After the two changed into their stage costumes, they walked out from behind the curtain together.
Jiang Li and the female actress were both wearing modified cheongsams in the style of the Republic of China era, a very classical style of an upper garment and a skirt.
On the stage, Jiang Li and the female actress both had their hair braided into plaits. Holding hands, they walked step by step towards the wooden table that had been set up earlier and sat down.
The female actress was a bit nervous. Jiang Li softly comforted her, "It's okay. Relax. We're just chatting casually."
Her voice was very gentle, like the budding shoots in spring, guiding patiently and gradually calming the female actress's nerves.
Jiang Li told the female actress about her experience filming the Republic of China drama "The Thunderstorm Hasn't Stopped" as if she were telling a story. When she got excited, she even showed her the behind - the - scenes clips.
It was like two girls in the Republic of China era chatting very casually.
After listening for a while, the female actress seemed to understand, "I think I understand what you mean by the 'feeling of the era'."
Jiang Li looked calm, smiling at her, "Remember this feeling, and then gradually immerse yourself in it, so that you can be as if you were really there."
After saying that, she picked up the script on the table and read out the female actress's lines word by word. When she got into the mood, her expression was very vivid.
At that moment, it seemed as if she had stepped into the script and become the Republic of China woman who was imprisoned in that era but was tough, unyielding, and longing for freedom and independence.
Sister Chen took out her phone and casually took a picture of this scene and posted it on the social platform.
In the picture, Jiang Li was wearing a Republic of China - style costume, with her long hair braided into plaits. The fragmented light shone down on her, as if covering her with a layer of gold powder.
She was holding a book in her hand, exuding a faint aroma of books, yet full of the power of independence.
Sister Chen had been an agent for many years. Most of the people in her friend list were business partners, as well as directors, producers, investors, and fellow agents.
She posted the photo of Jiang Li to attract potential clients. It was her work habit.
As soon as the photo was posted, it received a lot of likes and comments. Several business partners had already privately messaged Sister Chen about Jiang Li's schedule.
...
With Jiang Li's help and guidance, the female actress gradually grasped the feeling and became more and more comfortable in her performance. The previous sense of abruptness was gone.
Jiang Li felt relieved. She was about to go backstage to change her clothes and then leave when the troupe leader trotted over and told her that she could keep this costume, "Miss Jiang, this costume is new. It looks great on you. Consider it a gift from us."
Hearing this, Jiang Li shook her head and was about to decline when Sister Chen came over and told her that several magazines had invited her to take Republic of China - style photos.
They would need to take sample photos later, and it might be too late to buy new clothes. This set of clothes would be just right.
"Thank you," she didn't decline further and politely thanked the troupe leader.
It was getting late. Jiang Li was too lazy to go to the dressing room to change. She asked Sister Chen to pack her own clothes and was ready to leave.
Anyway, the weather in Huacheng was very warm. She wouldn't feel cold even if she walked out like this.
She took two steps outside. Jiang Li was tilting her head, listening to Sister Chen while looking down at the road in front of her.
As she walked, she suddenly looked up.
The man was standing silently not far from her. There were faint dark circles under his eyes, and he looked extremely tired.
"Jiang Li, come here," Xiao Yanzhi said concisely.
The moment she saw the man's face, Jiang Li was a bit dazed. She even felt a bit strange about him.
It had only been half a month since they last met, but it felt like a century had passed.
It had been so long that she almost forgot about him.
Jiang Li stood still and didn't move forward for a long time.
Xiao Yanzhi was standing quietly by the roadside. Half of his face was in the light and half in the shadow, his figure outlined by the dim light.
He just stood there, looking up at her against the light.
She was wearing a Republic of China - style costume, with two ponytails, looking like an ungraduated student, pure and innocent.
Xiao Yanzhi squinted his eyes slightly, coldly staring at her, but the emotions in his eyes were as thick as ink, "Is this how you spend your time leisurely after I told you to come to Huacheng?"
"I'm working," Jiang Li calmly looked at him, meeting his gaze, "As for you, Mr. Xiao, why are you here?"
Her distant tone and the strange feeling welling up from her heart made Xiao Yanzhi feel irritated.
He loosened his collar and said in a deep voice, "I'm here to check on your work progress."
Since Jiang Li didn't come over, he walked towards her, "How's the task I assigned to you going?"
Sister Chen wisely took a step back to give them some space.
No matter how much she wanted to protect Jiang Li, she was just an employee. She had to compromise and accept the situation.
Jiang Li was silent for two seconds, clenching her palms, "It's in progress. The other party is not very willing to cooperate. I'll find a way to win them over."
"Jiang Li, that's not the answer I want," he said coldly.
Jiang Li of course knew.
Xiao Yanzhi never listened to vague answers. He only wanted a definite result.
It was very quiet by the broad road. From time to time, cars would pass by, bringing the whistling sound of the wind, which disappeared in an instant.
In this atmosphere, Jiang Li looked up, her voice mature and casual, "If I can't win the endorsement from Vitaly, Mr. Xiao, are you going to transfer me back to Beicheng?"
Xiao Yanzhi was silent, which was an answer for her.
Jiang Li let out a long sigh and couldn't help smiling.
It was really a question with an obvious answer.
Jiang Li should have known earlier that she was like a sparrow with a string tied to its feet.
Although she had been released from the cage, there was still an invisible force pulling her, ready to pull her back into the cage at any time.
"Chen Yue, go back first. I want to talk to Jiang Li alone," the man's commanding tone was very overbearing.
Sister Chen hesitated for a moment but still chose to speak up hesitantly, "Mr. Xiao, Lili has been tired all afternoon. Let her rest early..."
"Do you have a problem?" His face darkened.
His words made Sister Chen swallow her words. She could only helplessly look at Jiang Li, "Then Lili..."
"Sister Chen, you go back and rest first," Jiang Li said with a faint smile, "You've accompanied me all afternoon. You should rest well."
She didn't want Sister Chen to be in trouble.
After getting in the car with Xiao Yanzhi, she noticed that he had just got off the plane. The car was sent by the hotel to pick him up, and there were still his luggage in the car.
"Back to the hotel," as soon as he got in the car, Xiao Yanzhi said to the driver and then closed his eyes to rest.
It was obvious that he was very tired.
Jiang Li got in the car with him, lowering her head and saying nothing. Her braided hair hung on her chest.
She looked so obedient, really like a student who hadn't entered society yet.
"Recently cooperated with Baijiao?"
Jiang Li slightly raised her eyes. She knew that Xiao Yanzhi would know about everything here. She said calmly, "Yes, it's kind of a favor exchange."