Shang Junxiao was naturally lively and, recognizing a familiar face, he naturally approached, "Ning Mu, it really is you! I thought it was you from afar just now!"
The youth called Ning Mu was a bit older than Shang Junxiao.
After several years as a trainee, he had indeed grown older.
In an era where fresh-faced boy bands were emerging one after another, he was starting to feel out of place.
He had struggled to get into this program today.
Upon arrival, Ning Mu immediately felt like he didn’t fit in, standing in the farthest corner with his two companions, too afraid to speak or to know how to win the director’s favor and get more screen time.
They seemed like three pieces of background scenery outside the camera’s view, not part of the same world as everyone else.
Taking advantage of the time before filming began, Shang Junxiao came over.
Seeing Shang Junxiao, the tension in Ning Mu’s face eased for a moment, and his rigid shoulders relaxed slightly, "Junxiao, you’re here too?"
"Yeah, I came with our group," Shang Junxiao was happy to see Ning Mu, hooked his shoulder, and pulled him aside, moving away from others’ gazes before asking with concern, "How have you been lately? Is everything good with the company?"
Shang Junxiao had previously joined a small company, which he had secretly done behind his family’s back.
Before long, he left it.
Strictly speaking, he hadn’t spent much time with Ning Mu.
But he knew Ning Mu was a very talented and hardworking person, good at singing and dancing, and even more handsome.
If there was a single flaw, it would probably be his slightly shorter stature.
But, he was a pretty good guy.
Shang Junxiao liked Ning Mu quite a bit.
Upon hearing this, Ning Mu’s face showed fatigue that not even foundation could hide, and with a bitter smile, he said, "It’s the same old, no difference from before. Our little company has no future. I only got into this because I pulled some strings, it was so hard."
Shang Junxiao felt really sorry for Ning Mu, especially seeing his not so good complexion.
He knew about the special circumstances at Ning Mu’s home.
Ning Mu wasn’t a child from a wealthy family; although he entered the circle simply for the sake of his dream.
But in this industry, if you don’t have good opportunities and family background, it’s very hard to pursue your dreams.
Ning Mu wasn’t young anymore, twenty-eight or twenty-nine. He didn’t look old, but given that he hadn’t made it big in the circle yet, the chances of doing so in the future were even slimmer.
His family was surely putting pressure on him too.
Ning Mu had suffered from insomnia in the past.
"Ning Mu, have you been sleeping poorly again?" Shang Junxiao asked with concern. "Is it the pressure from the company and your family? If there’s anything, you can talk to me, or, maybe you want to consider switching to our company? I can talk to my agent; he’s a nice guy, and with your skills, I’m sure he’d want to sign you."
At those words, a momentary spark flickered in Ning Mu’s eyes, but it quickly died out.
He quickly forced a smile, "Never mind, don’t trouble yourselves. I’m probably going to leave the industry."
Upon hearing this, Shang Junxiao became anxious, "No way, Ning Mu, you’re so talented. Didn’t you say you wanted to fight for your dream? Why are you suddenly quitting? Can’t you give it another try?"
Ning Mu glanced at an obscure corner and still shook his head, "Forget it, Junxiao. I know you mean well, but I’m not young anymore. My parents want me back home. So, when my contract ends at the end of the month, I won’t renew it. I’m going home."
Shang Junxiao was taken aback, not expecting Ning Mu to decide to leave the industry so quickly.
He wanted to say more, but Ning Mu merely thanked him, "Thanks, Junxiao. I know you have my best interests at heart, but this is something I’ve thought through. Don’t worry about me."