[Chapter 400: The Future Leading Ladies and Starlets]
In the upscale suite of the Hotel, Lin Hao laid two thick stacks of files neatly on the table in front of Linton. The papers looked more like something from a government archive than a private event.
"Señor Anderson," Miguel said with a grin, "I've arranged everything. Tomorrow morning, everyone will gather at the Sports Center for your final review. Here are all their profiles. The thick stack is the top 100 contestants from the beauty pageant. Wow, quite a few of them are truly stunning -- could easily rival movie stars.
The thinner stack consists of connections I've pulled strings for. These are people I couldn't turn down, but it's not really your concern. Just reject anyone who doesn't impress you; after all, their connections won't affect you."
Linton first picked up the thinner pile and carefully flipped through it. The basic qualifications were solid. Most were still in college, a few just out of high school. None were ugly -- in fact, they all looked above average, though none were exceptionally beautiful.
"Really? If I don't like someone, I just say no? Won't that cause trouble for you?" Linton asked playfully, a sly smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"Of course not. Unless you really hate someone, try to be polite -- think of it as doing me a favor. After all, these folks have some backing." Miguel, feeling the weight of Linton's gaze, dropped his pretense.
"Alright, to make this clear: these 28 people can skip tomorrow. Find some time the day after tomorrow morning. I'll screen them individually. The test'll be simple, just like the last two rounds of your pageant -- cooking skills and basic craftsmanship. If they're not awful at those, I can accept them. But anyone just pampered and used to luxury? No chance. I won't take someone who only knows how to enjoy life without working."
"Sounds good. That makes sense -- if they were to be maids, they should at least know the basics. Nobody will complain if they get rejected."
Miguel laughed happily. After all, no one would seriously hire a pampered rich girl to be a maid. He had already made the requirements clear to the relevant parties. If anyone messes up, so be it -- they'd just be dead weight. No point holding on to that kind of connection.
"What about the training afterward?"
"Per your request, I've rented a resort out in the suburbs from August 1 to October 15 -- a two-and-a-half-month program. For English classes, I contacted local universities. They're sending a 10-person teaching team focusing on everyday conversational skills. As for etiquette and service skills, I hired trainers from the housekeeping department of a five-star hotel. Want to meet them?"
"Sure, let's schedule that for the afternoon after tomorrow."
"Mr. Anderson, why don't you take a look at these 100 beauties first? These are the cream of the crop, picked through several rounds of pageants. You're going to be amazed." Lin Hao pushed the thick stack of files toward Linton.
---
At the top of the first page was the name Li Xiaoran, 5' 6", born in 1976 in Beijing. She graduated from Beijing Dance Academy at the age of 17, and was currently working in the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe from Beijing.
Page two was Sophia Hu (Hu Jing), 5′ 7″, born in 1978, from Yunnan, studying folk dance at Minzu University of China.
Third page: Yan Danchen, 5' 5", from Hunan, born in 1978, third-year student at an art school.
Page four: Zeng Li, 5′ 7″, from Hubei, born in 1976, graduate of Traditional Opera, currently with an Opera Troupe.
Page five: Gao Yuanyuan, 5′ 5″, from Beijing, born in 1979, sophomore in high school. She was only 16 now, why was she joining in the fun?
Page six: Yin Tao, from Chongqing, born in 1979, first-year student at an art School. Another 16 year old.
Page seven listed Michelle Dong (Dong Xuan) from Heilongjiang, born in 1979, first-year student at a music course. Again, another 16 year old.
Page eight: Qin Lan, 5' 5", from Liaoning, born in 1979, sophomore in high school.
page eleven: Ni Hong Jie, 5' 7.5", from Jiangsu, born in 1978, second year of high school.
Page fifteen: Zhang Ziyi, from Beijing, born in 1979, sophomore at Beijing Dance Academy.
Page twenty: Xu Jinglei, from Beijing, born 1974, sophomore at Beijing Film Academy.
Page twenty-six: Li Bingbing, from Heilongjiang, born in 1973, sophomore at Shanghai Theatre Academy.
And so on...
No other famous actresses from his memory appeared beyond that.
...
No wonder Miguel and Lin Hao boasted so confidently about the high quality of this group. A spectacular lineup of future stars who would shine brightly in the film and TV industry around the world had gathered. How could he not be thrilled?
The problem was, if Linton actually took all of them away, they'd essentially be cut off from the entertainment industry, their star paths would vanish entirely, leaving the world much less vibrant.
But from another perspective, if he gave them a little push, showed them the way, encouraged them to stay and build their careers...
When they eventually became big stars, what kind of boost would they give Linton's power? What incredible surprises might that bring?
Even if it failed -- some falling behind, or some succeeding but joining other camps -- that wouldn't matter much. Linton didn't have to invest any resources upfront; sunk costs were basically zero.
As long as he landed even one major star, he'd profit; two or more, and that'd be a huge win.
---
Seeing Linton pull out eleven profiles separately, Miguel laughed proudly.
"So, Senor, what do you think? Pretty, right? I didn't lie to you, did I?"
"Definitely pretty, too pretty actually. Do you really think they'll settle for working long-term as maids in my estate?" Linton asked.
Lin Hao was sure, "They should -- after all, the conditions you offer are fantastic. And it's their own choice."
"You know I run a film company and direct movies. With my professional eye, all of them are well suited for acting. Maybe a few will become stars in a few years."
"Mr. Anderson, you don't understand the local situation of these girls. In Hollywood, becoming a star means big money and high social status. But here, it's different. Film stars are just actors, no better than service workers -- just different jobs. They don't make more money; they just earn a salary."
At this point of time, private capital wasn't allowed in China's film and TV industry. All directors, screenwriters, and actors worked for state-run studios or TV stations on fixed salaries. The concept of star pay or market value simply didn't exist.
At that point, industry workers, especially actors, had low status. For example, there was no phenomenon of star children inheriting their parents' careers -- no big stars would want their kids to continue acting.
With China's rapid economic growth and rising incomes over the years, the film industry expanded at an astonishing rate, eventually becoming the world's second-largest film market.
Stars' incomes soared to unimaginable heights. Two decades later, a top-tier star's annual earnings would surpass the profits of many public companies, with an average income of $2 million -- a staggering sum even by Hollywood standards.
At that time, forget star kids; wealthy heirs and heiresses with no talent, looks, or professionalism would flood the industry, using capital power to grab top roles. Mainstream film resources would be hogged by them, and audiences would lose the right to simply enjoy attractive and talented stars on screen.
"I think this situation is temporary," Linton said. "Setting that aside, I want to talk to them individually first and give them a fair shot."
*****
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