Chapter 052: Difficulties

In the script, it was described that even after Qin Yao's transformation, her looks could never surpass Zhao Ke's; it was only her aura that stood out as unique. But now that Song Wan had already auditioned and her performance had greatly satisfied Director Zhao, why was he still so insistent?

Gao Xiang pondered for a long time, still unable to grasp the underlying reason. “Could it be that you’re mistaken?”

Song Wan thought for a moment, then shook her head.

Gao Xiang was at a loss, and after a while, she half-jokingly said, “Maybe it’s because you’re too beautiful, so he’s worried he won’t be able to find an actress who can outshine you as Zhao Ke?”

After she said this, both their expressions froze.

Song Wan couldn’t help but laugh and cry, “Could that really be the reason?”

Gao Xiang shrugged. “Who knows?” She wasn’t Director Zhao—how could she guess his thoughts?

—

Though the audition was over, only the female lead had been confirmed; casting for the other roles would take a while, so Song Wan had plenty of free time at the moment.

Gao Xiang currently managed only one artist—Song Wan. If Song Wan was unoccupied, naturally, so was she.

But Gao Xiang was not one to idle away the time; inactivity made her restless. Uncomfortable with having nothing to do, she pulled some strings and landed a magazine cover shoot for Song Wan.

Gao Xiang arrived at Song Wan’s newly assigned company apartment for artists. She cast a commanding look down at Song Wan, who was sprawled on the sofa reading a script, then slapped a magazine onto the table with a crisp “pop.” “You’re coming with me tomorrow to shoot this magazine’s cover.”

“‘Femme Fatale’?” Song Wan brought the magazine closer, her eyes widening instantly.

Gao Xiang found nothing strange about it. “I checked with Director Zhao—the film won’t start shooting until at least March next year. It’s only early February now; there’s still nearly a month to go. I can’t have you doing nothing.”

“But there’s still that variety show...”

“That show’s title has finally been settled,” Gao Xiang said with a faint smile, though her eyes were slightly cold. “But with so many big stars involved, the demands are naturally greater. There’s still a lot of back-and-forth, and it’ll be a few days before there’s any definite news about filming.”

Where people gather, there will always be complications. Even a group of small fry could fight to the death over petty benefits, let alone a bunch of A-listers jockeying for position on the same show: the season’s pay, minimum screen time per episode, number of shots, promotional emphasis, poster placement...

Every little detail was messy and chaotic—there would be endless wrangling.

Song Wan asked curiously, “So why aren’t you there, Sister Gao?”

At that, Gao Xiang arched an eyebrow. “Is it that you don’t trust my methods, or don’t believe in my negotiation skills?”

Song Wan grinned. “How could that be? I’ve always known you’re the best agent in the world—no one can match your skills, Sister Gao.”

Gao Xiang rolled her eyes and squeezed onto the sofa beside her.

Song Wan asked again, “So my contract is the only one that’s been finalized?”

“You’re a small fry—when there are bigger names ahead, who’s going to care about my little requests?” Gao Xiang peeled a tangerine. “Actually, the other contracts are more or less settled, but you know—the bigger the star, the more concerns they have.”

Her words carried a hint of meaning.

Song Wan thought for a moment and guessed it referred to the nation’s favorite MC and the superstar who’d won three international Best Actor awards.

“So it’s just going to drag on like this?” Song Wan hesitated, feeling a bit daunted by the road ahead.

Gao Xiang popped a segment of tangerine into her mouth, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Not at all. It’s not like the production team has a vendetta; everything will be sorted out by the year’s end.”

Though both those stars had impressive status and national popularity, this was, after all, a variety show, not a film.

The production had invested so much manpower and resources—the national MC, who could control the atmosphere and pace of the show, was indispensable. At this point, the Best Actor could actually be replaced, even though he was the only star in the country to have won three such awards.

If you couldn’t get another with three, there were plenty with two. The cast hadn’t been announced yet, and the lineup was already impressive enough.

In the end, it would be the Best Actor who’d have to compromise.

Song Wan had little experience with such matters in this life or the last, so she didn’t understand much. But seeing Gao Xiang’s confidence, she set aside her worries.

“Sister Gao, why did you have me take on ‘Femme Fatale’?” Song Wan frowned, and if one looked closely, she seemed a bit embarrassed.

Gao Xiang patted her on the shoulder. “To be a star, you have to be open-minded.”

Song Wan looked at her steadily. “But...”

“Wasn’t the first lesson in your acting class about freeing your nature? Taking some slightly sexy photos is really not a big deal.” Gao Xiang wasn’t bothered at all. “All the female artists I’ve managed have appeared in this magazine.”

Still, she could understand Song Wan’s concerns. “I know what you’re worried about, but don’t stress—I’m friends with the editor-in-chief. I’ve already spoken to her, and she promised to personally design your look.”

Song Wan breathed a sigh of relief.

Her concerns weren’t groundless—after all, ‘Femme Fatale’ was targeted at men, particularly virile ones, so the standard for the magazine’s cover shoots wasn’t especially high—

As long as the star was sexy enough.

