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Happy New Year!!! <3
Whether being a manager or an idol, everyday is still busy, at least 70% is building relationship with others, while 20% advertising for their fans and the rest, just focus on acting.
Being a manager is very painful, they have to tidied up the star’s mess when they piss off someone, if they don’t clean it properly, it won’t be good if netizen ill-spoken about the star. It is important to frequently examining public relation, public opinion, discussion of salary change in the contract, looking at how people prepare foods, contacting the producers and investors, inquired about competitors’ news and gossip, try to discredit the opponents, taking care of the idol……Since when Xiao Yi follow Luzhou, he started to understand these kind of things.
Surely, the company arranged him to work as Luzhou’s assistant, doesn’t mean wanting him to be his assistant forever. The occupation of assistant could be upgrade to manager, producer, or even joining a secret branch in the company to go fishing for potential artists.
Becoming a manager in the entertainment circle, the manager often tag along with the artist, when the artist rise to fame, they would use their resources to hired assistant, after the assistant get acquainted inside the circle, they will get promoted to manager, then the cycle repeat. Looking at his own future, in general, Xiao Yi is feeling very optimistic.
A person without high ambition like Xiao Yi, after a few days of work, occasionally, he would have a bit of unrealistic fantasy, such as becoming a producer for film and tv drama. When new artist debut, with his help, they will work hard to increase their popularity. When they do, he can call the wind and summon the rain, take 80% of their income.
(T/N: What he mean is to show off his power as their superior and take some of the artist’s income)
Cover the sky with one hand, there is nothing he can’t do. Driving expensive car, living in luxury mansion…..In short to say, speaking a word will cause the stars to fear him. The company will fill with tons of handsome male and beautiful female, the president will be sitting on a mountain of wealth, such a beautiful painting, however, it is important to choose people like Zhang Yiyi or Maggie Cheung….this kind of thing clearly isn’t his turn to worry about.
(T/N: Cover the sky with one hand = hiding the truth)
Before success, you first must ensure your survival.
Xiao Yi is really admired Du Mei, she can figure out Luzhou’s character and induce him to the direction he needed to go.
“Next week, we’ll go to Hengdian.” Du Mei examine the packet in her hand, casually said,
“Today go eat with Xiran, this morning, her manager called repeatedly.”
“Not going.” Luzhou said
“Why? Throwing a tantrum?” Du Mei said.
“Don’t want to go.” Luzhou leaning on he swivel chair, playing on his PSV.
(T/N: Hengdian is China biggest film studio)
Du Mei placed the packet down, looking helpless: “If you had arrived earlier we could arranged for breakfast or lunch, but since you sleep in this late, it can only be arranged in the evening.”
Du Mei was speechless, she looked at Xiao Yi and saw he was sitting on the sofa, and looking at her, she then said: “Xiao Yi, help me go buy some food, also, you can buy whatever you want to eat.”
“Don’t buy anything spicy.” Luzhou raised his head from his game and said to Xiao Yi, “Duck gizzard, thinly cut, with little marinade sauce.”
Xiao Yi make an approval sound, got up and head out. After the door was closed, Du Mei come over and pull the game away from Luzhou, obtain an impatient look from him.
“How is Xiao Yi?” Du Mei said
“Okay.” Luzhou said, “Compared to the previous assistant, he’s better.”
“Be more courteous to him,” Du Mei said, “I planned to nurture him.”
“Him?!” Luzhou thought he just heard a big joke and said, “He doesn’t even wear a tie, already over 20 years old and still look like a graduated student, can’t even speak clearly, how can he become a manager?”
“No matter what,” Du Mei said, “Becoming friend also good, that young man is very steadfast.”
Luzhou perfunctory make a agreeing sound, Du Mei grin and said to Luzhou: “I think you really fond of Xiao Yi, afterall, he is the first assistant who hasn’t been fired on the second day.”
“Am I that hard to get along with? He talk less, work more, of course I wouldn’t fire him.” Luzhou said
Du Mei then said: “Treasure him a little, nowaday, it is hard to find an earnest and impetuous young man like him.”
“I know.” Luzhou put his hand out, want to get his PSV back.
Du Mei said: “You should already know that this tv drama have a high value, you have to be nice to other big stars.You are also a big star, but in front of the director, show some respect, he will like you better.”
“Okay, Okay.”
“Be nice to the new faces, they will feel flattered and have a heartfelt respect toward you. After a short period of time, I will come visit you at the shooting location.”
