69novels Chapter 55 Director?
Chapter 55 Director?
Chengdu, Magnolia.
A solid wood painting table reflects lotus flowers, antiques are quietly displayed, and the atmosphere is as elegant as a scholar's private residence.
"You're here so early?"
"I really want to improve!"
"Have you... gotten even more handsome?"
Zhu Manli was incredulous.
She rubbed her eyes, wondering if she was seeing things.
"It's mainly because beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
"You really didn't get plastic surgery?" Zhu Manli still couldn't quite believe it.
Overall, it seems that there has been no change.
But people's temperaments, both inside and out, can vary greatly.
She didn't know that all these changes were brought about by money.
Shen Mo invested over 600,000 yuan in the stock market, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, his family's financial difficulties would be easily resolved.
The ease of mind and the pent-up frustrations of the past life have been largely swept away.
When people are happy, they are in high spirits, and their physical condition, mental state, and even charm are all boosted.
"But Sister Manli, you really scared me this time. I wouldn't have dared to come here if you hadn't invited me."
He wasn't talking nonsense.
At a meal costing over 1,500 yuan per person, who would waste money unless it was for someone or something important?
"With your emotional intelligence, how did you become so popular in the live streaming world?"
Don't you know that women shouldn't shout loudly?
"Our line of work is very stressful, so I'm thinking of following you, Manli, to see if I can change careers or something."
"No... please don't flatter me like that..."
"Whether I can succeed this time depends on other people's opinions, so I really can't help you much."
Zhu Manli looked embarrassed.
It's a big no-no for the person asking for favors to bring their own people to such a dinner party.
What's wrong!
You're putting on airs just because you're asking someone for a favor?
The reason she brought Shen Mo along was mainly because of his current popularity. Although he was just a live streamer, many people in the film and television industry didn't really think much of him.
But the other party really has a lot of traffic.
She wasn't looking for any high-class roles; she wasn't picky about short dramas or anything like that.
"Don't worry, I'm here to broaden my horizons."
Shen Mo wouldn't deliberately invite trouble.
He was well aware that Zhu Manli was indirectly selling him out.
Unfortunately, this is an era where even good wine needs advertising.
He's still a complete newbie in the short drama circle.
Without Zhu Manli's introduction, he wouldn't have had the chance to act, let alone meet an assistant director.
In the adult world, the exchange of interests is inevitable.
He has traffic, the other party has resources.
Although their current popularity and resources are not significant in the market, each level has its own way of operating.
A moment later, two middle-aged men walked in.
The middle-aged man at the head of the group was ruddy-faced, clearly having already had a drink before arriving.
"Senior brother, it's been a long time!"
Upon seeing the newcomer, Zhu Manli immediately stood up enthusiastically and offered to hug him.
"It's been almost a year!"
The person walking in front was a slightly overweight middle-aged man whose eyes lit up when he saw Zhu Manli.
Shen Mo had seen plenty of people like this in his past life, and he had formed a judgment about this dinner party.
"Let me introduce you. This is Shen Mo, whom I mentioned to you before. He recently gained tens of thousands more fans after finishing filming with Director Liu. He's the male lead."
"Wang Fei, a graduate of Nanjing University of the Arts, is a famous director and my senior."
"Hello Director Wang, you can just call me Xiao Shen."
"Manli has told me several times that live streaming is really popular now! It has a bright future."
"Manli, this is blatant flattery to kill me; I'm not taking it. I can't bear the title of 'famous'!"
Shen Mo smiled without saying a word, watching as the other person forcefully changed the subject.
"This is my friend, Director Wang, who's also in the industry. We came here to have a meal with you."
"What are you saying, senior? It's an honor for me that you and Brother Wang came."
"Everyone sit down. It's rare to see each other like this, so let's eat and chat. Hahaha..."
Wang Fei's laughter was very hearty.
"Now that our guests have arrived, let's begin the meal. I'll serve the dishes now!"
Yu Zhilan served the dishes quickly, and the cooking time and temperature were just right.
Shen Mo kept a very low profile throughout, acting as a substitute waiter and serving as a wine server.
Yellow wine is mellow, fragrant, and sweet. A few sips won't make you drunk at first, but drinking it for a long time can make you sleep very soundly.
