She Only Cares About Cultivation-Chapter 1053 - 884: Super Star 58 (First Update)

Although Hua Yan’s injuries have completely healed, her teacher is still worried about any accidents and doesn’t dare to let her practice the piano every day. Each session also never exceeds two hours, with plans to intensify practice in August. Thus, Hua Yan can only hide and practice in her space because she knows her own recovery abilities.

After advancing to Level 70 in the first half of the year, she reached a standstill because during the summer vacation, she had to practice the piano while occasionally running to Liang An’s place to shoot additional scenes.

Her face looks great on camera, truly a thousand faces in one, with incredible versatility.

Unlike some artists who might only suit period dramas and not look good in modern settings, she’s different. She can handle both period and modern dramas, especially given her young age and great future potential.

Hua Yan has also set a direction for herself: no bad shows, only good roles. Even if it’s a small supporting character, as long as the role suits her and the cast is strong, and it’s not an over-the-top drama, she’ll take on the challenge.

The movie was originally planned for release during the summer break, but with tight schedules and heavy tasks, fearing any mistakes, they chose to spend more time polishing and refining it, thinking a release next summer isn’t late.

In early August, both her and Ling Yao’s parts were completely wrapped up, including additional shots, leaving the rest entirely for post-production.

However, when discussing the movie’s theme song, Liang An suddenly asked Hua Yan: "Are you interested in learning to compose the theme song and then both of you perform it?"

Hua Yan was taken aback, "Shouldn’t the lead actors sing it? We are just supporting roles!"

But Liang An chuckled: "We don’t have male lead one, male lead two, female lead one, female lead two. You are all co-leading actors because I’m presenting the story in two units, each with your own story performance. The only connection is that you were once high school classmates. This change eliminates any position disputes."

Ling Yao twitched his mouth: "Indeed, it’s biological. I’m not sure whether to be happy or to chuckle bitterly. You’re really going to great lengths to support us."

Liang An sighed, "Who knew your performances exceeded my expectations? If treated as male two and female two, your brilliance would overshadow the leads, wouldn’t it spark trouble? Might as well balance it out and let the audience decide."

"What’s there to worry about? It might accidentally increase buzz. Isn’t that how hype works?"

Liang An shook his head, "We’re not here for hype, just putting our hearts into filmmaking. I can’t believe after all these years in the circle, I, Liang An, can’t make a good film! I’ve put in exceptional effort this time, from shooting angles to casting decisions, script study, and even post-production follow-ups, I’ve got a handle on it. I’m confident we can do it."

Whether it turns into a blockbuster or a dark horse, Liang An didn’t say, but he has poured his heart into it and deserves respect.

However, the main leads seemed very upset with this arrangement. In the beginning, they were promised to be the leads. They even procrastinated and spent over half a year for the film. Now, when it’s finished, they’re told it was split into two parts, and the newcomers are given equal status and treatment? Why should they accept that?

Fine, even if Ling Yao isn’t a newcomer and might even be more famous than them, the actor paired with him is a complete newbie, a high school student who hasn’t even graduated. Originally, the female lead took care of Hua Yan on set, being friends in the storyline. But that’s because there was no threat to her interests. Now, with position disputes at stake, who can sit still?

So, when Liang An, Ling Yao, and Hua Yan were having a meeting, the two main leads barged in with displeased expressions.

Liang An frowned, "Song Kexin, Dong Hui, if you have any dissatisfaction, let’s discuss it later. Please leave for now."

Song Kexin, with an imposing look, ironically seemed quite petty in her demeanor.

"Mr. Liang, I believe this matter should be resolved with both of them present, so I apologize for my rudeness. After all, we’ve put a lot of effort into this film, especially by waiting for them initially. We’ve sacrificed a lot of time. Changing the ranks like this now seems unfair to us, doesn’t it?"

"Moreover, I heard you’re considering giving both the opening and ending songs of this film to them to perform. So, may I ask, are we still part of your company? We all come from the same place, aren’t you being unfair by favoring one side?"

Hua Yan, feeling wrongly accused by Song Kexin’s glare, thought to herself, "Please, I’m just finding out too, okay? And Ling Yao and I only took a friendship price of ten thousand yuan each. At this price, we’re merely high-level extras. Who knew it would turn into such a complicated situation?"

