Reborn in the Hong Kong entertainment industry in the 1980s

The contestants discussed the pros and cons of the two contracts—

Hu Xiaoxiao then realized that there were so many intricacies involved in signing a contract, so she simply sat down to listen more and gather information related to the contract.

“While per-episode contracts are good, they require you to earn your own living without any income security, making them unsuitable for newcomers. Therefore, those who dare to negotiate such contracts with TV stations are people who are not short of money and have a lot of fame. For example, MC Yue Ge signed a per-episode contract after he became famous at the TV station and then went to develop his career in the film industry. Or you have to reach the status of Sister Yu before you can negotiate contracts with TV stations.”

"Newcomers must choose a management contract. Only artists who sign this contract are considered the TV station's 'own children,' and they will be the first to be given any resources. Other contracts? They're like godchildren, a layer away, and they won't be given the same level of support."

Hearing this, Hu Xiaoxiao fell into thought.

Then I heard Jiali say, "As a newcomer, especially one who hasn't debuted yet, the worst thing you can do is to be ambitious but lack ability. Although the management contracts at the TV station are a bit harsh, the environment here is good, and with hard work, you'll eventually get ahead. There aren't so many controversies around."

Don't be fooled by the glamorous and high-profile lives of movie stars. They think it's easy to get by. The movie industry is incredibly corrupt and chaotic, especially for good-looking women. They're always either with this boss or that director.

Sometimes you end up spending time with someone for nothing, letting them take advantage of you. Haven't you seen how many actresses whose reputations have been ruined come from the film industry?

“You’re right. The environment at the TV station is much simpler. It’s okay if the pay is less; just treat it as a job.”

"Aren't you overthinking things? First, they have to be willing to sign. At the celebration party later, remember to toast the senior management and make a good impression. If a senior executive takes a liking to you, the signing will be a sure thing."

"That's right, that makes sense. Let's change our clothes quickly, and then we'll go deal with the people from the TV station."

The beauties quickly changed their clothes and then hurriedly left.

Hu Xiaoxiao sat in the dressing room for a while, thinking, before going out. She walked to the mirror and saw that her makeup was a little smudged, so she simply sat down at the vanity and removed it. Stage makeup is very heavy and not suitable for everyday wear.

At that moment, the door opened, and Lin Qianyou, still wearing her performance costume, walked in.

Lin Qianyou is a rather aloof person when you don't know her well, but once you get to know her, she's actually quite easy to talk to.

When Lin Qianyou saw Hu Xiaoxiao, she greeted her, "Are you alone?"

After Hu Xiaoxiao removed her makeup, she prepared to put it on again. "Everyone else had changed their clothes and gone out."

"Won't I be the only one who hasn't changed yet? I need to hurry." Lin Qianyou found a dressing room and changed into the little dress she would wear to the celebration party. After changing, she sat down at the dressing table next to Hu Xiaoxiao and began to remove her makeup.

"Xiaoxiao, will you sign with a TV station?" Lin Qianyou asked while removing her makeup.

Hu Xiaoxiao held a powder puff and applied foundation in front of the camera, saying, "Yes, you should too, right?"

Lin Qianyou nodded and said, "If that's the case, then we'll be colleagues from now on."

The door suddenly opened, and Zhao Yanhong walked in. "You've all signed with the TV station?"

Clearly, she had overheard the two women's conversation.

Lin Qianyou found it strange and asked her, "Aren't you going to sign?"

Zhao Yanhong said disdainfully, "Who would sign such a contract? There's no freedom at all. I can't take on private jobs, and the pay is so low. That little salary isn't even enough for me to buy a dress."

After saying that, he took the bag of clothes into the dressing room, and a little while later, he came out dressed in casual clothes.

Hu Xiaoxiao found this strange and asked, "Aren't you going to the celebration banquet later?"

"I've already told the production crew that I'm not feeling well and I'm going back to rest." Zhao Yanhong began packing her things.

Lin Qianyou stopped, turned around and looked at her packing, and said, "You're not even going to the celebration party? Aren't you afraid of offending the higher-ups? Don't you want to stay in this line of work?"

"Who says you have to sign with a TV station to enter the entertainment industry? There are plenty of entertainment companies and movies to make. Movie stars become famous faster, make money faster, and earn more than TV stars." Zhao Yanhong took out a few tissues and found a camera lens to wipe the lipstick off her lips.

Lin Qianyou, wanting to get to know her, advised, "Lily, although there are many opportunities outside, it's also very chaotic. People without connections are easily bullied. Why not stay at the TV station?"

Zhao Yanhong glanced at Lin Qianyou with jealousy, feeling extremely sour. "What's the use of staying at the TV station? Aren't there enough third-place winners signed by TV stations? How many of them actually get ahead? Of course you'd say signing with the TV station is better. Linda took a liking to you when you first signed up for the Miss Hong Kong pageant and was willing to promote you. You're guaranteed a chance to become famous."

Me? Nobody's willing to support me! I can't stand sitting on the sidelines for years, with no guarantee of ever getting ahead. Youth only lasts a few years; if I don't fight for it while I'm young, am I going to wait until I'm old to play an old lady?

Zhao Yanhong glanced at Hu Xiaoxiao with disdain, "Don't think you're something special just because you won the championship. There are Miss Hong Kong winners every year. After this year, who will even know you next year?"

Hu Xiaoxiao took out her lipstick, slowly twirled it, and said, "I just don't know you, Miss Ji Jun."

"You—" Zhao Yanhong threw down the tissue in anger, gritting her teeth.

Hu Xiaoxiao calmly applied lipstick and said to Zhao Yanhong in the mirror, "Be careful the reporters take pictures of you again and say you're being too happy to be cute."

"Who can be prettier than you!" Zhao Yanhong didn't even bother to remove her makeup before slamming the door and leaving.

Lin Qianyou shook her head. "It seems she's already found someone else."

"Everyone has their own path to walk, and everyone has their own destiny." Hu Xiaoxiao checked her makeup; it was a perfect evening look.

Lin Qianyou, seeing Hu Xiaoxiao's exquisite makeup skills, felt envious and came over to ask for advice. Hu Xiaoxiao generously shared some makeup tips. During their conversation, recalling what she had overheard from the other contestants, she asked, "What kind of television contract did you sign?"

Lin Qianyou said, "Management contracts are what newcomers sign. You'll have the same contract when you join the TV station."

"I want to sign a per-episode contract." Hu Xiaoxiao noticed that Lin Qianyou's eyeliner wasn't done well, so she took the eyeliner pencil and corrected it for her.

Lin Qianyou turned her head in surprise, almost drawing a thick line on her face with her eyeliner. "A per-episode contract? You're a newcomer, the company won't give you that kind of contract. I know you won the championship and are the most popular, but the company won't compromise. The company has never lacked popular Miss Hong Kong contestants, and they won't make an exception for you."

After Hu Xiaoxiao finished drawing Lin Qianyou's eyeliner, she handed the eyeliner back to her. "As long as the value is sufficient, there's nothing that can't be discussed. Examples are meant to be used to break down barriers."

Lin Qianyou was not optimistic and advised, "I suggest you think it through carefully and don't act impulsively. Even if you really have a way to get the company to break the precedent and sign a full-length contract, the company will not be willing to promote a newcomer with such a contract. They will only use you to waste their popularity."