I Rely on My Versatility to Reach the Top of the Entertainment Industry [Ancient Times to Modern] - Chapter 45

Jing Yi glanced at the 2nd dressing room Gu Chen mentioned. “Would you like to come to No. 2 with me first?”

Sheng Xiaguang shook his head in refusal, his expression dark. “I’ve asked my assistant to fetch the key. I want to see who dares to kick me out again today.”

Pretending not to hear when I knocked?

How impressive!

Then we’ll settle this inside!

Jing Yi listened, feeling somewhat concerned.

Sheng Xiaguang’s demeanor suggested he was ready for a fight, and judging by the breathing sounds from Dressing Room No. 1, there were twelve people inside. If a physical confrontation broke out, Sheng Xiaguang would be at a disadvantage.

After a while, Sheng Xiaguang’s assistant came running and opened the door.

The busy crowd inside turned to look at the doorway. The man seated in front of the mirror also turned around, his half-made-up face filled with disdain.

“What’s wrong with you all? I told you to guard the door properly. How could you let them open it so casually?”

Sheng Xiaguang curled his lips into a cold smile and strode toward the man.

Seeing the situation turning sour, the man called out, “What are you all standing around for? He’s trying to hit me! Stop him quickly, or I’ll dock your pay!”

Two bodyguards in black reached out to grab Sheng Xiaguang’s wrists.

Their technique was vicious; if caught, Sheng Xiaguang might not be able to play the xun for the next half month.

Jing Yi’s eyes darkened slightly.

The man in front of the mirror revealed a malicious smile.

Rumors said Sheng Xiaguang had a fiery temper—seems it was true.

He might be over 30, but there were plenty of actors in their 30s still playing male leads in youth idol dramas. Why should a role he had his eye on be taken by this brat? And to make matters worse, he’d have to play the brat’s undercover subordinate? His lover wasn’t willing to help either—just thinking about it made him furious!

If he didn’t put this youngster in his place, how would anyone remember that seniors rule in the entertainment industry?

Most people here were on his side. Sheng Xiaguang had only brought two assistants, had no family backing, and his agency was a record label dabbling in acting. Even if something happened, he had the means to cover it up.

The man’s gaze was sinister as he watched expectantly.

But just as the bodyguards he specially hired were about to seize Sheng Xiaguang’s wrists as planned, the burly bodyguards thudded to the ground, clutching their stomachs and moaning in pain.

The man’s eyes fell on the person now standing in front of Sheng Xiaguang, frowning in confusion: When did this assistant move from the doorway to Sheng Xiaguang’s side?

“In the heat of the moment, I may have struck too hard. My apologies,” Jing Yi said, stepping aside slightly.

“Thank you.”

After expressing his gratitude, Sheng Xiaguang continued toward the man.

The man’s face paled.

He called out again for those around him to stop Sheng Xiaguang, but no one paid him any attention.

Everyone’s gazes held a trace of fear because the bodyguards on the floor were clutching their stomachs, unable to even cry out in pain. These two bodyguards were supposedly martial arts champions or some other formidable experts.

If such people could be taken down with one move, no one here was foolish.

“Zhou Nan, right?” Sheng Xiaguang’s exquisite face wore a nasty expression. “If you lack skill, you should keep a low profile. Did you think bullying me here would exempt you from playing a minor role among minor roles?”

“You picked the wrong person to mess with. The whole world knows I have the worst temper, understand?” Sheng Xiaguang picked up the makeup remover from the table and poured it directly onto Zhou Nan’s face. “Let’s see that ugly mug of yours without makeup. Do you really think you deserve to be the lead?”

Jing Yi frowned slightly.

After emptying the makeup remover, Sheng Xiaguang glanced expressionlessly at Jing Yi. “What, think I went too far?”

Jing Yi shook his head. “He wanted to ruin your hands.”

“Then why are you frowning?”

It was really distracting, Sheng Xiaguang thought.

Jing Yi shook his head again. “You shouldn’t swear.”

“Pfft.” Sheng Xiaguang laughed out loud.

Beside them, Zhou Nan’s face turned green with anger. He stood up and raised his hand to hit Sheng Xiaguang. Sheng Xiaguang grabbed Zhou Nan’s wrist and forcibly pulled him out of his chair. With a release of his grip, Zhou Nan fell to the ground.

