Chapter 48 Registration

It was nearly 11 p.m. when Zhou Han and Zhang Tao left the office together.

Stepping into the elevator, Zhou Han watched the floor numbers descend and casually remarked, "Is a twelve-year age difference really that big?"

Zhang Tao was taken aback by this seemingly random question, and stroked his chin as he thought seriously: "Hmm... You're at the age where you can legitimately date and have casual sex, but the other person seems to be still in kindergarten. Thinking about it that way, it is indeed quite old."

After he finished his analysis, he belatedly realized what was going on and turned his head curiously, "Why are you asking this? Are you perhaps asking about Ling...?"

Zhou Han seemed not to hear, and as soon as the elevator doors opened, he strode out, leaving behind only a cold and aloof figure.

Zhang Tao blinked in place as he watched his hurried steps: "Hey? Why are you walking so fast?"

Project preparations are underway in full swing.

As the project leader and director of the group, Ling Wei has the final say on the roles, especially the selection of the core lead actors.

However, she encountered difficulties with the script.

The quality of the scripts that Group C, a fledgling team, sourced from various channels on the market was uneven. Of the ten scripts handed to her, eight were filled with artificial sweeteners and industrial melodrama, with plots so formulaic as to be outrageous.

After watching it, she banged her forehead on the table with a "thump, thump" sound, feeling utterly hopeless, trying to shake the cringeworthy scenes out of her mind.

She immersed herself in the pile of scripts for two days, almost going blind from looking at them. Finally, a script called "Double Mirror" caught her eye.

The synopsis describes it as a currently popular "real and fake heiress" setting. Ling Wei didn't have high hopes at first, thinking it would be another cliché plot where the real and fake female leads tear each other apart over a man.

But upon closer reading, this notebook is different.

Instead of deliberately portraying the antagonism and hatred between the two girls, it ingeniously designed a story of mutual probing, subtle resonance, and arduous waiting under mismatched lives.

It focuses on the moving journey of these women who struggle to survive in vastly different environments, yet are drawn together and redeemed by a strange bond of fate, ultimately joining hands to break free from the shackles of their identities and live out their true selves.

The story certainly has conflicts, but the core driving force is not the rivalry between the two women, but the choices and growth of two intelligent and resilient souls in reality, which is full of human warmth and strength.

The notebook was so good that she stood in her office, hands on her hips, and laughed hysterically for a while.

She had already decided on the female lead. One of them was Xiang Wanxing, whom she had sent the script to early so she could prepare. She also sent a message to the other actress to confirm her availability.

As for the other supporting roles, in accordance with standard procedures, a public recruitment announcement will be prepared.

However, she underestimated her importance in the eyes of the guests on "The Pursuit Order".

Not long after the news was released, her WeChat was bombarded with messages from Lu Zhao.

Announcing to the world: [Director Ling~ I'll be your actor! (heart emoji)]

He doesn't even pretend anymore; he just loves using emojis to flirt.

Vivi smiled brightly: "No. I don't need you."

A public announcement: [(Image of a puppy getting rained on)]

Then the phone rang, and a wronged voice came through: "Why don't you want me...?"

The voice was muffled, with a slightly lowered tone at the end, carrying a subtle hint of coquetry that made Ling Wei's heart flutter.

Ling Wei explained, "There aren't any suitable roles for you. And your acting skills..."

She stopped there, saying that Lu Zhao was only suitable for playing himself. His current team was giving him roles that were close to his own personality, so there was nothing wrong with them. He would have a hard time in any role that required acting skills.

The whining and groaning didn't stop; the person on the other end kept saying they wanted to help her or something.

Ling Wei had no choice but to explain in detail to him: "The underlying logic of short dramas is completely different from that of long videos. Its core is that rhythm is king. It needs to complete the introduction, development, climax and conclusion within tens of seconds to one or two minutes, and the emotional outbursts must be frequent and precise."

Your involvement will completely draw the audience's attention to the topic of 'top star Lu Zhao is actually acting in a short drama,' rather than the story itself. This will completely disrupt my rhythm and dilute the tension of the plot.

She continued her calm analysis, laying out the stakes on the table:

"This is not the best option for you either."

Short dramas are still viewed by some traditional perspectives as a market for lower-tier cities. If you rush into this market and your work fails to become a phenomenon, it could damage the high-end brand image you have painstakingly built. If it does become a hit, you are likely to be labeled as a short drama actor, which could have unpredictable effects on your future opportunities to work on the big screen or for high-end endorsements.

Isn't Brother Li right next to you? He definitely knows this much.

Li Wei, who had been eavesdropping nearby, breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness!

God knows, ever since he heard that Ling Wei was going to direct a short drama independently, she's been like a big dog that suddenly smells its owner's scent while taking a walk on the street, she just started charging forward. Her manager was practically tearing her apart, but he still couldn't stop her.

Smash it!!!

If it weren't for the high salary offered by the Lu family, he would have really made a scene!

After hearing her explanation, Lu Zhao was finally satisfied: "Okay, I knew it, you were concerned about me."

Ling Wei: "..."

Okay, whatever you say goes.

I had just finished dealing with one when Anyao's video call request popped up.

Once the call connected, that exquisitely beautiful, wicked face filled the entire screen.

Ling Wei raised an eyebrow: "? You were filming your drama perfectly fine, why are you getting involved?"

An Yao, her face contorted with grief and indignation, cried out, "Everywhere I go, I'm stuck playing the villainous supporting character! I've had enough! Director Ling, I want to play a good person! The kind who's turned over a new leaf!"

Ling Wei glanced through the preliminary character biographies and hesitated, "Emmm... but my two female leads have already been cast."

She swiped the screen, "There's another one... a stunningly beautiful, cunning, and wicked stepmother, she's the villain..."

There's nothing we can do about it.

"Fine!" An Yao's expression changed instantly, and she agreed readily. "What's wrong with going back to my old ways for you!"

Ling Wei chuckled: "...Don't push yourself, sis."

An Yao on the other end of the screen dropped her joking expression and her eyes became serious: "I won't force you. Because I feel that following you will bring me more opportunities and a brighter future."

Immediately afterward, Shen Yicheng's message came in, succinctly asking her if she needed any actors.

Ling Wei was flattered: "Teacher Shen, with your status as a star, acting in a short drama? It's such a waste of your talent!"

Shen Yicheng replied quickly: [As people get older, they want to try more new things. (accompanied by an Ultraman laser-firing emoji)]

Ling Wei thought for a moment, then decided to be honest: "But among the current roles, there's one character whose design might not be very likable, and it contrasts somewhat with your current image..."

Shen Yicheng: [(Ultraman making a peace sign.jpg) Acting, I feel better with different roles.]

This meme... is it stolen from his son?

As if by prior arrangement, the other regular guests of "The Pursuit Order" also sent messages expressing their willingness to support and make guest appearances at any time.

Looking at her message list, which was instantly filled up, Ling Wei couldn't help but doubt herself. Could it be that she was actually born with a succubus constitution?

It's obvious that it's impossible.