Never Forget - Chapter 11

If the audition was already this intimate, what about the rest of the movie?

I must have failed, Ye Zhuyi thought, her eyes darkening as the last flicker of hope vanished. So I’ll have to watch Zhenzhen on screen again, seeing her be intimate with someone else…

“Director Lu,” she said, her voice tight. “Can I ask where I fell short?”

Lu Buping froze, then burst into laughter.

This is exactly the kind of Shen Manqing we need, he and Zhou Wen thought.

Qin Zhizhen returned from the restroom and walked into the audition room. He immediately noticed Ye Zhuyi’s stubborn, defiant posture and raised an eyebrow.

So familiar… He felt like he’d seen someone like her long ago. He frowned briefly, then dismissed the thought. Probably just my imagination.

Lu Buping cleared his throat, his hand covering his mouth. Qin Zhizhen met his gaze, a mix of understanding and surprise on his face. “You haven’t told her the result yet?”

The producer and Zhou Wen couldn’t keep up their serious act anymore and burst out laughing.

“Old Lu insisted we stay solemn,” Zhou Wen sneered. “Well, look what happened. We haven’t even announced the result, and the poor girl already thinks she failed. She’s practically confronting him, demanding to know where she went wrong.”

Qin Zhizhen clicked her tongue softly.

Ye Zhuyi blinked.

“You have personality. I like that,” Lu Buping said with a smile. “But once you’re on set, you’ll have to listen to me. Keep that personality in check.”

Lu Buping curved her lips. “Understand?”

Ye Zhuyi froze for two seconds. When she finally processed the words, a faint smile touched her lips, and a shallow dimple appeared on her cheek. “I understand. Thank you, Director Lu.”

Out of basic courtesy, she bowed to everyone present to show her gratitude, including Qin Zhizhen.

Qin Zhizhen didn’t expect to receive such a grand gesture. She was stunned for a moment. After all, she hadn’t really been involved in the casting decision, and she didn’t feel like she deserved the thanks. But Ye Zhuyi seemed completely unaware of this. She thanked Qin Zhizhen respectfully, her voice trembling slightly.

She looked at Qin Zhizhen, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “To act with you, Teacher Qin… is something many people dream of, including me.”

It was a dream she had many times, reminiscing about a scene they had acted out together long, long ago.

It was the reason she was willing to enter the industry she despised most. After saying this, Ye Zhuyi lowered her gaze. She didn’t dare look at Qin Zhizhen for too long, afraid her emotions would be laid bare.

“…Right.” Qin Zhizhen’s gaze shifted from Ye Zhuyi’s face to her own watch. “Director Lu, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head back now.”

Lu Buping slapped her forehead. “Look at my memory, I almost forgot. Old President Qin, wish her a happy birthday for me.” She waved Qin Zhizhen away, urging her to go.

Qin Zhizhen smiled. “I will.”

Before leaving, she glanced at Ye Zhuyi, who stood there with her head bowed obediently.

The industry was full of all kinds of people. Some appeared innocent but were secretly flirtatious. Others looked wicked but were actually kind. Some were stunningly beautiful yet had simple personalities. Many people were completely different on and off screen.

But someone like Ye Zhuyi was too rare. There were no words to describe her.

It was as if she wore countless masks. Every mask looked like her, yet none of them were the real her. She gave off the feeling that she was always acting, both on and off screen. But then again…

Forget it. It doesn’t matter what kind of person Ye Zhuyi is. It has nothing to do with me. Qin Zhizhen withdrew her gaze and thoughts, then walked out the door.

Ye Zhuyi watched her back with her peripheral vision until it vanished. She let out a faint sigh. Really, she doesn’t recognize me at all. She doesn’t remember a thing…

After Qin Zhizhen left, Lu Buping gave Ye Zhuyi a gentle smile and said, “Screenwriter Zhou Wen wants to talk to you privately about the role. Are you available now?”

“Yes, I am,” Ye Zhuyi nodded. “Let me tell my manager. She’s still waiting for me outside.”

