Chapter 5: They actually spoke while holding hands...: Jiang Yan just wanted to stick to her hand a little longer.
Qin Lan was taken aback: "So you didn't hear a single word I said when I was talking to Song Man? And how many times have I complained to you guys about this before?"
"After changing dorm rooms, I got to know Jiang Yan in a new way." Yun Chui shook his head: "She's pretty good."
"What's so good about it?" Qin Lan looked at her in surprise: "You like teasing and banter?"
“She’s not a green tea bitch,” Yun Chui recalled for a moment and said with certainty, “Your stereotypes are too strong. Maybe it’s because she took your role at the beginning, which is why you have a bad impression of her.”
"Then it must be strange that she acted all teasy even though she knew Wei Mengli was pursuing me!" Qin Lan subconsciously raised her voice, and Yun Chui quickly covered her mouth.
"Hmm—okay, okay, I'll whisper." Qin Lan frowned: "You're actually taking her side."
“I can’t explain this to you.” Yun Chui lowered his head for a moment, then surprisingly smiled. “However, I still maintain my opinion; she’s quite nice.”
“You’ve really been brainwashed by her.” Qin Lan shook her head, finding it terrifying: “With that pretentious attitude of hers, it’s like she’s wearing a mask all the time.”
"Aren't all of you in the acting department like this? You're all so burdened by your image." Yun Chui smiled. "Song Man also disapproves of this. You two are quite alike."
Qin Lan clicked her tongue and laughed, "Speaking of Song Man, I just remembered, why didn't you apply to be transferred to Song Man's dormitory?"
Yun Chui smiled and said, "We spend too much time together. Aman likes lively atmospheres and needs other social interactions. I'm too lonely."
Qin Lan rolled her eyes: "I don't understand you."
Yun Chui smiled as he gazed ahead.
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On the e-website, administrator 01 posted and pinned a thread in the activity area.
[Recruiting Actors for a Historical Drama Featuring Women]
Several requirements are listed under the title, along with the time and location.
eNet has users both at home and abroad, with a considerable number of daily active users. Administrator 01, as the founder of the website, enjoys a stellar reputation on eNet. Yu Jintang's post and subsequent pinning of the thread attracted a great deal of attention, and for a while, no one posted anything else.
[Admin 01 posted! Let me see what it is!]
[Recruiting actors... Well, most of the people on our site are amateurs, right?]
Wow! I saw news about this production team just a couple of days ago. The drama is called "The Era of Red Powder," and it tells the story of the Wu Zetian era.
The post says that actresses have been cast for Shangguan Wan'er and Princess Taiping, but no one has been decided for Wu Zetian.
[The roles of Princess Anle and Empress Wei are also open for auditions]
[Isn't this production crew supposed to be holding auditions these days? How come they're so short-staffed?]
[I know, I know. This is the first script with a clear romantic storyline after same-sex marriage was legalized, and there are quite a few intimate scenes. It could very well flop, and very few actors are willing to take that risk.]
Is Administrator 01 also in this production crew? Will she encounter any trouble?
It's quite troublesome not being able to find actors.
[Forwarded, hopefully it will help the administrator.]
User ID 4750 sat in front of the computer, staring intently at the post, with a bucket of instant noodles in front of them.
Eleven years ago, he was sent to prison by that damned woman for human trafficking. The first thing he did after his release was to investigate her identity. During his investigation, he learned that she was the founder of eNet, Administrator 01, and that she had died three years after his imprisonment. Number 4075 was overjoyed, but then he was immediately filled with unease upon discovering that Administrator 01 was still active on eNet.
He found his former hacker underling and registered an e-net account using a woman's ID card. After the woman passed away, the administrator 01 account remained dormant for about a year until one day the gray avatar lit up again. An unidentified person used this account to post a return message and took over the woman's business.
Despite multiple investigations, investigator No. 4075 was still unable to uncover the identity of the new administrator, 01. After waiting for two months, he was about to give up when, unexpectedly, administrator 01 posted a message. He believed that continuing the investigation would surely uncover more clues; perhaps administrator 01 himself was actually in the film crew.
Number 4075 finished his instant noodles in a few bites, patted the hacker who was fast asleep on the sofa, and said: "Get up and book two tickets."
The hacker stretched and casually swiped the mouse a couple of times. The cursor swept across the screen, finally landing on the logo in the upper left corner. The main element was a cursive letter 'e,' stretched out like a bent paperclip.
