Chapter 8: Persuading You to Play the Female Lead's Second Role

"Where did I give myself away?"

Hu Ge sat down across from Zhang Yang, looking thoroughly frustrated.

"You didn't," Zhang Yang said, leaning back in his chair and gesturing toward Liu Shishi. "But Shishi-jie did. She was clearly about to crack up."

Hu Ge: "..."

Liu Shishi awkwardly averted her gaze.

"Convincing that stubborn Sister K in just half an hour—you two have really earned my respect," Zhang Yang said, offering them both a compliment.

The three of them had known each other for over six years. Including the time spent on set, they had likely spent more time together than with their own families. They knew each other's temperaments inside and out and were friends who could talk about anything. That was why Zhang Yang acted so casually around Hu Ge and Liu Shishi, even though both were significantly older than him.

"You should thank your big brother here for his silver tongue," Hu Ge said with a smug smile. "I told Sister K I wanted you to have the role, but she didn't agree at first."

In truth, it wasn't just that she didn't agree; she had opposed it without a second thought. Cai Yinong’s exact words were: "If he doesn't renew his contract, I can't keep grooming him. Besides, this show needs a high-profile male lead to carry the ratings, or it won't sell well."

There was some logic to that, but both Hu Ge and Liu Shishi knew it wasn't actually that dire. After all, the female lead department featured two of the "Three Beauties of Xianjian"—Liu Shishi and Tang Yan—which provided plenty of buzz.

"Sister K, I really suggest you give this second lead role to Zhang Yang. It’s important for the whole company," Hu Ge had urged earnestly.

His reasoning was something Cai Yinong couldn't refute: "Zhang Yang is a veteran of this company. It’s only natural he feels resentful after being stood up by you back then. You know exactly how much the role of Xu Changqing in *Chinese Paladin 3* helped Wallace Huo break into the mainland market. From Zhang Yang’s perspective, that role should have been his."

"Now you're signing a new artist—who happens to be Zhang Yang’s classmate—and handing him the lead role right out of the gate, yet you won't even give Zhang Yang the second lead. How is that going to look to the other artists in the company?"

"Not to mention Lin Gengxin. You promised him the lead in *Scarlet Heart*, but after partnering with Taiwanese capital, you gave the role to Nicky Wu. Lin Gengxin didn't even get the second or third lead, and he’s still holding a grudge."

"Things like this can't keep happening."

At this, Cai Yinong glanced at Liu Shishi, her lips parting as if to speak, but she remained silent. She recalled the filming of *Chinese Paladin 3*. Originally, the lead was supposed to be Tang Yan, with Liu Shishi as the second lead. But shortly after filming began, Yang Mi was brought in as the lead, pushing Tang Yan to second and Liu Shishi to third. If anyone claimed they had no grievances, that would be a lie. If she kept doing this, the artists would eventually become alienated from the company, making them difficult to manage.

If word got out to competitors, it would certainly be hard to attract new, high-quality talent.

With that in mind, Cai Yinong had said, "If you play the lead, I can let Zhang Yang play the second lead. I’ll arrange a lead role for Jiang Jinfu in a new project to honor my promise."

"I want to do a contemporary drama!" Hu Ge insisted.

The two sides had sparred over this, with Liu Shishi watching the spectacle in silence. As the undisputed "First Sister" of Tangren, her mere presence put pressure on Cai Yinong, forcing her to be cautious. In the end, Cai Yinong compromised, saying she needed to consult the board—which was really just a way to save face.

"Thank you for standing up to Sister K for me, big brother and sister," Zhang Yang said, cupping his hands in a mock show of gratitude.

"Your acting is a bit over the top," Liu Shishi teased gently. She didn't usually talk much, but she was quite chatty around friends.

"Old Wang often tells me how talented you are and how good your acting is. This won't do," Hu Ge joked with a smile. "I’m going to call him and tell him."

Zhang Yang grinned, unbothered. "Go ahead, Old Hu. Old Wang will just think you're jealous and trying to smear me."

Hu Ge immediately clutched his chest, pretending to be wounded. "I used to be Old Wang’s proudest student. The times have changed."

Watching the two of them banter, Liu Shishi’s serene face bloomed with a smile, as bright as sunlight on a winter day. The three chatted in the lounge for a while, even discussing the script. Just as Hu Ge was suggesting they head out for lunch, thinking nothing would be decided that morning, Cai Yinong called Zhang Yang’s phone. Her tone was stern and annoyed: "Come to my office. Let's sign the contract."

"Understood, Sister K. I’ll be right there," Zhang Yang replied, his tone gentle.

This left Cai Yinong, on the other end of the line, somewhat taken aback. Over the past few years, she had called Zhang Yang to offer roles more than once, but his responses had always been stiff and distant, clearly fueled by resentment. As a boss, even if she knew he had potential, she preferred not to use artists who weren't compliant. If not for a lingering sense of guilt, she might have shelved him entirely. Was he being polite now just because he had forced her to concede the second lead role?

Puzzled, Cai Yinong steadied herself and said, "Tell Shishi to come too. She hasn't signed her contract yet."

"Of course, Sister K."

After hanging up, Zhang Yang relayed the message to Liu Shishi, and they headed to Cai Yinong’s office together. On the way, Zhang Yang asked curiously, "Shishi-jie, how come you haven't signed yet?" He remembered her saying she was present at the first group signing, and Jiang Jinfu had also mentioned she had already signed.

"I want to play the second lead," Liu Shishi gave an answer that surprised him.

"You want to play Ning Ke?" Zhang Yang asked, confused. "Are you looking to challenge yourself with a villainous role?"

"Partly," Liu Shishi replied, a faint arc on her lips. "I really want to play a vivid villain. Most of the roles I’ve played so far are very stereotypical—either the 'good girl' or something a bit bubbly."

"The other half is that Tang Tang told me privately she wants to play Tuoba Yu'er. She said her agency planned that route for her, and that playing the second lead would conflict with that."

Zhang Yang: "..."

*My Daughter* had already aired. So, Tang Yan had already tasted the success of that project and was planning to stick to the "sweet and naive" route? In reality, the role of Dugu Ningke, like Zixuan, was one of the few roles Tang Yan played that received universal acclaim from fans and critics alike—it was the perfect route for an actress of her stature. However, TV dramas were limited by the era; in recent years, the "Mary Sue" and "sweet and naive" genres had high ratings, and capital chased whatever was profitable.

But Liu Shishi playing the second lead, Dugu Ningke...

"Shishi-jie, I think that’s a great idea." Thinking of the insights he had just gained from the Entertainment Opportunity Manual, Zhang Yang’s eyes glinted.

"Great idea?" Liu Shishi blinked, caught off guard.

"I mean, you playing the second lead," Zhang Yang replied.

"Oh?" Liu Shishi looked intrigued. "And what does a high-achiever like you think of that?"

Zhang Yang smiled, his gaze earnest. "I don't have a professional critique. I just mean that, compared to Tang Yan-laoshi, I’d much rather have you as my scene partner."

*Shishi-jie, this is a chance to break the mold.*

*I hope you seize it!*