Chapter 35 A Respected Person
Everyone present couldn't help but say, "This isn't bias; you're throwing your water into the Pacific Ocean!"
Is Lu Xuan clumsy? Naïve?
His acting skills, which are so unique that no one can be identified, can only shine brightly if they take a different, more abstract approach.
How many different colored glasses must one wear to say something so absurd?
But no one dared to raise any objections.
Everyone has their own selfish desires and prejudices. The assistant director once thought that birds of a feather flock together, and that people around a domineering rich man like Lu Xuan might not be easy to get along with, not to mention that the woman in front of him exuded a sense of distance that made her seem unapproachable.
Unexpectedly, she spoke flawlessly and was gentle and polite, making people feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze. As a result, the production team's plan to spend a long time preparing for Lu Xuan's presentation was abandoned.
The preliminary interview ended quickly.
After saying thank you for your cooperation, the assistant director couldn't help but ask, "May I ask your name?"
Generally, the production team will not ask for the names of anyone other than the guests; they will only add a sentence on screen: "xxx's family/friends".
But with the person sitting there, it's easy to forget that she's someone's appendage; she is herself and deserves her own name.
"My surname is Qiao."
Although Qiao Wu had studied a lot, she had never thought about entering the entertainment industry, so she was not very clear about the procedures in this regard. Thinking that this was a necessary procedure, she said, "Qiao Wu."
“Ms. Qiao Wu,” the assistant director said, his tone several degrees softer, “after the interview, a car will take you to the studio. There will be filming along the way. This segment will be edited and included in the preview. On the way there, you can interact appropriately and say some words of care and encouragement, and you will get more screen time.”
The formula is the same, but it's hard to say exactly how much can be edited.
Qiao Wu nodded: "Okay, thank you."
She stood up from the window and noticed Lu Xuan outside the door early on, so she walked straight over and said, "It's your turn."
After she finished speaking, she realized that Lu Xuan's expression was a little strange.
It's a bit like a lost puppy that hasn't found its way home yet, so it's confused, helpless, and a little aggrieved.
"nervous?"
"No." Lu Xuan continued to look at her, wanting to ask if what she had just said was true.
She clearly hadn't even finished watching all the dramas he'd acted in, yet she said his acting was terrible, that he had a strong domineering CEO vibe, and that he wasn't famous at all.
But the words stuck in his throat and he didn't dare to utter a sound.
What if Qiao Wu is only asking for his image in front of the camera? Asking him would just be asking for trouble.
"Forget it." He gave up on the idea.
"Wait."
Lu Xuan stopped in his tracks, watching as Qiao Wu reached out his hand to him. His pupils contracted slightly, and he instinctively wanted to run away.
The next second, the hand simply touched his shoulder and gently tugged at the silk scarf he was using to decorate his outfit: "All done."
The fragrance, which only touched the tip of his nose briefly, vanished in an instant. Lu Xuan's breathing gradually became steady, and he walked straight to the camera and sat down without looking to the side.
The assistant director, trying to sound confident, asked the formidable figure, "Shall we begin?"
"Um."
Assistant Director: "How did you come up with the idea of coming to this show?"
Lu Xuan frowned: "Didn't the company send you?"
Everyone: "..."
Who told you to be so blunt!
As expected, what was bound to happen will happen.
Assistant Director: "So, what are your expectations for yourself when you come to this program?"
Lu Xuan: "First place."
The assistant director almost lost his composure and couldn't help but ask, "You seem very confident."
What he really wanted to ask was, "Where does your confidence come from?"
What kind of stupid questions are these? Don't think I didn't see your contorted expression!
Just as Lu Xuan was about to get angry, he looked up and saw Qiao Wu standing behind the camera. Unlike the others, she didn't seem shocked or suspicious; she seemed to be simply listening attentively to him.
He suppressed his temper, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Didn't you ask me what my expectations are?"
"Yes." The assistant director, caught off guard, asked again, "Can you tell me why you chose this profession in the first place?"
"because……"
Lu Xuan paused for a few seconds, then smiled and said, "Handsome."
He disliked reading since childhood and wanted to find some common interests with Qiao Wu, so he often dragged Qiao Wu to play games with him.
