Chapter 427 Don’t Even Think About This Role

Chapter 427: Forget About This Role

Perhaps the 200 yuan given by Jiang Chenghuai was enough for Wang Meili. She took the money and left, not even bothering to look for Jiang Yu again.

Jiang Ting was hugely relieved. She didn’t have to guess that Wang Meili’s trip to the city was undoubtedly about Jiang Hao’s job.

Right now, she was out of options and could only buy time—just one day at a time—for Jiang Hao’s matter.

After the spectacle, Jiang Yu hurried home, quickly swapping her leather boots for her soft cotton shoes.

Though the boots had a layer of fur inside, they were useless against the biting cold.

He Tingyue handed her a warm towel to wipe her hands.

Jiang Yu wiggled her fingers, finally feeling less stiff.

“Do you think the factory will hold Deputy Section Chief Jiang accountable for this scandal?” she asked.

He Tingyue shook his head. “Probably not.”

Before long, Jiang Chenghuai would surely come up with an excuse to cover up the scandal. The factory would play along with his story, protecting its image.

There was no other way—the factory had its reputation to protect.

Jiang Chenghuai was, after all, a leader. If he was caught in a scandal, it would make the Second State Cotton Mill look bad as well.

Jiang Yu didn’t waste time on it. Rather than thinking about the Jiang family’s affairs, she’d rather spend her time reading more books.

While gossip spread like wildfire outside, she remained unfazed, focused on her own tasks.

Sure enough, the next day, Jiang Chenghuai presented his explanation.

He claimed that the incident the day before had all been a misunderstanding—he and Jiang Mingrui had simply entered the wrong room, leading to an awful mix-up.

Fortunately, no real damage was done.

This might convince himself, but nobody else would believe it.

Still, given Jiang Chenghuai’s position, people were smart enough not to call him out openly.

Two days later, Director Lan from the Shanghai Film Studio arrived in Beicheng again, requesting to borrow a location for filming.

After thinking it over, he concluded that the TV series *Spark of Fire* would be best filmed at Factory No. 2—no other place was more suitable.

Most of the main roles and significant supporting roles had already been cast.

However, a few smaller parts were still up for grabs.

Thus, Director Lan, along with director Ding Jianan, planned to hold auditions at Factory No. 2 to fill these roles.

Ding Jianan, in her forties, had a no-nonsense haircut and spoke with precision—a decisive middle-aged woman.

Over a decade ago, she had just graduated from film school.

Before she could pursue her dreams or direct a complete work using her expertise, the turbulent political climate crushed her ambitions.

From the moment she received the script for *Spark of Fire*, she had been itching to bring the series to life, eager to present her work to the entire nation.

After chatting with Jiang Yu for just a few minutes, Ding Jianan felt as though they clicked instantly. She insisted on casting Jiang Yu in the series.

Jiang Yu politely declined several times: "Director Ding, let professionals handle their own fields. I really don’t know how to act."

Ding Jianan waved her hand dismissively.

"Nobody’s born an actor. If you don’t know, I’ll teach you. Your face belongs on screen—it’d be a waste otherwise."

Director Lan gave a wry chuckle. "She’s an executive at the Second State Cotton Mill—she’s got a whole career ahead of her."

Ding Jianan glared at him. "That’s discrimination! What’s so bad about acting? You think film stars are beneath her?"

"Alright, alright, I won’t argue with you. The Second Factory’s crawling with people you could pick. Why insist on Jiang Yu?"

Ding Jianan said, "For the role of Lu Xiaoqin, I think Jiang Yu is perfect!"

Lu Xiaoqin wasn’t some minor role—she was a full-blown villain, sharp and unforgettable.

The kicker? Lu Xiaoqin was gorgeous.

Ding Jianan had been determined to find a stunning actress for the role. She’d seen plenty of actresses in Shanghai, not because they weren’t beautiful, but because none had that spark she was after.

The second she laid eyes on Jiang Yu, she thought: That’s Lu Xiaoqin.

"Jiang Yu, don’t rush to refuse. You wrote the script—wouldn’t you wanna be in on it? It’s a blast, plus you get paid—win-win!"

Jiang Yu didn’t know whether to laugh or groan—this was way out of left field.

But Ding Jianan’s words got her thinking.

"Director Ding, give me a few more days to think it over."

Ding Jianan clapped her hands. "Sure, sleep on it! I’m holding this role for you—no pressure, but it’s yours if you want it."

There were other roles to cast, so putting Lu Xiaoqin on the back burner was no big deal.

To facilitate auditions and find suitable actors, the Second Factory decided to throw a mixer, allowing employees to rehearse performances for the event.

It was a grand gathering of all three state cotton mills, but not everyone could participate—there were age restrictions.

Those too old or not fitting the drama’s character requirements couldn’t sign up.

The response was enthusiastic. Being selected meant not only appearing on TV but also earning payment.

Most importantly, it was a chance to interact with the actors up close.

Take the female lead, Ye Zhu—everyone had only seen her on TV, like some untouchable goddess.

A shot like this? Who wouldn’t jump at it?

Jiang Yu hadn’t planned to sign up, but her name somehow made the list.

When she asked, she learned Ding Jianan had arranged it, saying the writer’s input would ‘keep things authentic.’

Really, Ding Jianan was still scheming—she still wanted Jiang Yu to play Lu Xiaoqin.

Trapped, Jiang Yu gave in.

Soon after, Wu Jingyi came to see her with a few others.

They hadn’t crossed paths since the whole Jiang family mess.

They sat facing each other, and they'd barely said two words before the atmosphere turned tense.

Jiang Yu held her cup absentmindedly, studying Wu Jingyi.

"So, Wu Jingyi came to find me to join your program rehearsal?"

Wu Jingyi nodded. "Yes. Since everyone has signed up, they must want a role in *Spark*. Why not seize the opportunity to perform in front of Director Ding and Director Lan? Maybe you’ll really get selected."

Jiang Yu said 'Oh,' indifferent. "So how were you planning to perform?"

Wu Jingyi’s expression stiffened slightly. "Not me—*we*. Didn’t you sign up too? Don’t you want to be on TV?"

These days, appearing in a TV drama was a huge temptation for everyone.

Jiang Yu shook her head. "I don’t."

Wu Jingyi didn’t believe her. If Jiang Yu really didn’t want to, why would she have signed up?

Among those who registered this time, nine and a half out of ten were aiming for a role.

Jiang Yu was just pretending to be aloof in front of her.

Still, Wu Jingyi didn’t call her out and simply smiled.

"You may not want to, but *we* do. Think of it as helping us out. Besides you, I really can’t find anyone else suitable."

Jiang Yu set down her cup and looked up at her.

"Which role are you trying for?"

Wu Jingyi wore a triumphant smile. "Lu Xiaoqin!"

So it's Lu Xiaoqin? Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow. "Don’t even think about that role—you won’t get it."

She had been hesitating before, but now that Wu Jingyi wanted it, she’d tell Director Ding later.

She would play that role.