Zhou You heard no response from the other end, so he quickly added, "I'm pretty familiar with their Director Teng and Director Han. As someone in the entertainment industry, you've probably heard of them too."
Shi Wenxiu finally snapped out of it. "I've heard of them, I've heard of them. I'm not sure how to address you."
"Just call me Brother You. A-Le calls me that too."
"Do you have an agency now?"
"Not yet. I haven't landed many roles during college, so no agency has signed me." Shi Wenxiu's voice dropped a bit as she said this.
"No worries. Send me your resume later. I just invested in a movie directed by Xu Zheng, starring Huang Bo and Wang Baoqiang. The script should be finalized, but adding a small role shouldn't be a problem." Zhou You thought it over—major roles were out of the question, but a few scenes here and there were definitely doable.
The key thing was, Zhou You was also worried about losing money, since this film had way more earning potential than the last one.
While Zhou You chatted with Shi Wenxiu, Professor Shi listened in confusion. He hadn't heard of the two movies Zhou You mentioned, and only recognized a few of the names. Still, seeing how smoothly they were talking, he figured it was probably fine.
Professor Wang was also witnessing this up close for the first time and had no experience with it, but Zhou You's confident demeanor made him think it would work out.
Zhou You hung up and said to Professor Shi, "Professor Shi, I've got the basics now. Xiuxiu will send me her resume, and I'll pass it along to the director. Adding a small role shouldn't be an issue."
Professor Shi had no clue how to handle this and could only go along with Zhou You's plan. But he trusted that with Professor Wang's connection, Zhou You wouldn't screw him over. Plus, Zhou You was about to start his PhD under him, so it was even more solid.
"Oh, you're amazing, Teacher Zhou. You young people are incredible. I was totally lost listening to you just now. Whether it works out or not, I'm deeply grateful for your help."
Zhou You quickly stood up. "Professor Shi, you're too kind. I'm Professor Wang's student and yours too. It's only right for a student to help their teacher."
Professor Wang, lounging with his legs crossed and a cup in hand, looked smugly at Shi Zhongshan. "So? Isn't my last disciple impressive? You should thank me, you know! This is just the tip of the iceberg. You'll see more as you get to know him."
Professor Wang even left a little mystery.
Earlier, Zhou You had asked Shi Wenxiu to add him on QQ and send her resume. Opening it, he saw she was quite pretty—no wonder she was so set on breaking into showbiz. But looks alone weren't enough to make it in that world. There were plenty of beautiful people in the industry; how many actually became famous? Opportunity, luck, and talent were all essential.
The TV dramas she'd acted in—Zhou You had never heard of them, probably all flops.
He forwarded the resume to Xu Zheng.
Then, right in front of the two professors, he made a call. "Hello, Director Xu. I said I wouldn't meddle with the movie, but I can't help it. I just found out my PhD advisor's daughter is at the Beijing Film Academy, a senior this year. I just sent you her resume. Don't change the big picture, just give her a small role with some screen time—preferably a few lines."
Xu Zheng was a bit worried when he heard Zhou You's request. After all, Zhou You was a major shareholder; asking for a supporting role wasn't out of line. He'd assumed Zhou You would want a big part, but just a few lines? That was no problem at all.
"Mr. Zhou, no problem. I'm looking at her resume as we talk. Good looks, decent acting experience, and contact info's there. I'll reach out to her directly. The crew's already set, so she can just come to the set when it's time."
"Great, thanks, Director Xu. When I'm free, I'll visit the set and treat everyone to a meal. Please look out for her on set—don't let anyone bully her." Zhou You added one last remark.
Shi Zhongshan was amazed at how fast this was moving. It seemed Zhou You wasn't just some ordinary investor; otherwise, the director wouldn't be so polite.
Seeing Zhou You's efficiency, Shi Zhongshan knew he had to take his role as PhD advisor seriously and couldn't afford to be aloof anymore. Unlike Professor Wang, Zhou You was Wang's last disciple, while with him, Zhou You was just a part-time PhD student they'd see a few times a year.
"Our part-time PhD program is pretty straightforward. Just go through the department's process. I'm the only PhD advisor here, and the program's only been around a few years. Send me your materials, and I'll handle the paperwork."
Zhou You felt a bit awkward and joked, "Professor Shi, just call me Zhou You or Xiao Zhou. Please don't call me Teacher Zhou, or my advisor might kick me out of his group."
"Alright, I'll call you Zhou You. Being too formal would be distant. This thing with Xiuxiu really helped me out. At our age, there's not much to chase except hoping our kids are healthy, safe, and successful." Shi Zhongshan felt a weight lift off his shoulders now that his daughter's big issue was sorted. He'd have something to tell his wife when he got home.
They chatted for a bit, and within minutes, Shi Zhongshan saw his daughter calling. He picked up quickly. "Xiuxiu, what's up?"
"Dad, Director Xu just called me. He told me to get ready and join the crew. When did you get such a wide network?" Shi Wenxiu was stunned. In just a few minutes, a movie role was settled. It wasn't a big part, but the fact that they could still add someone after the crew was formed showed serious influence.
"Zhou You is your Professor Wang's last disciple, and he's close with your Brother Wang Le. He's about to start his PhD with me. We happened to talk about you, and he helped out on the spot." Shi Zhongshan gave her the gist.
"Dad, that's not just 'helping out.' Brother You has serious pull. When I'm done filming, you have to invite him over. I want to treat him to a meal."
"Sure, Brother You is still here. We'll be in touch often. I heard him on the phone with the director, asking him to look after you. When you're on set, be humble and learn from the veterans. No more tantrums." Shi Zhongshan couldn't help adding a warning, then immediately regretted it. Every time he said that before, she'd argue and ignore him.
"Fine, I get it. I'll cherish this chance, work hard, and won't cause any trouble for Brother You." For once, Shi Wenxiu didn't snap back at her dad.
Shi Zhongshan hung up, a bit thrown off. He wasn't used to his daughter being so agreeable all of a sudden.
But then it clicked. It wasn't that his daughter was being opportunistic. Before, his advice was just empty words with no real impact—like every parent telling their kid to work hard, get along with colleagues, and listen to the boss. But now, it was different. The director had actually been asked to look out for her. If she performed well on set, there was real opportunity and hope. Of course, she'd listen.
Some people work hard because they know effort pays off, and no one can take what's theirs.
Like those born into privilege.
But a rookie author is a first-generation striver. Without effort, there's no way out. Begging for collections, recommendations, and reads.