Chapter Forty-Eight: Entering the Profession (Fourth Update, Seeking First Subscription)

Li Yiting and Qian Ya were both decisive and swift in action. Having made up their minds, they wished to make no delays. That very day, they packed their belongings and, leading a bewildered Yiruo, set off by car for Dali.

Qian Ya gently informed Yiruo that to find Xiao Su, the only viable path was to step into the entertainment industry. Yiruo, evidently trusting Qian Ya's judgment, said nothing and readily agreed.

Li Yiting could only smile wryly; this saved him quite a bit of trouble.

As the car sped along, he briefly outlined his plan to Chen Tianyu, who replied with just four words: “Be careful, always.” Then there was silence.

“What could that guy be busy with now?” Li Yiting furrowed his brow slightly; Chen Tianyu likely never imagined he would be the first to break out.

The Flying Dragon in the Sky Film Base was vast and located at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains. Of course, the mountain range was extensive, and many similar small companies clustered in the area, drawn by the unparalleled natural environment.

Li Yiting instructed Yiruo to park the car some distance from the film base, intending to proceed on foot. At first, Qian Ya did not grasp his reasoning.

“We’re here seeking opportunities as actors; better not to be too conspicuous,” Li Yiting reasoned carefully. “Rolling in with a car, flaunting it about—it's just not the same.”

Qian Ya couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re such a rustic! What era do you think this is? Driving a car is considered flashy now?”

She turned to Yiruo. “Don’t listen to him. Just drive straight into the film city. There are so many cars there, no one will notice us. Walking is tiring, especially with luggage.”

Li Yiting could only smile bitterly. “I wonder if young people nowadays, before becoming stars, are already so independent and unconventional? Driving luxury cars to look for work?”

What he really wanted to say was: since they already had a house and car, why suffer the hardships of becoming an actor—possibly just an extra?

Qian Ya saw through his thoughts immediately and teased, “Are you still stuck in the 80s or 90s? Back then, actors were like ascetics, acting for a paycheck and worn out. It’s nothing like that now.”

Li Yiting asked in confusion, “Isn’t that the case?”

“You’ll soon find out it’s entirely different,” Qian Ya giggled.

---

The film city was indeed large. Had Qian Ya not insisted on parking in the public lot, they might not have reached their destination today.

The three walked lightly along the road, luggage safely locked in the car, free from worries.

Qian Ya glanced proudly at Li Yiting, thinking to herself, “See? Trust me, I was right.”

She suggested taking the opportunity to explore the film city, which was quite famous as a tourist attraction. The other two had no objections; on the surface, the film city resembled a theme park, filled with many curious displays.

When Li Yiting saw a huge golden sword in the center of the square, its unique shape drew him in. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was the famed “Dragon Slayer Sword.”

Surprised, he looked around and saw a sword hanging on a stone wall inscribed with, “When the Heaven Reliant is drawn, who dares to contend?”

“So this is a theme park dedicated to the Golden Hero,” Li Yiting joked awkwardly.

Qian Ya shook her head. “This isn’t even the real theme park. The actual ones have been established in many provinces and cities. You really are out of touch. As far as I know, this film base houses dozens—maybe hundreds—of film companies.”

Yiruo spoke up for once, “Which company should we apply to? I don’t even know if he’s here,” referring of course to Xiao Su.

Qian Ya was blunt. “The entertainment industry is deep and complicated. If you expect to find Xiao Su quickly, you’re being unrealistic. Prepare for a long stay.”

Yiruo nodded, eyes moist. “It’s okay. I can wait.”

Li Yiting sighed inwardly. Such a good girl, yet unfortunate in love—what could be done?

Clearing his throat, he said, “Let’s hurry and try to apply, see how things go.”

This time, Qian Ya did not object. Neither she nor Yiruo was much interested in martial arts genres; as girls, they preferred romance stories.

As they neared their destination, handsome men and beautiful women gathered, many looking like ancient beauties or princes, some standing, some sitting, all absorbed in their phones. The three knew they were close.

Qian Ya became lively and confidently approached a handsome man to inquire. Coincidentally, the company named “He Yi” was interviewing extras and street performers.

Looking around, they saw no other place as bustling. Qian Ya decided this was the one.

Li Yiting naturally did not object; his understanding of the entertainment world was still limited to television news reports.

Yiruo timidly asked, “Sis, do you think we can do this?… Look at how many people there are. And don’t you need to bring a resume or something to apply?”

Qian Ya smiled calmly, taking out three small folders from her handbag.

“Here you go, all prepared.”

Yiruo accepted hers with surprise, marveling at the finely crafted resumes.

Li Yiting was taken aback. He flipped through his and saw his name had been changed to Mu Ning, with a forged ID number, a blurry photo, and fabricated work history, paired with a copy of a real ID card. It looked neat and official.

This young lady was quite resourceful! He wondered if this had been prepared long ago.

Before he could say anything, Qian Ya urged, “What are you standing there for? Line up already… or just cut in.”

Li Yiting smiled wryly. Was this like driving ducks onto a stage? But since they were here, he accepted it. Not one to be easily daunted, he tucked the folder away and strode in, only to find himself blocked almost immediately.

The crowd was overwhelming—no gaps to slip through. The young faces shone with fiery enthusiasm, unlike his own gloomy expression.

Two unsmiling, stout men maintained order at the entrance, blocking everyone with two police lines. Watching the excited go in and the dejected come out, it was clear the acceptance rate was low. Li Yiting felt nervous.

What if none of the three were hired? Would they have to try another company and go through all this again?

After waiting over an hour with no sign of the crowd thinning, Li Yiting knew he had to use his physical advantage to weave through, ignoring scornful looks.

Even so, sweating profusely, it took him two full hours before his turn.

He quickly called the two ladies over. Qian Ya was more assertive; she shoved aside anyone who dared block their way. Others, intimidated by her fierce expression, moved aside silently.

The interviewer was a woman, accompanied by several others who looked like assistant directors.

Unexpectedly, all three were accepted!

However, only as extras.