When Xia Qingtian first heard the news, she was completely stunned.
"Flower Moon Most Cherished Spring" was a very important investment project for Gu's Entertainment.
Even in her previous life, Xia Qingtian had watched the entire drama despite her circumstances.
From the script to the set construction to the post-production, there was nothing to fault. The male and female leads had great looks and acting skills, the second male and female leads were intelligent and decisive in their actions.
The only point of criticism was the casting of the third female lead.
It wasn't that the third female lead's acting was bad; it just lacked a certain something.
Yet, this role was crucial, which led to widespread regret.
Fans of various popular actresses were bound to engage in mutual criticism. But with the filming and broadcast completed, regrets were of no use.
At the time, Xia Qingtian felt her situation was very similar to that of the third female lead.
The third female lead also became disabled in both legs due to an accident. The proud, pampered daughter of heaven, a daughter of the grasslands, was ultimately imprisoned in a small bamboo house in the middle of the lake in the most humiliating manner.
Her country had abandoned her, her lover's whereabouts were unknown, and the man she didn't love not only sought to possess her but also used her name to wage war and harm innocent lives.
Thus, she was forced to her death, trading her young and beautiful life for ten years of peace for her country.
When her lover, the male lead, returned, he only learned of her death. He fell out with the second male lead, vowing revenge for her. However, in the process, he met the lively and kind female lead.
...
This story involved patriotism, romantic love, and grudges of the martial world. The scenes were grand and magnificent, greatly testing the acting skills and the director's control of tension.
Fortunately, Gu's Entertainment had the money and capability, and the assembled crew was also formidable.
Now, when Wen Ning suggested she try out for the third female lead, Xia Qingtian was hesitant. At this moment, a "beep" sound echoed in her mind.
[The Chosen One System has been activated.
Option A: Successfully play the third female lead in "Flower Moon Most Cherished Spring," reward: one lucky draw.
Option B: Refuse the role of the third female lead, stay in your comfort zone for stable development, reward: an opportunity to play the female lead in a small-budget web drama.]
The sudden "beep" startled Xia Qingtian.
The system had been quiet for a while, and she had almost forgotten that she was bound to the Chosen One System.
After realizing this, Xia Qingtian began to ponder the two options given by the system.
She had to admit, the reward of a female lead role in a small-budget web drama was very tempting. After all, it was a debut as the lead, something unattainable for most people.
Especially a web drama produced by Gu's Entertainment, even if it was labeled small-budget, it could outshine most web dramas on the market and become the most eye-catching existence.
This was the strength of Gu's Entertainment.
However, as the system said, this choice was to keep her in her comfort zone.
She ran away from home to pursue her dreams, not to stay in her comfort zone.
If she truly wanted to confine herself, she could be more comfortable as a daughter of the Xia family.
Thinking of this, Xia Qingtian made up her mind and looked up at Wen Ning, saying, "Ning Jie, I want to try."
"Okay, then prepare yourself. I'll send you the audition script later, and then I'll schedule a time with the director and casting director." Wen Ning knew the significance of this project for Gu's and how much Mr. Gu valued it.
After their meal, they headed straight back to the secluded villa.
That evening, Wen Ning gave Xia Qingtian the audition script and scheduled the audition for two days later.
The time was tight, so Xia Qingtian read through the script whenever she had time, recalling the plot of the drama from her previous life.
Two days passed quickly. Accompanied by Wen Ning, Xia Qingtian formally attended the audition for the third female lead.
Actually, auditions for this role had already been held. Except for the third female lead, all other roles had been basically finalized.
This impromptu audition was specifically arranged for Xia Qingtian.
"I wonder which sugar daddy opened the back door this time," the casting director whispered conspiratorially in the conference room.
"No matter who it is, they're probably someone we can't afford to offend. Holding an audition last minute, how many years has it been since something like this happened?" A staff member next to him sneered, a hint of disdain in their eyes.
"Alright, have they arrived yet? Let's not waste our time," the director said, frowning deeply.
If they thought that having a sugar daddy behind a small actor could easily get them the role, they were gravely mistaken.
This drama was not only Gu's Entertainment's annual blockbuster but also his comeback.
He had invested countless hours and effort and would absolutely not let any disgusting backstage dealings ruin his drama.
"They're here, they're here!" the director's assistant rushed in from outside, his eyes shining, "And they've brought a large film crew. They've certainly made quite a show."
"Tch." The casting director scoffed and rolled his eyes.
No matter how grand the show, acting didn't depend on showmanship.
Pushing open the door, Wen Ning walked in first. Seeing the director, she only nodded.
The director clearly recognized Wen Ning. He was initially surprised to see her, then immediately nodded and looked at the person behind Wen Ning.
Xia Qingtian was fully prepared today. Her clothing choice, color coordination, and hairstyle all matched the character.
Her makeup was also basic, without any exaggerated modifications to her features.
The moment the director saw Xia Qingtian, his eyes lit up. He felt that this newcomer had a very appealing look.
After a simple self-introduction, Xia Qingtian began her audition.
From the innocent, kind, and pure white moonlight in the early stages to the seductive cinnabar mole who, despite being disabled and betrayed by everything she protected, gave her all.
Every move, every smile of Xia Qingtian captivated everyone's heart.
Witnessing Xia Qingtian's performance, Wen Ning couldn't help but think of the phrase: Some people are born to do this.
Xia Qingtian was definitely one of the few in this industry who were blessed by the heavens.
Her appearance was outstanding and recognizable, and her voice was excellent. The lines she delivered greatly enhanced her performance. Although her acting was still a bit raw, her potential was immense.
In her, Wen Ning saw infinite possibilities.
What Wen Ning saw, the director also saw. He immediately decided on the spot, "It's you."
Upon hearing this, Xia Qingtian's eyes brightened, and she bowed to the director: "Thank you."
Seeing the director make the decision on the spot, Wen Ning wasn't surprised. What she could see so clearly, how could this director, who had experienced many ups and downs in the entertainment industry, not see it?
The time for the costume fitting and subsequent schedules were all booked that day.
Of course, all these negotiations were handled by Wen Ning. Xia Qingtian, while happy, was also somewhat surprised.
Why hadn't the system prompted her that the task was completed?
Could something still go wrong with something that had already been decided?
It couldn't be, could it...