But Qiao Wu wasn't interested in playing video games or those toys; he would only occasionally watch TV dramas.
She gets very absorbed when watching TV dramas, and she patiently spends a lot of time watching a whole series from beginning to end in one go.
He longed for her focused gaze and exclusive patience back then.
So he specifically asked her why she liked watching TV dramas.
Qiao Wu said, "Very handsome."
Lu Xuan knew he was good-looking since he was a child, so he thought he could become as handsome as the people on TV when he grew up. From then on, he became obsessed with watching movies and TV series, and the actor that Qiao Wu first mentioned as handsome became his goal all along.
He didn't covet the family fortune, nor was he interested in doing business. As he grew up, his relationship with Qiao Wu became inexplicable. During the period when Qiao Wu went abroad, he didn't even feel as eager to see her as before.
Lu Xuan was horrified to discover that he was no longer obsessed with staying by Qiao Wu's side and getting her attention.
But at the same time, he also became very confused because his only remaining conviction was gone.
He thought about it for a long time and decided to enter the entertainment industry. At least in his mind at the time, this was something he wanted to stick to and do.
The entertainment industry was not what he had imagined. When he told Qiao Wu about it, the other party's reaction was also different from what he expected. No one guided him, and no one could give him advice.
Qiao Wu would only blindly say that he was very good and very capable.
This is what he once wanted, but it's not what he wants now.
For a time, Lu Xuan even felt that his persistence as an actor was meaningless.
But what can he do?
There's nothing he can do.
Just as he was about to sink into that dark and gloomy sea, Qiao Wu returned. She pulled him out of the illusion and told him that he was worthless.
But she turned around and said that she would look forward to the day he stood on the podium.
She's not just talking about it; she's working hard towards that day.
Therefore, Lu Xuan felt that he could still go further.
He had only attended classes at the company for a few days and knew that the goal of being number one was actually quite far away, but... he just wanted it.
After the interview, the assistant director left first, leaving only the filming crew and the staff responsible for guiding the interview.
After breakfast, Qiao Wu put on light makeup before getting into the production crew's car with Lu Xuan. She always paid attention to her image when traveling.
"Teacher Lu is the 17th to enter," the staff member said. "We need to wait for the cars ahead of us, so we can take this opportunity to record some footage."
This refers to the sentimental scenes found in traditional variety shows.
But after the staff finished speaking, they found that the two of them didn't make any move, which puzzled them.
"Miss Qiao?"
"Um."
Qiao Wu has always respected the work of people from all walks of life, so she cooperated with the production team in order to get more material by asking her to say something. However, she really couldn't say anything emotional.
So she thought for a moment and asked Lu Xuan, who had been silent all along, "Can you endure hardship?"
Lu Xuan didn't quite react: "What?"
"In the next month, you may experience difficulties you've never faced before in your life. In addition to life, you will need to put in a lot of effort and energy at work. Can you persevere?"
Whom should we suspect?
He just didn't want to sleep in a double room!
Young Master Lu felt that he could not possibly encounter a more difficult problem than this.
"certainly."
"Does he know how to speak politely to people?"
What kind of question is that?
Qiao Wu smiled and said, "In the show, you are Lu Xuan, and only Lu Xuan. The teachers evaluate you, and the people who study with you are your classmates. They may not even know you. Anyone of them is your senior in terms of seniority."
“Lu Xuan, you don’t have any special privileges on the show,” she said gently.
Therefore, you cannot lose your temper or do whatever you want.
Lu Xuan was also aware of this problem, but he was born with special privileges. Even when he was filming, the whole crew had to serve him, and no one dared to give him a hard time at any event, even if he wasn't famous.
It seems like it's really a bit difficult.
He gently lowered his eyebrows.
But he didn't like Qiao Wu's lack of confidence in his ability to do well, so he stubbornly said, "I'm not Lu Jinzhi."
So, is Lu Jinzhi a yardstick for judging whether someone can speak properly?
Qiao Wu thought Lu Jinzhi was alright, quite easy to talk to.
“If you can do all of that,” she laughed, “then you’re already number one.”
"You're the one who decides?"
"No," Qiao Wu said in a low voice, "it is here with me."
