Li Guoxian had average looks and build, but he was sharp-tongued. However, his heart was fairly decent. Considering his mediocre physical attributes and still being selected, it seemed likely that his singing talents and other skills were quite remarkable. Zhao Shaowen had a rugged appearance and a robust physique, but his temperament was almost the opposite of Zhang Weixiong. Chen Qiang was sunny, handsome, affable, and had great social skills. Xu Dong was cultured and composed, yet his words were often sharp or startling. Tang Baoru had a delicate appearance, reflecting her bright and open personality, as indicated by her short hair. Lian Junying had long, sweet hair and a relatively quiet demeanor.
This was Chen Jin's first impression upon meeting these six individuals. As for their true natures, he couldn't judge at first glance. Regardless, their first meeting was harmonious, which pleased Chen Jin, who was used to seeing scheming and rivalry in this circle.
After hanging around outside for about ten minutes and not seeing anyone else arrive, they went together to the guardhouse to register. Everyone finally saw Chen Jin's "immunity card," and they passed it around, marveling at it.
When it was Zhang Weixiong's turn, who wanted to sneak in, he lacked a promotion card and an immunity card. The guard stopped him. Zhang Weixiong, with a brazen face, said, "Brother, I am the agent of this guy with the immunity card, and I need to go in to help him." However, the guard, with a face full of flesh, laughed, "Young man, even if you're his agent or his biological father, it won't work. Our rules here are strict: only established stars can bring attendants, and these rookies must enter alone. If not, get lost... I've made myself clear."
The crowd chuckled. However, Chen Jin patted Zhang Weixiong on the shoulder, "Go to school, Brother Xiong. When you finish this last half year of your studies and get your agent's license, we can cooperate properly."
Zhang Weixiong smiled awkwardly, then soon regained his confidence, "Understood. You also have to work hard. Don't let me down and waste my effort!"
After Zhang Weixiong left with his backpack, Chen Jin, carrying a guitar and the smallest backpack among them, joined the rest. Women always carry a lot of things when they go out, and the two girls in front of him were no exception. They had many bags. Since someone had helped them earlier, it was troublesome now. Chen Jin walked up to them like a gentleman, "Let me help you with that!"
"Finally, you show some initiative!" Tang Baoru unceremoniously placed the heaviest two backpacks in front of him. She then teased, "Jin, you just want to help Yingying with her luggage, right? Afraid that I would say something, so you included me too."
"My dear Tang, don't be cheeky when you get a good deal..." Chen Jin responded with a smile. Tang Baoru was only nineteen, so that nickname seemed appropriate. He then took the largest suitcase from Lian Junying, who didn't refuse but blushed shyly.
Lian Junying, seeing Chen Jin's hands full and still carrying a guitar, hesitantly offered, "Let me carry the guitar for you. You seem quite inconvenienced." After she handed over her largest suitcase to Chen Jin, she only had two small backpacks and a handbag left, light enough to carry along with the guitar.
Tang Baoru teased, "Look at that, true romantic interest. Do you want me to give you two some space?"
Li Guoxian sighed, "That's the advantage of being handsome. Wherever you go, there are girls who like you. You're never lonely."
Chen Jin, seeing that Li was just being sarcastic, handed Lian Junying's heavy suitcase to him. Li didn't pay much attention at first but screamed when he tried to walk with it, "Wow, it's so heavy! Are you even human?" He then turned to Lian Junying, "Beauty, how did you bring this over?"
Chen Qiang, curious, tried lifting it and only managed with a red face. He looked at Chen Jin in disbelief, "Wow, you're really strong."
Lian Junying, embarrassed, said, "My dad and brother helped me bring it over. I forgot it's full of music books..." She cutely stuck out her tongue, realizing the difficulty if no one had helped. Her eyes held a new light when she looked at Chen Jin.
Tang Baoru also tried lifting it. She had seen Chen Jin easily lift the suitcase as if it were nothing. She couldn't help but pinch his arm curiously, then patted his shoulder, praising, "Not bad, Jin. You're not just good-looking but also useful. A good man indeed!"
Li Guoxian sarcastically added, "Beauty, don't tell me you've fallen for our Jin too. That would be quite a show." Tang Baoru glared at him disapprovingly, "I won't hurt your feelings anymore. Otherwise, you'll even wish for death."
Her words were indirect but venomous, clearly indicating that Li Guoxian was neither attractive nor useful. However, Li couldn't retort, as he had brought it upon himself by being sarcastic. Besides, he was a man; how could he get angry with a girl?
The group walked towards the administration building of Qing Shui Bay TV City. Although there were many stars in the city, they didn't see any celebrities, especially the top ones, as the main photography studios and outdoor scenes were located deeper inside. They had been warned by security not to wander around, so they didn't see many stars, let alone the big names.
Upon reaching the building, a female staff member in her thirties, unattractive and cold-faced, greeted them. She didn't treat Chen Jin and his group as potential future stars. After instructing them to wait in a medium-sized conference room, she left without inquiring about their other needs, displaying a cold attitude. Chen Jin wondered if she had just been dumped by her husband or had an unsatisfying night, as she barely looked at him, despite him being extremely handsome.
The deadline for arrival was 11 a.m., and with their group, there were now 28 people, leaving four more to arrive. The medium-sized conference room could seat about fifty people. With their luggage, it was now quite crowded. Everyone settled in, greeting each other, but not as familiarly as Chen Jin's group had been. After putting down their luggage, the seven of them sat together naturally.
Observing the others, it was clear they were divided into groups, chatting among themselves but cold to others. Even someone as sociable as Chen Qiang refrained from excessive politeness under these circumstances.
Wherever there are people, there are societies. This saying is always true. Having lived longer and experienced more in the entertainment industry, Chen Jin understood this saying's implications better than these youngsters.