Rebirth: I Am the Wealthy Family (GL) - Chapter 11

“How about it, Ā Hé, take a look, I’ve returned you a fresh and refined Chen Qianyǔ. Isn’t she charmingly pitiful?” Lǎng Yuè was very satisfied with the makeup she designed for Chen Qianyǔ today. Ā Hé leaned in closer and saw that she indeed had an added touch of tenderness compared to before.

“Good, very good. Then let’s leave now. Qianyǔ, you must be careful in the future. The most important thing for an actress is maintenance.” Ā Hé couldn’t resist giving Chen Qianyǔ a piece of advice. Lǎng Yuè, upon seeing this, immediately laughed: “Ā Hé, you’re becoming more and more like a mother hen. Qianyǔ has been an actress for so many years, how could she not know this? She doesn’t need your reminders. If you ask me, Qianyǔ, I could actually have made you even more beautiful; I only used eighty percent of my skill today.”

Lǎng Yuè was about to go into a lengthy explanation, but was promptly silenced by the look Ā Hé gave her. The group quickly arrived at the Central Building. As soon as Chen Qianyǔ got out of the car, she was surrounded by various media outlets frantically taking photos. Ā Hé shielded her and escorted her into the secure entrance.

Upon reaching the conference room, they were neither too early nor too late; some people had already arrived, while others had not. After about half an hour of waiting, all the main creative personnel of the production team were present. Director Zhāng arrived leading the producer and the screenwriter. All the other actors were also present.

Chen Qianyǔ recognized a few of them, including Zhāng Xī, and another person, Bái Guǎnghán, who auditioned with her last time. Yán Zhújiā was not present. There was one woman who was leaning back in a chair wearing sunglasses and had not said a word the entire time. There were also two male actors whom Chen Qianyǔ did not recognize at all. Taking the cast list handed to her by Ā Hé, Chen Qianyǔ generally matched the names to the faces.

Zhāng Xī was playing Lù Xiǎomàn, also a talented woman from the Republican era. However, Chen Qianyǔ’s role was not Lín Huīyīn, which she had auditioned for, but had changed to Xú Zhìmó’s ex-wife—Zhāng Yòuyí. Lín Huīyīn was played by Ān Xī, the woman who was late for the audition last time. Chen Qianyǔ looked over, assuming she was the woman wearing sunglasses. Bái Guǎnghán was playing Liáng Sīchéng, and Sū Báiyè was playing the talented Xú Zhìmó. The role of Jīn Yuèlín, Chen Qianyǔ’s favorite, was played by the veteran actor Cóng Kūn.

Ā Hé was also stunned when he saw the cast list and immediately raised an objection: “Director Zhāng, our Qianyǔ clearly auditioned for Lín Huīyīn before. I cannot understand this sudden change in casting. I hope Director Zhāng can provide a reasonable explanation, otherwise, we have the right to withdraw!”

Everyone present looked up at Ā Hé, who was being uncharacteristically assertive.

Director Zhāng also looked troubled. He actually preferred Chen Qianyǔ, but the investors insisted on using Ān Xī.

“Well, actually, I think…”

“Ā Hé, do you really think Chen Qianyǔ is more suitable to play Lín Huīyīn than I am? Based on her?”

Ān Xī, who had been silent, let out a cold snort, took off her sunglasses, and glanced at Chen Qianyǔ with disdain, clearly looking down on her.

“Not everyone with a pretty face can play any role. Acting in those trashy costume dramas without standards might fool some people. Director Zhāng’s work is high-standard; does she really think she can play the lead?” Simple, direct, hitting the nail on the head, and completely unreserved. Ān Xī directly criticized Chen Qianyǔ’s acting skills.

Ā Hé was silent for a moment. In terms of acting and skill, Chen Qianyǔ was indeed inferior to Ān Xī.

“However, Director Zhāng, we clearly had an agreement before. We cannot cooperate with your current approach!” Ā Hé would not give up so easily, otherwise, his existence as a manager would be meaningless.

“If the acting is poor, a change in cast is necessary. Director Zhāng’s dramas are naturally selective about the actors.”

Zhāng Xī, who had always disliked Chen Qianyǔ, did not forget to deliver an additional blow.

There was a moment of silence in the room, then a burst of laughter came through. The voice was familiar. Chen Qianyǔ realized it was Gu Míngzhū’s voice. Had she come here today too?

“So this is Jǐngtiān Group. Brother Báiyè, your company is getting bigger and bigger, truly different from five years ago!”

“President Jǐng!”

Director Zhāng immediately stood up when he saw Jǐng Báiyè appear. Zhāng Xī also eagerly straightened her clothes, hoping to get attention. Even Ān Xī, who had been aloof and arrogant, showed a look of delight when she saw Jǐng Báiyè.

“Brother Báiyè, what are they doing?”

Gu Míngzhū poked her head out, her hand still holding Jǐng Báiyè’s arm. With her short hair, she looked very sharp and natural, yet her small expressions had the naughtiness of a young girl, as if she had discovered something fun. Jǐng Báiyè looked at her with indulgence.

“They are having a meeting. Renjian Sizheyue Tian (April Day in the Human World) starts filming in two days. Are you interested in listening? Didn’t you say you wanted to form a media company? This is a necessary mode of operation, perhaps listening will help you.” Jǐng Báiyè enthusiastically offered his seat, motioning for Gu Míngzhū to sit down.

“Sounds great. I’m naturally happy to learn for free. But please continue, I’ll just listen.”

“Director Zhāng, please continue.”

Jǐng Báiyè also spoke up. Director Zhāng looked troubled as he faced everyone. “Director Zhāng, regarding the contract, my side is dissatisfied. Qianyǔ, let’s go!”

Jǐng Báiyè frowned; he looked quite displeased and asked in a low voice: “Director Zhāng, what’s going on? Is this the quality of actors nowadays? Just up and leaving?” He was clearly unhappy with the sudden departure of Chen Qianyǔ and the others. “President Jǐng, I think you’ve misunderstood. Our Qianyǔ has always been a responsible actress. During the audition, the contract clearly stated that she would play the lead role of Lín Huīyīn, but now it has been changed to the supporting role of Zhāng Yòuyí. We have the right to terminate the contract!”

“Oh, Qianyǔ, so you’re here. Actually, I think you’re quite suitable to play Zhāng Yòuyí in this drama. Everyone wants to play Lín Huīyīn, but what’s so great about Lín Huīyīn? So many people fight for her, yet she could only marry one man. And that man married another woman after she died. Zhāng Yòuyí is much better; although she didn’t win Xú Zhìmó’s love, she made Xú Zhìmó bear the reputation of a scumbag for a lifetime. If you act well, you will definitely be brilliant. But Báiyè, does your company change roles just like that? Don’t only small companies do that? Is there really something going on between you and Ān Xī?”

Gu Míngzhū smiled, her almond-shaped eyes tilted upwards, looking smilingly at Ān Xī who was sitting not far away. She gave a scornful smile and tossed the actor’s script she was holding.

“Míngzhū, what are you talking about? There’s nothing going on between Ān Xī and me. She’s an actress under my flag, it’s that simple. Don’t misunderstand, I guarantee it!” Jǐng Báiyè expressed himself somewhat agitatedly.

“Brother Báiyè, why are you so agitated? Even if there was something between you and her, it doesn’t matter. Okay, you all continue your discussion. Ā Hé, you sit down too. Everything can be negotiated.” Gu Míngzhū smiled, signaling Ā Hé and Chen Qianyǔ to sit down!