An Juexiao’s scenes wrapped up quickly. Although she was only a minor supporting role, the crew, grateful for her stepping in at the last moment and because Director Tian genuinely liked her, prepared a cake and flowers to celebrate her wrap.
“If you were not going to film Director Zhang’s project next, I would have liked to schedule you for my next one,” Director Tian said cheerfully while eating cake.
“I’m just going for an audition, nothing is certain yet.” An Juexiao made a playful face and smiled. “If you have a new project, Director Tian, please take care of me. The boxed meals on your set are so delicious, I still think about them.”
Director Tian burst out laughing. Many actors became arrogant after gaining success, but An Juexiao suited his taste very well.
“You’re a female actor and all you think about is food. Since you like eating so much, make sure you come back for the wrap party if you have time.”
“Of course, of course.”
“Director Zhang is very experienced. Working with him, you will learn a lot. Good luck with your audition.” Director Tian patted her shoulder.
Their conversation caused the expressions of several actors nearby to shift.
They had not expected that a minor supporting actress from their production would, upon leaving, immediately step into a higher-tier opportunity.
Films and television dramas were considered different worlds, and films were generally regarded as a level above television in status.
And Director Zhang’s projects were yet another step higher.
“Juexiao, you’re really lucky. Just after graduating, you already have the chance to join Director Zhang’s project. Your value will definitely soar in the future,” Li Lingyin said warmly, wrapping an arm around her. She suddenly felt glad that she had lent An Juexiao a helping hand during her low point.
Thinking about it, she even had to thank Xin Yan for being at odds with her. Otherwise, how would she have thought of bringing An Juexiao into the crew just to irritate Xin Yan?
“Sister Yin, really, it’s just an audition.” An Juexiao smiled awkwardly. She was not good at handling situations like this and felt overwhelmed.
She felt like a treasure chest under a spotlight, with everyone looking at her with meaningful expressions.
To outsiders, the attention surrounding An Juexiao no longer looked like treatment for a minor supporting actress, but more like that of a female lead.
However, despite the crowd around her, Xin Yan stood far away, watching coldly.
“Sister Xin, don’t be upset,” her assistant said while fanning her. “People in this industry are like this, they follow the wind and step on the low while praising the high.”
“What am I upset about?” Xin Yan sneered. “The higher you stand, the harder you fall. It’s not that she won’t fall, it’s just that the time has not come yet.”
“She may be proud now, but there will be a day she cries, just wait.”
A few days later, Gu Zhanran, who was abroad, received a call from his butler, saying that a letter from the film studio had arrived at his home.
Gu Zhanran’s brows twitched slightly, and he asked the butler to open the envelope for him.
Through the video call, he watched as the butler carefully used a delicate letter opener to slice it open.
“Be careful,” Gu Zhanran could not help but remind him.
The butler chuckled. “Young master, these hands of mine have handled contracts worth billions. Don’t you trust me?”
Gu Zhanran gave a noncommittal response.
The first thing that slipped out of the envelope was a pink postcard.
Looking closely, the pink came from several vibrant peach blossoms, contrasting beautifully with the dark-toned ancient buildings.
If he remembered correctly, this should be the filming location of Three Realms.
There were also several photos taken by An Juexiao, behind-the-scenes snapshots from the set. In one, a group of actors in period costume were all hunched over their phones, the clash between modern technology and historical attire creating an amusing scene.
In another, many extras were gathered together, squatting and eating boxed meals.
Through An Juexiao’s photos, one could see the many facets of life on set.
As Gu Zhanran looked at these pictures, it felt as if he was seeing everything through her eyes, the perspective lively and vivid.
In the final photo, An Juexiao finally appeared. She held a bouquet of flowers, standing in front of the wrap cake, happily taking a group photo with the director and actors.
Seeing this, Gu Zhanran paused slightly.
So wrapping a production involved giving cake and flowers.
He made a mental note of it.
After looking at the photos she sent, the butler also found them interesting.
“Who would have thought that in this day and age, young people still preserve memories with physical photos and letters,” the butler said, admiring her neat handwriting. “This young lady has beautiful handwriting too.”
On the back of the postcard, An Juexiao had written a few simple lines of well wishes.
Just as the butler was about to read them aloud, Gu Zhanran suddenly felt a sense of embarrassment, as if his diary were about to be read in public.
“Ahem, I’ll read it myself when I get back.”
The butler understood immediately, the young master was feeling shy.
After ending the video call, Gu Zhanran sent An Juexiao a message on WeChat.
At that moment, An Juexiao was sitting in a café, waiting for Director Zhang’s assistant.
Assistants came in many types, some merely running errands, others acting as a trusted right hand.
Director Zhang’s assistant belonged to the latter. Cheng Wen had been by his side for over a decade and was deeply trusted. He had seen more actors than grains of rice in a vat.
