Chapter 15: Heading to the Next Audition

Chapter 15: Heading to the Next Audition

Wang Hongying scored Tang Fei an 80 on the evaluation sheet, while Pan Boqiao marked a 65. Most others gave scores around 85. Wang Hongying glanced at Pan Boqiao's ratings; he had only graded two or three of the other performers.

Pan Boqiao seemed to be using the standards of an exceptional student performance from the Capital Academy of Dramatic Arts. Among the previous candidates, only those with solid foundations and competent performances received scores around 60.

Compared to them, Tang Fei's extra five points placed her in a higher category. It wasn't about technical skills, but rather a matter of depth and dimension in her acting.

Assistant Director Kong Xian asked for Tang Fei and He Zhou's contact details, "We'll get back to you in a couple of days. Our production will start around New Year's, so don't rush home then."

Tang Fei inferred the hidden meaning behind his words – her audition was looking promising. She felt a small sigh of relief, knowing that her performance had been decent.

"Thank you, Director Kong."

The people waiting in the room, peering curiously through the door, sensed that something was amiss seeing Tang Fei and Kong Xian chatting amiably.

"Director Kong usually doesn't spend that much time talking to people, does he?"

"Isn't it usually Assistant Director Wang in charge of registration? Why is Director Kong taking care of it personally?"

Both were assistant directors, but there were differences among them. Some merely held the title while doing menial tasks. Kong Xian, on the other hand, had directed a few productions a few years back that gained some traction. He had returned home to take care of his ailing mother for over two years and was rumored to have considered switching professions.

His return as Assistant Director for Wang Hongying's production was meant to nurture new talent.

"What's the point of good acting if they still choose the pretty ones?"

"Stop guessing. Focus on your auditions. If they really pick Tang Fei, just wait for their drama to air and get ridiculed."

After a few whispers of complaint, everyone fell silent when they called out for number 14, waiting to see how she would be treated. Seeing Assistant Director Wang resume his registration duties, their mood soured.

Kong Xian only appeared once, during Tang Fei's registration.

"Like a royal tutor accompanying a prince to study."

"It's already been decided internally."

"Who is Tang Fei attached to?"

"There's a backstage deal."

In this audition, these people had never imagined that Tang Fei could possess acting skills one day. Frustrated by the idea of losing for reasons unrelated to her talent, the news spread within certain circles.

Some members of the Director's Association were keeping an eye on the casting for Happiness Hotel. Upon hearing the rumors, they became angry, slamming their fists on the table as they declared, "Little Wang is getting impatient and seeking shortcuts. I need to have a word with Old Wang about this."

Wang Hongying felt like he had struck gold with Xu Wan's role, as Tang Fei was a perfect fit. After a long search for the right actor, he could finally start preparations for filming.

Pan Boqiao's perspective had shifted; there were indeed talented actors without formal training. He realized he had been too narrow-minded before.

He hadn't seen Tang Fei's previous performances, so he was unaware of her past status as a goddess of expressionless acting. He believed that those who pursued art usually wouldn't engage in such productions. If they did, it was likely due to financial needs.

Tang Fei's potential had been wasted by those poor-quality dramas, Pan Boqiao thought.

As for Kong Xian, he pondered over the fact that Yao Hui had so easily released Tang Fei from her contract. Wasn't the company giving up a cash cow?

He remembered that his friend Zhou Weichuan's production company was planning to start an artist management division, with a new subsidiary under his supervision. It was difficult to poach established artists, while those with potential often aimed for companies like Yao Hui, Sky Voice Culture, or New Film World, leaving Zhou Weichuan's company in an awkward middle ground.

He discreetly sent Zhou Weichuan a message on WeChat, asking him to keep an eye on Tang Fei. He believed that Tang Fei possessed exceptional talent and was worth investing in, despite the potential risk of Yao Hui attempting to block her career within the industry.

The moment he saw Tang Fei, He Zhou rushed to her, massaging her shoulders and taking her bag. "Cousin, how was it? Difficult? How confident are you?"

"I'd say I have a six or seven out of ten chance. They gave me some hints, so let's wait three days for news. I've given it my all, just like taking an exam. Forget about it once it's done and start preparing for the next one. Don't get stuck in this one," Tang Fei replied, having spent over four months intensively practicing, devoting all her energy to it. Apart from eating and sleeping, she had been rehearsing non-stop. With her excellent performance and the assistance of her makeup card, securing the role should not be a problem unless Yao Hui truly held that much power.

"Hey, here's your train ticket for this afternoon. Tomorrow morning, you'll have your audition for Li Yunxiu. The production team of 'Psychic Surge' is in Jiangzhou, and they've already started filming. The lead actress hasn't been finalized yet. I heard that Guan Yun is also in the running for Li Yunxiu's role, but she didn't make it straight into the cast. That's quite surprising.

Their ability to withstand pressure could be our opportunity.

The production company behind this drama is Nine O'clock Entertainment, with Xu Jianguo as the director, Mo Wen as the screenwriter, and Sanliujiu as the original author. Su Yang, from New Cinema World, has been cast as the male lead, Guan Liu. The second male lead is..."

