I Rely on My Versatility to Reach the Top of the Entertainment Industry [Ancient Times to Modern] - Chapter 13

The car drove into the film studio and parked in the lot.

Before getting out, Jing Yi scanned the surroundings searching for something.

Lu Yuzhi handed him a bottle of mineral water from the side: “Looking for this?”

“Mm, I hadn’t finished it.” Jing Yi took the water bottle before finally stepping out of the car.

The three of them arrived at the film set one after another, where director Guo Lin was filming a scene with Jiang Wenwen and some extras. After wrapping the shot, Guo Lin noticed Jing Yi and Lu Yuzhi had arrived and said with a smile, “You’re finally here! Go change into your costumes quickly for the character stills and promotional photos.”

Unlike television dramas, web series don’t require such early promotion. It’s enough to generate some buzz and traffic before the premiere. After that, the video platform would naturally advertise the series, with their various affiliated apps following suit.

“Seduce the Monk” was collaborating with Cloud Mist Video, a newly emerged yet dominant video platform backed by a wealthy owner who had purchased numerous classic film rights, rapidly accumulating a fanbase.

As the saying goes, it doesn’t matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice. Similarly, whether it’s a web series or TV drama, what makes it good is its ability to attract viewers.

Guo Lin hadn’t been worried before Lu Yuzhi joined the cast, and with him on board, he was even less concerned.

The backgrounds for the promotional photos were all locations rented by the crew, staying true to the script. Compared to capturing stills during filming, it worked better to have the main actors hold a pose from a scene while photographers shot from multiple angles.

Guo Lin had Shui’er and Xuan Kong go first.

The bold and enchanting Fox Demon in intimate physical contact with a scripture-reciting monk with closed eyes could spark endless imagination among the audience.

The Fox Demon shedding her disguise, laughing with innocent delight while accompanying the busy monk in blue robes, created a serene and beautiful contrast between joy and tranquility.

With a tearful smile, reluctant to leave yet compelled to depart, she reached out to touch the compassionate elder monk’s face, evoking a profound sense of tragic beauty.

Among the numerous photos taken, Jing Yi’s calm and composed demeanor, paired with his delicate features and serene warmth, complemented by his simple monk robes, made every shot—whether smiling or not—resemble a painting.

As Lu Yuzhi watched, tenderness overflowed in his eyes.

When it was time to shoot photos of him as Liao Chen with Jing Yi’s Xuan Kong, the emotion in his gaze remained undiminished, even more fitting the drama’s artistic conception.

The white-robed monk, smiling with all traces of worldly hardship gone from his brow, completely untainted by past attachments, reached out toward the young monk on the ground whose composure had slipped into astonishment. Their intersecting gazes spoke of past entanglements and a fate that had only just begun to unfold.

What is temptation?

It’s a feeling released to its extreme before the audience’s eyes.

The photographer slapped his thigh in excitement, feeling that in this shot, even the halo from the sun overhead contributed perfectly to the play of light and shadow.

After finishing all of Xuan Kong’s photos, it was time for the Tiger Demon and Liao Chen’s shots.

Having already reviewed the main scenes, the photographer was bursting with inspiration and asked Jing Yi to strike a few big cat poses—sitting and lounging.

Seeing Jing Yi didn’t understand, the photographer personally demonstrated, squatting in a classic feline crouch and then shifting into a lounging pose with hands stretched out.

“Understand the essence of the king of beasts? It’s about blending wildness with human form,” the photographer said, eyes gleaming as he looked at Jing Yi. “Your expression in the drama is spot-on; I really love that feel!”

Jing Yi thought for a moment, then gathered his energy and leaped. Light and agile, he climbed onto a thick tree branch.

The photographer, who had been watching Jing Yi, was left utterly stunned.

He turned around and asked Guo Lin, “Are the actors in your crew always this creative? I mentioned wildness, and he just climbed a tree barehanded?”

Guo Lin, feeling quite pleased by the compliment, replied to his friend, “Ahem, that’s naturally because I have a good eye. Our Jing Yi has real skills—didn’t you see how he carried that bucket of water?”

“Hahaha, well done, Old Guo.”

As they spoke, the photographer glanced at the tree and swiftly pressed the shutter.

