Ning Hao nodded.

“Okay, let’s go there. I heard from Sister Lifang that the outdoor set has been set up and the actors have been selected. We can start filming right away.”

Shen Fang drove Ning Hao to the gate of Kongyi University. The gatekeeper asked who they were and what they were doing there. Shen Fang gave the name Wang Gui. The gatekeeper made a phone call. A moment later, a tall, bespectacled middle-aged man walked over with a smile.

Shen Fang thought the face looked familiar. Wasn't this Xia Donghai? Was he also from the Air Force Political Department?

The middle-aged man smiled and extended his hand to Shen Fang and Ning Hao.

"Hello, I'm Gao Yalin. Wang Tuan sent me to pick you up."

"Hello, I am Shen Fang, and this gentleman next to me is Ning Hao."

Upon hearing this, Ning Hao quickly shook hands with Xia Donghai. Wow, that's quite a rank—a fourth-level sergeant major. That means at least 10 years of military service, though promotions in the cultural troupe are much faster. But Gao Yalin is definitely a veteran too.

The two followed Gao Yalin into the Air Force Political Department Art Center, which was very large and divided into many areas. Shen Fang was looking for several key figures in the Air Force Political Department Art Troupe, most of whom were in the Air Force Political Department.

The two followed Gao Yalin to the lobby of the office building. Gao Yalin and Shen Fangninghao started joking around, with Gao Yalin asking them what they had come for. When they heard that a drama was casting here, they suddenly became unusually enthusiastic and volunteered.

"What do you think of me? I can play any role, I'm not picky about the roles. As long as the money is right, I'm fine with it."

Shen Fang smiled and said, "Brother Gao, how about we do a group audition? Speaking of which, Brother Gao, you're not a low-ranking person, but it seems like you don't have many roles to play. You seem very relaxed."

Gao Yalin smiled bitterly: "At my rank, I'm nothing in the department. There are plenty of people with higher ranks than me. Although we are soldiers, we are mostly actors. We are here to act. These days, the Air Force Political Department only produces one drama a year, and I'm not even a chance to be in it. To put it bluntly, there are plenty of people who are just sitting around doing nothing these days. The cultural troupe is stable, but most of them are just sitting around doing nothing. They're so idle that they're practically crawling with lice. Look over there, we play badminton, table tennis, basketball, and stuff like that when we have nothing to do. This place is suitable for retirement, but I'm only 30, in the prime of my life. You tell me, what am I supposed to do with this... sigh, I won't say anymore."

Shen Fang followed Gao Yalin's pointing finger and looked around. Good heavens, groups of three or five were playing ball, jumping rope, dancing, chatting, and some were even knitting. It's so leisurely to have a secure job.

Two women playing ball and dressed in casual clothes caught Shen Fang's attention. One of them was the person Shen Fang was looking for, Yan Ni, who played Tong Xiangyu. The other, a youthful and beautiful girl, turned out to be the imperial concubine Yang Yuhuan, the elegant beauty Cherry.

Good grief, Cherry is also from the Air Force Political Department? That's outrageous.

Shen Fang pointed at Yan Ni: "Brother Gao, could you invite that lady in the red short-sleeved shirt over here? I think she'd be perfect for the female lead in our script. And could you also call the pretty girl next to her over?"

Upon hearing this, Gao Yalin nodded and shouted, "Yan Ni, Yin Tao, come here for a moment. I need to talk to you two."

Yan Ni, who was playing ball, looked at Gao Yalin with curiosity upon hearing this. She then saw Shen Fang and Ning Hao with puzzled expressions, as she didn't recognize them. Nevertheless, Yan Ni and Ying Tao walked over together.

Yan Ni looked at Gao Yalin and the other two.

She asked in a soft, sweet voice, "Old Gao, what's the matter?"

Shen Fang instantly got goosebumps, staring straight at Yan Ni... This Tong Xiangyu, whom he had imagined to be a fiery, sharp-tongued, and eloquent woman, was completely different! Tong Xiangyu, what's wrong with you? Why are you talking like that?!

Yan Ni blushed slightly as she looked at Shen Fang's exceptionally handsome face, who was staring intently at her. She lowered her head shyly.

"Old Gao, are these two your friends? Why are you so judgmental about them?"

Ning Hao quickly pulled Chen Fang up.

Hey bro, what's up? Changed your tastes? Even if you're going to look, you should be looking at the pretty girl next to you! Why are you looking at this older woman? She's at least seven or eight years older than you!

Shen Fang woke up with a start and looked at the shy Yan Ni... Oh my god, don't get me wrong!!! I'm only 18.

Gao Yalin quickly introduced.

"This is the CEO of Shenfang Longteng Media, and this is Director Ning Hao. They're here to cast actors. CEO Shen thinks your image is perfect for the female lead in the drama, so he called you over. Don't get the wrong idea, she's not interested in you. With your looks, young man, countless young women and wives would be chasing after you. Don't worry, you're out of the running."

Upon hearing this, Yan Ni glared at Gao Yalin angrily and said, "Can't people like older women? And am I ugly?! Maybe this handsome young man likes someone like me! Don't you know the saying 'A woman three years older is a lucky charm'?!"

At that moment, Yan Ni's subtle expression made Shen Fang and Ning Hao exchange a glance. Something was brewing.

Shen Fang quickly took out the script and handed it to Yan Ni.

"Hello, Ms. Yan Ni, I think your expression and tone when you were angry just now are very suitable for the role of Tong Xiangyu, the female lead in our drama. Here is the script, take a look. If you like it, let's try it out."

Tong Xiangyu looked at Shen Fang with surprise and delight.

"Handsome young man, you have good taste. The leading lady, hehe."

As the group's discussion grew louder, other air force personnel also curiously approached, as outsiders rarely appeared here.

At that moment, a kind-looking middle-aged man walked out of the Air Force Political Department building, smiling as he headed straight for Shen Fang. Shen Fang recognized him immediately by his military rank; this was the Commander Wang he was looking for.