Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 65 Signing Ceremony

The night is dark.

In Fan Binbin's apartment living room, only a floor lamp was lit, casting a warm yellow glow over the three figures nestled together on the sofa.

Fan Binbin leaned on Fu Yibai's right shoulder, his fingertips twirling around the second button of his shirt.

Hu Jing was on his left, quietly massaging his arm, her fingertips cool to the touch.

"Darling~"

Fan Binbin tilted her head back, her eyes slightly upturned, revealing a hint of unwitting allure in the ambiguous light.

"Has the female lead been cast for that fantasy romance movie you and Mr. Han were talking about?"

Are there any roles that would suit me?

Fu Yibai looked down at her.

This face, now without makeup, is as clean as a peeled lychee, yet its alluring gaze still cannot conceal its bewitching charm.

She has the face of a natural vixen.

If she plays Xiao Wei, can Wang Sheng really resist the temptation?

Fu Yibai didn't answer, but ran his thumb across the corner of her lips, bringing a touch of warmth.

"They're already thinking about the next installment of 'Love is Not Blind' before filming even started?"

"Isn't it because the pie in the sky you're painting looks too tempting?"

Fan Binbin didn't dodge; instead, she rubbed against his palm, her voice slightly coquettish.

"Fantasy romance, special effects blockbuster, 50 million investment—my heart skipped a beat when I heard that."

You have to tell me your name, so I have something to remember you by.

"...Painted Skin".

Fu Yibai withdrew his hand and leaned back against the sofa.

"Adapted from 'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio,' it features a love triangle involving a fox spirit, a general, and a lady, with the unpredictable nature of the human heart at its core."

Fan Binbin's eyes lit up.

Hu Jing paused for a moment while massaging his arm, then resumed her normal movements, only her lowered eyelashes trembled slightly.

"A fox spirit..."

Fan Binbin rolled those three words on her tongue, softening her voice, which only made her sound more charming.

"I'm the best at playing a fox spirit."

"You don't need to act, you are the vixen."

Fu Yibai affectionately pinched Fan Binbin's delicate nose.

"So, you're saying you agree?"

Fan Binbin's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Whether you can act or not depends on your performance.

This project is still a long way off; you should film for the next thirty-three days first.

When Fan Binbin heard the phrase "film for 33 days first," he pursed his lips but didn't ask any further questions.

"I know, I'm not the kind of person who's always looking for something better."

Her fingertips slid from the buttons of his shirt to the collar, teasingly caressing Fu Yibai's chest.

Fu Yibai felt a surge of heat from her teasing, so he stood up and swept her up in his arms.

"Oh dear~"

What are you doing?

Fan Binbin's affected, kicking legs.

"What for? Of course, I'm going to teach you a lesson, you vixen."

Jingjie turned off the lights.

"Um."

Hu Jing blushed and turned off the living room lights, then followed the two into the bedroom.

March 1, 2004, Chenxi Media Building.

The lobby on the first floor was temporarily set up as a media briefing area.

In the gray and white space, the silver logo of Chenxi Media stands out.

The backdrop features a simple geometric design, with posters of important works by the company displayed on both sides since its inception: the harsh winter of "Black Coal, Thin Ice," the information torrent of "Caught in the Web," and in the very center, the poster for "No Country for Old Men," which has not yet been released in China but is already a household name.

Fu Yibai stood in the rest area to the side of the backdrop, wearing a dark gray suit, his hands in his pockets.

Liu Yan walked through the crowd and reported in a low voice.

"Twenty-three media outlets arrived, seven more than originally planned."

Several companies came specifically after receiving word of Fan Binbin's contract termination.

"normal."

Fu Yibai's gaze swept across the hall, where Fan Binbin and Hu Jing were doing their final touch-ups in the dressing room.

"Let Zhao Qi take charge, and keep the Q&A session within twenty minutes."

"clear."

Nine fifty-eight.

Zhao Qi walked up to the podium and tested the microphone.

"Thank you to all our media friends for taking time out of your busy schedules to visit Chenxi Media."

Today is a memorable day in the company's history, as we are about to welcome two outstanding actors to the company.

She paused, then looked toward the side stage.

"Please welcome Ms. Fan Binbin and Ms. Hu Jing."

The sound of the shutter clicking was like a sudden downpour.

Fan Binbin stepped out first, her hazy blue dress highlighting her slender figure, her long hair styled in an elegant low bun, and her ears adorned with pearl earrings from a certain brand's latest season.

Hu Jing followed half a step behind, her lotus-colored fitted long dress showing a warm texture under the indoor warm light, her makeup was light, and her lip color was a perfect dusty rose.

The two stood side by side and smiled at the camera.

Fan Binbin is bright and flamboyant, while Hu Jing is reserved and introverted. They are two completely different temperaments, but they look surprisingly harmonious when they stand together.

The signing ceremony was brief and solemn.

Zhao Qi, representing Chenxi Media, signed the contracts with both actors.

At 10:05, the media Q&A session began.

The reporters couldn't contain themselves any longer, and the first person called on immediately stood up.

"Hello Ms. Fan, I am a reporter from Entertainment Weekly."

Your contract with Huayi Brothers officially terminated a week ago, and you have quickly signed with Chenxi Media today.

Is there some kind of connection between these two things?

The question was politely worded, but its sharp edge was hidden.

Fan Binbin straightened the microphone, his smile appropriate.

"My collaboration with Huayi concluded successfully through friendly negotiations. I am grateful to Huayi for its support over the past few years."

As for choosing Dawn—

She glanced at a spot in the audience where Fu Yibai was sitting, but he hadn't gone up on stage.

"It's very simple, I need a platform that truly understands actors and respects their creative work."

Dawn is precisely such a place.

"How would you evaluate Huayi?"

Is it true, as rumored, that they have fallen out?

"Next question."

Zhao Qi intervened at the opportune moment.

The second media outlet stepped forward, turning its attention to Hu Jing.

"Ms. Hu, you have always been a free agent and have not signed with any agency."

Was the choice of Dawn this time due to the company's resources, or were there other special reasons?

Hu Jing pursed her lips, her voice soft.

"Dawn's production capabilities are evident to all."

As an actor, it's fortunate to encounter a company that takes its work seriously.

I was just seizing this stroke of luck.

Watertight.

The third media outlet.

Fu Yibai noticed that this was a company he was not familiar with.

"Ms. Fan, Director Fu, hello—"

The man suddenly turned his attention to the audience below the stage.

"I would like to ask Director Fu Yibai a question."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Fu Yibai slowly walked forward from the edge of the rest area and stood beside Fan Binbin.

"Excuse me."

The reporter adjusted his glasses and spoke very quickly.

"Two weeks ago, while you were in Berlin, Director Fu, a lot of negative information about Ms. Fan Binbin appeared online, including but not limited to rumors such as 'relying on her background to snatch roles' and 'disagreements with Huayi executives leading to contract termination'."

Are these true?

The most widely circulated claim directly accuses Ms. Fan of having a private relationship with you that goes beyond a working relationship, with rumors circulating online about a so-called "sugar baby" relationship.

Is this true?

The entire room fell silent.