Early in the morning, the advertising set of Nianguang Group was already under high pressure.
Director Jiang Jianwei had been unusually irritable these past few days, flying into a rage at the slightest inconvenience.
The staff, unless absolutely necessary, tried to avoid him as much as possible.
The assistant director, however, had no choice.
The commercial was about to start filming, but some roles were still undecided.
The current broadcasting platforms and audience habits were vastly different from before.
Therefore, in addition to the regular short commercials, the company also planned to shoot a series of short stories to cater to the users of Cat Paw, making it easier for clips to be shared.
This required a number of actors.
The assistant director cautiously handed a document to Jiang Jianwei and said:
“Director Jiang, here’s the preliminary list of actors. Please take a look.”
“Why are there so many influencers?” Jiang Jianwei frowned after just a glance.
It wasn’t that he looked down on influencers, but many of them could only thrive under the filters of the internet, often sporting stiff, surgically altered faces in real life.
In a drama, they would only drag down the overall quality.
“These were all recommended by the chairman of Cat Paw,” the assistant director said with a troubled expression.
“They have a deep strategic partnership with Yutian Culture and hope we use more of their people.”
“Yutian Culture again!” Jiang Jianwei’s face darkened.
Although Yutian Culture was an MCN company, it had gained considerable fame in the entertainment industry.
The company was well- versed in various operational tactics and had made a name for itself in just a few years, sending many people into the entertainment industry, some of whom had started with borderline content, which was quite eye-opening.
Just as Jiang Jianwei was about to lose his temper, a young girl walked in through the door.
She looked around and stopped a staff member, asking, “Excuse me, is this the set of Nianguang Group?”
The girl was strikingly beautiful, with sparkling, natural eyes.
Jiang Jianwei’s eyes lit up, and he momentarily forgot about his anger with the assistant director.
He pushed past him and quickly approached the girl, greeting her, “Hello, excuse me.”
Shi Pengpeng was a bit puzzled but nodded politely, “Hello, is there something you need?”
Jiang Jianwei smiled slightly, “We’re preparing to shoot a short drama here. I think you have a great look. Would you be interested in acting?”
..?” Shi Pengpeng paused for a moment, then shook her head, “No.”
“Don’t be so quick to refuse. I’m not a scammer,” Jiang Jianwei wasn’t surprised by her reaction and skillfully handed her his business card.
“My name is Jiang Jianwei. You might have seen some of the films I’ve directed……………”
Sure enough, upon hearing his name, her attitude immediately became much warmer, “So you’re Director Jiang! What a coincidence, I was actually looking for you.”
“Oh?” Jiang Jianwei immediately understood.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to enter the entertainment industry; she already had a target in mind and had come straight to a big director.
This was even better.
Ambition was the most important thing in this industry.
Jiang Jianwei nodded immediately, “Alright, then get ready. We’ll have an audition later.”
“Audition for what?” Shi Pengpeng looked confused, “I’m here to perform a ritual.”
Jiang Jianwei:”???”
Not just Jiang Jianwei, but the assistant director and the surrounding staff were all stunned, silently sizing her up.
It was no wonder they were surprised.
Her image was far from that of a master.
Moreover, the opening ceremony rituals of Nianguang have always been considered a lucrative opportunity, not only offering substantial pay but also a chance to expand professional networks within the industry.
It’s no wonder that many vie fiercely for this role, which is usually monopolized by those with connections.
It was quite unexpected for a young girl to be chosen for such a task.
It wasn’t until Shi Pengpeng began the ritual that Jiang Jianwei snapped out of his daze and murmured, “She really is a practitioner.”
His tone was tinged with regret.
The assistant director, who had already gathered some information, leaned in and said, “I heard she was recommended by Director Xue.”
“Director Xue?” Jiang Jianwei was taken aback, “Xue Chengyin?”
He had guessed that the girl had some connections, but he hadn’t expected them to be so formidable.
Given Xue Chengyin’s status at Nianguang, her recommendation was more of a direct appointment.
“That’s right,” the casting director whispered, “It seems Director Xue encountered some trouble recently, and it was Miss Shi who helped resolve it. Director Xue has been singing her praises ever since and personally invited her.”
“Really?” Jiang Jianwei was even more intrigued.
Xue Chengyin had never been particularly interested in feng shui or metaphysics and usually stayed out of such matters.
