Listen here
[00:00]
Xu Zhaixing
Just how many hours has it been? How come he still hasn’t replied? Did I ask for too much…? Oh!
Cen Feng (Message)
On Weibo. Your graduation present.
Xu Zhaixing (Message)
Be right there in front row! Huh? It really is a solo dance video? His first weibo post too?! Aaaaahhh! So this is what it feels like. That mess of a group at Zhongtian should just take a good look at how Big Brother changes the training room into a solo stage!
Weibo User A
Holy crap. Zhongtian’s still got such a treasure trainee hidden there?
Weibo User B
@Zhongtian Entertainment You guys didn’t let someone so outstanding into your group. Are you blind?!
Weibo User C
If F-Fly had someone as awesome as him as a member, they wouldn’t be as crappy as they are now.
Weibo User D
I never thought I’d ever be attracted to a trainee who hasn’t even debuted. I’m gonna roll back here to follow China’s entertainment industry.
Xu Zhaixing (Message)
Big Brother, you’re so dazzling. You should post more videos and let everyone see you!
Narration
Published on JJWXC. Written by Chun Dao Han. Broadcasted on Manbo App. Recorded by Jiuzi Voice Actor Group. Modern romance audio drama ‘The Entertainment Industry is Mine’ Season One Episode Eight – Entertainment Empire.
Cen Feng (Message)
Have you saved the video?
Xu Zhaixing (Message)
For sure!
Weibo User E
Hey, girls on the Hot Topic! Why’d the video disappear?
Weibo User F
Aaaaaahh!! I need to save it first next time!
Weibo User G
What? What? Am I late again? I didn’t even catch the mood? I won’t be able to sleep tonight!
Weibo User H
That’s about right! He’s super hot! Trust me!
Weibo User G
You don’t even have a screenshot!
Xu Zhaixing
Huh? He deleted the post? Could it be because there were too many comments he got embarrassed? Just how tsundere, aloof and cute of a sonny is he?!
Xu Zhaixing (Message)
You deleted it?
Cen Feng (Message)
It was meant for your eyes only in the first place.
Xu Zhaixing
Hnnngggggg!!! Ahem-hem.
Father Xu
Zhaixing, are you asleep?
Xu Zhaixing
Huh? Oh, Dad. I haven’t slept yet. Did you need something so late?
Father Xu
Oh, I just sorted out some documents I needed. Here, for you.
Xu Zhaixing
Huh? What’s this?
Father Xu
You’ve graduated and your birthday’s coming up in a few days. I’ve prepared a big present for you. Quick, open it up and see if you like it.
Xu Zhaixing
What kind of present’s got you so secretive? Huh?! Share transfer agreement?!
Father Xu
Chenxing’s 51% of shares.
Xu Zhaixing
Dad!
Father Xu
Xu Yan told me you have a dream to create an entertainment empire. You dad’s stupid and can only build houses and do a bit of media. That dream that you want, you need to create it yourself. I never thought that I, Xu Zhiyong, have been a normal man all my life, but I gave birth to such an amazing daughter.
Xu Zhaixing
Daaad! Dad, it’s okay to say things like you only know how to build houses and do a bit of media when it’s just me. The land you built your houses on have risen five-fold. The media you run is the video platform with the most traffic in the nation. If you keep saying that… Hey, you’ll get beaten when you go outside.
Father Xu
Mm.
Xu Zhaixing
Dad. You’re so good. I love you.
Father Xu
Okay, okay, okay. Go back in to bed. Give your cousin Xu Yan a call in a moment. I’ve handed over most things to him already. Don’t worry and do what you want. Daddy’ll always be your support.
Xu Zhaixing
Mm!
Father Xu
Good night.
Xu Zhaixing
Good night! Hello, Cousin Xu Yan! I have an important news. Guess what it is?
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Chairman Xu, I take it you’ve received the share transfer agreement.
Xu Zhaixing
Er… I’ve gotten it. Geez, Cuz. Don’t call me that. I’m not used to it…
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
You’ll get used to it when you hear it more often. Hey, when are you coming to Beijing?