So, as long as he could persist for a month and win first place, she would accept his claim of first place.
Lu Xuan was stunned for a moment, then raised an eyebrow: "If I can't stick to it, I'll change my surname to yours."
Qiao Wu remained noncommittal: "We'll see."
The staff member touched the tip of his nose, turned his head, and coughed lightly.
Did Miss Qiao forget that she was wearing a microphone? No matter how quietly she speaks, it will still be recorded.
Soon it was Lu Xuan's turn. Qiao Wu got off the car with him; she was going to the studio to watch his first performance.
The moment the two got out of the car, they attracted everyone's attention.
The assistant director said smugly, "I told you, we had a pleasant surprise today. This is Lu Xuan's friend, Qiao Wu."
The director gave him a thumbs up: "Great job. Pay more attention to the camera angles in the friends and family studio later, and give Qiao Wu more screen time."
A man sitting in the back thought he had misheard and looked up to ask, "Who?"
"Qiao Wu." The director turned around. "Does Young Master Qin know him?"
Qin Tianrui pushed aside the person in front of him, stepped forward, stared at the woman in the camera, and gritted his teeth.
Why would she come?
His brother was originally in this city on a business trip, and he was bored, so he came along to have some fun. His brother went to discuss a collaboration with someone, so he came to the show because he heard that Lu Xuan would also be participating.
The Qin family is the biggest sponsor of this show, and they even have shares in the video platform, so he is considered the crown prince here. He just wants to see with his own eyes how the mentors will criticize Lu Xuan's terrible acting skills, and then humiliate him in person.
But he didn't expect that the relatives and friends Lu Xuan invited would be Qiao Wu.
No, is there no one left in your Lu family?
You treat a housekeeper like a servant, ordering her around and expecting her to appear on TV shows?
No, that good-for-nothing Lu Xuan didn't have a good relationship with his family to begin with. I heard that he even broke off with his father and ran away from home in order to get into the entertainment industry.
Indeed, no one else was willing to accompany him here, so he had to call his own butler.
Qin Tianrui felt very pleased. He thought about it and got goosebumps just thinking about his own fifty-something-year-old housekeeper having to go in and out with him.
Qin Tianrui said in a harsh voice, "We're more than just acquaintances, we're practically intimate."
He didn't show up until the very end of the banquet last night. His brother dragged him home, pulled him back to the study, and gave him a good beating. His back is still sore.
The director knew something was wrong as soon as he heard that tone.
They must have a grudge against each other.
Even though you're the young master, you can't cause trouble on my show. This whole team isn't here for you to show off.
After thinking for a moment, the director quickly and secretly sent a message to Qin Lian's secretary, asking her to ask the young master to leave as soon as possible if possible.
Meanwhile, Qiao Wu and Lu Xuan's cameras simultaneously panned to the trainees' lounge, where a large TV provided a view of the outside world, allowing them to observe the trainees' reactions.
Upon seeing the two exceptionally beautiful faces in the camera lens, the trainees who had already entered the lounge let out a series of seemingly genuine but actually exaggerated exclamations.
"So handsome!"
"So beautiful!"
"If you didn't know better, you'd think they were already on the red carpet. They have such great poise."
"Isn't there only one trainee? Who is the trainee? Are they a group?"
Some of the trainees weren't very famous, so naturally they couldn't get into higher circles. In their minds, there was only fame and obscurity, and they didn't know that in the top echelons of the entertainment industry, money could get you to the very top. So, many of them had never even met Lu Xuan.
The woman next to him wore a white, irregularly collared, fitted shirt with a black long skirt. She was tall and charming, almost like a model.
Wait a minute, why did she go to the relatives and friends observation room?
"No way, isn't someone who looks like a celebrity?"
"no."
Everyone turned to look at the person who spoke, puzzled: "You know Liao Liao?"
Watching Qiao Wu's figure disappear from the monitor, Liao Liao then looked away and nodded gently: "I've met him a few times."
Who is she?
Liao Liao did not intend to reveal Qiao Wu's information.
Actually, she still doesn't quite know Qiao Wu's identity, because she has seen Qiao Wu with Lu Yingchi and also with Lu Xuan.
