He added, "Your scene isn't for a while. Why don't you rest in the tent first?"
An older supporting actor noticed this and casually asked, "That's Jiang BaiYan's coat, right?"
Shi Yan awkwardly explained, "I didn't bring warm clothes, so he lent me this..."
"It's fine, just take it," the senior actor smiled, seemingly understanding his concern. He whispered, "Jiang BaiYan has a great personality. Once when we were filming in the scorching summer, I nearly got heatstroke, and he let me rest in his trailer for an entire afternoon."
Shi Yan sighed in relief, as a newcomer, he was afraid of being targeted.
The senior patted his shoulder: "Get along well with him, he's quite impressive."
This comment sparked Shi Yan's curiosity about his senior.
He began observing Jiang BaiYan and found him increasingly admirable.
Jiang BaiYan seemed to know everyone in the crew and was always polite, never losing his temper. When bored during makeup, he would chat with the makeup artists, discussing which cosmetic brands were good.
For daily meals, he mostly ate with the crew, only drinking a glass of vegetable juice that others found intimidating every day.
Even the vegetable juice was made with his own juicer, prepared in the hotel and brought over.
He had a trailer, and the small fridge inside contained more items belonging to others than his own. Face masks, medicines, ice packs for swelling, and even a stove that people could borrow to cook instant noodles.
Shi Yan had borrowed it too.
One day, he was filming a night scene, but after being exposed to cold wind in the afternoon, his stomach started rumbling in protest. The toilets in the film city were far away, and he couldn't hold it, so he had to ask sheepishly, "Senior, can I use... your bathroom?"
"Sure, no problem," Jiang BaiYan was indeed easy-going, and added with concern, "You're sweating cold sweat, do you need medicine? Never mind, you'd better go first."
Shi Yan was incredibly grateful and rushed into the trailer's bathroom.
A quarter of an hour later, he felt much better.
He wanted to go back to thank him but unexpectedly overheard Jiang BaiYan talking with his manager.
The manager complained, "Look at what a mess they've made of the car. Yesterday, someone almost took things from the cabinet."
"Then let's bring another car tomorrow and keep important items there," Jiang BaiYan said. "They can still use this one."
The manager retorted, "Who else is as generous as you? Aren't you afraid they'll take advantage and turn against you?"
Jiang BaiYan replied, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Shi Yan, are you done? Is your stomach still hurting?"
Shi Yan, caught eavesdropping, felt embarrassed.
"Don't worry, it's not about you," Jiang BaiYan said. "Sister Chen wasn't talking about you, but about someone who said they were borrowing the fridge and ended up stealing my accessories, probably to sell them."
Shi Yan was dumbfounded: "Sell them?"
"Selling is one thing, I'm more worried about someone installing hidden cameras," Sister Chen said irritably. "Anyway, let that car be used for cooking noodles and using the bathroom. I'll bring another car tomorrow."
Jiang BaiYan smiled and said, "That's right, after getting benefits from me, who would accuse me of being a diva? This way everyone can be more comfortable. Filming is tough work, isn't it, little Shi Yan?"
Shi Yan felt quite embarrassed: "I'm sorry for causing trouble."
"Don't say that, it's just a car," he said nonchalantly. "I'm an investor now. If everyone's happy, they'll be more dedicated to filming. The money spent will be earned back sooner or later, so feel free to use it."
He then consoled his manager: "Sister Chen, how much does a trailer cost? I have plenty of money."
Sister Chen's mouth twitched: "I know you're rich."
"Then why are you worried?" He flipped through the script on his lap. "Some people throw parties and waste hundreds of bottles of champagne in one night, some smash cars or burn villas. Compared to them, I'm being frugal."
Sister Chen waved her hand, too tired to argue: "Fine, do as you please. Are you going to the dinner with Huangyu Entertainment next week?"
"I'll go," Jiang BaiYan looked at Shi Yan, "You should come with me."
Shi Yan repeatedly waved his hands: "No, no, I'd better not go."
"Meeting more people will be good for you," he advised like a senior. "Don't worry, I'll be there. I guarantee you'll go safely and come back untouched."
Shi Yan: "..." He felt even more scared.
But since Director Ding didn't say anything, and he wasn't good at refusing others' kindness, he had to go along.
At the dinner, Shi Yan saw another side of his seemingly nice senior.
"Young President Zhou, of course I remember you," Jiang BaiYan sat in the guest seat, chopsticks holding a slice of radish. "You were very close with my brother, Jiang Ou."
The other party smiled awkwardly: "That's all in the past."
"Indeed," he nodded, as if without any grudge. "Since you were close to my brother, perhaps you could be close to me too."
Young President Zhou paused, took a sip of wine, and then stated his purpose, which was related to the theater chain.
