Chapter 331 - Chapter 331: Let’s Give It a Shot
Chapter 331: Let’s Give It a Shot
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Wang Bing regarded Wen Nian with unease, surprised that this young girl had spoken up on her behalf.
Xu Chang asked curiously, “Have you two met before? Have you seen her scenes?”
Wen Nian nodded, offering, “I’ve watched some of Wang Bing’s TV dramas. The production quality was quite decent, and her performances were engaging.”
Realizing that the people around her were looking at her strangely, Wen Nian realized her response had sounded a bit too professional. She quickly added, “My roommates and I enjoyed her scenes and thought she did well.”
Understanding dawned on Xu Chang. Wang Bing was indeed a recognizable actress, and her previous drama had been suitable for a younger audience.
Xu Chang examined Wang Bing once more. While she might not possess conventional beauty, her distinct cool demeanor was undeniably unique.
Seizing the moment, Sister Wang, Wang Bing’s manager, chimed in. “See, 1 told you! Your leading lady thinks highly of Wang Bing. Just give her a chance to audition. It’s only a chance. At most, I’ll whip up a few dishes of braised pork!”
Wang Bing’s anxiety was palpable as she tightly clasped her hands. She understood that Xu Chang’s current stature was formidable, and many actors vied for the opportunity to work with him. Her odds were slim, and if it weren’t for her agent’s connections, they might not even have gained entry to the studio.
Xu Chang took a closer look at Wang Bing and then at Wen Nian. He still couldn’t make up his mind.
“Wen Nian, the art exam is approaching. Have you made a decision?” he asked abruptly.
Wen Nian was momentarily taken aback by the abrupt change of subject. After a brief pause, she replied, “I haven’t decided yet, and besides, the results of the provincial examination haven’t been released. I’m hoping you can get some potato chips from this, Director Xu.”
“What potato chips?” Sister Wang asked in confusion.
“Don’t you know?” Wen Nian blinked playfully. “Director Xu is also part of the bet to see if I can make it into the top 80 in the provincial exam before the new year. 1 wouldn’t want to embarrass myself and make Director Xu give out potato chips in bulk!”
Her lighthearted remark lightened the atmosphere in the room, and Xu Chang couldn’t help but smile. “I’m aware you have your own plans. In any case, the movie I’m preparing won’t begin filming for at least half a year. We’ll discuss it then.”
As soon as Xu Chang made this statement, both Sister Wang and Wang Bing grasped the situation. He was still considering Wen Nian for a role.
Even with the recent public service advertisement, Xu Chang had delayed the television station by a month, waiting for Wen Nian to finish her exams before completing the shoot. During this time, numerous actors had volunteered, but he had not selected any of them.
Wang Bing stole a glance at Wen Nian, feeling a touch of solitude. Although she too was a student at the Capital Film Academy, her fortune hadn’t smiled upon her in the same way as Wen Nian’s.
Observing the spirited and innocent young girl before her, Wang Bing thought about her own experiences with a tinge of disappointment. She had a feeling that Xu Chang wouldn’t choose her.
However, Wen Nian’s words ignited a spark of hope within her.
“I’m not entirely certain if 1 want to pursue acting just yet,” Wen Nian stated with seriousness. “Moreover, I understand that Director Xu’s film is on the verge of casting, isn’t it? The movie should be showing in the cinemas during the summer after I graduate high school.”
Xu Chang chuckled at this. “You’re quite smart. Weren’t you planning to wait until after your college entrance exams to collaborate with us? A good project isn’t bound by time. At worst, we’ll release it during the Spring Festival.”
Wen Nian felt even more appreciative upon hearing this. She knew that Xu Chang’s next film dealt with a sensitive topic, involving sexual assault, the very theme that had led to Wang Bing’s downfall in her previous life. Such a subject wasn’t ideal for a Spring Festival release, and Xu Chang had made substantial concessions to accommodate her.
“Director Xu, I’m sincerely grateful that you value me,” Wen Nian began. “However, I recognize that your scripts might not always align with my abilities and image. Given my current persona and acting skills, 1 might be better suited for student roles. I’m open to exploring other character types…”
Although Wen Nian did not continue, everyone understood what she meant.
Her beauty and intelligence were undeniable, but the youthful aura about her might not suit many roles, including the one in Xu Chang’s upcoming film.
As silence lingered, Wen Nian pressed on, “Wang Bing is a fellow student from the Film Academy, and she’s undoubtedly proficient in her field. She also enjoys a substantial level of popularity. Why not give her a chance?”
Wen Nian’s unexpected recommendation caught everyone off guard, despite Xu Chang having expressed his desire for her to take the lead role in the next movie. Wang Bing trembled with excitement, then offered Wen Nian a grateful look.
“Very well, let’s give it a shot…”