The Jing Family’s banquet was a great success.
Jing Yu even formally introduced Jing Li to the guests and personally took him around to meet everyone, which greatly improved many people’s impressions of Jing Li.
Moreover, Jing Li’s conduct throughout the event was impressive – he was approachable yet refined, earning praise from many elders. This prompted countless opportunistic guests to flock to him, making Jing Li the center of attention for a time.
By the end of the banquet, he accumulated a thick stack of business cards, delighting his young assistant, who couldn’t stop gleefully thumbing through them, feeling a sense of pride that “the serf had finally risen up to reclaim his home1The phrase “农奴终于翻身把家还” is a metaphor used to express a sense of pride and achievement after a long struggle. It refers to a serf finally freeing himself from servitude and reclaiming his home, showcasing a deep sense of empowerment and liberation. If you are like me, who did not know what a serf is until this point, a serf is a farmer who is bound to the land and cannot leave without the permission of their lord..”
Amused by his assistant’s greed, Jing Li just shook his head and let him be. Then the brothers got into Jing Yu’s car to return to the Jing family villa.
On the ride back, likely tired from the banquet, the two didn’t talk much, but the atmosphere between them was warm and intimate. Noticing Jing Yu occasionally massaging his temples, Jing Li considerately had the driver stop at a nearby pharmacy where he personally bought some hangover medicine for his brother, making sure he took it with water before telling the driver to continue home.
Jing Yu was very touched by his younger brother’s thoughtful gesture. The entire ride back, joy radiated from him, a smile lingering on his face even after they arrived home, leaving the driver and assistant awe-struck and extremely impressed with the second young master.
The relationship between the two brothers was very strange. They lost their parents when they were young, leaving only the two of them dependent on each other. As the elder, Jing Yu protected his younger brother, single-handedly holding up the Jing business empire to carve out a place for him. However, their time apart had driven a wedge between them rather than bringing their hearts closer. They had nearly reached the breaking point recently over a man.
However, just a few days ago, after a talk with his elder brother in the study, the second young master seemed to have had a change of heart. Their relationship improved dramatically in an instant, becoming the warm fraternal bond they now shared.
As the two people who spent the most time around the eldest young master, the assistant and driver witnessed this transformation little by little. Even though they witnessed countless warm interactions between the two people, they still felt uncomfortable every time they saw it. It would give them a lot of shock, and then they had to sigh at the wonder of blood relationship. No matter how much unpleasantness they caused before, they could still return to the deep love of siblings connected by blood after they get rid of their prejudices.
Fortune had granted the eldest young master just one brother.
Upon returning to the villa, Jing Yu still had work to handle and went to his study with his assistant. Jing Li returned directly to his bedroom.
He was still thinking about asking his assistant to look for acting jobs. So as soon as he closed his door, he called the man. The assistant picked up quickly and efficiently updated Jing Li on his findings.
“I found a script – it’s Director Yang who recommended it. It’s a production of his junior, Director Li. They’ve started filming on location already.” The assistant briefly introduced the director and crew, then continued, “The reason I recommend this role is because two supporting actors were recently caught in a scandal, so the crew is looking for replacements. It’s not a big part, but it could gain you a solid fanbase if acted well.”
What he didn’t say was even if Jing Li did poorly, it wouldn’t kick up too huge a storm or put him in the public eye.
“Okay. Do you have the script?” Jing Li asked. He didn’t have any requirements for the role – in fact, something inconspicuous like this fit his intentions. Even fewer scenes would be fine.
“They sent the script to me already. I looked it up online – it’s adapted from a very popular novel, and the response is really good.” The assistant paused. “There is one issue…they want you to audition first.”
“Send me the script for now.” Jing Li replied directly. He didn’t doubt the request, understanding they wanted to ensure quality for their production – that was only responsible.
However, since he had no experience in the industry, Jing Li decided to read the script first and, if needed, get pointers from professionals on acting. With that thought, he added, “Do they have a time limit? I’ll probably need some time to study it carefully.”
