Pregnant with the Alpha Best Actress's Child - Chapter 17.3

Fan Zhengzhi immediately said, “I think both Sang Zhijiu and Fu Xinyan were very good!” Both Sang Zhijiu and Fu Xinyan were from Nanlu, so Fan Zhengzhi naturally favored them. This time, although there were no instructions from above, Fan Zhengzhi’s private wish was to keep the role of Chen Yue within Nanlu as well.

Liang Shuang frowned slowly upon hearing this. “Sang Zhijiu, it’s clear her basic skills are solid, but I feel some of her emotional handling wasn’t great.”

Fan Zhengzhi quickly added, “Zhijiu only had the script for a week. Isn’t it normal that she hasn’t fully grasped some parts? Even if she’s no good, uh, what about Fu Xinyan? Both you and Fan Wu praised her performance just now.”

Liang Shuang nodded. She did believe Fu Xinyan was better; she had watched this child since the open calls. Although her talent wasn’t top-tier, her hard work was visible. Thinking this, she looked at Fan Wu. “What do you think? I think we can unify our opinions. If everyone feels the same way, we don’t really need to watch the next round.”

Fan Zhengzhi immediately stated his position, “Cough, I think both Fu Xinyan and Zhijiu are good. I can accept whoever you choose.” As long as the spot remained with Nanlu, his task for today was complete.

Liang Shuang spoke second. “I think, Fu Xinyan. She fits my image of Chen Yue’s ‘good girl’ persona better, and she has a deeper grasp of the character and script.”

With both having spoken, it could be said that finalizing Fu Xinyan was just a word away from Fan Wu. Based on Liang Shuang’s understanding of Fan Wu from their many collaborations, Fan Wu’s aesthetic wouldn’t differ much from hers. She picked up her notes and even circled the name Fu Xinyan.

But in the next second, Fan Wu spoke, “I choose Sang Zhijiu.”

Liang Shuang was halfway through the circle when her pen slipped, drawing a long ink mark on the paper. She composed herself and asked, “Sang Zhijiu? Are you sure? Why?”

Fan Wu tapped the table twice. “Fu Xinyan is too obedient. Playing the early-stage Chen Yue is fine, but she likely won’t be able to carry the role in the later stages. Sang Zhijiu… she is at the other extreme. Instead, she is more like the later-stage Chen Yue and has more versatility.”

Liang Shuang didn’t quite agree. “What? Does Fu Xinyan not have versatility? With you leading her, are you afraid she won’t get into character?”

Fan Wu leaned back slightly. “That’s only one reason. However, if you think she’s no good, then let’s proceed with the next trial performance.” As she spoke, she looked at Jiang Mengzhi. “Just have Fu Xinyan and Sang Zhijiu come over. For the other two… notify them of the results and ask them to leave.”

Jiang Mengzhi nodded. The staff went to make arrangements, and the three judges took a short break. Fan Zhengzhi went out to find a place to smoke, and Liang Shuang began chatting with Fan Wu. “I remember this seems to be only the second time in the ten years we’ve known each other that we’ve disagreed on a casting choice. Am I getting old? Why didn’t I see where Sang Zhijiu is better than Fu Xinyan?”

Fan Wu smiled. “When we disagreed the first time, I think I won in the end?”

Liang Shuang rolled her eyes. She tried to analyze, “When she was performing just now, did she treat you as that antagonist? Did you see details I missed? Was it her face full of grief and indignation that moved you?”

Fan Wu smiled but didn’t respond. In fact, some of Liang Shuang’s words hit quite close to the truth. When Sang Zhijiu looked at her with tears in her eyes, for a certain moment, she could clearly hear her own heartbeat. Facing Fu Xinyan and the others, she was very rational; she could analyze the candidates’ acting skills and potential from all aspects just like Liang Shuang.

But Sang Zhijiu was different. Halfway through the analysis, looking into the other’s eyes, she felt as if she were about to sink in. Earlier in the rehearsal room, she had told Yu Ping and Sang Zhijiu that in this scene, Chen Yue’s actions were meant to make Mu Yining’s heart stir once again. And among the four performances she saw, only Sang Zhijiu gave her that feeling.

It was truly strange. Fan Wu rested her forehead in her hands, looking down thoughtfully. A few seconds later, she stood up and said to Liang Shuang, “I’m going to the restroom.”

Liang Shuang nodded, “Go ahead.”

Judges had their own lounge. Fan Wu left the interview room and wanted to take the stairs to the fifth floor. But as she approached the stairwell, she smelled a faint scent of cigarette smoke. Fan Wu frowned and was about to leave when she suddenly heard Fan Zhengzhi’s voice, which sounded somewhat scolding. She looked around and stepped toward it.

The stairwell was a relatively enclosed and narrow environment. If one didn’t control their volume, their voice could carry quite far. The hotel was in the film city, and there was no telling how many paparazzi were watching at all times. Fan Zhengzhi wasn’t a celebrity and sometimes forgot to be cautious. Fortunately, his alertness was still strong enough; as soon as he noticed someone pushing the door open, he immediately shut his mouth. Fan Wu looked over and indeed saw Fan Zhengzhi, and Zhan Yuerou, shrinking in front of him.