“Your manager is here too?” Lu Buping thought for a moment but wasn’t surprised. After all, Ye Zhuyi wasn’t a big star yet. Managers would always take auditions for good projects seriously. She pulled a contract from the folder in front of her and said, “I happen to have the contract with me today. Why don’t you have your manager come in? It’ll be easier to discuss everything while we’re all here.”

Ye Zhuyi called Ke Shu. A moment later, Ke Shu walked in, beaming with joy as if she were the one who had passed the audition.

Ke Shu had a wide network of connections. Some of her more popular artists had worked with Lu Buping before, so they already knew each other. Skipping the pleasantries, they got straight to business.

Meanwhile, Zhou Wen led Ye Zhuyi to the next room to discuss the role.

“I saw that ‘pulling the bride’ video on Weibo and immediately felt you and Zhizhen had such great chemistry,” Zhou Wen said with a kind, motherly smile, holding Ye Zhuyi’s hand as if they were chatting over tea.

Ye Zhuyi couldn’t help but laugh. “Aunt Zhou, you’re so trendy.”

“Of course I am,” Zhou Wen accepted the praise graciously. “It’s not just about the chemistry. After watching your audition twice, Old Lu and I both felt you were perfect for the role of Shen Manqing. To be honest, getting you cast wasn’t easy. Old Lu didn’t think it was necessary to tell you, but I feel you should know.”

Ye Zhuyi sensed something was up. Her smile faded as she said seriously, “Please tell me, Aunt Zhou.”

Zhou Wen sighed helplessly, recalling what had happened not long ago.

Right after Ye Zhuyi left the audition room, Lu Buping and the others had a heated debate over whether to cast Mu Wangning or Ye Zhuyi for the role of Shen Manqing.

In terms of acting alone, Ye Zhuyi’s portrayal of Shen Manqing was much closer to Lu Buping’s vision. But the producer, who had to consider more than just the performance, immediately dismissed Ye Zhuyi. He said dismissively, “If you want the character played a certain way, just tell Mu Wangning to do it like that.”

Lu Buping hated nothing more than having to direct actors. He sneered, “Tell her to do it like that? Why don’t you just let me act in the movie myself?”

“You’re twisting my words,” the Producer said, tugging at his tie and patiently trying to explain his point of view. “I’m just looking at the big picture. Mu Wangning has the popularity, the looks, and she’s a two-time Film Empress. Her acting is proven. She’s a guaranteed hit for both critical acclaim and box office. What does Ye Zhuyi have? If we cast her, the internet will tear us apart. They’ll be asking who this nobody is and if she can even act. We’ll be doomed before we even start filming.”

Lu Buping snapped, “I’ve heard enough of that shit. Who gives a damn what they say? What, you’re telling me Ye Zhuyi can’t guarantee a good movie? You think the whole project depends on Mu Wangning alone? What about me? Old Zhou? Zhizhen? Are you saying the three of us can’t deliver?”

“Stop with the swearing and the attitude. Let’s keep this civil,” Zhou Wen intervened, quickly pouring water for everyone as she saw the argument escalating. She was close with Lu Buping and knew that by scolding her, she was actually shutting the Producer up first.

The Producer was fuming and almost lost his temper. He took a sip of water to calm down and said, “Don’t twist my words. I said she’s a better guarantee. Besides, if it weren’t for the box office and critical potential, do you really think the company would have hired you and Old Zhou again?”

The Producer, representing the investors, was acting like he owned the place. When it came to choosing the male lead, Lu Buping got into a heated argument with him. He kept droning on about box office and reputation, never bothering to ask if the actor was a good fit or if his acting was even decent. It was as if he believed the movie was doomed to fail if they didn’t cast a popular star.

Lu Buping was so angry she nearly jumped up. She ran a hand through her messy hair. “I called you Manager Wang, and now you actually think you’re the boss? Go ask your own superiors! They’re the ones who begged me to direct this movie! If you keep pushing me, I’m done. I won’t direct this anymore!”

The Producer’s face turned pale, then instantly flushed with rage. But he was terrified Lu Buping would actually quit. He swallowed his anger and said, “Director Lu, let’s stick to the issue. My bosses would agree with me that Mu Wangning is the better choice. Be honest with yourself. This movie has a huge budget. It’s not wrong for us to want a better box office, is it?”