“They’re making time in three days for prospective actors to audition.”
“That’s not too rushed.” Jing Li murmured. He told the assistant to send the script then. While waiting for it to download, a thought struck him, and he went to the study.
From memory, he knew Jing Yu doted on him but was rather conservative, jaded by the ugly behavior of some celebrities. He was also aware his senior brother disliked flamboyant personalities. To establish himself in the entertainment industry, Jing Li had to get his brother’s approval first.
With this in mind, he knocked on the study door. “Ge, are you busy? I have something to discuss with you.”
There was a pause, then Jing Yu’s gentle voice responded, “Come in.”
Jing Li entered to see Jing Yu seated behind his desk, his assistant reporting work to him. At the sound of the door, they both looked over.
“Am I interrupting?” Jing Li hesitated.
“No, we just finished.” Jing Yu gave him a reassuring smile, then addressed his assistant, “Let’s stop here for now. Inform all departments we’re having a 9 AM meeting tomorrow.”
The assistant acknowledged and left, nodding politely at Jing Li as he passed and thoughtfully closed the door behind him.
“Have a seat.” Jing Yu gestured at the sofa across from him and sat down with an expectant smile. “It’s rare for you to seek me out voluntarily. What did you want to discuss?”
Jing Li sat properly with hands folded on his lap and stated directly, “I want to join the entertainment industry. To become an actor. Is that alright?”
“…Become an actor?” Jing Yu froze briefly, then frowned disapprovingly. “Nonsense. Why do you want to become an actor?”
That afternoon, seeing the online news, Jing Yu assumed his brother had finally come to his senses. He didn’t expect this whimsy again in less than half a day.
Why did he want to become an actor? Was it because Lin Xiao was one, so he had to compete in the entertainment industry?
The more Jing Yu considered this possibility, the deeper his frown became.
He looked at his childish younger brother in front of him with some displeasure and wanted to say some harsh words to make the other person give up his thoughts.
However, looking at his younger brother’s innocent face, he couldn’t bring himself to scold him. Besides, this was the first time his brother was willing to take the initiative to talk to him, which touched his heart.
After a pause, Jing Yu softened his tone, “If you’re bored, you can travel with Assistant Wu or come to the company to learn management with me.”
“You know I’ve never minded you participating in the business – after all, Jing Corporation doesn’t belong solely to me. Introducing you to the guests today was meant to pave the way for you.”
Since their argument revealed his brother’s insecurity about being called a useless freeloader, Jing Yu started planning to provide him with a sense of security. Though suddenly entering the company now was rushed, with guidance, it shouldn’t pose too much difficulty.
“You’re enough for the company, Ge. I’d just cause trouble.” Jing Li gave an unconcerned laugh, then continued earnestly, “This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, actually. I’ve had this dream since I was very young. Do you remember when we were children, playing make-believe with other kids…”
Jing Li diverted his brother with precious memories long buried in the original’s heart, slowly revealing his spiritual world bit by bit.
His tone was measured yet full of cherishing and yearning for each memory, like a boy eagerly sharing his favorite toys with someone dear, laying his honest heart bare.
As Jing Li spoke, Jing Yu’s expression shifted from reluctance to gradual relaxation to finally being moved. By the end, his mood had completely calmed. He finally understood his brother’s desire to enter the entertainment industry wasn’t as narrow-minded as he assumed but a true wish to strive towards his ideals.
Who didn’t have dreams when young? Even he had many unrealistic ideas in the past. If not for his parents’ sudden passing… Jing Yu’s heart stirred once more with confusion.
However, even if he no longer resisted, he still couldn’t put his worries to rest. After all, the entertainment industry was like a giant dye vat – he couldn’t guarantee his brother wouldn’t suffer injustice. Besides acting wasn’t as simple as he imagined.