The young man lying sideways on the branch had a pair of eyes that exuded an air of arrogance, as if looking down upon the world. His arms were naturally crossed in front of him, his lower body kneeling on the ground—both his posture and gaze radiated a wild intensity.

All that was missing were the ears and tail!

The photographer inwardly cheered, snapped a few shots from different angles, and called out to Lu Yuzhi nearby, “Liao Chen, what are you waiting for? Come down and match our Tiger Demon’s expressive eyes.”

And expressive they were—the Tiger Demon was gazing at Liao Chen.

Lu Yuzhi assessed Jing Yi’s reclining angle, positioned himself at a 45-degree angle below and to the left of Jing Yi, and looked up, infusing his eyes with emotion.

—Adoration.

Liao Chen faced the unruly Tiger Demon. Such a gaze, captured in the photo, created a stark contrast in character dynamics.

Inspired, the photographer directed Jing Yi to strike a few more poses and even had Lu Yuzhi pat Jing Yi’s head.

Every subtle movement and expression from the two male actors was brilliant—they were naturals in front of the camera. Lu Yuzhi’s skill came from years of experience, but Jing Yi, a relatively unknown star, performed just as flawlessly!

“Jing Yi, let me have your contact info,” the photographer said eagerly. “I happen to have a public service film in the works that desperately needs a model like you.”

Guo Lin chimed in from the side, “Jing Yi, his public service film is going to be submitted to the national station for a competition. It would really help boost your reputation.”

Lu Yuzhi’s eyes also held encouragement.

But Jing Yi thought of the requirements in his contract and shook his head, about to decline, when Xue An stepped forward, “Here’s Xiao Yi’s phone number, and mine as well. I’m Xiao Yi’s assistant, so please contact me in the future.”

The photographer took the hastily written note and tucked it into his shirt pocket.

“Okay, it’s settled then. I’ll get in touch with you in a while.”

Before Jing Yi could refuse, it had already been decided.

Jing Yi had no choice but to accept, though he felt a vague unease about violating his contract. It clearly stated that, given his established persona, he couldn’t privately accept any public engagements.

Lu Yuzhi noticed the apprehension in Jing Yi’s expression, and the amber hue of his eyes deepened.

He had gathered enough information about Dream Entertainment. He was just waiting for the right moment to release it and deal a heavy blow to the company. Such a promising newcomer in the industry was already rotting from the core.

The agency organized drinking parties, engaged in layers of embezzlement and tax evasion—they truly had no idea how to spell “consequences.”

After finishing the group promotional photos and individual shots, Guo Lin called Jiang Wenwen and Jing Yi over and gave each of them a red envelope.

The amount wasn’t much, but since they had acted out scenes of returning from the dead, it was an industry tradition to ward off bad luck.

“Jing Yi, what are you planning to do next?” Jiang Wenwen asked cheerfully, holding her red envelope. “I know there’s an audition for a youth drama coming up. Do you want to go with me and give it a try?”

“Thank you, but I can’t. I need to go home and review my contract, and then… study and read.”

Relying on the fragmented memories inherited from the original body to understand this world was insufficient; Jing Yi urgently needed to learn.

Apart from requiring Jing Yi to make public appearances and attract negative attention, the company never assigned him any serious work. This worked greatly to his advantage, giving him ample opportunity to use the convenient internet to enrich himself.

“Jing Yi, I’ve sent you Lu Yi’s keeper’s contact information,” Lu Yuzhi approached and joined the conversation. “When you have time, don’t forget to check on Lu Yi.”

“Mm.” Jing Yi thought of the big cat Lu Yi and smiled. “I was just saying I wanted to visit him at the zoo. This works out perfectly.”

Lu Yuzhi curved his lips. “Then take some photos for me at the scene?”

Jing Yi nodded seriously. “I will.”

Before leaving, after discussing with Xue An, Jing Yi used the red envelope money from Guo Lin to order milk tea for all the staff.

Lu Yuzhi hadn’t left yet, so Jing Yi brought a cup over and handed it to him.

It was the classic pearl milk tea.

Lu Yuzhi had never liked such sweet, rich drinks, but watching Jing Yi drink large gulps with evident enjoyment, his dark eyes sparkling with pleasure, he said, “Thank you, I’ll finish it.”