＊
The entire production team was struggling to find a female lead. Then, on the third day, a big star arrived: Feng Manhong, a three-time Golden Horse Award winner and a goddess of the era, came to audition.
Turning to the first page of her legendary resume reveals a dazzling array of awards. Her highest achievement is winning Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival, making her the second Asian to win the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress award, and she is a superstar and a household name in China. The probability of her appearing on this small, run-down film set is like a collision of planets, leaving Yu Jintang completely stunned. When she saw Feng Manhong's assistant approaching, she thought the assistant had come to the wrong place and turned to Qin Lan beside her, asking, "What's going on here?"
Qin Lan kicked her stool, and Yu Jintang stumbled to her feet, her wrist still aching from Qin Lan's grip. Turning her head again, she saw Qin Lan's eyes shining, and then remembered that the only celebrity Qin Lan had ever idolized was Feng Manhong.
Feng Manhong walked in, instantly brightening the room. She smiled at everyone in the room and said, "I'm here to audition for the role of Wu Zetian."
Amidst the polite conversation, her gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Yu Jintang, who was covered in pins, and she paused for a moment.
Yu Jintang felt a weight lifted from her heart and hurriedly went to greet her, inviting her in and calling for tea. She was so surprised and delighted that she felt dizzy, and it took her a while to notice that Qin Lan's gaze was fixed on Feng Manhong's brooch. Upon closer inspection, she saw that it was a very well-designed brooch, which seemed somewhat inappropriate for someone of Feng Manhong's age. It was probably made of silver and shaped like a paperclip.
Yu Jintang looked up and met the eyes of the film queen. Feng Manhong smiled, and their eyes met as if they had known each other for a long time.
Feng Manhong didn't change her clothes and went straight to auditioning in her own clothes, but as soon as she looked up, Yu Jintang made up his mind: who could be more suitable for the role of Wu Zetian than her?
The entire crew breathed a sigh of relief; the lead role was finally secured. As everyone celebrated, two more people walked in: an assistant carrying a bag, and a strikingly sexy woman with long, wavy hair: "Is this the set of 'Red Era'?" she asked.
"Yes, and who are you?" Yu Jintang asked, looking up as she answered, then paused for a moment, surprised by what she saw: "Teacher Xiahou Cheng?"
Actress Xiahou Cheng, 27 years old, a second-generation rich kid, reportedly entered the entertainment industry just for fun. She starred in a hit drama early in her career, becoming an overnight sensation, but immediately abandoned acting altogether. In an interview, when asked why she stopped taking on roles, she said it was too much trouble. Netizens questioned why she entered the entertainment industry if she was afraid of trouble, to which she replied it was for fun. When criticized for being an actress but refusing to act, Xiahou Cheng responded with five words: "Come and hit me then." This woman has made many similar provocative statements; her personality is rather eccentric, she enjoys appearing on variety shows, and is known as the "Crazy Queen of the Entertainment Industry."
"Xiahou Cheng is me, I am Xiahou Cheng." The woman rushed in like a whirlwind. "I want to interview Princess Anle. Where is the interviewer?"
Yu Jintang's eyes lit up: "I am the interviewer, I am the interviewer, ma'am, please sit here."
Xiahou Cheng gave a sly smile, straightened up, and puffed out her chest. Her impressive figure made Yu Jintang unconsciously start rambling again: "Madam, where are we... huh???"
This person had a large brooch on his chest, so shiny that no one could ignore it.
＊
Feng Manhong will play Wu Zetian, while Xiahou Cheng will play Princess Anle.
Once the cast was finalized, Yu Jintang coordinated the schedules of all the main actors and finally set the start date for "The Era of Red Powder." The main actors flew to Los Angeles to attend the opening ceremony.
Qin Lan, wearing sunglasses, strolled into the scene, followed by her assistant Xiao Qing carrying a water cup. Staff were setting up the incense burner. Red cloths were hung on the cameras, and Yu Jintang was holding several red envelopes.
Yu Jintang doesn't like to worship ghosts and gods, so he didn't invite a Taoist priest to chant scriptures. However, because the script involves historical figures, he still made offerings to the temples with the main actors.
Qin Lan looked around and turned her head to see Jiang Yan. She didn't know how long Jiang Yan had been staring at her, but her gaze was very aggressive.
Qin Lan turned to leave, but Jiang Yan called out to her, "Teacher Qin."