He had assumed that the girl had some powerful connections that even Xue Chengyin had to respect, but it sounded like she had earned her place through skill?
But then again, considering how beautiful the girl was, if she had connections strong enough to get Xue Chengyin involved, why would she need to engage in such mystical work?
Jiang Jianwei pondered this and decided to talk to her after the ritual, perhaps he could persuade her to change careers.
After all, being in the entertainment industry would surely be more glamorous than being a spiritual medium.
At that moment, Shi Pengpeng began the ceremony.
She changed into formal ritual attire and stood before the altar, chanting incantations and making hand seals.
As her clear, crisp chants filled the air, a talisman on the altar table, marked with cinnabar, glowed faintly and then floated into the air, igniting without fire.
“Well, she does have some skills,” the assistant director remarked, though he didn’t take it too seriously.
The entertainment industry often intersects with the mystical, and those in the field usually have a few tricks up their sleeves.
A gentle breeze swept through, scattering the ashes of the talisman.
Jiang Jianwei felt a sudden clarity of mind, and his previously agitated mood inexplicably calmed.
“Where did that wind come from? It feels so refreshing, my mood has lifted,” the assistant director said.
Jiang Jianwei was momentarily stunned and thoughtfully glanced at the young girl still conducting the ritual.
After the opening ceremony, there was a buffet reception attended by project personnel, confirmed actors, and some investor representatives.
Shi Pengpeng’s entrance into the venue drew many eyes.
Her appearance during the ritual had undoubtedly been too conspicuous, and many had already discreetly learned that she was recommended by Xue Chengyin.
However, she was so young that most people didn’t take her mystical abilities seriously, but that didn’t stop them from eagerly approaching her to network.
Soon, Shi Pengpeng had added several prominent figures on WeChat.
She was well aware of their true intentions, but she didn’t mind.
After all, they were potential clients.
She could take on ritual assignments or even sell them local specialties; either way, it was a win-win.
“Miss Shi, it really is you. I thought I might have mistaken you for someone else?”
Shi Pengpeng looked up at the familiar voice and saw a somewhat familiar man.
After a moment’s thought, she remembered he was Meng Zhen from Yutian Culture.
Previously, when Fu Xi wanted to find influencers for product promotion, Yu Tian Culture had contacted her, and Meng Zhen was the one who received her at the time.
However, after the incident with Xu Qiannian, Shi Pengpeng didn’t have a good impression of Yu Tian, so she only nodded coldly, “Manager Meng, we meet again.”
“I didn’t expect Miss Shi to be involved in the metaphysical world. What a surprise,” Meng Zhen said with great interest.
“Speaking of which, I’ve also done some research in this area. If there’s a chance, perhaps we could discuss it together?”
“Uh,” Shi Pengpeng politely declined, “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“Miss Shi, there’s no need to keep people at arm’s length,” Meng Zhen said with a charming smile.
“To be honest, our company also has accounts related to fortune-telling and feng shui, and the data is quite impressive. With your qualifications, you could easily become a blogger yourself. If you’re willing, you could even sign with our company.”
“I’m not exaggerating when I say that with our company’s resources, we could definitely push you to the top of this field…”
“Manager Meng, isn’t it inappropriate to promote superstition online?” Shi Pengpeng glanced at him disapprovingly and said calmly, “I think media should advocate for scientific values.”
Meng Zhen: “……?”
She spoke so confidently that for a moment, he even doubted whether she was the one who had just performed the ritual.
Yan Jing and Wei Chi arrived at the restaurant together.
As they entered and scanned the room, they immediately noticed Shi Pengpeng standing with Meng Zhen from Yu Tian Culture.
Meng Zhen was staring intently at Shi Pengpeng, a smile playing on his lips, clearly being very attentive.
Yan Jing couldn’t help but frown.
Wei Chi noticed his gaze and followed it, chuckling, “Looks like Miss Shi is quite popular.”
“Hmph,” Yan Jing said with a neutral expression, “I don’t think she feels the same way.”
Wei Chi: “…..”
You understand her so well, huh?
Yan Jing really did understand.
He hadn’t forgotten how Shi Pengpeng’s company’s livestream promotion had almost been sabotaged by Yu Tian.
He immediately picked up a glass of champagne and walked over, just in time to hear Shi Pengpeng firmly reject Meng Zhen’s superstitious suggestions.
She even kindly reminded him, “I’d advise your company to keep a low profile, or you might get banned.”
