Hey, first of all, thanks for reading my lousy Machine Translation. To be honest, I’d really like it if you guys corrected the mistakes I made. But please speak nicely and politely. My heart is not strong enough to read your too-harsh comments. Have a nice day. 🙂
Chapter 85
Netizens: ???
Gardenia Fandom: ???
Calling her a mother-in-law, calling Shi Zhi?
…
“Sister Shi, you’ve become a mother-in-law!”
The team’s assistant was the first to tell Shi Zhi about this situation, finding it funny and absurd.
Shi Zhi was also bewildered upon hearing this new title for the first time. She took some time to understand the whole story.
Here’s what happened: The show “Hello, Manager” had already aired, and Shi Zhi, along with the artists from her studio, made a strong presence.
Various styles, appearances, and talented, handsome guys continuously appeared, making everyone realize that the handsome people in Shi Zhi’s studio were not limited to the six who debuted. Even the newcomers who hadn’t had much exposure each had their unique charm!
This made the fangirls restless.
They considered themselves wives, and since Shi Zhi was their “husband” boss, wouldn’t that make her a mother-in-law?
In her twenties, Shi Zhi had suddenly gained a group of sons and daughters-in-law.
Brother Quan was quite frustrated, evolving from Boss Shi to a mother-in-law. No female star in the entertainment industry had ever had such a persona before.
Shi Zhi remained calm. What’s the big deal? She could still joke about it, “Actually, it could be more intimate. Why call mother-in-law? Call me mom.” (Not serious)
“With so many daughters-in-law, can I get more local specialties?”
These are spread all over the country. How many local specialties can I eat?
Brother Quan clearly saw the longing on Shi Zhi’s face.
Shi Zhi got the title of mother-in-law, and Gardenia fandom thought: Hey? They call Shi Zhi “Princess Zhi Zai,” and the fans of Shi Zhi’s studio call her “Mother-in-law Shi.” Then what generation are they?
Thinking about it made them a bit happy. Following Shi Zhi, even the titles are rising.
Proud.jpg
Through the show, everyone had already noticed that Shi Zhi didn’t hide her studio’s artists. She had her own philosophy, which might sound harsh initially but effective.
And just like Shi Zhi’s Versailles-esque behavior towards other managers (bosses), she controlled over half of an 11-member idol group.
The results were already evident.
After Lu Zeming signed with Shi Zhi, he went from being lukewarm and on the verge of disappearing to starting his career’s rising period. With the group’s popularity and this show, Shi Zhi could always introduce many fresh faces.
The problem was, how long had her studio been around?
This was the biggest counterattack to those who said Shi Zhi was messing around in the industry. Of course, some still refused to listen, covering their ears and insisting Shi Zhi was messing up, but nothing could be done.
The butler had also been following the show and felt very proud. What is this? This is the bloodline’s awakening, a talent integrated into the bloodline.
More people were clamoring to intern at Shi Zhi’s studio.
“I’m not here for the handsome guys and pretty girls. I’m just here to gain internship experience.”
“I’m a straightforward person. I’ll just say it. I’m a pure LSP. I’m here for the handsome guys and pretty girls, especially Shi Zhi. I can stare at Sister Shi all day. I can make egg-fried rice for Sister Shi. The vengeful Sister Shi is too cute!”
In this variety show, Shi Zhi placed herself as a tool, not highlighting herself and serving the artists. However, people still noticed many details about her.
For instance, remembering an artist’s name because of a bowl of fried rice.
“Eat, eat, eat, let Xiao Zhi eat!”
“Didn’t Sister Shi get to eat the fried rice in the end?”
“Who is that handsome guy with half a face that flashed by? Offering five cents heavily, begging for an account!”
…
Shi Zhi instructed the cameraman not to film Cheng Yu, but it couldn’t be entirely avoided. The sharp-eyed star-chasing girls noticed the half-face.
They even offered a reward –
A handsome face worth five cents.
Shi Zhi saw it, and after all, it was quite high. She told the program team to delete it if possible and informed the person involved, Cheng Yu.
