Even though the company had hired a famous acting coach to give her lessons every day, it still did no good.
Left with no other choice, the company could only start looking into a change of direction for Chu Yu.
If acting was a dead end, she could win fans on variety shows with her looks.
After all, Chu Yu's face was her greatest asset.
So lately, with this tense transition underway, Chu Yu's manager hadn't dared let her guard down for even a moment.
Chu Yu finished applying her last layer of sunscreen. "I have to go. I'm heading out now. I can be at the office in fifteen minutes."
"Then hurry. The company has a variety show that would really suit you, and the other artists here all have their eyes on it too. I'll do my best to hold it for you. Watch the time and get over here."
After hanging up, Chu Yu straightened her clothes in front of the mirror, put on a mask and sunglasses, then turned and headed downstairs.
She followed the spiral staircase down to the first-floor living room, where the servants were all busy with their respective cleaning duties.
Chu Yu instinctively looked up, glanced at the tightly shut bedroom door on the second floor, and asked casually, "He didn't come home again yesterday?"
The servant paused, then quickly realized that "he" must mean the young master, Chu Chen.
She hurried to reply, "The young master said yesterday that he was going to a party with his friends, so he didn't come home."
Chu Yu gave a cold snort. Without another word, she turned and walked out without looking back.
Fifteen minutes later, Chu Yu arrived at the office right on time.
Her manager, Zhang Yue, was pacing anxiously in circles in the lobby. The moment she spotted Chu Yu, she rushed over. "My dear lord, you're finally here. Hurry, hurry, hurry! Yu Wei and her artist are in President Meng's office trying to snatch that variety show from you!"
Zhang Yue pulled Chu Yu into the elevator as she explained the situation. It was clearly urgent.
Chu Yu gave her a reassuring look. "I'm well practiced at fighting for work."
In
the entertainment industry,
anyone who worked there had more or less experienced several artists competing over a single opportunity. Naturally, Chu Yu had honed that skill long ago.
Zhang Yue also steadied her breathing a little and began introducing the project to Chu Yu.
"They say this variety show is the first of its kind in the country, with investments from a whole host of business bigwigs and film and television giants. Barring any surprises, it's bound to be this year's smash hit, so you absolutely have to fight for it with every ounce of strength you have."
Just as Chu Yu was about to ask exactly what format the variety show would take, the elevator doors opened with a ding.
With no time to discuss it further, Zhang Yue pulled Chu Yu into a sprint toward President Meng's office.
"President Meng! Our Yu is here. Let's pick up where we left off about that variety show." Zhang Yue, who had looked so tense and serious just moments earlier, now wore an incredibly radiant smile.
The speed of that face change once again earned a silent thumbs-up from Chu Yu.
Sister Zhang, nobody does it like you.
"Zhang Yue, that's hardly fair of you. Our Lanlan hasn't been on a variety show in ages. It would hardly be reasonable not to give us this opportunity." A woman in a business suit also approached with her artist, her manner gentle and poised.
This was Yu Wei, the manager who had always been Zhang Yue's rival.
The artist behind Yu Wei held her head high with great confidence, seemingly certain she could secure this variety show project.
Faced with two parties both coming on strong, President Meng wanted to keep the bowl of water level and treat both sides fairly. He gave an awkward smile and invited them to sit. "Have a seat, everyone. Let's take our time discussing this."
Yu Wei sat on the sofa and continued elegantly, "Our Lanlan just wrapped filming last month as the female lead in a historical idol drama. You know the drama too, President Meng. The director and production team are both good. If Lanlan can appear on this variety show, the buzz from the two shows can boost each other. The results are sure to be very good."
After considering it, President Meng nodded slightly. He then turned toward Zhang Yue and Chu Yu. "And what advantages would you bring to the variety show?"
Without a word, Zhang Yue nudged Chu Yu, meaning: Hurry up and fight for it!
Chu Yu immediately understood. She raised a hand and tossed her wavy hair with a flourish, utterly confident and resolute. "I'm pretty."
Zhang Yue: "..."
President Meng: "..."
Beside them, Yu Wei froze for two seconds before chuckling. "Chu Yu really is as confident as ever."
It was hard to tell whether that was praise or mockery.
Protective as a mother guarding her calf, Zhang Yue spoke up in support. "President Meng, while there certainly is an element of narcissism in what Chu Yu said, we can't ignore the fact that she's beautiful. Her unedited on-set photos have gone viral beyond her usual circles several times. Which other artist at our company can match those share and like counts?"
President Meng gave two light coughs. "Mm, that's true. How about you let me finish explaining the filming format first, and then you can think it over?"
Yu Wei's eyes shifted, and she hurriedly pushed her artist forward. "Don't worry, President Meng. No matter how grueling, exhausting, or bizarre this variety show is, our Lanlan is mentally prepared."
Lanlan nodded cooperatively and gave her assurance as well. "Yes. Farmwork, bungee jumping, diving, haunted houses, deserted-island survival-I can accept any type."
It was clear that they had indeed done a great deal of preparation for this variety show.
President Meng smiled awkwardly. "Actually, this variety show isn't that dangerous, and it isn't tiring either. It just requires you to... have a younger brother."
The office suddenly fell silent.
Chu Yu, who hadn't managed to get a word in: "...?"
Why did this variety show have such a familiar air about it?
Author's note:
Highlighted warning: In the early part of this story, the original novel's female lead will have a protagonist halo, and the bullet comments will remain throughout. If you don't want to read bullet comments, you can leave now, ahead of time. That way, you're happy, I'm happy, and everyone's happy.
Chapter 2
Yu Wei also froze for quite a while before she grasped it. "You mean this is a variety show that requires an older sister and younger brother to participate together?"
President Meng nodded. "Yes."