One might have thought Liang An would patiently explain to them, but who knew Boss Liang seemed angry and reclined in his boss chair, nodding towards Ling Yao and Hua Yan.

"Before claiming my favoritism, did you research who they are?"

Even though Song Kexin came with Dong Hui, and his presence signaled he was an ally, throughout, only Song Kexin spoke while Dong Hui remained silent, seemingly deep in thought.

"Of course, I know. Ling Yao was brought up by you, wasn’t he? I know that. As for this young girl, isn’t she just a high school student?"

"Ha, you know Ling Yao was cultivated by me? If this kid hadn’t cooperated, do you think Dong Hui would be in the picture? Your combined pay is US$ 300,000. Do you know how much they got?"

Named, Dong Hui was somewhat displeased with Liang An’s words, frowning as he looked at Liang An.

Liang An chuckled, "The two of them, each at a friendship rate of ten thousand. They were supposed to cameo, but you didn’t measure up. Even though you graduated from acting school, your acting and presence fall short compared to these non-trained actors. I separated the female and male second leads into a second story to prevent you from a resounding defeat. This split highlights your different styles, but clearly, you misunderstood my intention and are squabbling over roles?"

In disbelief, Song Kexin looked at Liang An, "Impossible! I refuse to believe they act better than us. And I don’t believe their pay is only ten thousand. You’re so protective and biased towards them; how could you only give ten thousand?"

Ignoring her, Liang An continued, "Regarding the opening, ending, and interlude music, I haven’t decided who will sing it. It requires creation, and Hua Yan happens to be a future pianist. I figured she could compose, given she’s still a student, and might better resonate with student sentiments. We might be pleasantly surprised. You from the performance department dictating to the music department seems laughable, doesn’t it? Or do you think you sing better than them too?"

Song Kexin opened her mouth to retort, but Dong Hui finally spoke up, "Sorry, Mr. Liang. We didn’t think it through and were hasty in jumping to conclusions without understanding—unacceptable behavior. Now, I have no objections. How post-production edits it is up to the producers. My task is to earn my pay and dub in post-production, ensuring my work is done well. Rest assured, I’ll cooperate."

Liang An gave him an inscrutable glance, "Ha, that’s what you say, but deep down you’re still discontent, aren’t you? Here’s the deal: when the samples are out, watch for yourselves and see where the gap lies between you two. Remember this: never underestimate anyone. They’re young, but that doesn’t mean their experiences are shallower or less rich than yours. They may not have as much experience as you, but unexpected success is possible. When the movie releases, you might need their help to boost popularity, you never know!"

Song Kexin sneered, scoffing in disbelief. Liang An didn’t bother explaining further. However, his impression of them soured. Fortunately, the contract lasted only five years. In five years, their standing will reveal if today’s foolishness is right or wrong!

At that time, Song Kexin had no idea she’d inadvertently been used as a scapegoat. Perhaps she once had good resources, but provoking the boss was brainless. Liang An doesn’t like brainless artists, as any careless word could ruin them.

Destroying herself isn’t a concern; the worry is she’ll drag down the company. Spotting early warning signs, timely loss cutting is essential.

Dong Hui, this male actor, is smart and scheming, common in the entertainment circle. In the absence of conflicts of interest, Liang An temporarily holds off on assessing him.

The entertainment industry is a realistic place, and so is Liang An. As long as he’s their boss, Song Kexin dared to question his capability. In the future, should she become famous, would she keep him in mind? Likely, she’ll be ready to kick him out the first chance she gets.

As for the tacit rules in the circle, he, as a management company, never coerces them. But should they willingly participate, that’s another matter.

After all, a management company is a management company. If an artist gains their own connections and backing, nothing can stop them!

Who doesn’t understand that it’s better to rely on a large tree for shade? Who wouldn’t know that finding a powerful, influential financial backer far surpasses relying solely on what the management company offers?

Resources within a company are distributed according to rank, but with your own backer, aren’t the resources yours to pick?

Some say that management companies are essentially pimping companies. While distasteful, it’s an undeniable fact, particularly in the Korean Entertainment Circle, where being called a pimp might even be preferable!

Compared to foreign artists, those in the Inner Entertainment Circle are significantly better off.