Chapter 31 The Power of the Plot: No wonder she had to borrow a favorable wind. ...

After Shi Yao finished speaking, the room was quiet for a while. Cheng Muzhi looked like he wanted to ask more questions, but was interrupted by Lu Jiang.

Lu Jiang was focused solely on the audition. He selected the audition scene from the script, distributed it to the two men, and gave them fifteen minutes to memorize the lines. The audition would begin as soon as the fifteen minutes were up.

Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi hadn't read the script beforehand; they had only found out some information about it, such as the historical background. This was typical of Lu Jiang; he didn't like to let actors read the script in advance, and the specific interview content could only be found out on the spot.

Fang Xuran and Bai Wenning's encounter was purely accidental.

With the audition timeline tight and the opportunity rare, Cheng Muzhi could only suppress his doubts for the time being and obediently go to the side to memorize the script.

Qiao Xi had just as many questions as he did, but she knew the importance of this audition, so she forced herself to clear her mind of other thoughts and focused on understanding the script.

Lu Jiang was a man of his word; as soon as the fifteen minutes were up, he called a halt, instructed his assistant to quickly set up the scene, and the audition began.

The clips selected by Lu Jiang are mostly representative, because he focuses on the interaction between the two main characters and chooses clips with a strong sense of conflict.

And just like when Fang Xuran and Bai Wenning were tested, Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi were asked to perform the two roles once each.

After watching the audition clips of the two, Shi Yao had only one thought in her mind: they were indeed the main characters.

Although the two had not read the script beforehand, their performance was in no way inferior to Fang Xuran and Bai Wenning's. They had only prepared for fifteen minutes, and their lines were flawless.

Perhaps because they had collaborated many times before, their interactions seemed more natural than those between Fang Xuran and Bai Wenning, but their emotional outbursts and sense of conflict were slightly less intense.

However, these performances are quite remarkable considering the amount of time they have to prepare.

While watching, Shi Yao secretly poked the system in her mind: "System, tell me honestly, did you give these two people any cheat codes? They're behaving way too well."

Shi Yao felt a little uneasy. This drama was prepared for Fang Xuran and Bai Wenning. She originally thought that with four main roles, her two clients could read the script in advance and prepare, so they could at least get two of them. But Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi performed so well.

If all the other interviewees are this good, then Fang Xuran and Bai Wenning are in serious trouble.

The system righteously clarified: "Absolutely not, host. How could I help others? However, Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi are the protagonists of this world. They have the protagonist's halo, so it's normal for them to perform well. As the plot unfolds, their resources will definitely get better and better, and the power of the plot will help them acquire good resources."

Shi Yao frowned: "So that means they're definitely going to get this role?"

System: "I can't draw a conclusion right away, host, but you've probably already guessed the result."

Shi Yao hadn't forgotten the original plot and pressed on, "Sir, if I remember correctly, Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi's next project should be an S+ ancient costume drama, right? Why are they here with me?"

The system cheerfully replied, "Of course it's because, according to the plot evaluation, your drama is currently the most promising and valuable TV series. If you weren't going to film this one, the other two would have filmed an S+ ancient costume drama. However, due to the butterfly effect you brought, that ancient costume drama's rating is no longer as high as yours, so their target has changed to this drama."

Shi Yao was speechless and choked with emotion. It turned out that it really was because of her.

Unexpectedly, the great resources she brought to her customers attracted the male and female leads.

If she frequently pulls out good items or exchanges for good resources in the future, wouldn't that attract competition from the male and female leads?

What a terrifying, inescapable setting!

Shi Yao frowned immediately and quickly consulted the system: "Will the system help them win as long as they have good resources and plot power? Does that mean I'll just get robbed every time I exchange for something?"

"No, host. Good resources must also fit the setting. If the type and time don't match, the plot won't act blindly. For example, if you take out album production, or comedy variety shows, or use script resources when the male and female leads are filming, and it clashes with their time, then they won't be judged to be competing with you."

Shi Yao's brows gradually relaxed. It was good that there were restrictions. If there were no restrictions, every time a good resource came out, the male and female leads would have to rush to snatch one up. Would she still need to use her cheat ability?

According to the system, the reason why Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi came to audition this time is twofold: firstly, because "Under the New Sun Tree" has been rated as the best TV series resource at present, and secondly, because Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi have not yet joined the crew, so they have a gap period.

If Yao had waited until those two had joined the S+ ancient costume drama group and filming had already started before choosing to use this script, then those two probably wouldn't have come to compete.