Although everyone at the charity gala said she was Lu Xuan's assistant, Liao Liao didn't think so.
No assistant dares to force their boss to drink alcohol, nor does any assistant allow their boss to lean on their shoulder and act coquettishly.
"She's a very capable person," she said.
Lu Xuan had already entered the trainees' studio. He could feel everyone's eyes on him at that moment, but he was used to this kind of attention, so he didn't feel anything was wrong and found a seat as usual.
There was no one he knew around, and Qiao Wu was not there either. After sitting down, he lowered his eyes and listlessly fidgeted with his fingers.
The Third Young Master Lu, who is not very popular, participated in a variety show for the first time and had never understood what a variety show should be about. In his opinion, this was a variety show about acting, so he just needed to act and not bother with all the fancy stuff. He wondered what the point of everyone coming in was.
He knew the answer the next second, because everyone in the studio crowded around him, enthusiastic and proactive.
"Hello teacher, it's nice to meet you. My name is Zhao Di."
"Hello teacher, my name is..."
This scene looked strangely familiar, just like every time he appeared in the past, when others would come to compliment him, only without a glass of wine.
Young Master Lu nodded in response, as if it were a common occurrence.
Then I noticed that the people in front of me all had strange expressions.
"Was the teacher an actor before? Or did she change careers?"
They're all shrewd people, all nobodies in the industry hoping to use this opportunity to make a name for themselves. So when they see someone with good looks appear, they naturally want to get close to them, hoping to get as much screen time as possible.
So everyone was very enthusiastic.
But Lu Xuan didn't realize it, and even rolled his eyes.
"What are you doing here if you're not an actor?"
Everyone: "..."
Holy crap, that was fast?
She has such a face, but she's going for a controversial and popular image?
The director was frantic: "Stop focusing on close-ups of their faces, keep an eye on the situation by switching shots, and interrupt them if they start arguing, especially with that young master Lu."
"What are you worried about?" Qin Tianrui was delighted; he couldn't wait for the two of them to fight.
Then Lu Xuan will lose face in front of the whole country, and he'll even buy Lu Xuan trending topics! He'll smear him for three days and three nights.
He rubbed his hands excitedly: "Shove the camera in his face and slap it until he rolls his eyes. I'll give you ten thousand. If you find any dirt on him, I'll give you fifty thousand."
The production team: "..."
Brother, could you perhaps tone it down a little?
But to be fair, the production team really did not make any mistakes.
This isn't malicious editing; the subject of the shot is inherently malicious, wanting to capitalize on the free publicity.
So sometimes being a spoiled brat isn't without its advantages.
Zhao Di was filled with excitement.
Great! He's going for a controversial image, so his scenes are saved!
He eagerly asked, "What's the teacher's name?"
The last time Lu Xuan introduced himself was on the first day of first grade, standing on the podium. At other times, people would speak for him or already knew his identity.
That's funny. Why are you being so enthusiastic if you don't even know my name?
Do they have a sense of boundaries?
He was getting a little impatient, and just as he was about to speak, he suddenly remembered what Qiao Wu had said to him in the car.
"Can't you speak properly?" "They don't even know you."
Lu Xuan: "..."
So that's what we've been waiting for.
He then took a proper look at everyone in the studio. Everyone looked like they had dressed up carefully, and they were all of different ages. They were all looking at him with a gaze he had never seen before.
Curiosity, surprise, or fear.
It simply lacks the obsequiousness and obvious ulterior motives of the past.
I will speak properly.
Lu Xuan thought to himself, "I will be number one too."
His high position and the etiquette he had forgotten for many years suddenly became clear in that instant.
He stood up and extended his hand to the person in front of him: "Lu Xuan, actor."
Qiao Wu, sitting in the family and friends' studio, smiled gently when he saw this.
Liao Liao stood at the back of the crowd the whole time. When others came up to greet her, she was the only one who didn't. After all, she still vividly remembered how she was tricked and how she was brought in front of Lu Xuan.
People might not want to know her, and they might even resent her.
But to her surprise, Lu Xuan's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on her before casually looking away, as if he were greeting each person.
Liao Liao hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Hello, Teacher Lu, I'm Liao Liao."
