Chapter Thirty-Four
After dinner, Su Xuan and Zhi Ran sat on the lawn chatting. These past few days, the sun had been shining brightly in the city during the day, so it didn't feel very cold at night.
"How have you been lately? Have you found your footing as a producer?" Su Xuan picked up her teacup and took a small sip of rose tea.
"It's alright. It's not too difficult to do, just a lot of trivial things." Zhi Ran put her teacup on the table. "I recently took a liking to a notebook, but there were still disagreements at the last meeting."
"What is it?" Su Xian asked.
“Wen Yuanfei, you know him, right? His film ‘Going Home’ was nominated for Best Director at the Golden Goblet Awards last year.”
"Yes, I've seen it."
“When he was making documentaries, he started to conceive of a movie about homeless people, and the script had been polished for several years. However, most people were not optimistic about this subject, so it was never made, and suitable actors could not be found.”
Wen's "Going Home" possesses a documentary-like realism, offering critique and concern for reality, making it unique among the new generation of directors, but its box office performance was indeed mediocre. In this world, those who can stand out from the crowd and adhere to their ideals are always admirable.
"Can you send it to me to take a look?" Su Xuan asked.
Are you interested?
"Let me see the story first."
“Okay, I’ll send you the outline later. But I heard that Director Wen is very strict. Although his films generally don’t have large budgets, they aren’t very popular with the market, so not many people are willing to invest. Besides, he’s not exactly a well-known director. Even so, he’s very picky about actors. I don’t know why.” Zhang Zhiran said, shaking her head.
"Perhaps it's because I cherish my work that I want to do my best."
Su Xian put down her teacup and leaned back in her chair. Winter had just ended, and it was still a bit chilly sitting for a long time at night. Luckily, Lin Zhiyuan had just draped a fleece blanket over her. He was standing on the other side making a phone call, glancing at Su Xian every now and then.
Zhang Zhiran moved her chair closer. "Xiao Xuan, I always feel like you and Brother Yuan have the vibe of an old married couple."
Su Xian glanced at her sideways.
"I'm serious, living together is when couples are most likely to have conflicts, and the kitchen is the most likely place for conflicts to occur. But looking at the two of you just now, we don't need to buy candy anymore." Zhang Zhiran muttered to her, "Look how many times Yuan Ge has called to check on you. He probably finds the person on the other end of the phone too long-winded."
Su Xian looked up and met Lin Zhiyuan's gaze. The corners of her lips unconsciously curled up.
"Seeing how happy you are, I never thought I would see you like this one day."
Lin Zhiyuan hung up the phone and walked over. "What were you chatting about so happily?"
Zhi Ran quickly replied, "Of course we're talking about women." She finished the rest of her tea in one gulp, stood up, and said, "Alright, I'll head back now. I won't disturb your sweet talk." She waved and left with light steps.
Lying in bed at night, Su Xian heard Lin Zhiyuan's steady breathing. She turned over and, in the dim light from outside the curtains, saw his gentle features.
She had indeed felt happy during their time living together; they depended on each other yet remained independent. He didn't have many social engagements, and when he was home, they would watch movies together or go for a run.
When he had to work, she would read or study scripts in the study until he finished. If she came home late at night, he would always leave a light on in bed, reading while waiting for her to return.
Su Xian moved into Lin Zhiyuan's arms. He was half asleep and subconsciously pulled the blanket up for her and hugged her.
Su Xian suddenly felt that it would be nice to continue living this peaceful yet happy life.
On the day of its finale, "Snow Abyss" achieved a market share of nearly 70%, a new high. During its peak run, the average number of effective views per episode approached 200 million. Industry experts predict that by the end of Q1, it may even reach 10 billion effective views. Its viewership ratings were precipitous compared to other shows in the same period, creating a new viewership legend.
