Sheng Tang went home after the audition.
In the afternoon, Ke Fei called her.
"Tangtang, there’s some good news." On the other end, Ke Fei’s voice carried a hint of laughter. "Director Lei has invited you to dinner; he wants to discuss the role with you."
Sheng Tang was initially delighted.
Then, she asked, "Does this mean the role is confirmed for me?"
"Not yet," Ke Fei said. "He just wants to interview you again."
Sheng Tang immediately caught the underlying meaning.
She wasn’t quite sure what Ke Fei meant.
Was Ke Fei implying that Sheng Tang should offer something in return, or did he genuinely not understand?
Then, she felt that Ke Fei truly didn’t get it. He was a man and had previously managed a Best Actor; the inherent gender advantages in the entertainment industry made Ke Fei less perceptive and without this kind of experience.
Since she had chosen to work with Ke Fei, she wouldn’t doubt his character.
So, Sheng Tang spoke directly, "Brother Fei, are you sure I should go?"
Ke Fei was stunned for a moment: "Why wouldn’t you go?"
It wasn’t uncommon for a director to want to meet with an actor privately after an audition to make a final decision. Ke Fei had managed four Best Actors before, and this was a usual practice, indicating the director was in a dilemma.
This was Sheng Tang’s opportunity.
"... What I mean is if I go, it implies I consent to certain transactions, you understand what I mean?" Sheng Tang said.
At first, Ke Fei didn’t get it.
As Sheng Tang suspected, he had always managed male artists. The likelihood of male artists encountering such implications is far lower than for female artists; additionally, as a man in this industry, Ke Fei never thought about it this way.
However, two seconds later, he understood.
"Director Lei knows you’re President Gu’s girlfriend, and his producer is aware of this too." Ke Fei explained, "I think you might be overthinking it, Tangtang."
He was a little surprised after he got it.
He thought it was unlikely.
"Since Brother Fei, you say so, then I’ll go tonight," Sheng Tang said.
Ke Fei felt she was making a mountain out of a molehill, overly sensitive.
But Sheng Tang knew the rules of the entertainment industry, and she had always been part of it; she understood exactly what a look from others meant.
"I’ll accompany you." To prove that he wasn’t trying to put Sheng Tang in harm’s way, Ke Fei immediately suggested, "I’ll call Director Lei again. If he refuses, we won’t go."
Sheng Tang: "Alright."
Just as Ke Fei trusted her, she also gave Ke Fei a chance.
Building trust comes through trials.
Ke Fei did call.
Director Lei agreed to Ke Fei coming along.
Ke Fei breathed a sigh of relief: "See, I told you it was fine."
Sheng Tang was unconvinced.
In the entertainment industry, managers not only find job opportunities for artists but sometimes also act as facilitators, so Ke Fei’s presence wouldn’t necessarily prevent Director Lei’s intentions.
Ke Fei wasn’t naive, but everyone has their blind spots. Being naive about unfamiliar territories is understandable.
Sheng Tang and Ke Fei arrived at the dinner venue.
The location was set at a private club, very secluded, with a wide golf course outside.
The restaurant within the club had a winding, secluded path.
At this moment, Ke Fei suddenly felt a chill down his spine, feeling that Sheng Tang might be right.
This was definitely not a second interview but an implied transaction.
Director Lei was a famous director; countless women have thrown themselves at him. Why would he use a method that could destroy his own reputation to demand a transaction?
In a movie, if the director and producer are in charge of casting, they are accountable to the investors and the distribution company and are usually very professional.
Unless, on the contrary, an ambitious actress takes the initiative.
That Director Lei would take the initiative was unbelievable to Ke Fei at first. He didn’t think Director Lei would be so improper.
Now he understood.
"I’ve only been President Gu’s girlfriend’s manager for less than six months, and I’m already expected to cuckold him. Am I tired of living or what?" Ke Fei smiled wryly.
However, it was too late to back out now and would thoroughly offend Director Lei.
They could only play it by ear.
Sheng Tang, on the other hand, was even calmer.
She whispered to Ke Fei: "I’ve learned Sanda for many years. If he’s disrespectful, we’ll fight our way out."
Ke Fei: "..."
Heroine, are we here to rob people?
Ke Fei felt that he was way too successful as a manager. Being able to be so steady while being a mediator, he really should change careers.