Xu Zhaixing
Hm… When my letter of acceptance comes, I guess. I enrolled in a university of media in Beijing. I have to manage Chenxing in the future so I wanted to study up on some professional knowledge of the field.
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Then where will you be living? If you’re living off campus, I’ll help you look for a place in advance.
Xu Zhaixing
Help me find a place then. It needs to be fairly close to the company and uni.
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Okay. Chairman Xu, I look forward to building an entertainment empire with you.
Xu Zhaixing
You keep calling me that and I’ll fire you! Ahem-hem. Since I’ve officially become Chenxing’s Chairman of Board then of course I can’t be as offhand as I was before and push everything onto you. I need to start contributing with some action!
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Mm. So?
Xu Zhaixing
I’ve decided to go and visit Zhao Jinjin on set!
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
…You just want to go for fun, don’t you?
Xu Zhaixing
Ahem-hem. Leave things unsaid even if you see through it. This is a person’s most important self-cultivation…
[05:40]
Xu Zhaixing
Tut, tut, tut. This is what you call a big production. Look at this. Look at it! These colours of this setting are extravagant yet simple and not overdone. The sculptured roof beams and painted designs on the beams are reproduced so finely. Even the costumes for the extras…
Assistant Director Yuan
Hey! Why are we short one beauty?
Xu Zhaixing
Huh?
Supervisor Xuan
A background actor didn’t come today because they’re down with a fever… We’re only short one person so it shouldn’t matter, right?
Assistant Director Yuan
King Wang’s nineteen noble women are infamous and you give me eighteen. Do you want the audience to flame me for not learning my maths properly?!
Supervisor Xuan
Err…No, Director. Please don’t be angry…
Xu Zhaixing
Splendid! With a director who’s so picky with the details, the Heavens cannot tolerate it if ‘Forging Mountains and Rivers’ doesn’t get popular!
Assistant Director Yuan
Hey, you! Yes, you!
Xu Zhaixing
Huh? Me?
Assistant Director Yuan
Costume and makeup artists, go get her changed. In ten minutes!
[06:40]
Assistant Director Yuan
Hey, lift your head. Let me take a look.
Xu Zhaixing
Er… Director…
Assistant Director Yuan
Mm, not bad. Have you acted before?
Xu Zhaixing
I haven’t.
Assistant Director Yuan
It doesn’t matter. Listen to me. In a moment, just kneel there.
Xu Zhaixing
Okay.
Assistant Director Yuan
When his sword is placed against your neck, just act scared.
Xu Zhaixing
Okay.
Assistant Director Yuan
All you gotta do is tremble.
Xu Zhaixing
Okay.
Extra A
Director, didn’t you say I was the beauty who was going to be killed?
Assistant Director Yuan
What’re you complaining about? King Chen kills the most beautiful beauty of the nineteen noble women. Are you?!
Extra A
I’m…!!
Xu Zhaixing
Um… That beauty… Why don’t you…
Extra A
Hmph!
Xu Zhaixing
Don’t go! I… I-I, I’m only here to make up numbers! I’m a fake passing off as the genuine! I don’t know how to act. Someone save me!!
Assistant Director Yuan
Alright. Let’s start if everyone’s here. Action!
Actor A (King Wang)
Let Gu1 take a good look. Which beauty is fortunate enough to accompany Gu for a walk down into the Yellow Springs? What a good magnificent, unmatched and infamous under the Heavens beauty on par with Consort Yu in history. Hahahaha. Very well. Very well… Come here!
Xu Zhaixing
……!
Actor A (King Wang)
Come drink a cup of wine with me.
Assistant Director Yuan
Cut! Brilliant! Hey, don’t move, okay? Switch to another camera position and do another take.
Xu Zhaixing
Whaaat?
[08:30]
Assistant Director Yuan
Alright, that’s it. Let’s end it here for the morning. Everyone go have lunch.
Actor A
Hey, are you okay?
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, I’m okay. Your King Wang is so good!
Actor A
Thank you. Let’s go have lunch.