“Truthfully speaking,” Luzhou said, “I don’t want to accept this drama, I only do it to save you some face and show respect toward director Li.”
Du Mei said: “The price for one episode is 450,000 yuan, I’m not just saying, but there isn’t many people who can earn that much. This year profit of collective shrink greatly, Li Star Company want to you to be the male lead, that’s why they pay the high price. You have to take it serious, don’t look down on them or it be very difficult for me.”
“I know.” Luzhou impatiently said, “Next time, don’t accept these kind of drama.”
Du Mei glance at Luzhou, pulling out a stack of information from the drawer.
“Diversity play the critical part.” Du Mei said, “If you have time, took a look at these.”
Luzhou took the PSV instead of the script, making an agreeing sound and continue on playing his game.
Du Mei: “During and after the shooting, I will prepare a scandal for you and Xiran.”
Luzhou: “Oh.”
Du Mei: “That’s why today, go have dinner with Xiran, she and her manager missed you.”
Luzhou shuddered, Du Mei continue: “Recently, I discussed with Qinghe entertainment, they invited the Hollywood special effects team and invested 177 million, if the other side agree, they want you to be the participate in their movie.”
Luzhou: “How much?”
Xiao Yi standing outside, knocking.
Du Mei said: “Come in.”
After the boy came in, she continue and said: “Four million.”
Xiao Yi: “……”
“That’s all?!” Luzhou unbelievably said.
Xiao Yi: “………………..”
Du Mei: “It been a long time since you acted in a movie, the shooting period isn’t long, less than a month or even only 20 days.”
Luzhou: “Male lead only get pay 4 million?”
Du Mei said: “Male support.”
Luzhou then angrily throw his game and shout: “Play supporting actor?!”
Xiao Yi cast a sympathetic eyes at Du Mei, she still look calmly and said: “Didn’t you know male lead play the plot of the story, while supporting actor receive the loves?”
Luzhou took a deep breath, as if on fire, but couldn’t find anything to put out the fire.
Du Mei said: “Eat first, this hasn’t been decided yet, Qinghe’s director just exaggerated, after I receive the script, I will then request to increase the pay.”
In that afternoon, Luzhou finished his food in thirty-two slurps, breathing with indignation. Du Mei showed him a trailer—-the tv drama that he played the male lead, Xiao Yi has been adore that show.
Du Mei said: “On monday Lin Yao will accompany you, you don’t have to worry about others thing…..Xiao Yi?”
“Ah, here!” Xiao Yi immediately stood up.
“He doesn’t need to come.” Luzhou face was darken, looking at the script grudgingly, without even looking up, he said: “Just tell Lin Yao send a few assistants to accompany me.”
Xiao Yi, from head to toes felt like he is being hated.
Du Mei said: “Go and learn a few things. Take a good care of Luzhou, if there something you don’t understand, feel free to call me. Xiao Yi, remember to remind Luzhou to read over the script this week.”
“Yes.” Xiao Yi nodded.
In the afternoon, Du Mei give him some more advices on a couple of things, mostly about how to treat people with respect. Without saying anything, Luzhou just took Xiao Yi and left.
Today Xiao Yi drove Luzhou’s car, Du Mei guessed that he doesn’t want to meet Xiran, she reminded Xiao Yi to make sure Luzhou go to the meeting no matter what.
Evening, 5:30
The speed of cars on the street are like snail crawling, sky turned yellowish gray, Xiao Yi know that Luzhou just got his tail stepped on and isn’t in a good mood. He was being despised at and feel a bit low, wanting to resolve this conflict, thinking for a moment, he finally said: “Do you want to surf Taobao when arrived at the shooting location?”
(T/N: The meaning of just got his tail stepped on is that he someone upset him and he can’t do anything about it)
“Filming take place on the mountain, how can there is signal!” Luzhou shouted at him.
Xiao Yi. “…….”
Xiao Yi internally thought, isn’t I only want to make you feel better! Don’t you like going on Taobao! What the heck! If it isn’t for the signature, I wouldn’t lower myself and serve you like this!!!
“We can surf Taobao if we leave the mountain.” Xiao Yi said, “How about bringing something to entertain? A book to read?”
Luzhou impatiently said, “If not filming, the director then want to talk about acting, can’t even go anywhere! Cell Phone was forbidden! If I were putted in jail, you have to stay beside me. Go and see, don’t cry and begs to go home!”
