Chapter 371

In the upscale restaurant, Pang Di gazed at the radiant Tao Hui before her, feeling increasingly unfamiliar.

The two were university roommates, jointly taking part in the open audition and jointly entering Outstanding Rising Film Company.

She played the second female lead in One Person Under, earning a salary of several ten thousand.

Moreover, the company provided her with an apartment and a car, along with an agent, an assistant, and a driver.

Tao Hui, by contrast, was merely a regular contracted artist, with treatment incomparable to hers.

In just a few months, she hadn't even filmed a role yet, while Tao Hui had become the female lead, her food, clothing, and daily life completely transformed.

Pang Di wasn't stupid either; she could vaguely guess what was going on, yet she still felt utterly shocked.

Tao Hui, however, found Pang Di's reaction gratifying, even saying it excited her more than when she learned she would be the female lead in Little Soldier Chasing Girls.

In life, for the most part, don't people generally hope to live better than those around them?

Pang Di, let me tell you, women like us, naturally beautiful, wanting to make it in the entertainment industry—if no one backs us, we wouldn't even know how we'd die!

Hot Ba frowned at the remark, "Although I know you're trying to show off in front of me, you don't need to exaggerate so much!" Tao Hui raised her eyebrows, her expression slightly disdainful.

Lately I've been chatting with Director Wang Jing about the script, and also discussing many insider secrets of the Xianggang film scene—Lam Kit-ying was once renowned as the most beautiful of the Five Temples, even chased by Stephen Chow, yet without a big boss backing her…

Pang Di frowned at the words, then remained silent for a while.

Tao Hui glanced sideways, then quickly added, 'Of course, we're artists of Outstanding Rising Film Company—no need to worry about that. However, with so many female artists in the company, obtaining top-tier resources is also quite difficult.'

As for the Little Soldier Chasing Girls I'm set to film, with only a seventy- to eighty-million investment, and it's not even Director Jiang's film—becoming famous from it is impossible, whereas you, you have a great chance!

Pang Di gave an embarrassed laugh, 'What chance do I have? I only saw Director Jiang once at the premiere after wrapping, and we didn't even exchange a word!'

Tao Hui wore an exasperated expression, 'You can go see Director Jiang when you're free—you're someone he personally selected; reporting your recent situation to him is perfectly normal!'

'Normal, huh?'

Of course! Though Director Jiang hasn't been showing up much lately, just take your chances; if you still haven't seen him before the semester starts, then just honestly go back to school.

Pang Di let out a soft sigh, sounding somewhat dejected, 'Even if I did see him, I'd probably still have to go back to school normally.'

Tao Hui snorted, 'I want to go study, but I haven't had the chance yet!'

Pang Di put on a placating smile, 'Oh, you're about to become a big star—why bother studying at all?'

'That's true!'

The two spent the afternoon eating, drinking, and shopping, feeling quite content.

Tao Hui remembered Du Huan's advice—not only offering various guidance, but also buying Pang Di an expensive bag.

Pang Di naturally didn't want to accept it, but Tao Hui said, 'You'll surely become famous sooner or later; worst case, you can repay me with an even more valuable one later.'

Not taking it now—could it be that you're reluctant?

Upon hearing that, Pang Di stopped refusing.

After returning to the apartment, Pang Di pondered Tao Hui's words from earlier in the day, sinking into thought.

She roughly knew who Tao Hui had connections with, but since the other party wouldn't say, it was really awkward to ask.

She naturally lacked Tao Hui's courage, but she was still very willing to improve her relationship with Jiang Heng.

Speaking of which, how many female stars in the Chinese-language entertainment industry are hoping to get on good terms with Jiang Heng! Tao Hui said many boastful things, but one of them Pang Di found quite reasonable.

You're someone he personally selected—reporting your situation to him is perfectly normal!

'You should go once; with less than a month left before school starts, it's also quite normal to bid Director Jiang farewell before leaving and express your thanks.'

Thinking of this, Pang Di first checked her savings—she still had over sixty thousand.

Because the company covered many of her daily expenses, and her consumption level hadn't risen yet, she actually had some savings.

The next day, Pang Di went to the mall, tried on a red dress, and also bought new high heels and lipstick.

Then she called a driver to take her to Outstanding Rising Film Company. She didn't dare call Jiang Heng, for one fearing she couldn't get through, and two fearing that if she were rejected, she'd lose even more courage.

After getting out of the car, she stood for a few seconds, silently cheering herself up: 'Let's try our luck—if Director Jiang is here and I can see him, that means I have this luck; if not, I'll just go back to school honestly.'

Then she tossed her long hair and strode into the building.

Passersby glanced at the black-haired, red-dressed, fair-skinned Hot Ba, and some were somewhat startled.

Because the first impression was truly stunning.

Many still didn't recognize Hot Ba, while others wondered, 'Isn't this the Hot Ba that Director Jiang picked from the audition, who plays Xia He in One Person Under?'

Outside Jiang Heng's office, Hot Ba feigned warmth as she asked Cui Zhenzhen behind the desk, 'Is Director Jiang in?'

'Not in!'

Cui Zhenzhen's reply was quite blunt, because pretty actresses often come looking for Jiang Heng.

Although most of them end up empty-handed, not seeing Jiang Heng, it still annoyed her, since she herself hadn't seen him in several days.

'Oh!'

Hot Ba's face barely concealed her disappointment, her smile looking somewhat forced.

'All right, then I'll be off!'

Cui Zhenzhen gave a slight nod, not uttering a single polite word.

Pang Di felt sure the other was mocking her in her heart, and she walked away increasingly flustered.

She thought she shouldn't have listened to Tao Hui's advice—now she'd become a laughingstock.

Because she was walking in a flustered state and not paying attention, she nearly bumped into the person coming from the opposite direction.

'Sorry, sorry…'

The one approaching was none other than Jiang Heng, who from afar spotted Hot Ba in an all-red outfit walking over in a clumsy manner.

Before he could even speak a warning, she had already 'bumped' into him.

Jiang Heng hastily shifted his body slightly and simultaneously reached out to block her.

'What's wrong?'

'Director Jiang!'

Pang Di was overjoyed; in an instant his eyes lit up.

"Um, I have less than a month before school starts, and knowing you're busy with work, you might not have time before the semester begins, so I wanted to come early to say goodbye!"

Jiang Heng smiled, "How thoughtful!"

He then complimented, "You look very pretty today!"

"Really?" Pang Di's heart blossomed with joy; the slight resentment he'd just felt vanished in an instant.

"Of course, let's go to the office first, Zhenzhen, get two coffees!"

"Oh, okay, Director Jiang!"

Cui Zhenzhen pouted as she stood up; if looks could kill, Pang Di would already be badly hurt.

He brought over two cups of hand-brewed coffee, and then heard Jiang Heng say: "Like this, I'll treat you to dinner tonight—consider it an early send-off. At school, study hard; if your acting skills are up to par, you'll be able to secure resources."

"Director Jiang, don't worry, I'll definitely study hard. Then, there will really be lots of resources, right?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "Of course, I still take very good care of my own artists. Everyone will get resources for TV dramas and low- to mid-budget leading roles. As for big-effects blockbusters, it depends on how well you fit the role; but in any case, I won't shortchange you."

Upon hearing that, Pang Di felt much more reassured instantly.

At the same time, he also felt doubtful: could Liu Yifei and Jing Tian really have gotten so many blockbuster female lead roles just because they fit the main character's image so well?

(End of chapter)