Endless Fall

76 Worried That He Would Not Cherish the Opportunity 2

Zhou Yanshen asked his secretary to send the scripts in. “These are all major productions. No matter which character he plays, he will have a very high chance of making himself known.”

“These are not suitable.”

“Then what kind do you want?”

“Just an ordinary one.” Lin Jiao pushed the scripts back. “He’s still a C-list actor now. These aren’t for him.”

Zhou Yanshen asked his secretary to change again.

While Lin Jiao was reading the new batch of scripts, he slowly lit a cigarette. “These are the worst productions I have. Are you sure you want it?”

“Positive.”

Lin Jiao selected two that she would be interested in watching.

She picked up the glass and took two sips of lemon tea, asking, “What’s the next step?”

“When he chooses a role, we’ll sign the contract.”

“Doesn’t he have to go through an audition?”

“No need.” Zhou Yanshen crossed his legs and puffed out smoke. “I’ll just send him into the production team.”

“That’s too easy for him.”

“Are you afraid he won’t cherish the opportunity?”

“I’m also afraid he’ll get too comfortable.” Lin Jiao did not plan to do what Pei Yilan said, “I think it’s better to test him before giving him a role that he can take on.”

Zhou Yanshen understood her concerns.

He took a photo of the script and sent it to his secretary. “Then I’ll leave two audition slots for him. Whether he can pass or not will depend on him.”

“Alright.” Lin Jiao put down the glass.

After getting a rough understanding of the entertainment industry, she picked up the script and prepared to leave. “Brother Yanshen, don’t tell Uncle.”

“I won’t.” Zhou Yanshen sent her to the elevator. “Be careful on the way. Tell me when you arrive.”

Lin Jiao nodded.

As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, the assistant, who had been waiting for her, ran over.

“Miss, can I add you on WeChat?” She showed Lin Jiao her work pass.

“Why?”

“There is something I have to tell you.”

Lin Jiao looked at her suspiciously. “Who asked you to approach me?”

“A female actor.”

“What is she up to?”

“I’m not sure.” The assistant hurriedly took out her phone, afraid that Lin Jiao would leave. “Add me and I’ll help you ask.”

Lin Jiao was speechless.

She rejected gently, “I’m sorry, I don’t like adding strangers.”

“Then can I leave your photo number?”

“I’m afraid not.”

The assistant caught up with her and nagged in her ear like a bee, “Miss, can you do me this favor? Please.”

“What will happen to you if I don’t?”

“I’ll be reproached.”

Lin Jiao could not bear to see someone getting into trouble because of her.

She read out a string of numbers, thinking that she would decide what to do after the female actor explained her intentions.

“Thank you!” The assistant was so grateful that she wanted to bow to her. “Miss, you’re really kind.”

“You’re welcome.” Lin Jiao smiled faintly.

On the way back, she called Pei Yilan. “I got him a shooting opportunity.”

#

“Jiang Ye, you got a job!” Yang Qifeng walked into the ward and handed the script to him excitedly.

“Two scripts?”

“Yes, you can try both.”

Jiang Ye, who once had a hard time finding even one shooting opportunity, held the script tightly in disbelief. The frustration he felt was gradually replaced by joy.

He flipped to the first page with trembling fingers. When he saw the names of the director and screenwriter, he was puzzled.

“How did you secure this opportunity for me?”

“From a friend.”

“Which friend?”

“You won’t know him even if I tell you.” Yang Qifeng raised his chin at the script. “Hurry up and read it. The audition is next Monday.”

Jiang Ye took out the second script.

He stared at the director’s name and had an answer. “It’s from Pei Yilan, right?”

Yang Qifeng could not bring himself to lie to him.

He put down his briefcase and sat on the sofa. Just as he was about to talk to him about the pros and cons, the script was thrown at him and landed at his feet.

“Did you ask for my opinion?!” Jiang Ye’s hoarse voice was mixed with emotions that even he could not tell.

He questioned Yang Qifeng with bloodshot eyes, “I said I don’t want to use her. Why are you still doing this?”

Yang Qifeng picked up the scripts and patted the dust off it.

He did not care about being shouted at by Jiang Ye and said calmly, “I only asked her for two audition chances. Whether or not you can get selected is not decided yet.”

“So?”

“It’s not a big deal. You are going too far to say we are using her.”

“Not a big deal?” Jiang Ye sneered.

He felt like he was being strangled. It was hard to breathe. “I’m not the one who owes her a favor. Of course you don’t think it’s a big deal.”

“You can return the favor.” Yang Qifeng looked squarely into his eyes. “But if you lose this opportunity, you are done for.”

“It’s not the deadline yet, is it?”

“Will you only compromise when you get slapped in the face by the brutal reality? Jiang Ye, you have no choice.”

These words were like a punch to Jiang Ye’s heart.

He covered his pale face as tears streamed down.

He hated himself for being incompetent and for needing the help of others to get a job.

He also hated himself for not having the gut to just quit.

“She’s coming to see you after work.” Yang Qifeng placed the script by the bed. “Don’t think too much about it. It’s best to let nature take its course.”

Jiang Ye did not respond.

Just like when he was young, he huddled against the wall with his arms clasping around his knees, like an injured puppy silently licking his wounds.

With the last bit of evening glow gone, the entire ward was shrouded in darkness.

Pei Yilan, who came to visit, pushed the door open and entered, bringing him the light he needed and yearned for the most.

She stood by the bed and called out softly, “Jiang Ye?”

“Um.” Lights started to gather up in his dim eyes.

“I thought you were asleep.”

“No.” Hearing the sound of plastic bags being opened, Jiang Ye sat up on the bed.

He looked at the food on the table and felt a lump in his throat. “Why are you so good to me?”