“Hah. I see. So as long as the box office is guaranteed, you’ll do whatever I want, right?” Lu Buping downed her water in one go. She turned to Qin Zhizhen, who had been silently listening. “Zhizhen, let me ask you. Who do you think is a better fit?”

Qin Zhizhen was startled by the sudden question. She tilted her head in thought. Mu Wangning didn’t seem very interested in the role anyway. She let out a soft snort. “If I have to choose one… then let’s go with Ye Zhuyi.”

“Deal.” Lu Buping set the empty glass on the table and glanced at the producer. “Call your boss. Let’s sign the gambling agreement. I’ll guarantee a minimum box office of two billion. If it doesn’t hit that, I, Lu Buping, will pay him back myself!”

In the end, Lu Buping signed the gambling agreement with the investors. From then on, the investors no longer interfered in casting. Lu Buping had full control over all the actors. If she decided someone wasn’t right for a role, she could fire them, even if the investors had pushed for their casting.

“Old Lu entered this industry as a young woman to pay off her gambling mother’s debts,” Zhou Wen sighed. “She was an actress for over a decade. After she cleared the debt, she transitioned to directing. Don’t be fooled by her glamorous appearance. Her life hasn’t been easy. She married a scumbag who transferred all her assets to himself before their divorce.” Zhou Wen continued, “I’m telling you this so you understand. Old Lu is deeply invested in this project. Act well, take it seriously, and don’t let her down.”

Ye Zhuyi was truly stunned. She couldn’t believe Lu Buping would sign a gambling agreement just to have her play Shen Manqing. A whirlwind of emotions churned in her chest, and her throat tightened. “I will,” she managed to say.

Zhou Wen patted her shoulder in comfort before steering the conversation back to the role. “Shen Manqing is a dancer. Your first audition dance was beautiful, but it didn’t fit the era. Filming starts at the end of July. In the meantime, I want you to learn the waltz, the sailor dance, and the foxtrot. You should also practice the old Shencheng accent and learn how to play mahjong.”

Ye Zhuyi nodded, diligently adding each task to her notes. Zhou Wen smiled, looking pleased.

By the time Ye Zhuyi finished talking with Zhou Wen and returned, Ke Shu had also wrapped up her meeting.

As they settled back into the van, Ke Shu clutched the contract and started rattling off details about the movie. “Tomorrow, send me your measurements, height, and weight. The crew needs them to custom-make your qipao. Watch your weight, or you won’t fit into them. We’ll shoot the official character photos in mid-July, and filming starts at the end of the month. Director Lu mentioned that the relationship between the female lead and the second lead is… complicated. There will be a kiss scene and—”

Ye Zhuyi was still reeling from the news about Lu Buping’s gambling agreement and was only half-listening. But the words “kiss scene” snapped her back to attention. She frowned. “What kiss scene? With whom?”

Ye Zhuyi had never done a kiss scene before. Ke Shu knew her actress was picky and usually refused overly intimate roles, but those had all been in low-budget web dramas. This was a feature film.

“We fought hard to get this movie,” Ke Shu urged earnestly. “Don’t throw a tantrum now. You have to perform every scene, no matter what it is.”

Ye Zhuyi took a slow sip of the water Qin Zhizhen had given her earlier, listening to Ke Shu nag like an old woman.

“I know you hate scandals and intimate scenes,” Ke Shu said. “I don’t know who you’re saving yourself for, but you’re an actress now. Some sacrifices are necessary. Besides, it’s with the female lead. You’re both women, so you have nothing to lose.”

Ye Zhuyi nearly spat out her water. She pointed to herself, stammering, “Me? With the female lead? Qin Shen? A kiss scene?”

“Yes,” Ke Shu rolled her eyes. “Got a problem? Don’t act up. Even Qin Shen isn’t complaining.”

“No problem! Not just a kiss, I’d even do a bed scene!” Ye Zhuyi declared before chugging two large gulps of water to calm herself.

Ke Shu gave her a meaningful look and said casually, “There is a bed scene.”

This time, Ye Zhuyi actually sprayed the water out of her mouth.

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