For the first few days, Wen Tingli felt deeply out of place — she often felt as though her feet weren’t planted firmly on the ground, but floating in midair, as if a single gust of wind could blow away all the applause and flowers before her.
Yet every morning when she opened her eyes, everything around her reminded her this was no dream at all.
On the nightstand sat a copy of Shanghai Stars; every day when she entered her bedroom, she’d see her own smiling face on the magazine cover. This major weekly, once her bedtime reading, had just named her “This Year’s Most Watched Rising Star.”
On the cabinet in the parlor sat a stack of freshly developed photographs — taken last week when she’d been invited to cut the ribbon at the New Rain Pavilion Hotel. After the event, the owner of the renowned New Century Photo Studio had personally developed and delivered them to her.
Not only within the city, but from other regions too, activity invitations poured in for her frequently.
Jincheng Grand Theater in Hangzhou opened, with the first film screened being none other than Beauty of the Southern Land; for this, the theater manager specially invited the entire cast and crew to attend the ceremony. During her days in Hangzhou, she experienced what it was like to be the center of everyone’s attention — the hotel entrance piled high with fruit baskets and flowers from local fans, reporters flocking daily to interview her, and wherever she went, warm applause and admiring gazes followed her.
One day, Xiao Taozi went out shopping with Zhou Sao and was awestruck by a giant poster in a shop window, coming home to shout excitedly, “Sister’s in the glass window,” “Just like a big star.”
These were all scenes Wen Tingli had never dreamed of before.
She’d originally assumed this would just be a passing fad, but who knew, after half a month in release, the film broke the highest box office attendance record in recent years — and far from tapering off, invitations from all sides only kept increasing.
Huang Yuanshan, delighted as she was, still didn’t forget to caution Wen Tingli: “Be careful. People love to jump on a bandwagon — when the wind’s blowing in your favor, everyone showers you with praise; the moment it turns, all that inflated flattery instantly turns into vicious attacks. Whether the outside world slanders you or flatters you, don’t take any of it too seriously — just keep diligently doing your part. Also, Shanghai’s film market can be big or small depending on how you look at it — the more popular you get, the fewer opportunities there are for others. Watch out for people who might harm you behind your back for their own gain. Be extremely cautious and discreet during this period — don’t let anyone catch you off guard.”
In matters of the profession, Wen Tingli had always treated Huang Yuanshan’s words as gospel, and naturally nodded along vigorously.
Just then, Liu Menglin pushed open the door and came in, giving Wen Tingli a warm yet authoritative smile: “The National Goods Market in the southern district opens tomorrow, and they want to invite you to cut the ribbon — I already agreed on your behalf.”
Without waiting for Wen Tingli to respond, he added with a laugh: “I hear they originally wanted Yu Peiling for the ribbon-cutting, but then Beauty of the Southern Land came out of nowhere as the dark horse, and the boss switched without a second thought. That’s how businessmen are, always the same.”
Huang Yuanshan blinked, surprised: “It’s always been Chen Maoqing snatching opportunities away from others on Yu Peiling’s behalf — this time someone’s cut in on them instead, won’t Chen be fuming?”
“Who cares. Yu Peiling’s had plenty of glory these past couple years, and Huamei Films has made good money too. When it’s time to step aside, one has to step aside.” Liu Menglin turned back to Wen Tingli. “Oh, and there’s something arranged for Saturday too. There’s been flooding in the south recently, and the Film Association wants to hold a fundraising gala at the Paramount — the company’s decided to send you as our representative. Just perform the theme song from Beauty of the Southern Land — it’ll also promote our film to the distinguished guests from out of town.”
Wen Tingli knew that when it came to building up a star, Liu Menglin firmly believed in “striking while the iron’s hot.” He believed audience favor was the most fickle thing of all — even the most red-hot star today could fall out of favor tomorrow. A smart performer, in his view, should make as much money for the company as possible while at the peak of popularity, lest there be no audience left to care by the time they wanted to make an appearance again. Following this principle, these days he was practically working her like a workhorse.
