Internet moguls are being held hostage by the entertainment system!

Chapter 267 Meng Ziyi: I Also Have a Little Bit of a Background
Hengdian, the location of the film crew of "Ashes of Love".

Although it was a TV series with an investment of hundreds of millions, the audition location chosen by the "Ashes of Love" crew was still the factory buildings unique to Hengdian.

A group of female celebrities wearing masks, along with their assistants, were taken to a large factory next to the audition room to wait for their numbers to be called for auditions.

There is a simple dressing room, a few costumes to choose from, and some chairs for the performers to rest. That's all.

The competition among female celebrities is often more intense than among male celebrities, so the atmosphere in the venue was tense and oppressive...

"Xiao Zi, I just asked the person who called the numbers, and you've been assigned to number three. You'll be there soon. Do you want to call Allen again to confirm?"

“Before I came, I had already confirmed with him that he had recommended me to the producer.”

Yang Zi lowered his voice and whispered to his agent.

The Allen they were talking about is Deng Lun, the male lead already confirmed by the production team of "Ashes of Love".

Yang Zi had worked with him twice before and they had a fairly good relationship. This time, Deng Lun recommended him for the audition.

Hearing that she was prepared, her agent breathed a sigh of relief and advised, "You're currently in the prime of your career, don't let others influence you..."

"Don't worry about my business with Qin Junjie. I know what I'm doing."

"Alright! In short, this is a rare opportunity. You've already received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Magnolia Awards, and we've also managed to create the 'Four Little Actresses' title. Now all we need is a leading role in a blockbuster drama that can elevate your status."

"I know, with Allen's help, the role will definitely be fine!"

Yang Zi was probably angry, which is why she spoke louder.

As she turned to look around, her expression changed drastically, and a pair of bright, clear eyes met hers.

Looking at her "opponent," less than three meters away, Yang Zi's heart skipped a beat. She wondered: Did she hear me just now? Luckily, she only said Allen, not Deng…

Yang Zi's thoughts froze at that moment, because her "opponent" got up and walked over, then greeted her.

"Hello, Senior Yang Zi. My name is Meng Ziyi. I'm also from Beijing Film Academy and I'll be graduating next month."

Meng Ziyi took off her mask and gracefully extended her hand to Yang Zi.

Staring at that small, slender, pale hand, Yang Zi swallowed hard and gave it a light squeeze: "Junior, hello, did you hear anything just now?"

"I heard you. Did you have connections for this audition?"

"Eh?"

Yang Zi grabbed Meng Ziyi's hand tightly, stared at her with wide eyes, and subconsciously began to argue.

"I don't have any resources. I just have a friend in this production crew, but he can't decide the audition results. Please don't overthink it."

"Oh, could you please let go of my hand?"

Meng Ziyi pouted with a troubled expression, thinking to herself that she just wanted to come over and say hello, so why was this senior student acting so nervous?

"I'm sorry, I haven't been resting well lately..."

"Yes, you have friends in this film crew, right?" Meng Ziyi asked in a low voice.

Yang Zi looked at her with suspicion, and the agent next to her did not dare to answer casually.

Just as one person was bewildered and the other two were at a loss, Meng Ziyi's executive agent and assistant finally noticed her movements and hurriedly came over.

"Excuse me, did I disturb you?"

The executive agent apologized while subtly instructing his assistant to take Meng Ziyi back.

Yang Zi and her agent breathed a sigh of relief when they finally saw someone "sensible," and then said in a cool tone that it was nothing. They dared not mention the topic of resources that Meng Ziyi had just brought up.

After the executive agent finished making a smiling face, he turned back to Meng Ziyi's side.

"Mengmeng, why did you run over there just now?"

“I didn’t wander off! I just heard Yang Zi say that she had resources, and then I remembered that she was a senior at Beijing Film Academy, so I went over to say hello, thinking I could get to know her and make friends.”

"Making friends also depends on the occasion... Wait a minute, you're saying they have resources?"

"Yes, she said she knows someone on set and even spoke to the producer."

Upon hearing this, the executive broker's gentle and persuasive expression instantly turned somber, and his eyes began to furtively glance backward.

Seeing her manager, who usually spoke to her gently, with such an expression, Meng Ziyi asked in surprise, "Sister Zeng, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, just focus on preparing for the audition! If you want to make friends, we can talk about it after the audition."

"Oh okay."

Meng nodded, seemingly unconcerned.

Although Yang Zi has resources, she also has a little bit of money, so she's not worried at all!
……

"My name is Jinmi, which means 'seeking peace amidst a profusion of flowers'..."

Wearing a pink dress and with her hair in a bun, Meng Ziyi had already begun her audition. From monologues to acting without props, Meng Ziyi was already familiar with the entire audition process.

Watching her performance, Zhu Ruibin, the director in charge of the audition, nodded slightly, expressing his approval.