Jiang BaiYan slowly sipped his soup, frowned upon hearing this, and said with difficulty: "I'm afraid I can't help."
"We won't let you work for nothing."
"That's not the issue," Jiang BaiYan waved his hand, explaining sincerely, "I'm busy with other things recently and can't spare the time."
"Is it about the review of 'White Cat Detective'?" The President of Huangyu interjected, "I heard it's been repeatedly requested for edits due to excessive violence."
Jiang BaiYan looked helpless: "Yes, I don't see why it's necessary."
"This is just a little trick from the old guys," Young President Zhou understood and said, "How violent or bloody it is, is actually quite a flexible issue."
Jiang BaiYan curved his lips: "Great, then we have a consensus - Young President Zhou, your glass is empty."
He eagerly refilled half a glass, and Young President Zhou forced a smile and drank it all.
"You have such a good alcohol tolerance," he propped his head up, like a student in class. "By the way, what were we talking about just now?"
The President of Huangyu glanced at his friend, and said calmly: "The theater chain - Mr. Jiang, this would benefit you too."
"That's true," Jiang BaiYan sighed, but said very sincerely, "But what do I need so much money for? I already have more than enough money, more than I can spend, right?"
Shi Yan couldn't help but shift in his seat, afraid that someone at the table might jump up and punch him.
However, the people present had better composure than he imagined.
Young President Zhou praised: "Mr. Jiang sees through it all. We are just ordinary people, always thinking more money is better - besides, it's not just about money, it's about contributing to the film industry."
"You make a good point. The movie industry isn't doing well now, and it saddens me," Jiang BaiYan put down his chopsticks with a troubled expression. "It's really heartbreaking, isn't it?"
"That's exactly the situation," everyone agreed supportively.
The dinner lasted two hours, and when they left, Shi Yan only managed to remember the faces of a few bigwigs one-sidedly.
As for what they discussed, sorry, but whether he listened or not made no difference.
What was the purpose of this dinner anyway?
The future of the film industry?
Lost in thought, the elevator arrived with someone inside.
Shi Yan recognized her - she went by the stage name Zhuzhu, a currently popular rising starlet who had gone viral across the internet last year with her hot dance performances (?). According to her fans, her looks were both pure and seductive.
"Little Bai, you're here too," her manager greeted familiarly. "Haven't seen you since the wrap-up, right?"
"Been busy," Jiang BaiYan stated the obvious. "Here for dinner too?"
The manager nodded vaguely.
Unlike her fiery on-screen persona, Zhuzhu appeared sweet and slightly ditzy, and surprisingly asked directly, "Having dinner with a director? You too?"
"Mm-hmm." Jiang BaiYan's tone was sincere and cute, seeming earnest but actually quite the opposite - he was focused on watching the elevator floor numbers, showing no interest in further conversation.
The manager glanced at him, exchanged a look with their artist, and asked, "It's still early, want to grab some tea? Good for sobering up."
Jiang BaiYan replied, "I'm out with my junior, need to drop him off later. Next time."
Shi Yan felt himself being sized up for a few minutes, so he stared intently at his toes.
"Alright then, we'll head off," they didn't push further.
After leaving the elevator, Jiang BaiYan patted his shoulder and said worriedly, "How will you manage in the future being so socially anxious?"
Shi Yan just smiled without saying anything.
Soon after, Director Ding's film wrapped up.
Shi Yan was invited by Jiang BaiYan for congee and to discuss signing with his agency.
"You must have received invitations from more than one company, right?" Jiang BaiYan commented. "With Director Ding's recommendation, the managers wanting to sign you must all be quite good."
Shi Yan felt somewhat embarrassed.
In real life, he was awkward and didn't like socializing, but once in front of the camera, he became completely animated. Even with few lines, his facial expressions carried deep meaning.
Director Ding praised him for having a natural talent, which attracted olive branches from many companies.
Jiang BaiYan's studio was just one of them.
"This is the contract I'm offering you," Jiang BaiYan handed over a folder. "Think it over carefully."
Then, he called the server to pay: "I have something to attend to. See you at the studio."
Shi Yan was confused: "But I haven't agreed..."
"You will choose me," he said.
Shi Yan looked bewildered.
But in the end, he did indeed choose Pudding Studio.
Shi Yan had never dreamed of becoming an overnight sensation, nor did he harbor the determination to sacrifice everything for his career. He simply loved acting and wanted to progress steadily.
Among all the contracts, Jiang BaiYan's terms weren't the most generous, but they suited his wishes the best.
Later, Shi Yan discovered that unlike other entertainment companies, Pudding Studio didn't have tiered contracts - each artist's contract was different.
Strangely, even though some people knew others had better contract terms than their own, they had the lowest rate of contract termination among all major studios.
So, at times, Shi Yan found Jiang BaiYan a bit frightening.