As for meeting An Juexiao this time, Cheng Wen did not hold much hope. Before every production began, too many people were inserted into the crew through various connections.
And most of them lacked real ability.
It was no longer an era where directors had full control. Whoever had money held power. Even Director Zhang could only try his best to balance between capital and quality.
Cheng Wen sighed and silently prayed that An Juexiao would not have one of those overly altered, artificial-looking faces.
After entering the café, his gaze swept across the room.
It quickly landed on a girl sitting by the window.
She was wearing a white T-shirt layered under a denim jacket, her ponytail tied high, her skin fair, her face small and delicate. There was a heroic air between her brows, like a wandering swordswoman.
This girl had quite a bit of potential. Her look carried a kind of sharp elegance that was rare among current actresses, and most importantly, it looked natural.
Cheng Wen had a sharp and discerning eye. With just one glance, he could tell whether an actor had undergone cosmetic procedures, and whether it was major or minor.
He did not accept actors who had undergone major procedures, not out of disdain, but because their facial muscles often became stiff. They could not cry freely or laugh naturally, making it difficult to deliver the nuanced performances required for the big screen.
His gaze lingered on the girl for a moment before shifting away to look for An Juexiao.
Before coming, he had not looked at her photos. This was his habit when meeting new actors. Compared to photos that could be edited, he preferred to save the surprise for the first meeting.
Just as he was about to look away, the girl he had noticed earlier suddenly waved her arms excitedly.
Cheng Wen paused, then walked over. “An Juexiao?”
“Director Cheng, it’s me, it’s me.” An Juexiao nodded rapidly. “I got hit by bird droppings on the way here, so I had to change clothes at the last minute.”
Although Cheng Wen was not actually a director, her way of addressing him was a form of respect.
Cheng Wen: “……”
They had agreed to identify each other by the color of their clothes, so that was why he had not recognized her earlier.
He was speechless for a moment, then could not help but laugh. “It’s our first meeting, couldn’t you come up with a more elegant excuse for changing your outfit?”
An Juexiao blinked. “An elegant excuse would not be as memorable as bird droppings.”
Cheng Wen thought about it and agreed.
“Director Cheng, this is my profile.” An Juexiao handed over her résumé obediently.
“No need.” Cheng Wen pressed down the documents she offered. “To be honest, the moment I walked in, I already took a liking to you. Your appearance fits perfectly with the third female lead in my mind.”
“The third female lead?” An Juexiao was surprised.
She had originally been called in to audition for the second female lead, but she was too shy to ask about it directly.
Cheng Wen naturally saw through her thoughts, and his gaze dimmed slightly. “I will send you the scripts for both roles. I hope you will consider them.”
“The third female lead may have fewer scenes than the second, but it really suits you better.”
Although he said that, Cheng Wen knew very well that most people would choose the highest-ranked role available. If they could play the lead, they would not settle for second. If they could play second, they would not accept third.
Actors nowadays fought over billing positions with even more passion than they put into acting.
However, An Juexiao took his advice seriously. After returning, she carefully began reading the script.
The phone on her bedside suddenly lit up. She glanced at it. It was Gu Zhanran.
Gu Lucky Star: I received your gift. I like it very much, thank you.
An Juexiao felt a burst of joy. The fact that he had specifically messaged her to thank her probably meant he genuinely liked it, not just being polite.
An Juexiao: I’m glad you like it!
Gu Lucky Star: Director Zhang’s side wants to switch you to the third female lead?
An Juexiao sighed inwardly. Gu Zhanran really did have well-connected information channels.
An Juexiao: Yes, I’m reading the script now, and I find the third female lead quite interesting.
Gu Lucky Star: You don’t care about billing position?
An Juexiao: There is no such thing as a small role. The brilliance and memorability of a character does not depend solely on how many scenes they have.
An Juexiao: For example, the Sweeping Monk in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils has very few scenes, yet everyone remembers him and talks about him with great interest.
An Juexiao: I think Director Cheng has a good eye. After reading the script, the third female lead really suits me better.
An Juexiao: I want to give it a try.
As Gu Zhanran read her replies, something stirred in his heart, like a fresh sea breeze passing through, leaving a clean and refreshing feeling.
Many people had acted for years, yet did not see things as clearly as An Juexiao.
An Juexiao: I just feel a bit sorry toward you. You went through the trouble of helping me secure the second female lead, yet I want to play the third.
In a way, that could be considered rather ungrateful.
Gu Lucky Star: As long as your choice is true to yourself, that’s enough.
Gu Lucky Star: Recommending you was just a simple matter, not much effort at all.
Gu Lucky Star: No need to worry [smiley].
An Juexiao: “……”
Wow, President Gu, your words are really asking to be punched.