Chapter 414

Hengdian, Zhao Liying was filming on a costume drama set.

She was always very conscientious, often after filming ended running over to ask the director how her performance was, whether she needed another take, and almost every time she received the director's praise.

The other people in the crew were also very friendly to her, so Yingbao smiled every day, looking very happy.

That day, the TV series wrapped, and the main cast and crew went to a hotel for a banquet.

Zhao Liying had drunk a bit too much, so she wanted to stay a while longer in the restroom.

After just a few minutes, she heard someone outside say, 'Finally I don't have to see that fake smile anymore, how annoying!'

Zhao Liying's heart jumped, because the speaker was a fellow actress from the same crew, with whom she had many opposite scenes, and she thought it couldn't be about her!

Then another female voice said, 'Exactly, she keeps running over to ask the director whether her performance is okay, whether she needs another retake, making it obvious—doesn't the director see whether she's doing well or not? Using her as an example!'

Hearing this, Zhao Liying felt a heart-piercing pain.

She knew who the two girls were; they had no reputation in the industry and couldn't even sit at the main table at the wrap party.

Probably because of that, plus she'd had a bit too much to drink, they didn't notice she was missing!

But usually, when they saw her, they gave her a fawning smile; little did she expect they'd be like this behind her back.

The conversation outside continued, a girl sneered, 'Anxious much? She's the one Director Jiang picked from an open audition, yet she's turned out like this—among Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company's few golden flowers, she's the worst!'

'Besides, that later Ke La La became famous thanks to 'Qing Sheng'; she just gets a bit of exposure in Director Jiang's movies, mixing in to get her face known.'

'What a waste of her opportunity—just with my face and figure, if Director Jiang had picked me, that Ke La La role could have been mine!'

'Definitely, with those two headlights of yours, Director Jiang would surely be dazed!'

'Ah, don't mess around!'

The two girls chatted and laughed outside, while Zhao Liying inside felt as if her heart were being cut by a knife.

She really wanted to rush out and confront the two girls, asking why they talked about her behind her back.

But she really lacked the courage, because even she herself felt she was doing rather poorly.

Since joining Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company, she has mostly played supporting roles; however, she did become popular for a while thanks to 'The Legend of Zu Mountain' and even won an award.

Unfortunately, the subsequent TV dramas had only average reception and ratings, causing her momentum to decline again.

In film, she hasn't yet starred in a movie with both good reputation and box office, leaving her somewhat anxious.

Especially after the company signed Dilireba and Guli Nazha in succession, her sense of crisis grew stronger.

Fortunately, she still has a good sister, Jing Tian, who keeps trying to get her resources, giving her some hope! Actually, Zhao Liying's development in the entertainment industry is already quite good.

Many beauties from professional academies don't have her current popularity and standing.

But being at Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company, looking around everyone seems more excellent than the next, and newcomers are no pushovers; since she never formally studied acting, she feels like she's falling behind, causing her mindset to become unbalanced.

After waiting until there was no movement outside and a few more minutes passed, Zhao Liying finally went out, her legs numb.

Her manager sister came over looking worried, 'Are you okay? Why did you take so long?'

'I was trying to hide from the alcohol for a bit, but ended up falling asleep!'

'You're just too tired; let me take you back!'

'Okay!'

Zhao Liying went over to greet the director, production manager, etc., and after returning to the hotel she originally wanted to call Jing Tian to vent a bit.

Then she thought, Da Tian Tian might be with Jiang Heng right now, so she held back.

She sat alone on the balcony, dazed for a long time, and finally, unable to stay awake, went back to bed and fell into a deep sleep.

She slept soundly, having a series of good dreams, even dreaming of Jiang Heng. In the last dream, Jing Tian pressed her shoulders and shook her hard, loudly demanding, 'Why? Why? How could you do this?' Zhao Liying was startled awake, opened her eyes, and saw her manager sister gently pushing her shoulder, 'Wake up, Yingbao, wake up quickly, ha, you're finally awake!'

Zhao Liying jumped, rubbed her eyes, and mumbled, 'You scared me to death!'

Her manager sister laughed, 'What, did you dream of being caught in an affair?'

Zhao Liying lightly hit her, 'You're the one who'd be caught in an affair; the moment I opened my eyes I saw your big face—of course I'm not scared!'

Her manager sister snorted, 'I'll give you a chance—think it over and then speak!'

Zhao Liying chuckled lightly, 'I'm just happy to see your beautiful face!'

'That's about right—I have good news to tell you: Manager Li called me, saying Director Jiang has personally chosen a drama for you to star in!'

'Really?'

Zhao Liying sat up abruptly, speaking frankly, 'The TV dramas directed by Li Xiaoping aren't all big hits.'

'But anything related to Director Jiang can be said to be sure to be a blockbuster!'

The manager said, 'You're saying this—such an important matter, and I could trick you!'

Zhao Liying nodded, thinking it made sense, and couldn't help but yawn.

The manager said, 'You've slept until noon and you're still sleepy?'

'I stayed up too late yesterday!'

The manager asked about Zhao Liying's rest time, then couldn't help but say, 'You've got something on your mind? I'm telling you, don't think so much!'

Zhao Liying hesitated a moment, then repeated what she had heard the previous night.

The manager listened and snorted, 'A few low‑class sluts spouting nonsense—is that worth your overthinking? You, you, how am I supposed to praise you?'

Zhao Liying lowered her head, looking like a well‑behaved student accepting instruction.

'Don't you know, your current achievements are something many people struggle years to obtain? When 'The Legend of Zu Mountain' aired, how big was it? Isn't it just that you didn't keep up afterward? Who hasn't filmed a few bad dramas or bad movies!'

'I know you think you lack professional acting training, so you're behind Yang Mi and Tang Yan, but don't you consider what kind of person Director Jiang is? He chose you for a reason—you're definitely going to be a big hit!'

Zhao Liying, however, thought, 'Maybe he just wanted to find a suitable person for that supporting role back then!' Of course, she didn't dare say that.

Besides, what kind of person is Director Jiang, so busy! He can only think of you, arranging a TV drama for you—no need to think, it's sure to make you hot again. Later we'll figure out how to get more resources, and your position will be solid!

'Oh!'

'I've been talking for ages, and all you say is 'oh'?' The manager sister looked exasperated, as if wishing she could turn iron into steel.

'Thank you, sister!'

"Why thank me? You should go thank Director Jiang, thank your good girlfriend!"

Although there is still no concrete news, Jiang Heng is so busy every day that when he has a moment he will think of helping Zhao Liying arrange a suitable TV drama.

So the agent thinks, this matter is most likely Jing Tian's doing.

Zhao Liying thought the same; before packing up and preparing to go to the airport, she first called Jing Tian, and as soon as she got on the phone she launched into a round of thanks.

Da Tian Tian said, "Really, you don't need to thank me; I recommended you to play a supporting role in his new film, the TV drama matter was arranged by him himself."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Liying was speechless, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Da Tian Tian really is her good girlfriend; whenever there's a supporting role, she thinks of her.

(End of chapter)