The weather was getting colder, making it particularly difficult for Qin Wei to get up in the morning and go to the set to shoot scenes. Fortunately, Shen Qingqing had recently taken on a few guest roles, so Qin Wei could enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by the chef at her hotel every morning.
And each meal was different.
Was it okay for Qin Wei to enjoy Shen Qingqing's kindness without any guilt? Not quite, because Shen Qingqing had recently landed a lead role in a new drama, which Qin Wei had recommended her for.
The investors and producers of this drama were from the same group behind the variety show "Time Will Tell You." After a failed attempt at a modern idol drama, Qin Wei's cameo had salvaged some reputation for them. Therefore, they were very grateful to Qin Wei and wanted to collaborate with her again.
However, Qin Wei didn't have the time, and she knew her aloof image didn't suit the role of a naive and poor idol drama lead. So she recommended Shen Qingqing instead.
Coincidentally, the investors liked shooting idol dramas, and Shen Qingqing's image suited the genre, so it all fell into place.
Shen Qingqing was happy and satisfied. After "Fire Line," there weren't many drama offers coming her way, though she had plenty of variety show invitations.
At first, she was pleased, but later she realized that most actors and production teams were only in it for the quick money, which killed her interest. What was the point of earning money that way?
She found it meaningless...
But being able to land a television drama pleased her. Regardless of the pay, she didn't really mind.
Moreover, Qin Wei mentioned that if she had time later, she could still make guest appearances.
Shen Qingqing was thrilled: "Can I play the male lead? I can pay extra!"
Qin Wei shook her head and explained to Shen Qingqing, "Paying extra wouldn't make sense. This isn't decades ago. Nowadays, if I cross-dress as the male lead, it wouldn't get distribution approval, let alone air. But if I make a guest appearance, playing a malicious female antagonist competing for your man, that would be exciting to watch~"
Shen Qingqing understood this. It wasn't that she didn't want to, but she couldn't. Still, she muttered softly, "Then can I pay the screenwriter, or bring my own screenwriter to the set... Why does it have to be me competing for a man against a malicious female lead? It's so cliché. I want to change it to me and the man competing against the malicious female lead! Then add more scenes for you!"
Qin Wei patted Shen Qingqing's head, "Sweetie, how is that different from just now when you wanted me to play the male lead... Give up on your fantasies and face reality..."
Shen Qingqing's voice grew even softer, "It's unfair. It's not allowed in real life, and it's not allowed in film and television works either. Can't I have a little slice of sweetness?"
"You can."
Qin Wei nodded, patting Shen Qingqing's shoulder, "You stay here, don't move, I'll go get you two oranges to eat."
Seeing Shen Qingqing's dejected face, she added, "I'm not taking advantage of you, it's just that those oranges are pretty sweet..."
...
The weather had become much colder. Today's scene was the one where Zhao Yu's arm gets injured, the most tragic part of the whole movie. Almost all of her close friends and brothers-in-arms had died, and her arm was left crippled.
It was the nadir of Zhao Yu's life.
Ever since hearing Song Huan's story, she felt a pang in her heart whenever she saw this segment of the script. Today, as they were about to start filming, she turned to look at Song Huan, her expression serious.
Song Huan impatiently waved her hand at her, "Who am I supposed to show this miserable face to? Do I need your sympathy? Even now, I could take on ten of you, no, a hundred of you, like you, weak and fragile, a crying mess of a little girl..."
"Song Huan."
Qin Wei interrupted her, her face calm, her voice steady,
"It serves you right for having no friends. It's only Yun Lan who has a heart and reluctantly accepts you as a friend. There's clearly something wrong with you psychologically. If your company is reluctant to spend money on a therapist for you, I can introduce one to you, but you'll have to let Yun Lan foot the bill, after all...
you don't have any other friends."
"Go away, annoying."
Song Huan pushed her away, wanting nothing more than to be out of sight and out of mind.
...
Director Yuan's film boasted an all-star lineup, with nearly everyone who appeared on screen having lines being from the entertainment industry. The team she led was no exception, filled with handsome male actors, male idols.
Among them, many showed interest in Qin Wei, but she brushed them off with feigned ignorance.
When the enthusiasm became too much, Qin Wei would bring out her sisters.
"Wei Wei, this is a small token of my affection, custom-made earrings by a European designer. I think they suit you perfectly."
"Um?"
At times like these, Su Yang would come over,
"I think they suit me too."
"........................"
Usually, the other party would make a few perfunctory remarks and the conversation would fizzle out. At these moments, Qin Wei would happily tell them:
"I'll take you out next time for fun."
"Sounds great!"
Su Yang smiled brightly and cleanly.
"Wei Wei, long time no see."
She recognized this voice, knowing instantly it was Sheng Lin.
Turning her head, sure enough, it was him.
Dressed in a similar outfit to hers, with arm guards, in costume, evidently like other actors, he was guest-starring in this film too.
It had been a while since she'd seen him; she wasn't sure if it was the makeup, but he looked much thinner than before, as if he'd been ill, but thankfully, he seemed to be in good spirits.
"What have you been busy with lately? It's been ages since I last saw you."
Qin Wei started chatting with him upon seeing him.
"Wei Jie."
Li Hanming called out to her, interrupting her, seemingly not wanting to give Sheng Lin a chance to continue chatting with her. He walked over and said to Qin Wei,
"Director Yuan is looking for you, it's urgent."
"Oh, okay."
Qin Wei waved at Sheng Lin, saying they'd talk later, then followed Li Hanming away.
"What does Director Yuan need me for?"
Qin Wei asked casually as they walked.
"Director Yuan didn't ask for you, I lied to you."
Li Hanming stopped in his tracks, his face sincere, telling her the truth.
Qin Wei couldn't help but lecture him casually,
"Well, well, can't believe a kid like you can lie so brazenly..."
"I'm not a kid."
Li Hanming told her seriously,
"Also, don't talk to Sheng Lin, my agent says he's got issues."
Qin Wei: "???"
Qin Wei looked at Li Hanming with confusion. It was understandable; after all, she knew that Li Hanming and Sheng Lin were colleagues at the same company, and they had a good relationship. Especially since Li Hanming used to be a trainee, life and work were tough for him. As a senior colleague, he always showed care and support for Li Han.
But the fact that they just met and didn't exchange any words, coupled with Li Hanming's evident hostility and distance, left Qin Wei puzzled.
It was all so strange.
Li Hanming could also sense Qin Wei's confusion and proceeded to explain, "Sheng Lin, knowing well how strict the company's management is with its artists, went off the grid for several months without reason. The company considered it a breach of contract, but out of past camaraderie, they chose to punish him rather than sever ties completely.
After his reappearance, instead of appreciating the leniency, he opted to terminate his contract with the company. We were puzzled as to where he got the termination fee from. He turned around and joined Huo Yu Entertainment. My manager thinks he's not thinking straight. Clearly, our company could have offered him a better future, yet he chose Huo Yu, where he's not even getting much attention..."
Ultimately, he's still just a kid, relatively simple in experience and thought. It seems Li Hanming didn't bother listening to Sheng Lin's explanation, but simply heeded his manager's words.
Well, after all, the person he trusts most in the company must be his own manager.
