Chapter 170: Resource Allocation and Control

Chapter 170: Chapter 170: Resource Allocation and Control

Warren and the company executives split these resources into four categories.

First are variety show invitations, which can be put on hold for now—not refusing, not agreeing, just waiting to see how things develop.

Second is regarding TV drama scripts; they unanimously believe it’s worth prioritizing qualified, excellent crews, and even taking supporting roles is fine.

Third, movie offers—big screen projects are the battleground for all actresses. Meeting directors, producers, investors is routine; it’s always an opportunity they must fight for.

Fourth is commercial endorsements—better to have too few than too many; absolutely no accepting cheap, brand-damaging ads.

Warren started by picking out the TV drama scripts for her.

There were four scripts in total. The top choice was clearly Warren’s and the executives’ favorite, featuring a role in a fantasy martial arts drama: the third female lead, a tragic but strong character background, which was exactly the sort of persona popular with audiences right now.

Renee Morgan glanced at the drama’s title—she remembered this series from her dream. It was indeed very popular, but later the director got embroiled in scandals, and the female artists in the same cast were swept up in sex scandals as well.

Seeing Renee lost in thought over the script, Warren’s expression was a bit cold and surprised, "What’s wrong?"

"It’s nothing..." Renee regained her composure, closing the script and saying, "This kind of character is definitely crowd-pleasing, but honestly, it’s been overused these past two years. Since this is my first series after going viral, it’d be better if the casting had a bit of a surprise."

Warren knew Renee was someone with strong opinions and didn’t argue, letting her finish reading the other three scripts.

When Renee turned to the last script, her eyes gradually lit up.

Warren took the script from her and skimmed it, frowning: "Crime-busting theme, so it’s serious drama. The female character isn’t impressive though. Directors of serious dramas are famously arrogant, and Director Lincoln is no exception. He only invited us to audition, hasn’t said for which role."

Crime-busting dramas are mostly male-dominated, and it’s the male roles that break out. With such disparity in screen time, female actors nearly never get their breakout moment.

If it wasn’t a serious, big-budget production by a famous director, Warren wouldn’t even have included it.

Renee had seen plenty of scripts in this genre, but none had a better setup than this one—nothing like it existed in her dreams, either.

Maybe the series did appear somewhere in her dream, but with so many breakout dramas each year in the mainland, it would be impossible for her to know all of them.

Warren was surprised at Renee’s insight about the script.

She’d read the script herself, but listening to Renee’s analysis, it was as if a lightbulb had turned on—suddenly everything became clear, so that’s how it is...

In the end, Warren agreed to contact the production team for an audition.

Some company executives raised objections, but Warren was well-prepared to reassure them: Serious dramas have their own advantages, and even a supporting role can be a respectable credit.

The production responded quickly, scheduling for her to visit next Monday afternoon.

There were still three days to go, and Saturday called for attending a dinner hosted by top film director Miller.

The dinner was arranged at a garden-style restaurant; Warren brought the makeup team and had them work on Renee from head to toe. She then handed her a designer dress to change into.

Miller is one of the top film directors in the mainland. Most actresses in his movies are of the youthful and pure type.

The makeup artist gave Renee an extremely light look, even her lips were pale pink. The strapless dress featured a delicately crafted flower at the bust, making her look ethereal and otherworldly.

When she stepped out of the dressing room, everyone’s gaze lingered on her—they wanted to look but didn’t dare to stare.

It’s often said that there’s a wall between celebrities and ordinary people, and it’s true. But even in an entertainment industry overflowing with beauty, there are still rankings among female stars. This new rising female idol was undoubtedly at the very top.

Collecting the awe and surprise in everyone’s eyes, Warren nodded with satisfaction, her face glowing. When she first signed Renee Morgan, the whole company treated her as a treasure; they said just her face alone was bound to make her famous—it would be unnatural otherwise.

Warren accompanied Renee, with a company driver behind the wheel.

In the car, after putting down her phone, Warren said to Renee, "The secretary gave me the private dining room number—I did some digging, it’s huge, enough for more than ten people. I don’t think it’s just you being invited; there will probably be other actresses."

Renee’s face was calm, not the least bit disappointed. Whether Miller invited her alone or along with others clearly didn’t affect her at all—her mental state was rock solid.

Warren looked at her with admiration, and continued: "If it really is a group dinner with multiple actresses, even that’s good news for us."

For Miller to host such a lavish dinner for female stars, the likeliest reason is the script—meaning an important role hasn’t been cast yet.

Warren accompanied Renee, arriving right on time. In the corridor outside the private room, several staffers in suits blocked Warren at the door.

"Sorry, there are important guests inside. Miss Warren, please wait in the lounge." One staffer gestured for a server to lead Warren to the lobby.

Warren patted Renee’s back, signaling that if anything happened she should call, and Warren would get her out.

Renee nodded knowingly, took her purse from Warren, and as the staffer opened the private room door, she was ushered inside.

The room was spacious and classic, filled with curling smoke and elegance. Through the haze, Renee could see the large old-style round table already seating quite a few people.

The staffer stepped quietly, walked up behind Miller, and whispered in his ear: "Director Miller, Miss Morgan has arrived."

Miller, chatting amiably, raised his brows and turned to look.

The quiet table stirred. Others glanced up with new interest.

Renee Morgan’s beauty had already caused a storm in domestic entertainment circles; everyone present, even if they hadn’t watched her show, had had her promoted to them countless times on various apps. Whenever she appeared, she was always in a uniform, bare-faced and impossibly fresh, with an heroic energy.

But the woman who entered the room now wore a long strapless dress with trailing ends; silk fabric floated ethereally, a flower accent on her chest and shoulder, outlining a stunning waist. The color, a leaf-like blend close to her skin tone, hugged her shoulder bones and made her snowy skin appear even more luminous.

Art students always carry some artistic vibe that ordinary people lack. Perhaps due to years of martial arts training, her steps were exceptionally light—despite wearing high-heeled sandals, she walked as if on flat ground, her gauzy dress drifting, limbs slender, back straight, elegance tinged with a commanding presence.

No wonder she could dominate social media even with bare-faced photos. Even the notorious haters, Shadow included, have to admit she’s a top-tier beauty.

Miller got up from his chair, slipped on his glasses, and stepped forward to shake hands with Renee Morgan.

Renee was a bit surprised at his enthusiasm. Although she has impressive traffic, she’s still a total newcomer in film.