After finishing the meal, the group returned to the branch company.
The layout of the company remained the same as before. The most eye - catching thing was Jiang Li's art photo hanging on the middle wall, along with the introductions of several of her famous movies.
Even though Jiang Li's resources had declined significantly, her status in the entertainment industry and her influence on her acting career were unparalleled in Jiang Entertainment.
This was her achievement and honor, and more importantly, the capital for her to remain standing.
Jiang Li walked past the posters one by one until she stopped in front of the first movie promotional poster.
It was her first work in her acting career and also her first movie - "The Thorn Rose".
This was a movie with a female perspective as the main body. It depicted a woman growing up in a rural family. Facing the influence of her original family and all kinds of injustices and oppressions against women in society, she constantly broke free from the shackles and took control of her own life.
Among them, the leading actress played by Jiang Li was deeply rooted in people's hearts. Her perseverance, stubbornness, and the heroic image of resistance when facing the harm of the abusers and oppressors left a deep memory for the audience.
In the grand finale of the movie, the leading actress, who had left the countryside and received an education, finally saw through the cruelty of the world and chose to end her own life.
Facing the tragic fate of her parents selling her to a blind and lame man in the village for a dowry of just a few ten - thousand yuan, she resolutely jumped out of the wedding car and into the turbulent river without hesitation.
She gave up her life, but finally got her own life at the last moment of her life.
This movie was not only unforgettable for the audience but also an indelible existence in Jiang Li's heart.
In the still photo, 21 - year - old Jiang Li was wearing a calico cotton - padded jacket, with two thick braids. Her cheeks were rosy, and her smile was simple, bright, yet tinged with a bit of the tragic color reflected by the feudal society.
Undoubtedly, this movie was extremely outstanding at that time. It was almost a must - screen movie in every theater and won her the first Best Newcomer Award and Best Actress Award in her life.
Since then, Jiang Li had become an instant sensation.
But only Sister Chen knew that after filming that scene, it took Jiang Li a long time to get out of the role.
Because it was so similar to her own life.
It was so similar that she almost couldn't tell whether she was in the movie or in real life while filming.
Seeing Jiang Li standing in a daze in front of the poster of "The Thorn Rose", Sister Chen walked over and patted her on the shoulder reassuringly. "When we were filming this movie, I felt that you had some psychological obstacles."
"But you were too stubborn. You said nothing and just claimed that you were fine."
Recalling the memories of a few years ago, Sister Chen still felt quite emotional. "Lili, it's all in the past now. I sincerely hope that you can get over those hurdles and live a good life."
"Don't think about 'The Thorn Rose' anymore, and don't think about those things either, okay?"
Jiang Li remained silent. Her eyes were still fixed on the poster, with some complex emotions in them.
It seemed like envy, and also like sorrow.
But it was just for a very short moment, and it disappeared in a flash, so fast that one couldn't even catch it.
...
Since she had returned to Huacheng, Jiang Li couldn't afford to be idle. She immediately discussed her recent schedule with Sister Chen.
"Do you still remember Ying Chengqi? The director who once extended an olive branch to you."
Sister Chen didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point. "He's going to start shooting a Republic - of - China - era movie in the second half of the year and has invited you to be the leading actress. I've already got the script for you, and you don't need to audition."
Jiang Li nodded, still having an impression of this matter.
She had a photographic memory. She remembered that she had met Director Ying at a celebration banquet. After she toasted him a few times, he said that he would definitely invite her to be the leading actress in the future.
He was a talented director who was extremely demanding about movies as if they were works of art. The movies he had made in the past two years were of higher and higher quality, and he himself was very looking forward to this movie.
"The Republic - of - China - themed script has something in common with the Vitaly brand you're endorsing. We can promote each other and transfer the popularity at that time."
"Moreover, if you take this script, you have a good chance of being nominated for the Best Actress award this year, or even winning it directly."
When Sister Chen said this, she was quite excited. "This is the most achievable award for you at present and also the one that can best prove your ability. The opportunity is once in a blue moon."
Jiang Li listened and understood this in her heart.
Her ultimate dream in the entertainment industry was to stand on the award - stage that symbolized acting skills and become a worthy Best Actress.
"Sister Chen, give me the script. I'll familiarize myself with it as soon as possible. When will I enter the crew?" Her expression remained unchanged, showing her professional style. "Find some time to invite Director Ying to dinner. Tell him it's my treat."
"I've already invited him." Sister Chen said with a beaming smile. "I've taken care of everything for you. All you need to do now is to adapt to the role and the script."
"I've also asked about the time to enter the crew. It's at the end of June. You still have a month, which is plenty of time."
Jiang Li smiled gratefully and thanked her sincerely. "Sister Chen, it's really great to have you."
"You're being so formal. Why are you still saying such things to Sister Chen?"
Sister Chen waved her hand. "Shoot the movie well and win the Best Actress award this time. It'll also bring glory to me."
...
Jiang Li spent the whole afternoon reading the script, analyzing the character traits of the role and the plot development from beginning to end.
This time, she was going to play an embroidery woman waiting for her husband to return during the war - torn period.
She particularly noticed that there were many details in the script about the craft of cheongsam embroidery, and her knowledge of the profession of an embroidery woman was only from hearsay.
Jiang Li was not satisfied with just "hearsay". She had high requirements for acting. Since she had been given this role, she had to do it perfectly and not miss a single detail.
"You want to learn pattern embroidery?" Sister Chen was a bit surprised when she heard Jiang Li's request. "Isn't it a bit sudden?"
"This is the role I'm going to play this time. If I want to understand the identity of an embroidery woman more deeply, I must learn her skills so that I can get more into the role when filming."
Sister Chen was stunned for a moment. She knew that Jiang Li always had high requirements for herself in acting, so she nodded. "Okay, I'll help you inquire and see if there are any craftsmen like that in Huacheng."
"Yes, there is." Jingyi, who was helping Jiang Li sort out her endorsements beside them, suddenly spoke up. "There's an old embroidery woman in Huacheng. She's already 90 years old, but her craftsmanship is still very skillful."
"Every year, many wealthy businessmen come here especially for a chance to get an embroidered cheongsam made by her own hands."
Hearing this, Jiang Li's eyes lit up. "Jingyi, do you know where this old embroidery woman is?"
"No." Jingyi shook her head like a rattle. "Moreover, I've heard that in the past two years, because of her advanced age, she has put away her needles and stopped embroidering."