Actresses

Chapter 60 Ticket Booking

Writing a screenplay is not as fast as creating other written works. Even experienced screenwriters, under intense creative conditions, cannot complete a full script in a short period of time.

Producing the first five episodes in five days is an incredible feat for Zhao Cai, given that he already had a draft and was working day and night. It's simply impossible to replicate. Besides, Shi Jiahe hasn't even seen the script for these five episodes yet, and doesn't even know if they need to be adjusted.

Moreover, Zhao Cai absolutely needs to rest for a few days; she can't work like this non-stop, or her health will suffer. They don't even have a backup screenwriter.

Shi Jiahe stared blankly at her phone for a long while.

Separated by just one door, she couldn't even take that step. The things she wanted to do were clearly taking shape, but it felt like opening that door revealed a mountain—how could she possibly cross it?

For a fleeting moment, the thought of giving up here crossed her mind. But reason told her, "Do you even deserve to say such things? You have no right to cry; Zhao Cai hasn't even cried yet."

Upon entering the house, Shi Jiahe glanced into the living room with a mix of relief and unease. Zhao Cai was catching up on sleep on his folding bed. He had probably finally fallen asleep after confirming with Wei Ning that there was no urgent work. So, he shouldn't have been asleep for very long.

Shi Jiahe couldn't bear to wake her, so she tiptoed into the bedroom and called Wei Ning.

"I was about to ask you that too, what did the artists say?"

Shi Jiahe closed her eyes and briefly recounted what had just happened, also conveying Zhuang Pan and Sister Shi's new demands.

"The whole script? That'll take at least two months!" Wei Ning was also a little surprised. "Speaking of which, we were going to talk about the script before, but we didn't expect that we hadn't even had time to have a proper meeting with the screenwriter before the actors started pressuring us. I've sent the screenwriter to bed for now, and I'll talk to her in person tomorrow. Tell Ran-jie to take it easy and stall Zhuang Pan for now."

Shi Jiahe thought to herself, "The screenwriter is in the room next to mine right now, and you have no idea, we were just taking turns exploiting him. Even if I'm a terrible person, I still have to let the child get a good night's sleep."

"However, the good news is that the artist and the agent have reached an agreement, and what they want is the same as what we urgently need right now: a completed script. So I think we can simultaneously move forward with what we need to do next. How is the script progressing on your end? Let me know as well," Shi Jiahe asked, feigning concern.

"I was in meetings at the company during the day and received the script for the latest five episodes, but I didn't have time to read it yet. I've basically finished reading it now, and I'm preparing to digest it again and give the screenwriter my feedback. It's kind of a coincidence, I feel like every point in the story is exactly the same."

Shi Jiahe thought to herself, "Of course it's a coincidence, there are even more coincidences."

However, her change of heart lay in the fact that her previous wariness towards Wei Ning had now transformed into a sense of trust that they were on the same side. Shi Jiahe even suddenly felt that her previous minor worries were completely unnecessary.

But she was already overloaded with information today and didn't want to create any more mental burden, so she decided to keep quiet for the time being.

"So, after you've seen it, what's your initial impression? Does it meet my requirements? Also, what's your platform's perspective?" Shi Jiahe asked.

"There are many areas that need adjustment, but the foundation is already very good. I wouldn't say it's an 8 out of 10, but it's already better than many scripts I've worked on. I think that although it's very difficult for platforms to develop original scripts, there is still a chance, because our advantage is that we've already secured several big-name actors, which is the best endorsement."

"Then let me ask you a question honestly: how confident are you right now about making this happen?"

"Jiahe, I never rely on confidence to do things. Once I'm involved, my determination is always absolute."

"Can this script support your determination?"

Wei Ning paused for a moment.

Shi Jiahe felt those few seconds were incredibly long and difficult. But Wei Ning still gave a resolute answer.

"With you and me, we can definitely do it."

Shi Jiahe couldn't help but take a deep breath. "Okay! With you saying that, I think I can sleep peacefully now."

"Get some sleep. Every day from now on will be a tough battle. It'll be a long one, but the more challenging it is, the more rewarding it will be, right?" Wei Ning's tone couldn't hide his excitement.

Shi Jiahe had already closed her eyes.

Let me wake up from this sleep and become strong again.

She didn't quite remember whether she had said goodnight to Wei Ning or not, so she put her phone aside. This wasn't the first time she'd drifted off to sleep like this lately.

For a normally well-groomed city dweller like Shi Jiahe, she used to at least remove her makeup, wash her face, and change into her pajamas before she could sleep soundly. But after several days in a row, she felt completely drained and couldn't even bother with the details of pre-sleep grooming. Often, she would wake up in the middle of the night and only then remember to wash up again. If she didn't rest for a few days, she feared she wouldn't be able to handle any more new pressure.

Sleep is the best way to compensate for your own health issues.

Just as Shi Jiahe was facing her most pressing life challenges, He Yuran also entered a completely new mental state.

After finally confirming Jiang Fan's actor information through painstaking efforts, He Yuran felt a weight lifted off her shoulders, feeling that she had at least done something to fulfill her promise to her old classmate. At the same time, He Yuran also held a small pep talk with her colleagues in the studio, repeatedly emphasizing that they should treat Jiang Fan's matter as their own.

I just don't know how much of what my colleagues listened to.

He Yuran also learned how to deal with Zhuang Pan. Whenever Zhuang Pan was pressing for the script, she would turn around and lecture her: Don't you know that writing a script takes time? As actors, we need to have the patience to wait for a good script.

After a few times, Zhuang Pan became much more obedient. And when asked about her disagreements with Sister Stone, it seemed that things had eased up through the ups and downs. Zhuang Pan hasn't mentioned her boyfriend recently either, and He Yuran thought to herself, "That makes me more willing to chat with you."