Qin Lan had no choice but to turn her head away. Although her heart was pounding, her red lips still curled into a charming smile: "What?"
"Teacher Qin, over here." The other person smiled sweetly.
Seeing that the main actors were all over there, Qin Lan had no choice but to walk over. Jiang Yan stared at the woman's swaying waist, her throat bobbing slightly, until Qin Lan came to her side, at which point she stopped, blushing. Jiang Yan's heart skipped a beat, feeling a little flattered. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Qin Lan subtly turn his head and look at the film queen, Feng Manhong.
Jiang Yan pursed her lips, her face cold, and heard her own voice, which she couldn't control, say: "You like Actress Feng that much?"
"Of course," Qin Lan said subconsciously, "My mom also admires Actress Feng."
Jiang Yan's face hardened even more, deliberately provoking, "Do you have her autograph?"
"If I had that, I would have posted it on Weibo to brag about it by now, okay?" Qin Lan replied absentmindedly, still looking at Feng Manhong with her ears reddening. In Jiang Yan's eyes, Qin Lan had always been a high-and-mighty heiress. When had she ever been so cautious? She followed Qin Lan's gaze and saw that Feng Manhong was indeed a superstar beloved by two generations. Although she was over fifty, her elegance was deeply ingrained, and every move she made exuded the charm of a beauty.
Jiang Yan let out a breath, walked past her towards Feng Manhong, and put on a warm smile: "Actress Feng~"
Feng Manhong smiled, took her hand, and leaned in to hug her. Jiang Yan rested her head on the actress's shoulder, gave a provocative grin, and raised an eyebrow at Qin Lan.
Qin Lan was taken aback, then her eyes blazed with fury, her nails digging into her palms, looking like she was about to explode. Jiang Yan's anger subsided a little, and she smiled, "Actress Feng, I have a little sister who really likes you and keeps asking me for your autograph. I wonder if you could grant her wish?"
Feng Manhong smiled and agreed. Jiang Yan took out paper and pen and placed them on her palm. Feng Manhong held her wrist and signed her name.
"Thank you, Actress Feng. My little sister will be very happy~" Jiang Yan smiled with her eyes narrowed, looking very well-behaved. But the next second, when she turned to Qin Lan, her expression changed, with a half-smile on her lips and a meaningful look in her eyes.
She chatted with Feng Manhong for a few more minutes before swaying over and waving the note in front of Qin Lan: "Little sister, do you want it?"
Qin Lan blushed as bright as the sun, whether from anger or embarrassment, it was hard to tell. She glared fiercely at the vixen and roared, "You damned Jiang Yan, you can't stand not going against me, can you?"
"Yes, perhaps." Jiang Yan wasn't angry; she was in a good mood. "Don't people online say we're sworn enemies? It's an honor for me to have such a fateful bond with Teacher Qin."
Qin Lan gritted her teeth: "Don't talk like that, so effeminate."
"I just really enjoy teasing Teacher Qin." Jiang Yan was still smiling, and very temptingly waved the autograph in front of her eyes: "Want it? It's written by Actress Feng herself, and there's a little heart on the back."
Qin Lan was furious: "You have ulterior motives."
“Yes.” Jiang Yan smiled seductively, “As long as Teacher Qin calls me ‘sister,’ after all, this is for my little sister.”
Qin Lan replied without hesitation, "You're dreaming!"
Jiang Yan withdrew her hand, feigning regret: "Oh well, I guess I'll just have to take it and give it to the little sister who needs it more..."
Qin Lan's gaze involuntarily followed her hand, but her tone remained arrogant and domineering: "Have you no shame? I'm older than you."
Jiang Yan remained unmoved and put the signature away.
"Alright, alright, everyone quiet down, I have a few words to say." Yu Jintang went on stage and began to speak. Qin Lan was furious, glaring fiercely at Jiang Yan's poster. After an unknown amount of time, Jiang Yan on the poster suddenly had her own voiceover: "Teacher Qin? Teacher Qin."
Qin Lan suddenly snapped out of her daze and realized that everyone around her was looking at her. Yu Jintang tried to smooth things over: "Teacher Qin, are you thinking about your speech? It's okay, just say a few words, and everyone can listen casually."
Jiang Yan smiled and said, "Teacher Qin, Director Yu asked us to come up on stage and speak."
That's why Qin Lan always says Jiang Yan is crazy. Even though Yu Jintang has already given her a heads-up, she still insists on making her presence known to Qin Lan again.