Apologizing, she didn’t expect him to appear on screen. Cheng Yu just came to bring her some food.
Cheng Yu comforted Shi Zhi, “It’s okay. I don’t mind this much.” He had been in financial magazines, too.
Cheng Yu didn’t feel offended because… unlike Ye Ziwen and others, they didn’t need to spend money.
Shi Zhi said, “I’ve already messaged her, asking her to delete it, and she agreed.”
Cheng Yu was curious about how Shi Zhi made her delete it.
How did she delete it?
Shi Zhi turned it around, offered five cents, and gave the netizen a five-cent red envelope, conducting a private monetary transaction.
Cheng Yu: What virtue does he have! He is so expensive!
The corners of his mouth lifted, and his fingers typed faster on the keyboard. After this incident, Cheng Yu felt he could battle keyboard warriors for a few more hours. These hands, which insiders believed could create immense wealth with a few taps, were excited by Shi Zhi’s five cents, not wanting to stop.
Speaking with data, making various charts, and using the most professional posture to counter the haters.
Haters: Crap, illiterate, can’t understand much, are Shi Zhi’s fans as toxic as her? Retreating.
…
Shi Zhi felt that the five cents was a bit embarrassing and asked Cheng Yu if he wanted anything she could give him.
She seemed to have received a lot of gifts and help from Cheng Yu.
Cheng Yu took a while to answer Shi Zhi, responding appropriately, “As long as you’re happy, just shine, don’t worry about me.”
Shi Zhi was curious, “Am I a light bulb?” Shining.
Cheng Yu didn’t send this out.
A star and the moon.
Shi Zhi might not know, but she had a light about her that everyone around could feel.
Shi Zhi didn’t know what she could give Cheng Yu. He was well-off and probably didn’t lack anything. Seeing the part about not worrying about him, she inexplicably felt slightly sorry for Cheng Yu.
This could be postponed, waiting for another time.
Shi Zhi went around the black fan group she used to be in.
The group was completely different from when she first joined. No one was cursing her anymore; everyone was discussing the characters and the ongoing “Hello, Manager.”
“Shi Zhi’s last movie’ is really good. I’ve watched it three times.”
“It’s really good. I’ve watched it repeatedly with my friends. My friend initially wanted to compromise and go for a job she didn’t like, following her parents’ arrangements. After watching the movie, she finally made up her mind. Now, her conditions are much better than Yang Zhaodi’s. She’s a proper university graduate. Why follow that path and ruin her life?”
“So, when is Xiao Zhi going to shoot a new drama? I’m so looking forward to it.”
Everyone was looking forward to the new drama.
Two consecutive hit TV dramas and a niche film with outstanding reviews and box office. The Gardenia fandom felt genuinely proud of this.
After reading the group, Shi Zhi asked Brother Quan.
“Is there any new drama I can take?”
Quan: !!!
What did he just hear? Thank goodness Shi Zhi actually wants to take on a new drama.
…
The market is cruel and real. Shi Zhi’s comeback means her reputation and popularity are continuously rising, which also means she has more scripts to choose from.
Among them were also olive branches extended by big directors. The reason BrotherQuan didn’t choose them was that.
“The roles are not significant, mostly just vase roles.”
“Otherwise, the types overlap.”
Shi Zhi’s looks could handle vase roles, and Brother Quan didn’t think it was bad to play a vase. If you’re pretty, why not play good-looking roles and not waste your prime time?
But none of the vase roles were particularly appealing. The stylists from several directors made some designs that were somewhat damaging. Several actresses who made a name with their beauty didn’t have their looks highlighted.
Brother Quan: Playing a vase without a good look, what’s the point!
Role overlapping can limit an actor, and unless the script is particularly outstanding, Shi Zhi has no intention of playing the same type of role again.
Finally, Brother Quan and Shi Zhi decided on a Republic of China drama.
Brother Quan, “Positive energy, progressive character, suits you.”