Although Zhou Nan was 183 cm tall, he was no match for Sheng Xiaguang, who stood at 188 cm.

His face twisted in rage as he got up and spat out a threat, “Just you wait!”

Sheng Xiaguang paid no attention, merely curling his lips into a cold smile.

Unable to win a fight or intimidate anyone, Zhou Nan could only turn away in resentment and storm out of the dressing room.

The two bodyguards on the floor struggled to their feet, clutching their stomachs, and followed Zhou Nan out, sweating profusely.

The assistants also slipped away, leaving the dressing room quiet.

Jing Yi bid temporary farewell to Sheng Xiaguang and turned to head to Dressing Room 2. The door to Dressing Room 2 was being pounded loudly by Zhou Nan when someone emerged from inside and asked, “Who are you? What do you want?”

Just as Zhou Nan was about to speak, intending to repeat his trick of occupying the dressing room, the person inside caught sight of Jing Yi.

“Mr. Jing, you’re here?” he greeted Jing Yi with a smile. “Our Ji Lin has been waiting for you for a while. Come on in.”

Seeing that Jing Yi was about to enter, Zhou Nan’s assistant quickly stepped aside.

The door slammed shut. Zhou Nan kicked his female assistant and yelled, “Useless fools! You’re all fired after today!”

The assistants lowered their heads, inwardly cursing Zhou Nan.

To outsiders, he acted like a gentleman, but behind the scenes, he was involved in all sorts of shady dealings—and he had powerful backing. They truly hoped Zhou Nan would cross paths with someone ruthless and get what he deserved soon!

Zhou Nan continued to curse and complain. Seeing everyone bowing their heads and taking his abuse, he found it boring and went to the restroom to make a phone call.

Inside the dressing room, Jing Yi was about to enter the fitting room to change when his phone rang.

“Are you in the dressing room?” Lu Yuzhi’s voice came through the phone. “I miss you.”

“It hasn’t even been half an hour.” Jing Yi opened the fitting room door with one hand and stepped inside, his tone resigned. “I’m here, just about to change.”

“So you’re about to change.”

There was a strange quality to Lu Yuzhi’s voice that puzzled Jing Yi. Just as he was about to speak again, Lu Yuzhi continued from the other end, “Then go ahead and change. Let’s connect again after work.”

“Okay.” Jing Yi agreed and hung up.

The character he was playing this time usually liked to wear little suits with red bow ties. Outwardly, he appeared well-behaved and cute, but inwardly, he was crazily paranoid.

This was his first time wearing a little suit.

Jing Yi adjusted his bow tie and suit in front of the fitting room mirror, then stepped out.

Ji Lin had just finished his makeup. His dark eyes swept over Jing Yi without any change in expression before returning to the mirror.

He had always been a man of few words, even back in the rainforest.

Jing Yi didn’t say much either, sitting in a chair nearby to wait for the stylist to be free.

The stylist, hired at great expense by the crew, was renowned for her skill in styling Republican-era characters. Before coming, she had briefly researched the main cast and knew they were all top-tier male stars of the new generation.

She had just been marveling at how Ji Lin truly was as taciturn as rumored, and now she couldn’t help but think that Jing Yi was also genuinely well-behaved.

Moreover, Jing Yi really hadn’t brought any assistants at all.

Recalling the death spiral of a certain male celebrity on Weibo, the stylist found it somewhat amusing. The person clearly had no intention of joining any company, so why were some people so eager to self-destruct?

Ji Lin’s makeup was soon finished.

Jing Yi took a seat in the chair.

The stylist marveled at Jing Yi’s skin condition and began applying foundation and eye makeup.

Given the character design, Jing Yi’s eyes needed a bit more detail to make them appear rounder and more innocent. Although his facial structure was flawless, some highlights and shadows were still necessary to ensure it looked seamless on camera.

Today’s main events were the opening ceremony and promotional photoshoot.

Right after the opening ceremony, someone immediately came to discuss the positioning for the photos and which scenes would be shot.

The leads were Sheng Xiaguang and Zhao Mengyu, who had the most photos. As the second male lead, Jing Yi also had many shots, with several later ones requiring a contrasting style.

Ji Lin had fewer photos, while Zhou Nan’s role was even smaller, so he only needed one promotional photo.