It isn’t military training, is not that terrifying right?—–Xiao Yi thinking to himself, he couldn’t help but feel flatter, ‘he doesn’t want me to go because he doesn’t want me to suffer? Luzhou is actually treating me nicely’
“Let’s go.” After getting off the car, Luzhou look at Xiao Yi questionably.
“Zhou….Brother Zhou, are you going to dine with sister Xiran?” Xiao Yi stood by the car and said, “Do I need to follow?”
Luzhou didn’t said anything, impatiently head in, Xiao Yi then hurriedly follow him. In the restaurant, Luzhou took a deep breathe and dial a number. The atmosphere in this place is very elegant, on the second floor, there is only one occupied table, consist of a man and a woman.
“Xiran,” Luzhou smiled.
Xiao Yi: “……..”
“Sorry, I’m late,” Luzhou said.
Zhang Xiran smiled, sitting lazily, playing around on her phone. Next to her is a middle sized man, clasp his hand together and acting all sweet and innocent: “Oh, you finally arrived!…and this person is….”
“My assistant,” Luzhou said.
“My name is Xiao Yi,” Xiao Yi immediately introduced himself.
“Come, come, you and I will get to know each other,” the middle sized man softly said, “You guys take your time and talk, ok?”
“Uhm.” Zhang Xiran rolled her eyes, didn’t even look at Luzhou.
“How come you’re late?” Zhang Xiran said.
Luzhou smiled and reply: “Traffic jam.”
Zhang Xiran’s face is clearly not good, Luzhou then softly say: “Did you order? What do you feel like eating?”
“Anything.” Zhang Xiran said, “Today I just finished filming an advertisement, I’m really tired, hurry up and order so I could go home and sleep.”
“What’s happened?” Luzhou turned the page on the menu, “Someone bullied you?”
“No—-” Zhang Xiran look bored and said, “hurry up and order.”
Xiao Yi and Zhang Xiran’s manager settle down in another table, her manager called Qi Quan, his body trembled whenever his laugh.
“Our Xiran is….”
“Pretty,” Xiao Yi praise, “look exactly like on television.”
Qi Quan said: “Oh, right now she isn’t at the top of the peak, let’s me tell you, if she took a good rest, her skin will become even softer, even look good without makeup!….However, these day her schedule is very tight, everyday she have to stay up late, …..What’s about your Zhou Zhou? How is he?”
“He…Next week we have to go to Hengdian.” Before he came, Xiao Yi was reminded by Du Mei not only once, if he happen to meet Zhang Xiran’s manager, he can’t be surprise, he have to choose his words carefully. He have to frequently compliment how pretty his artist is, Mr. Qi love to blabber, always agree with him and nothing will go wrong.
Qi Quan wrap his hand on the spoon in the orchid handstyle and start mixing his milk tea, elegantly crossed his leg and said: “I know that drama, Iron Horse glacial dream, talking about Liao Taizu, in the drama with ancient costume, of course it would be monumental ~ if it isn’t because of the European drama, our Xiran would want to accept the role.”
“Yes.” Xiao Yi said, “President Du said that actor/actress who could film in a oversea movie is really amazing, this year sister Xiran’s movie will surely sold extremely well in box office.”
“Yeah.” Qi Quan added, “sometimes it is hard to say, like the last film, it seriously lose money, the movie was horrible, luckily, our Xiran is capable enough to save the box office.”
Xiao Yi feels like he being trampled by alpaca in the prairie, violently running thousands miles per hour. Qi Quan then familiarly said: “Xiao Yi, you look quite handsome, are you interested in joining the entertainment world?”
(T/N: It is said that Alpaca do troll, therefore what Xiao Yi feel is that Qi Quan is currently trolling him)
Xiao Yi was surprise, is this a joke? Definitely a joke, Xiao Yi immediately reply with a smile: “My male god is brother Lu, I’m satisfied with just following behind him. Beside, I may look handsome, but other areas is insufficient.”
In his heart, Xiao Yi really think that.
If talking about appearance, Zhang Xiran is very beautiful, but her beauty is entirely different from a normal person. Like Luzhou, he doesn’t need to do anything, simply sat there, people could see the handsome air around him, letting people know that he is a star.
Before he decide to create music, Xiao Yi understand a bit about the being a singer, various entertainment provide a whole package. Personality trait is not innate, but acquired through training and result that seek through a series of hard work.
“Acting skill or personality could be all acquired through the a set of training.” Qi Quan shaking his leg and said: “Your voice is very pleasant to the ear, being a singer is good, do you watch the recent hit program?”
