Chapter 96 Mr. Shen is a good match for him

Shen Xingsui never imagined he'd hear such a low salary figure. Considering his current advertising rates, he could earn a significant amount for just a few days of work.

Three thousand.

Spending half a year on set, after deducting expenses, wouldn't that amount to almost nothing?

Zhang San knew this too and quickly added, "I get it, I get it. I'm currently securing investments. Once we have backers, it'll get better."

Shen Xingsui hesitated, deciding to consult with his agent first.

When Shen Xingsui approached Wang Meican, she was oblivious to the shock he was about to deliver. She asked, "How's the progress on your song?"

Shen Xingsui replied, "It's going well, smoothly in fact."

"That's good to hear," Wang Meican said while flipping through a folder, "To be frank, Su, the offers you've received in recent years revolve around music and song production. While your musical talents are commendable, you know as well as I do that music... isn't very lucrative."

Shen Xingsui understood. Talent agencies don't simply foster artists to realize their dreams. Agents need to make a living, as does the entire team.

"Whatever plans you have for me, I'll accept," Shen Xingsui said earnestly, "As long as you still let me write songs, that's all I ask."

His sincere and docile nature always had a way of melting one's heart.

Wang Mei Can quickly reassured, "Shen Xing Sui, don't worry. I won't stop you from writing songs. But looking at your schedule these past two years, even if it's to fit the current trend, I think we can also consider some TV drama and film opportunities for you."

Her words perfectly aligned with Shen Xing Sui's thoughts!

Tentatively, Shen Xing Sui inquired, "Ms. Wang, do you have any promising opportunities on hand?"

Wang Mei Can sighed, "What's bothering me right now is that most of the roles you're being offered are in idol dramas."

Shen Xing Sui glanced at the scripts in her hand. Their titles were: "Spicy Princess and Ice Prince", "School's Heartthrob, Don't Leave", "Overbearing CEO, Stop Pampering Me"...

Shen Xing Sui hesitated for a moment, "Maybe I should pass. I'm not sure I can pull them off."

"Even if you took on these idol dramas, it would just be a quick cash grab." Wang Mei Can took back the documents, "For higher quality movies and dramas, if you took a supporting role, you'd be overshadowed by seasoned actors. You're too young, and your image doesn't quite fit some of the roles."

Seizing the moment, Shen Xing Sui suggested, "Ms. Wang, I've come across a script recently that I believe is excellent. I'd like your opinion on it..."

He was also fond of the script by Zhang San San, explaining the story outline and sharing his interpretation, helping Wang Mei Can get a grasp of it.

After a pause, Wang Mei Can asked, "And what about the salary?"

Shen Xing Sui gave an honest answer.

Wang Mei Can was silent for even longer. She had never heard of such an unreasonable production. Even extras were paid more. Just 3,000 yuan to hire their top talent? They must think he's a walkover!

"Unless they secure sponsors and investments," Wang Mei Can dismissed the script, "otherwise, it's off the table."

Shen Xing Sui obediently nodded, "Alright, I'll relay that to them."

To Wang Mei Can's surprise, she softly laughed, "If you're so eager to act, would you be upset if I stopped you?"

As Shen Xing Sui reached for his phone, he chuckled, shaking his head, "Not at all. You're my agent and you're looking out for me. I'm not alone; I have a whole team behind me. I must think of everyone's best interests, not just my own."

Wang Mei Can felt incredibly relieved.

Initially, when Fu Jin Xiao suggested she manage Shen Xing Sui, she was hesitant. Given his youth and newcomer status, she expected him to be somewhat willful. But to her delight, he turned out to be incredibly sensible.

Wang Mei Can's resolve softened, "The script is quite good. If the director is skilled, it might even become an award-winning film. However, it's a pure love story, and there's no precedent for such a theme in the market. Investors and sponsors will likely be hesitant."

Shen Xing Sui nodded, "I understand."

Wang Mei Can smiled at him, "But... there might be a way."

Shen Xing Sui's eyes lit up.

For the first time, he realized the extent of his agent's influence and the importance of money. Bringing capital to the production and becoming a film investor were things he never understood before, but Wang Mei Can had it all figured out.