All told, she’d been sleeping only about four hours a night this past month. Even with an iron constitution, she was starting to feel it.
But she also understood clearly — if she didn’t take these opportunities, there were plenty of others who would. If she didn’t do it, the chance simply wouldn’t come her way again later.
“All right.”
She agreed so readily that Liu Menglin was overjoyed, tapping the cigar in his hand and saying to Huang Yuanshan: “Miss Wen’s greatest strength is knowing how to read the situation. Take other people — the moment they get even a bit famous, they can’t help but lose sight of their own worth, either constantly going against the company or putting on airs and offending the audience. The most infuriating type is the one whose true colors don’t show at first, only revealing themselves once they’ve made it big. Good thing the company didn’t back the wrong horse this time — Miss Wen really is dedicated to her craft.”
Wen Tingli added: “But I should give you advance notice — I have some personal business on Friday, so please don’t arrange any activities for me that day.”
Having just praised Wen Tingli’s professionalism, Liu Menglin could hardly contradict himself now, and reluctantly agreed.
On the way out, Huang Yuanshan, suppressing a laugh, said to Wen Tingli: “Of all the young performers this company’s had over the years, you’re the only one who’s managed to turn the tables and get the better of him. You’ve been working yourself ragged lately too — why don’t you just rest properly at home this Friday.”
Wen Tingli instead handed Huang Yuanshan an invitation card: “Actually, I already have plans for that day — I just don’t know if you’d honor me with your presence, Sister Huang.”
She’d made up her mind to properly treat her friends well for once — after all, they’d run themselves ragged helping her with that contract business not long ago.
On Friday, Wen Tingli had Zhou Sao go out early to buy fruit and pastries, while she herself called a restaurant to reserve a table of sumptuous dishes. At nine o’clock, she took a gift box and went to visit Principal Zou.
Before heading out, she deliberately wrapped herself up thoroughly with a scarf and Western sunglasses. In the past, reading the papers, she’d always thought stars were being overly dramatic about it — now that it was her turn, she realized just how much trouble this could spare her.
The car hadn’t even reached the Zou residence yet when Wen Tingli found herself glancing outward now and then; the gate outside the Zou household stood empty, with none of those familiar Rolls-Royces parked there.
The doorbell rang, and Principal Zou personally came to answer: “Please, come in.”
Once inside, Wen Tingli removed the sunglasses from her face: “Please forgive my rudeness, sir.”
Principal Zou laughed heartily: “No need to explain, I understand completely. Even at my age, I do enjoy reading the entertainment tabloids now and then. You’re a big star now — isn’t it a hassle just to go out?”
Wen Tingli stepped forward to embrace Principal Zou.
“Last time, when I was desperately trying to raise money, you sent over three thousand yuan without a second thought. Your kindness and care for your students moves me beyond words. I felt I had to return the money in person, to properly express my gratitude and respect. You truly are a wonderful principal.”
Principal Zou took Wen Tingli’s hand and sat her down in the parlor, asking after her with concern: “When does the new term start at Huzhong University? Will you be filming anything new this term?”
“Very busy indeed. As for a new film, since I haven’t signed a long-term contract with the company, it’ll depend on what the company arranges next.”
Principal Zou sighed with feeling: “I used to worry constantly about where your tuition for four years of university would come from — who’d have thought, in such a short time, you’d never need to worry about money again. As your principal, I’m truly delighted for you.”
This brought back the painful memory of her father’s serious illness; Wen Tingli felt a sting in her nose, but only smiled: “Principal Zou.”
Principal Zou said sincerely: “You’ve finally come through the hardship now. I don’t understand your profession well, but I know the temptations facing stars are enormous. I hope you’ll persevere and complete your university studies. First, the coursework here will do much good for cultivating you as a performer. Second, if you’ll forgive an unpleasant turn of phrase — no flower blooms for a hundred days. With a university degree behind you, whatever misfortune may come your way in the future, you’ll never be entirely without options… I hope you don’t mind my presumption?”
