LIGHTNOVELONLINE
Chapter 37
Return to Peach Blossom is a wildly popular rural slow living variety show that has now reached its third season. Most of the new faces that appeared in the first two seasons have become hugely popular, and countless little performers are now competing for a spot on the show. Duan Mangyun was able to stand out from the rest thanks entirely to Miao Gaojun's machinations.
Of course, given her experience level, it's not possible for her to be a regular cast member for the whole season. The show has 16 episodes total, and Duan Mangyun only committed to being a regular for the first 8 episodes. After that, she'll use work as an excuse to leave, and another performer will take over for the last 8 episodes.
Her image aligns perfectly with current aesthetic trends - pure, sweet, and girlish. As long as she performs well, barring any unexpected issues she should be able to increase her popularity ranking by several notches.
The only thing Miao Gaojun is worried about is her brain - she'd better not say anything stupid on the show that could attract criticism. To that end, he specifically found her a tutor to help improve her emotional intelligence and teach her how to conduct herself.
Thinking about how she's about to appear on this major variety show, Duan Mangyun is starting to gain some confidence. Although it doesn't compare to Zhong Ruanxing's endorsement deal, they each have their own advantages. After being repeatedly reminded by Miao Gaojun, she's set aside any other thoughts and is solely focused on preparing.
...
After returning to the office and finalizing the contract, Song Jinxing said to Ren Ting, who was standing anxiously to the side, "Let's go."
In front of Chairman Weng, Ren Ting was quite "arrogant," but in front of her own artist she was like a docile little lamb. "Huh? Where are we going?" she asked.
Song Jinxing glanced at the injury on her face. "The hospital."
Only then did Ren Ting feel the burning pain on her face. Somewhat embarrassed, she said, "I can just treat it myself when I get home."
Song Jinxing didn't say anything, just gave her a look.
Ren Ting immediately responded, "To the hospital! Let's go!"
Song Jinxing drove her to the hospital. To prevent any further issues from Weng Han, they first got her injuries documented, before treating the wounds. The doctor prescribed scar removal medication and instructed her to use it on time. Fortunately, the injuries on her face weren't too deep, so they likely wouldn't leave any scars.
Ren Ting touched her face, feeling somewhat relieved.
She had been too impulsive earlier. As an agent, she needed to think of everything in terms of what was best for Ruan Xing. In the future, she would need to be calmer!
With the contract signed, everything was settled. Ren Ting told Song Jinxing the time and location for the acting lessons, and over the next few days, he attended class on time, listening attentively and integrating the theoretical knowledge from the textbooks.
He was already a top student, able to absorb anything he read. Combined with Zhong Ruanxing's muscle memory for acting already present in this body, he didn't find it very difficult to learn.
Ren Ting finalized the filming schedule for the commercial with the contact person from Song Corporation - it would happen just one week later. Although the timeframe was a bit rushed, Song Corporation's work efficiency was known to be very fast. With Executive Assistant Fu Ling constantly supervising, they didn't dare slack off, and quickly got everything arranged.
One week later, Song Jinxing went to the filming location.
Upon receiving the report, Fu Ling was very satisfied with their speed. His boss had been praising him nonstop recently, so he wanted to make the boss happy too!
He knocked on the door and went in to report: "Boss, Miss Zhong started filming the commercial today."
Zhong Ruanxing was watering the plants. She liked gardening, and would research fertilizers and pruning techniques whenever she had free time. The few potted plants and flowers in her office were lush and vibrant, brightening her mood every day.
A few days ago, Song Jinxing had told her about the endorsement deal, which had truly surprised her.
She certainly understood what a Song Corporation endorsement meant. She wouldn't take the initiative to ask him for anything, but since he voluntarily offered, she wouldn't demurely refuse either, and gracefully accepted.
However, Song Jinxing was so cold and hard. Could he really film a commercial?
Maybe she should go instruct him on set, since this was her first endorsement deal after debuting!
So when Fu Ling saw the boss's face light up with delight as expected, saying, "Let's go observe the filming," he was ready and waiting.
Since it was Song Corporation's photography studio, there was no need to worry about paparazzi.
As the number one fan of this workplace couple, Fu Ling was working hard to create opportunities for his boss and madam boss to spend time together. "I'll go prepare the car right away!" he exclaimed.
Since they were visiting the set, they naturally couldn't show up empty-handed. Zhong Ruanxing had Fu Ling order some afternoon tea and desserts to bring along.
It was impossible to finish shooting two commercials in one day. The schedule for the first day was to shoot publicity photos and posters for the Fenchi SUV.
It was rare for auto companies to choose a female celebrity for a car endorsement, especially for the Fenchi, a brand new SUV model seemingly more suited to business males. Picking a no-name actress to be the face of it - what was the meaning? Were they looking down on the new car their R&D team had developed?
The entire product team had been quite unhappy when they first received the notice. But since it came from upper management, as employees they could only follow orders. Today they were shooting publicity photos for the Fenchi, so the product manager had arrived early to properly supervise this subpar actress and ensure she didn't ruin the image of their new car!
Yet as soon as the product manager saw this so-called subpar female star, he knew upper management had chosen the right person.
Aloof and gorgeous, with a powerful aura, sharp brows and eyes - after she changed into the required ladies' suit and finished styling, she looked just like a formidable female CEO. Standing next to the car, the product manager actually felt that his company's car wasn't good enough for her! Once this commercial launched, wouldn't those businessmen rush to buy it up?
The shoot progressed very smoothly. Apart from some initial stiffness in front of the camera, Song Jinxing quickly got into the groove.
After all, he was a successful business figure who was unfazed in any setting, never revealing even a hint of emotion. Even if he felt uncomfortable with the camera internally, he would never let anyone see it externally.
Naturally, taking photos was far simpler than filming video. Zhong Ruanxing's looks combined with Song Jinxing's aura meant that he only had to stand there for photographers to be unable to resist snapping away. Every shot was stunning and stylish, capturing the hearts of everyone present.
The resulting images barely needed any touch ups - the staff kept praising the results.
Ren Ting stood to the side, pride and satisfaction evident in her posture.
Midway through the shoot, the product manager took a call and his expression suddenly shifted. He briefly announced a break in filming, not even bothering to explain as he hurried off. Shortly after, he respectfully welcomed several people walking in.
Sitting beside her artist, Ren Ting curiously eyed the new arrivals and asked, "Who are they? Such a huge fuss!"
Song Jinxing drank some water. He had anticipated this.
Sure enough, he soon saw his assistant leading several people pushing food carts inside.
The familiar figure following behind, likely wanting to maintain his mysterious, aloof image in public, had his face set in stern lines - until he saw Song Jinxing, and the aloofness melted away as his eyes lit up with flickers of laughter. He smiled at Song Jinxing.
And Song Jinxing smiled back.
Not many people on set had seen Song Jinxing before, but quite a few recognized Executive Assistant Fu Ling. Watching him busy himself pushing food carts, no one could fail to guess the identity of the tall, handsome, and imposing man behind him.
In an instant, the atmosphere in the photography studio grew animated.
The product manager excitedly announced, "Mr. Song is treating everyone to afternoon tea, let's all take a break!"
"Thank you Mr. Song!"
"We're grateful to Mr. Song!"
Everyone was thrilled yet tense, mindful of his fearsome reputation.
But they saw the supposedly unsociable business tycoon head straight for today's female lead, asking gently, "How's the filming going?"