Chapter 16

The press conference was held on Saturday, and Meng Kaiyan and Jian Zhenzhu flew to Beijing on Friday night.

They arrived in Beijing around 9:30 p.m. and hurriedly found a hotel near the airport to rest, planning to contact Chen Man’s assistant the next day.

Meng Kaiyan was utterly exhausted and fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow. When she woke up, daylight was streaming in.

She groggily turned over and asked, “Mom, what time is it?”

Jian Zhenzhu was about to freshen up. “Six thirty. I ordered breakfast, but it hasn’t arrived yet. You can sleep a bit more.”

Meng Kaiyan didn’t go back to sleep. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, but sat there blankly for two minutes before throwing off the covers and getting out of bed.

She pulled back the curtains, her eyes momentarily blinded by the bright snow outside. “Wow, such heavy snow.”

“Right? I just saw two kids downstairs making a snowman. They only got halfway through before their parents dragged them back to the hotel. They’re on our floor too, and their noise could be heard all the way to our room,” Jian Zhenzhu shook her head. “The soundproofing here isn’t great. Next time we come, we won’t stay here.”

After breakfast, they headed to the conference center where the press conference was being held.

Chen Man’s assistant was named Guan Xin. Meng Kaiyan often hung around the director’s monitor with her on set, so they got along quite well.

When Guan Xin saw Meng Kaiyan today, she was visibly shocked, pulling her aside to take several looks. “Just one year, and Kaiyan has changed so much.”

Jian Zhenzhu agreed, “Right? She’s matured a lot this year. I notice it every day.”

Guan Xin touched Meng Kaiyan’s face. “How has she changed? She looks even more beautiful.”

She then measured her height with her hand. “You’re taller too, right? Last time I saw you, you were about my height. Now you’re two fingers taller.”

Meng Kaiyan nodded. “Yes, I’ve grown about three centimeters since last summer.”

Guan Xin patted her. “Tall and beautiful. Director Chen will be shocked to see you. Let’s go. You’re early, but Chen is already inside on the phone.”

As Guan Xin said, Chen Man was indeed startled upon seeing Meng Kaiyan. Her first thought was that the girl must have had plastic surgery.

But a second look made it clear she hadn’t. A face like that couldn’t be sculpted by a knife.

Chen Man had worked as a director for many years and could spot even subtle cosmetic enhancements at a glance, no matter how natural or well done.

The more she looked, the more fascinated she was. “This kind is rare. It must be bone development, and it’s growing in a good direction. No wonder Chen Yu said my skills were declining—I even argued with her about it. But you still need to watch out for your cheeks and nose. Those two areas often cause problems.”

A big nose or puffy cheeks, if lucky, don’t affect much, but if not, it can ruin a person’s looks like a fall from a height. Bone structure issues are hard to fix and can be a nightmare for actors working in front of the camera.

Meng Kaiyan smiled. “Understood, Director Chen.”

Chen Man said, “Go in with your mother now. The press conference starts at nine-thirty.”

The venue was large. Meng Kaiyan didn’t wander outside but stayed in the waiting room while Jian Zhenzhu applied her makeup.

Within half an hour, many people arrived, including several actors from the crew, among them Liu Lingyun, who had frequently appeared on trending searches this year.

Meng Kaiyan thought he was quite restless—he finished filming and then went to participate in a talent show. But the current state of domestic talent shows seemed no different from the chaotic state of 1949’s Nationalist Army.

Curious about why he was trending, Meng Kaiyan peeked at the news. It seemed his agency had conflicts with the show’s producers and wanted to withdraw from the competition, with fans demanding refunds.

But the trending topics weren’t very lively—more like someone trying to stir up buzz one last time.

Liu Lingyun either forgot Meng Kaiyan or didn’t recognize her, glancing at her several times without recalling her name.

“Who’s she?” he quietly asked his assistant.

The assistant shook her head, and they soon left. Not long after, Liu Lingyun came back with a milk tea, pulling up a chair close to Meng Kaiyan.

“Hey, Xiao Meng, you’re here too? I remember you’re from Shanghai.”

Meng Kaiyan thought to herself that he must have asked around to find out she was from Shanghai; there was no way he would remember.

“Yes, Mr. Liu,” she smiled politely, “Thank you, but I’m on a diet and can’t drink milk tea right now.”

Liu Lingyun didn’t mind and passed the milk tea to his assistant, then leaned in to ask, “What grade are you in this year?”

Meng Kaiyan replied, “Third year of high school.”

So young! Liu Lingyun hesitated for half a second. “So you’re preparing for the art entrance exam, right?”

“Yes, I just finished the unified exam.”

He praised her, “You have a good look and decent acting skills. The three major art schools are still possible. I’m from Beijing Film Academy; if you want to know more, you can ask me. Let’s exchange WeChat.”

Meng Kaiyan felt something was off. When she turned to look, Jian Zhenzhu’s face had darkened.

Jian Zhenzhu stepped forward and stood firmly between Meng Kaiyan and Liu Lingyun, stamping her heel hard.

Liu Lingyun hadn’t reacted when a sharp pain shot up his left leg.

