Chapter 393

She couldn't act and there was no way around it. Yuan Director ignored Song Huan's refusal and went over the script with the actresses who had stayed behind, wanting to get a sense of their potential, so he just briefly touched on the main points, leaving ample room for them to interpret.

The actresses went off separately to prepare and then Yuan Director started going over the scene with Song Huan:

"It's different from Chinese opera. You just need to be my supporting prop here, let the other party hit you without hitting back.

You're the champion boxer, martial arts champion, top ten muay thai fighter, professional athlete level, with a record of executing missions and killing enemies bare-handed.

The other party is just an ordinary person. You have thick skin and high pain tolerance. The other girls are delicate flowers. If you hit back, you may end up killing someone..."

Yuan Director smiled as he shoved the script into her arms,

"So you just need to say 'No' and 'You've misunderstood,' then dodge. Leave room for the other party to fully interpret. Okay?"

Song Huan held the script without directly agreeing:

"Those were achievements at my peak. I'm no longer a champion now. If I entered a competition, I'd probably be ranked outside the top hundred...

Also, I'm not an actress. I'm not obligated to act with you guys..."

Yuan Director walked to the door and looked back at her, saying:

"I'll tell your superiors that preparations are going smoothly, all thanks to Team Leader Song's full cooperation.

I'll also hand write a letter of commendation to your unit. I heard you were disciplined for a mistake recently. This may help offset demerits."

Song Huan waved the script:

"I only have two lines? You can give me more, let you see my potential."

...

The crew had booked out a whole floor of the hotel, and the rooms were also available for use. Assistant Xiao Ye led the camera crew and other staff to a room with a large bed, setting up the equipment before notifying the actresses to enter one by one.

A pretty young girl walked in and bowed to Yuan Director sitting on the sofa:

"Hello Director Yuan, my surname is Su, Su Xiaoxiao. I'm a new actress..."

"Su Xiaoxiao...right..."

Yuan Director glanced over her portfolio. She was an internet celebrity, singing and dancing on livestreaming platforms, very popular with viewers. By a stroke of luck, she appeared on a variety show with a celebrity, gaining some fame. Then she acted in an online drama and gained more attention for some of the plotlines, naturally debuting from there and landing a supporting role in a TV drama.

Yuan Director looked her over. Appearance was decent but nothing outstanding. She had the girl next door look, giving off an obedient vibe.

She was quite different from what he imagined...

But he had promised opportunity, so he had to give it.

"Yes, I'm Su Xiaoxiao. I've acted in..." "Look, the camera is here. This scene will have about three camera positions when formally filming. We'll start from when you first wake up, wake up, sit up, mistake her for your enemy, and hit her.

That's what you need to do. Just interpret the rest according to the script and your own understanding, ok?"

Su Xiaoxiao nodded, then timidly glanced at Song Huan and asked softly:

"Director Yuan, do I need to spar with this lady? I did two years of taekwondo when little. I'm afraid of accidentally injuring her..."

Yuan Director raised his brows:

"Oh? Taekwondo, extra points. It'd be great if you could injure her. Go ahead and hurt her, I'll cover the medical fees."

Song Huan: "..."

Yuan Director pulled over a chair by the door and officially called action—

On camera, Su Xiaoxiao slowly opened her eyes, first looking around, then focusing on Song Huan. She suddenly sat up, holding the blanket to her chest, eyes filled with shock.

Song Huan had her arms crossed, silent.

"You brought me here?"

Song Huan nodded. The other threw a punch at her. Song Huan dodged to the side then stood up.

"Cut!"

Yuan Director rolled his eyes at the camera and called to stop,

"This is film, not some documentary trying to chronicle everything realistically. Nor is it a boxing championship to decide a winner between you two on camera. I don't need you to prove superiority! I want aesthetics, expressiveness, tension, facial control!

Song Huan is here to accommodate since pure acting may be too difficult for you, not to compete with you."

Yuan Director finished and told Xiao Ye:

"Next."

...

When the last actress was dismissed by Yuan Director, dusk was falling outside. Song Huan sat at the bedside, staring vacantly out the window.

She was so tired, not physically but mentally, tired enough that she wanted to go to the shooting range...

After a long while she asked:

"How was Yan Jinyu?"

Yuan Director shook his head:

"Image doesn't match. Other roles are possible..."

"What about Chen Xinya? Oh, won't she hate me? She threw a punch and it hit the table when I dodged. Her hand was swollen when she left..."

Song Huan asked again.

"The image is quite good but still lacking compared to what I want. Mainly her gaze is too stern. On camera, looking at her, it feels like she'll turn evil the next second."

Yuan Director reminded: "Needs to be comparable to a goddess, god~dess."

Song Huan: "Then..."

"Shut up."

Yuan Director rubbed his temples,

"Don't say I'm picky. I create art. Pursuing perfection is part of my job, plus I have the capital to select actors. For other minor roles, whatever, let the investor cram people in.

But for important roles, I won't compromise. I'll find someone when I find them then start shooting. No shortage of directors. They can look elsewhere if they don't agree."

...

Early next morning, Qin Wei arrived at the hotel. The crew followed proper procedures, notifying her agent in advance and obtaining a copy of her portfolio, arranging a meeting time.

Li Yao still didn't understand why she dared to turn down the role locked in for her, as far as he knew. That role had intense competition.

Luckily she didn't fully give up, just aiming to audition for another role.

"Should I still put on some makeup and dress for the role, at least have the look? Going bare-faced to meet the director seems disrespectful?"

Li Yao asked her.

Not only was she bare-faced today, her outfit was also super casual - white T-shirt and light grey sweatpants, with sneakers.

High ponytail, no makeup.

Fresh and clean, but also too student-like.

It was like the deliberate styling of the past few months never happened, suddenly reverting to the overly casual period from early in the year.

"But what does a look fitting the role even mean? Your thoughts and my thoughts might differ, let alone the director's. The makeup isn't the main concern of one actress..."

Qin Wei said,

"Don't you have a meeting today too? I heard you say it earlier. Can you not go?"

Li Yao replied:

"Of course not. I have to be there for Li Liang's resignation procedures today. That's why I have to come with you. After taking you there I'll go to the meeting first. When it's about time I'll come pick you up. Does that work?"

"Of course. I already said not to come. You still did. I can handle it alone."

...

Entering the hotel, arriving on the specified floor, she'd expected many competitors and liveliness, but surprisingly it was cold and empty without another colleague in sight.

Following the staff's lead, Qin Wei entered the conference room, first spotting Ye Jiahe.

She was about to greet her but Ye Jiahe was still cold when seeing her, just glancing over before minding her own business.

In addition to Yuan Director, Song Huan was also seated at the judge's table.

Just the four of them in the conference room.

Song Huan urged:

"Auditions are in the afternoon, so no one's here. If you can do it, they don't need to come this afternoon. Alright, don't speak, start your performance, act out anything."

Qin Wei: "?"