Rebirth from the Ashes

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The ratio did not make any sense. It was a scam to insult her.

Yuan Yu must be behind this!

It had to be Yuan Yu!

Mr. Cloud Seven was in cahoots with Yuan Yu, luring them in with the role of the first supporting actress. They were waiting for them to jump right into their trap!

“This is merely a precaution.” Hu Zheng adjusted his glasses as he earnestly explained to her. “It’s not that we don’t trust you, Ms. Li. Our concern is that someone might break the contract and ditch the show halfway. The penalty won’t be a problem so long as you and Ms. Su carry out the contract.”

He was also of the opinion that the contract was a little extreme. Although Hu Zheng had been in the business for a long time, this was the first time he ever came across such a contract. Nevertheless, Mr. Cloud Seven said it was no different from the contract with the actors on The Smiling Nation.

This was not child’s play, especially when it came to Mr. Cloud Seven’s series. There was strict control in every aspect as they could not afford any sloppiness. It would put the production in trouble if an actor were to walk out of the set out of the blue. Most importantly, Mr. Cloud Seven said it would affect his mood.

Li Jingran put on a poker face as thoughts ran through her mind. Holding back her fury, she carefully observed Hu Zheng’s face, not wanting to miss any red flags as she asked, “Do the other actors have the same contract?”

She wanted to be certain that it was not just her and Wanwan who had to sign this insulting contract but every actor as well.

Hu Zheng nodded. “Of course. Ms. Li, you can ask around if you don’t believe me. Everyone in the production team, be it the main actors or extras, new or old, is treated equally. The clause is the same for The Smiling Nation’s contract too.”

Since he oversaw the contracts, Hu Zheng could confidently tell her the truth.

The message got to Li Jingran’s head. It was down to consensus. There were many out there who would jump at the opportunity to sign the contract if they did not. She could understand why the actors of The Smiling Nation would put their signature on the contract. Since they were rookies, nothing else was more important than when an opportunity presented itself.

However, Li Jingran did not feel right about signing the contract. Why was there a need to set the penalty for breaking the contract so high?

“Ms. Li, we’re not in a hurry.” Recognizing her hesitation, Hu Zheng uttered with a smile, “You can go home and have a think. Please let us know in two days. We still need to look out for actors if you and Ms. Su decide not to play the parts.”

Many would still fight to sign on for Mr. Cloud Seven’s latest TV series even if the penalty was ten thousand times more, let alone a thousandfold. The penal sum was not a concern as long as the contract was not violated.

Li Jingran was without a word.

Su Ruowan became anxious listening to Hu Zheng. They were signing the same contract as everyone else. What was the big deal? All they had to do was keep to the agreement.

She needed and wanted the role. There was no way she was going to let this shot at fame slip through her fingers.

Nevertheless, Su Ruowan dared not speak up. She quietly played the part of a Miss Goody Two-Shoes next to Li Jingran like she always did.

Li Jingran remained unfazed on the surface even though her heart was racing when Hu Zheng brought up about replacing them if they were not on board. She composedly muttered, “Mr. Hu, we’ll need time to think it over.”

She did not want to make any sudden decision without consulting her husband first. Li Jingran needed to hear it from her husband whether it was a trap or bait set up by Yuan Yu.

Su Ruowan was tempted to scream aloud that she was more than willing. She would sign without hesitation no matter the liability. There could not possibly be any malice because Mr. Cloud Seven saw something in her and picked her.

Otherwise, why would Cloud Seven go through the trouble of asking specifically for her and Mom despite Su Mushi turning him down once for The Smiling Nation? Cloud Seven must think she was the best candidate, and Su Ruowan gave him props for that. It was Su Ruowan’s time to shine.

“Sure.” There was nothing more Hu Zheng could say. A lot of actors would die just to be on Mr. Cloud Seven’s TV series. There was no shortage of suitable candidates if the mother and daughter combo decided against acting in the TV series.

Li Jingran gave him a nod and excused herself with Su Ruowan.

Following behind, Su Ruowan could not hide the disappointment in her eyes.

Li Jingran was no stranger to Su Ruowan’s ambition to play the part. She taught her the low-down of surviving in the industry. “Wanwan, the absurd penalty is beyond reason. We need to practice caution before signing the contract and not let our feelings get in the way. For all we know, Hu Zheng might be lying to us.”

Bobbing her head, Su Ruowan appeared well-behaved. “Got it, Mom.”

She was reeling inside though. What if something were to go wrong in the two days? What if Mr. Cloud replaced them because of their hesitation? She was not able to settle down with it hanging over her head until the deal was sealed.

In the corridors and the lobby, many were still waiting for their turns to audition. Everyone was doing their own thing, be it rehearsing in front of the mirror, watching videos to practice, or talking among themselves.

Su Ruowan felt the panic and fear sinking in while looking at these people. She feared that one of them might steal her part away. Oh, how Su Ruowan wished she could run back and sign the contract in front of Hu Zheng. Only then could she feel at peace.

She lifted her head and happened to catch a glimpse of a familiar and unwelcome figure. With resentment flashing through her eyes, she tugged on Li Jingran and pointed. “Mom, look at that person. Isn’t she Shen Xi?”

Shen Xi!

Why was she here?

Did she not say she was not interested in going into showbiz?

Was she here to audition? Which part? The leading role? The supporting role or the extra?

With many questions plunging into Su Ruowan’s mind all at once, she could feel the fear taking over every inch of her body. Su Ruowan was scared Shen Xi might steal what was hers.

Li Jingran looked over as the figure was turning the corner and disappearing into the hallway. However, a quick glance confirmed that it was Shen Xi.

She could recognize the insolent brat even if the latter was reduced to ashes!

“Mom, is Shen Xi here to audition too? I wonder what role she has in mind.” Su Ruowan appeared to be happy for Shen Xi. “It’d be great if she got a role. We can work on the same set.”

A somber air clouded Li Jingran’s complexion. Keeping to herself, she ran toward the direction Shen Xi disappeared to but was stopped by a staff member at the end of the hallway. Since the audition was taking place there, no one was allowed in unless their names were called.

“Miss, what role is the pretty girl who just walked in auditioning for?” Su Ruowan asked a staff member politely..