Part 4 of Chapter 68
Please Like Her 19 – Let’s celebrate the New Year together
For Shang Lu, now that her body has recovered, what was the most important thing?
Reading the script!
But…
Why did Song Zeqian call them again to help him select actors and watch auditions?
Apart from Ye Lu, the remaining five people gathered again to make the final selection for the last actor.
The choice of the last major role is one of the most crucial tasks in the early preparations for this film.
Song Zeqian even said directly, “Once this character is decided, all of you will immediately pack your bags and come with me to the countryside.”
In the morning, they saw over twenty actors, but they all reached the same consensus : none of them were suitable.
Although this character doesn’t have many lines, the most significant twist revolves around him
Transitioning from an early, detestable character to eventually revealing the truth, the key challenge lies in portraying the ‘good’ within the early ‘evil,’ which is inherently difficult, and maintaining a delicate balance between the two.
If it’s too obvious, the audience will spot the issue before the truth is revealed. But if it’s not obvious enough, viewers who already know the truth or those watching for a second time might find the twist too abrupt.
As Song Zeqian’s face grew darker, Shang Lu patted her own stomach; she was hungry.
Today’s interview has already ended because none of the candidates could satisfy Song Zeqian, so it ended much earlier than expected.
Lin Yanyan, exhausted, could barely keep her eyes open. “We’re just missing one role… Let’s call Ye Lu over; he’s a good fit for that character too.”
Song Zeqian smiled, “Don’t make jokes like that.”
Lin Yanyan obediently closed her mouth, burying her face behind Shang Lu, trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.
Shang Lu thought for a moment and said, “Actually, Director Song, I think there’s someone who would be a good fit.”
Song Zeqian looked at her with a blank expression, “Are you also going to suggest Ye Lu?”
Shang Lu shook her head and turned to Xu Ze, asking, “Do you remember him?”
Xu Ze was a bit puzzled and asked, “Him?”
Shang Lu nodded, “That’s right, it’s the same person I mentioned last time. I wasn’t just criticizing him; I genuinely believe he’s a good fit.”
Xu Ze pondered for a moment and said, “He does seem quite suitable.”
Song Zeqian asked, “What are you all talking about? Who is he?”
Shang Lu replied, “He’s the one who auditioned for the same role as Xu Ze before, his name is… Meng Li, yes, Meng Li.”
At just twenty-four years old, he had been nominated for Best Actor at the film festival three times, so his acting skills were unquestionable. However, he wasn’t quite suitable for the role of the eldest son. Shang Lu had commented that his personality would be better suited for the role of the second son. Although their first meeting had been somewhat unpleasant, Shang Lu had recently come across a theater performance clip featuring Meng Li, and his character seemed somewhat similar to that of the second son. So, in Shang Lu’s opinion, Meng Li was the best choice for the role of the second son.
Xu Ze agreed, “He’s a talented actor.”
If it weren’t for the fact that this character matched him better, Xu Ze might not have thought he had a chance.
Shang Lu’s suggestion made Song Zeqian pause and think.
It made sense.
Song Zeqian asked, “I heard from the staff that you had some conflicts that day. Why are you suggesting him?”
Shang Lu replied candidly, “Although our relationship isn’t great, it’s not exactly a conflict. The main reason is that he really is a good fit.”
Xu Ze nodded in agreement, confirming Shang Lu’s assessment.
Yawning, Shang Lu asked, “Can we leave now?”
Song Zeqian put down his phone and said, “Wait for half an hour. Meng Li is on his way.”
Everyone : “?”
—So quick?
It can be seen that Song Zeqian is really anxious about this casting.
Soon, Meng Li arrived.
Ever since he last trash-talked Xu Ze and ended up not getting selected, Meng Li had been feeling quite embarrassed, and he was still somewhat unhappy about it. When his agent informed him that Song Zeqian was going to give him another audition opportunity, Meng Li felt like it was a stroke of luck.
So, on his way there, he kept thinking about the reasons for this second chance.
After thinking it over, the only possible reason could be that Xu Ze didn’t satisfy Song Zeqian, which is why he was given a second chance.
But when he arrived at the scene and saw Xu Ze, Meng Li was puzzled.
Since Xu Ze was still here, what was the point of having him come again? To make a comparison once more?
The reality didn’t match what Meng Li had in mind.
