Whether an agent or a celebrity, at least 70% of what they do every day is about networking, 20% is promoting themselves to their fans, and the remaining 10% is actual acting.

Being an agent is tough. They have to clean up the messes that the celebrities make, and if they don't do a good job, they get mocked by netizens as "pig teammates." They have to constantly monitor the public relations team, do publicity, manage public opinion, negotiate salary changes, keep an eye on competitors, and try to tarnish their image. They also have to nurture the artists under their wing. Since Xiao Yi started working with Lu Zhou, he had deeply understood this.

Of course, the company's decision to have him be Lu Zhou's personal assistant didn't mean he would be an assistant forever. The second career stage for an assistant is to become an agent, and the third is to start their own agency, among various other hidden career paths like becoming a producer. To become a successful agent in the industry, agents often start as assistants and then, when their artists become stars, they occasionally use the resources of those artists to bring their own assistants into the circle. Once the assistants establish themselves in the industry, they can advance to become agents. Overall, Xiao Yi was optimistic about his future.

Although without high ambition, Xiao Yi after working for a few days, occasionally had some unrealistic fantasies, such as becoming a talent agent in the film and television industry. He envisioned having dedicated newcomers who have been with him since their debut and could help him achieve his goals. He dreamed of having the power to call the shots, take an 80% cut of their earnings, and live a luxurious life with fancy cars and a mansion. In other words, he dreamed of being a big shot in the industry. But he knew that he was not in a position to make choices like whether to work with Zhang Ziyi or Zhang Man Yu (NT:  Chinese name of Maggie Cheung) just yet.

Before achieving success, one must ensure their own survival. Xiao Yi admired Du Mei for being able to understand Lu Zhou's personality and guide him in the direction she needed him to go.

"We're going to Hengdian next week,” (NT: Hengdian World Studios, one of the largest film studios of the world) Du Mei said casually as she looked through her paperwork. "Why don't you have lunch with Xinran today? Her agent called this morning."

"I don't want to," Lu Zhou replied.

"Why? Did you two have another argument?" Du Mei asked.

"I just don't feel like it," Lu Zhou leaned back in his chair, playing with his PSV (NT: playstation Vita, handheld game console). Du Mei put down the paperwork and looked somewhat helpless. "It would have been better if you had come a bit earlier. We could have arranged for the two of you to have lunch. Sleeping in this late, it can only be arranged for dinner now.”

Du Mei glanced at Xiao Yi as she spoke. Xiao Yi was sitting on the sofa, looking at her with an inquiring gaze. Du Mei said, "Xiao Yi, can you help me order a meal for us, and get whatever you want for yourself."

"Make it not too spicy," Lu Zhou said as he lifted his head from his game console. "And ask them to slice the duck gizzard thin and add some braised sauce."

Xiao Yi nodded and got up to leave. After he closed the door, Du Mei walked over, took Lu Zhou's game console, and Lu Zhou looked impatient but had no choice but to sit there.

"How is Xiao Yi?" Du Mei asked.

"He's okay," Lu Zhou replied. "Better than my previous assistants, at least."

"You should be nicer to people," Du Mei remarked. "I plan to train him to help out."

"Him?" Lu Zhou almost found it laughable. "He can't even tie a tie, and he talks like a recent college graduate. Can he really become an agent?"

"Regardless," Du Mei said, "he's a good friend to have. That young man is very reliable."

Lu Zhou gave a noncommittal "Hmm," and Du Mei smiled at him and told him, "I think you like Xiao Yi quite a bit. After all, he's the only assistant who hasn't been replaced the next day."

"Am I really that difficult to get along with? Less talk, more work, and of course, they won't be replaced," Lu Zhou answered.

 

Du Mei said, "Treasure it, finding a serious and down-to-earth guy these days is quite difficult."

"I got it." Lu Zhou reached for his PSV, but Du Mei continued, "You know the bundled price for this TV drama, so don't act too high-handed. I know you're already a big name, but show some humility in front of Director Li; he'll appreciate you more."

"Alright, alright."

"Be kind to the newcomers; they'll be amazed and genuinely respect you. After a while, I'll visit the set."

"To be honest," Lu Zhou said, "I really don't want to take on this role. I'm only doing it because of your and Director Li's reputation..."