Shi Yao pouted. The system really liked to secretly set up plot holes. It didn't even give any prior notice or reminders about these props. But it didn't matter. Fortunately, there were four main character positions in her drama. Even if two were taken, there were still two left.

The system just said that only Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi have the special privilege of being the protagonist, while the others do not. Therefore, Fang Xuran and Bai Wenning still have a high chance of winning.

It's not a big deal if we bump into each other. Shi Yao thought about it again. Even if she really knew in advance that using the script props now would make the male and female leads compete for the roles, she would still choose to use them immediately.

First of all, Bai Wenning and Fang Xuran are under a lot of pressure. It's impossible for them to wait until Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi start filming before they begin preparing for the new drama. If that were the case, Shi Yao wouldn't have a suitable reason to deal with the two of them. She can't just tell them, "I'm afraid you'll lose your roles, so I'll start preparing later."

Secondly, the addition of Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi to the crew is not necessarily a bad thing; Shi Yao believes it is actually a good thing.

Based on the plot we've seen before, we know that the next drama starring Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi will be a huge hit. The two of them will officially become the top in their respective fields, and other competitors will be completely blocked, no longer able to be associated with the "Four Little Actors of 2000" or "Four Little Actresses of 2000".

It is known that the two have given up on that S+ ancient costume drama and instead chose Shi Yao's "Under the New Sun Tree". As long as Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi successfully join the cast, "Under the New Sun Tree" will be their next drama.

In other words, "Under the New Sun Tree" is guaranteed to be a huge hit.

This is entirely beneficial to Shi Yao!

Even if this script is an S-level item that Shi Yao drew, even if the system assembled a dream team for her, and even if she would seriously prepare and market the drama, whether a drama becomes a hit or not is not something that she can decide on her own.

This is different from a trending topic, a gossip, or a popular trend. The difficulty of operating a drama is several times that of the former. Even if Shi Yao has extraordinary abilities and the system's assistance, it is by no means an easy task for her.

Of course, even if Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi hadn't joined the cast, Shi Yao would still have done her best to make the show a hit. She had a well-prepared plan and all sorts of props. Although it would be tiring, it wasn't impossible.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have accepted Fang Xuran and Bai Wenning's orders.

But why spend money if you can get something for free?

Moreover, it wasn't exactly free; it just benefited from the plot.

The plot aims to elevate the male and female leads, making their careers increasingly successful and ensuring their drama becomes a massive hit. Shi Yao conveniently rides their coattails, rewriting the script of this destined-to-be-a-hit drama and "incidentally" making her clients famous as well.

This is clearly a win-win situation.

Since the power of the plot can rate her drama as superior to that S+, it's no wonder she took advantage of the situation.

After all, it was the power of the plot that first recognized her.

Shi Yao quickly figured out what had happened and changed her mindset. Her gaze towards Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi was no longer filled with the faint hostility and frustration she had just shown. Instead, it was as if she were seeing a new benefactor, and her eyes were full of affection.

Good acting is great. This is an ensemble drama, and none of the four main actors can have a bad performance in order to achieve the best effect.

Being able to memorize lines quickly is excellent. This script has a lot of lines, so memorizing them quickly saves time and can also promote healthy competition within the crew. The whole crew will then be actively memorizing their lines.

Before she knew it, Shi Yao had already begun to think about what would happen after Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi joined the crew, and she didn't even notice that their auditions had ended.

Lu Jiang waited patiently, hoping that Shi Yao would give her comments first so he could help her elevate her status in front of Cheng Muzhi, but he couldn't get her to speak at all.

Shi Yao didn't speak, and neither did he. Since he didn't speak, Qin Yuechi didn't dare to speak either.

After hearing the call to stop, Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi finished their rehearsal and anxiously awaited the evaluations of the three examiners. However, the three examiners were all quieter than the other, which made them even more at a loss.

Could it be that the performance was so bad that the examiners didn't know where to begin?

The two were no longer concerned with their earlier surprise. They both knew the importance of this role, and failing to secure it would be tantamount to missing out on the best opportunity available.

Shi Yao still didn't move, so Lu Jiang couldn't help but clear his throat and gently pat her: "Teacher Shi, what do you think of their performance?"

Fang Xuran immediately craned his neck, eager to hear what these people would say. He hadn't expected any comments, since he and Bai Wenning hadn't given any just now.

Why does Cheng Muzhi always seem special wherever he goes? Could it be that he has connections in this group?

Fang Xuran had a lot of questions on her mind and really wanted to finish the audition right now so she could go find Shi Yao and get some answers.

He looked at Shi Yao expectantly, hoping she would give him a blunt critique.

Who told Cheng Muzhi to keep questioning us!

