3 003 New beginnings 3
"Are you currently signed with a company?
Lu Zhiyuan and Shen Xue both asked in unison. Surprised they looked at each other and shared a laugh.
After being in the music industry as long as they have, one gets sensitive to voices. it was an occupational hazard and Liu Qiaoqiao's voice was magical and uncharted territory. She had a lot of potential thanks to her large vocal range.
Baiyu Studio has been around for close to ten years. They had started with the aim of producing films but they had all understood that it wasn't the sole purpose of the Studio.
Back then they had decided to sign in artists if they came across a promising talent and after all these years they had already made a name in the industry and could now manage artists.
Not so long ago they had talked about paying attention to music and Acting competitions to get a few artists under their care.
This was an opportunity that could not be overlooked. If they managed to sign Liu Qiao Qiao they wouldn't have to spend as much time training her. She could debut immediately.
"No, I am a free artist, my contact with my previous company KM entertainment ended eight months ago" she replied.
"Oh, that's good. I don't know if Miss Liu is interested in signing under us. You're very talented and we would love to have you join our company. what do you think Miss Liu" Shen Xue said.
"Yes, I am interested in signing under Baiyu studios" Liu Qiao Qiao replied.
"why don't you come in tomorrow to sign the contract," Shen Xue said
"I can do that," She replied.
"Alright, since this is settled let's go on to the script reading. Director Zhu" said Lu Zhiyuan facing the Director and giving him the go-ahead.
Xiao Zhan quickly ran over with the script and handed it over to her. She was later instructed by the Director to perform the First scene which was the first meeting between the female lead Su Ranran and her character Kaili.
"You study the script and when you are ready to let us know," Director Zhu said.
"Yes, director" she replied.
Ten minutes later she looked up from the script and said "I'm ready Director"
"Okay, Da Xia please go read the script with her" Bai Zhenzhen instructed looking up at her from her seat next to the director.
As she said this a pretty woman in her late twenties walked forward, holding onto the script, and stood opposite her. On the director's signal, they began to perform the scene.
Su Ranran had been so caught up with everything going on with her career that she was having problems connecting with the proper emotions for her new music.
To help her clear her head, Yang Chao brought her to the International musician Kaili's album launch party.
However, as soon as they arrived he was called away by a few acquaintances so she was left to her own devices.
The majority of the guests present were foreigners so only a few guests who were active in the industry noticed her presence. Even if they did none of them bothered to approach her. She was now an artist with a dent in her image and wasn't worth approaching.
Most of the guests tried to approach Yang Chao. That used to be her months ago back then everyone clamored for a piece of her.
Funny how time changes everything now no one acknowledged her presence. If anyone told her that this will be her future a year ago she never would've believed it.
Back then she was a reigning pop idol now she was nothing but a joke.
Su Ranran had been so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice when someone sat opposite her until she heard
"Hello you must be Ranran"
"Oh Yes I am hello," Su Ranran said to their host Kaili. She was very familiar with her. Unlike her, Kaili was a household name.
``Sorry about that did I disturb your thoughts? it's just that Yang Chao pointed you out to me he wanted us to meet but he was called away. Since he was busy I decided to come over and keep you company" Kaili said studying her carefully and thinking
Su Ranran was nothing like she had expected. She had expected her to be an exotic beauty but that wasn't the case. Sure she was quite attractive but she had a pretty common face compared to a few of the exotic beauties in the industry.
What is so special about her that Yang Chao even after all these years was still hung up on her.
"There's no need to do that. I won't take your time any longer, You must be busy with your guest" Su Ranran replied running her right palm down her left arm nervously.
She may have been a popular musician but she was nothing compared to Kaili, a true queen of the music industry. She was one of the legendary musicians of her generation.
She was a huge fan of Kaili, it had always been a dream of hers to work with her but that was a dream that she had never realized and she may never realize not with her career presently going downhill.
"It's nothing, I need a little break from everything plus Yang Chao is a very dear friend. I respect his opinion. He has spoken highly of you which gave me all the more reason to meet you. Plus you can help discourage all the teachers from coming to me" Kaili said smiling.
"Oh, that's fine by me. How can I refuse when you need me to act like a shield" Su Ranran said grinning and stretching out her hands for a handshake.
Yang Chao thought highly of her? wow, what a surprise. Yang Chao had never given her even a hint that he even thought of her much less speaking highly of her. She must be saying this to make her feel more comfortable.