Du Mei underlined, "The price is 450,000 per episode, and not just according to me; many actors can't even get such rates these days. This year, the entire industry has drastically cut down. Lixing Company has given you a high price to have you and to bring their newcomers along. So, take it seriously and don't look down on others when you get on set; it'll make my job easier."

"Understood, understood," Lu Zhou impatiently replied. "Next time, don't get me involved in these kinds of projects."

Du Mei glanced at Lu Zhou and took a stack of documents from a drawer.

"Most of the episodes and scripts are here," Du Mei mentioned. "Take a look when you have time."

Lu Zhou, without taking the script, nodded and continued to play his game.

Du Mei said, "During the shooting and promotion phases, we're planning to stir up some rumors, particularly with Ning Yaqing."

Lu Zhou replied, "Oh."

Du Mei added, "That's why you should have dinner with Xinran today; both she and her agent are missing you."

Lu Zhou shuddered, and Du Mei continued, "We're also in talks with Qinghe Entertainment for a movie, with Hollywood's special effects team, an investment of 170 million. If we can secure that deal, we'll also have you mentor some new talents."

Lu Zhou asked, "How much?"

Just then, Xiao Yi knocked on the door, and Du Mei said, "Come in."

Xiao Yi entered, and Du Mei said, "Four million."

Xiao Yi reacted with surprise, "Four million?!"

"Is that all?!" Lu Zhou exclaimed in disbelief.

 

Xiao Yi: "............"

Du Mei: "You haven't acted in a movie for several years, and the shooting period isn't long, less than a month, around twenty-something days."

Lu Zhou: "Only four million for the male lead?"

Du Mei: "Supporting role."

Lu Zhou immediately threw his game console and shouted, "You want me to play a supporting role?!"

Xiao Yi gave Du Mei a sympathetic look, but she remained calm and said, "Don't you know that the male lead is there for the plot, while the supporting role is there for love?"

Lu Zhou took a deep breath, looking like he wanted to explode but couldn't find an outlet. Du Mei continued, "Let's have dinner first. This isn't confirmed yet; the director from Qinghe is being very demanding, so I need to see the script before requesting a higher fee."

That afternoon, Lu Zhou barely touched his food, and he seemed fuming. Du Mei then showed him some clips of the previous work of the team he was about to lead. Xiao Yi admired it for a while, and Du Mei said, "Lin Yao will accompany you on Monday; you don't need to worry about other matters... Xiao Yi?"

"Uh, yes!" Xiao Yi immediately got up.

"He doesn't need to go," Lu Zhou uttered with a dark face. He was flipping through the script as if it had wronged him, without lifting his head. "Let Lin Yao send a few more assistants to accompany me."

Xiao Yi felt the clear sense of being rejected from head to toe. Du Mei said, "You can go and learn something. Take care of Lu Zhou. If you don't understand anything, feel free to call me. Xiao Yi, remind Lu Zhou to read the script more this week."

"Alright," Xiao Yi nodded.

That afternoon, Du Mei gave a few more instructions, mainly about interpersonal matters. Lu Zhou didn't say a word and left with Xiao Yi.

Today, Xiao Yi was driving Lu Zhou's car. Du Mei knew that Lu Zhou didn't want to meet Zhang Xinran, so she hinted to Xiao Yi that, no matter what Lu Zhou said, he must go to the appointment.

.

At 5:30 in the evening, the traffic was crawling like a snail, and the sky outside was a dull gray. Xiao Yi knew that Lu Zhou was probably in a foul mood, and he was also feeling a bit down after being rejected. To break the awkward tension, he thought for a moment and then said, "Do you want to go online shopping when we get to the set?"

Lu Zhou snapped, "There's no signal in the mountain areas where we shoot. What's the use of online shopping?"

Xiao Yi: "..."

Xiao Yi thought he was trying to lighten the mood. After all, isn't he the king of online shopping? Why the heck doesn't he want some company?!

 

Lu Zhou impatiently said, "We're not going to any outdoor locations, but the director needs to discuss the scenes. There's nowhere to go! We can't do anything! He won't even let us use our phones! I'll be stuck there like in a prison, and you'll have to stand by. You'll know what it's like when you get there! Don't come back crying!"

It's not military training; it can't be this terrifying, Xiao Yi thought. He couldn't help but feel somewhat amazed. Was the reason he wasn't allowed to join the crew to make it easier for him? Lu Zhou seemed to be treating him quite well.

