Traffic Star Development Program

Chapter 9: Techniques for Changing Conversation

"Isn't it too low?" Zeng Hao chimed in. "It is low, but we're a low-budget web series with a total budget of only 90 yuan. The actors' salaries can't be too high. Besides, you don't have any reputation in the industry right now, so 1 yuan is already the market price."

Zhang Tianai bit her lip, unsure of what to say.

"But," Zeng Hao changed the subject, "if this show becomes a hit, your value will increase dozens or even hundreds of times. At that time, your fee for one role could be hundreds of thousands or even millions. Is it worth it to invest 1 yuan for a life-changing opportunity?"

Zhang Tianai was stunned.

She looked at Zeng Hao and suddenly realized that this young producer was very skilled at rhetoric.

He first gave her hope by saying, "You are suitable for this role."

Then, she lowered her expectations by saying it was a "low-budget production" and that "you're not famous."

Finally, they used the promise of "a chance to change one's destiny" to make grand promises.

Throughout the entire process, she knew perfectly well that the 1 yuan pay was very low, yet she still felt that what the other party said made a lot of sense.

"I...I need to think about it," she finally managed to say.

"Okay, but I'll give you a maximum of one day." Zeng Hao checked the time. "Give me an answer by 6 PM tomorrow. If you don't accept, I'll find another actor."

Zhang Tianai nodded, her mind a jumble of thoughts.

After dinner, Zeng Hao took her back to the extras' apartment in Hengdian.

"Think it over carefully. You can call me anytime if you have any questions," Zeng Hao said, turning and leaving.

Zhang Tianai stood downstairs at the apartment building, watching his figure disappear into the night, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

She returned to her rented small single room, a room of less than ten square meters, which contained nothing but a bed, a table, and a wardrobe.

She sat on the bed, took out the script outline, and looked at it over and over again.

Zeng Hao's words kept echoing in my mind: "An opportunity to change your destiny."

She spent five years as an extra in Hengdian, from age 18 to 23, watching wave after wave of newcomers come in. Some became famous, while others gave up after two years and went back to their hometowns.

But she persists because she firmly believes that one day there will be an opportunity.

Now, the opportunity has arrived.

Although it only offered 1 yuan, although it was a low-budget web series, and although the plot was absurdly ridiculous, it was indeed the best opportunity she had ever had since entering the industry.

She gritted her teeth, picked up her phone, and sent Zeng Hao a text message.

"Mr. Zeng, I'll take this."

Zeng Hao replied less than a minute after the text message was sent.

"Tomorrow morning at 10:00, at the coffee shop on Wansheng Street, to sign the contract."

Zhang Tianai looked at his phone screen and took a deep breath.

She knew that her fate might really be about to change.

The next morning at 9:30, Zhang Tianai arrived at the coffee shop half an hour early.

She wore light makeup today, along with a white shirt and black trousers, looking both capable and refreshing.

Zeng Hao arrived promptly at ten o'clock, carrying a file folder in his hand.

"I've prepared the contract. Take a look, and we can discuss any issues." He pushed the file bag over.

Zhang Tianai took the contract and began to read it carefully.

The contract terms are very detailed, including the filming period, payment method, publicity obligations, use of portrait rights, etc.

She saw one of the clauses: "Party B (Zhang Tianai) must comply with the work arrangements of Party A (Sunshine Entertainment) during the filming period and shall not accept other work without authorization."

"Mr. Zeng, what does this mean?" she asked.

"It means that during filming you have to be fully committed to the crew and can't take on other projects or gigs at the same time," Zeng Hao explained. "Web series have tight filming schedules, and we need to ensure progress. Actors can't work sporadically."

Zhang Tianai nodded and continued reading.

Another clause appeared: "If Party B unilaterally breaches the contract, it shall pay Party A a penalty of 10 yuan."

10?

Zhang Tianai gasped.

She doesn't even have 10 yuan in all her possessions right now. If she decides to stop filming halfway through, or if something unexpected happens, she simply can't afford to pay the loss.

"Mr. Zeng, isn't this penalty for breach of contract too high?" she asked cautiously.

"Not high." Zeng Hao's tone was firm. "Once filming starts, all resources will revolve around the female lead. If you leave halfway through, our entire project will be ruined. A penalty of 10 yuan for breach of contract is not excessive."

Zhang Tianai bit her lip, unsure of what to say.

She had a vague feeling that this contract was very disadvantageous to her.

The pay was only 1 yuan, but the penalty for breach of contract was as high as 10 yuan. This meant that once she signed the contract, she was completely tied down and had to grit her teeth and finish filming.

But she didn't dare not sign.

This is her only chance in five years.

"I...I'll sign," she finally said.

Zeng Hao nodded and handed over the pen.

Zhang Tianai signed his name on the contract, his hand trembling slightly.

After signing, Zeng Hao put the contract away and took out a thick script from his bag.

"This is the detailed script for the first ten episodes. Take it back and study it carefully. The crew will officially start filming in a week, and we will notify you then."

Zhang Tianai took the script; it felt heavy, and so did her heart.

"Mr. Zeng, where is the filming location?" she asked.

"We have already rented the venue for the Qin Palace Scenic Area in Hengdian."

"Then...what about the other actors? Who's the male lead?"

"We're still selecting, but it will be finalized soon." Zeng Hao paused, "What you need to do now is to thoroughly understand the script and the character of the female lead, Zhang Pengpeng."

Zhang Tianai nodded, picked up the script, and stood up.

She was about to leave when she suddenly remembered something and sat back down.

"Mr. Zeng, I...I have a question." Her voice was hesitant.

"explain."

"Why did you specifically come to find me? I mean, there are so many actresses in Hengdian, some are prettier than me, some are more famous than me, why did you choose me? Is it really as you said before?"

Zeng Hao looked at her and remained silent for a few seconds.

The other party still has concerns, which is normal.

He decided to change his approach.

"Because you're cheap, and you're hardworking."

This time he was very straightforward: "What I need is not a star, but an actor who can endure hardship, cooperate, and is willing to risk his life for the role. You've been running bit parts in Hengdian for five years without giving up, which shows you have resilience, and that's what I value."

Zhang Tianai was stunned.

She originally thought the other party would say some high-sounding things, such as "You have potential" or "You are very suitable for this role," but she did not expect Zeng Hao to be so direct.

Because it's cheap, and because I can endure hardship.

These two reasons, though painful, are indeed true.

"I understand." She lowered her head. "I won't let you down."

Zeng Hao nodded. "Go back and prepare well."

Zhang Tianai left the coffee shop with the script in her hand, but after taking a few steps, she suddenly stopped.

She glanced back and saw Zeng Hao still sitting there, looking down at his phone.

A thought suddenly popped into her mind.