Chapter 2384 - 2377: Perseverance for Dreams
Originally, Wang Dadong deeply despised those actresses who relied on their looks to climb up the ranks.
But after witnessing the struggles of this industry, he couldn’t help but sigh heavily in his heart.
There was no other choice; too many people wanted to be famous.
Yet the number of those who do become famous is incredibly small.
Although each year a few dark horses emerge amidst the ranks.
But that is just the tip of the iceberg among thousands.
Wang Dadong could see the desire for fame in the eyes of those extras.
Perhaps, for the sake of becoming famous, these people would not just sleep with a director; they might even dare to commit murder.
While not wanting to discourage women, Wang Dadong felt it was necessary to speak honestly.
"You see, although my surname is Wang, I am not a director..."
"Aren’t you Director Wang Jun?" The woman was taken aback upon hearing this, her eyes wide as she looked at Wang Dadong.
"Um... no, I am Wang Dadong." Wang Dadong felt quite guilty...
After all, he had slept with her twice for free.
Knowing she slept with the wrong person, the actress’s expression immediately became incredibly crestfallen, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"Actually..." Wang Dadong softened, wanting to help her.
With her looks, playing a supporting role in "Full-time Bodyguard" should not be a big problem.
After all, the movie "Full-time Bodyguard" required a large number of female roles.
"There’s nothing you need to say; I know you look down on me. I also want to rely on my own efforts, on my skills, but it’s not that easy. Do you know how many years I’ve spent drifting in Hengdian? Twelve years, a full twelve years. I’ve worked hard, struggled, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t match those women who effortlessly strip and sleep with directors. Now I’m thirty, about to be past the prime age, if I don’t..."
At this point, the woman was overwhelmed with sobs.
Thirty years old is a significant turning point for a woman, especially for a female actress.
Some even say if a woman isn’t famous by thirty, she won’t ever become famous in her lifetime.
The woman’s sobbing grew louder, eventually turning into wailing.
She had arrived in Hengdian at eighteen, back when she was at her peak, thinking with her conditions, she could easily make a name for herself.
But she was wrong.
The entertainment circle relies not just on looks, even less on professional skills.
No matter how well you act, no matter how beautiful you are, if you don’t strip, it’s almost impossible to become famous.
You’ll even miss out on a chance to play a lead role.
In the blink of an eye, nearly twelve years have passed, and the woman is nearing thirty.
All her passions have faded away, leaving only a fading beauty.
If she doesn’t seize this last chance, she’ll forever be irrelevant to this industry.
Once, a renowned director promised her he could make her a star if she was willing to sleep with him.
Back then, she was young and full of vitality, utterly repulsed by such behavior, and she refused without hesitation.
However, now, even if she was willing to sleep, those big directors would probably disdain her.
After all, there are countless pretty girls aged eighteen, nineteen, or in their twenties, willing to sleep with directors.
Why would they take interest in her, who’s past her prime?
Though calling her past prime might be an exaggeration, that’s how it is in the entertainment industry.
If you are famous, even at forty or fifty it’s not a problem.
But if you’re not famous, thirty does indeed count as past prime.
Ultimately, she convinced herself.
She decided to take that step; she couldn’t afford to wait anymore.
Through unofficial channels, she learned the director of "Protector Flower War King" would be staying at this hotel.
Though it’s just a web series, she didn’t care. As long as she could appear on screen, as long as there was a sliver of hope, she had to seize it.
And so...
But unfortunately...
Fate played a trick on her.
The first time she took the initiative to be scouted...
She messed up the target.
Though both had the surname Wang, they were not the same person.
The woman crouched on the ground, hugging her knees, crying profusely...
It was the lamentation after one’s dreams shatter.
Wang Dadong had no idea how to comfort her.
After a long time, she lifted her head, her face desolate as she asked, "Do you think women like me are cheap, willing to do anything to become famous?"
Wang Dadong shook his head.
"Haha, truthfully, if it really could make me famous, I would indeed be willing to do anything..." The woman’s smile was even more sorrowful.
She had already slept with someone; what else could there be that she couldn’t do?
From now on, what differences would she have from those women she always regarded as trash?
What’s more ridiculous...
She stripped herself of dignity and gained nothing in return.
If others found out, they’d probably laugh at her.
"It’s time to wake up, maybe... this industry isn’t suitable for me..." She stood up, wiped the tears from her face, then turned around, walking toward the door.
As she turned, Wang Dadong clearly heard...
The sound of a heart breaking.
"Sigh..." Wang Dadong sighed deeply.
Originally, he had been looking forward to choosing a few actresses for the casting couch.
But now, he no longer had such thoughts.
After seeing those actors wearing thick costumes in the Scorching Sun due to storyline requirements.
Those who crouched in corners eating boxed lunch worth a few bucks.
Those who were treated like lifeless bodies, trodden on sometimes.
Those who spared no effort to trade their most precious thing for just a chance to appear on screen...
They were all people struggling for dreams, persevering for dreams, sacrificing for dreams.
It’s not that they are unscrupulous, nor are they innately cheap.
Simply because this industry is too harsh, too cruel.
Every year, thousands upon thousands of new people join the industry, with perhaps two or three becoming famous.
Most of them endure Scorching Sun, biting cold, eating meals worth a few bucks...
Some may ask, with it being so miserable, why continue?
This is the power of dreams.
From her appearance, the woman likely has given up on this industry for good.
Giving up might be better, at least she won’t be tired, won’t have to fight so hard.
Only unsure if there will be another meeting.
Suddenly, a girl’s figure appeared in Wang Dadong’s mind.
The girl who used to call him brother.
He wondered if she was doing well, if she was still persevering for her dreams.
Would she end up going down the same path as the woman?
Or perhaps she has long given up, seeking another path.
Honestly, after witnessing the brutality of this industry, he hoped she wasn’t still on this path...
A filming site in Hengdian.
"Yiyang, hurry, your scene is up, an appearance-worthy one!"
"Oh? Great! I’m on my way!" The girl who was squatting by the wall, gobbling down her box meal, showed a face full of joy.