Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 23: We're Just Lips and Brushes
The only sound in the office was the scratching of pens across paper.

Wang Sheng focused intently on dismantling and transforming the program format of "If You Are the One" from his memory, integrating it into the historical context and censorship environment of 1996.

The female guests' video introductions, the male guests' entrances, the lights being turned off or on, the power reversal, the mentors' comments... these elements, which will be commonplace twenty years later, require considerable thought when writing them now. They need to be novel and captivating, but not too avant-garde or shocking.

Just as he was writing a crucial part, the black pager with a Chinese character display on his waist suddenly started vibrating, interrupting Wang Sheng's train of thought.

Wang Sheng frowned slightly, reluctantly put down his pen, and picked it up to look at the small screen. A line of text was scrolling across it:

"Director Wang, this is Xiaoran. I have something to ask you. Please call me back at your convenience at XXXXXXX (the reception desk number of the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe). Thank you."

It's Li Xiaoran.

Wang Sheng looked at the line phone in the office that wasn't ringing yet. Chen Yu was leading four girls in a mock customer inquiry session, meticulously studying their tone, pace, and response techniques.

Wang Sheng stood up, gestured to Chen Yu and the others, picked up the receiver, and dialed the number on the pager.

The phone rang a few times before being answered, and the voice of the old man in the gatehouse came through. Upon hearing that he was looking for Li Xiaoran, the old man immediately called out.

The sound was so loud that Wang Sheng could feel his eardrums vibrate, so he couldn't help but move the receiver a little further away.

A moment later, Li Xiaoran's slightly breathless voice came through: "Hello? Director Wang?"

"Miss Li, it's me. What can I do for you?" Wang Sheng asked directly and calmly.

Li Xiaoran hesitated for a moment on the other end of the phone before speaking, her voice tinged with confusion and an urgent need for approval: "Director Wang, am I disturbing you? It's like this, there's something I'd like to hear your opinion on. A couple of days ago, a film and television company called Xinbaoyuan contacted me, saying they saw my advertisement and thought I had good potential, and wanted to sign me as an actress. Have you... have you heard of this company? Is it reliable?"

Did Xinbaoyuan take the initiative to contact Li Dabai?
Wang Sheng scratched his head. The trajectory of history seemed to have been slightly altered by his butterfly wings, from actively seeking refuge to being passively invited, but the destination still seemed to be Xinbaoyuan.

"Xinbaoyuan..."

Wang Sheng hesitated for a moment, organizing his thoughts: "I've heard of it. The founder is Zhao Baogang, a fairly well-known figure in Beijing's entertainment circle. He's directed 'Stories from the Editorial Department' and 'Addiction,' so he certainly has the ability to create stars."

Li Xiaoran's voice immediately carried a hint of surprise: "Really? Then what do you think..."

“But…” Wang Sheng interrupted her, his tone becoming more serious: “Ms. Li, things in the entertainment industry aren’t that simple. Just because a company is famous doesn’t mean resources will be tilted towards you.”

Signing a contract is just the beginning; whether you'll get roles and become famous is highly uncertain. Countless newcomers who sign long-term contracts end up being sidelined and sidelined.

He recalled fragmented memories of Li Xiaoran's early career from his past life and added, "My advice is, if you really want to sign a contract, you must be careful about the contract length. Three years at most, five years at most. Leave yourself a way out, so that if things don't go well, you won't be completely tied down by a long contract and waste your best years."

In addition, before formally signing the contract, be sure to carefully read the terms, especially the agent's commission, work arrangements, and breach of contract penalties. If you have any questions, it's best to consult a professional lawyer.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, after which only soft breathing could be heard.

Clearly, Wang Sheng's calm, even somewhat cruel, analysis was a bucket of cold water poured on Li Xiaoran, who was basking in the joy of being "discovered by a big shot in Beijing's elite circles."

“I understand, thank you, Director Wang.” When she spoke again, Li Xiaoran’s tone was noticeably calmer, filled with sincere gratitude. “I will seriously consider what you said. Really, thank you so much for telling me these honest things.”

"You're welcome, it's easy."

"That...Director Wang,"

Li Xiaoran's voice seemed a little lighter, with a hint of probing: "Are you free sometime recently? I'd like to invite you to dinner. I haven't properly thanked you for the opportunity you gave me for the last commercial shoot."

"Forget about dinner." Wang Sheng declined almost without thinking, his gaze sweeping over the half-finished proposal and a pile of to-do items on the table: "The company is just starting out, and there's too much to do. I really can't spare the time. I appreciate your kind offer, but let's talk about it another time. That's all for now, I have something to do. Goodbye."

After saying that, Wang Sheng hung up the phone decisively without waiting for a response.

On the other end of the phone, in the reception room of the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe, Li Xiaoran held the receiver that was busy, her beautiful face filled with astonishment and a hint of indescribable frustration.

I was actually rejected? And such a clean and decisive rejection, without any hesitation?

We've at least... at least filmed those intimate scenes together, right?

Even if it's just work, isn't there even a little appreciation beyond the work itself?

Li Xiaoran subconsciously looked down at herself. In terms of both appearance and figure, she was outstanding in the troupe and even in the entire Beijing literary and artistic circle. In the past, countless men had chased after her and fawned over her.

……

Baby, we're just friends, not even really friends, just actors we've worked with. You're not overthinking it, are you?

Wang Sheng didn't take this little incident to heart at all.

As for the other party's future career, he had already done more than enough by offering a few words of advice.

Wang Sheng had just sat back down when his pager started beeping again.

When I picked it up, I saw it was a message from Liu Xuri of the audio-visual company:
"Shengzi, send me a meeting place. It'll be 7 PM tonight. Call the people from the Purple House over."

The information is short, but it contains all the essential elements.

Wang Sheng perked up and immediately picked up the phone to send Liu Xuri a message to confirm receipt.

Then, he looked at the four girls who were learning from Chen Yu.

"Hey, you..."

Wang Sheng pointed to one of the most beautiful and elegant women.

Chen Liang was also good at choosing people, selecting only pretty girls to help him.

The girls stopped working and looked at Wang Sheng.

The girl Wang Sheng was pointing at quickly stood up: "Mr. Wang..."

"Don't be nervous, your name is... Li Tingting?"

"Yes."

"Okay, starting today, you will be my work assistant. Chen Yu, give her two thousand yuan and one hundred yuan for transportation. Li Tingting, take the money and book a private room at Wumingju. Can you do that?"

Wumingju is a mid-to-high-end restaurant that opened last year.

"Yes, I promise to complete the mission!"

……

Li Tingting left amidst the envious gazes of the three girls.

Wang Sheng called Manager Zhao.

"Brother Zhao, this is Wang Sheng. Are you free tonight? I've asked someone to arrange a meeting with a leader from Beijing TV at 7 PM to discuss our advertisement..."

"Yes, I have some new ideas."

"Okay, see you tonight."

(End of this chapter)