“Of course not! These are all words from your heart. Rest assured, when I first started filming, it was to raise money for university tuition — I’ve never forgotten my original purpose.”
Just then, a middle-aged maid named A’Xi came out serving tea, clearly full of curiosity about Wen Tingli, her eyes practically glued to her.
Principal Zou laughed helplessly: “A’Xi loves watching films — I imagine she’s recognized you. Don’t mind her, go on and try this pastry.”
Wen Tingli took a bite and her eyes lit up at once. It was chocolate-filled — if Xiao Taozi got a taste of this, there was no telling how much she’d love it. She hurriedly asked: “Where was this bought?”
Principal Zou looked blank, but A’Xi eagerly chimed in: “This was all sent over by Young Master Lu a few days back — let me ask Young Master Lu for you.”
Wen Tingli immediately fell silent. Principal Zou thought for a moment, then got up and walked to the telephone: “Let me ask him for you.”
Wen Tingli hurried forward to stop her: “I was just asking casually, you don’t need to—”
Principal Zou smiled and shook her head: “It’s no trouble — I have other business to ask him about anyway.”
The call went through quickly, and Wen Tingli heard Principal Zou say into the receiver: “Hello, this is Zou Zheping, I’m looking for Shicheng. He’s bidding at the Liji Grand Hotel? All right, all right, could you please give me his private room’s phone number… 8-0-5, mm-hm.”
The second call rang several times before it was picked up, the receiver crackling with static. Wen Tingli suddenly felt a jolt of electricity run down her spine, a faint numbness. Her instincts told her it was Lu Shicheng on the other end.
Sure enough, she heard Principal Zou say with a laugh: “Shicheng, I hope I’m not interrupting your work? Then I’ll get straight to the point. It’s like this — the south has recently been hit by flooding, and I’m hoping to organize a joint charity fundraiser among Shanghai’s various middle schools. Tomorrow I’ll have someone send over the details of the plan for you to review, and if you have no objections, please come by the school to sign off when you have time.”
Whatever Lu Shicheng said on the other end, Principal Zou’s smile widened.
“You’re always so considerate of others, child. In that case, I won’t send the documents over first — just come by tomorrow morning directly.”
Wen Tingli stood there straining her ears to listen, when A’Xi came over and said to her quietly: “Miss Wen, you’re so popular these days, surely you must know many people in your line of work — do you happen to know a film manager, about forty-something, quite short?”
The description was too broad; Wen Tingli had no idea who this could be, and simply shook her head with a smile.
But A’Xi kept talking, unstoppable: “Isn’t that strange, though — the other day when I went out to buy groceries, this man stopped me for no reason. He first said a great deal of flattering things, then asked if I knew Young Master Lu. In the end, he stuffed a wad of cash and a phone number into my hand, saying that if Young Master Lu ever visited Principal Zou’s house, I should call him right away, and there’d be more reward once it was done. I didn’t dare accept his money, of course, and came back and told Principal Zou about it — she told me not to pay him any mind at all. Strangely enough, even Principal Zou has no idea who this man is.”
Wen Tingli looked thoughtful: “I think this person probably isn’t any film manager at all — perhaps he’s just trying to get in on some business with the Lu family. You were right not to pay him any attention.”
A’Xi, like a child who’d just been praised, said happily: “Don’t worry, I won’t pay him any mind. Miss Wen, you act so well — I cried five or six times at the theater that day.”
Wen Tingli smiled, and reaching into her handbag, pulled out a photo of herself, signed on the back. She’d prepared dozens of these, ready to give out to new fans wherever she went — a trick taught to her by the company’s veteran, Wen Guanhua.
She solemnly handed the photo to A’Xi.
“Thank you for your kind regard.”
