Shan Wei remembered it clearly. When she had gone to thank Chu Yao for saving her, she'd jokingly asked if she wasn't afraid of being taken advantage of. Chu Yao had blinked, her eyes sparkling like diamonds, and given a knowing smile. "Of course I'm afraid. But if you were to take advantage of me, your conscience would suffer. If I didn't save you, my conscience would suffer. Between the two, I'd much rather it be the first one."
It was that single sentence that made Shan Wei—a woman immersed in the entertainment industry, accustomed to all its schemes and machinations—feel as if she had suddenly stumbled upon a rare treasure.
And so, she had asked Chu Yao if she was at the Film Academy because she wanted to be a star, and then guided her, step by step, into the industry.
The car came to a stop. Chu Yao had just finished the script. She stared blankly ahead for two minutes before her eyes lit up and she turned to Shan Wei. "Sister Wei, I love this project."
She said it calmly, but the light radiating from her eyes held a conviction Shan Wei had never seen before. It suddenly gave her the feeling that this role was destined to be hers.
Shan Wei smiled. "Good. If you like it, then give it your all."
Chu Yao followed Shan Wei onto the set. There were already quite a few people there for the audition, including several currently popular actresses.
"Sister Wei, long time no see."
Some whose status was high enough greeted Shan Wei politely, while others didn't dare to speak up even if they recognized her.
In this industry, barring special circumstances, everyone keeps up appearances. No one would be foolish enough to act like a diva in front of a top agent like her.
Shan Wei returned the pleasantries.
"Oh? Is this a newcomer you're managing, Sister Wei?"
The actress who had just greeted Shan Wei glanced at Chu Yao, a hint of disdain in her eyes.
Chu Yao met her gaze for a second before looking away, meekly lowering her head.
'I know her,' Chu Yao thought. 'Gu Yuxin.' While not quite an A-lister, she was one of the more popular actresses to emerge in the last year and was on the verge of breaking into the top tier.
Looking at her outfit today—a bright red, strapless dress and ten-centimeter heels—her makeup was a perfect match. She was radiant, her powerful presence on full display.
Among everyone there, she gave off a distinct "I'm the main character" vibe.
"That's right, a newcomer. She doesn't know the first thing about the business, not like you, Yuxin."
Shan Wei replied with a smile. Gu Yuxin lifted her chin, but didn't say anything else.
Just as they were speaking, the door to the audition room flew open. A young woman ran out crying, dashing past everyone in a blur, completely heedless of her disheveled state.
"Looks like she got chewed out by Director Gu."
"Probably. That's the fourth one he's made cry. What are we going to do? I'm getting a little scared."
As the young woman ran past, Chu Yao heard people whispering around her. Her heart skipped a beat. 'He's made four people cry already? Is he that harsh?'
"Next, Gu Yuxin."
Someone called out from the doorway. Chu Yao watched as Gu Yuxin straightened her clothes and walked in with a beaming smile.
That was Director Gu Changning's style. No matter what your status was in the entertainment industry, you got no special treatment from him. You waited in line and did what you were told, just like everyone else.
As Gu Yuxin clicked inside on her high heels, Chu Yao again heard people whispering nearby.
"Gu Yuxin's got the female lead in the bag, right?"
"Not necessarily. There are bigger stars here than her."
"It's a sure thing. Let me tell you, Gu Yuxin is Director Gu's relative. Even though the director is known for being a pretty principled guy, family is still family, you know?"
"What? I had no idea."
"Shhh... It's true. But don't go spreading it around."