Xu Zhaixing
But…
Extra B
It’s your first time here, right? Don’t be scared. I hear the food today is pretty good.
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, okay then.
Xu Zhaixing
I’m supposed to be here to visit. How did I end up acting? Never mind. I’ll take up a role for the production I’m investing in. It’ll count as saving money for hiring one extra…
Extra B
Young lady, where are you from? How come I’ve never seen you before?
Extra C
You’re young and so pretty. You got chosen by the director at a glance. You never know, you might have a great future ahead of you.
Extra D
That’s right. This production team isn’t good for you. It might be a big production, but they have high requirements for acting skills. Go to the one next door. Their director only cares about looks. If you go there he might even take notice of you.
Xu Zhaixing
No, no, you’re really mistaken. I’m not an actor. I won’t act in the future either. Today was just a coincidenc- Ah!
Extra C
Oh, young lady, are you okay?
Xu Zhaixing
I’m fine.
Extra A
Oh, you’re okay right? Oh my, you even dropped your phone. Tut, tut, tut. This phone must cost a lot, right?
Xu Zhaixing
Give it back to me!
Extra A
Tch. Who wants your lousy phone? Get up and get it yourself.
Extra D
Hey, what’re you doing?! All you did was lose a role and the director was the one who changed it. You’re going overboard by taking revenge in purpose!
Extra A
I just can’t stand the look of her whining about a gain she didn’t deserve! Oh? This handsome lad isn’t too bad! But the way I see it, if they’re liked by someone like you then they’re definitely someone who looks like they know their place, but are a corrupted pretty face inside! You…!
Xu Zhaixing
You can say whatever you want about me, but about him? You can’t!
Extra A
You…! You actually have the guts to hit me? I’ll shred your mouth to pieces!
Xu Zhaixing
You think I’m scared of you?
Extra A
Argh!
Extra E
Hey, don’t fight. Don’t! We’re still on set!
Extra F
Stop fighting! You don’t have to go so far. It’s not worth it.
Extra G
Supervisor Xuan’s here now!
Supervisor Xuan
What are you two doing?! Stop. Stop fighting! Let go! What’s going on?!
Extra A
Supervisor Xuan! She’s kicking people around! She’s bullying us minor actors because the AD likes her!
Xu Zhaixing
Oh? You even know how to escalate a personal grudge into social class conflict? Your politics is pretty good. Where did you study it, huh? Lemme see what kind of school can educate you into someone who’s not what she seems, forms cliques, distorts the truth, bullies the small and weak and is a white lotus!
Extra A
Listen to her! What a good, sharp tongue she has! Sure we’re not popular and have no social standing, but we have dignity. It’s not for you to insult!
Xu Zhaixing
What dignity or not? Aren’t you just angry that I took your role? In that case…
Extra A
Wh-What do you plan to do?
Xu Zhaixing
In a moment I’ll have the director delete all of your scenes from the drama. Not only won’t you be in that scene, the ones before won’t either. Aren’t you happy?
Extra A
By what authority? Who do you think you are?
Extra H
You talk big. Who the heck do yo-
Zhao Jinjin
Young Miss? Young Miss! Why’re you all the way here? I’ve been looking you for half the day already.
Xu Zhaixing
It’s a long story.
Supervisor Xuan
Jinjin, she’s…
Zhao Jinjin
Oh, Supervisor Xuan. You don’t know her yet, huh. This is the Young Miss of Chenxing. Oh, that’s not right. She’s Chairman Xu now.
Xu Zhaixing
Hey, call me that again and I’ll fire you along with Xu Yan, okay?
Zhao Jinjin
Haha…
Xu Zhaixing
Director, I believe whether they’re main actors or extras, a person’s moral character is very important. Am I right?
Xu Zhaixing
Then these people who bully other using their position…
Supervisor Xuan
I’ll fire them all in a moment. Okay?
Xu Zhaixing
Mm. Let’s go.
Zhao Jinjin
Gotcha!
Zhao Jinjin
Hey, Young Miss. Did those people bully you?
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, not really. I just feel…
Zhao Jinjin
Feel what?