It's hard to imagine that martial arts dramas, which have been in decline, could still carry the banner of the king of dramas. But as one netizen said, "What's declining isn't martial arts itself, but the 'martial arts' that can't return to the peak of action scenes from twenty or thirty years ago, and the 'chivalry' that everyone can't find in their hearts today. Fortunately, there's still the appearance of 'Snow Abyss,' which tells us that martial arts has never gone away."
Almost all the actors in the drama became wildly popular, not to mention Su Xian, the female lead. Bai Lin's voice was hoarse from answering so many phone calls about endorsements and scripts. Su Xian's most recent public appearance was at the celebration party for "Snow Abyss".
It was springtime again, and the high-rise buildings of Gangcheng Zhongxing Entertainment Company were shrouded in mist, with fine raindrops constantly falling from the glass windows. In front of the tea table in Zhang Zhiran's office, Su Xuan and Wen Yuanfei sat facing each other, her hair still damp from the rain.
Because of traffic congestion near the building, Su Xian was worried about being late for her meeting with Director Wen, so she got out of the car and walked a short distance, hoping it wouldn't affect her first impression on the director. After all, when Su Xian first asked Zhi Ran to arrange a meeting with Director Wen, he refused outright because her image wasn't suitable.
Zhang Zhiran skillfully prepared the teaware, rinsed the tea leaves, and brewed the tea. He then handed over two cups of fragrant Da Hong Pao tea, placing the clear tea liquor in front of Su Xian and Director Wen. Su Xian picked up the small teacup, looked up, and met Director Wen's gaze, wondering what conclusion he had drawn after observing for so long.
"I'll say it again: you're too young and too beautiful. This role isn't suitable for you." Director Wen raised his teacup expressionlessly and blew on it.
“I’m willing to take the first half of your sentence as a compliment.” Su Xian looked across at the other side. “If Director Wen could transform an actor who seems unsuitable into the character himself, wouldn’t that make the film even more extraordinary?”
Director Wen's hand froze in mid-air, and the corner of his lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
It seems her words had some effect on him, but he still needs to put in a little more effort.
“I didn’t want to see you, but I came anyway. Do you know why?” Director Wen put down his teacup and looked at her.
Su Xian's gaze swept quickly over Zhang Zhiran. Director Wen smiled, but there was no smile in his eyes. His sharp gaze scrutinized her through his glasses. Su Xian met his gaze calmly.
“I’m here because, as you know, I’m picky because I cherish the work. I’ve seen your resume, and you’ve shown respect for the profession over the years you’ve been an actor. So, I’m willing to respect you as well.”
“Since you’ve seen my resume, you should know that I’m not someone who stays in my comfort zone, so I hope you won’t dismiss me so quickly,” Su Xuan replied sincerely.
Director Wen stared at the teacup on the table, now refilled, as if deep in thought. Su Xian stared at his teacup, also pondering what else she could say.
Director Wen turned around and took out a stack of black-covered bound books from the briefcase on the seat next to him. Guessing what they were, Su Xian's heart raced.
"Let's take a look first."
Su Xian took the script from his hand, opened the title page which read "Qing Zhuo" (清浊), and lowered her head to read it.
The tea in the teacup changed from orange-red to orange-yellow, steam rose from the kettle spout, and the teapot jingled again as the richly fragrant Da Hong Pao tea was poured back into the cup. Before the tea table, only one person remained unmoved, head bowed.
The short, pattering sound of rain hitting the glass window, the streetlights turning on, the traffic gradually gathering on the road, and all sorts of umbrellas standing side by side on the sidewalk, heralding the start of the bustling night in the port city.
Su Xian closed the script and shut her eyes, not because she was tired, but because she wanted to calm her mind.
"Clearance and Turbidity" tells the story of Amei, who has just been released from prison and returns to the place where she used to sleep on the streets. A former sex worker, she has an incurable addiction to drugs and alcohol. A few days later, due to a major crackdown, Amei and several of her old friends lose their home, managing to steal their few belongings from a garbage truck. Amei and her friends appeal everywhere, seeking an explanation and an apology.