But Zhou Nan stubbornly refused to leave, insisting on taking several more solo shots, claiming he was worried the photos might not turn out well.

His reasons were valid, so the photographer couldn’t say much.

By the afternoon, the crew began filming the first scene.

Even if the leads had no scenes, they were required to stay on set and follow the shoot.

Jing Yi fetched his bag and found a spot nearby to read.

Just as he was engrossed in his book, Zhou Nan approached.

“I wondered who could take down my bodyguards—turns out it was you, Xiao Yi,” Zhou Nan said with a beaming smile as he sat beside Jing Yi. Glancing at the book in Jing Yi’s hand, he spoke as if they were old friends. “Yuzhi and I are very close. He often mentions you.”

Hearing Zhou Nan mention Lu Yuzhi, Jing Yi blinked.

Enhanced by his makeup, his expression appeared even more innocent.

A flicker of admiration crossed Zhou Nan’s eyes, followed by an understanding smile. “You remind me of my younger self. When I was your age, my skin was just as good.”

“You flatter me,” Jing Yi replied with a light smile, his eyes polite yet distant. “I need to read. Can we talk another time?”

“Reading can wait,” Zhou Nan said, closing Jing Yi’s book. “I’ve already fired those two bodyguards. They went too far—I only wanted them to stop Sheng Xiaguang, but they wouldn’t listen!”

Jing Yi set his book aside without responding.

Zhou Nan continued cheerfully, “Sheng Xiaguang is the same. I just wanted to finish my makeup early and had no idea he was already in there. It was all a misunderstanding.”

“But he didn’t even give me a chance to explain and even splashed makeup remover on me. That stuff is full of chemicals—what if it had damaged my eyes?”

“As a senior, I won’t hold a grudge against a junior. But Xiao Yi, you need to keep your eyes open. Don’t get too close to Sheng Xiaguang, or he might lead you astray. You wouldn’t want Yuzhi to dislike you, would you?”

Jing Yi glanced sideways. “What does this have to do with Yuzhi?”

“Of course, it does. Everyone knows how much the film emperor despises wickedness. He likes you because you’re pure and kind.” Zhou Nan wore an expression of deep familiarity with Lu Yuzhi, then suddenly smiled mysteriously. “Actually, I’m like you—my partner is also a man.”

“Oh,” Jing Yi responded.

Zhou Nan’s smile took on a strange edge, and he lowered his voice. “Are you and Yuzhi… compatible? Do you need me to recommend some lubricants? I know he’s… exceptionally well-endowed.”

Jing Yi was utterly confused and was about to ask when someone called out to him, “Jing Yi, come over here.”

It was Ji Lin.

Jing Yi nodded politely to Zhou Nan, then walked over to Ji Lin with his book.

The spot Ji Lin’s agent had found for him to rest was shaded from the sun, and he had even insisted Ji Lin wear sunglasses.

So, Ji Lin was now sitting in a chair, looking as if he were on vacation.

“Don’t mind him,” Ji Lin said in a cool, even tone. “I heard from a senior at the company that he’s not quite right in the head.”

“Oh.” Jing Yi thanked Ji Lin’s agent, who had brought him a stool, and sat down.

Ji Lin’s agent smiled warmly and asked, “Xiao Yi, would you like some water? Did Yuzhi bring you here today?”

“Yes.” Jing Yi found it strange that everyone seemed to bring up Lu Yuzhi in conversation with him, so he asked, “Do you know Yuzhi too?”

“Of course,” the agent replied with a smile. “He used to be an artist under my management. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself—my name is Ma Tianhua.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Ma.” Jing Yi studied Ma Tianhua for a moment, then hesitantly asked, “Then… do you know if Yuzhi has something that’s particularly large in size?”

“Huh?” Ma Tianhua was taken aback for a second before realizing that Zhou Nan must have said something to Jing Yi.

His expression darkened, and he muttered a quiet “tch” in Zhou Nan’s direction before picking up his phone indignantly. “Just wait and see—Zhou Nan is finished.”

Jing Yi was about to ask more when Ji Lin tugged at his sleeve and handed him his phone without expression.

Jing Yi glanced at the screen, and his face instantly flushed bright red, his earlobes turning scarlet as well. He covered his mouth, silently reflecting on how he had been asking too many questions lately and had gotten a bit carried away.

If he had questions, he should find the answers himself. He must never do something like this again.