Huayu: I really am a genuine top star.

Chapter 8 is truly a place where hidden talents abound...

Director Wang was talking to someone wearing a director's vest when he saw Shen Li and waved.

"Shen Li, come here! Get ready. You guys, head over to the shallow end and do some swimming and roughhousing. Just be natural. The girls, play in the water and sunbathe on the side. Watch the camera angles!"

Shen Li and several other boys went into the water, which was a bit cold.

He tried his best to imitate the people around him, splashing water a few times, but his eyes couldn't help but drift towards the group of girls.

The girl in the high-cut swimsuit was sitting on the edge of the pool, splashing water with her feet. Sunlight shone on her, and water droplets rolled down her slender neck and smooth back. The scene was indeed pleasing to the eye.

Next to her, another girl in a pink bikini, petite but curvaceous, was laughing and splashing water on her companion, her silvery laughter echoing in the swimming pool.

"Hey! You skinny guy over there! Stop staring, get moving! Yes, you!" the assistant director shouted through a megaphone.

Shen Li jolted awake, quickly averting her gaze and began to struggle vigorously, inwardly groaning:

This money isn't easy to earn! Not only do you have to sell your "sex appeal" (even though there's not much to sell), but you also have to resist the alluring "beauty attacks" from those around you and focus on being a background figure.

After filming for a while, Director Wang called out again:

"Okay! Now, Shen Li, and you, yes, the one in the blue swimming trunks, you two, slowly walk out of the water to the lounge chair over there, be natural, and pretend to chat."

Girls, feel free to relax, soak up the sun, and have some "drinks" (props).

Shen Li and another boy did as instructed.

As I walked to the lounge area, I passed right by those girls.

The girl in the high-cut swimsuit glanced at them, her eyes languid yet scrutinizing, a half-smile playing on her lips.

Shen Li suddenly felt immense pressure, so she quickly kept her eyes straight ahead (pretending) and walked over with what she thought was a very natural gait.

He could feel several pairs of eyes staring at him from behind, and his face felt a little hot, though he didn't know if it was from the heat or from embarrassment.

During the afternoon of shooting, Shen Li felt like a puppet, being directed to splash around in the water, walk around the pool, and try her best to make expressions of "youthful exuberance" and "enjoying summer".

There are indeed many "beautiful sights" around us, but after seeing them too much, we become numb to them (mainly because it's tiring), and we also have to pay attention to whether our actions and expressions are in place, for fear that the three hundred yuan will be wasted.

Finally, the director yelled "Cut!"

Exhausted, Shen Li climbed ashore like a dog, feeling like she was about to swell up from being soaked.

Director Wang kept his word and paid the extras in cash on the spot.

Touching those three bright red banknotes, Shen Li's weariness vanished instantly. It was all worth it!

On his way back to the dormitory, he calculated: Three hundred yuan is enough to eat potato shreds in the cafeteria for many meals!

It can also be used to buy some daily necessities.

This part-time job, although it involves "selling one's looks" and is "eye-straining" (looking at too much of it can lead to malnutrition), is quick to make money and has flexible hours, so I can continue doing it!

"First step: making money. Successfully taken!" Shen Li gave herself a thumbs up.

"Although the method was a bit 'sensual' and physically demanding, the result was good. Next, we need to broaden our channels; we can't rely solely on this kind of 'physical labor.' We need to figure out something more technologically advanced and sustainable..."

That night, Shen Li drifted off to sleep in bed. In his dream, he seemed to have become a tycoon, surrounded by a group of beautiful women in swimsuits. But upon closer inspection, he realized it was Director Wang shouting, "Hey skinny guy, get moving!"...

Well, I guess I have to be realistic. Shen Li turned over in her dream, but a smile played on her lips.

At least, I won't have to eat only shredded potatoes tomorrow. A glamorous campus life? No, it's a life of striving for financial success!

With three hundred yuan in hand, Shen Li straightened her back considerably.

For at least the next week, the shredded potatoes in the cafeteria can be occasionally replaced with dishes containing meat.

But he didn't get carried away, knowing full well that this amount of money in the capital was like a drop of water in the Sahara Desert, easily evaporated in the blink of an eye.

"We need to increase revenue, but we also need to cut costs."

While munching on her "luxury lunch" with the added chicken leg, Shen Li pondered, "Works like Director Wang's are rare and hard to come by. I need to find some stable ways to make money."

Just as I was pondering this, the counselor sent a notice in the class group: Tomorrow afternoon, the first script reading for the acting class will be held in the experimental small theater. Everyone must attend and bring a pen and notebook.

"A script reading?" Shen Li's eyes lit up.

This thing is great! It allows you to familiarize yourself with professional processes, observe your classmates' true abilities, and most importantly... with lots of people talking, information flows quickly!

It's the perfect opportunity to gather information and intelligence!

The next afternoon, at the experimental small theater. Shen Li deliberately arrived a little early and found a seat that was neither too far forward nor too far back, with a wide view and the ability to "hear in all directions".

One by one, the students arrived.

Goodness, this is practically a mobile fashion show and a beauty contest!

Xiao Zhao wore a beige knitted cardigan over a floral camisole and a denim mini skirt. Her signature long, white, and straight legs swayed gracefully as she walked, attracting countless eyes.

She greeted several girls with a smile, her voice still so soft and sweet.

The girl who wore the high-slit swimsuit by the pool yesterday is here too. Today she changed into a black bodycon dress that accentuated her curvaceous figure.

With long, flowing hair, exquisite makeup, and a slightly languid and aloof gaze, she sat alone by the window, exuding a powerful aura. Shen Li secretly labeled her: "Aloof and domineering older sister, incredible figure, keep away from strangers."

And then there's that "fitness beauty," still sporting a sporty and casual look today. She's wearing fitted sports pants with a cropped sweatshirt, revealing a glimpse of her toned and slender waist, with her abs subtly visible. Her hair is tied in a high ponytail, making her look neat, sharp, and full of youthful energy.

The other girls were all unique, some sweet, some sexy, some innocent, and some cool and sassy. The entire small theater was filled with the scents of various perfumes and the aroma of youthful hormones.

The boys, consciously or unconsciously, kept glancing at the few most outstanding girls.

Jing Yang was dressed particularly "artsy" today, wearing a plaid shirt and khaki pants, his hair neatly combed, and he even brought a thick copy of "An Actor Prepares" (brand new, probably barely turned a few pages). He sat next to Shen Li and whispered his comments:

"See that girl next to Xiao Zhao in the pink dress? Her name is Chu Yao. I heard her family owns a film and television company; she's got connections! And that girl in the black dress is Yun Yiyi. She's supposedly a dance student; her figure is amazing! Wow, our class is full of hidden talents..."

While responding with "uh-huh" and "yeah," Shen Li pricked up her ears to catch snippets of casual conversation around her.

"Have you heard? The Student Union's External Relations Department is going to try and secure a campus sponsorship from a beverage brand this weekend. They're short-staffed, and there's a commission!"

"The drama club is putting on a big play next month and is currently holding auditions. I heard there are some really fierce competitions for certain roles..."

"Hey, have you guys used that 'Flash Delivery Campus' app? You can help pick up packages and deliver them to the dorms. You can earn several yuan per order, it's just a bit tiring running around."