Chapter 50: A Decadent Life

Xiao Lin indeed hadn’t appeared in the troupe for over a day, but such a trivial matter would hardly draw anyone’s attention. Qian Ya was only curious and so deliberately observed those young men who constantly hovered around Xiao Lin; today, they seemed to have lost their target and were scurrying about aimlessly.

Li Yiting made some inquiries and surprisingly obtained an unusual piece of news from those young men: Xiao Lin had been selected by the production team to take on a better role.

This suggested that not everyone was destined to be an extra forever, with no chance of rising above their status.

According to veteran actors, He Yi Company had a characteristic approach: it was difficult for young men to achieve a meteoric rise, but young women with outstanding looks had quite a few opportunities. After all, this was an era that valued appearances; which film or TV drama didn’t require beautiful lead or supporting actresses?

In fact, the situation was similar at other film companies, which is why so many beautiful young women flocked to the industry—it was hardly unusual.

Qian Ya’s plan was based on this very premise: since girls with favorable conditions had a better chance to stand out, why couldn’t Yiruo, this great beauty, succeed as well? Why must she be made to look unrecognizable?

At first, Yiruo felt some resistance. She had come looking for someone, not to become a big star. So from the moment she arrived, she kept a low profile, refraining from makeup.

But after Qian Ya’s persistent persuasion, Yiruo reluctantly agreed to give it a try.

In truth, when she was at Lugu Lake, she was also the brightest and most outstanding figure, fully aware of how to attract the attention of tourists and men alike. The key was simply whether she was willing.

Li Yiting did not object, considering it a viable shortcut.

Time was of the essence. If Qian Ya’s plan succeeded, they would soon learn what strange secrets this place held and could seek clues about Xiao Su’s murder. Once successful, they could take Yiruo and leave without anyone being able to stop them.

Murder cases became harder to solve the longer they dragged on.

Seeing this, Yiruo resolved to give it a try. The next day, she changed out of her tattered clothes and donned her distinctive ethnic costume.

Soon enough, she became the central figure among the extras, taking Xiao Lin’s place.

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Kuang Suo and Wan Yongkun rushed nonstop toward Dali.

According to the female vigilante Gu Na, Xiao Su’s death might be connected to a company boss nicknamed “Hulao.” Xiao Su had once worked under him and had a major clash with him. In his youthful arrogance, Xiao Su had even vowed to personally bring Hulao to justice.

Hulao’s real name was Hu Wenyi. He was a major shareholder and producer at Imperial Dynasty Pictures and occasionally directed films himself, having studied directing. However, his character was far from commendable. His greatest passions were strong liquor and women, especially young, beautiful girls.

Any girl who passed through his hands rarely escaped unscathed. While some, like Gu Na, were tormented to the brink of death, Hu Wenyi’s methods were far more ruthless than those of Zhuo Hu.

At the height of her fame, Gu Na had contact with this big boss Hu.

Had Gu Na not already been manipulated by Zhuo Hu at the time, her fate would have been far more tragic. Compared to Hu Wenyi, Zhuo Hu seemed “merciful” in a way—at least his abilities were limited, and he didn’t openly keep a harem of thousands.

Hu Wenyi was entirely different. He had power, wealth, influence, bodyguards, and thugs. In an era when countless young girls scrambled to enter the industry, he could do whatever he pleased. According to Gu Na, this sort of villain could likely kill someone without batting an eye.

After Chen Tianyu received this information, he decisively dispatched two capable agents to gather detailed intelligence on Hu Wenyi and control him if necessary. Even if Hu Wenyi had no connection to Xiao Su’s death, eliminating evil was part of Beiting’s mission.

Hu Wenyi, however, was unaware that Beiting had set their sights on him. At that moment, he was attending a banquet. Many people were present, mostly sycophants eager to curry favor. Amidst the boisterous revelry and heavy drinking, Hu Wenyi was already intoxicated.

His assistant had just called to say a promising young woman intended to come for an “audition” and asked if he could make time.

Hu Wenyi, knowing his assistant well, realized that if the candidate wasn’t exceptional, she wouldn’t be brought up now. So he deliberately slurred into the phone, “Tell her to come straight to the hotel. I’ll be the judge!”