Xu Zhaixing
Being Chairman Xu is way too exhilarating!
[12:50]
Xu Zhaixing
Lemme take a break. I haven’t stopped moving around since I came.
Zhao Jinjin
Mm, then just rest here at mine in the afternoon. If you really feel bored then come over to where I am for a look? No one will dare to cause you trouble again. Hm?
Xu Zhaixing
Hm, I think I’ll go over to where you are then.
Zhao Jinjin
Oh. Okay. Makeup artist!
Makeup Artist
Yes?
Zhao Jinjin
Help her remove her makeup and these on her head.
Makeup Artist
Alright!
Zhao Jinjin
Don’t you find it heavy wearing so much?
Assistant Director Yuan
Hey, wait!
Makeup Artist
Huh?
Assistant Director Yuan
Don’t remove it! We still have scenes to shoot in the afternoon.
Makeup Artist
Oh, okay.
Assistant Director Yuan
Young lady, don’t be anxious, okay? I added in another scene for you.
Zhao Jinjin
Wait, AD Yuan, why are you here?
Assistant Director Yuan
Oh, I was just looking for this young lady to talk to her about her scene and saw you bring her into your lounge.
Zhao Jinjin
You…actually made our Chairman Xu be one of your extras?
Assistant Director Yuan
What? Chairman Xu?! Oh, then I’ll give you a few more scenes. You look great in period costume, it’s such a pity if you don’t get on screen.
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, no need AD. That scene back there already pushed me way beyond my abilities. I really can’t do it.
Assistant Director Yuan
Give it a shot. You did pretty well in the morning, right?
Xu Zhaixing
The cat’ll be out of the bag once I have lines to say. I can tell at a glance that you have high requirements for the acting in this drama. Once I get a lot of NGs, let’s not mention I’ll be wasting my co-actors’ skills, but I’ll also be hindering the filming progress.
Assistant Director Yuan
Alright. Then if you change your mind just tell me!
Xu Zhaixing
Okay!
Assistant Director Yuan
What a real pity.
Xu Zhaixing
That gave me a scare.
Zhao Jinjin
Hey, Young Miss. I never knew you were so gifted. Why don’t you enter the industry as well? When you do, you’ll have all the choice there is for what you want to act.
Xu Zhaixing
Woah, woah, woah. Forget it. Our styles clash.
Zhao Jinjin
Mm. You’re right. Supervisor Xuan did the right thing in deleting all those people’s scenes. Who told them to bully you?
Xu Zhaixing
Hey, don’t do it, okay? Am I such a petty person? I was just giving them a scare. Having the crew make up for the missing scenes for a few extras isn’t worth it. After all, I even personally acted for the sake of saving expenses.
Zhao Jinjin
Hmph! You’re letting them off so easily?
Xu Zhaixing
C’mon now. It’s nothing to be angry about. Hey, what does it feel like to fangirl while acting?
Zhao Jinjin
I can describe it using the phrase you just said. It’s too exhilarating!
Xu Zhaixing
Hey, then is my cousin handsome or is Su Ye handsome?
Zhao Jinjin
Hmm… Can’t I have them all?
Xu Zhaixing
Oi, I only asked you who was handsome. Who told you to choose one? In your dreams.
Zhao Jinjin
Can’t you just let me dream? Hmph. CEO Xu!
Xu Zhaixing
Cuz!
Zhao Jinjin
How come you’re here?
Xu Yan
I thought I heard you two talking about me? I just came back on a business trip, so I came to pick you up on the way. Hey, Jinjin. Do you have scenes to shoot later? Why don’t you come with us to take a look at Zhaixing’s new home.
Zhao Jinjin
I…
Xu Zhaixing
She does! Cuz, the crew’s tight on schedule lately. She doesn’t have time to leave.
Zhao Jinjin
Um… Actually I can finish up quic-
Xu Zhaixing
Can do what, huh? I saw the filming schedule. Even your night sessions are full this month.