"Let's go," after getting out of the car, Lu Zhou looked at Xiao Yi inexplicably.

"You... Lu Ge, aren’t you having dinner with Xinran Jie?” Xiao Yi stood by the car and asked, “Do you want me to join you too?”

Lu Zhou didn’t say a word and walked away impatiently. Xiao Yi hurriedly followed him, and they entered the restaurant. Lu Zhou took a deep breath and made a phone call. The environment here was very elegant, and on the second floor, behind separated dining tables, sat a man and a woman.

“Xinran,” Lu Zhou smiled.

Xiao Yi: “...”

“Sorry for being late,” Lu Zhou said.

Zhang Xinran lazily sat in her seat, swiping her phone. There was a chubby guy sitting next to her. He clapped his hands in a childish and innocent manner. “Oh, we finally got you. This is...”

“My assistant,” Lu Zhou said.

“I’m Xiao Yi,” Xiao Yi immediately introduced himself.

“Come on, let’s get to know each other,” the chubby guy said in a soft voice. “Xinran, you two can chat. Ok?”

“Sure,” Zhang Xinran said, without even glancing at Lu Zhou, rolling her eyes.

“Why did you arrive so late?” Zhang Xinran said.

Lu Zhou smiled and said, “Traffic.”

 

 

Zhang Xinran's complexion didn't look great either. Lu Zhou whispered, "Have you ordered the dishes? What would you like to eat?"

"Anything," Zhang Xinran said. "I just finished shooting an ad today, and I'm exhausted. I want to get back quickly, take a shower, and sleep. Order whatever."

Lu Zhou, glancing at the menu, smiled at Zhang Xinran and asked, "What happened? Did someone bother you?"

"No," Zhang Xinran replied with a bored expression. "Just order the food."

Xiao Yi and Zhang Xinran's agent sat at another table. The agent's name was Qi Quan, and his entire body shook when he laughed.

"Our Xinran is..."

"So beautiful," Xiao Yi exclaimed in admiration. "She looks exactly like in the movies!"

Qi Quan said, "Oh, she's not in her peak condition right now. Let me tell you, if she gets some rest, her skin is as delicate as porcelain. She doesn't even need makeup; you can't tell at all. Lately, she's been overworking herself. Her schedule is too packed, and she's been staying up late every day... How about your friend, Zhou Zhou?"

"He... we're going to Hengdian next week," Xiao Yi recalled the reminder from Du Mei, and he couldn't afford to appear too surprised when meeting Zhang Xinran's agent. He had to choose his words carefully and be complimentary about their artist's beauty and how impressive Mr. Qi was.

Qi Quan stirred his milk tea with a spoon, raising his legs elegantly as he spoke, "I know about that series, 'Iron Horse Entering a Dream,' about the Liao Dynasty founder. It's a historical costume drama, very high-end. Xinran wanted to take that role originally, but she suddenly accepted another one, so she had to decline."

"That's right," Xiao Yi agreed. "Du Mei mentioned that acting in movies is better. This year, Xinran Jie's box office is sure to skyrocket."

"Ah," Qi Quan added, "It's hard to predict sometimes. Like that actor, who, and who else... they flopped, relying on BL hype, it's not a sustainable strategy. Fortunately, Xinran can carry the box office..."

Xiao Yi's inner monologue was like a herd of a million alpacas running across the great plains. Qi Quan, then, said in a friendly manner, "Xiao Xiao, you're quite handsome. Are you interested in a career in the entertainment industry?"

 

Xiao Yi was instantly shocked. Was this statement made in jest? It must be a joke, Xiao Yi immediately responded with a smile, "My idol is Zhou Ge, so I'm already content to be with him. Besides, I only have one face, and my temperament is not up to par."

Xiao Yi genuinely felt this way from the bottom of his heart. In terms of appearance, Zhang Xinran was indeed very beautiful, but her beauty was entirely different from that found in everyday life. As for Lu Zhou, he didn't need to do anything; he simply had to sit there, and the aura and charm he exuded made people see him as a star.

When Xiao Yi was involved in music composition in the past, he had a basic understanding of how entertainment companies packaged their artists. This kind of temperament was probably innate and couldn't be formed later. It was the result of physical training and the effect of being admired by the public.

"Acting skills and temperament can be trained and packaged later," Qi Quan shook his head and said, "Your voice is quite good, you could also become a singer. Have you watched the recently popular show?"