However, even after comforting Zhuang Pan, she herself was anxious. She also had another worry lately: she felt like some kind of special day was approaching, but she couldn't remember anything about it.

He tried to subtly inquire with Shi Jiahe, but Shi Jiahe was also at a loss. Moreover, judging from the conversation, Shi Jiahe had been meeting with Wei Ning every few days to discuss the script, and things should be progressing soon. He Yuran was relatively at ease with these two working together.

I also heard Shi Jiahe mention that the studio will be responsible for signing a formal contract and making payments to the screenwriter. However, since this is Zhaocai's original script, it's still necessary to discuss whether or not to sign a standard commission contract.

He Yuran got a general idea of ​​what was going on, but agreed that Shi Jiahe would make the decision.

Now that Shi Jiahe has something legitimate to devote her energy to, and no one to tolerate her temper all the time, He Yuran begins to wonder what else she can do all day long besides sleeping, shopping, getting facials, and exercising.

She needed a legitimate reason to escape Zhuang Pan's possible visits and pursuit at any time. Thinking of this, a sudden idea struck her.

He Yuran sprang to her feet with a swift movement, her face bare, and went to the company. Her entrance startled everyone.

"Boss, what brings you here?" Ding Yi looked quite surprised.

"What bad things are you doing?" He Yuran asked, frowning.

Actually, she wasn't angry, and these kinds of surprise visits to the company were common, but seeing Ding Yi so flustered was still a rare sight.

Ding Yi clicked his tongue and scratched his head. "Boss, you're here just in time. There's something we're thinking about turning down."

"Oh, what's wrong? What did Jiahe say?"

"Jiahe went to a meeting and hasn't replied to my WeChat message yet."

"Oh, you know the script, right?"

"She didn't say, and I didn't ask."

"Okay, what is it you're talking about?"

Ding Yi hesitated for a moment. "A reporter asked to do an interview with you. We're considering declining, but we're still thinking about what to say."

"An interview? I'm not in my promotional period." He Yuran frowned, but was still a little smug. See, some media friends remember me. "What kind of reporter?"

"A cultural and lifestyle podcast that uses high-quality content to offer insights into contemporary life and issues. The host is a well-known former media professional, a young woman. We're also learning that she seems to have quite a bit of influence in the self-media circle, especially in the podcasting world."

"Why can't you interview me? I'm quite talkative. Jiahe even said I'm quite humorous." He Yuran laughed, quite confidently.

Ding Yi's expression looked even more bitter. The gist of it was, "Sister, you actually believed that? We were just teasing you."

He Yuran waved her hand, offering herself a way out. "Let's not talk about this anymore. Quickly ask Jiang Fan if the business trip dates have been set?"

He Yuran had his own reasons for sending Ding Yi to make the contact.

Because Jiang Fan hasn't had a team for too long, it would be very awkward if everything were still handled between the two artists. Besides, He Yuran didn't want to get involved in details like airfare and accommodation. Having Ding Yi handle things would make Jiang Fan feel fulfilled, as if a dedicated team was serving her.

Moreover, He Yuran, from a perspective that resonates more deeply, understands that it's crucial for Jiang Fan to feel cared for and respected as an artist. This is vital for rebuilding her confidence. Only when Jiang Fan rediscovers the desire for attention and the yearning to showcase her charm that she had as an actress can she enter the film crew in better condition. Otherwise, even if she gets a great role, she might not be able to fully engage and perform well.

The erosion of life is truly terrifying. He Yuran thought to herself. Although actors need a life, they cannot let life erode their true selves.

Ding Yi quickly agreed, "Okay, okay, I'll urge them now."

He Yuran was a little unhappy and said in a subtle tone, "I mentioned her business trip last time. You need to take the initiative. Why are you waiting for me to ask?"

"Okay, okay, boss, I'll book the tickets right away after I find out," Ding Yi said sheepishly. "Then, who's coming along?"

"I'll send you a WeChat message." He Yuran had her own ideas, but she didn't intend to say them publicly in the office.

After saying this, she turned and went into the conference room, closing the door behind her. A moment later, she heard a knock at the door. She looked up and said, "Come in."

The door opened, and a person tiptoed in. It was Ding Yi, with a fawning smile on his face.

"What's wrong?"

"Sister, I just finished a phone call with Teacher Jiang Fan and wanted to let you know."

"What do you mean?" He Yuran thought to herself, "Several days have passed, and if I don't give you a little nudge, you won't take Jiang Fan seriously. Ding Yi, you're an old man, and you haven't handled this very well."

"Teacher Jiang Fan said he's made an appointment with the producer to go there first thing tomorrow morning. I'll book the tickets now. What class should we book? The production company won't reimburse this cost."

"Yes, our company will cover this cost ourselves; it has to be first-class."

"Huh? First class and economy class are quite different." Ding Yi looked a little troubled. "So, does that mean we need to stay in a five-star hotel? That'll cost us a lot of money..."

"Yes, five-star accommodation, and the closest one to where we'll meet. Book a single room for Jiang Fan," He Yuran said decisively. "I wasn't just saying that to you; I'm telling you to do it this way. Jiang Fan will receive the same treatment as me. Also, book two more tickets, one first class for me, and I'll give you the name of the other economy ticket later."

"Is there another one of Jiahe?" Ding asked cautiously.

He Yuran smiled. "I'll tell you later."

"Oh, is that me, boss...? If it's me, I need to talk to my family and make some arrangements for the kids..."

"I told you, I'd tell you later! It wasn't you, don't worry."

"Oh, I understand!" Ding Yi smiled broadly and turned to walk out.