Shi Yao, under the gaze of everyone, finally snapped out of her thoughts. She raised her head and met Cheng Muzhi's somewhat complicated gaze. With a smile in his questioning eyes, she said, "I think it's great."

"Both performances were commendable, and the character analysis was very insightful. The sense of conflict in the scenes between the two actors might have been a little weak, but it was natural. Especially considering that you only prepared for fifteen minutes, it was already excellent."

As soon as Shi Yao finished speaking, Cheng Muzhi's expression was one of utter disbelief.

She's actually praising herself?!

Could it be a praising first and then criticizing later?

Lu Jiang was also surprised. He could tell that Shi Yao and Cheng Muzhi didn't seem to get along, and he thought that Shi Yao wouldn't give a very polite evaluation. But she actually praised him without any restraint.

She didn't even praise the two actors she just recommended this much!

Lu Jiang admired Shi Yao even more. She was indeed a very fair person. This was what a professional should be like, unaffected by personal emotions.

He no longer needs to worry about casting.

Shi Yao's unusual behavior surprised everyone present. After making her comments, she didn't say anything more, but just stared at Cheng Muzhi and Qiao with a smile, making the two of them feel uneasy.

Lu Jiang originally wanted to praise her, but Shi Yao praised her so directly that he didn't want the two of them to become too proud, so he could only try to find fault with her again.

Qin Yuechi sensed Lu Jiang's meaning, and in the end, she didn't say anything that clearly revealed her attitude. She just gave a very neutral evaluation and then told the two of them to go and rest.

After that, the audition process sped up. Shi Yao looked at each group one by one and found that the system had not lied to her. The number of people who came to audition later was far less than that of Fang Bai and Cheng Qiao's group. Lu Jiang's brows furrowed deeper and deeper, and in the end, the actors who came to audition did not even dare to look up at him.

There weren't many actors who came to audition, but there were definitely not few either. Shi Yao already knew that Lu Jiang hadn't publicly recruited, but had only notified a few partners. Even so, so many people still came to audition, which shows that Lu Jiang's appeal was extraordinary.

Among the auditionees, the most people auditioned for the four main roles, followed by other young roles, while there were relatively few for the older roles.

According to Shi Yao's speculation, Lu Jiang is likely to use his own usual actors for the roles of elders, and today's interviews are mainly for younger roles.

After conducting interviews all morning, Lu Jiang asked his assistant to call a halt, and everyone went to eat and rest, and would resume in an hour.

Fang Xuran wanted to find an opportunity to talk to Shi Yao, but Shi Yao was pulled away by Lu Jiang and Qin Yuechi. He had no chance at all and could only sigh and obediently go to the lounge to eat with Bai Wenning.

An hour later, the audition started again. After looking at all kinds of handsome men and beautiful women all morning, Shi Yao's eyes were a little tired. No wonder people say that you get tired of the same thing after being in the industry for a long time. She was really quite tired now.

Fang Xuran and Bai Wenning didn't go home; they stayed and obediently watched the audition. It would be foolish to miss such a rare opportunity.

However, they weren't the only ones watching the audition in the afternoon. Cheng Muzhi and Qiao Xi somehow managed to persuade Lu Jiang to bring over small stools and sit opposite Fang Xuran and Bai Wenning, also watching the audition like them.

Fang Xuran was facing Cheng Muzhi, staring at him intently.

The afternoon auditions went slightly better than the morning ones. I wonder if someone who had finished the morning auditions kindly gave the questions to the next group. Overall, there were far fewer people who couldn't remember their lines. Although there were still not many people who could convey the emotions well, Lu Jiang's expression was much more relaxed than in the morning.

After watching the same performances by different people all day, Shi Yao felt like she was about to have an epiphany. Although she knew nothing about acting, after watching so many different types of performances, she felt that if she were to go on stage now, she could at least act more naturally than 70% of the people.

It has to be said that Lu Jiang is really a devil. He doesn't give any advance notice, only gives about ten minutes to memorize the lines, and likes to find scenes with a lot of conflict. Many people are at a loss and make mistakes as a result.

But that's how opportunities are; they only come to the lucky ones, or those who are adept at handling them.

Many of the people who came to the audition today were familiar faces. Many recognized Shi Yao and were shocked to see her sitting in the judges' seat. However, since they were not familiar with her before, they could not talk to her much and could only go back to ask their agents with a lot of questions.

Shi Yao could imagine that after today, there would be even more rumors about her in the industry.

This was exactly what she wanted—the perfect time to advertise.

Among those who came to audition was a surprising face: Pei Zixuan was there too!