After being homeless for several days, they built a few wooden huts under a pedestrian bridge. With a new home, they lived a relatively stable life thanks to the help of social workers and kind-hearted people. Social workers also intervened to help them seek justice. The wait was always long. Amei's health began to decline, some of her old friends who had slept there with her moved into shelters, and others were found dead from alcohol poisoning. Finally, one day, the social worker informed them that they would receive compensation. Everyone was happy, except for Amei. She asked the social worker, "What about the apology?"
The old friends had a falling out. The impoverished homeless people only wanted compensation; they didn't care about justice. Some dismantled their wooden huts and moved away, while others advised Amei to give up. Amei was left alone in the wooden hut that could barely be called a home. The staff put up a cordon, and because the land was for sale, Amei had to leave under the bridge within a limited time.
Amei couldn't understand why finding a place to settle down in such a big city was so difficult, and why seeking justice was so hard. On the coldest day of winter, Amei swallowed sleeping pills, drank several bottles of alcohol, knocked over candles, and set the wooden house on fire.
"Is this true?" Su Xuan covered her face, her muffled voice coming from between her fingers.
"Some are, some aren't," Director Wen replied.
Su Xian lowered her hand and looked over with a determined gaze. "Director Wen, I want to play Amei."
"I have very high standards, and you will suffer a lot."
"Can."
"I will take this film to the competition, but I may not win anything."
"Can."
"This movie might not even be released."
"Can."
“Director Wen, what’s more important to me is the process of performing.” Su Xuan stared at him intently.
Wen Yuanfei took off his glasses, closed his eyes, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Su Xian then noticed that although Director Wen was only in his forties, gray hair was already faintly visible in his short shaved head. Maintaining his own style over the years must not have been easy.
"Don't regret it when I scold you until you cry." Director Wen put on his glasses, his gaze softening.
"Alright, let's discuss the follow-up in a group chat." He stood up, put the script in his bag, finished the last sip of tea in his cup, and looked at Su Xuan again. "Prepare well."
Su Xian nodded, no need for further words. She and Zhang Zhiran stood up and saw Director Wen off. Back at the tea table, Su Xian's mood wasn't much lighter. Director Wen wasn't exaggerating; this role was a huge challenge for her.
She reached for the teapot and poured herself some tea.
"You've already got the role, why aren't you smiling?" Zhang Zhiran sat down next to her.
"I was probably afraid of getting scolded," Su Xian said with a smile. "But I want to thank you, Zhi Ran, for helping me get the opportunity to meet Director Wen."
“I paid for it, so I should at least give him some face.” Zhi Ran put down her teacup. “But when I first mentioned you to Director Wen, he refused without even thinking about it. He’s really a bit stubborn. I called him several times, and I promised not to interfere with his decision before he agreed to meet.”
Zhang Zhiran took a sip of tea and continued, "I was afraid he would stand up and leave just now."
"So thank you." Su Xuan said earnestly.
"No need to thank me, you're the one who moved him. But I just hope your fans can give it their all. Even though I'm prepared to lose money, it would be great if the numbers looked a little better."
"Then I advise you to give up this idea as soon as possible. I don't have the influence of a top influencer who can command a huge following."
Su Xian picked up her phone and realized it was already 7:30. Lin Zhiyuan had texted her to wait in the parking lot.
"Want to have dinner together?" Zhi Ran asked.
Su Xian shook her head. "I'm having dinner with Zhiyuan and his friend." She picked up her bag, put her phone inside, said goodbye to Zhang Zhiran, and entered the elevator.
On her way to the dinner party, Su Xian told Lin Zhiyuan everything that had happened that day.
"The story and the character are both quite depressing. Although I was very confident in front of Director Sun, I didn't really know if I could play the role well." She expressed her concerns to Lin Zhiyuan.
"This is the first time I've seen you so insecure." Lin Zhiyuan held her hand. "I don't know anything about acting, but if anything happens to you, whether you're happy or unhappy, tell me. I'll be there for you."
Su Xian rubbed his hand against her cheek. It was so nice to have someone who loved her by her side.
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