Actresses

Chapter 36 Exhaustion

Zhao Cai hesitated for a moment and said, "Uh... I'm actually quite grateful for this show. At least it allowed me to earn some living expenses, and the crew even provided meals. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have been able to survive back then."

He kept glancing at Shi Jiahe, as if afraid that he might say something that would offend her.

Shi Jiahe shrugged and smiled. "I understand, we're discussing this from different angles. I'm not even speaking from a professional standpoint, because as an agent, I shouldn't be saying things like this. If every production were perfectly planned before filming, it would be equivalent to no one making films anymore, and the actors would starve, and the same goes for agents."

Of course, she couldn't say everything on her mind, since she wasn't familiar with Zhao Cai yet.

Moreover, Shi Jiahe's concern was that no matter how much Zhao Cai had previously claimed to keep it a secret, she had now revealed everything about her relationship with Wei Ning. Although this was what Shi Jiahe had hoped for, from an outsider's perspective, if Zhao Cai could tell her these things, she could also tell someone else everything about her interactions with Wei Ning in the future. Therefore, she could be kind to this young man, but she couldn't trust him completely. These were two separate issues. Because of their different positions and perspectives, Zhao Cai had no obligation to keep secrets, and she couldn't blame him for anything.

In short, the speech should be brief and to the point, and made to sound respectable.

Zhao Cai, on the other hand, started talking non-stop. "Yes, Professor Shi! That's exactly right! Actually, from the time I started ghostwriting for teachers in school until now, it seems like I've never written a script without problems. I've also heard from my seniors that every project has all sorts of issues because it's not purely a creative endeavor. A novel can just tell a story, but a film or television series needs to be filmed. And it involves a lot of money from investors and a lot of collaborative work from many people. So, although I'm just a worker, I understand that from investment to directors, actors, and every aspect of the production team, very real problems arise, and there are also conflicts between people. Just solving these problems and getting a show made is already quite an achievement. It's just that the audience only sees the final result, and they have no obligation to understand what problems the film and television industry encounters when making a project, because that's none of their business. But as a junior screenwriter, I can see the conflicts and difficulties between many people from my position. So sometimes I think I might just be a webcam with a typing function, not very noticeable, but I've recorded a lot of things. Over time, I've even started to have my own things to say and things to express. That's why I slowly started writing original novels and screenplays."

Shi Jiahe thought to herself, "The kid is young, but he has a strong sense of empathy for all aspects of the industry."

"Based on your observations, what kind of place is a film crew? Or, in general, what kind of industry is the film and television industry?"

"It's often said that a film crew is a microcosm of society, and that's absolutely true. The film and television industry is even more so; it's a collection of the subtle, dark, and hard-to-detect hidden aspects of human nature, all of which are magnified to an infinite degree here."

Shi Jiahe suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu, as if she had said something similar before. She felt a certain appreciation for this young man who had only recently entered the industry; such insight was rare. However, he was still too naive.

"I've wanted to read your script for a while now, and I'm even more eager now. Especially after hearing you tell me about an actress who turned her reputation around through a murder case in the conference room that day, it was quite a novel idea."

"She didn't intend to turn things around. In the process, the details of the production were unintentionally exposed. Each ordinary person filled in the gaps in the audience's perspective by telling what they saw, and that's how the whole story was revealed. It's like a jigsaw puzzle. But I haven't finished organizing it yet because President Ning hasn't contacted me, so I've been focusing on packing my things, finding a place to live, and moving."

Shi Jiahe nodded. "Now that you're already living in my house, don't worry about her anymore. After you're settled, don't rush to find a place to live. Focus on working through the first five episodes of the script. Given your current condition, how long do you expect it to take? Give me a definite timeframe."

Zhao Cai thought for a moment. "How urgent?"

Actually, Shi Jiahe wasn't in a hurry, since no one except Wei Ning was asking about the project's progress. But getting it sooner would be better, because she cared about the script's quality.

"If possible, I hope to see it sooner rather than later."

"Then... give me five days."

It's basically the same as what Wei Ning said back then. It seems that five episodes in five days is really the limit.

Shi Jiahe nodded. "No problem, I'll wait for you."

"If I do chores in the living room, will it bother you, Professor Shi?"

"It doesn't matter. I'm usually either in the bedroom or not at home at all."

After calming Zhaocai down and explaining the location and usage of everything in the bathroom and kitchen, Shi Jiahe returned to her room. She calmed herself and thought about everything that had happened in the past two days, but her heart was still racing, and she couldn't help but repeatedly check WeChat.

He Yuran didn't contact her again that evening. Maybe we should call her?

Shi Jiahe dialed the number via WeChat, but no one answered after four or five tries. She then realized something was wrong. Both professional and emotional worries surfaced instantly. She even started imagining He Yuran lying alone at home, her phone two meters away, unable to call for help.

She'd only thought about it for a second when Shi Jiahe started spitting and shaking her head vigorously. She checked the time; it was already past ten. Ding Yi shouldn't be sleeping this early. But the health of a parent's sleep schedule was unimaginable for an unmarried person, so Shi Jiahe sent a WeChat message to test the waters.

"Sister, how did things go later this afternoon?"

Ding Yi replied readily. "Ah, I don't know anything! The boss didn't tell me anything, and then he just left."

Do you remember exactly what time you left?

"Who knows! When we get busy, we don't even look at the time. The boss often disappears without a trace, and none of us are keeping an eye on her. What's wrong with you two?" Ding asked.

Shi Jiahe stared at the words on the screen for a while, pondering. This matter couldn't be discussed with Ding Yi, nor did it concern him. It was better to avoid trouble. So she chuckled, made a few perfunctory remarks, and didn't pursue the topic further.

It seems there's no way she'll be able to go to bed early this time. Luckily, she hadn't changed her clothes yet; she grabbed her things and went out.

