"I'm afraid I'll have to decline your offer." Zhou Lengxin loved free food, but going out like this was too conspicuous.
"Me as well, I have something scheduled after this. It was nice working with you guys, see you next time!"
So the two left the building together.
"Teacher Zhou, I hope we can work together sometime in the future."
Zhou Lengxin cocked an eyebrow at him, "Hmm, we'll see."
"Teacher Zhou is really gifted, please advise again me sometime." And with that, the masked pair parted ways.
. . .
Producer He had been rejected so he decided he might as well show up to the auditions early. He met with Director Ye, the casting director, and acting veterans Deng Boqin and Wang Anna who were the leads.
There were many actors who wanted to land a role in this film, with two A-list celebrities, a top-tier director and already 500 million yuan in investments.
One of them was Su Meizhen, auditioning for the second and third female lead. While rookies usually would not get such an opportunity, Director Ye was one who heavily emphasized on talent and not fame.
The second lead's auditions had passed last week with no one standing out in particular... the panel was a bit worried that they would not find someone suitable.
With the third lead audition following, Su Meizhen was determined to make a lasting impression.
"#214, Su Meizhen, please start."
Su Meizhen did the scene where the character Shen Mumu decides to kill herself.
"Fu Lei... I know you don't love me... you will probably hate me once you discover what I've done. This is what I've become... this is what you've made me into." She knelt on the ground, her entire beautiful aura turned haggard.
"Haha, but I won't give you that chance... everything I did was all for you... allow me to die for my sins... Fu Lei, I loved you." A crystal tear escaped from her eyes, as made a motion of cutting her wrist and slumping to the ground.
A beat.
Su Meizhen stood up and fixed her appearance.
"Thank you, please tell #215 be prepared, we'll be ready for her in a few minutes."
She bowed and thanked the judges.
She did not feel a great reaction from them, but she did her best. She could only hope that it was enough.
The last contestant was #328, a girl who applied last minute.
"#328, Zheng Hualian, please start."
She was clearly an amateur, her clothes screamed country girl and she wore no makeup and her hair was straight and black.
Like everyone else, she did scene 43.
"...Fu Lei, I loved you."
The entire room went silent.
A crisp clap came from Wang Anna, "Simply beautiful, wonderful acting!"
The rest of the panel joined in, giving her a standing ovation.
Director Ye sat back into his chair.
"Miss Zheng, for no professional experience, you are certainly a gem. I want to know... what made you interpret Mumu's character like this?"
Zheng Hualian's voice was clear and pure, "Most people will think that Shen Mumu is insane and a deranged and jealous character, but I think that she was desperate and cornered. She was damaged from a young age and most people don't see the sadness inside her from her past. Mu Yanmei was not as perfect as portrayed, I personally believe she had a hand in Shen Mumu's demise. In the end, she says 'I loved you', as in past tense. I like to believe that rather than she didn't want to face Fu Lei, she wanted to free herself from a heartless world. Instead of cutting her wrists, I think Shen Mumu would have taken pills, she would've wanted to go peacefully."
"Well said."
The five looked at each other and nodded simultaneously.
"Miss Zheng, we definitely want to see more, so we will contact your agent. I think you will succeed in being cast." Producer He sent his assistant to also hand her a business card.
Zheng Hualian fidgeted nervously, "Um, I don't really have an agent? I sort of did this on impulse... I am very sorry!" She made a formal 90-degree bow.
A wave of shock passed over their faces, to think that she was a true rookie with such potential! They could definitely polish her into a real star!
"Well this film is being produced under X-Nation Entertainment, let me see if I can arrange something for you."
"Thank you so much!"