Yao Leyi, a naturally beautiful woman, has suffered in TVB for 10 years.
In 1997, 24-year-old Yao Leyi appeared in front of the audience for the first time through the TV series "Forensic Record".
With waist-length hair, bright eyes and bright teeth, fair skin, and a tall and manlike figure, her first impression is sweet and moving.
What's even more amazing is that she has a quiet temperament in her gestures, which is very different from other kitsch actresses.
In fact, Yao Leyi is a cheerful and lively girl, and her high-to-explosive personality is not a woman at all. But in order to enter the showbiz, she deliberately created such an image, hoping to stand out.
At first, this trick really worked, and Yao Leyi quickly rose to prominence in TVB and became a popular vase. However, the good times did not last long, and TVB's positioning of her stopped there, no matter how superb her acting skills were, she was always only arranged to play the role of a junior and other sacrificial hues.
At first, Yao Leyi could barely accept it, thinking about becoming popular first. But 10 years have passed, and her role has remained the same, always a vase and a junior. More and more old actors left TVB, and she realized that this is a portrayal of her future.
No matter how hard she tries, the TV station will always treat her as a tool, and she will never be on top.
What made Yao Leyi collapse the most was that it was clear that the Wufu played in "Sister Tuogun" made her shine, but she was still the third junior in the next play. She had been holding back a bad breath for many years, and finally couldn't bear it anymore.
She used to be young, but now her face is tired, and she is dejected. She was so disappointed in the TV station that she had long lost her fighting spirit.
In fact, Yao Leyi has never given up the pursuit of acting skills, and she is unwilling to be treated as a consumable. However, the arrangement of the TV station made her desperate. She began to feel that maybe she would not be able to get what she wanted in this life, and she was destined to be trapped in this cage and unable to get out.
In 1998, 25-year-old Yao Leyi began a desperate journey to take over the show. This year, she participated in the filming of a total of 20 films, most of which were small roles in tricks and scenes.
For a small flower that is still on the rise, this is undoubtedly a crazy move.
In fact, Yao Leyi's heart was extremely empty and confused at this time. TVB's stereotype of her made it difficult for her to sleep, and she longed for herself to be valued and respected. By chance, Yao Leyi met an agent.
The agent keenly discovered Yao Leyi's potential and offered to help her try more movies to enrich her acting experience.
At first, Yao Leyi was a little hesitant. But thinking of the dead end of the TV station, she finally mustered up the courage and chose to take over all the resources provided by her agent. So for a year, Yao Leyi was busy running between various film crews.
Even if it's just a trick, she cherishes it very much.
In fact, there is another purpose for making these films, which is to raise funds. When she was young, Yao Leyi borrowed money from her family to open a beauty salon, but it soon failed, which also left her with a lot of debt.
She hopes that with this sprint, she can pay off her arrears as soon as possible.
Every late at night, when the shooting is over, Yao Leyi always dreams that she is standing on a high place, the waves crashing against the cliffs, and the free sea breeze blowing in front of her. That kind of steadfastness and cheerfulness is exactly what she yearns for.
The arduous shooting did not destroy Yao Leyi's will, but honed her stronger and stronger heart. She became more aware that she did not belong to this circle, and that she longed for freedom and liberation.
This seemingly crazy sprint is her way of touching her dreams, and it is also her spring board to escape from the quagmire.
In 2000, 27-year-old Yao Leyi finally ushered in the first highlight moment of her life. In the movie "Moonlight in Happy Valley", she played a small role as Grandma, but she captivated everyone with her outstanding performance and was shortlisted for the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 6th Hong Kong Film Golden Bauhinia Awards.
The moment the nomination was announced, Yao Leyi was so excited that she couldn't speak. She covered her mouth with trembling hands, tears already welling up in her eyes. It turns out that her acting skills and efforts are recognized, and it turns out that she is not a worthless vase, and she can also shine.
On the day of the award ceremony, Yao Leyi dressed up carefully and was beautiful. She gently stroked her lower abdomen, as if she wanted to keep this joy and glory in her heart forever.
The stage lights were dim, and she was smiling under the flashlights, fascinated.
Although Yao Leyi did not win the award in the end, this nomination means a lot to her. It symbolizes that she is no longer a mere outward body, and that her inner world is also worthy of being seen.
It also indicates that the dawn is ahead, Yao Leyi's acting career is still long, and she will usher in a better tomorrow.
The stage ended, and Yao Leyi sat alone in the dressing room. She gently smoothed the nomination letter and carefully slipped it into her handbag. At this moment, she finally saw hope.
In 2008, 35-year-old Yao Leyi finally mustered up the courage to terminate the contract with TVB.
At the moment of signing, Yao Leyi only felt that the burden of a thousand catties was suddenly unloaded, and tears burst out of her eyes. The grievances, pain, and confusion that have accumulated in the past 10 years have all exploded at this moment.
She crouched on the ground and cried loudly, as if she had returned to her mother's arms, as if she had been reborn.
In the first week of leaving, Yao Leyi stayed at home and slept all day and night. The long-lost freedom and laziness made her ecstatic. When she finally had enough sleep, she began to think about her next step.
In fact, as early as 2 years ago, Yao Leyi began to plan her own retreat. She put down her status as an actress and began to learn Xi behind-the-scenes work, hoping to become a good agent.
Now, the time is ripe.
