Goddess Strategy GL - Chapter 28

After being rejected by Ren Xi, Zeng Jiarou returned to the hotel to see her agent. Her current agent, Joanna, was someone Li Laoban (Boss Li) had heavily invested in to poach from a major management company, and she was quite well-known in the industry. It was her idea to transfer Zeng Jiarou’s contract to Ren Xi’s studio. The operational differences between Zhao Xin’s studio and Ren Xi’s studio were quite significant. Zhao Xin’s studio was affiliated with her original management company; besides Zhao Xin’s own resources and connections, it was also constrained by the original management company. Her studio had been established for several years, but its output was low, and it had no interest in new artists or film investment. In the eyes of insiders, this was just a studio that the financially robust original management company opened for Zhao Xin to play around with. Although the current studio was full of talent, apart from the main business, everyone was in a state of semi-retirement: some were immersed in literary waves, unable to extricate themselves; some focused on their computers, reading, writing gossip, and fighting cyber trolls; the makeup artist was keen on developing her own cosmetics brand; even Susan, who was originally a top figure in the industry, was most often seen at various jewelry exhibitions or auctions.

In contrast to Zhao Xin, Ren Xi was more like a businesswoman. She boldly hired talents from all walks of life, and her involvement was broadening, ranging from economic affairs to investing in films and television dramas, and post-production for movies. She had very good relationships with several corporate bosses and the government, backed by extremely strong financial support. She was willing to spend money on investments and on building brand recognition. Zeng Jiarou’s agent saw this and persuaded Boss Li to let Zeng Jiarou join Ren Xi.

She never expected that Ren Xi would reject Zeng Jiarou’s management contract. In terms of external conditions, Zeng Jiarou was on par with the few newcomers Ren Xi had recently signed. Regarding aptitude, Zeng Jiarou’s acting talent was top-notch among the newcomers she had seen. Furthermore, her first movie was a highly anticipated film by an award-winning director. Whether the film became a hit or not, Zeng Jiarou’s future career path was set to be smooth.

“She asked you to transfer the contract to Zhao Xin’s studio?”

“Yes, Miss Ren said so.”

Joanna suddenly remembered something and slapped her head, saying, “Oh, oh, I considered everything but forgot about the past between Zhao Xin and Ren Xi. They have a private feud. The nickname ‘Little Zhao Xin’ we helped create for you must have irritated Ren Xi. Ren Xi, you know, she can be easy to get along with, but when she’s stubborn, she’s really stubborn. Back when she was a small celebrity, she declared she’d rather starve than be on the same stage as Zhao Xin.”

“Actually, it might not be just that reason. Miss Ren said she didn’t like my personality, she said she prefers someone straightforward.”

Joanna looked at her with a knowing smile: “You’re so smart, do you really believe what Ren Xi said?”

Zeng Jiarou shook her head.

Joanna said: “Since Ren Xi has said so, I’ll contact Susan tomorrow. In a few days, when we meet with Zhao Xin, we’ll bring up this issue. Tell Boss Li to definitely invite a few well-known figures from the jewelry and antique world to back us up. Director Chen and Susan both love these things. With them there, it will be easier to talk.”

The two discussed their plan. Joanna talked about her ideas, and Zeng Jiarou listened intently. She didn’t ask questions easily, but once she did, they hit the nail on the head. Afterwards, Joanna sighed and said, “I really think it’s a pity for you to be an actress.”

“Is that so?” Zeng Jiarou smiled gently.

“I’ve managed you for two years, and we’ve talked about private matters no more than ten times. You are different from those loud, boisterous newcomers; you are very measured in how you conduct yourself. Do you know why I was willing to jump to your company?”

Joanna asked the question, and Zeng Jiarou answered by following up: “Why?”

“Because that day you came to our company, sitting on the sofa, no matter which celebrity or director walked past you, you didn’t even glance at them. I felt right then that this girl was destined for great things. It’s a pity I won’t have the energy to manage you anymore.”

Joanna stroked Zeng Jiarou’s long hair. She still remembered that when she first met her, her hair was above her shoulder. Her eyes were big, but not the upward-slanting phoenix eyes; her nose was prominent, but the bridge and wings had flaws. She was also the only one who had no objection to plastic surgery. She didn’t go to South Korea, but to Japan and Thailand, where the cosmetic surgery techniques are more tailored to each person’s inherent characteristics, but the pain is also greater.

“Once your contract issue is resolved, I’ll be going to the United States. Do you have any other questions for me?”

Zeng Jiarou hesitated for a while before finally asking: “I do have one question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Sister Anna, the private feud between Miss Ren and Miss Zhao in the past, is it really what is rumored online—that Miss Zhao slept with Director Wang, so Director Wang replaced Miss Ren?”

Joanna smiled. She waved her hand, signaling Zeng Jiarou to come closer: “Actually, I shouldn’t be telling you these things, but you are the last artist I manage, and I see that you are tight-lipped, so I’ll give you the inside story on this matter. However, I don’t know much either. Listen once and remember it. If nothing happens later, just keep it in your heart and don’t tell anyone. If something does happen—this can also be a tool for you. You are a smart person and should understand what I mean.”

Zeng Jiarou leaned in. Joanna whispered in her ear, recounting the story she had heard from a former classmate. Zeng Jiarou had no reaction at first, but as Joanna continued, her eyes suddenly widened. In her dark pupils, there was undisguised excitement.