Qin Lan glanced at her and followed Feng Manhong upstairs. Jiang Yan also followed behind her, even gentlemanly lifting her skirt for her. (In reality, it wasn't necessary at all.)
The three stood on the stage and together unveiled the red cloth covering the machine. The crowd cheered, and Feng Manhong spoke first, drawing enthusiastic applause. Looking around, she handed the microphone to Qin Lan, whom she didn't know well: "Little Qin, why don't you say a few words too?"
Qin Lan took the document, still feeling annoyed by Jiang Yan. Sharing the stage with Feng Manhong hadn't made her much happier either. She spoke very perfunctorily: "Looking forward to the work ahead... I wish the crew a successful start to filming and all the best."
After saying that, he stretched out his hand and shoved the microphone in front of Jiang Yan.
Jiang Yan smiled, a sly glint in her eyes, and grabbed Qin Lan's wrists with both hands, speaking into the microphone in her hand.
Qin Lan shuddered and nearly dropped the microphone in front of the camera.
A collective gasp rippled through the audience.
"My God, what is Teacher Jiang doing?"
"I don't understand, look at Teacher Qin's expression."
"Don't they have a bad relationship? Teacher Qin even scolded Teacher Jiang a couple of days ago."
"Professor Jiang is a respectable person and would never publicly embarrass anyone."
"Maybe they want to ease the tension, since they're going to be acting opposite each other again."
Qin Lan tried to pull her hand away, but couldn't.
She pulled again with all her might, but still couldn't get it out.
Qin Lan turned and glanced at Jiang Yan. Jiang Yan didn't look at her, but her fingers subtly twitched, gently stroking the back of Qin Lan's hand, as if to soothe her. Qin Lan felt incredibly uncomfortable, her whole body aching. Because of the cameras, she couldn't show it and could only hope Jiang Yan would finish speaking quickly. For some reason, her heart was pounding, and her breathing was labored.
On stage, Jiang Yan slowly said, "Hello everyone, fellow teachers and staff of the production team, I'm Jiang Yan. This is my first time trying a large-scale historical drama series, and it's an ensemble piece at that. When I saw the script, I really liked the story and felt a strong sense of anticipation. I hoped to briefly participate in the life of one of the characters, to bring these once-shining names back to life, and to give the audience a new understanding of this period of history. I also looked into some of Director Yu's previous works, which gave me a new understanding of why he chose this script..."
As she said this, she turned her head and smiled at Yu Jintang, successfully delaying the conversation for another two seconds.
At first, Qin Lan thought Jiang Yan was just pretending. Later, she couldn't help but suspect that Jiang Yan was saying all this to buy articles to smear her and make her speech seem perfunctory. It wasn't until she heard Jiang Yan's few "uh-huhs" that she finally understood the truth.
Si Jiangyan just wanted to stick her hand to his hand a little longer.
Realizing this, Qin Lan was somewhat annoyed, but after a while, other feelings emerged. Jiang Yan was quite well-behaved, and apart from holding her hand, she didn't do anything else outrageous. She listened absentmindedly to Jiang Yan's rambling, the sounds in her ears fading into the distance, but the warmth of her hand drawing ever closer.
Something's not right. A little bell in her heart started ringing: Qin Lan, something's not right.
She tried to focus her attention on her idol, Feng Manhong, standing beside her, but the hands that were enveloping her seemed to envelop her heart as well, her chest pounding with intense, surging beats. Her face flushed, she felt flustered, and a strange thought popped into her head.
Could it be that she's actually starting to like Jiang Yan?
After the 419 incident, besides feeling regret and self-blame, she also vaguely sensed that something was wrong with her. For example, she had a dream about Jiang Yan, and her heart would skip a beat when her friends mentioned words like "boyfriend" or "girlfriend," and a deadpan face would appear in her mind's eye. She would repeatedly think about Jiang Yan's expression before she left, how seriously she looked at her, and she realized that Jiang Yan seemed to... genuinely like her back then.
Her thoughts drifted away. After all, three years had passed. Did Jiang Yan still like her? What was her purpose in coming this time?
She remembered Jiang Yan's tears, the resolute words she had spoken, and the terrible ending three years ago.
One moment she felt that Jiang Yan might have come to get revenge on her and make things difficult for her, and the next she felt that it was better to maintain the status quo. Falling for her nemesis was too dramatic.
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If Mimi rides on a motorcycle, then what charm does she have left?
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