Chapter 86: Roles

First, Zhou Jingchen was noticed by Director Xu because of a photo and brought into the cast. Now, Yu Qian merely visited the set and caught Director Xu’s eye as well. Previously, Wen Xiu had tried countless ways to secure resources and push the studio’s signed artists into the production, but nothing worked; since when did their luck improve this much?

Wen Xiu’s mind raced. Both Zhou Jingchen and Yu Qian were artists signed to the studio; if she could promote these two first, the rest would surely be easier. After considering her options, Wen Xiu gently held Yu Qian back and, smiling, addressed Director Xu Guangrong, "Hello, Director Xu. I’m Wen Xiu, the agent for Jingchen and Qian."

Xu Guangrong looked at Wen Xiu, visibly surprised. He had thought this young lady was Yu Qian’s sister, not their agent. "Miss Wen, nice to meet you."

After a friendly handshake, it was time to get down to business.

"Director Xu, would you mind telling us which role you’d like Qian to play?"

Xu Guangrong paused, then spoke, "The role previously played by You Si—a young lady raised in a prominent family, poised and elegant yet capable of captivating hearts."

Wen Xiu’s expression turned somewhat peculiar upon hearing this. Xu Guangrong couldn’t understand it and looked at Yu Qian and Zhou Jingchen, noting their equally strange expressions.

"What’s wrong? Is there an issue?" He raised his eyebrows, questioning them.

Yu Qian exchanged a glance with Zhou Jingchen, then asked, "Director Xu, may I ask how old this character is in the script?"

"Around twenty," Xu Guangrong replied, a little confused.

"Do you know how old I am?"

Xu Guangrong scrutinized Yu Qian up and down, then answered uncertainly, "Eighteen?"

The silence among the three unsettled him. "Wh—what’s wrong?"

Zhou Jingchen patted his shoulder sympathetically, "Our little cutie just turned thirteen."

"Impossible!" Xu Guangrong exclaimed.

"What good would it do me to lie?" Zhou Jingchen replied, even more sympathetic.

"A thirteen-year-old at one meter sixty—do you think I lack common sense?" Director Xu retorted.

Yu Qian felt helpless. Is it my fault I grew so tall thanks to good nutrition?

"I really am only thirteen," Yu Qian said straightforwardly. "I can’t deliver the captivating performance you’re looking for."

Indeed, she hadn’t systematically studied acting; everything was self-taught. Playing the elegant side would be easy—she simply had to act as she normally did. But to portray someone who seduces and entrances? She could manage it when dancing as taught by Su Daji, but acting? A thirteen-year-old achieving that would be a miracle.

Wen Xiu continued, "Director Xu, we truly appreciate your interest in Qian, but this role doesn’t suit her. I’m sorry."

The expressions and words of the three made it impossible for Xu Guangrong to convince himself that Yu Qian was an adult, leaving him rather defeated.

Nowadays, female stars in the entertainment industry could easily deliver seductive performances, but elegance—most were mere imitators, never meeting Director Xu’s standards. He had finally found someone somewhat suitable in You Si, but she was nothing but trouble. Now, a girl with even more refined temperament had appeared, but she was just a schoolgirl and couldn’t be alluring.

The thought of having to recast the role gave Director Xu a headache.

He rubbed his forehead; never mind, after all, Zhou Jingchen—the investor—had just poured even more money into the project. He could simply shoot other parts first and take his time finding the right person.

Looking up, he noticed that the girl chatting with Zhou Jingchen had taken off her mask. A flicker of amazement crossed Xu Guangrong’s eyes.

Yu Qian’s looks weren’t of the strikingly glamorous kind; her features were delicate and gentle, her peach blossom eyes curved in a smile, but her brows held a hint of boldness, balancing her overly soft aura. Her appearance was the kind that elders would adore.

Director Xu gazed at her and thought of a role far more suitable for her, though not in his own production.

He hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to recommend her for it.

Unable to guarantee she’d be accepted elsewhere, Director Xu chose not to approach Yu Qian directly, but instead spoke to Wen Xiu about the matter.