Chapter 5

Near the Beijing Film Studio, on Xiaoxitian Street, there are many hotels and even quite a few residential buildings, most of which are inhabited by two types of people.

The more upscale hotels are where the crew members stay. These are usually the main bases for the production teams during the setup phase, close to the studio gate, making it convenient to rent film equipment or props.

Those who can open hotels here are often closely connected to the film studio. Some matters that a new production team might find difficult to handle can be resolved through the hotel, though not for free.

The other type of lodging is for long-term residents, mostly extras who have done well or have become leaders in their field. These people generally don't lack money, so they can afford to stay in places that might not be the best but are comfortable enough.

There are also basements and garages, where the true underdogs of the entertainment industry live, hoping to one day become big stars.

Rugui Hotel, as the name suggests, means "feeling at home."

The corridor was already crowded with people. Ye Ming was idly holding a newspaper, seemingly looking for any major news, but in reality, he was pondering how He Xiujun would conduct the audition and how he should respond.

The corridor was eerily quiet, with no one talking to each other.

These are all competitors; if they reveal their secrets, their chances might be snatched away by others. No one would be foolish enough to chat much.

The tense atmosphere spread like an invisible hand, tightly gripping everyone's heart.

It was a feeling of being constrained and unable to breathe.

Some people even went to the bathroom three times in half an hour.

Suddenly, a pair of bright eyes appeared in front of Ye Ming, like shining stars in the dark night.

No matter who saw them for the first time, they would notice these bright eyes.

Zhao Wei, a student from the 1996 Acting Department of the Beijing Film Academy.

As expected, Zhao Wei became a legend with "My Fair Princess," and "My Fair Princess" also made Zhao Wei a star.

Who would have thought that a legend in television history would start in such an unremarkable hotel.

Ye Ming glanced at Zhao Wei with his peripheral vision. She was still diligently studying, holding a book on acting techniques, showing that success is never achieved without effort.

Ding, the interface with the blue sky and white clouds displayed Zhao Wei's data:

Acting: 320, Singing: 300, Fame: 280, Martial Arts: 100, Insight: Three stars. Has the potential to become a superstar.

Seeing these lines of data, Ye Ming felt speechless. 'How can the difference between people be so great? I'm a grown man, and Zhao Wei is just a female student, still in her first year, yet she outshines me in everything except martial arts.'

What a feeling.

However, upon careful thought, Zhao Wei had already starred in "Sisters in Beijing," making her a somewhat well-known artist, at least in mainland China, especially in the northern regions.

Everyone was cautious and wary, as if the entire corridor was filled with enemies. After all, they were all competitors, and no one knew who might outshine them.

At that moment, the door that had gathered everyone's attention slowly opened. This was a magical door leading to the path of stardom.

What lay behind the door, opportunity or disappointment, no one could be sure.

Seeing Li Dachuan's expression, many in the corridor whispered and gloated.

It seems he didn't make it.

Of course, he didn't. Otherwise, he wouldn't look so dejected.

Who is this person? I've never seen him before.

Who knows? Maybe he got in through connections. I despise such people.

They glanced at each other, seemingly realizing they had also gotten in through connections, and fell silent.

Ye Ming patted Li Dachuan's shoulder. At this moment, words were unnecessary. From Li Dachuan's expression, Ye Ming could tell that he probably wouldn't get the role, even as a supporting actor.

Li Dachuan sat in a corner, his voice low and dejected: "I'm so stupid. I was so eager to seize this opportunity, but when it came to the actual audition, I froze and forgot my lines, three times in a row. The crew told me to wait for a call, but from their eyes, I could see they were mocking me. Brother Ming, it's up to you now. Don't forget to help me when you become famous."

After a pause, Li Dachuan, exhausted, left.

Ye Ming wanted to follow, but suddenly, Hong Fei's stern voice rang out: "Where are you going? Can't handle a little setback? Want to be an actor? Go home and drink milk. Ye, I'm telling you, the company worked hard to get you this audition. Li Dachuan is out, so you need to work hard. Don't embarrass Yonghua. If you fail, I'll kill you."

Although Hong Fei's words were harsh, he still followed Li Dachuan out. Ye Ming had to wait for the audition and couldn't leave. But if Li Dachuan did something drastic, it would be disastrous.

Hong Fei had seen many newbies in the entertainment industry, and some couldn't handle the pressure and even considered suicide.

Especially the huge gap between having a chance to act in "My Fair Princess" and missing it due to nervousness. It's like falling from a high cloud to the ground, landing with a thud.

Hong Fei ran to the door, then turned to Ye Ming: "Perform well, or I'll kill you."

Then he opened the door and rushed out like an arrow.

"Really, Ye Ming," a familiar and annoying voice came from behind Ye Ming. "I wasn't wrong; you actually got this audition. Must have cost you a lot, right?"

Ye Ming turned around to see a smug young man standing in the middle of the corridor, arms crossed.

His words immediately caused a stir.

Many in the corridor had also gotten in through connections, but the key to the unwritten rules is the word "unwritten."

It's fine to understand, but saying it out loud would anger everyone.

This young man in a blue shirt was a particularly annoying person. His handsome face didn't add much to his charm.

Liu Hanmin, Ye Ming's classmate from the Hongcheng training program, was known for flattering teachers and harming classmates, all to be the top student at graduation. But unexpectedly, Ye Ming got the top spot.

Liu Hanmin only got second place, so he harbored deep jealousy and resentment towards Ye Ming, believing he should have been the top student if not for Ye Ming.

Sometimes, the entertainment industry is like this. Even if there's no prior grudge, blocking someone's path can create one.

Despite the anger of the crowd, Liu Hanmin seemed unfazed, saying arrogantly: "Ye Ming, don't be不服气 (unconvinced). I'm already a confirmed actor in this production. You can't understand what it's like to be at my level. I'm just here to sign the contract, no need for an audition."

The angry gazes immediately dimmed like a fire doused by rain.

Since Liu Hanmin was already signed, there was no point in offending a signed actor, who might be useful in the future.

Many in the corridor shared this thought.

Soon, Liu Hanmin strutted out of the door, and a path automatically cleared for him.

This was the difference, the difference in status. The entertainment industry is all about rules. Actors without status, like Liu Hanmin, who had just signed with the production, often lived at the mercy of others.

Liu Hanmin patted Ye Ming's shoulder: "Work hard, don't get eliminated and embarrass yourself. But who knows, since you got in through connections, how can you impress the director?"

Ye Ming retorted: "If a perennial second-place finisher like you can sign, I'll definitely do better."

"Perennial second-place finisher" was a sore spot for Liu Hanmin. During the training program, he was usually second, while Ye Ming was always first.

At the time, Ye Ming cherished this training opportunity, dedicating almost 24 hours a day to studying, except for eating, sleeping, and using the bathroom.

This thoroughly enraged Liu Hanmin. His face turned red and white, and he gritted his teeth, pointing at Ye Ming: "You're just an extra, what are you so smug about? I'm warning you, you better not get signed, or I won't let you off."

Then, Liu Hanmin stormed off like a red-eyed bull.

Two people who blocked his path were immediately cursed and told to get out of the way.

It was Ye Ming's turn to audition. He pushed open the door, and inside was a simple setup. A small meeting room with two tables, two chairs, a black tape recorder on the table, and some papers scattered in front of a middle-aged man, who was writing something.

Next to the man was a very elegant woman, sitting quietly, exuding a cultured and intellectual beauty.

Without needing an introduction from the staff, Ye Ming recognized the two people.

The director of "My Fair Princess," Sun Shupeng, and the daughter-in-law of Qiong Yao, He Xiujun.

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