Zhao Cai asked from behind, "Teacher Shi, is there anything I can do for you?"

"You revise your script, and if you're tired, go to bed early."

After Shi Jiahe finished speaking, she went out the door.

Judging from his usual habits, He Yuran doesn't have many other places to go. He's most likely at home. But to confirm this, we should ask a few more people.

Shi Jiahe was walking along the road when she made a phone call to her driver, Xiao Zhao.

"Where are you? Did you use your car today, Ran-jie?"

"I'm sleeping..." Xiao Zhao yawned on the phone. "Where are we going now? I'll get up."

This made Shi Jiahe feel quite embarrassed. All her colleagues had such healthy sleep schedules, but she was the only one who woke up all the sleeping people. So she quickly said, "Go to sleep, go to sleep, it's okay."

After arriving at He Yuran's house, she rang the doorbell for a while, but there was no response. She tried to enter the password as usual, but hey, it showed an incorrect password!

This time, Shi Jiahe dared not act rashly and could only send WeChat messages in a humble manner.

"Ran-jie, where are you? I just finished my business and I'm right outside your door, but I can't get in. If you're still angry, can you at least give me a chance to apologize and explain in person? My only and dearest sister."

She really wanted to explain, but the question was, where should she begin? She needed to know where the problem was, right? Even Hua Tuo, the legendary physician, would need to prescribe the right medicine for the right ailment.

I waited a while longer, but still no news.

This is unbelievable! He's not replying to WeChat messages, and I can't find him anywhere. I asked all my colleagues at the company, but no one knew anything. He wasn't using his car, and he wasn't at home. Where could he have gone? Shi Jiahe was completely baffled.

They've changed the chain password; isn't this a deliberate attempt to guard against me?

In that instant, she suddenly realized.

The most dangerous place is the safest place.

What does "blind spot under the lamp" mean? It means something is right in front of you but you don't notice it. The reason they changed the password is definitely to prevent her from getting in, which means He Yuran is currently at home!

Without a word, Shi Jiahe started hammering at the door while simultaneously making a phone call. She thought, "Even if it annoys me, I'll get you out of here." If all else fails, she'd call a locksmith, but she'd rather not do that unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise, He Yuran would really explode.

The knocking had been going on for a full half hour, and Shi Jiahe's phone battery had dropped from 85% to 20%, almost triggering a warning. But perseverance paid off, and finally, an impatient reply came from inside.

"Stop fucking hitting me!"

Shi Jiahe was secretly pleased to be scolded, but she also became nervous.

But getting angry is a reaction, after all! The most difficult situation is when you really can't find the person. As long as Sister Ran shows her emotions, as long as she vents her anger, there's a chance she can be appeased.

The door opened from the inside.

Shi Jiahe quickly ran inside, forcing a smile as she said, "Sister Ran, I'm so sorry. I went to help Zhao Cai solve his problem during the day, and I didn't expect it to take so long."

"It's okay. Right now, everything is more important, and everyone is more important than me. You're the manager, so you definitely know what priorities are," He Yuran said coldly and sarcastically.

"Sister Ran, I really know I was wrong, but why were you so angry during the day? Please tell me what I did wrong, and I'll improve. I've been too reckless lately, and I'm really sorry."

"You're reckless? You're more meticulous than anyone else. You know better than anyone what you should and shouldn't say in front of me."

Shi Jiahe's heart sank.

This doesn't sound like he's throwing a tantrum; he's probably referring to something specific. But lately, there don't seem to be any unresolved issues, except—

A small worry from before flashed through her mind like lightning.

"Sister, please, just tell me the truth."

"You telling me and me telling you don't have the same effect. If I were to say it, you wouldn't be able to work as an agent anymore."

Shi Jiahe stared at He Yuran, her heartbeat quickening, her breathing becoming increasingly rapid, her chest heaving quickly, and her blinking becoming faster and faster without her realizing it.

She doesn't understand.

That's the feeling. She really doesn't understand, what is it all about this time?

Over the years, in any occasion or context, she has always played the bad cop to fight for the interests of the artists, worked overtime with them on set, and taken meticulous care of them in their daily lives. What hasn't she done? How many grievances has she swallowed? Although this is not a contribution that can be quantified, Shi Jiahe feels that she has a clear conscience and that what she has given is absolutely worthy of the compensation she received from He Yuran.

"Boss, just tell me. If I really made such a serious mistake, you don't need to fire me, I'll resign myself."

He Yuran paused for a while, his face not as dark as before. "When did I say I was going to fire you?"

"If I had to tell you what you just said, I wouldn't be able to work as your agent anymore."

"That's a descriptive device, a descriptive device, understand? Don't you understand rhetoric? Didn't you go to school?"

"I don't understand. Boss, let me report what I did today. I asked around to find out who Zhao Cai was, but then I heard the landlord was selling the house and kicked Zhao Cai out. Wei Ning didn't care about that. I went over to help Zhao Cai pack and move, and then met with the landlord to hand over the house and get her deposit back. Now I've temporarily settled her in my house, and I'm already revising the script. The first five episodes will be ready in five days, and we can watch them. If the script is good enough, I think we can start contacting investors, producers, and platforms."

After calmly finishing her speech, Shi Jiahe suddenly felt sleepy. She glanced at the sofa behind He Yuran and wanted to go over and lie down to sleep.

He Yuran looked at her as if examining her inner self through her appearance, and after a long while, his gaze finally softened.

"The headline for the photo of me and Zhuang Pan said I was ignored. Why didn't you tell me before directly communicating and changing the headline?"

Shi Jiahe looked at He Yuran with some surprise, her lips moved but she didn't say a word.

—Just because of this? My boss, my sister, gave me a whole day of humiliation because of this?