Zhao Xiyin almost jumped up, lunged forward and snatched the phone away, "Teacher Zhao, you are a role model for students, how can you be as impure-minded as him! You are not allowed to download it!"
She rushed back to the living room and, without hesitation, unplugged the internet cable.
Zhao Xiyin sent a voice message to Zhou Qishen with murderous intent, "Haven't you watched enough horror movies? Why are you poisoning my dad's mind? You can just stay here and indulge in your computer hard drive and live a life of debauchery."
Zhou Qishen didn't say anything, but replied with a screenshot of a video—"The Complete Collection of Classic Chinese Reference Books: Online Explanation".
Zhao Xiyin was taken aback.
We've been tricked.
When it comes to shamelessness, no one can beat Zhou Qishen. He's a master of counterattacks, using tactics that are both shameless and vulgar. After a long while, he finally sent a message:
"In every moment of my hedonistic lifestyle over the past two years, you have been the leading lady."
——
The next day, Zhao Xiyin returned to the troupe for a meeting. She thought it was just a routine meeting, but when she arrived, she found that the attendees had changed. They were no longer the grassroots staff, but assistant producers, assistant directors, and publicity managers. Zhang Yijie sat in the main seat, smiling warmly and nodding to her.
Zhang Yijie stood up and extended his hand in a very friendly manner, "Xiao Zhao, welcome to the team."
Zhao Xiyin was still confused and did whatever she was told.
As a key participant in the "Nine Thoughts" project, she signed various confidentiality agreements, salary contracts, and authorization letters, and everything was done according to procedure. Zhang Yijie reassured her in a low voice, "President Meng instructed me to personally oversee everything. Don't worry, there are no legal loopholes."
There are probably very few people who can be called the top producer in the industry.
Zhao Xiyin felt both grateful and slightly apprehensive, but the only thing she was certain of was that her dance career had been given a significant and memorable chapter from that moment on, making things different.
After the meeting, Zhang Yijie made a point of keeping her behind and asked her gently and politely, "How are you feeling?"
Zhao Xiyin spoke frankly, "When I first came here, I just wanted to dance. I am indeed a little dazed now, but my original intention remains unchanged."
Having been in the entertainment industry for a long time, he'd seen all sorts of masks – the glitz and glamour, the money and the women. He'd rarely encountered a girl as honest and open as her. He smiled and reminded her, "As long as you're willing, plenty of opportunities are available for you. Whether you sign with a company, want to attend events, or want to step in front of the screen, Xiao Zhao, it's all up to you."
Zhao Xiyin composed herself, lowering her gaze to the tips of her shoes. She placed her hands behind her back, the tips of her shoes gently scraping the marble floor. Then she asked softly, "Brother Jie, forgive my bluntness, but this rule shouldn't just be out of good intentions, right?"
Zhang Yijie did not deny it, and answered frankly: "President Meng is very thoughtful and dedicated. Whether you enter this industry or not, I am entrusted to take good care of you."
Surrounded by the warmth of the heater, a stark contrast to the freezing winter outside, Zhao Xiyin was momentarily distracted, her gaze drifting aimlessly in her eyes. After a long pause, she finally said, "I just want to dance."
Zhang Yijie, tempered by experience, remained calm and composed in any situation. He nodded, still amiable, and said with a smile, "I understand your intentions."
Zhao Xiyin twitched the corners of her mouth, as if she had been relieved.
As he was leaving, Zhang Yijie remembered something else: "Oh right, don't forget to say hello to Su Ying. You'll be working with her quite a bit in the future, so communicate with her in advance and cultivate a good relationship."
Zhao Xiyin smiled broadly, "Okay! Thank you, Brother Jie."
What sounded like a well-intentioned reminder was actually a tactful order, implying that it was her duty to visit Su Ying. Zhao Xiyin understood the deeper meaning. Su Ying was a young dance performer, nearing thirty, who had been a star in the industry for over a decade, her position remaining very stable.
Dai Yunxin was a pioneer of the old school, and Su Ying was the one who took over the baton.
However, there's a slight difference: after the age of thirty-five, Teacher Dai rarely appeared on screen. She founded her own cultural company, undertaking numerous business collaborations and serving as the dance director for several big-budget film and television productions. Su Ying has a studio and also built a performing arts center in the north of the city, where she hosts a weekly performance called "Rainbow Clouds Flying to the Moon." From choreography to set design, she handles everything herself, and tickets sell out in about ten seconds—it's incredibly popular.
She is a talented woman, but also an artist with a fiery temper.
When Zhao Xiyin arrived at the performing arts center, the actors were rehearsing. Dressed in flowing robes, they looked ethereal and graceful. Their movements and choreography were perfectly timed, and even the height of their flowing sleeves was exactly the same.
Zhao Xiyin watched intently, and by the halfway point, she couldn't help but admire Su Ying's skill and aesthetic sense. On the right side of the rehearsal, a young girl, no more than fifteen or sixteen years old, was practicing. She did a split and bent over backwards with fluid movements, but as she leaped to her feet, she suddenly cried out in pain, her back slumping downwards, her face contorted in agony.
"Don't move, just stay in this position." Zhao Xiyin straightened her shoulders and comforted her, "Don't use force, just follow my guidance."
Three inches above the ankle, she gripped it tightly, then gently twisted it three times clockwise. With a sudden pull of her wrist, the little girl's leg was straightened.
"Are you feeling better? Try moving around a little."
The little girl twisted her body, then slowly stood up, holding onto her hand, her face beaming with joy, "It doesn't hurt anymore!"
She looked at Zhao Xiyin. "Are you new here too?"
Zhao Xiyin smiled and nodded, "I guess so."
The little girl stared straight ahead, then suddenly became serious. "Teacher Su!"
Zhao Xiyin turned around and saw Su Ying standing behind her in a plain white dress, looking aloof. She quickly stood up, carrying a basket of mangoes she had bought earlier, and said, "Sister Ying, I've come to visit you today, hoping to learn more from you in the future."
When Zhao Xiyin spoke, her eyes were fixed on her, clear and undisguised. Su Ying had seen so many people who came seeking her out, all of them attentive and witty, but Zhao Xiyin was so straightforward that Su Ying was stunned after she finished speaking.
Su Ying's expression was indifferent, showing no sign of happiness.
Zhao Xiyin held out a mango, saying, "I don't know what you like to eat, but the mangoes are very fresh today, so I..."
Su Ying frowned, took a small step back, and said impatiently, "Take it away."
Zhao Xiyin was stunned for a moment, but Su Ying had already turned around and left on her own.
How embarrassing! Zhao Xiyin puffed out her cheeks, feeling helpless. After leaving the performance hall, she walked around the building as a kind of tour, which made the trip worthwhile.
Zhao Xiyin climbed the steps one by one, finally sitting on a high spot, and began to eat the entire box of ridiculously expensive mangoes.
I'd heard before that Su Ying was beautiful and highly skilled, but had a bad temper. She was aloof in the industry, and rarely followed any celebrities or directors on Weibo. Logically, this didn't seem like the type to have good interpersonal relationships, yet she had a large following, with thousands of comments on her Weibo posts, solidifying her status as a top dancer.
Zhao Xiyin held a mango in each hand, her mouth covered in a sticky, yellowish-orange color. She was a little worried; how could she not be? She knew she would be spending more and more time with Su Ying from now on, so it seemed like she wouldn't have many peaceful days ahead.
——
The headquarters of Fantian Entertainment later in the day.