"You funny, I like that. I am so tired of people not acting naturally. It's refreshing to see someone be themselves. You know what Ranran I think we are going to be great friends' ' She said, clasping Su Ranran's hands in hers while thinking this little girl was really cute.
"and Cut, that was wonderful. Your line delivery is a bit rough but still good, nothing but a little more experience and training can't help" Director Zhu said smiling.
The young girl is good not only was she a talented singer but she could also act. She had a bright future ahead of her. Director Zhu thought happily.
"That was good, Qiao Qiao. I hope I can call you that," Bai Zhenzhen said from her seat. She was very pleased with Liu Qiao Qiao's performance, it would be a really good thing if they succeeded in signing her under their studio.
"Yes, you can" Liu Qiao Qiao replied. Bai Zhenzhen was one of the co-owners of Baiyu studios and an internationally known actress with a lot of awards under her belt. Liu Qiao Qiao was a huge fan of her work. She was also the only female partner of Baiyu studios.
"You were really good, Qiao Qiao. Do you have any formal training in acting? she asked
"I only received a little training for our music videos," Liu Qiao Qiao replied.
"Hmm that's good you did well, you got the role. Please come in tomorrow and sign your contract" Bai Zhenzhen said
"I will give thanks," said Liu Qiao Qiao.
"I will give you two weeks to get ready. you will resume shooting two weeks from now. see you later" Director Zhu said.
"Thank you Directors" Liu Qiao Qiao replied.
"It's nothing you deserve this" Director Zhu replied smiling.
After getting done with the formalities Liu Qiao Qiao was back to the production office to sign the documents.
Luckily Shi Xiaotong was done with her shift so they returned home together. Liu Qinyang was out of town so Shi Xiaotong was keeping her company.
On their way home, they stopped by a restaurant and ordered the most expensive dish on the menu to celebrate.
After a trying year, their future was finally looking up. Even though this was only a supporting role, they both saw it as a stepping stone to a very bright future.
"Qiao Qiao didn't I always tell you that you had a bright future ahead of you. Those knuckleheads at KM entertainment just didn't see your potential or they wouldn't let a jewel-like you slip from their hands. Don't worry Qiao Qiao I know you will become a star" Shi Xiaotong said as they walked home after dinner.
"Thanks for believing in me Xiaotong. You're the best'' Liu Qiao Qiao said laughing softly and making a heart symbol with her fingers.
"What kind of friend will I be if I don't believe in you. You had better sign me a lot of autographs, It would be very expressive when you become a superstar" Shi Xiaotong said playfully.
"No need for you to be with me then I would never let you go even when I become a superstar. you're stuck with me for life. If I didn't have you I would have lost hope a long time ago and left the industry. You gave me the strength to hold on, I would never forget that" Liu Qiao Qiao said.
"Wow, you're making me cry. I love you Qiao Qiao" Shi Xiaotong said, wiping tears from her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Don't cry Xiaotong. I love you too. You're a really good friend" Liu Qiao Qiao said.
******
Meanwhile at a private room in a popular Korean restaurant,
Lai Zhiqaing was seated cross-legged on the mat at one end of the table waiting for Lu Zhiyuan. He had his headphone on as he listened to the music mix. He had taken up a few projects of late.
Ten minutes later the door was pulled open by Lu Zhiyuan. "Hey cuz sorry for keeping you waiting, there was an emergency on the set of the new project" He removed his shoes and walked in wearing only his socks.
"Has it been settled?" he asked quietly pulling down the headphone to rest on his neck and called in their waiter.
"Yes, an actress suddenly stepped down. We had to recast the role" Lu Zhiyuan picked up the menu and began to place his orders.
The waitress a slender young woman took their orders. She left the room after taking their orders.
"Stepping down at the middle of production...that's bold," Lai Zhiqiang said some seconds after the waitress stepped out of the room.
"it's not that surprising, since the actress in question is Li Na", Lu Zhiyuan replied.
"oh...that's quite unfortunate maybe next time stir clear of temperamental artists," he said with a shrug.
"There won't be the next time but on the bright side, Li Na's little tantrum got us our first ever artist Liu Qiao Qiao. You have got to hear her sing Zhiqiang, she is a marvel. She is so talented Zhiqiang"
"She's pretty isn't she," he asked coldly.
"Yea....but that's not why she was signed. It was a unanimous decision between Zhenzhen, Shen Xue, and myself" He said adamantly
"Sure it was" Lai Zhejiang drank up his tea and set down his cup.
Lai Zhiqiang wasn't willing to listen so Lu Zhiyuan didn't bother explaining himself. He quickly changed the topic and then went on with their dinner.