After discussing the matter with Zhang San San, who gladly agreed, they signed an investment contract. Grateful for Shen Xing Sui's support, the majority of the film's box office share would go to him.

Negotiations took almost half a month to finalize.

Zhang San San told him, "Xing Sui, I've been following you for a long time. Initially, I was captivated by your compositions. But after getting to know you better through the 'Starlight' variety show, your divine dance and image left a deep impression on me. Inspired by that persona, I created the character 'Fang Zhi Wen' in 'Lonely City'."

The script for "Lone City" is set primarily in ancient times.

The young Fang Zhiwen is a tragic figure. Orphaned at a young age, his hardworking mother sent him to school, where he met another protagonist, Xu Yan. For Fang Zhiwen, Xu Yan became his most significant redemption. Initially, Xu Yan, a young man from a prestigious family, seemed indifferent. But in time, he was deeply moved by Fang and the two eventually became close friends.

Years later, due to unforeseen circumstances, they drifted apart.

Fang Zhiwen ended up as a traveling performer, while Xu Yan rose to prominence as a renowned general.

When they reunited, their youthful bond remained intact. Xu Yan took Fang by his side, and Fang, enlisting in the army, assisted Xu in securing many triumphant battles, solidifying their deep camaraderie. Just as Fang believed Xu might reciprocate his feelings, Xu was summoned back to the capital and was decreed to marry the princess.

Upon hearing the news at the border, Fang was in utter disbelief.

To Fang's anguish, Xu Yan offered no explanation or word of comfort, pushing him to the brink of despair...

Later, when Xu Yan returned to the frontier with the princess, Fang's hopes were further dashed. That night, the once defeated enemy launched a surprise attack to capture the princess, with traitors from within assisting. The sudden crisis caught everyone off guard.

...

Shen Xingsui had an epiphany, saying, "Now it makes sense why Fang Zhiwen ended up wearing the divine robe of the princess."

Zhang San responded with a nod and a smile, "That idea came to me after seeing your portrayal of the divine figure. I thought, what if a resilient and strong-willed boy donned this sacred garment? That would be quite the sight."

"It's a shame..." lamented Shen Xingsui, reflecting on the story's conclusion, "Fang Zhiwen's love was so pure, and Xu Yan realized it too late."

Xu Yan's decision to marry the princess and colluding with the enemies was all part of a grand scheme to seize the throne by holding the princess hostage.

He aimed to ascend the throne and, with all due rights, take Fang Zhiwen as his empress. Fearing that any correspondence would be intercepted, Xu chose to bear the burden alone.

He hoped to surprise Fang once his plan succeeded.

But Fang, in a bid to ensure Xu and the princess's safety and against Xu's evacuation orders, donned the divine robe, drawing the enemies to himself atop the Lone City. In the end, he perished in a sea of flames.

Holding the script, Shen Xingsui remarked, "Upon my first read, I thought Fang Zhiwen was so naive. He had so many choices. Why did he choose death?"

Taking a sip of water, Zhang San responded, "Perhaps in his eyes, that was the most fitting end."

From the moment he learned of Xu Yan's marriage to the princess, Fang Zhiwen was already dead.

Who's to say that his fiery demise wasn't a form of liberation for him?

Still uncertain about portraying Fang Zhiwen, Shen Xingsui asked, "Director Zhang, will the younger and older versions of Fang Zhiwen be played by different actors?"

Zhang San replied, "I think you can handle both. You have a youthful appearance, perfect for the younger Fang Zhiwen."

With a playful smirk, Shen Xingsui quipped, "Is this just to save on the budget?"

Laughing, Zhang San scratched his head, "Actually, for the younger Xu Yan, I've asked a classmate from my acting school. However, the mature and strategic General Xu, with his underlying resilience and battlefield decisiveness, requires an actor of a different caliber."

Understandingly, Shen Xingsui inquired, "Who are you considering for the role?"

Giving Shen a meaningful glance, Zhang San hesitated before saying with a shy smile, "I do have someone in mind..."

Shen Xingsui suddenly had a foreboding feeling: "Who?"

