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Chapter 25
Song JinXing controlled the car speed to overtake when they met a convoy of small cars driving side by side ahead. For a moment, he did not respond as Wu Hanzhi thought on the phone that he had provoked her with these words and finally felt a little better.
Mockingly said: "At first I gave you opportunities by taking you to different business occasions to meet investors and tried my best to pull resources for you. But you were always in a bad mood no matter who came. What, do you really think of yourself as some pristine young lady? Look at how you adhere to your so-called principles, and see what has become of you in the end? You didn't get any resources, but your reputation is still ruined?"
"Out of all the people you could offend, you just had to go and offend the young master of the Song family. I’ve been able to withstand his pressure over the past few years and not terminate my contract with you, and even got you to shoot a few TV shows and variety shows. I’ve been benevolent and righteous to you. Speaking up to this point, let me make it clear, even if you audition for Director Zeng's movie, it’s useless. That young master has put out the word that he is going to invest in Director Zeng’s movie. With his investment, do you think you can get into the crew?”
Was this the situation Zhong Ruanxing had been in for so many years? How could she still live so vibrantly in such an oppressive and abrasive environment?
The roaring sports car finally overtook the slow-moving convoy, and the speed picked up. The green belts on both sides flashed by like arrows, and Song JinXing finally spoke: "Don't make excuses for your incompetence. Failure to handle groundless rumors and resolve workplace sexual harassment is your dereliction of duty. An agent is not a pimp, if you can't do the job well, someone else can come and do it."
Wu Hanzhi did not expect her to still have this attitude after all that was said. She was so angry that her temples throbbed and her voice was a little hoarse: "You mean it's my fault that you’re not successful? You want to fire me? Fine, Zhong Ruanxing, I can no longer manage you. I'll go back to the company and apply for a change of artist right away. Let's see who dares to want an artist like you after I'm gone!"
The other side hung up the phone angrily. Song JinXing continued driving with his eyes fixed ahead.
When they arrived at the set, the audition was nearing its end. Zeng MingSong's films were always very tasteful. Although not as popular as family-friendly blockbusters, the ratings for each of his films were very high. He was good at directing people and often brought out different beauty in artists who were nothing special in other films.
Therefore, many actresses had come to audition today. The female lead was already decided to be a big star. The main auditions today were for several other female roles.
Duan MangYun had already finished her audition. Seeing that the last actress had already gone in, but still no sign of Zhong RuanXing, she couldn't help feeling smug. In a low voice, she said to her agent Miao GaoJun beside her, "It looks like Zhong RuanXing won't make it."
Miao GaoJun was busy dealing with work on his phone. He was not surprised: "Cheng XiTian's new drama is doing well in ratings recently, Wu HanZhi is busy negotiating business for her. Of course she doesn't remember Zhong RuanXing." He glanced at the complacent Duan MangYun and frowned, "How many times have I taught you to restrain your emotions! Look at your gloating face right now. If you keep this up, even going on variety shows will draw criticism. I don't think you should go anymore."
Other than her looks, this artist needed to be taught everything. Miao GaoJun was truly exhausted.
Duan MangYun quickly corrected her posture and restrained her expression. Although not very smart, she was obedient and followed her agent’s directions. This was also why Miao GaoJun was willing to groom her.
Soon, the previous actress who auditioned came out.
The staff looked through the roster and stopped at the only name without a line drawn through it. He looked around and called out, "Zhong RuanXing! Has Zhong RuanXing arrived?" After waiting for a while and was about to cross out the name, someone at the door shouted, "Here! Zhong RuanXing is here! Wait!"
Duan MangYun's heart, which had just settled, tensed up again. She glared viciously at her fellow company artist You XinLe and hissed in a low voice, "Show off! What's it to her!"
You XinLe stood at the door on her tiptoes waving her hand: “RuanXing! Here! Hurry up!”
A slender and tall figure soon appeared before everyone.
Wearing plain black casual clothes with her long hair tied up high behind her head and no makeup on her face, she easily outshined all the other elaborately dressed artists present.
Only now that she had thoroughly torn off her fa?ade did Duan MangYun realize what a clown she had been in the past, standing beside her like a green leaf foil to highlight that red flower!
Beside her, Miao GaoJun couldn't help sighing, "With her looks, it's a shame she's come to this."
Duan MangYun clenched her fists tightly under her sleeves, biting her lips to force herself to keep her head down.
With big strides, Song JinXing walked up to the staff: "Sorry for being late."
The other person glanced at her and compared her to the one inch photo on the roster before waving his hand: "Go on in."
Song JinXing pushed open the door and entered.
The inside was arranged like an interview room with a row of the crew's core members sitting below. He walked to the front and looked down, feeling this perspective was quite refreshing. After all, he used to be the one sitting below before.
His gaze casually swept over those below. The people involuntarily sat up straight, feeling as if this interview room was suddenly filled with oppressive pressure from the moment she walked in.
Director Zeng MingSong picked up the resume for a glance: "Zhong RuanXing, right?"
Song JinXing nodded: "Director."
There were many props on the table on stage. Zeng MingSong said, "Pick a segment yourself and start."
Zeng MingSong’s film this time was a spy war movie. The second female lead Zhong RuanXing was auditioning for was a villain in the film who led military intelligence to kill compatriots. She was a femme fatale with vicious means that struck fear in people.
On the day of the swap, Zhong RuanXing had sent him the script already. Over the past few days, Song JinXing had already memorized the script thoroughly. He always prepared fully for things and never fought a hopeless battle. It was of course impossible to improve his acting skills to consummate levels in just a few days, but playing to his strengths and avoiding weaknesses was something he could do.
The previously cold looking woman on stage suddenly changed her expression.
The kind of dominant imposing manner from someone of high status made the people below, who were already nervous, even more tense. She lowered her head to pick up the prop handgun on the table that was disassembled into different parts. With a few quick and precise assembly motions, it was done in one go. Clack, the handgun was cocked. She held the gun with both hands in standard posture and aimed ahead.
Bang—
The gun muzzle tilted up slightly, just a silent act of firing, but the people below reacted as if they had really been shot. That sharp and cold gaze was like the frozen snows of winter, making people feel as if they had fallen into an ice cellar, unable to move at all.
Song JinXing was already a seasoned veteran when it came to guns. He had used all kinds of models when he was abroad. At that world famous shooting range abroad, the score he shot back then still ranked first, unmatched to this day.
Selecting this segment could be seen as taking shortcuts. Lacking in lines and acting skills could only be compensated by making use of his own strengths.
But seeing Zeng MingSong’s expression, Song JinXing knew he had gambled right.