Rebirth from the Ashes

All of a sudden, Shen Xi became curious. “Screenwriter Yu, when did you start dating?”

Yu An replied, “I’ve never dated.”

Shen Xi noticed the unexpected gloominess in Yu An’s gaze, so she did not ask further questions. Instead, she looked out of the window.

Yu An felt that everybody’s thoughts could be read by the girl next to her. There was simply no way of hiding one’s true emotions in front of Shen Xi.

Director An Lin had booked a private room at a restaurant.

When Shen Xi and Yu An arrived at the restaurant, they were led to the room by the assistant director who was waiting for them in the lobby.

An Lin’s assistant director was stunned by the two pretty girls before him. He had not expected the screenwriter of “The Smiling Nation” would be so young. Judging by the script, he assumed it was written by a skilled and experienced veteran.

The girl with the babyface was cute and held a bunch of documents in her hands, oozing warmth and friendliness. She was half a step away from the other icy beauty and was respectful towards her.

The cool, lofty girl who gave off an unapproachable vibe must be the co-screenwriter of “The Smiling Nation”, Cloud Seven.

The assistant director knocked on the door to the private room, then stepped inside. “Director An, they’re here.”

Shen Xi looked at the people in the room. There were five individuals, and the tall and thin middle-aged man opposite her who gave off a cultured aura was the director of the new generation, An Lin.

An Lin could not hide his surprise. He did not imagine that the screenwriter, Cloud Seven, was a young girl.

Shen Xi walked towards An Lin and tilted her head slightly. She spoke in a steely yet polite manner, “Good day, Director An. I am Cloud Seven.”

“Good day,” An Lin greeted with a smile, “have a seat, please.”

He observed the girl in front of him. She might be young, but she had a dominant charisma. Somehow, he felt pressured when looking at her.

Apart from Shen Xi, An Lin had also invited producers and investors to the meeting. After exchanging pleasantries, they got down to business.

“Miss Cloud, I’ve read the script. It’s quite good and full of ideas. The fact that you’re capable of writing such a fine script shows that you have a bright future ahead. However, there are certain aspects of the script which I’m not pleased with. Thus, some amendments have to be made.”

“From us investors’ point of view, your script lacks the appropriate marketability. It isn’t exciting enough, the pacing isn’t fast and thrilling, and the romance plotline isn’t campy and complicated.”

“No offense, Miss Cloud, but you’re too young. Students like you are often ambitious but lack the proper skills. Nowadays, not many viewers are interested in watching TV shows that are overly focused on political intrigue. What the viewers want is cheap thrills and excitement, you get me?”

“You must understand the current market and audience. People love to see cute, young and silly female leads these days. Exaggerated scenarios, character shipping and a huge focus on the romance between the male and female leads are of the utmost importance.”

“We hope to increase the second female lead’s screentime by a third. Shorten the screentime between the female and male leads.”

The producers and investors behaved as if they were the bosses of this show and began to blabber away as they talked about editing the script, changing the characters and adding to the story.

Yu An lowered her gaze. She felt bitter, helpless and angry. Both of her hands that were placed on her lap curled into tight fists.

It was this very reason that discouraged her from entering the screenwriting industry. She had no control over her own script.

She could only watch as the people haughtily criticized and demanded that the script should be amended. What the hell did they know about screenwriting?!

Carefully, Yu An stole a glance at Lil Chairman Shen, who carried a subtle smile on her face.