"In my opinion, if there's someone who could truly portray Xu Yan, it would be Fu Jinxiao," Zhang Sansan said with an admiring expression. "Other than Teacher Fu, I can't think of anyone else in the entertainment industry fit for the role."

Shen Xingsui fell silent.

Clearing his throat, Zhang Sansan asked, "Do you think, if I were to personally ask Teacher Fu three times, he'd consider it?"

Shen Xingsui took a deep breath, "Considering the monthly salary you're offering, I'd say the chances are practically zero."

"..."

That's a bit harsh.

As they spoke, Shen Xingsui received a call from Fu Jinxiao while walking back. Quickly answering, a smile crept to his eyes, "Teacher Fu?"

"Yes," Fu Jinxiao's voice came from the other end. Speaking slowly, he said, "I heard you've signed the contract?"

Surprised by how informed he was, Shen Xingsui nodded, "Yes, I just signed. I was about to call you."

Fu Jinxiao chuckled softly, "Really? I thought Teacher Shen might have forgotten about me."

"How could I?" Shen Xingsui responded while continuing to walk. "Did you hear it from Wang Jie?"

Fu Jinxiao affirmed, "I've looked over the contract for you. There's nothing amiss. Since you've signed, make sure you do well."

Shen Xingsui was touched that Fu Jinxiao had personally reviewed his contract. Knowing how busy the man was, this gesture warmed his heart.

Softly, Shen Xingsui said, "Despite being so busy, you still found time to review my contract."

There was some noise on Fu Jinxiao's end, but it soon quieted down. His voice came over, gentle and slow, "In the entertainment industry, there are many contracts designed to exploit newcomers. I had to ensure you wouldn’t be taken advantage of. If something went wrong, it would be me spending time comforting you afterward, wouldn't it?"

"..."

Shen Xingsui's heart alternated between feeling choked up and being incredibly sweetened by the gesture.

Flustered, he retorted, "I'm not that delicate!"

"Of course, of course, Teacher Shen is very formidable."

Fu Jinxiao's reply was leisurely and stretched, and even through the phone, Shen Xingsui could almost visualize the lazy, slightly mischievous smile on the handsome man's face — captivating to the core.

The mere thought intensified his longing.

It had been over ten days since they last saw each other, and with Shen Xingsui about to start shooting, he wasn’t sure when they'd meet again.

How wonderful it would be to see him...

To be able to see him frequently... He truly missed him deeply.

In the brief silence, even without Shen Xingsui uttering a word, Fu Jinxiao sensed his emotions and softly called out his nickname, "Sui Sui."

Shen Xingsui paused, replying, "What happened?"

Fu Jinxiao's voice held a note of finality, "The call was disconnected."

Shen Xingsui hadn't grasped why the call was cut off. Just as he felt a pang of hurt, and before he could ask why, another incoming notification appeared. It was a video call request.

A mix of joy and urgency filled Shen Xingsui. He quickly checked his appearance in the mirror before hurriedly accepting the video call.

On the screen was a face he had yearned to see. Fu, the reputed film star, truly lived up to the rumors of having the most screen-worthy face. He was strikingly handsome in person, but on screen, even without any beautifying filters, he still looked impeccable.

It seemed that Fu Jinxiao was on a balcony during an evening event.

"What took you so long?" Fu Jinxiao remarked as he leaned against the balcony, "You kept me waiting."

Shen Xingsui took a deep breath, a hint of complaint in his eyes, "I was fixing my appearance."

Fu Jinxiao blinked in surprise, then chuckled, "Quite the image to maintain, huh? You don't need to be that nervous. I've seen you first thing in the morning, all disheveled. Could there be anything worse?"

"It's different…" Shen Xingsui murmured, "It's been a while since we last met. I wanted to look my best."

Despite the softness of his voice, Fu Jinxiao caught every word.

The casual smile on the man's face gradually faded, and his gaze deepened significantly as he looked at Shen Xingsui. With a touch of tenderness, he whispered, "I'll be done with my work here soon. When you start filming on your side, I'll come visit you on set."

Shen Xingsui brightened up immediately, "Really?"

Fu Jinxiao nodded, "Yes."

