Yin Zishi, a vice president at a major production company, oversaw multiple production teams, handling both acclaimed dramas and trendy web series for online platforms. With his knack for projects, few under his direction failed.
Zoe's manager, Lan, had invited him to this meeting, trusting his keen eye for potential hits. Even after being left waiting for half an hour, Lan's smile remained undimmed as she greeted him warmly, "Mr. Yin, I must congratulate you on the success of Red Lantern; four nominations at the White Magnolia Awards—truly impressive!"
Yin and Lan exchanged a friendly hug.
"Shouldn't I be congratulating you too?" Yin said with a broad smile, glancing at Zoe. "You really know how to pick them. Zoe's only been in the industry a year, and look at her now. Out of all the new talents, she's the one making headlines everywhere, even I've heard of it."
Each year, Chengqian Entertainment signed a batch of new talents, promoting them through various means, though their success varied widely. Some climbed quickly, while others stayed grounded, struggling to make a name for themselves.
Lan kept her hand on Yin's shoulder, her smile deepening. "Luck was on our side with this one. We'd love to have your guidance as we build on her success."
Yin modestly waved a hand. "I only know how to produce projects; managing talents is out of my expertise—that's your area."
Lan chuckled. "Oh, come on! I'm learning as I go. I wouldn't be calling in a favor if I didn't need your help steering our little boat through these early waters."
Yin smiled, glancing at the people behind him. "Lan has a way with words that could make anyone feel indispensable."
"Mr. Yin, please, have a seat," Lan laughed. "You can tease me all you want as long as you don't let me down." She finished with a playful laugh that was clear and vibrant.
Zoe maintained a sweet smile, playing her role as the "pretty face" with perfection. She could follow the back-and-forth exchange somewhat, though the finer points eluded her. Lan was clearly in her element, and Zoe simply listened attentively.
After the small talk, they finally moved on to business. Yin opened his portfolio to discuss some projects in the pipeline.
"There are three projects we're set to start this year. The first is a spy thriller, but the leads have been cast. There's a supporting role for a woman, which Zoe could audition for. However, the director, Yang Yan, has a reputation for being strict, so she'd need to meet his standards, and I wouldn't want to push her in without his approval."
"The second is a historical romance mystery. The platform commissioned it after the success of Young Detective of the Six Gates, which had a strong run earlier this year. The script is still in development, but the draft looks promising. If produced well, it could do quite well. The lead and secondary female roles are already taken, but there's a third female character that's well-written and could resonate with audiences. You might consider this one."
"The third project is a modern workplace drama with a venture capital background, adapted from a big IP. Ruoxue Wei is interested in the lead role, and if she joins, there'll be stiff competition. Honestly, I can't guarantee Zoe a spot on this project."
With that, Yin spread his hands. "Now, given Zoe's momentum, I'd love to tailor a role specifically for her, but things are hectic with multiple projects underway, and my hands are full."
Zoe was a bit taken aback. Was it her misinterpretation, or was Yin suggesting he had no ideal role for her? The spy thriller director might reject her, the historical drama had two main roles already cast, and the third role was secondary in a web series—not exactly a prime opportunity. As for the workplace drama, Yin seemed unwilling to promise anything, which hinted that he might not be pushing for her involvement.
Zoe glanced at Lan, who was studying the materials Yin had provided. After a moment, Lan looked up, still smiling. "Mr. Yin, we know how busy you are, but Zoe has a natural screen presence and strong appeal with audiences. She just needs that one chance."
Yin tapped his finger on the table. "These three projects offer opportunities, but you know how the industry works—sometimes, the leads have more sway than the producers. I can promise her a shot at an audition, but beyond that, my hands are tied."
...
Later that afternoon, Lan and Zoe grabbed lunch nearby, eating in silence as they browsed their phones.
The meeting had not gone as smoothly as Lan had anticipated. Yin's offers fell short of what she had hoped, and she felt frustrated that she'd exposed Zoe to such setbacks firsthand. She blamed herself as a manager.
"Don't worry," Lan reassured Zoe, sensing her disappointment. "With your momentum right now, the company will definitely find you a project."
Zoe nodded, offering a gentle smile. "Of course."
Despite the setback, Zoe kept her frustrations to herself. Her next job wouldn't wait, and that afternoon, she headed straight to a photoshoot booked a month ago with a Hong Kong fashion magazine. Though the pay wasn't high, the opportunity to network within the fashion industry was valuable.
The shoot stretched into the evening, and as the photographer finally called it a wrap, Zoe relaxed, rubbing her face as she stepped forward.
Lan approached her, accompanied by an older woman with silver hair and an air of sophistication. The moment Zoe saw Lan's eager smile, she knew this woman was someone of importance.