“<To see who cried more miserably> right?” Xiao Yi asked.
(T/N: Not a real show. It would be cruel lol)
“Yes.” Qi Quan replied, “It is <To see who cried more miserably>, paid money and you could participate, however, if one can’t fulfill the condition, one can’t passed.”
After finish his speech, Qi Quan send Xiao Yi a flirtatious look.
Xiao Yi suddenly feel a deathly cold air behind him.
On the table next to them, Luzhou completely transformed, gentle to the point Xiao Yi feel unfamiliar with him. Amiable, like the spring breeze blowing, wearing a suit, with neat short hair, eyes is firm and resolute, beautiful hand holding a cup of water, an expensive watch wrap around his fair wrist, like walking out of a idol drama, making people heartthrob.
Luzhou obviously is a lots more gentle and polite than usual.
Zhang Xiran only take a little bite, then lazily lean against her seat, looking indifferently at her phone.
“The fans on Tianya.cn is gossiping about you.” Zhang Xiran said, “Your fans is really cruel, everyday stepping on others to superiority.”
(T/N: Tianya.cn is internet forum, people discuss about news, gossip, fight between fandom and so on)
“I can’t do anything about it, one fan could be compared to 10 anti, haiz.” Luzhou regretfully said, “I frequently get headache because of them, they didn’t commented about you right?”
“Even if they said something, I can only endured it.” Zhang Xiran indifferently said.
Luzhou: “……..” Silent for awhile and then said, “Xiran ah, I’m going to Hengdian, are you going to come visit me?”
Zhang Xiran put on a fake smile, without looking directly at Luzhou and said: “I’m not promising anything, we’ll see how the situation goes.”
Luzhou apparently had almost lost all of his patience, took in a endured breath then stood up and smiled, “It is late, I’ll take you home?”
Zhang Xiran seem like finally complete the task, took a deep breath and got up. Luzhou took Zhang Xiran’s coat, helping her putting it on. Zhang Xiran wrap herself with a fur coat, walking into the garage, then Qi Quan suddenly got a call and said: “Honey, I have to go first, director Huang said he need to discuss something with me.”
“What about me?!” Zhang Xiran said
“I’ll send you back.” Luzhou said, “Hey, driver.”
Zhang Xiran unwillingly entered Luzhou’s car, from the garage, a scream that would shatter glass was let out, frightening Xiao Yi, making him think about a murder is happening. Luzhou then said: “Hurry up and drive! Go! What are you waiting for! Are you retarded! (roared).”
“What are you yelling at him for!” Zhang Xiran said, “Who do you want to attract by yelling!”
“No, no.” Luzhou accidently revealed his true colors and immediately re-approach his gentle image and said: “We are good friends…this…this is…”
“My name is Xiao Yi,” Xiao Yi immediately said, helping Luzhou out.
“Ah ah, he and I always this close.”
“Yes, yes.” Xiao Yi explained, “We are often quarrel, right, brother Zhou? Ha ha ha.”
Luzhou darkened complexion instantly converted into a smile and then laughed.
“Hurry,” Luzhou teasingly said, “If the fans catch up, it will be hard to leave.”
“Luzhou, Luzhou-!”
“Luzhou ah-!”
The screams is chasing over, Xiao Yi drove away quickly. Two teenager holding up a sign, apparently been squatting in the garage for a long time, rocking their poster and shout toward the car. Xiao Yi turned around to look, he didn’t see their faces, only a sign of chibi Luzhou.
Xiao Yi suddenly feel very sad.
On the way, Zhang Xiran didn’t speak a word, Xiao Yi use the GPS to drive to her house. Driving into the garage, Zhang Xiran’s house is even more luxurious than Luzhou, a three separate story high villa with a swimming pool outside.
“Come in for a drink.” Zhang Xiran said.
The garage fully closed, Xiao Yi doesn’t want to get off the car, but didn’t have a choice. He then followed them into Zhang Xiran’s house. Only stand in her kitchen, he was afraid to head into the living room. The maid pour him a cup of water, Xiao Yi then called Qi Quan to inform him that they they safely arrived. In the living room, the familiar voice of Luzhou and the perfunctory voice of Zhang Xiran could be heard.
“President Du said she already finish discussing with Wang Hao.” Luzhou said, “When the time come, they will prepare a small scandal, you don’t have to mind, I’ll be waiting for you to come visit me.”