“Fan, Fan Wu, why are you here?” Fan Zhengzhi wiped away some sweat.

Fan Wu said coldly, “If I had come any later, the whole building would have heard your voice.”

Fan Zhengzhi paused, “Sorry. I actually was watching my volume; I just got a bit excited just now.”

Fan Wu crossed her arms. “What were you two talking about?”

Fan Zhengzhi gave a chuckle and lowered his voice, “I was just afraid this little girl didn’t know her place and was trying to cling to you. I just wanted to find her privately for a casual chat.”

Zhan Yuerou stood nearby, not daring to make a sound, but her eyes were glued to Fan Wu. Fan Wu looked down. “Don’t involve yourself in this in the future. Not everyone who appears in front of you has an agenda.”

Fan Zhengzhi muttered in response, “Mm, I know.” He slipped away. “Then I’ll head out first, you go ahead with your business.”

Fan Wu nodded. Having resolved that.

Having dealt with Fan Zhengzhi, Fan Wu turned to walk upstairs, heading toward the fifth-floor lounge. However, another set of footsteps followed close behind.

Upon reaching the fifth floor, Fan Wu exited the stairwell and immediately turned right, leading her shadow into a blind spot away from the security cameras.

“Why are you following me?” she asked.

Zhan Yuerou smiled, appearing somewhat shy. “I… I didn’t have a chance just now. I wanted to say hello to you.”

Fan Wu nodded. “Mm.”

She had no interest in Zhan Yuerou. “You’ve said hello. The coordinator should have given you the results by now. Go home early.”

Seeing Fan Wu turn to leave, Zhan Yuerou hurriedly called out, “Fan… Sister Fan Wu!”

Fan Wu thought for a moment, stood still, and turned back to face her.

“I believe we made ourselves very clear before, didn’t we? That was an accident. You and I should both act as if it never happened.”

“I… I know,” Zhan Yuerou said with a hint of grievance, acting obedient. “I’m looking for you… not because of that.”

“Oh?” Fan Wu’s patience was wearing thin.

Zhan Yuerou continued, “Because of… um, because of that accident, I was delayed and dismissed by my previous production crew. I haven’t been able to find a good job lately. I wanted to ask if your crew still needs any actors. Even a minor supporting role is fine; I just want a chance to try!”

Fan Wu’s brow furrowed slightly.

Delayed from work because of that night?

Strictly speaking, the compensation Fan Wu had already provided was enough to cover two or three months of lost wages. However, Zhan Yuerou’s request wasn’t excessive, and it fell well within Fan Wu’s capabilities.

Still… Fan Wu didn’t want the girl to think that she would unconditionally compromise because of what had happened between them.

She spoke directly: “The requirements for minor supporting roles are relatively low. Recruitment is expected to start on the 3rd of next month. You can keep an eye on the notices in the background actors’ groups.”

This was, in effect, a polite rejection.

In reality, Fan Wu planned to mention it to Liang Shuang later; as long as Zhan Yuerou showed up for the interview, they would secure a small role for her that didn’t require much acting skill.

Unaware of this plan, Zhan Yuerou’s face showed clear disappointment. She nodded. “I understand. I won’t bother you further then. I have to go catch the bus now.”

Fan Wu nodded. Zhan Yuerou smiled, turned back into the stairwell, and ran down the stairs with a series of quick thuds. Fan Wu retracted her gaze and headed straight for the lounge.

Ten minutes later, she returned to the interview room on time. Fu Xinyan was already in position, while Sang Zhijiu waited in the lounge.

Compared to the first round, Fu Xinyan appeared much more nervous. Halfway through her performance, she stopped herself. After taking a moment to calm her emotions, she looked at Fan Wu with a plea: “I… I would like to ask Teacher Fan Wu to come up and help me run the scene. Is… is that okay?”

Faced with the request from a company newcomer, the Movie Queen remained unmoved. “A performance without props or partners is a basic skill for an actor. I can give you one more chance to start over.”

Embarrassed, Fu Xinyan nodded, rested for two minutes, and began again.

When it was Sang Zhijiu’s turn to enter, Fan Wu propped her chin on her hand. As soon as Sang Zhijiu took the stage and assumed Chen Yue’s stance for the argument with Mu Yining before she had even fully entered the role, she heard Fan Wu offer: “Do you want me to help you run the scene?”

Everyone in the room looked at Fan Wu.

Fan Wu explained, “I just feel that having a partner will allow us to see your acting skills more clearly.”

Was the second trial performance originally arranged this way? Did Fu Xinyan also act with Fan Wu?

The guess seemed plausible enough, so Sang Zhijiu took a deep breath. “Then I’ll trouble Teacher Fan.”

Fan Wu smiled. “You’re welcome.”

She pushed back her chair and prepared to stand. Beside her, Liang Shuang shot her a look that clearly screamed the word “favoritism.”

Fan Wu didn’t mind. She even leaned into Liang Shuang’s ear and whispered softly, “Just assume that I am.”

She walked over to Sang Zhijiu and opened her arms. “Shall we begin?”

Sang Zhijiu rubbed her face, reminding herself that this was an audition and she couldn’t make any strange faces at this scoundrel Fan Wu. Then, she gave Fan Wu a slight nod. “Um, let’s begin.”

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