As soon as Feng Gan said this, the entire venue broke into an uproar, but surprisingly, no one stepped forward to speak up for Reba.
Those male celebrities and other investors were not only indifferent, but they even stared at Reba with great interest.
"Director Feng is right. Come on, dance for a bit and let us appreciate it."
"We see other dances all the time, but we haven't seen someone perform a Xinjiang dance live yet."
"Come on, come on, I've got my phone ready. Just dance for a bit."
...Facing the clamor of the crowd around her, Reba was clearly flustered.
Her originally fair face turned bloodless, and a hint of panic appeared in her eyes.
She looked around helplessly, trying to find a shred of support or understanding, but she was met only with indifference and gazes looking for entertainment.
Amidst the noise of the crowd, she took a deep breath and forced herself to stay calm.
With a trembling voice, she explained awkwardly and tactfully, "I'm really sorry, everyone, it's not very convenient for me to dance right now... and the clothes and shoes I'm wearing today aren't suitable for Xinjiang dance."
Despite the clear tone of pleading in her voice, Feng Gan still wouldn't let it go.
"Just take off your shoes. Look, the floor is so clean, it won't get your feet dirty. Dance a bit for everyone to see. If I like what I see and get some inspiration, you might just be the leading lady in my next movie."
Reba was naturally ten thousand times unwilling to accept Feng Gan's suggestion.
But just a few minutes ago, she had promised her Company's manager that she would perform well.
Moreover, although she had filmed a few TV series, she was still just a newcomer in this industry.
How could she dare to directly refuse the request of such a big director?
If she accidentally did something wrong, it would bring a lot of trouble to her Company.
Yang Mi, who was socializing with Wang Congcong not far away, immediately strode over after hearing the commotion.
After standing still and listening for a couple of sentences, Yang Mi reacted very quickly.
She quickly moved to Director Feng's side and greeted him with a smile: "Hello, Director Feng! I'm Yang Mi. Thank you very much for your care and attention to our Jiaxing actors. Come, let me finish this glass of wine first to show my respect to you."
Before she finished speaking, Yang Mi tilted her head back and drained the red wine in her hand in one go, her movements crisp and decisive.
However, whether it was because she had walked over in a hurry or drank too fast, Yang Mi's beautiful eyes couldn't help but wrinkle slightly after finishing the wine, as if she was stimulated by the alcohol.
Seeing it was Yang Mi, Director Feng sized her up with interest.
Then, pretending to be a gentleman, he said, "Yang Mi, this newcomer from your Company looks very good. Although she has an exotic face, she's very distinctive. Anyone who grew up in Xinjiang can do Xinjiang dance, right? I had some things to do tonight and arrived late. I saw her as soon as I walked in; she's very eye-catching. With this figure, she'll definitely be a huge hit in the future."
Hearing Feng Gan's insinuating words, Yang Mi's expression clearly stiffened.
Although she felt a bit displeased, she still maintained a smile and responded, "This kind of folk dance is just basic training, so it's naturally not a problem. If you think she has potential, you could consider having her go to your Company for an interview. She can dance then after she's prepared. What do you think?"
However, facing Yang Mi's suggestion, Director Feng waved his hand.
He said dismissively, "Oh, there's no need for such trouble. It's spacious here, just do a quick piece so everyone can appreciate it."
Seeing Director Feng make the request again, Reba's heart sank once more.
She could only turn her helpless gaze toward Yang Mi again.
How could Yang Mi not understand Reba's thoughts at this moment?
They were artists, not hookers.
Besides, today was a formal cocktail party. Everyone was dressed up and appearing in formal attire.
If Reba took off her shoes and danced in front of so many people while wearing such a low-cut dress...
What would be the difference between her and an ordinary dancing girl?
If there were a formal and suitable stage for her to show her talent, then letting her perform a dance on stage would be fine.
After all, performing on stage is an actor's duty.
But the situation right now was completely different.
If she danced now, wouldn't she become a plaything for people's amusement?
Let alone Reba, even Yang Mi would never agree to let her dance like this.
Yang Mi spoke up again, "If everyone wants to see it, how about we set up a stage next time? I'll bring all of Jiaxing's artists over, have them rehearse properly, and put on a good performance for everyone. How's that?"
Even though the hint in Yang Mi's words was so blatant in declining on Reba's behalf, Director Feng clearly didn't appreciate it.
Although Yang Mi was one of the bosses of Jiaxing, she wasn't actually the core figure.
In a sense, Yang Mi was at most a slightly higher-level actor.
In the eyes of these directors and investors, actors were nothing more than show-people.
"Yang Mi, you're being unreasonable. Right now, you're the only one in Jiaxing with any standing. You should give newcomers more opportunities to show their faces in front of these investors. This is beneficial for your Company with no downsides."
Director Feng's words were like a sharp sword piercing straight at Yang Mi, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Worse still, after his words fell, those male stars who had been echoing him earlier, along with some of the investors, all followed suit again.
"Yeah, just dance a bit. If it's not convenient, just some simple moves will do."
"Right, just to entertain everyone."
"I've had my phone ready for a long time. Don't be a buzzkill, just dance a bit."
...Seeing some people pick up their phones, Yang Mi looked at Reba helplessly.
At this moment, the problem was no longer limited to Director Feng alone; even several other investors were making the same demand.
If she refused to dance, she would likely offend this entire group of people.
One had to know that investors formed their own circles and had their own small cliques.
Offending one or two might still be bearable, but if she offended so many people at once, there would basically be no place for her to stand in this industry.