Xu Yan
Mm. ‘Forging Mountains and Rivers’ is about to be put in the can, so filming would be quite rushed. Then take care to rest. If you’re overwhelmed, don’t be stubborn and push on. Then we’ll be leaving first. Zhaixing’s lifestyle assistant is already at her home waiting for her.
Xu Zhaixing
Sister Jinjin, I’ll come visit you again next time!
Zhao Jinjin
If we are to be brought together by fate, in the vast sea of people we will still meet again! I will cherish deeply the memories of you, my Boss…es Xu!
Xu Zhaixing
Yeah, yeah we’re leaving. See you!
[16:35]
You Tao
CEO Xu, Young Miss.
Xu Yan
Mm. Zhaixing, this is your lifestyle assistant, You Tao.
Xu Zhaixing
Hello.
You Tao
Young Miss, how do you plan on packing your belongings?
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, Sister Taozi2 just leave them where they are. I can do it myself.
You Tao
How can I do that?
Xu Yan
Oh, don’t worry. Little Tao, go and cook a meal first. I’ll help her unpack.
You Tao
Alright.
Xu Yan
What do you think of your new home?
Xu Zhaixing
I’m super satisfied with it! You know, Cuz? I have a friend. She used to rent a place near her uni too. But it was because her dad was paralysed and needed looking after, and just like that she would be running around busy all year round all alone.
Xu Yan
Then is your friend doing well now?
Xu Zhaixing
Yeah. She’s all fine now. She doesn’t have to carry the heavy burden as she moves forward, and even has a future where she can see brightness in.
Xu Yan
Really? Then I’m truly happy for her.
Xu Zhaixing
Me too.
Xu Yan
What plans do you have for the next few days?
Xu Zhaixing
I plan on staying at home and do something big for Chenxing!
Xu Yan
You have a new idea?
Xu Zhaixing
Mhm! I want Chenxing to gear up comprehensively in variety shows!
Xu Yan
Our talents all don’t seem have any gift for variety shows. The few shows we invested in didn’t cause much of a splash either.
Xu Zhaixing
If there’s nothing new then of course no one will watch. What I want to do is an indoors celebrity variety show. I’ve already thought of the name. It’ll be called ‘Be My Guest’. We’ll invite a group of celebrities who visit each others’ homes. Of course, the host and the guest won’t know who each other are. The audience will definitely be curious about the life of celebrities when they’re not on screen.
Xu Yan
It really does have some selling points.
Xu Zhaixing
Mhm!
Xu Yan
Just what kind of things is your brain filled with?
Xu Zhaixing
It’s filled with two lifetimes’ worth of experience! I’ll have the plan proposal to you before school starts, Cuz.
Xu Yan
Oh, don’t worry. I’ll be taking you to school on the day it starts. You can give it to me then.
Xu Zhaixing
Then just wait for my good news!
[18:37]
Zhao Jinjin
Surprise!
Xu Zhaixing
Sister Jinjin! You’re seeing me off to school too?
Zhao Jinjin
Oh, can you two be even slower? I’ve waited for so long already.
Xu Yan
Mm, she was quite slow.
Xu Zhaixing
Huh? How come I get the feeling I’m being targeted?
Zhao Jinjin
Isn’t it the truth?
Xu Zhaixing
Oi! What’s up with you two? As people at the opposite ends of the capitalist class, how can you be so harmonious and united?!
Xu Yan
Sit properly. We’re leaving.
Zhao Jinjin
Righty-o, CEO Xu!
Xu Zhaixing
You! Don’t you be so please so soon! Hmph!
[19:20]
Xu Yan
How are preparations for your variety show plan proposal coming along?
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, I almost forgot. Here. Remember to read it when you get back to the office.
Zhao Jinjin
Is the company starting a new project again?
Xu Zhaixing
Yup! It’s a completely new variety show that will have neither predecessors nor successors. It’ll be a type you’ve never seen before.
Zhao Jinjin
Is it fun? Is it? Take a look at me. Does my temperament suit it?
Xu Zhaixing
Yes, yes, it does. Everything about you is quite beyond expectations, yeah?