"Which one? ‘who cried more miserably’ " Xiao Yi's interest was piqued.

"Yes," Qi Quan replied, "the one where you cry a lot, and they pay to get on it. Of course, if you don’t fulfil the  conditions, you won't pass."

As he spoke, Qi Quan gave Xiao Yi a seductive look. Xiao Yi felt a sudden chill running down his spine.

At the next table, Lu Zhou had transformed completely, being incredibly gentle, to the point where Xiao Yi couldn't recognize him. He was amiable and friendly, like a warm breeze. Dressed in a suit with short, neat hair, his eyes were determined and lively. His hands were large and his fingers were attractive. He held a glass as he drank water, with a clean wrist adorned by a wristwatch. It was as if he had stepped out of an idol drama, captivating everyone who saw him.

Lu Zhou was speaking much more eloquently and politely than usual, and his words were numerous. Zhang Xinran, on the other hand, had only eaten a bit and was leaning lazily in her seat, paying little attention to her surroundings and looking at her phone.

"Tianya is gossiping about you again," Zhang Xinran said. "Your fans are quite ruthless, always stepping on other people to elevate you." (NT: Tianya Club, a popular Chinese internet forum)

"I can't help it either; one fan equals ten haters," Lu Zhou sighed regretfully. "I often find myself worrying about them. I didn't mention you, did I?"

"You didn't, but there's nothing I can do but bear with it," Zhang Xinran said indifferently. "How dare I compete with their idol for the spotlight?"

Lu Zhou: "..."

After a moment of silence, Lu Zhou continued, "Xinran, when I go to Hengdian, will you come for a set visit?"

Zhang Xinran smiled insincerely, didn't even look at Lu Zhou, and said, "I'm not sure. It depends on the situation."

Lu Zhou was clearly running out of patience and holding back his frustration. He glanced at his watch, forced a smile, and said, "It's getting late. Shall I escort you home?"

Zhang Xinran seemed to have finally completed her task. She sighed in relief, got up, and Lu Zhou helped her put on her coat. Wrapped in fur, when they entered the garage, Qi Quan received a call, and said, "Darling, I have to go now; Director Huang wants to discuss something with me."

"What will I do when you're gone?" Zhang Xinran complained.

"I'll take you home," Lu Zhou said. "Get in the car."

Zhang Xinran reluctantly got into Lu Zhou's car. There was a loud scream from the garage, which startled Xiao Yi. He immediately thought of a murder case. Lu Zhou, however, urged him, "Hurry, drive away! What are you waiting for? Are you an idiot? (Roaring)"

"Why are you scolding him?" Zhang Xinran said. "Who are you scolding?"

"No, no," Lu Zhou inadvertently revealed his true self but quickly restrained it, switching back to a friendly tone and said to Zhang Xinran, "We're good friends... this... This is..."

"I'm Xiao Yi!" Xiao Yi immediately jumped in.

Lu Zhou: "Oh, right, he has been with Director Du for many years."

"Yes, yes," Xiao Yi explained, "We often quarrel like this. Right, silly Zhou Ge? Hahaha."

Lu Zhou's face darkened, but he quickly switched back to a smiling face and laughed, "Let's go. Later, it won't be easy to leave if fans catch up."

"Lu Zhou, Lu Zhou!"

"Lu Zhou!"

The screams followed them, and two girls waved signs, apparently waiting in the garage for a long time. They shook the signs and called out to the car. Xiao Yi saw them, although he couldn't see their faces, just the signs bearing Lu Zhou's adorable cartoon image.

Xiao Yi suddenly felt a deep sense of heartache.

.

Zhang Xinran didn't say a word throughout the drive. Xiao Yi used the GPS map to take her to her home, and it was even more luxurious than Lu Zhou's home, a three-story standalone house with a swimming pool outside.

"Come in and have a drink," Zhang Xinran said.

The garage was fully enclosed, and Xiao Yi couldn't refuse. so he followed Lu Zhou into Zhang Xinran's home. He stood in the open kitchen, not daring to go to the living room. A servant poured him a glass of water. While Xiao Yi was on the phone with Qi Quan to inform him that they had arrived, voices from the living room could be heard, with Lu Zhou's friendly chatter contrasting with Zhang Xinran's indifference.