As Tang Fei walked, she listened to He Zhou's intel. Most recognizable roles in 'Psychic Surge' seemed to be filled by actors from New Cinema World, except for the main antagonist, who was promoted by a small company.

New Cinema World and Nine O'clock Entertainment had a close relationship, collaborating on several productions. Their female actresses had also auditioned for the lead role of Li Yunxiu, but were unsuccessful. Screenwriter Mo Wen and author Sanliujiu placed great importance on the choice of the leading lady. Unlike other production companies, Nine O'clock Entertainment did not operate under a director-centric system; they respected both the screenwriter and the original author. Their productions were centered around a dual-axis of the screenwriter and the director, with the added weight of the original author's opinion. Since the screenwriter and the author hadn't found a satisfactory candidate for this role, there was an internal deadlock.

Tang Fei recalled, based on the original owner's memories, that Guan Yun was a sweet and charming young actress with a petite frame, big eyes, a pert nose, and thin lips, resembling a doll. However, due to her appearance, she typically played quirky or adorable female leads.

She, a wealthy heiress, excelled in the Shanghai Opera examination and, upon graduation, joined Yao Hui. Subsequently, the Mo Yin Conglomerate, managed by her family's steward, promptly infused capital into Yao Hui.

She was already a rising second-tier celebrity, with a butler as her backing in the industry. There had never been a time when she couldn't vie for a role.

Such a formidable figure — the original owner was oblivious to having offended them. Without access to her memories, she could never have guessed that she had a grudge with Miss Guan.

How did that argument go again? Guan Yun and Tang Fei were both attending an in-house acting training program at the company. Guan Yun had told her, "Tall and sturdy figures like yours shouldn't try to be cute; it just looks odd."

Tang Fei promptly replied, "With a surname like Guan, you really do try to manage everything, don't you? I didn't meddle when you insisted on pairing up with someone who's 190 cm tall, needing two boxes to stand on for the shots, and ending up looking shorter standing than sitting."

"You're that barbarian who can push two hundred jin with one hand."

"What did you just say?!"

With her severely limited vocabulary, Tang Fei found herself at a disadvantage in arguments, quickly resorting to repeating words. In contrast, Guan Yun could continually come up with new phrases, infuriating Tang Fei to the point of charging forward, only to be held back by a group of people.

Back then, Tang Fei was quite innocent and unafraid to speak her mind or even physically confront the company's major sponsor. It's likely that Guan Yun was deeply hurt by the incident, possibly even seeking solace in her brother's arms multiple times after the revenge incident.

Learning that Guan Yun had also felt uneasy back then, Tang Fei felt rather pleased.

Aside from Guan Yun fighting for Li Yunxiu's role, the other candidates who had auditioned didn't satisfy the production team. The stalemate was either between the author-screenwriter or the behind-the-scenes restrictions on each other.

This was indeed her opportunity.

Although Li Yunxiu's character seemed to have limited screen time, the role was rich in performance depth and filled with memorable moments. With the short shooting schedule and condensed yet refined script, given the popularity and plot of Spiritual Frenzy, a successful portrayal would certainly lead to a breakout performance.

This time, Tang Fei and He Zhou were so broke that they couldn't even afford a high-speed train. Fortunately, it wasn't peak travel time, so the train was relatively empty. Sitting in the small green carriage, slowly enjoying the scenery outside the window wasn't too bad.

Kong Xian and his close friend Zhou Weichuan had sent Tang Fei a few hundred-word essay, but Zhou Weichuan hadn't replied.

At that moment, Zhou Weichuan was sitting across from Guan Yun's agent in a coffee shop.

Guan Yun's agent took out an envelope, which was bulging with contents: "Young Master Zhou, it's wise to leave some room for maneuver, so that you can meet again on good terms. Your father has already agreed, why do you insist on blocking this?"

Zhou Weichuan sipped his coffee lightly, praised its aroma, then looked at the envelope on the table. Suddenly, he found it amusing. He said, "Do you think I'm broke?"

"I suggest you inquire about the relationship between my father and me. How likely is it that he agrees while I don't? It's quite rare for us to see eye to eye."

Did someone tell you that my spending has been restricted by my father? Hence, you think throwing some money at me would settle things? Use your brain and don't believe in rumors."

He ignored the other person's changing expression as his phone vibrated wildly on the table, indicating new messages. He casually flipped it over to cover the screen. "You came to me because I have decision-making power in the company. But I didn't expect you to be so naive as to think money could solve this."

"Mr. Zhou, everything has its price. You can name your terms," he said, barely holding back his anger after being so humiliated as Guan Yun's agent. Clenching his fists tightly, he continued, "Let's be straightforward. Guan Yun is the most suitable artist for Li Yunxiu's role. She's a fervent book fan and deeply understands the character. For an artist of her caliber to play such a marginalized female lead, I believe it would be an honor for the production team and a mutually beneficial arrangement. Your obstruction is rather immature."