Yan Jing:”…..”
She was worried unnecessarily.
He chuckled lightly, “Pengpeng is right. Superstition is not acceptable. I’ll remind my team to strengthen video reviews and prevent harmful content from polluting the platform.”
Shi Pengpeng smiled brightly, “Brother, you’re here.”
Meng Zhen: “……!”
Meng Zhen’s expression stiffened, but he quickly forced a smile, “President Yan, what brings you here?”
Yan Jing was usually too busy to attend trivial events like the opening ceremony banquet.
“I’m here to eat,” Yan Jing said succinctly.
Meng Zhen almost believed him.
He glanced at Yan Jing, then at Shi Pengpeng, already forming a hypothesis in his mind.
However, he kept his expression neutral and said with a smile, “President Yan, you’ve misunderstood. I was just discussing potential cooperation with Miss Shi. But it seems I overstepped. With you here, it’s only a matter of time before she thrives on the Cat Paw platform.”
“Manager Meng, why are you starting this again?” Shi Pengpeng frowned, worried that Yan Jing might be misunderstood for abusing his power, so she quickly added,
“Didn’t I already tell you? Yan and I are just ordinary friends, not the kind of relationship you’re imagining.”
Before Meng Zhen could respond, Yan Jing couldn’t help but glance at her, his lips curling downward as he let out a light, displeased snort.
“Right, that’s all there is between us.”
Just as he finished speaking, Shi Pengpeng’s stomach let out a loud growl.
Yan Jing frowned, “Haven’t eaten?”
Shi Pengpeng gave a dry laugh, her eyes innocent.
“I’ve been chatting with Manager Meng this whole time.”
Meng Zhen:”…..”
She’s clearly hinting at him.
Yan Jing momentarily forgot the pretense that they weren’t on good terms and shook his head helplessly.
“What do you want to eat? I’ll go get it for you.”
“Ah, the king crab is gone!” Shi Pengpeng looked at an empty plate not far away, her face filled with sorrow.
“I had my eye on it as soon as I arrived, but I didn’t get a chance to take a bite. My whole day is ruined now…”
Yan Jing’s lips twitched. “Is it really that good?”
“You don’t understand,” Shi Pengpeng emphasized.
“It was prepared in the Typhoon Shelter style golden and crispy. If I could have eaten it, I can’t even imagine how happy and blissful I would have been.”
“Got it.”
Yan Jing was amused by her antics.
“Next time I have time, I’ll take you to a specialty restaurant. You can have it prepared however you want. Stop whining.”
“Really?” Shi Pengpeng’s eyes instantly sparkled.
“Bro, you’re still so good to me.”
Who said this guy was no good?
He’s amazing!
Sticking with him, I can occasionally enjoy some fine treats!
Meng Zhen, standing nearby:”……”
What a pair of “ordinary friends” who aren’t on good terms.
They’re clearly making me part of their little game!
Seeing that neither of them had any intention of continuing the conversation with him, Meng Zhen tactfully walked away.
Although Shi Pengpeng didn’t get to eat the king crab, Yan Jing, with his excellent eyesight, managed to find her a plate of lobster that hadn’t been completely taken yet, slightly soothing her disappointment.
As she happily dug into her meal, Jiang Jianwei suddenly approached, politely greeting the two of them.
Then, looking at Shi Pengpeng, he hesitated before speaking, “Miss Shi, could I have a word with you in private?”
Shi Pengpeng was puzzled, but seeing his serious expression, she realized it must be something important.
She nodded and handed her plate to Yan Jing. “Bro, could you hold this for me?”
“You’re really making yourself at home, huh?” Yan Jing’s expression darkened.
Shi Pengpeng, who was actually worried that her unfinished food might be taken away, saw his displeasure and didn’t push it rather she just said:
“Never mind then…”
“Just leave it here,” Yan Jing gestured for her to put the plate aside.
“I’ll keep an eye on it for you.”
Shi Pengpeng flashed a row of teeth in a grin. “Okay.”
After a moment’s thought, she hooked her finger at him again. “One more thing.”
Yan Jing was confused but leaned in closer.
Shi Pengpeng leaned in as well, lowering her voice mysteriously. “Those strawberry cupcakes seem to be running out. If it’s not too much trouble, could you grab a few more for me?”
She really knows how to push her luck!
Yan Jing closed his eyes briefly and said, “Got it.”