Shang Yechu racked her brains for suitable female celebrities, but couldn't think of anyone. She couldn't help but cast a probing glance at Zheng Bohan.
Zheng Bohan didn't keep them in suspense: "It's Wei Xuan."
Upon hearing the name, Shang Yechu was momentarily stunned. This wasn't because Wei Xuan was particularly famous; rather, it was because his fame and online presence weren't outstanding. In fact, his fanbase and general public recognition might not even match that of the rising star, Shang Yechu.
After considering for a moment, Shang Yechu said, "I have seen her in 'Secret Telegram 1948'."
Wei Xuan is a type of actor with a rugged appearance and skillful acting. His representative works are mainly spy dramas and anti-invasion dramas. Due to the nature of the genres, he has never played a leading role or achieved great fame. However, he has a steady stream of work and always finds opportunities.
Shang Yechu didn't know Wei Xuan's exact age, but assumed he was in his early thirties. The age was suitable. His acting was quite good; he didn't pull the viewer out of the story. However, this advantage alone didn't seem enough to secure him the lead role in such a large project…
Shang Yechu was reluctant to comment on his peers, but Zheng Bohan didn't have that concern.
Zheng Bohan rubbed his fingers together and made a smoking motion as usual: "Wei Xuan is a native of Ruguan Province."
In one sentence, less than ten words, all of Shang Yechu's doubts were answered in an instant.
The martyr is from Ruguan, and Ruguan happens to have produced an actor of the same gender, suitable age, good at the same type of subject matter, and with superb acting skills!
Period spy dramas are inherently a national genre that transcends mere popularity; when casting actors, suitability is far more important than metrics like star power or fame. Shang Yechu's fledgling popularity pales in comparison to chalk dust in the face of such a project.
Moreover, Ruguan, as a large province, has its own local dialect. Since the martyr was from Ruguan, her place of origin must be reflected in various details in the drama. As a native of Ruguan, Wei Xuan must be very familiar with the Ruguan dialect, folk culture, and local customs. He doesn't need to deliberately act; his natural performance will outshine a large group of actors of the same age.
This is an advantage that Wei Xuan was born with, and something that Shang Yechu can't catch up with—no matter how talented a foreigner is in languages, his Chinese level will not be higher than that of an ordinary Chinese person you just grab!
Shang Yechu had absolutely no reason to question Ruguan TV's decision. Any other production company would have made the same choice.
In short, Shang Yechu has no chance. And absolutely no chance.
It's hard not to feel bad that the opportunity I've been waiting for has flown away. Shang Yechu swallowed the bitterness in her throat and forced a smile, saying, "It's good that the script is approved. I still lack experience, and even if you had given me this opportunity, I probably wouldn't have been able to seize it. Now that we have a suitable actor, you should be happy."
Shang Yechu couldn't show too much regret or resentment, as that would make it seem like she harbored resentment towards Zheng Bohan. She couldn't even lack a smile, because today was the premiere of "The Mute Woman."
Zheng Bohan sighed, hesitating to speak, "Well... when I find a suitable script later, I'll reserve a suitable role for you. There are plenty of films out there, one more won't make a difference. You'll have time to hone your acting skills..."
Shang Yechu smiled and nodded, but sighed with regret in her heart.
It sounds good, but it's incredibly difficult to put into practice. The decline in the quality of scripts in the Chinese entertainment industry is a fact; even Zheng Bohan has written scripts that have flopped. If you miss this one, when will you get the next one?
Disappointed as she was, Shang Yechu had no grounds to blame Zheng Bohan. Zheng Bohan was essentially working for a local TV station; once the script was handed over, half his say was gone. Relationships in the entertainment industry are as fragile as paper. The fact that Zheng Bohan came to the premiere of "The Mute Woman" specifically to inform Shang Yechu of this, and even promised her a future role, was already more than generous; it deserved the description of "a deep friendship."
"Alright, alright, teacher, today is the premiere of my first film, I'm so happy you could come." Shang Yechu gestured for them to come in. "Shall we go in?"
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