A’Xi grew even more flustered with excitement: “Miss Wen, you’re too good to me. To be honest, my ticket was actually given to me by Steward Xu from the Lu household — since I had nothing else to do that day, I dragged a few old lady friends along to see it. And you know what, just a few days later, we all went and bought tickets ourselves for the second showing, then the third! You’re the finest actress I’ve ever seen at crying scenes — now all us old ladies have become Miss Wen’s devoted fans.”
“Steward Xu?”
“That’s right.” A’Xi nodded. “On opening day, Steward Xu sent Principal Zou two tickets. Principal Zou was a bit worried about the box office at first, and had already said early on she’d bring plenty of friends to support it — I suspect none of them expected the film would become such a smash hit the moment it opened.”
Just then Principal Zou said from over there: “The pastries you sent over the other day were quite good — one of my students wants to know where to buy them.”
Wen Tingli hurriedly lowered her head to drink her tea.
“In that case, may I trouble you to ask Manager Wang.”
Before long, Manager Wang called back, and after listening for a bit, Principal Zou said to Wen Tingli with a smile: “It’s from the ground floor of Daxing Department Store.”
Once Principal Zou hung up and walked over, Wen Tingli stood up awkwardly: “I only asked in passing — I never meant to trouble you enough to have someone look into it specially.”
“Think nothing of it — Shicheng is the most easygoing person, he wouldn’t find it any trouble at all.” Principal Zou suddenly gave Wen Tingli a curious look. “Hm, you already knew about Shicheng’s recovery from his muteness, didn’t you? I just spoke with him for quite a while, and you didn’t seem the least bit surprised.”
Wen Tingli answered vaguely: “I happened to run into Mr. Kuang a while back, and he mentioned that Mr. Lu had recovered from his muteness.”
This time, Principal Zou’s gaze lingered on Wen Tingli’s face rather long, but seeing that she clearly didn’t wish to discuss the topic further, despite her own puzzlement, didn’t press further with the privilege of an elder. After chatting a bit more, Wen Tingli made to take her leave, and A’Xi excitedly brought out several bottles of juice from inside, presenting them like treasures: “This was also sent by Young Master Lu a few days ago — Miss Wen, do try some before you go.”
Wen Tingli hadn’t meant to accept, but upon closer look, saw the bottle labeled “Xili Pear Juice.”
Principal Zou laughed, slapping her forehead: “Ah, I forgot about that. This juice is made from fresh pears, blended — the taste is quite refreshing, take a few more bottles home with you. Kuang Zhilin said this is a new product from a candy factory under the Lu family’s name, set to launch next month — they’re currently looking for a star to advertise it.”
Wen Tingli asked as if by chance: “Did Mr. Kuang mention who they were considering for the ad?”
“That, I wouldn’t know.”
On the way back, Wen Tingli grew increasingly puzzled, and simply had the driver, Old Huang, stop the car so she could get out and buy a couple of newspapers to look through.
The entertainment section was full of advertisements for various stars — Yu Peiling alone had three: Guoguang Honey Soap, Big Road Car Rental, Zhenmeili Cold Cream.
Her own advertisement for the Yuanmeng Bicycle was also placed prominently. But no matter how she looked, there was no advertisement for Xili Pear Juice anywhere.
Back home, the moment she walked in she heard Zhao Qingluo scolding her with a laugh: “You’re really something — you invite us over to your place and then run off yourself!”
Wen Tingli hurried into the kitchen to help Zhou Sao bring out the dishes, casually setting a few bottles of Xili Pear Juice by each guest’s place. Yue Zhaoyun, sitting at the head of the table, curiously picked up a bottle: “Never seen this foreign soda before — where’d you get it?”
“Principal Zou gave it to me.”
Dong Qinfang chimed in: “This isn’t foreign soda at all — it’s genuine domestic goods, made by the Lu family, aimed at competing with foreign sodas in the market. Everywhere these days people are boycotting foreign goods, and this pear juice tastes good and is said to be good for the lungs too — once the ads start running, there’s no way it won’t sell.”
“Qinfang, how do you know all this?”
