I'm really good at this.

After seeing off another actress who was currently somewhere between second-rate and first-rate, Zhang Hong casually tossed the small note she had slipped into his hand into the trash can.

"Is there no reason I can't find the actor I want in such a vast country like China?"

Why are there so few high-quality "leeks" (a term for easily exploited investors) who are good-looking, hardworking, and don't ask for much money?

No, you can't say that.

I, Zhang, am a proletarian and cannot be viewed through the eyes of a capitalist.

Why are there so few young actors who are willing to endure hardship and strive for improvement?

Lin Muqing took off her glasses, pinched the bridge of her nose, and frowned, saying, "But if we don't find some famous and talented actors, can this drama really be made to look good?"

Zhang Hong looked at Luo Yun and Bai Xueye, the two professionals: "What do you two think?"

Luo Yun smiled wryly and said, "Brother Hong, I'm just a small-time actor. I've only acted in one TV series, 'Clouds Fall into the Mortal World.' You're asking me... that's like asking a sixth-dan amateur Go player what they think of the level of a national champion."

Zhang Hong then looked at Bai Xueye.

She spat out the sunflower seed shells, thought for a moment, and then replied, "Brother Hong, these sunflower seeds smell pretty good."

Zhang Hong: "..."

Damn it, no wonder you, with such good natural talent, only played minor roles for two years. You're utterly useless!

"Brother Hong, you've basically rejected all the first and second-tier young actors, so what do we do?" Lin Chuan began to guide Zhang Hong, "How about... we look at those good-looking but inexpensive young heartthrobs?"

The youngest of these so-called first- or second-tier young actors is over thirty.

They have basically taken up the mantle of leading actors in mainstream TV dramas.

Actors in their forties and fifties, who are in their middle age, tend to have relatively lower fees and mostly play important supporting roles; they are what people commonly refer to as veteran actors.

Zhang Hong doesn't care about this kind of actor, because he doesn't charge much.

The main problem is with the lead actor.

Mainstream actors in their thirties and forties are asking for increasingly higher fees.

Although it's not as exaggerated as that of young heartthrobs, it's not far off, and there are no kickbacks!

This TV series wasn't funded by the capital behind those young heartthrobs, so they wouldn't be able to afford to spend so much money on it.

Huaxia Heavy Industry gave you 1 billion yuan, as long as you can meet the old man's requirements.

The money saved all went to Zhang Hong.

Of course, it's impossible to give them tens of millions for nothing.

This drama doesn't place as much emphasis on acting skills.

But as for young heartthrobs... Zhang Hong rubbed his chin: "Do young heartthrobs have the acting skills? I don't want to encounter another one who acts like a diva; I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself."

Moreover, the term "little fresh meat" itself carries a strong discriminatory connotation.

Lin Chuan continued to deceive him: "Brother Hong, you don't understand. The young heartthrobs used to dance with you because you were also a new director."

Things are different now. You've proven yourself, or at least initially.

Those young, up-and-coming celebrities who haven't yet become famous will naturally be at your mercy. How could they dare to dance with you again? They wouldn't even ask for a high price.

Lin Chuan himself believed what he said.

But thinking about it carefully... maybe that's really the case?

Zhang Hong was clearly also tempted.

But...

"The interview process still needs to be followed." After thinking it over, he made a decision. "In this way, we can start sending messages to agencies that want to promote new talent. We can have them audition, but they'll have to act out a short scene I specify."

Lin Chuan beamed with joy: "I'll contact them right away!"

............

Wang Chen is currently in a dilemma.

His debut should be considered quite successful.

He played the second male lead in this year's hottest drama, "Bloody Youth".

Initially, he was criticized for his lack of acting skills, being the only actor who dragged the show down.

But after Director Liu added scenes to his story and changed his identity to that of an internal traitor, his reputation reversed.

Oh, so that's why you had that distorted expression – you were jealous of Fang Bie!

Oh, so the lack of facial expression is because of a rich inner world!

After all, he was playing a traitor, and his conscience couldn't bear the condemnation, but he couldn't give up the glory and wealth promised by others, so he appeared so conflicted and preoccupied.