“Sorry, I’m helping my daughter with her makeup and need to apply loose powder now. Could you please step back a little? I’m worried the powder might get on you,” Jian Zhenzhu said, her lips curling in disdain, nearly rolling her eyes.

Liu Lingyun wanted to curse but deflated instantly upon hearing the word “daughter.” Who brings their mom to a press conference? Embarrassed, he left shortly after.

The door slammed shut. Jian Zhenzhu warned Meng Kaiyan, “If you meet people like that again, don’t give them any face. Turn on the recorder, say everything clearly, and then tell them to get lost.”

Meng Kaiyan finally understood Liu Lingyun’s intentions and nodded immediately. “Got it.”

Jian Zhenzhu gently brushed loose powder on her face and sighed. “You really need an agent. Once you’re in college, I’ll have to work. Without an agent, it’s impossible.”

Meng Kaiyan closed her eyes. “Director Chen Yu told me not to rush and never to be tricked into signing with a company.”

Jian Zhenzhu agreed, “Right. I’ve heard some companies make money off termination fees. They’re even darker than old-time indentured servants’ contracts.”

At nine-thirty, the press conference began.

As a minor supporting actress, Meng Kaiyan stood far off, separated by six people from Fang Qun.

She only managed to say one line: “Hello everyone, I play Cui Cui in the drama.” Still, happiness is relative. Seeing Liu Lingyun not even get on stage made her feel much better.

Next came the main event for Chen Man and Fang Qun. All cameras focused on them, and every eye in the audience was fixed on their figures.

Who are you? What are you saying? What are you thinking? No one cared.

The biggest spotlight shone on them, dazzling and bright. Meng Kaiyan’s gaze seemed about to be swallowed by the light.

Her mind turned to mush. Whatever was asked or answered went in one ear and out the other. Her posture and expression were maintained by instinct alone.

In a daze, only one thought remained: I must become famous.

——

Half of the event was over; the other half was a banquet.

Meng Kaiyan thought she should leave but was surprised when Chen Man stopped her to stay and join the meal.

After eating, Jian Zhenzhu whispered to Meng Kaiyan, “Director Chen is really kind. After finishing your makeup, I told her about that matter, and she didn’t let Liu Lingyun go on stage.”

Then she added thoughtfully, “But it might not be because of us. There aren’t many people in this industry who stand up for others.”

Meng Kaiyan wiped her mouth. “No, I heard from Sister Guan Xin that Liu Lingyun’s situation is risky recently, and they didn’t want controversy, so they didn’t let him on stage.”

Jian Zhenzhu asked, “Then why did they even let him come?”

Meng Kaiyan explained, “His agent forced it. They have connections with Director Chen and probably wanted to buy a positive news piece to get him back into acting.”

Being able to play a named supporting role in a major production but still participating in talent shows as a trainee... truly a terrible move.

This path is full of temptations, and one wrong step can lead you astray. Meng Kaiyan reminded herself to stay clear-headed.

“Xiao Meng, come here,” Chen Man called across the table.

Meng Kaiyan quickly stood and walked over. “Director Chen.”

Chen Man put a hand on her shoulder and said to the person seated at the head of the table, “This is a young girl from our crew, not even eighteen yet, but she acts very well.”

Then she said to Meng Kaiyan, “This is Ji Ziling, the producer. You can call her Teacher Ji.”

Meng Kaiyan immediately understood and smiled, “Hello, Teacher Ji. My name is Meng Kaiyan.”

“Just call me Sister Ji,” Ji Ziling smiled, her eyes scanning Meng Kaiyan’s face before asking, “Xiao Meng, how many dramas have you filmed so far?”

Meng Kaiyan thought for two seconds and answered honestly, “Eight, but I only appear in three so far.”

Chen Man said, “She has more screen time in my drama. When it airs, you’ll see—she’s quite talented. She also had a supporting role in Chen Yu’s movie earlier this year. Chen Yu praised her highly. You have a big drama next year, right? I’ll make an introduction first—not promising you’ll get the role, just to get to know each other.”

“Sure. Let’s exchange contact info,” Ji Ziling took out her phone. “Do you have an agent?”

Jian Zhenzhu quickly handed over Meng Kaiyan’s phone. Meng Kaiyan opened WeChat. “No, my mom usually accompanies me. I’m still preparing for art exams.”

“That’s good. Don’t rush these things.” With a beep, the two added each other. Ji Ziling and Jian Zhenzhu nodded greetings, then Ji Ziling told Meng Kaiyan, “I’ll come to you if there’s a suitable role.”

“Thank you, Sister Ji.”

Shortly after exchanging contacts, the banquet ended. After saying goodbye to everyone, Jian Zhenzhu took Meng Kaiyan away.

Guan Xin saw them off and then asked Chen Man, “Second Aunt, you really have high hopes for Xiao Meng?”

Chen Man replied, “Yes, mainly because of Chen Yu. Chen Yu’s movie passed its review after three rounds. I heard the plot is excellent and has award potential.”

Guan Xin pondered, “Then Xiao Meng might really make a name for herself.”

“Before, it wasn’t very likely. Now, it’s quite possible.”