“She’s an industrialist herself — there’s nothing about Shanghai’s major industrialists she doesn’t know. Oh, wait, I heard the Lu family’s considering hiring Yu Peiling to advertise for them — Chen Maoqing’s been spreading the word everywhere about it.”
Gao Xiaowen was the first to raise her wine glass: “Never mind Chen Maoqing or Zhang Maoqing or whoever — don’t forget, today we’re here to celebrate Wen Tingli’s success! Wen Tingli, you’d better keep being a hit from here on out!”
Everyone let out an excited cheer: “Keep being a hit!”
This warm, affectionate meal among friends went on well into the night before finally breaking up. The next morning, Wen Tingli woke up still a bit tipsy from the wine, when the company called, urging her out — apparently a major trading firm wanted to hire her for an advertisement.
Something stirred in Wen Tingli’s mind.
A major trading firm, an advertisement!
She got out of bed, dug out a contract from the suitcase under her bed, and got dressed and out the door as quickly as she could.
By the time she finally made it to the company, she no longer felt so rushed, and strolled leisurely upstairs to find Liu Menglin, mentally rehearsing what to say first upon meeting this “major trading firm” boss, playing every angle over in her mind on the way up. She calmly pushed open the door, and her smile froze on her face.
“This is Miss Wen Tingli.” Liu Menglin waved Wen Tingli over. “This is Manager Chang of Meicheng Company — Manager Chang wants you to advertise their newly launched health tonic soup.”
Manager Chang’s eyes lit up involuntarily: “Miss Wen is even more beautiful in person than on screen. A pleasure, a pleasure.”
Wen Tingli could only put on a smile and step forward to shake his hand: “An honor, an honor.”
The two of them chatted for half an hour. Liu Menglin personally saw Manager Chang downstairs, then came back to find Wen Tingli rifling through his desk. “What are you looking for?”
“Besides Meicheng Company, has no other trading firm come looking for me these past two days?”
“If there were, wouldn’t I have just told you along with the rest?” Liu Menglin shooed Wen Tingli aside. “Go on, what are you rummaging around for.” Suddenly he said, “Wait, are you trying to find out about that Lu family advertisement?”
Wen Tingli said nothing.
Liu Menglin broke into a smile: “The moment I heard about this yesterday, I called Young Master Lu to recommend you myself. He’s our long-term business partner, after all — if he’s going to run an ad, he ought to give priority consideration to our own stars. Who knew, the one who answered the phone was that Mr. Kuang, and the moment he heard your name, he claimed the matter hadn’t officially started yet. I believed him, and didn’t press further with him on it. Who’d have thought, I later heard they’ve settled on Yu Peiling instead? I bet Chen Maoqing’s over the moon about it by now. The Lu family’s got deep pockets and real clout — once they sign a contract, it’s for several years running. Yu Peiling won’t have to worry about staying in the public eye. I hear this was even personally approved by Young Master Lu himself.”
Wen Tingli didn’t wait to hear the rest before heading downstairs. An hour later, Liu Menglin sent someone to fetch her, saying Kuang Zhilin had arrived and had important business to discuss with her upstairs.
Liu Menglin had actually arranged a private meeting room specially for Kuang Zhilin. Pushing the door open, she found Kuang Zhilin sitting there alone.
Wen Tingli smiled naturally: “Mr. Kuang, it’s been a while.”
Kuang Zhilin rose to shake her hand: “Congratulations, Miss Wen, on such tremendous success with your very first film — truly something to celebrate!”
Wen Tingli inwardly admired him — in all her dealings with Kuang Zhilin, she’d never once heard him say an impolite word, and even though he was clearly on guard against her, this congratulation carried not a hint of insincerity. She responded warmly in kind: “Thank you, Mr. Kuang.”
Glancing over, she saw a stack of paper contracts sitting on the coffee table. She pretended not to know his purpose, sitting down on the sofa and waiting quietly for him to speak first. In social situations like this, she understood clearly her own worth right now — since Kuang Zhilin was the one seeking cooperation, the initiative and the upper hand in conversation belonged to her.