Lu Xuan nodded.
He didn't remember this person at all. There were so many men and women toasting him that day, and none of them were as good-looking as him. Why should he remember? But the name sounded familiar.
He frowned and glanced at Liao Liao again: "You..."
Liao Liao instantly took a breath.
"So you're the only one who added Qiao Wu on WeChat?"
He had drunk honey water and was still somewhat conscious when he heard this person introduce himself and persistently ask to add him on WeChat.
This person also said she wanted to treat Qiao Wu to a meal, as she still had some of Qiao Wu's clothes that she had left behind.
What kind of relationship is this that you still leave your clothes with them?!
Lu Xuan asked, displeased, "Are you very familiar with her?"
Liao Liao was stunned; he hadn't expected that this was what he remembered.
"No, we're not familiar with each other." She lowered her head shyly.
Because of what happened with that teacher last time, she has been very busy lately, running around trying to get a chance to appear on this show, so she hasn't had a chance to treat Qiao Wu to a meal yet.
Lu Xuan's expression softened slightly: "Very well, hello."
Liao Liao: "..."
She sensed that the other person was very unhappy about her getting close to Qiao Wu.
If she answers that she is very familiar with Qiao Wu, will Lu Xuan tell her "you're not good"?
You're such a crybaby, how dare you criticize me?
After thinking for a moment, she mustered up her courage and said, "But I really like Sister Qiao, and I will definitely treat her to a meal when I have the chance."
Lu Xuan glanced at her again.
You'll like it after meeting it a few times.
“Sure,” he said, “but there’s no need, she’s very busy.”
Liao Liao was very stubborn: "I'll wait until she's not busy."
Lu Xuan: "Tsk."
The other trainees were completely bewildered. Zhao Di asked curiously, "Excuse me, who exactly is Qiao Wu?"
Liao Liao tilted her head back and said, "A person I greatly respect."
Zhao Di: "Sounds pretty impressive..."
He suddenly remembered Liao Liao's words: "Is she the beautiful girl who was walking with Teacher Lu just now?"
Lu Xuan said unhappily, "Please stay away from the lives of ordinary people."
One Liao Liao is enough; why should anyone else join in?
This scene made Qiao Wu laugh.
She hadn't expected to run into Liao Liao here, but it was normal for Liao Liao to be a newcomer to the entertainment industry.
In the original storyline, Lu Xuan got drunk at a party and was manipulated by someone. He mistakenly thought that he had done something to Liao Liao, and afterwards he didn't remember his job at all. He became entangled with Liao Liao and insisted on using his money to support her. Not only did "she" not resolve the issue, she also added fuel to the fire by spending money on him and closing down his business. However, this storyline is unlikely to be included now.
All the trainees had arrived, and while they were drawing lots to go on stage to introduce themselves and perform, the staff also came over to Qiao Wu and his group.
"Everyone, the order of the participants' draw has been determined," the staff member said. "Please enter the interview room in order. If your name is called, please come and get your order number."
Most people's relatives and friends would simply ask someone to pick it up, but only Qiao Wu and Lu Xuan's group left a deep impression on the staff. So when it was finally her turn, they specially delivered it to her and gave her an extra shot: "This is for Teacher Lu."
Qiao Wu took it and glanced at it, then asked gently, "I don't think I heard Liao Liao's name."
"Liao Liao," the staff member scratched his head, "She came alone, without any relatives or friends, so she wasn't included in the pre-test process."
Qiao Wu nodded: "Thank you."
She sat back down in her seat and, for the first time, began to recall the storyline involving Liao Liao.
As the female protagonist of a melodramatic novel who has been bullied by many rich people, her background is indeed not good. She has no relatives, and after the yacht incident, she was ostracized by some people in school and could not get along with those circles.
Qiao Wu suddenly remembered Liao Liao's stubborn look when she met Lu Xuan's gaze earlier.
And that phrase, "someone I deeply respect."
Respect?
Qiao Wu was somewhat surprised, after all, she hadn't done anything, and this title was too much of a burden.
"Excuse me," she called out to a staff member who was about to leave, "What's Liao Liao's number?"
She should do something to live up to those two words.
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