Regardless of how much Xia Weiliang disdained Xia Yiran, as an outsider, she only had the right to secretly curse. She couldn't make choices for any of them.
Liu Yaozong had made the choice he believed was right. She didn't agree, but she respected it. Then, he would have to bear the consequences.
In the past two days, she had stayed up late to finish reading the original novel "Qing Kuang" and then read the script. She was immediately hooked, completely captivated by the male lead "Ling Lu," finally understanding the mindset of fans chasing after fictional characters.
She called Director Zhou and asked, puzzled, "Are you planning to adapt it into a TV series?"
Looking at the script's length, character relationships, and plot density, the script Director Zhou gave her was for a TV series!
Director Zhou replied unhurriedly over the phone, "Do you remember director Liu Yiyi from the crew next to the film base in An County?"
"Oh! That uncle!"
Xia Weiliang remembered him. His round belly made it seem like he was about to welcome a child!
"He's quite interested in you and wants to invite you to play a role in 'Qing Kuang.' I've already reviewed the script for you, and there are no problems. The next step is your choice."
Hearing that Director Zhou, such a big shot, would personally review the script for her, Xia Weiliang's eyes welled up a little.
"Dad Zhou..."
"Don't try to pull that with me! If you turn out to be useless, calling me grandpa won't help!" Director Zhou couldn't stand sentimentality. Then he added, "Liu Yiyi, although he always smiles like a Maitreya Buddha, he has a terrible temper on set! However, he's also famously good at guiding actors. Oh, right, Xi En was discovered by him."
Xia Weiliang was quite surprised. She didn't know much about the entertainment industry and didn't expect Director Liu to be so capable!
She eagerly said, "I'll take it! I'll take it!"
Director Zhou was not surprised and asked her, "Which role do you want to take?"
Xia Weiliang blinked. "Um... Dad Zhou, am I that popular now? I get to choose my roles?"
"Heh, is your acting free now?"
"...My apologies."
Director Zhou calmly said, "I just want to understand your thoughts in advance and see which character you resonate with."
Xia Weiliang stated firmly, "Sheng Guanqiu!"
"Oh?"
Director Zhou seemed to become interested, his voice carrying a hint of a smile. "Tell me, why her? Shouldn't it be the female lead, Tai Ling?"
"As a fan of the book, I like Tai Ling, but as an actor, I prefer Sheng Guanqiu!"
"Haha..."
Director Zhou laughed.
Xia Weiliang also chuckled, "Do you think I can play this role?" (Su Dan Fiction Network)
The laughter abruptly stopped.
"Do you even know your own acting skills? You dare to take on a complex character like Sheng Guanqiu, are you getting too ambitious!"
Xia Weiliang retorted, "It's precisely because she's complex that I like her! Can't I challenge something difficult?"
"Heh... You? Go and learn from Xi En for a few more years!"
"With your words, I'm even more determined to get Sheng Guanqiu!"
Director Zhou hung up the phone.
He looked up at Liu Yiyi, who was sitting opposite him. "What did I tell you?"
Director Liu said nothing, instead giving him a thumbs-up.
He was completely impressed.
Actually, Director Liu had originally intended for Xia Weiliang to play Sheng Guanqiu. However, the young actress's current star power and soaring popularity meant she could also be considered for the female lead!
But after reading the script, Sheng Guanqiu in Director Liu's mind was Xia Weiliang's image! He was a stubborn person and immediately found Director Zhou.
Director Zhou also agreed, which was why he gave the script to her.
"I was really afraid the young actress would be too proud and refuse, especially since her role isn't extensive, not even considered a supporting role. With her current popularity, it's normal for her not to want to play a supporting character. I didn't expect her to accept! Haha, it really took old Zhou to get her on board! But I guarantee, this role will be brilliant!"
Director Liu patted his chest and promised.
Director Zhou took a sip of tea and said slowly, "The young actress has good comprehension and is willing to learn. There aren't many actors these days who can endure like this. When she's with you, don't spoil her, train her thoroughly."
"Don't worry about that, if I don't make her cry, I'm not Liu Yiyi!"
Director Zhou frowned and glared at him, "Who told you to make her cry?"
"Alright, alright, I know what I'm doing. For the next few months, she's my actress. You don't need to worry about it!"
"..."
---
When Xi En met Director Liu again, he treated him with great familiarity. They discussed the drama "Qing Kuang" for a long time, and finally, Xi En made the decision.
"It's your production, I have no reason not to participate."
"That's good!" Director Liu added, "I know you never accept youth-themed productions, but you just need to trust me! As for the male lead, Ling Lu, it has to be you!"
Xi En smiled, "I understand Director Liu well. Since you've found me, I get it."
"Good!"
They had only collaborated on one project, but that drama had propelled Xi En to stardom. He and Director Liu had developed excellent chemistry.
To be honest, Xi En was looking forward to working with Director Liu again.
However, Director Liu didn't have any specific actors he favored; his casting choices were quite arbitrary, not focusing on fame, only on intuition. Therefore, the actors he chose were always perfectly suited for the roles, and combined with his ability to guide actors, it was difficult not to become famous after appearing in his productions.
"You are the first male lead I confirmed, and the second is Xia Weiliang."
"Xia Weiliang?"
Xi En was a little surprised. "Are you planning for her to play the female lead?"
"Not the female lead, but a very complex and interesting character, at most a supporting role."
"She accepted?"
Xi En was quite surprised. Given Xia Weiliang's current popularity and status, and having recently appeared in a Lunar New Year film with some success, he didn't expect her to agree to play a supporting role in a TV series!
He reckoned it would be hard to find another actor like her in the entire industry.
"I heard you're teaching her acting?"
"Yes."
Xi En nodded and said, "It's not exactly traditional, we exchange ideas when we have time."
"That's perfect. Use this opportunity to guide her, let her adapt to this type of role in advance, so I will designate the learning content for the next phase."
"Okay."
Xi En arrived at Xia Weiliang's apartment again. She was at home watching a movie, her laptop open on the table, a box of tissues in her hand, crying with a runny nose. "It's too tragic... truly too tragic..."
Nuomi whispered to Xi En, "Sister Weiwei has been very interested in this type of movie recently."
Xi En smiled, understanding the situation.
He walked over and sat beside her, saying nothing, crossing his arms and watching with her.
It was a famous Korean film, where the male lead was intellectually challenged and raised a daughter.
While the plot wasn't exceptionally brilliant, the narrative pace was steady and indeed worth studying.
Xia Weiliang had cried through an entire pack of tissues, her eyes swollen. Even after the movie ended, she was still immersed in the sad emotions.
At that moment, a soft chuckle came from beside her, and then the tear stains on her face were gently wiped away...