Zhu Manli and Wang Fei were classmates in university, and their conversation ranged from reminiscing about the past to discussing the current state of the industry.
"Senior, what have you been busy with lately?"
"It's just 'The Turbulent Years,' which will probably be filmed until the end of the year. I only have a couple of days off, otherwise I wouldn't be able to come even if you invited me."
"I heard that the production team of 'The Beauty and the Elegance' is currently in preparation, senior brother, what do you think...?"
"Since my junior sister said so, there's definitely no problem!"
"Okay, I've left the script at the hotel. You can come with me later, and I'll pick a scene for you, film it, and archive it."
Wang Fei took on everything.
Zhu Manli and Wang Shuai both paused for a moment.
They were all seasoned foxes; they could smell the trick as soon as they heard it.
"This..." Zhu Manli's expression immediately turned sour.
She knew Wang Fei had feelings for her back when they were still in school.
But they had a past relationship, and he had even helped the other party before. He never expected this...
"It's okay! There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
Wang Fei sneered.
I've been filming for the past two weeks to keep up with the schedule, and today I finally had some free time. I was planning to relax, but then Zhu Manli showed up at my door.
In today's market, those with resources are the big shots.
How much is friendship worth, a few abalone?
"Manli, don't say your senior brother isn't helping you. Your brother Wang is also planning a short drama."
"Is Brother Wang preparing to enter the short drama market?" Zhu Manli asked, glancing sideways.
Even if you can't get a role in a TV series, it's not a bad deal to find yourself another job.
"It's not exactly an advance, but we have a good plan that's still in the planning stages." Wang Shuai took a bite of food and didn't mince words.
However, she harbored a new kind of opinion about Wang Fei.
But then he sighed inwardly.
Back when I was at the station, I was always the one these people fawned over.
But once you leave the platform, even if you try your best, others won't appreciate it.
That's reality!
Wang Fei took a bite of food and unconsciously leaned closer to Zhu Manli.
Shen Mo naturally noticed this.
Seeing that Zhu Manli did not ask for help, he did not stand up or do anything.
He had been observing Wang Shuai since the beginning.
With decades of experience in sales, he felt his judgment was still quite accurate.
Unlike Wang Fei, a seasoned veteran, Wang Shuai possesses a greater sense of composure and restraint.
This kind of person is capable of achieving great things.
"The short drama market is very hot right now, and I think this trend will continue for a while. Now is the perfect time to get in."
Shen Mo stood next to Wang Shuai, got up to pour him a cup of tea, and took the opportunity to express his views.
Douyin hasn't even entered the fray yet, and paid short dramas are about to start their crazy money-making spree. Entering the market now, especially for an industry veteran like Wang Shuai, is practically like picking up money off the ground.
Wang Shuai nodded.
He shared this view, which is why he made this decision.
"Ha... You've only filmed a few movies, yet you dare to talk about how hot the industry is..." Wang Fei waved his hand and shook his head, making no attempt to hide his sarcasm.
"Hahahaha! Wang Shuai, you actually believe this kid? Short plays are considered art? They're just picking up things we don't want."
After saying a few words, Wang Fei turned his attention back to Zhu Manli.
"I'm not trying to be mean, but if I had let you sign with my company back then, you'd be at least a second or third-tier company by now."
"As for those short dramas, they look pretty impressive now. Just wait and see, Douyin won't let such a big piece of meat go to waste!"
Wang Fei smiled at Zhu Manli.
"Isn't it because I have bad taste?" Zhu Manli replied with a smile.
Although she was impatient, she still had to maintain appearances.
Who can blame them when the other party is a big shot!
Wang Shuai came to Chengdu from the TV station to discuss a partnership. However, people are fickle. The other party knew that he wanted to produce short dramas and insisted on bringing him to a dinner party hosted by a short drama actor.
To put it bluntly, don't talk about anything.
"what you think?"
With nothing else to do, chatting with an actor is a good way to pass the time.
"Douyin will definitely take action."
Silent and resolute.
Just like Tencent back then, in terms of content, it's impossible to avoid the behemoth that is Douyin.
"But I think it's too early. The market isn't fully heated yet, so getting in now would be too much of a loss."
This kid...
That's pretty good!
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