They were chatting casually, each talking about their own experiences.
Jason Liu was especially curious about what life was like in a drama school for actors.
"So what's it like? You must have all kinds of classes, right? Physical training, line memorization, acting lessons… maybe even those strange theory courses that sound more like listening to sermons than anything else?"
As they discussed the school curriculum, Qiqi couldn't help but complain. "What really gets on people's nerves is that in a few of my performances, I just couldn't stop laughing. And because of that, I got punished! The teacher made me stand in front of a mirror and practice—when to laugh, when to hold it in, and when to perform again!"
"Hahaha, that sounds hilarious!" Jason laughed.
He couldn't help but chuckle at Qiqi's embarrassment. "I saw a behind-the-scenes video once. The actors were holding wooden sticks, jumping around in front of a green screen. They looked completely insane. Half the time, people must struggle not to laugh!"
Qiqi also remembered those moments during class where they had to pretend to interact with things that weren't there. Everyone would be seriously acting in front of thin air—it was hard not to find it funny.
"So, what are you planning to do after you graduate?" Jason asked after they'd both laughed a while. "Are you going to become a star?"
Jason tried to encourage her. "I think you can totally make it. Just based on your looks alone, you're prettier than a lot of the popular TV actresses right now. Becoming a star shouldn't be too hard for you."
"Yeah, right." Qiqi gave him a look. She took a sip of her coffee and sighed. Her voice was filled with a quiet sadness. "People outside the industry always think it's that simple. Like, if you're good-looking and act well, you'll become famous. But that's not how it works."
Jason looked confused. He never really followed entertainment news closely. Those trendy shows and good-looking actors didn't interest him at all.
"Think about it," Qiqi said, speaking like someone who knew the industry inside and out. "There are thousands of shows and films made every year. And there are hundreds of thousands of actors trying to make it. Film and drama roles are rare. If you don't have money or connections, why would anyone pick you?"
She leaned forward and continued, "Big companies making shows will always use their own actors first. Then they'll consider actors from their partner companies. After that, the remaining roles go to background actors or people who are willing to 'pay the price' to get a part. The rest don't even get a shot."
"Pay the price? You mean… those hidden rules?" Jason's face turned serious. Just thinking about the dark side made him uneasy. He looked at Qiqi with concern. She was beautiful and kind. If she got pulled into that toxic world, it would be heartbreaking.
"That's just one part of it," Qiqi said, wrinkling her nose. "There are all kinds of secrets. People pretend to be close siblings or friends in public, but behind the scenes, there's drama—love, betrayal, cheating... This industry is deeper than it looks. Unless you have strong backing, it's impossible to make it big."
She then shared a few rumors that had spread around school: drug use, affairs, cheating scandals, secret abortions, dick pics, fake marriages—Jason was completely stunned.
"I've heard the entertainment industry was messy," Jason said, wide-eyed. "But I didn't think it was this messed up!"
He had only heard bits and pieces before. Now, it sounded worse than he ever imagined. Not just chaotic and shady—some of the stories were downright disgusting.
It was eye-opening.
When he thought about how Qiqi might be stepping into that world soon, he couldn't help but worry. "Qiqi, are you sure you won't be changed by this industry? It's honestly scary."
Qiqi quickly waved her hand. "I'd never do those disgusting things! My family's well-off, and I'm their only child. My parents would never let me sell my soul for fame."
She smiled, "If it doesn't work out, I'll just quit acting. No big deal. I'll find an easy job. Or I'll do livestreaming again—it makes me happy anyway."
Jason breathed a sigh of relief. He was glad the sweet, pure girl he had liked and followed for so long wouldn't be swallowed by that dark world.
He remembered how, during the two years after he graduated and started working, he would spend his lonely evenings watching Qiqi's dance livestreams. In a way, she had kept him company through a tough time.
"I used to quietly watch your streams," Jason said with a grin. "Didn't chat, didn't send gifts—I was just a silent fan for two years."
Luckily, after he became successful recently, he had sent her a bunch of gifts during her livestreams. That made up for all the time he had supported her quietly. He felt like he hadn't been a fan for nothing after all.
After talking about the entertainment world, Qiqi asked casually, "How's your company doing, Brother Jason?"
"It's going great. We're getting ready to launch a big trade project. Once it starts, we should hit over a hundred million in monthly revenue!" Jason said confidently, thinking about his upcoming timber trade plans.
Of course, he didn't mention everything. He didn't want to scare her.
"A hundred million a month? That's over a billion a year!" Qiqi said, her eyes wide with surprise. She had no idea Jason's business had grown so big.
Jason smiled humbly. "Yeah, it'll keep getting better. We have our own supply chain."
In his heart, he thought proudly: My own supply chain… because it all belongs to me, Jason Liu!
"Wow, Brother Jason, you're incredible! If things keep going like this, your company might be one of the top 500 in China someday!" Qiqi said excitedly. She didn't fully understand the business world, but she still gave him genuine praise.
"Heh, well, we're a private company, so we don't release financial reports. It's better to stay low-key," Jason replied. He preferred to keep a low profile, afraid that too much exposure would bring trouble.
Still, he knew if he wanted the business to keep growing, he couldn't stay hidden forever. He was already thinking about ways to explain where all the timber came from.
Maybe he could open a forestry company in Southeast Asia and buy some land. That could serve as a good cover.
The idea popped into his head, and he figured it was something he'd need to plan carefully in the future.
After all, he only had a few tens of millions in cash right now. Not enough. He'd wait until he sold more timber and made a real fortune.
Qiqi didn't know what he was thinking. She just looked at him with sparkling eyes and gave him a sweet smile.
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