A thought struck him, and Jing Yu murmured, then softened his tone, “It’s not impossible for you to go. I remember Tingshen has an entertainment company under him. I’ll put in a word, so he looks after you, giving you more freedom.” This would allow his brother to focus on acting while not worrying about plots against him, killing two birds with one stone.
Jing Yu was very satisfied with this arrangement. But Jing Li refused, “I want to try relying solely on my own ability this time to see how far I can go.” This would make it easier for him to implement his plan.
Jing Yu froze in surprise, on the verge of arguing but seeing his brother’s serious expression, he reluctantly swallowed his words. On second thought, it wasn’t unacceptable. As a last resort, he could privately ask Tingshen to secretly watch over him. So, Jing Yu nodded, “…Alright. I’ll have someone put together a team for you, so you won’t be scrambling later.”
Seeing his brother about to protest, Jing Yu sternly added, “If you reject this too, you can forget the whole thing.”
Jing Li hesitated briefly before conceding with a nod.
*
With Jing Yu’s permission secured, Jing Li began preparing in earnest for the audition.
The script was about the cultivation world, quite similar to his previous one. He spent an entire night reading it thoroughly, then singled out the two vacant roles, choosing the young master of the immortal sect to audition for. Next, he carefully studied the part, even having his assistant find two professional coaches to teach him acting skills.
After three days and nights of relentless work, on the morning of the audition, he got into the car Jing Yu had prepared and headed for the filming location.
The set was on a mountaintop outside the city, not too far from here. En route, his new assistant briefly introduced the crew and main actors, things to note about them. Soon, they arrived.
The site was a replica ancient complex with pavilions, corridors, and meandering streams. On a cold autumn morning, the mountains were shrouded in dense mist, evoking a sense of clouds and fog.
Gazing at the strange yet familiar buildings, Jing Li took a deep breath, nostalgia filling his eyes.
Since filming wasn’t over, crew members led them to a waiting room first. Walking down a long corridor, shouts occasionally filtering through, they quickly reached a door.
“Here we are.” The staff moved to open it, but voices from within suddenly drifted out.
“What’s the hurry? Some big shots are coming to audition, right? We won’t get a turn now anyway.”
“Tsk, what bigshot, just some wh*res who f*cked their way up. Still pretending to be so high and mighty!”
“That’s not necessarily the case. Isn’t there a rich second generation? He doesn’t need to sell his body. His background alone will have the director fawning over him.”
“I think they’re just spoiled brats with nothing better to do than get drunk and pick up girls! Why come snatch opportunities from us! F*cking hate these bored trashes!”
…
In order to restore the ancient style to the greatest extent, the buildings used mostly wood, hence poor sound insulation. Their words were transmitted clearly through the door.
The staff’s hand froze mid-air, and he turned awkwardly to Jing Li, about to say something when another male voice sounded from within, “As if you guys are so noble! If you have the ability, go snatch the role from Director Li yourselves. What’s the point of trash-talking behind people’s backs!”
The sudden sarcasm cut off the vulgar conversation. After a brief silence, the previous speaker shouted furiously, “Wang Lele, what do you mean?!”
“Nothing much.” The one called Wang Lele gave an indifferent, mocking laugh, tone growing more scornful. “Trash!”
Like a spark in oil, the room instantly exploded into enraged yells, accompanied by sounds of furniture being struck.
Then, before everyone could react, the door in front of them was suddenly opened from the inside, and a young man with short black hair walked out. He probably didn’t expect that there would be people outside the room, and everyone paused in surprise.
But it was only for an instant before he regained composure, nodding at them, and leaving without a word.
The furious shouting from the room continued, even clearer now with the open door.
“Who is at the door? What are you standing there and staring at?! Don’t you know this area’s restricted?!” Someone inside roared angrily.
Jing Li raised a brow in surprise. Due to his position, he was just a little to the right of the door. From this angle, he could be clearly seen by the people inside.
He hadn’t expected their temper to turn on him. An intrigued smile tugged his lips as he tilted his head and casually remarked, “Probably the ‘spoiled rich brat’ you mentioned?”
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