Shi Zhi is very positive energy, even looking for a partner to contribute to society together.
This script was good, with distinct and positive character traits. The director had also shot similar films, so it wouldn’t flop.
Brother Quan naturally chose the female lead for Shi Zhi. The director was happy to have Shi Zhi join and quickly moved to face-to-face discussions.
The director explained the role to Shi Zhi. The female lead came from a good family, a lady from a wealthy family. Still, she empathized with those suffering and didn’t hesitate to clash with her family, losing her protection…
Shi Zhi had already read the script and understood these points. The director liked actors who did their homework.
Initially, seeing Shi Zhi managing a studio, he thought she was transitioning and might be arrogant and hard to talk to. However, his concerns were completely unfounded.
Shi Zhi and the director talked smoothly, but the assistant director came in urgently, looking for the director.
“Step out for a moment.” The assistant director seemed quite anxious.
Shi Zhi asked the director, “Should I step out first?”
They could talk inside.
Shi Zhi was the only actor present.
The director waved his hand, indicating Shi Zhi didn’t need to leave, and turned to the assistant director, “Speak. Shi Zhi is not an outsider.”
By this point, Shi Zhi was confirmed.
Her acting skills weren’t an issue.
The assistant director said, “It’s about the concubine role. Didn’t Huang Lu say she would play it? The agent just called, saying Huang Lu is not feeling well and can’t play the role…”
“Not feeling well? I saw that she got a third female lead role in a historical fantasy drama. I had a bad feeling then, and now she’s ditched us.”
The assistant director initially restrained his words because of Shi Zhi’s presence. However, as he spoke, his emotions got the better of him, forgetting Shi Zhi’s presence.
The director frowned, “Huang Lu’s behavior is indeed bad, but nothing can be done without a contract.” Huang Lu hadn’t signed the contract, likely hesitating from the start.
He sighed, “This role is truly unlucky.” It had already changed hands several times.
Shi Zhi remained silent, having little impression of Huang Lu. From the conversation, she inferred that Huang Lu was a fairly well-known but not famous actress.
She didn’t want to judge others but was interested in the role.
“Is it the third concubine?”
Shi Zhi asked.
The director confirmed.
Shi Zhi thought for a moment and said to the director, “What about me? Can I do it?”
…
Director: ???
What do you mean, okay?
Shi Zhi wants to play the third concubine?
Shi Zhi: Yes.
The director had been troubled over the casting of the third concubine. This character actually has quite a lot of scenes, not as many as the female lead, but in terms of appearance ratio, the third concubine could even be considered the second female lead.
But it wouldn’t have been so troublesome if this character was really appealing. It wouldn’t have caused Huang Lu to drop the second female lead role to play the third female lead in a historical fantasy drama.
The third concubine completely differs from the progressive female lead; she acts like an “evil supporting character.”
The third concubine doesn’t have a name in the script; it is just called the third concubine. From her first appearance, she is sharp-tongued, petty, and materialistic. She marries a warlord much older than herself for wealth, dresses herself in jewels, acts haughty and arrogant, and even develops an interest in the male lead…
This role is quite risky and likely to attract a lot of criticism.
The director never expected Shi Zhi to be interested in this role, which had been abandoned by several actresses, especially since she was originally offered the female lead.
Director: Could this be true?
Shi Zhi: “I find this character very interesting.” More realistic.
She believed there was depth to explore. Why was she sharp-tongued? Because her environment required her to be strong and aggressive to gain benefits.
Why did she despise poverty and love wealth? Because she had been scared of being poor.
The director himself thought the third concubine had great potential. Shi Zhi’s choice to abandon the female lead to play the third concubine seemed bold and thoughtful, and he naturally supported it.
However, “I think your team might not support this.”
Shi Zhi smiled at the director, “My team can’t control me.”
Director: Is this the confidence of being your own boss?
Now, Shi Zhi was managing herself, and it seemed her team couldn’t control her.
But Shi Zhi thought Brother Quan might make a fuss, so she asked the director, “Does the third concubine have a lot of beautiful outfits?”
