The time spent working hard always passes so quickly. Shi Xinxin's limbs endured the entire afternoon in a state of aching fatigue. By the time of dismissal, everyone's attitude towards her had changed significantly.
They had witnessed Shi Xinxin's hard work firsthand. The afternoon's photoshoot concluded swiftly.
Returning home, Shi Xinxin felt utterly exhausted, her body aching. Recalling the day's achievements, a relieved smile bloomed on her lips. Regardless of the outcome, she had given her absolute best.
The sound of splashing water and its collision with the bathroom floor created a pitter-patter. Water droplets shattered into pieces as steam enveloped Shi Xinxin, attempting to wash away her fatigue.
Nights after strenuous days are always filled with sweet sleep. Shi Xinxin, in her robe, collapsed onto the bed.
At some point, her breathing became even. Her efforts made the night so beautiful. The starry sky above seemed to watch over her, twinkling. Shi Xinxin cherished such moments.
The magazine was published quickly. This issue was a matter of great concern for everyone in the company. No one knew what the outcome would be of the director's bold decision. On the day the magazine went on sale, everyone gathered at the company, anxiously awaiting the sales figures.
Shi Xinxin brought some pastries she had made at home and shared them with everyone. The company's large screen continuously displayed the real-time sales data for the magazine. The director stood before the screen, watching the numbers update.
"It's surpassed, it's surpassed last issue," the photographer exclaimed excitedly, looking at the screen. The previous issue featured a popular celebrity, so sales were naturally high. She never imagined Shi Xinxin could surpass her.
"I hope it becomes the highest sales volume to date," the editor prayed with clasped hands. The numbers continued to climb, but the pace had begun to slow.
Upon hearing the photographer's words, Shi Xinxin felt content. As long as it didn't negatively impact the company's sales, she didn't really care about surpassing anyone.
The director turned to Shi Xinxin with a look of relief. Perhaps fate had brought them together in such a coincidental manner; she had solved his problem, and he had solved hers.
"Shi Xinxin's sales have surpassed last issue and the sales of her peers this issue. Thank you all for your hard work."
The director's voice hushed everyone. As soon as he finished speaking, applause erupted. The worried hearts of everyone finally relaxed.
Shi Xinxin distributed the pastries she had made to everyone. Without their support and help over the past few days, she wouldn't have appeared so brilliantly in the public eye.
"These are some small pastries I made, a token of my appreciation. Thank you all for your hard work! I owe my success to you. Thank you for all your diligent efforts."
As Shi Xinxin spoke, she handed the treats to everyone. Those who ate them nodded in approval, showering her with praise. A beautiful smile graced Shi Xinxin's lips.
This magazine issue helped Shi Xinxin gain a considerable following. Although she still lacked widespread recognition in America, she had secured a spot on the trending topics list.
Heaven truly favors the diligent; the saying proved to be absolutely true. Shi Xinxin no longer worried about finding work. Numerous companies began calling her to discuss collaborations, some for magazines, others for advertisements.
Dreams cannot be compromised. Shi Xinxin gazed at the ceiling, contemplating her next move. She rubbed her hair. "Forget it," she thought. "I'll let things take their course, go with the flow. After all, I came here to escape the complexities back home."
Shi Xinxin noticed the late hour. It must be early morning in China. Wen Xiaoxiao was likely still asleep. She wanted Wen Xiaoxiao and Tang Tang to know about her success. Shi Xinxin opened her email and began writing about her recent experiences.
Outside, the night had deepened. The American night slumbered like a giant infant.
Through the small window, Shi Xinxin lay on her bed, composing an email to Wen Xiaoxiao. In the darkness, two shooting stars streaked across the sky, like two close friends accompanying each other.
Shi Xinxin woke up in the morning and took the breakfast she had prepared to the company. She also had to handle some follow-up paperwork for the magazine cover. Having just arrived in America, Shi Xinxin had no agent and handled everything herself. She drove to the company.
"Good morning, Xinxin," her colleagues greeted her warmly, their attitudes a stark contrast to when she first arrived. The editor walked over, holding a folder.
"I made breakfast this morning, would you like some?" The editor's appearance suggested a long-standing habit of skipping breakfast. Shi Xinxin took a portion.
"Okay, thank you." The editor handed Shi Xinxin a file. The contract was nearing its expiration, and the document contained details about remuneration and subsequent matters.
"It's been a pleasure working with you these past few days," the editor said, extending her hand. Shi Xinxin shook it politely and embraced her in a gesture of gratitude. Shi Xinxin was unsure of her next steps.
"What are your plans moving forward?" the editor asked, returning to her office and chatting with Shi Xinxin. The confusion in Shi Xinxin's eyes betrayed her.
"I don't have any specific plans. I don't really know what to do. I'm new to this industry and don't understand anything yet." Shi Xinxin sat down, opened the document, and signed it with a black pen.
"There's a new production in Hollywood looking for Chinese actors. You could try your luck. I think you have potential." After a few days of working together, the editor had become like a sister to Shi Xinxin.
"Hollywood? I'd like to try," Shi Xinxin said. Leaving the company, she headed to Hollywood. The audition for the new Hollywood production had attracted a vast number of hopefuls, and Shi Xinxin found herself lost in the crowd of applicants.
"Next!" a man with a megaphone shouted to the crowd outside. The actress who emerged ran out sobbing, wiping her tears, her assistant following close behind with her belongings.
"Is the director inside a tiger?"
The woman in front of Shi Xinxin looked with disdain at the departing actress. This woman was also a Chinese actress, somewhat known. Shi Xinxin remained calm, as she wasn't a professional and was only trying her luck, not placing too much importance on the outcome.
"Hollywood directors are known for their strictness. Actors must perform to their absolute best in all aspects. Otherwise, how do you think those blockbusters are made?"
An American woman beside her said this in fluent English. Shi Xinxin looked at her: emerald green eyes, long golden hair, captivating and alluring. After speaking, she went inside, seemingly very familiar with Hollywood.
The woman who had spoken didn't know what to say. No one knew what the audition inside was like; perhaps it was random. In any case, quite a few people had come out crying, and the pressure on everyone was immense.
The long line gradually thinned. Most of the people who arrived were recognizable names.