Zhao Jinjin
What’s with that? C’mon, just let me participate. I definitely won’t cause trouble for the company. And beauties who have a little cuteness in sexiness, licentious with a bit of unrestraint are few. There aren’t any audiences who don’t like me.
Xu Yan
Don’t be so anxious. This is only just a preliminary plan. There are still many things that aren’t confirmed yet.
Xu Zhaixing
Exactly. If we can let you participate, we’ll definitely arrange it.
Zhao Jinjin
Fine… You gotta arrange it. Got it?
Xu Zhaixing
Yep, yep, yep, yep.
Xu Yan
We’re here. Let’s get out.
Xu Zhaixing
Sister Jinjin, there are too many people and eyes at uni, so don’t leave the car with us. We’ll see each other next time, okay?
Zhao Jinjin
Huh?!
Xu Yan
Wait for me in the car. I’ll leave the keys with you. Remember to open the windows so it won’t be too stuffy inside.
Zhao Jinjin
Mhm. I got it, CEO Xu. I’ll wait for you to come back.
Xu Zhaixing
Cuz, she’s already a big girl and can look after herself. Let’s hurry up and go. It’ll be a pain once there are more people.
Xu Yan
Mm. Back there you didn’t want Jinjin to participate in the variety show because you’re scared she’ll attract antis, right?
Xu Zhaixing
Yeah. What, with a personality like hers where she blows up at every little thing?
Xu Yan
Then what if she insists on whining about participating in the variety show…?
Xu Zhaixing
Huh? Do you have to let her just because she whines? Cuz, you weren’t like this before. How come you feel like an old mother hen protecting her chicks now, huh? Oh, that’s the Media Faculty registration venue! There are heaps of people in front. I’m going ahead to take a look myself, okay?
Xu Yan
Go ahead. I’ll wait for you here.
[21:20]
Xu Zhaixing
Registration ID, key to my dorm room, receipt for tuition fees… I think I’ve got everything done…
Qi Ze
Hey, Junior school sister.
Xu Zhaixing
Huh? Hello.
Qi Ze
Nice to meet you, Junior school sister. I’m a member of the new student admission office. Is there anything I can help you with?
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, no thank you. There’s no need.
Qi Ze
The uni’s huge. The offices are spread out in different places. Hey, are you alone? Why don’t I take you over anyway? Where’s your luggage?
Xu Zhaixing
Sorry, Senior school brother. My cousin’s already helped me carry it.
Qi Ze
No worries. Since you don’t need to move your luggage, I can be your guide.
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, you really don’t need to, Senior school brother. I don’t have a poor sense of direction and can understand the map.
Qi Ze
With me around, wouldn’t it be more convenient than a map?
Xu Zhaixing
Senior school brother…
Xu Yan
What’s going on?
Qi Ze
No-…Nothing.
Xu Zhaixing
Cuz, how come you came over here?
Xu Yan
Distance yourself from men who have an ulterior motive in the future. Men you don’t know who strike up a conversation with you all have a purpose. You might be in university now, but don’t start dating so casually.
Xu Zhaixing
‘Kay. Don’t worry!
Xu Yan
Have you got everything done?
Xu Zhaixing
Yup. We’ll be done after we put my stuff into my dorm room.
Xu Yan
Let’s go.
Xu Zhaixing
Mm.
Qi Ze’s Friend A
Oh, looks like Young Master Qi’s battle didn’t go smoothly. That young lady doesn’t fall for that act of yours at all.
Qi Ze’s Friend B
Didn’t you see how Qi Ze was so scared by the junior school sister’s cousin he couldn’t even speak just then? Hahaha. What do you call it? Crushing someone of a higher class!
Qi Ze’s Friend A
To be honest Qi Ze, if I had cousin like that I wouldn’t be interested in you either.
Qi Ze
Hmph. Just you all wait and see.
1 Gu (孤), literally meaning “this orphaned one” is an imperial pronoun employed by a king out of respect for his (late) father. It is a singular pronoun, and not the equivalent to the royal “we”.
2 ~zi (子) is a Chinese diminutive (nominal suffix).
Moonlight Osmanthus 