The director confirmed, “Yes.”
Young and beautiful, it was written in the script. The third concubine had more cheongsams than the female lead.
Shi Zhi: That’s good.
…
Brother Quan was relaxed, waiting outside with the team for Shi Zhi to finish discussing the script and return victorious, enjoying the sun, and then he saw Shi Zhi.
Quan: “Done with the discussion?”
Shi Zhi: “Yes, done.”
“The third concubine.”
Brother Quan: “Alright, done with the discussion. I am just waiting to sign the contract.” He followed Shi Zhi’s words, suddenly realizing something seemed off.
What is the third concubine? Isn’t the female lead of this Republic of China drama a young lady?
With an assertive tone, Shi Zhi said, “Didn’t you want me to play a vase role? I found out that the third concubine has the most clothes and always looks exquisite.” It perfectly aligned with Brother Quan’s idea.
Brother Quan: Thank you for remembering to gather this information to appease me amidst your busy schedule.
Brother Quan roared, “I think you just want to play a villain!”
Shi Zhi had been clamoring to play a villain for a long time but never had the chance. Now, she was sprinting toward that direction at the first opportunity.
Shi Zhi: Cheng Yu said that as long as she’s happy. She will be very happy now.
And Shi Zhi argued to her agent, “The third concubine isn’t exactly a villain.”
She’s a realistic, flesh-and-blood character.
…
Brother Quan had already felt Shi Zhi’s non-conformist nature. Not playing by the rules had become Shi Zhi’s characteristic. What else could he do?
Not much, since his salary still depended on Shi Zhi. Humble.jpg.
Shi Zhi decided to play the second female lead, the third concubine, in the Republic of China drama “When the Wind Rises.” As for the female lead, the director found it much easier to cast.
Shi Zhi noticed many minor roles in the crew that hadn’t been cast, so she recommended some of her studio’s artists.
“Do you need my studio’s cats? They’re all good-looking, professionally capable, and cost-effective. Just a few little fish snacks are enough.”
Cost-effectiveness was a tradition in Shi Zhi’s studio. Initially, Shi Zhi herself was cost-effective; now, this tradition has been passed down to the artists.
The director selected a few suitable “cats” from Shi Zhi’s studio.
Shi Zhi’s participation in “When the Wind Rises” was confirmed. Just waiting to sign the contract. The studio needed Shi Zhi’s attention.
This time, it was about getting resources for the Ugly Duckling, Dong De.
Dong De gained some fans from his interaction with Shi Zhi, a tiger sniffing the rose with a tough exterior but a soft heart, who was excellent at needlework and also had a script that evoked pity.
He worked hard but couldn’t reach the peak. While everyone around him succeeded, he sat on the stairs with red eyes…
Shi Zhi: Red eyes are useless; resources are needed. Get on a show!
After leaving the crew, Shi Zhi had the driver take her to the building, where she had a cooperation meeting.
The assistant sighed, “Sister Shi is really kind.” She still remembered Dong De.
Brother Quan complained, “She’s more concerned about others than herself.”
Shi Zhi was trying to get Dong De on a rap show. She had a specific chart recording everyone’s strengths.
Dong De was strong in rap, better than dancing. Ye Ziwen even learned from Dong De before debuting as the center in a boy group show, while Dong De lost out internally.
Luck plays a crucial role.
Shi Zhi confidently said, “This show suits Dong De better.” If she said it suited him, then it did. If not, there was no other way; the talent show had ended.
However, the negotiation didn’t go smoothly.
…
The person in charge of external cooperation for the rap show was a cold and elegant woman who seemed strong, and her opening was even more assertive.
Shi Zhi handed over Dong De’s information, and she showed little regard for Dong De.
“Our rap show is positioned very high, aiming to present a competition among top talents… Dong De’s rap skills are good, but his popularity is low… and he doesn’t seem to have…”
“The star quality.”
“He lacks the superstar aura.”
To her, Dong De didn’t meet her aesthetic standards and was directly stuck in her judgment.