Speaking of which, Shen Xingsui suddenly remembered something about a script Director Zhang mentioned. He wondered if the director had contacted Fu Jinxiao and if Fu would agree.

As for the upcoming invitation to Master Fu by Zhang San, Shen Xingsui didn't want to get involved. Of course, he wished to collaborate on a film with Master Fu. After all, he'd admired him for years. To create something together would be a dream come true.

However, he hoped that if they collaborated, it would be out of Fu Jinxiao's own volition.

Not because of some favor or his own pleading. Shen Xingsui disliked such situations, so he chose to remain silent.

...

A month later.

The photo studio was bustling with people, and the flashing lights from cameras were incessant.

The man in front of the camera, dressed in a trendy deep blue outfit, was Fu Jinxiao. Despite the continuous flash, he didn't blink. His posture, perfect for modeling, combined with his years of experience, made his movements fluid, requiring little direction from the photographers.

Shortly after:

"Perfect."

"That's a wrap."

"Thank you, Master Fu."

"You've worked hard, Master Fu!"

Once the magazine shoot was over and work concluded, Fu Jinxiao stepped down from the stage. His assistant, Feifei, promptly handed him a bottle of water, "Today's schedule is almost over. Tomorrow afternoon, we have an interview at a press release. If all goes as planned, we should be able to return home the day after. I've already booked your flight for then."

Holding his water, Fu Jinxiao remarked, "If it ends tomorrow afternoon, then book a flight for tomorrow evening."

Feifei paused, taken aback.

Their trip abroad was initially planned to last a month and a half. They were here to film a promotional video for a luxury brand, take magazine shoots for Fu's own products, attend various banquets, meetings with renowned musicians, and more. These scattered commitments should take about a month.

Surprisingly, Fu Jinxiao maintained an intense work pace, cutting down their stay to a month. It was unexpected that he wanted to return home without even resting on the last night.

Unable to suppress her smile, Feifei teased, "Missing Mr. Shen, aren't we?"

Fu Jinxiao shot her a brief, warning glance but didn't deny it.

Feifei was always witty and took the opportunity to tease him, especially when it came to his love life, which seemed to lighten his mood.

"What's so shy about missing Mr. Shen? You're always so reserved. Aren't you afraid someone might sweep him off his feet?"

Fu Jinxiao chuckled, lounging on the sofa in the lounge, letting his makeup artist start the removal process, "Absolutely impossible."

Feifei huffed, "Relying on Mr. Shen's fondness for you, I see."

While they were chatting, both the makeup and fashion stylists, who were part of Fu Jinxiao's regular team and familiar faces, joined in.

The makeup artist asked, "Talking about Mr. Shen?"

Feifei nodded, "Yes."

"Oh, Mr. Shen is such a hot topic lately," the makeup artist chimed in, "Even though I'm overseas, my sister adores him. Didn't he recently announce a new movie? I think it's called 'Lonely City'."

Feifei perked up, "Has 'Lonely City' been officially announced?"

The makeup artist affirmed, "Yes! They released a poster with the young Xu Yan and Fang Zhiwen characters."

The fashion stylist interjected excitedly, "That poster! I've seen it. Goodness, I never thought two men standing side by side could evoke such strong emotions. I've even saved it as my wallpaper. Mr. Shen and the actor portraying Xu Yan, Jiang Chao, their chemistry is off the charts!"

Both stylists were unaware of the deep connection between Fu Jinxiao and Shen Xingsui, assuming it was just mentorship.

However, as they chattered, they failed to notice their boss's face darkening. Eventually, Fu Jinxiao reached out and said, "Show me this poster."

The fashion stylist enthusiastically began, "Here it is. Look, the proximity, the hands almost touching yet so far apart, the composition is brilliant! Even if the costumes seem a bit budgeted, their good looks and undeniable chemistry save the day. Don't you think they're a perfect match, Mr. Fu?"

An unsettling silence blanketed the room.

Fu Jinxiao, eyes narrowing dangerously, looked at the intimate pose of the two on the poster. With a deceptive smile, he met the fashion stylist's gaze, his voice dripping with insinuation, "You find them... a good match?"

"..."

The fashion stylist suddenly felt a chill down her spine.