He felt that Meng Ziyi's personality was a better match for the female lead, but her delivery of lines and acting skills were somewhat inferior to Yang Zi's.

The two actresses each have their strengths and weaknesses; how to choose between them depends on the director's decision.

Another audition judge, Li Kun, the CEO of Kunchi Pictures, the main production company of "Ashes of Love," was somewhat dismissive of Meng Ziyi's performance. In his opinion, Meng Ziyi only surpassed Yang Zi in looks; in other aspects such as star power and popularity, Yang Zi was the clear winner.

From Li Kun's perspective, considering the TV series' popularity and future viewership, he would definitely choose a high-profile and popular actress, not to mention the recommendations and support from Yang Zi and Deng Lun.

Although the audition was not over yet, Li Kun had obviously rejected Meng Ziyi until a call came in on his phone.

"Buzz."

The vibration of his phone made Li Kun frown slightly. After seeing the caller's name in the contact list, he immediately got up and left the audition.

Once outside, Li Kun found a secluded corner where no one would be watching and answered the phone.

"Hello, Mr. Li."

"Chairman Li, are you currently conducting auditions for actors for 'Ashes of Love'?"

"Yes, does the lighting department have any actors they would like to recommend?"

"No, they're not actors from the lighting department..."

Before Li Kun could even catch his breath, Li Xiaoping on the other end of the phone gave him a surprise.

"However, among the actors participating in this audition, one is an artist from Datang Pictures. We already have a strategic partnership with Datang Pictures, and President Wang and President Chen are also good friends. If the audition requirements are similar, what do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Li Kun's expression suddenly changed.

Li Xiaoping's meaning was clear enough, and he couldn't refuse.

The reason I couldn't refuse wasn't because I was worried about Guangming's reputation in the industry.

Rather, it's his Kunchi Pictures. In the two rounds of financing that have already taken place, Enlight Media has participated. Enlight Media is his investor and shareholder, so he still has to give them the respect they deserve.

"Mr. Li, I don't know, which artist are you referring to? Do you know their name?"

"Hmm~, I think his name is Meng Ziyi. Their talent director just called me. You guys are holding auditions today, right?"

"Yes, yes, Mr. Li, I understand what you mean."

"It's troublesome."

After hanging up the phone, Li Kun pursed his lips, his face pale.

He never expected that a simple audition would attract so much attention—no, so much attention from Datang Pictures…

Thinking of that young figure, Li Kun couldn't help but fantasize: if he could play the male lead, "Ashes of Love" would be an instant hit! However, unless the big shot at that level was willing, he couldn't get in touch with him.

Shaking his head at his own wishful thinking, Li Kun turned back, feeling somewhat relieved that he hadn't directly rejected and interrupted Meng Ziyi's audition, otherwise he would have contradicted himself.

Upon arriving at the audition room, Meng Ziyi's audition had already ended, and director Zhu Ruibin was giving his feedback.

"Your acting skills are still a bit lacking, and your lines weren't very clear either..."

"Director, may I say a few words?"

Li Kun interrupted Zhu Ruibin's comments, feeling that he still needed to be a good person.

Zhu Ruibin gave him a strange look, thinking: Didn't you just praise Yang Zi's acting skills? I already understand what you mean, you're setting the stage for her being eliminated, so why do you have to step in yourself?

Li Kun gave an awkward smile and said to Meng Ziyi, "This role requires half a month of training before filming starts. Is your schedule okay?"

"No problem, my schedule is fine."

Meng Ziyi made a delicate gesture with her fingers and quickly replied.

Although she has some resources and connections, she has always maintained a serious and upright work attitude, which is undoubtedly due in part to the influence of someone.

Sensing the sincerity in Meng Ziyi's words, Li Kun breathed a slight sigh of relief. He thought to himself that this resourceful actress had a good temper and her performance in the audition was also acceptable. Thinking about it this way, choosing her seemed like a good idea.

"No problem. You can come over to discuss the contract after the others have finished their auditions."

"Okay, thank you both, teachers."

Meng bowed slightly to the two men politely, then walked out with a smile, just as he had when he came in.

After she left, Zhu Ruibin raised his hand to stop the stagehands from calling out numbers, then turned to Li Kun and asked, "Mr. Li, was what you did just now correct?"

"No problem! Didn't Meng Ziyi do a good job?"

"She did a really good job..."

"That's right! Since the actress performed so well, it makes sense for us to choose her as the female lead."

Seeing Li Kun play the good guy "twice" in a row, Zhu Ruibin curled his lips, leaned back in his chair without trying to persuade him anymore.

"Mr. Li, since you've put it that way, please explain to Yang Zi what you promised her later."

"Uh-huh?!"

Li Kun's eyes widened suddenly as he remembered saying something similar to Yang Zi earlier.

This scheme of two marriages, one woman marrying two men, is not easy to explain.

Li Kun stared blankly at Zhu Ruibin, a single thought flashing through his mind: Damn it, I was careless.

(End of this chapter)