He came to the audition alone, without even an assistant. Even Lu Jiang was surprised to see him.

Everyone knows that Pei Zixuan is famous, but he has never acted. His few performance opportunities are in music videos, so it can be said that he has no acting skills at all.

Upon seeing him appear, both Fang Xuran and Cheng Muzhi became slightly more serious. Although Pei Zixuan was not in the same field as them, he was a popular male star of similar age and could be considered one of their competitors.

Lu Jiang asked him curiously why he came to audition, and Pei Zixuan honestly replied that he came to gain experience.

"I'm not really good at acting, but this is a great learning opportunity, so I came anyway." Pei Zixuan didn't wear his usual style of clothing. Instead, as if he had heard something, he wore a simple white shirt and light-colored jeans, just like all the other young male actors today.

Unlike others who buttoned all their clothes properly, Pei Zixuan left the two buttons of his collar open, revealing his delicate and beautiful collarbone. His shirt was also tucked halfway into his waist, making him look dashing and handsome.

His hairstyle was the most exquisite among all the male celebrities today, with even a comma-shaped fringe. His narrow phoenix eyes carried a hint of languor, making him look like he had just finished some fashion event and rushed over at the last minute.

Fang Xuran glanced at her friend's outfit, then looked down at her own, and secretly clenched her fist.

What a scheming man, dressed so flamboyantly!

This was Shi Yao's first time meeting Pei Zixuan in person. She had a good impression of this generous boss who was always willing to pay, and now that she saw him, she had only one thought in her mind:

No wonder he's a top influencer.

Her star quality is undeniable.

She didn't know if Pei Zixuan recognized her, since they had never met before. But she remembered that when they communicated online before, his tone always sounded strangely familiar. Could it be that he had met her before, but she had never met him?

Shi Yao tilted her head and sized up Pei Zixuan. She didn't intend to speak. She guessed that he hadn't come today to secure a role, and she wouldn't provide services without payment. She decided to let him talk to Lu Jiang himself.

Pei Zixuan seemed to notice her wandering gaze and winked at her.

For some reason, Shi Yao suddenly felt a little guilty.

Should I... take the initiative to say hello to the boss?

After all, they're very supportive of my business.

Lu Jiang found it very interesting. He had never auditioned singers or idols before, and these kinds of artists usually wouldn't dare to come to his film crew to be abused. Pei Zixuan was the first one.

He assumed Pei Zixuan was confident, so he chose a standout solo scene for him. But Pei Zixuan's performance was... well, quite humorous.

Before Pei Zixuan had even finished half of her performance, Lu Jiang called for a stop. He was both amused and exasperated, but he didn't feel like blaming her, because he could tell that Pei Zixuan had really given it her all.

He memorized his lines very quickly, in less than ten minutes, but he lacked emotional outbursts, performance rhythm, stage movements, and facial expressions. He was like a heartless robot, reciting lines with dead fish eyes.

Pei Zixuan's lines: ! ! ? ! ? . . ! ?

Pei Zixuan's expression: = =

The viewer's expression: …………

"Alright, alright, that's enough for now, you can stop now." Perhaps because it was the last one, Lu Jiang unusually didn't say anything harsh, only saying that he didn't have much emotion, but he memorized his lines very well, and if he really wanted to learn acting, he would have to put in more effort.

And unexpectedly, although Pei Zixuan's acting skills were terrible and completely unwatchable, Lu Jiang took a liking to his voice.

After the interview, the three examiners shared their impressions of the day. Lu Jiang suddenly blurted out that Pei Zixuan could try singing an OST, which surprised Shi Yao greatly.

To be fair, Pei Zixuan's voice is indeed very pleasant to listen to. His voice is different from Ying Xu's clean and clear voice with a youthful feel, and also different from Fang Xuran's energetic and bright voice.

Pei Zixuan's voice was languid and deep, with a slight upward inflection at the end of his sentences, carrying a touch of nonchalant nonchalance. Listening to it for a while would make your ears itch, as if it were whispering in someone's ear.

No wonder he was the ace of the group when they debuted; his voice is a real treat to sing.

Shi Yao had seen Pei Zixuan perform on stage before, but had never heard him sing. She thought Pei Zixuan was the main dancer or the visual center, but now it seemed that it was completely unreasonable for him not to be the main vocalist.

Although she didn't get the role, she did get the OST spot, which was a pleasant surprise. Although Pei Zixuan didn't place an order with Shi Yao this time, Shi Yao naturally hoped that the boss she had worked with would have a successful career.

This way, the other party will be more likely to place orders with her.

