Superstar's Development Diary
Chapter 96: No Drinking

Chapter 96: Chapter 96: No Drinking

The next morning, Luo You brought the schedule for the coming days and the latest updates on how the "Small Bridge, Flowing Water, People" production team was handling things.

"A few days later, the ’Chen Xiaohui, Go Forward!’ production team will hold a press conference where they’ll release a series of official promotional photos, and you’ll need to attend the press conference with them."

The "Small Bridge, Flowing Water, People" production team was still dealing with contract issues with Gu Runfei. They had been negotiating for several days, but the parties had not reached an agreement, and there were rumors that the production team was considering recasting.

"Whether this rumor is true or not, we just need to know about it; you don’t need to consider other things. Whether they replace him or not, it does no harm to us. Compared to Gu Runfei, the production team has processed your contract quite swiftly."

Mentioning this, Luo You smiled and said, "Just after you finished the ribbon-cutting event at Aishang yesterday evening, I received a message from the production team."

"They readily agreed to your request for a pay raise and are willing to pay half in advance. The new contract has already been sent over; it’s just waiting for your signature."

He Jinxia was somewhat surprised, "So soon?"

"How could they not be? That time you stepped in to save the production, you not only saved the team from significant losses but also garnered popularity. Now, the industry speaks very highly of you."

"Yesterday, when you attended the Aishang ribbon-cutting, you attracted a large crowd of fans, showcasing your appeal. If ’Small Bridge, Flowing Water, People’ doesn’t act quickly, they not only risk losing a leading man but also a brilliant supporting actress."

Mentioning this, Luo You’s smile faded, and he spoke more seriously, "Jinxia, after all, we had committed to ’Small Bridge, Flowing Water, People’ first. As long as that production resolves its issues, I still want you to prioritize joining their shoot."

"After all, in our circle, a star’s moral character is highly regarded, so I have declined other offers from different productions for you—"

"Brother Luo."

He Jinxia cut off Luo You, saying, "I understand your approach and really appreciate it. Don’t worry, I have no complaints, and as I always say, I prefer a steady progression rather than a meteoric rise."

Luo You settled himself and nodded, "Good, with those words, I’m reassured."

"Coming up, I’ll send the draft news release for the conference to you. Take a good look at it. Rest up these few days; once the movie’s press conference concludes, you’ll likely be starting filming for the TV series."

He Jinxia nodded her head, showing her understanding.

The following days were very fulfilling; with no schedule, she devoted her time entirely to figuring out the script for "Small Bridge, Flowing Water, People" and would run over to Sheng Yan each evening to exchange ideas and practice scenes.

It was only on the day the "Chen Xiaohui, Go Forward!" held its press conference that He Jinxia suddenly thought of a question:

As a second-tier star, it was normal for her to be free in the evenings, but as a top-tier megastar, shouldn’t Sheng Yan be busy in the evenings? How could he be free every night to practice scenes with her?

With this question in mind, He Jinxia walked into the conference hall, a suitable smile on her face as she began to address questions from media reporters.

The press conference was also conducted live. The invited media reporters were very discreet, given Dong Qiin’s reputation, and no entertainment company wanted to offend her, making this an event where everyone enjoyed themselves.

Finally, the press conference ended with He Jinxia demonstrating some exercise equipment.

After the conference, taking advantage of the gathering of the crew, Dong Qiin promptly threw a wrap party.

In the restaurant, Dong Qiin raised a glass of wine, downing it in one go before speaking, "The filming for this movie over the past few months has been excellent. It’s because of your diligent performances that we have this movie. I want to thank all of you!"

"Director, you’re too modest; it’s also thanks to your great directions!"

"Right, Director Dong has also contributed a lot to this movie!"

"Director Dong, here, allow me to toast you!"

...

The atmosphere suddenly became lively, with everyone gathering together for a meal, sipping light drinks, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

There seemed to be a magical charm at the dining table that, despite the usual lack of conversation, even those not on good terms dropped their unfamiliarity amid the bustling atmosphere, drinking and chatting, soon slinging arms over shoulders as though they were brothers.

Of course, this was just on the surface.

As the leading actress in the film, He Jinxia naturally sat in a prominent position, and with her recent surge in popularity, even though she remained silent, she attracted a lot of attention.

A third-tier male celebrity mustered the courage to walk up to her with a glass of wine, and somewhat nervously said, "Senior, hello, my name is Zhuang Yan, I, I would like to toast to you!"

He Jinxia glanced at him and politely declined, "Sorry, I don’t drink."

The male celebrity’s face flickered with embarrassment, unsure of how to proceed, when the next second, He Jinxia added, "May I replace the drink with tea?"

The male celebrity immediately nodded, "Yes, sure, senior!"

He Jinxia picked up the tea and drank a cup, and the male celebrity picked up his wine and downed it in one gulp. After this male celebrity had left, Li Li, who was sitting beside her, curiously asked, "Jinxia, do you really not drink?"

He Jinxia gave her a slight smile, "Hmm, I don’t."

Li Li shook her head, disbelieving.

She reached out and patted He Jinxia’s shoulder, kindly making up an excuse for her, "I understand, Jinxia, others are not on the same level as you, you can drink tea, but others can only offer wine."

At these words, the entire private room grew somewhat quiet.

Others were still talking, but they subconsciously lowered their voices, casting stealthy glances toward He Jinxia’s side.

He Jinxia’s faint smile faded, and she looked seriously at Li Li, word by word, "I truly do not drink, it’s not about status. I not only don’t drink, but I also don’t smoke, stay up late, or eat burgers and fried foods.

As an artist, and one who has struggled to lose weight successfully, I need to be responsible for my body. Alcohol can numb the senses, make people impulsive, and even cause weight gain.

You have never been overweight, so you don’t understand the amount of pressure the external world exerts when one is overweight. I don’t want to live the way I did before, so I definitely won’t touch alcohol."

He Jinxia’s words resounded emphatically, earning everyone’s serious attention, and they were moved by her dedication and self-discipline.

Li Li’s expression darkened, feeling that He Jinxia was making her lose face.

She clenched her glass tightly, pursed her lips, and awkwardly tried to smooth things over, "Jinxia, you’re very firm in your attitude towards losing weight, you’re truly admirable. If I could be as determined as you, I would probably have succeeded in slimming down a long time ago."

The other celebrities snapped back to reality, chiming in with compliments, "Yes, yes, that’s what I think too."

"No wonder Sister Jinxia could succeed in losing weight, such strong willpower!"

"We need to learn a lot from Sister Jinxia!"

...

The scene soon became lively again, but no actor approached He Jinxia to offer a drink anymore.