Brother Quan had been watching Shi Zhi, ready to pull her back if needed, fearing she might get into a fight.
Shi Zhi remained calm, wondering why to fight? Everyone has different opinions. The other party didn’t believe Dong De could be successful…
She would make Dong De successful.
Shi Zhi asked, “Do you need investors now?”
Could she invest on the spot?
The woman looked displeased, “No, we’re full. Miss Shi, please be serious. Are you trying to insult me with money?”
Shi Zhi shook her head, “I never think giving money is an insult. If it is… feel free to insult me.”
Me, Shi Zhi, using money to insult me, I’m willing.
The woman: “…”
Shi Zhi felt Dong De was really hard to manage. Even throwing money couldn’t get him in.
During negotiations, Shi Zhi remained confident but felt mentally exhausted afterward and ran into Cheng Yu in the building.
Cheng Yu initially walked with a group of people, but his exceptional presence immediately caught Shi Zhi’s eye.
Cheng Yu walked straight toward Shi Zhi.
“Why are you here?”
Without waiting for Shi Zhi to speak, he had already guessed, “Negotiating a project for your artist?”
Cheng Yu had a business appointment.
Shi Zhi candidly said it wasn’t going smoothly.
Shi Zhi was reliable but not invincible. Cheng Yu, with a hint of a smile, secretly provided a crucial piece of information.
“I’ve seen that person in charge twice.”
“I accidentally saw a keychain with Ye Ziwen’s ava on her keys.”
Shi Zhi: Huh?
This “accidentally” was incredibly useful.
…
Shi Zhi met the person in charge again and chatted, “Do you like Ye Ziwen?”
The person in charge was startled, looking at Shi Zhi with a wary gaze.
Ye Ziwen’s wife’s fans also called Shi Zhi mother-in-law, but the person in charge wasn’t one of them; she was a mother fan of Ye Ziwen, so she was on the same level as Shi Zhi. Generally, mother fans didn’t like the idol’s boss.
Shi Zhi, “Ye Ziwen is very outstanding and likable… Everyone is looking forward to him holding a concert at Shui Tianjin, but it’s hard to negotiate.”
Shui Tianjin is a high-end stadium that is frequently used, making it particularly difficult for idols to hold concerts there.
The person in charge: !!!
Not just looking forward to it, but extremely, especially looking forward to it.
“Is Miss Shi threatening me with Ye Ziwen’s concert at Shui Tianjin?” The person in charge was furious.
Shi Zhi was surprised, “Why think that way?”
“I was just chatting.”
“Whether the stadium can be secured isn’t up to me… But if we can cooperate amicably, I do have the authority to give you some autographed photos of Ye Ziwen.”
If we can cooperate amicably.
The person in charge: Does she like this trick?
Yes, she does.
She couldn’t decide the final selection results, but she could push Dong De’s name forward. Whether Dong De got in or not didn’t affect her much, as her initial judgment was based on personal taste. Ye Ziwen’s autographed photos were quite appealing.
“You must negotiate the concert for Ye Ziwen properly.”
“And the autographed photos.”
Shi Zhi: She remembered.
…
The final resource exchange wasn’t because of Ye Ziwen. Ye Ziwen’s mother fan could only influence the first round of screening, serving as a push.
Shi Zhi relied on herself to negotiate a resource exchange to get Dong De this spot.
Shi Zhi would participate in a live variety show.
Shi Zhi expressionless: Ugly Duckling, I’ve given so much for you.
Cheng Yu found out that Shi Zhi would participate in a live variety show and stayed up all night.
Then, the love variety show welcomed Cheng Yu. His purpose wasn’t to date Shi Zhi on the show but because no one else suited her.
Cheng Yu didn’t see Shi Zhi.
The cameraman naturally said, “Teacher Shi Zhi won’t be here; she’s an observer.”
Cheng Yu thought he would be dating Shi Zhi on the show as a guest, but Shi Zhi was actually sitting in the studio as an observer.