Those around him understood immediately and loudly echoed praise, hailing him as a talent scout and a savior of newcomers in the entertainment industry. Hu Wenyi, delighted, drank several more glasses.

Soon, a well-proportioned young woman who appeared freshly graduated from university entered the private room 999.

Upon entering, Xiao Lin was startled by the chaotic scene of staggered guests, clinking glasses, and pervasive alcohol fumes. The assistant had said the director was waiting to audition her—why was he already drinking?

Xiao Lin furrowed her brow but quickly masked it with a bright, sunny smile and approached the large, corpulent man seated at the head—the presumed director.

Hu Wenyi’s eyes narrowed as he watched the pretty young girl approach; his gaze brightened.

The others naturally quieted down.

Xiao Lin stepped forward with confidence and politely asked, “Excuse me, are you Director Hu?”

“Hmm, I’m Hu Wenyi,” he set down his wine glass, adopting a harmless, “kindly” expression. “Oh, you must be Xiao Lin, the one recommended by the troupe?”

Xiao Lin nodded quickly. “Yes, they asked me to come and meet you.” She looked obedient and sensible.

Hu Wenyi nodded seriously, appraising the girl from head to toe, already delighted inside but maintaining a stern face. He was quite drunk and the sight of such a beautiful girl stirred uncontrollable excitement.

She was clearly a novice—his assistant had a good eye.

A companion nearby seemed to read his thoughts and leaned in: “Boss Hu, this girl’s great—great demeanor, image, and top-notch temperament. Her future is limitless!”

Hu Wenyi nodded slightly, pleased.

Xiao Lin was grateful for the support and quickly said, “Thank you for your praise. I just graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Arts this year. I may lack experience and skill, but please rest assured that I will work even harder after joining the company and won’t disappoint your expectations.”

“Oh, you graduated from the Academy?” Hu Wenyi’s enthusiasm grew. “Then we’re schoolmates.”

Xiao Lin politely replied, “So you’re a senior from the Academy—how wonderful! I will definitely learn from you.”

Hu Wenyi nodded. “Senior? Am I that old?” He suddenly chuckled. “Don’t be nervous. We’re at least fellow disciples. I’ll do my best to help you. At least I can introduce you to the industry.”

Xiao Lin was delighted and quickly responded, “Thank you, senior! Thank you, senior!”

The onlookers, enjoying the spectacle, began to egg her on: “Don’t just thank him—have a good drink with your senior, then your audition’s as good as passed…”

“Exactly, exactly.”

Xiao Lin was momentarily at a loss, wondering whether to drink, when Hu Wenyi waved them off.

“None of you make a fuss. She’s a young girl, no need for alcohol,” he scolded. “If you can’t behave yourselves, at least don’t lead the girl astray.”

Xiao Lin looked at him gratefully as if she had found a powerful benefactor.

“I’ll toast to all my seniors here,” she said. She wasn’t unfamiliar with such social niceties, having occasionally met directors at school where things were fairly open.

Hu Wenyi decisively reached out and stopped her from raising the glass. “Trust me, don’t hold the cup. With me here, no one will dare bully you…”

He thought for a moment. “Alright, your audition is considered passed. I’ll notify you soon about the next steps. Wait for my message.”

Xiao Lin’s cheeks flushed slightly. She quietly withdrew her hand and politely exchanged a few words with others.

Before long, Hu Wenyi let her go and resumed drinking with the others.

When Xiao Lin stepped out of the hotel, her steps were noticeably lighter. She hadn’t expected the audition to go so smoothly or to meet such a “kind” senior here. Clearly, entering the entertainment world formally was only a matter of time. She resolved to perform well during this period.

Having graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Arts, she knew not everyone had such good fortune or so many fortunate coincidences. She firmly believed it was her own qualities that had impressed the auditioners.

After taking a deep breath, Xiao Lin briskly left the hotel, her heart filled with excitement at the limitless prospects ahead.

She couldn’t help but recall the hardships of the past few months—traveling to various places, trying many avenues, and enduring much hardship as an extra in the troupe.

Now, at last, she saw the dawn breaking.

Silently, she was grateful that changing her name from Xiaoli to Xiao Lin had indeed brought her good luck.