"Director Du said he has discussed things with President Wang," Lu Zhou said, "We will arrange some minor rumors. You mustn't mind, and I'm looking forward to your visit to the set."

Zhang Xinran's dog started barking loudly at Lu Zhou, showing a strong dislike for him.

"Hey, little buddy," Lu Zhou smiled as he petted the dog's head. "How have you been lately?"

 

Zhang Xinran headed to retrieve the wine, and Lu Zhou approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her as he playfully asked, "Baby, do you miss me?"

"What on earth are you doing?" Zhang Xinran replied impatiently, "Move away, move away!"

Lu Zhou continued to hold her and asked, "Why are you so irritable?"

The chihuahua, perched on the coffee table, started barking fiercely at Lu Zhou. Even Xiao Yi found it hard to tolerate. He gestured to the chihuahua, attempting to coax it closer, but the chihuahua clearly didn't warm up to Xiao Yi.

Zhang Xinran pushed Lu Zhou aside, questioning, "What's your intention? Are you finished with the cuddling? There's no media here, who are you trying to impress, Lu Facai?" (NT: from fā cái to get rich)

Xiao Yi almost choked on his water, and Lu Zhou responded, "Don't be like this. I also carved out time from my hectic schedule to be with you."

"You'd better not come," Zhang Xinran remarked, "After being in a relationship with you for so long, I'm getting exasperated. Why don't you hang out with your group of devoted fans?"

"This is unfair treatment!" Lu Zhou retorted. "Do you want me to bear the consequences of what your fans say and do? They criticize you and belittle you on Tianya. Ms. Du said she'd hire a publicist…"

Zhang Xinran interrupted, "I'm swamped with work; who has the time to worry about what fans are saying? Tell me, what have you done while we were in a relationship? Have you pretended enough when seeking publicity? What did you say in media interviews? Who would want to have your child and do house chores for you? Slandering me doesn't cost you any money, right? Are you even a man?"

"You—" Lu Zhou began to respond.

"Woof!" The chihuahua fiercely howled and lunged forward.

Lu Zhou yelled, " Quit it!"

"There's a limit to how much I can tolerate from you. Ah, ah!" Just as Lu Zhou was about to caution Zhang Xinran, a sudden burst of frenzied barking filled the air, and Zhang Xinran screamed, "Let it go!"

 

Luzhou shouted: “It bit me! Do you think I don’t dare to hit you!”

"Who do you think you are?" Zhang Xinran uttered, "Premature ejaculator! Impotent monster! Do your fans know that you are impotent? Ha?"

Xiao Yi: "…….."

Xiao Yi immediately ran over and grabbed the Chihuahua away. The Chihuahua was all irritable, and Zhang Xinran shouted: "Get out of here!"

"You vile woman!" Lu Zhou started the rant. Since he had already offended Zhang Xinran, he decided to stop pretending altogether and yelled, "Damn it, I... I... vile woman! Being with you is doing you a favour! Look at your alien-like face after all that work on it; you've had so much botox that you can't even talk properly! Stop bringing me bad luck!"

Xiao Yi: "…..."

Lu Zhou was about to throw something, and Zhang Xinran said, "Go ahead! Each of those crystal horses costs 400,000!"

Lu Zhou put the crystal horse back, took a deep breath, and asked, "Do you no longer want to be together?"

Zhang Xinran said, "Who wants to be with you? Ask your assistant if they can stand you."

"Don't ever look for me again!" Lu Zhou roared, "I'm breaking up!"

"I haven't wanted to find you for a long time. It's only for the sake of Director Du's reputation. Who would bother with you!" Zhang Xinran replied.

Lu Zhou walked to the door, stopped, and turned back fiercely, "Alright, fine, Zhang Xinran, don't regret it."

Zhang Xinran: "Get lost!"

.

While driving, Xiao Yi felt like he had never encountered anything as explosive in his entire life.

The two words that Zhang Xinran used to scold Lu Zhou were stacked together and more shocking than if the Chinese national soccer team had won the World Cup and Feng Xiaogang (NT: well known Chinese film director screenwriter, actor, producer and politician) had won an Oscar at the same time. It even made him forget that erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation were theoretically two incompatible phenomena.

Lu Zhou's face was incredibly dark. After returning home, he violently kicked the coffee table, and things scattered everywhere.

 

 Translator : DarNan