In the first days, Yao Leyi struggled to adapt to her new role. How to take care of the artists and how to plan the event are all new experiences for her. Because she used to stand in the center of the stage, she could better understand the hearts of artists, and gradually, Yao Leyi found the trick and her work became much easier.
Turning around to be behind the scenes, Yao Leyi radiated dazzling brilliance. She can no longer see the physically and mentally exhausted self she used to work with. Instead, a woman who seems to be reborn radiates a dazzling light.
In the long TVB years, Yao Leyi is not alone. She became close friends with Tang Yingying, Charmaine Sheh and other ripe "crooked nuts", and they are collectively known as the "TVB Seven Witches".
They are connected to each other like sisters.
In 2012, 39-year-old Yao Leyi put off her red makeup and married her businessman husband, who was 10 years older than her. She was worried that her friends would complain about "being robbed", but on the day of the wedding, all the Seven Witches appeared and formed a sister model group to escort Yao Leyi.
On the wedding night, Yao Leyi dreamed back to when she first joined TVB many years ago. She still remembers the first time they met, the seven sisters were like old friends who had known each other for many years, and they became a family in an instant.
Since then, no matter who encounters difficulties, everyone will be tightly circled together, united and warm as before.
In 2015, Yao Leyi gave birth to her youngest daughter Kebby, and the Seven Witches showed amazing concentricity. They have to watch a group video at least once a week to see if the baby has grown taller.
Tang Yingying gave Kebbi the Chinese name "Jiayi", which means that she will grow up happily.
Nowadays, on important festivals, the Seven Witches will still gather again for a sisterly journey that is just about to go. The old friendship has become eternal, and they are the most beautiful scenery in each other's lives.
In 2020, the new crown epidemic made Yao Leyi's down-to-earth life chaotic. All kinds of commercial performances were suspended, and economic income plummeted. She is usually cheerful and optimistic, but she can't hide her depression.
One day, Yao Leyi suddenly started a live broadcast on social platforms. She sits on the balcony with the bustling night scene outside the window in the background. She has always paid attention to her image, but her hair is scattered at this time, her face is expressionless, and she lets tears flow freely on her face.
"I'm really tired, tired, too stressed. Her voice was choked, fragile and helpless.
At this moment, a small figure suddenly ran over and hugged her, tilting its little head to look at her. It's 5-year-old daughter Kebby. "Mom, don't cry, don't cry. She gently wiped away Yao Leyi's tears with her little hands.
At this moment, Yao Leyi suddenly woke up. It turned out that she was not fighting alone, she also had family and friends. She is no longer the Yao Leyi who struggled in the whirlpool before, she has transformed into a strong woman.
Since then, the 47-year-old Yao Leyi has begun to frequently broadcast her life on the Internet. She cooks with her daughter, sings together, and takes her daughter for a walk.
Ordinary life can be so colorful.
The live broadcast allowed Yao Leyi to find her long-lost self. She no longer deliberately manages anything, but meets everyone in the most authentic state.
A sincere, optimistic, and sunny Yao Leyi appeared in front of the audience. This time, she wants to live a wonderful life in her own way.
The haze of the epidemic is far from dissipating, and the pressure on Yao Leyi's life continues to increase. Her financial income is unstable, and her broker job has come to a standstill. Days like this shook her originally strong heart again.
At this moment, her friend Charmaine Sheh sent a message saying that a small party would be held next week, and Yao Leyi must attend. In fact, Yao Leyi had long wanted to face all the difficulties alone, but thinking of her friendship for many years, she still mustered up the courage to go.
At the party, the Seven Witches were all radiant. Seeing Yao Leyi's haggard state, they had tears in their eyes. "We've been through so many ups and downs together, so why do we have to face it alone now?" Tang Yingying hugged Yao Leyi, like a sister.
From that day on, Yao Leyi never faced all kinds of problems in life alone. The Seven Witches guarded her at all times, and she no longer closed herself off. With the company of relatives, the pressure is not so heavy.
Gradually, Yao Leyi learned to open her heart to the sunshine in her heart. She began to love life, devoted herself to cooking and handicrafts, and even brought her daughter full of energy.
Living in the midst of tribulation requires strength, but it also holds hope that she will eventually usher in the dawn.
Yao Leyi gradually came out of the trough of life. She regained her direction and strength, learning Xi face life's challenges.
In fact, what rekindled Yao Leyi's fighting spirit the most was her daughter Kebby. This angelic little girl allowed her to find the meaning of life.
The arrival of Kebbi rekindled Yao Leyi's maternal aura. She became passionate about learning Xi various parenting knowledge to ensure that Kebbi grew up healthy and happy. In order to spend more time with her daughter, she reduced her workload and lived a simple and peaceful life.
On weekdays, Yao Leyi will accompany Kebbi to do housework and cook various delicacies. They also often sing, paint, read books together, and enjoy family fun. Whenever she sees her daughter's innocent smiling face, Yao Leyi's heart swells with great satisfaction and happiness.
Sometimes, Yao Leyi will also take Kebby out to play. They go to an amusement park to experience a roller coaster, go to the beach to shovel sand, and watch the sunset under a rainbow...... These bits and pieces are the most precious memories in Yao Leyi's heart.
Kebbi gave Yao Leyi the strength to keep moving forward. As a mother, she wants to add color to this little life and create a happy and beautiful life for them in her own way.