When he found out that Song Zeqian wanted him to try the role of the second son, Meng Li was surprised, but he agreed without hesitation.
Although the role of the second son didn’t have many scenes, the value of Song Zeqian’s film wasn’t measured by the number of shots.
As expected.
After half an hour of preparation, Meng Li handed in a fairly good performance.
Jiang Jing praised, “Indeed, very suitable.”
Song Zeqian nodded and said directly, “If there are no issues, go back and pack your bags, hand over your work, and three days from now, after New Year’s, we’ll all depart for training.”
Song Zeqian’s meaning was clear – the team was already complete, and those present were the main cast of <Evil>.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Of course, they had to agree. What other professional opportunity could be more important than participating in Song Zeqian’s movie?
Only Lin Yanyan peeked out and asked, “What about the variety show?”
Song Zeqian didn’t mind, saying, “Let them adjust the schedule. After all, with five out of six people missing, they can’t film it.”
According to the contract, each guest is allowed to take a maximum of two leaves during the recording of the twelfth season. However, Xiao Taoyan’s program team probably couldn’t have anticipated that they would encounter a strange occurrence of five people taking leave together!
Everyone : “…”
That makes perfect sense.
Upon hearing this news, Ye Lu wondered, “?”
It’s as if he has been abandoned by the whole world.
He sent a message to Lin Yanyan.
[ Thank goodness you’re with me ]
Lin Yanyan replied : [ Hehe. ]
That evening, the official account of <Evil> added two new followings.
Lin Yanyan and Meng Li.
Netizens : “?”
Ye Lu : “???”
Indeed, the most shocked person in the world was Ye Lu, without a doubt.
He never expected that Lin Yanyan would also join Song Zeqian’s cast. The one who sings the OST isn’t a person, huh? Why doesn’t he have to attend training? Why wasn’t he brought along?
Song Zeqian replied directly to him.
[ Do you want me to teach you how to sing? Sure. ]
Ye Lu : “…”
He replied : [ Sorry for bothering you. ]
Suddenly, he didn’t feel like going anymore.
After returning home, Shang Lu shared this matter with Chi Yan, saying, “My precious mattress has finally arrived, but I have to leave. Can I order another one to be delivered to the countryside…? Well, if I dare to bring a mattress, Song Zeqian will definitely kill me.”
Before Chi Yan could respond, Shang Lu shook her head to dismiss this absurd idea.
Shang Lu squatted by the side of the sofa, packing her luggage. Chi Yan looked at her and asked, “How long will you be gone?”
Shang Lu thought for a moment and replied, “About half a month, I should be back before the Lunar New Year.”
“Got it.” Chi Yan folded her coat neatly and handed it to Shang Lu, reminding her, “Put it on the right side, and stack it on top of some heavier clothes to save luggage space.”
With Chi Yan’s guidance, Shang Lu managed to fit as much as possible into the limited space.
Then, Shang Lu suddenly looked up and said, “I won’t let Xiao Mi come back during this time. The signal might be weak in the countryside, so if there’s any problem, have her call your phone.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her,” Chi Yan said, helping Shang Lu close the packed suitcase and placing it to the side. She added, “Xiao Mi will be back tomorrow, and we can take her to the amusement park. Let’s celebrate the New Year together.”
“Sounds good,” Shang Lu immediately agreed, her eyes lighting up. She said, “I want to play all day.”
Shang Lu didn’t bother with the rest of her luggage and sat cross-legged on the sofa, picking up her phone to search for amusement park tips.
Chi Yan asked her, “Are you starting to look this early?”
Shang Lu pursed her lips and replied softly, “Xiao Mi should be going to such a place for the first time, so we definitely need to plan ahead.”
That’s what she said, but it was clear that Shang Lu was quickly drawn to the various attractions in the amusement park. She tugged on Chi Yan’s sleeve and started making plans.
Just now, Shang Lu didn’t really tell the truth.
This kind of place, the amusement park, was not only a first for Xiaomi, but also a first for her.
So she was a bit nervous, but more excited.
Her hand unconsciously landed on the sofa she was sitting on at this moment, and she pressed her fingertip down, finding it very soft and bouncy.
What would the amusement park’s trampoline be like?
And the carousel, bumper cars, the floating cars with cartoon characters, and so many other things, were all things she had seen on TV when she was a child.
Aww… Shang Lu haven’t been in a amusement park. Ó╭╮Ò