Zhang Xiran’s chihuahua start barking at Luzhou, showing it bare teeth, obviously hate him.
“Hey, Xiao Ling.” Luzhou smiled and patted her head, “How have you been?”
Zhang Xiran went to get some wine, Luzhou then suddenly grabbed her from behind and said: “Honey, do you miss me?”
“What are you doing!” Zhang Xiran impatiently roar, “Get away!”
Luzhou hold her tightly and said: “Why is your temper so big?”
Chihuahua then jumped from the couch to the coffee table, barking toward Luzhou, even Xiao Yi can’t even stand it. Xiao Yi wave his hand at the Chihuahua, wanting to lure it over, however, the chihuahua doesn’t even spare him a glance.
Zhang Xiran pushed Luzhou away and said: “In the end, what you you want? Hugging? There is no media in this place, who are you acting for! Lu Fa Cai!”
(T/N: I leave the last 2 words like that because I can’t find the right words for them in english.
Lu is the Lu in Luzhou and adding Fa Cai mean he is someone who do anything for money.)
Xiao Yi almost spit out the water, Luzhou said: “Don’t be like that, I’m taking my busy time off to accompany you….”
“It’s better if you have not come.” Zhang Xiran said, “The longer I’m with you, the more I get bothered by your fans, why don’t you go find your group of fans who worship you so much!”
“You’re being unfair to me!” Luzhou said, “Whatever the fans do or said had nothing to do with me, or do you want me to paid for what they done? They commented about you on Tianya.cn, president Du already told me, she will use her connection and….”
Zhang Xiran said: “I’m busy to death, who have time to worry about what they said! Why are you talking sweetly for! Faking on Weibo is not enough? What did you said in the interview? Who want to have your baby, take care of the household for you! Accuse me of not having enough money? Are you even a man!”
“You–!” Luzhou said.
*Bark!* the chihuahua angrily growl, rushing over, Luzhou then roared: “Xiao Ling! Stop it!”
“There is a limit to my patience ——ah ah ah!” Luzhou about to warn Zhang Xiran, in a blink of an eye, he let out a scream.
Zhang Xiran then screamed: “You let it go!”
Luzhou shouted: “It bit me! Do you think I don’t dare to hit you!”
“Who are you think you are!” Zhang Xiran said, “You premature ejaculation! You’re impotence! Do your fans even know you’re impotence!”
Xiao Yi: “……………”
Xiao Yi immediately ran over to grab the Chihuahua, the chihuahua got a hot temper.
Zhang Xiran shouted: “You get out of my house!”
“You sl**!” Luzhou turned around, anyway, he already offended Zhang Xiran, he don’t intend to fake it anymore, he angrily roared: “M*********…s** o* * b****….f***…s***! I involved myself with you, already give you some face! Look at yourself, keep fixing your face now you look like an alien! have nothing to say?! You old hag!”
(T/N: I apologize, he cursed a lots)
Xiao Yi: “……………………………”
Luzhou about to break something, Zhang Xiran said: “Do it if you dare! It cost 401,000 yuan!”
Luzhou grip the crystal horse in his hand tightly, take a deep breath and said: “Do you want to continue?”
Zhang Xiran said: “Who want to continue dating you! Ask your assistant, can he even stand you?!”
“F***, don’t even look for me again!” Luzhou shouted, “We’re through!”
“I already didn’t want to find you, you’re the one who said it!” Zhang Xiran said, “If it not to save president Du some face, who would want to ride the carousel with you!”
Luzhou head to the door, stopped, turned around ferociously and said: “Okay, Zhang Xiran, don’t regret it!”
Zhang Xiran said: “Get out!”
While driving, Xiao Yi feel in his whole life, he never encounter anything incredible as this, Zhang Xiran scolded Luzhou, the two fight verbally, make him more shock than when the national soccer team won the world cub and Feng Xiaogang won the Oscar award. Even making him forget about ‘impotence’ and ’premature ejaculation’ can’t be pair together. For example, if someone is ‘impotence’, they can’t ejaculate, let alone ‘premature ejaculation’. If ‘premature ejaculation’, it is not ‘impotence’ —– Unless sometime he is ‘impotence’ and sometime ‘premature ejaculation’…..However, men who have these two issues are very rare……Okay, this isn’t important.
(T/N: Feng Xiaogang borned in 1958, he is a popular film director)
Luzhou’s face is black as charcoal. After returning home, Luzhou kicked the coffee table angrily, causing everything to fall and crashed on the floor.