Lu Yuzhi left carrying the milk tea.

Jing Yi and Xue An also returned to the hotel, packed their things, and began the journey back.

The filming city was located in the northern suburbs. Jing Yi’s small studio apartment was an hour’s drive from the company—remote but cheap.

The company had sent Jing Yi to live here alone, using the excuse that the trainee dormitory was full. It was far from ideal, but he had no choice. However, the small space had been kept tidy and organized by the original Jing Yi. After entering, Jing Yi looked around and suddenly felt a sense of coming home.

He placed the original Jing Yi’s memorial tablet next to that of the original Jing Yi’s mother and offered incense in worship.

Just as he finished and was about to use his phone to search for places to buy law books, his phone rang.

“Jing Yi, why haven’t you returned to the company after finishing work? Getting too big for your boots?” Zhao Jie’s voice was full of indignation. “Come quickly. Murong Yi’s new drama needs promotion, and the company has chosen you and Lin You to appear on a program with him.”

This was the company’s usual tactic.

The original body’s work never ended—forever earning meager wages while serving as a foil to Murong Yi on variety shows.

Jing Yi glanced up at the two memorial tablets placed side by side. He thought of the original body’s mother, withering away in the hospital waiting for money to save her life, and the expressions of the higher-ups at Dream Entertainment. A flicker of empathetic anger stirred in his eyes.

“Alright, I’ll be right there.”

In the practice room at Dream Entertainment, Murong Yi was basking in the admiration of everyone around him.

“How does it feel to be the male lead in a youth idol drama? Must be amazing, right? Are there any kissing scenes? The female lead you’re acting with is the new starlet from Zichen Entertainment—she’s really gorgeous!”

“So envious. When will we get roles like this?”

Murong Yi wore a smile as he gave perfunctory replies to his peers surrounding him. “We’re still a group. Once I’m established, the company will naturally allocate resources to you all.”

Of course, he was lying.

In fact, the company was already considering disbanding the Dream Chaser Boys group. After all, they were just ordinary kids with less appealing looks and talent than him. Keeping the group name would only tarnish the reputation of the company’s top star.

No one knew what Murong Yi was really thinking. The boys, all under twenty years old, began fantasizing about the thrilling satisfaction of being heavily promoted by the company.

Just then, the practice room’s glass door was pushed open.

A figure wearing a black baseball cap and a face mask entered everyone’s line of sight.

The group instantly adopted expressions of schadenfreude. Lin You, who was closest to Murong Yi, sneered, “I was wondering who came in. So it’s Jinx Jing? Can’t you see we’re all chatting here? Don’t you know to be quiet when entering?”

“Sorry for interrupting your conversation,” Jing Yi said, turning to the boy who spoke. “But who is Jinx Jing? I’m Jing Yi. I don’t have any brothers, let alone ‘brothers’ plural.”

Meeting Jing Yi’s clear gaze beneath the baseball cap, Lin You frowned in humiliated anger. “You’ve gotten bold after playing the male lead once. How dare you talk back?”

“Exactly! Everyone knows you sold yourself to some rich person for the opportunity. Did you even get yourself a sugar daddy?”

“Maybe we should stop talking, in case he calls his sugar daddy to have us blacklisted.”

“What kind of decent person would be the sugar daddy of someone who traded his ass for a leading role? Probably some pig-headed, pig-faced loser! Hahaha!”

As everyone chimed in with their insults, Murong Yi, who was smiling along, fixed his gaze on the person who laughed first, a flash of malice in his eyes.

After a moment, he shifted his attention to Jing Yi, tilting his chin slightly and speaking in an extremely calm tone. “Jing Yi, your role in ‘Seduce the Monk’ was a monk, wasn’t it? No wonder you need to wear a hat.”

Hearing this, the others also turned their attention to Jing Yi’s baseball cap.

Lin You strode up to Jing Yi and reached for his cap.

Jing Yi sidestepped to avoid it, but several people immediately blocked his escape routes, while someone else pulled down the blinds on the practice room’s glass door.

The once bright and airy practice room instantly became a dim, enclosed space.

“Are you all looking to spar?” Jing Yi asked calmly.

Murong Yi raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Of course. It’s been a while since we last practiced our dance moves together.”