Chapter Fifty-Nine: Li Xiaowan

Time flew by, and soon it was mid-November.

Snow fell in the capital today.

It was the first snowfall of 2000, arriving earlier than usual.

The filming of "My Sassy Girl" had reached its midpoint, with half the scenes already completed. Aside from the late-night shoot on the first day, nearly every few days since, reporters had come to visit the set. Most of these journalists were arranged by China Film, as the film had already entered the phase of early promotion.

Maintaining the film’s exposure was crucial. No matter how good your movie is, if the audience neither knows nor understands it, they won't buy tickets. Every few days, entertainment reporters would publish updates on the filming progress, interspersed with little anecdotes from the set and short videos of the new actors interacting. All these materials would be broadcast on television entertainment programs.

Under Gu Zhi’s deliberate guidance, most interviews focused on Gao Yuanyuan. The public was already familiar with the sweet and innocent "Pure Mouth Girl," but this time she was suddenly in a movie, and her role was the complete opposite of her public image. Such a transformation was bound to attract attention. The film's main selling point was the character Song Mingxi, so most of the publicity had to focus on Gao Yuanyuan, ensuring she left a deep impression on the public—be it through her looks or her personality. If that was achieved, the promotional goal was met.

Today’s scene was Song Mingxi’s birthday, with most shots taking place on the campus of the Beijing Film Academy.

Early in the morning, the crew set out for the academy, but Gu Zhi was absent. He had other tasks that day and had to take a day off, heading to another university in the city.

With Liu Qi and Lu Chuan in charge on set, Gu Zhi wasn’t worried. The night before, he’d held a meeting with the main creative team until 1 a.m., meticulously going over the scenes to be shot today. With Lu Chuan’s capability, as long as filming proceeded as planned, there would be no problems.

At ten in the morning, Gu Zhi took a taxi to the Central Academy of Drama. He was there to see Tang Wei—both for personal and professional reasons.

Since Gu Zhi had advised her not to sign with any other company for the time being, he had devoted himself entirely to the new film. He'd been so busy each day that their contact had dwindled, and they hadn’t seen each other at all. Tang Wei had been held by nothing more than a vague promise, and Gu Zhi worried that, given enough time, she might start entertaining other ideas.

Moreover, with the recent flood of news about "My Sassy Girl" and the ever-increasing popularity of its female lead Gao Yuanyuan, the gossip columns now portrayed her as Gu Zhi’s new favorite. Not only did the movie not cast Tang Wei, but it was also heavily promoting another newcomer, who happened to be stunningly beautiful. Any woman with a bit of intuition would wonder if Gu Zhi had set her aside, making his earlier promises seem empty.

In reality, Tang Wei’s situation was even more complicated at the moment.

“So? You’re still not willing?”

Hidden beneath an eave of the drama academy’s teaching building, a young woman with short hair, delicate brows, and bright eyes held a black briefcase under her right arm and a black umbrella in her left hand. She frowned as she watched Tang Wei.

Tang Wei hung her head, holding a folding umbrella with a light floral pattern in her right hand. She glanced up at the woman from time to time, but quickly lowered her head again, shaking it slowly without speaking.

“The contract we’re offering you is comparable to Zhou Xun’s. Just look at how much her popularity has soared since joining us. She starred in Director Shaohong’s ‘Palace of Desire’ and immediately won the Golden Eagle Award for Most Popular Female Lead.”

“Our company is just as strong as the industry giants. We have many upcoming projects, and Director Shaohong releases a new drama every year.”

“If you join us, you’ll be guaranteed leading roles in two dramas over the next two years. I’ll say this now: the resources you'll receive will be no less than what Zhou Xun gets.”

Tang Wei still looked hesitant, her voice soft and fragile, “But Zhou Xun is already one of the Four Little Flowers. How could I compare to her…Sister Xiaowan, please don’t joke with me. I know my own limits. Besides, I already promised Gu.”

At the mention of Gu Zhi, a sweet smile flickered at the corners of her mouth, and even her tone softened. “He said he’d write a television script next year, and I could choose any role I want. He told me to focus on honing my acting at school this year.”

“Yes…I… I’ll wait for him.”

At last, Tang Wei looked up, meeting the woman’s eyes. Her clear gaze seemed to speak of her resolve.

This woman was Li Xiaowan, one of the founders of Rongxin Star, a leading film and television company in the capital, and a renowned producer. She and Director Li Shaohong had founded the company in 1995. Together, these remarkable women had grown the business into one of the mainland’s most powerful production companies. Stars like Chen Kun and Zhou Xun were both signed with Rongxin Star. Li Xiaowan had personally come to see Tang Wei, hoping to sign this promising talent at the height of her popularity and nurture her as the company’s third idol star.

A flash of disdain and mockery crossed Li Xiaowan’s eyes as she shook her head in disbelief, her tone suddenly cold.

“You’re really staking your future in show business on a boy who still reeks of milk… No, not even a man, just a boy. You must have taken leave of your senses.”

Hearing Gu Zhi spoken of that way, Tang Wei immediately bristled and rushed to his defense. “What if he’s young? His first movie already outperformed Feng Xiaogang’s at the box office, and now he’s shooting his second. I believe he’ll surpass anyone in the future!”

Tang Wei’s words were firm, her chin raised slightly, eyes unwavering as she stared straight at Li Xiaowan.

Li Xiaowan, to her surprise, merely sneered, her lips curling with even more sarcasm.

She gave a cold snort and said quietly, “I also believe the boy has a bright future. But Tang Wei, how can you be so naive? Have you never considered this—will there really be a place for you in his future?”

Tang Wei’s resolute expression faltered, her eyes suddenly flustered, and she instinctively avoided Li Xiaowan’s gaze.

“I’ve spent years in the entertainment industry with Director Shaohong, weathering every storm. Do you think a man’s thoughts can escape me? He wants to keep you around, but it’s only because he’s taken with your beauty. Which successful man in this industry isn’t like that? Right now, you’re young and beautiful, and perhaps he adores you. But the moment you turn thirty, he’ll discard you without a second thought.”

Tang Wei’s expression changed repeatedly. She had already set one foot into the entertainment world, and had begun to witness some of its realities. For all its glamour, the industry was just as chaotic beneath the surface.

And coming from Li Xiaowan—an experienced veteran—her words carried undeniable weight.

Is he really like that?

Seeing Tang Wei’s resolve begin to waver, Li Xiaowan pressed her advantage.

“Besides, your Gu is even less reliable than other men. It’s only been a month, but he’s already sidelined you for another stunning girl. The entertainment pages are filled every day with news about that ‘Pure Mouth Girl.’ Don’t you see what’s happening?”

“I…”

Tang Wei opened her mouth to argue, but found herself at a loss for words.

“It’s all true. Why…why didn’t Gu let me star in his new film?”

Tang Wei kept questioning herself, and Gu Zhi, her heart a tangled mess.

Li Xiaowan’s expression showed a hint of satisfaction. She took a step forward and gently took Tang Wei’s trembling hand in her own, which was damp with sweat.

“Think about it—are you really inferior to Gao Yuanyuan? Why did Gu Zhi choose her as his lead? Can’t you see what’s going on behind the scenes?”

“Stop deceiving yourself. A man like that is simply not worth your trust!”