This meant the final photos could be hit or miss; outfits could be either stunning or tasteless, and even the quality of the photography itself was inconsistent.

What worried Song Wan most was that they tailored their approach to the star’s status—

For unknown actresses, the magazine’s photos, while sexy, were vulgar and tasteless, with barely-there clothing, relying solely on skin exposure to boost sales.

But if the actress was famous, they’d be a lot more cautious, and the final pictorials could actually be quite high quality.

Still uneasy, Song Wan asked for reassurance. “Will the editor-in-chief really handle my shoot personally?”

Gao Xiang shot her a look. “Would I ever harm my own artist?”

Song Wan quickly apologized, finally letting go of her anxiety.

—

The next day arrived in a flash. Song Wan skipped breakfast and headed downstairs with Gao Xiang.

Next to the company van, Song Wan spotted a strange young woman waiting. As they approached, the girl greeted them with a bright smile, “Hello, Sister Gao. Hello, Sister Song.”

Song Wan paused. Gao Xiang turned and introduced her, “This is Ya Ya, surname Zhou—just recruited by the company from Cambridge. She’s aiming to become a top agent, so for now, she’ll be learning from you.”

Gao Xiang’s eyes glinted with amusement. “Don’t worry, this girl is trustworthy.”

Song Wan was taken aback and smiled at Zhou Yaya.

Zhou Yaya was momentarily stunned by Song Wan’s extraordinary beauty, unable to react. Gao Xiang, exasperated, gave her a nudge. “Time to go!”

Zhou Yaya snapped back to reality and immediately blushed.

Amused, Song Wan’s smile grew even more radiant, but as her gaze fell on Zhou Yaya’s still-normal ear tips, she paused in surprise.

Hurriedly, Zhou Yaya opened the car door with a click, and Song Wan got into the back seat, still smiling.

Gao Xiang followed her in.

Zhou Yaya closed the door and took the passenger seat.

—

The editor-in-chief of ‘Femme Fatale’ was a fashionable man with a commanding, queenly presence.

No sooner had Song Wan and Gao Xiang entered the studio with a staff member than the man, deep in conversation with someone, turned to glance at Song Wan.

His appraising gaze made Song Wan decidedly uncomfortable, and she couldn’t help but frown.

But in the next instant, he nodded and looked at Gao Xiang. “Beautiful face, great skin, and a sexy figure.” He clapped his hands. “Good, that saves us a lot of time on makeup.”

Gao Xiang replied matter-of-factly, “My artists are always the best.”

He didn’t mind her tone; instead, he nodded at Song Wan. “I already have some ideas. Come with me, I’ll help you pick out some outfits.”

Song Wan glanced at Gao Xiang, and seeing her nod, she followed the editor into the dressing room.

Though Song Wan wasn’t particularly fond of ‘Femme Fatale,’ she couldn’t deny its impressive sales—often topping the charts.

So when she walked in and saw the dazzling array of clothes, she wasn’t the least bit surprised.

This piqued the editor’s interest. He regarded her directly for the first time. “Don’t like it? Almost every woman who enters this room for the first time is overwhelmed. Even starlets who’ve seen similar rooms are amazed.”

Even some high-society ladies.

It was rare for him to see a star like Song Wan, who remained almost expressionless.

She hadn’t expected him to ask, and was momentarily at a loss before replying hesitantly, “I don’t particularly like the clothes in here.”

Though she looked barely twenty, Song Wan’s soul was over thirty—long past the age of chasing after beautiful clothes.

The editor shook his head. “Doesn’t seem like it.”

But he said nothing more, leading Song Wan to a side room. “Gao Xiang said you’re conservative at heart,” he scoffed, his tone grating. “So, any requests? For example, any parts you absolutely won’t show?”

His gaze on Song Wan was so intrusive that she couldn’t help but feel irritated.

She hadn’t expected Gao Xiang to say that, and realized her words had given the editor the wrong impression. If he styled her in a bad mood, it would affect the results, so she decided to explain.

Yet before she could speak, the editor cut in with a biting, sarcastic tone. “I’ve seen plenty like you. Don’t give me that conservative nonsense—if you’re so modest, why become a star? Fashion isn’t for so-called ‘conservative’ people like you.”

Song Wan was nearly infuriated. If he’d said this in front of Gao Xiang, she could have chalked it up to dissatisfaction. But complimenting her one minute and insulting her the next? Was he mad?

She didn’t want to argue before the shoot, but he wouldn’t let it go.

“I saw you in ‘Immortal in the Clouds’—you weren’t so conservative there. Got scars you can’t show? Just tell me.”

His patronizing attitude was truly unpleasant, but mindful of Gao Xiang, she refrained from open conflict. Her eyes flashed coldly as she retorted, “I’d really like to know why I’m not ‘qualified’ for fashion. Hmph, I’d love to introduce you to Kitty one day and see if she shares your views.”

The editor’s eyes narrowed. “Kitty?”

Song Wan gave a dismissive laugh and turned her gaze to a row of clothes, ignoring him.

But that was enough. The name ‘Kitty’ alone was enough to make this man, who had never made much of a splash in the fashion world, tread carefully.