The next day started as early as the day before had. Xiwan and the other trainees had been given a form to fill in, mostly about career aspirations. She had chosen acting as the main profession she was interested, and selected to study acting courses. Singers would have to study vocals and music. But really, the only thing she needed to learn was body form and dance.
However, these classes were for ordinary trainees. The company would arrange classes for their chosen career track, but all trainees would be required to learn a second career skill on top.
That was just the way the industry went in these days. If you were good at acting, you would sing, and if you were good at singing, you would act. The boundaries between singers and actors had been blurred, and there were many people who had crossed the boundary completely and become idols in both regards.
Xiwan's class was obviously much stricter than Zhou Liqing's class.
The performance class in the afternoon was instructed by the famous veteran actor, Professor Tan Wen.
Of course, Xiwan had known Tan Wen in her past life. They had quite a close relationship.
When Xiwan had just debuted, they acted in a movie together, and Tan Wen had given her some pointers. It was partly because of Tan Wen's guidance that her future acting career had been so smooth sailing.
Back then, Xiwan had debuted in an idol drama. She was regarded as one of the most beautiful female leads in the history of idol dramas because of her looks. Unfortunately, this label had actually limited her acting career.
She had to be strong-willed if she wanted to advance beyond her appearance, so without any film experience, she had asked Lin Xi to find her a martial arts movie to act in.
It was her first time on the big screen, and also her first time bringing money into the company. She had played a supporting role, the only role that hadn't won her any awards during her past life and career.
Films had higher requirements for things like their actors' expressions. More attention to detail was required than for the small screen. She had no fighting experience. The director was strict and picky. He was biased against her, even after hiring her. If anything wasn't good enough, he would take a bad shot, causing the cast and crew to frequently complain about her.
The angrier she got, the more anxious she became. The more anxious she became, the more she could not control her expression. She had always been at the top of her acting department, and even though people paid more attention to her appearance in her idol dramas, they still gave her a lot of praise for her acting skills. Many people gave her a lot of recognition.
It was very frustrating, especially in a fight scene, when she was immediately ridiculed. The director would say things like, "You're finished. We'll try this again at the end of the day."
Or sour things such as sighing, "It's good to be rich. I can do whatever I want. The film crew are cabbages to me."
Xiwan had really wanted to have a big fight with someone, but she also understood that strength was of the upmost importance.
No matter how hard she tried, her fighting scenes were not good enough. She was constantly getting scolded by the director.
Tan Wen was cast as the female lead's mother. She did not have many scenes, but her character was very important. By this time she was already considered an important senior in the industry.
Eventually, the day came for Jiang Xiwan and Tan Wen's scene together. Tan Wen's acting skills were strong. No matter how hard Xiwan tried to suppress her feelings, her natural aura still lingered around her. She tried to be completely immersed in the scene, but because she couldn't control her expression, she was once again scolded by the director.
Tan Wen spoke with the director. Everyone was tired. After taking a break, everyone looked around with disdain. A pretty woman still dared to challenge the acting style.
Tan Wen walked over to comfort her. "Many rookies have been scolded by their directors along the way. He's being harsh because you can still be saved. If you can't be saved he'll kick you out. He doesn't care if you brought funding to the production team."
At that time, when she heard these words, she was surprised. After all, this was the first time that someone from the production team dared to talk about money in front of her without a hint of disdain.
Tan Wen continued, "Some people become braver the more they are scolded, and the more they refuse to admit defeat. The more they act, the higher they go. But some people are timid and self-sealed, and they are trapped in a cage and never escape. Remember, the original film star ended up with a bleak ending."
"Many rookies have been questioned by countless people along the way. The only thing that can counter these doubts is their own strength. I've been watching your performance for a few days. I've seen some of your previous works online. I believe that your talent is very good. As for why you're frequently scolded, you're probably just too nervous and too eager to prove yourself." Tan Wen smiled gently. "The more people want to prove themselves, the more likely they are to make mistakes. I'm guessing that it's because your looks are too gorgeous that the audience labeled you as a pretty but empty vase. Is that why you're in such a hurry to tear off your vase label and prove yourself?"
Xiwan nodded. Everything she had guessed was right.
"And actually, it doesn't matter. More than half of the previous fighting scenes have passed. Next, calm down and be strategic. Consider all the different performance methods. For example, the performance method of hatred. It doesn't have to be an angry stare. It can also be the kind of extreme anger that leads to laughter. Maintaining the middle ground of any emotion is very important. It was up to you to immerse yourself in the role and figure it out," Tan Wen delivered her lecture in a serious tone of voice, then ended by nudging Xiwan gently and winking. "Plus, your figure is really a talent that others can't have for themselves!"
"I know you have it!" Tan Wen said firmly.
Xiwan was touched. She had already accrued a lot of fans, but in the film industry, she was a completely new face. Tan Wen was a very prestigious senior. She actually came to comfort her because of her bad treatment. She even gave her some of the most meaningful advice of her whole career.
The fatigue, depression, and discomfort that she had felt over the past few days began to dissipate.
After some guidance, she had finally regained her confidence.
The smile on her face was so beautiful that everyone around her suddenly found it difficult to breathe.
In the last part of the fight scene, she laughed with tears in the corners of her eyes. This caused many of the staff members to cry out loud. Only when the director yelled, "Cut!" did everyone go on with their normal activities.
They looked at her with unbelievable admiration.
Xiwan remembered how Tan Wen walked over to her and patted her shoulder. "You see, I told you that you could do it. Your talent is the best among all the students I've taught, but..." Tan Wen paused before continuing.
"You're too beautiful and your acting path will be narrow. You're trying to prove that you're a capable actor through your fighting scenes, I can see that. Unfortunately, your fighting scenes are still average. In my eyes, there's still room for improvement. You should keep developing your skills."
Xiwan stayed in the school of martial arts for almost a year after that movie because of those words. Then, she made her comeback. The first step was to become a pure martial arts practitioner and tell the story of the woman's ugly plot to fake her way into the martial arts world. She won the Best Newcomer and Best Actress award in one fell swoop.
She treated Tan Wen as her teacher. Whenever it was a New Year or a festival, she sent a text to wish her well, and she often gave her small gifts.
She had not expected that they would meet again so soon as a teacher and disciple.