The excitement of ambition.

Zhao Xin received a call from Director Chen on Saturday, who said it had been a long time since they last gathered and wanted to have a meal together, and also let the two female leads meet.

This was a private gathering, so only Susan and Zhao Xin from the studio were invited, not even Brother Pi Dan. The venue was an ecological restaurant not far from the studio. Ye Ruoqing had borrowed the studio to practice singing during the day, so Susan asked her to have dinner outside and then drive over to pick them up after the gathering finished.

On the way to the ecological restaurant, Susan told Zhao Xin about the other female lead’s contract issue. She had already met the girl and thought she was good, but while she had a say, she didn’t have the final decision. The dinner today was also meant to let Zhao Xin consider the matter.

Zhao Xin flipped through Zeng Jiarou’s profile but wasn’t particularly interested.

Susan asked: “What do you think?”

Zhao Xin said: “I heard that her agent’s initial intention was Ren Xi’s studio.”

Susan adjusted her glasses: “That’s right, that’s one of the drawbacks. If we take her on, Ren Xi’s press releases will once again have ample material to mock us. The people her studio has recently signed are quite good.”

Zhao Xin asked: “Sister Susan, do you know why Ren Xi didn’t take her? That’s not like Ren Xi’s style.”

Susan looked at her and hesitated to express her inner thoughts: “Perhaps it’s still because she doesn’t want to have any connection with you.”

Zhao Xin shook her head, closed the iPad, and set it aside: “I guess it’s because Ren Xi dislikes her.”

Susan raised an eyebrow: “Dislikes?”

Zhao Xin said: “That’s right, dislikes. I know exactly the kind of person Ren Xi dislikes, because I also dislike them very much. Unfortunately, this Miss Zeng is exactly the type we dislike the most.”

“Reason?”

“No reason, just a pure dislike.”

Zhao Xin is usually very polite and distant towards people she dislikes. From the conversation in the car just now, Susan already understood her meaning—she was not going to accept Zeng Jiarou’s contract either. In the bamboo-surrounded private room, those present today were not just Director Chen, Zeng Jiarou, and her agent, but also a collector of Qipao (cheongsam), an expert on modern history, and an antique dealer.

Everyone present had intricate ties to the film. Zeng Jiarou specially wore a white satin Qipao today, her soft, dark, shiny hair draped to one side, appearing elegant and ladylike.

“Zhao Xin is here, come and sit, sit next to Little Zeng. Little Zeng, pour some tea for Zhao Xin.”

Director Chen and Zhao Xin were old acquaintances, and he had also collaborated with Zhao Xin as a producer before. Zhao Xin walked over, greeted everyone at the table, and sat on Director Chen’s left. To her left was Zeng Jiarou.

“Miss Zhao, hello.”

“Hello.”

Zeng Jiarou wore a jade bracelet. Zhao Xin also liked jade, so she asked about the quality and clarity of the bracelet. Unexpectedly, Zeng Jiarou also knew a bit about jade, and the two managed to strike up a conversation.

Drinks were served first. Director Chen enjoyed fine wine, and usually showed restraint due to work and health reasons. Today, however, because he was having such a pleasant chat with the guests, he decided to relax.

“Does Little Zeng drink?”

Zeng Jiarou nodded: “My alcohol tolerance isn’t great, but I’ll have a few with everyone.”

Director Chen was pleased, snapped his fingers, and told the waiter to open the wine: “Zhao Xin is not good with alcohol either. You two just look out for each other, and I’ll have a few more drinks with my friends. Do you both have someone picking you up later? If not, I’ll order two designated drivers now. It’ll be harder to get one later.”

Zhao Xin said: “My assistant will pick me up later.”

“Little Yuan? Oh, I forgot about that girl from the Zhang family. She’s excellent with computers, and you’ve managed to bring her into your fold too?”

Susan said: “Old Madam Zhang wasn’t comfortable with her granddaughter being abroad, so she placed her with us.”

Director Chen joked: “That’s not right of you. The Zhang girl and Zhao Xin are both at the age for dating. You shouldn’t have them living together every day without encouraging them to go out and socialize. You’re cutting off their chances for romance.”

Susan said: “Not Little Yuan. It’s a new girl we hired at the studio. Her last name is Ye, named Ye Ruoqing. She’s tall and very skilled. I assigned her to Zhao Xin to look after her safety.”

“Bang—” A crisp sound rang out. A white porcelain cup rolled off the table. Zeng Jiarou let out an “Ah” and jumped up, moving two steps away. The others at the table, who were chatting happily, frowned at the sudden change and all looked at Zeng Jiarou.

Zeng Jiarou’s white satin Qipao was stained with tea spots. While apologizing, she grabbed a napkin and tried to wipe the liquid off Zhao Xin’s trousers.

Susan immediately looked displeased. Fortunately, Zhao Xin was wearing long pants today. If she had been wearing something shorter, her leg might have been scalded by the tea. In such a setting, what was Zeng Jiarou doing? Her hand slipped even while pouring tea. How would she handle major occasions in the future?

“It’s fine, I’ll go to the restroom. You should deal with your clothes first.”

Zhao Xin blocked Zeng Jiarou’s hand, greeted the people at the table, and got up to go to the restroom. After leaving the private room, she walked a few steps, then suddenly stopped, looking thoughtfully back at the closed door of the private room.