That's fine.

Therefore, Wang Chen can be said to have had a relatively good start.

Then, the rhythm came.

Zhang Hong became famous, even more famous than Wang Chen.

He not only outshone everyone else in the same TV series, but also wrote a song that is now a huge hit, and the popularity of the TV series he starred in was not much different from that of "Bloody Youth".

Then, directors Liu Yishou and Sun Zheng personally supported him.

Zhang Hongcai is currently the hottest rising star.

Unfortunately, no one could interview him, and he didn't participate in any events or variety shows.

So here's the question: how should we write news articles?

Of course, we'll delve into every detail of Zhang Hong's life before and after his debut.

Then......

Wang Chen was originally the male lead in "Yun Luo Hong Chen", but his falling out with Zhang Hong and leaving the production was dug up by entertainment reporters.

However, Jimei Communication reacted quickly.

They quickly and sincerely apologized, then sent lawyer's letters to a few smaller newspapers or individuals to cover their tracks, and then shifted the blame to Wang Chen's nearly 200-pound female agent, effortlessly removing Wang Chen from the picture.

However, due to this pace, Wang Chen has been trending on Weibo several times, and even made the headlines for a few days.

He didn't know whether he should cry or laugh.

However, the company did not give up on him, but instead found him a new agent.

He looked to be in his thirties, dressed in a suit with his hair slicked back, looking meticulous, and wearing gold-rimmed glasses with a serious expression.

The two are currently discussing something.

Wang Chen looked up at his new manager, pleadingly, "Brother Li, do we really have to do this?"

His new agent is named Li Ran. According to Wang Chen's own inquiries, this guy is a ruthless character and has already cultivated many of the company's top stars.

I don't know why the company sent him to be in charge of me this time, but if that's the case, it means that the company won't abandon me, right?

Li Ran pushed up his glasses, his expression revealing no emotional fluctuation: "Yes, we have to do it. We need to ask Director Zhang Hong for a chance."

"But......"

"No buts." Li Ran looked down at Wang Chen. "You should understand your situation, so what I'm saying is entirely from your perspective."

The only person who can turn your reputation around right now is Director Zhang Hong. According to information obtained by the company, Director Zhang is currently casting for his new film. Do you understand what that means?

Wang Chen pursed his lips: "But given my relationship with him, it's impossible for me to get the male lead role."

"Not the male lead, but getting into the production crew." Li Ran's voice remained indifferent. "As long as you can get into the production crew, no matter what role you play, all the negative rumors about you will be dispelled."

So what you need to do now is beg Director Zhang to take you into the cast. Don't think about pay, dignity, or roles. Even if he slaps you, even if you have to kneel, beg him to let you into the cast.

"Can......"

"This is your last chance. If you don't do this, I can tell you clearly that the company will abandon you. Because Director Zhang is bound to rise to prominence in the future, and there are many actors in the company, so there will always be opportunities to work together. They won't completely fall out with Director Zhang because of this small role. Helping you once before was already the limit." Li Ran raised his hand, glanced at the Omega on his wrist, and said calmly, "I'll give you five minutes to decide."

Wang Chen's expression shifted.

His fists were clenched tightly around his pants for a long, long time.

Too many memories flashed through my mind.

From enduring years of hardship as a trainee, to feeling lost upon debut, to becoming numb to following the instructions of that female manager, to being cautious and timid when joining Liu Yishou's film crew, to being submissive when scolded, to being ignored when seeing Zhang Hong again.

Even at the very end, the image of Zhang Hong waving goodbye as he left the crew, and Director Liu's words, evoked memories.

"You need to work harder and also be grateful to Xiao Zhang. He said you have good talent, which is why I was willing to give you this opportunity."

The tightly clenched fist loosened.

This seemed to ease Wang Chen's inner turmoil.

He let out a long sigh, looked up, and said, "Then let's go find him."

PS: Daily vote request 1/2

It's going to be released soon, so updating too quickly is a bit unlucky. It means I'll miss out on two or three weeks of recommendations. But oh well, as long as everyone's happy.

w(ﾟДﾟ)w