The OST hasn't been finalized yet, and Shi Yao isn't planning to tell Pei Zixuan in advance. This matter needs to be followed up slowly. The team hasn't even been established yet, so it's too early to talk about the OST.

After saying goodbye to Lu Jiang and Qin Yuechi, Shi Yao prepared to go home and take a good bath to relax. She had been watching auditions all day, which was even more tiring than when she was on missions.

She took out her phone to check if the paparazzi had replied to her messages. As she walked out with her head down, she bumped into a wall of flesh.

"Shi Yao, come eat with me later," Cheng Muzhi said with an unfriendly expression.

He waited at the door for a long time before Shi Yao finally appeared. He didn't really understand why he was waiting for Shi Yao or why he was taking her out to eat. By the time he realized what was happening, she was already standing at the door waiting.

It's to find out about the other party's recent changes, yes, that's it.

Cheng Muzhi tried to convince himself and reduce his discomfort.

In the past, Shi Yao would eagerly wait for him, but he might not even see her. Now, it's the other way around.

Shi Yao almost had her phone knocked away. She took a few steps back and looked at the person in front of her who looked even more annoyed than her, feeling completely bewildered.

"I'm not going."

Cheng Muzhi's expression froze for a moment, then his brows furrowed even deeper, as if he couldn't believe it: "What did you say?"

"I said I'm not going." Shi Yao's face clearly said, "Who do you think you are, bro?" She said to him without any politeness, "Just because you tell me to eat doesn't mean I have to. My time is very valuable. Making an appointment with me costs money and I have to make a reservation in advance. Excuse me, could you please make way for me?"

But she couldn't push Cheng Muzhi away. He was acting like he'd taken the wrong medicine, staring at her with red eyes, refusing to move aside no matter what.

"You have plans tonight?" Cheng Muzhi asked, as if he hadn't heard what Shi Yao had said before. "Of course not, why can't you come to dinner with me?"

Shi Yao almost rolled her eyes. Just as she was about to refuse again, a familiar voice came from behind her: "Yeah, she has an appointment. Cheng Muzhi, how can you be so rude? Your sister has already refused you, and you're still blocking the way."

Fang Xuran came out from the corridor behind him and mocked Cheng Muzhi mercilessly. Two steps behind him, Pei Zixuan also came out, followed by Bai Wenning and Qiao Xi.

In an instant, everyone had gathered.

Shi Yao looked at the suddenly appearing large group and fell silent for a moment before weakly asking, "Where...were you just now?"

"Let's talk about something." Pei Zixuan took the initiative to start the conversation, looking at Shi Yao with great interest.

Feeling embarrassed that all his attention had been inexplicably diverted, Cheng Muzhi ignored Fang Xuran. That person always contradicted him no matter what he did; she was simply insane.

"Let's go, Shi Yao, let's go eat. I've already made a reservation."

Shi Yao's face was filled with absurdity. This person was talking to himself to an extreme degree. Did he filter out all the things he didn't want to hear? She simply couldn't imagine how the original owner of this body used to communicate with him.

"Can't you hear that she has plans?" Fang Xuran couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Cheng Muzhi remained unyielding: "What kind of agreement is this? An agreement you came up with on the spur of the moment?"

It was indeed Fang Xuran who said it offhand to get out of a tight spot. He was momentarily stumped by the question, but Pei Zixuan behind him chimed in again: "Shi Yao wants to have dinner with us. We have something to talk about."

As if triggered by a program, Bai Wenning chimed in, "Yes, we agreed on that this morning."

Even Qiao Xi chimed in, "Yes, I'll go too."

Cheng Muzhi stared at the group of people in front of him in disbelief, especially Qiao Xi, his eyes clearly saying: You actually betrayed me to my face?

Qiao Xi simply touched the tip of her nose, pretending not to care as she stared at the floor.

Although she didn't know how this group of people had gotten together, since the conversation had already gone this far, Shi Yao could only smile and say, "Yes, I'm going to eat with them, so could you please move aside?"

Cheng Muzhi had a strange expression. He stared at Shi Yao for several seconds with resentment before reluctantly moving aside. As she passed by, he suddenly spoke up again: "I want to go too."

Shi Yao: "?"

"I want to go too." Cheng Muzhi was reckless. Why could all these people have dinner with Shi Yao but he couldn't? "I want to go to your dinner party too."

Author's Note: Shi Yao: There are so many people!

Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 2024-06-19 20:54:05 and 2024-06-20 20:52:09!

Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Yan Yan (10 bottles); I'm not sleepy when I sleep, Ran Yin (3 bottles); and More and more money (1 bottle);

Thank you so much for your support, I will continue to work hard!