On the day of cover shoot, He Bai arrived on time. He first communicated with the director and looked around the set with a staff member to know the theme of this shoot.
As he adjusted his camera and considered how to integrate the actress’s demeanor into the set’s atmosphere, a staff member with a badge walked to him with a ghastly expression. He looked at He Bai strangely and whispered to the director. He Bai didn’t know what he said, but the director changed his expression suddenly and also took a look at He Bai, and then left.
The crew was confused by that and began to whispering together.
Luckily, the director came back to He Bai soon with a smile. He told He Bai that the actress would be late for a while and he could have a rest at the lounge.
He Bai noticed that the director lifted his voice deliberately and glimpsed at other staff who looked away when they heard it. He picked up his camera bag, thanked the director and went to the lounge with him.
Not surprisingly, he first saw the staff member with a badge in the lounge.
The director closed the door and let He Bai have a sit, then looked at the staff member, saying embarrassedly, “Mr. He, we’re honored to have you to take the cover shoot for us, but we get a small situation now. Our cover girl is He Fenwei from Huangdu, just now her agent called us…”
Hearing the word Huangdu, He Bai immediately understood. He found the director said in a slower and more awkward manner, and interrupted him in time, saying considerately, “He Fenwei is an emerging movie queen. It’s natural that she doesn’t trust a new photographer’s skills. I understand your situation and appreciate your invitation. It’s a pity we cannot cooperate this time.”
Seeing He Bai being so sensible, and even extricating them from awkwardness, the director got more guilty. He also disliked the sudden break of agreement and Huangdu’s threat. If he didn’t change a photographer this time, Huangdu would not allow He Fenwei to shoot the cover and withdraw all their advertisement.
The photographer had been decided long time ago and they also informed He Fenwei of that. Now their request to change a photographer was an obvious humiliation to Mr. He. However, if Mr. He was humiliated, the C studio which made great efforts to invite him was also humiliated.
Huangdu went too far this time! Had the withdrawal of the actress and the change of advertiser not delayed the publication, he would have immediately kicked out He Fenwei. After all, the C studio had a renowned reputation.
After that, Huangdu would considerably compensate the C studio, and might even gave them more advertisement, but what about Mr. He…The director looked at He Bai’s young and innocent face, all sorts of feelings welling up in his mind.
Though he was a talent, he might encounter some difficulties in showbiz. It was said that he and the oldest son of Di family, who had left Huangdu, were on a good term. He Bai often defended him and even used his own Weibo to post a sign-away-inheritance statement. But if Huangdu took that personally, that was just petty.
He Bai saw through his guilt and empathy and his dissatisfaction with the loss of his job lessened. He was about to blame this on Di Qiuhe and comfort the director to leave a good impression for a potential opportunity in the future, while someone was pushing the door open.
“Oh, what are you doing here, I’m looking for you everywhere.” The manager of the C studio walked in and said, “Chop chop! Prepare for the shot, Hui has arrived. You guys got to nail it this time.”
The director was baffled by his words, “Ms. Hui? Which Hui? Isn’t the actress for the cover He fenwei?”
“Of course Director Jia Sheng’s chief actress, the one who has been awarded “Movie Queen” for numerous times and now half retired. It’s our privilege to have her here.” The manager patted director’s shoulder and urged, “Why are you standing here? Go help those awkward guys, don’t make Hui feel neglected!”
The director left with much confusion.
So did He Bai, and he didn’t know whether he should stay or leave. The situation changed so fast, now even the actress had been changed, so what about him? The manager seemed to let him stay, but the director said… “Mr. He.” As he was hesitating, the manager approached him with a smile and stretched his hand to invite He Bai, “Thanks for coming. We are looking forward to your works, this way please.”
He Bai immediately understood his undertone and adjusted his mood. After exchanging some brief greeting, he left the lounge but still full of confusion.
So, what happened?
The manager noticed his confusion. After leading him to the set, he said meaningfully, “With the support of Da Ze Investment and emerging company Hua Ding, I am sure that Mr. He is promising. After this shot, we expect the next cooperation with you.” Then, he left with a smile.
He Bai saw him leaving and slightly frowned, sinking into deep thinking.
So, Da Ze Investment and Hua Ding helped him against Huangdu and saved his job?
Apart from Da Ze, Hua Ding…This Hua Ding, and that “stock dark horse” Hua Ding…Could it be the Hua Ding that Di Qiuhe founded in the previous incarnation?
So, now he was protected by his boyfriend?
No…Di Qiuhe was not his boyfriend yet…