Chapter 431: The Lobbyist Arrives

Lu Yan He did not know that his gaze had already been misunderstood.

This was mainly because he had never been misunderstood in this way before, so he himself would not think in that direction at the first instance.

Furthermore, Lu Yan He's attention was primarily focused on Zhang Ruozhi, and he had not paid much attention to the changes in Liu Lingmeng's expression.

However, Chen Siqi noticed.

"..." As a girl herself, Chen Siqi naturally realized very clearly the change in Liu Lingmeng's attitude.

There was no need to ask to know that Lu Yan He's foolish look must have caused a misunderstanding.

Chen Siqi felt that she still had an obligation to have the misunderstanding cleared up.

She took the initiative to speak, asking Zhang Ruozhi: "What grade are you in now?"

Zhang Ruozhi said: "I'm in the first year of high school now, and I'll be in the second year next semester."

Chen Siqi nodded and said: "Are you interested in being an actor?"

"Ah?" Zhang Ruozhi was stunned.

Liu Lingmeng also looked at her in surprise.

Chen Siqi pointed at Lu Yan He and said: "He is currently looking for a lead actress for his new movie; perhaps you have seen it in the news as well."

Liu Lingmeng asked: "Is it that movie where he confessed to you on Weibo late at night?"

Chen Siqi's cheeks flushed suddenly.

"Yes," Lu Yan He said with a smile, "that's the one."

Liu Lingmeng heaved a sigh of relief, "I was wondering, you kept staring at Ruoruo, and I thought you were being lecherous, eating from the bowl while looking at the pot."

Liu Lingmeng successfully made the other three people present feel awkward with a single sentence.

Lu Yan He himself turned bright red.

He hurriedly explained to Zhang Ruozhi: "I didn't mean it like that."

Zhang Ruozhi also lowered her head, feeling very embarrassed to look them in the eye, and said in a low voice: "Um, I know."

Liu Lingmeng suddenly burst into loud laughter, "Ruoruo, are you going to be a star now? Ah? Then I want to be your assistant in the future, I want to be your agent!"

Lu Yan He and Chen Siqi had not expected that the person more excited right now was not Zhang Ruozhi, but Liu Lingmeng.

Zhang Ruozhi bit her lip and tugged at Liu Lingmeng.

She said to Lu Yan He and Chen Siqi: "I, I am still in school, I have to ask my mother."

Lu Yan He nodded, "That is of course. See if you can give us your mother's contact information, and we will make an appointment with her so we can come and visit formally then."

Zhang Ruozhi nodded and took out her phone.

"Let's add each other as friends too," Chen Siqi said, also taking out her phone.

Liu Lingmeng immediately asked: "Can I add you too? I promise, I absolutely will not harass you!"

Lu Yan He and Chen Siqi looked at each other and smiled, not refusing.

Lu Yan He and Chen Siqi did not keep bothering them; after exchanging contact information, they left first.

Liu Lingmeng held Zhang Ruozhi's arm, walking slowly toward home.

The things that had just happened like a miraculous encounter left Liu Lingmeng completely immersed in a state of excitement at this very moment.

"Ruoruo, this is just too great," Liu Lingmeng said, "you can actually be a star!"

Zhang Ruozhi turned her head to look at Liu Lingmeng, wanting to say something but stopping.

"What's wrong?" Liu Lingmeng asked.

Zhang Ruozhi said: "I, I don't think my mother will agree."

"Ah?" Liu Lingmeng asked, "Why?"

"My mother's biggest dream is for me to get into a good university," Zhang Ruozhi said, "especially... after my father passed away, this obsession of hers became even deeper."

Liu Lingmeng looked puzzled and asked: "What does you being a star have to do with you getting into university?"

Zhang Ruozhi: "I will be in the second year of high school next semester; there isn't much time left until the college entrance exam."

"There are still more than two years!" Liu Lingmeng exclaimed exaggeratedly, "How is that not much time?"

Zhang Ruozhi looked at her silently, then lowered her head again, walking forward quietly.

Chen Ziyan was very helpless.

"Didn't you go to Hezhou for a vacation? How did you suddenly run into the lead actress in your heart again?"

"An accident, purely an accident, but it is a beautiful accident," Lu Yan He said to Chen Ziyan on the phone, "Sister Ziyan, really, believe me, if you see her, you will also think she is very suitable."

Chen Ziyan said: "Yan He, I accept your reasoning for wanting to find a newcomer to act in this movie, and I think you are right, but she is a proper high school student who has never studied acting. She might not be able to adapt to the camera at all; in front of the camera, she might not even be able to speak."

Many people think that acting in front of a camera is a very simple thing. For non-professional actors, one can think about the difference by looking at oneself or friends around who are not good at taking photos.

Many people are lively in daily life, but once they are in front of a camera, they become like stiff puppets, feeling uncomfortable no matter what.

This is the most basic thing: camera presence.

As for other things, from how to move to how to act, there are all sorts of things. A pure newcomer simply does not understand them.

Lu Yan He said: "Sister Ziyan, before filming *The Golden Era*, I had never filmed anything either."

Chen Ziyan said: "Can that be the same?"

"Sister Ziyan, come to Hezhou once, you will know when you see her." Lu Yan He was very certain that Chen Ziyan would definitely be like him and take a fancy to Zhang Ruozhi.

Chen Ziyan sighed, "You."

"Really, Siqi also thinks she is particularly suitable," Lu Yan He said, "and if you don't come, I am not confident that I can persuade her family to agree to come and film this movie."

Chen Ziyan laughed in anger.

"So you want me to go over and be a lobbyist?"

"You are also the producer of this movie, how can you stay out of it?" Lu Yan He said righteously.

Chen Ziyan: "I will withdraw my capital immediately."

"Then you are still a shareholder of our production company," Lu Yan He immediately said again.

Chen Ziyan: "..."

Lu Yan He said: "Sister Ziyan, believe me, Zhang Ruozhi is truly very suitable for the role of Huai Jingshu."

Chen Ziyan naturally did not doubt Lu Yan He's eye for talent.

She hung up the phone and looked at Wen Minglan, who was sitting opposite her, sighing with some regret.

"Minglan, you happened to hear it too; Lu Yan He has already found his lead actress."

Wen Minglan's face showed obvious regret and disappointment.

"And, you are already famous now, which doesn't fit Yan He's idea for the lead actress of this movie; he wants to find someone the audience doesn't know," Chen Ziyan said, "I understand your feeling of wanting to film this movie, but from the perspective of the script, it really isn't suitable."

Wen Minglan nodded dejectedly.

"Alright."

Chen Ziyan looked at this girl whom she had taken a fancy to at first sight and brought under her management.

In the past few years, because Lu Yan He's momentum was too strong, she was often overlooked, even though she was managing this actress. It wasn't until Wen Minglan became famous relying on *Friends* that she had a name.

Chen Ziyan did not think that she had neglected Wen Minglan because of Lu Yan He. To be honest, with her connections and resources in the industry, perhaps one phone call was more effective than other agents visiting ten times. Not to mention, Chen Ziyan had a trump card like Lu Yan He in her hands, which could be used to exchange for many resources for Wen Minglan and Tu Song from partners.

Furthermore, if it weren't for Lu Yan He at the time, Wen Minglan wouldn't have been able to act in *Friends* and get this opportunity that made her famous overnight.

Chen Ziyan said to Wen Minglan: "The script I gave you last time, have you finished reading it?"

Wen Minglan said: "Sister Ziyan, I finished reading it, but I don't really want to act in it."

"Why?" Chen Ziyan was a bit surprised and unexpected.

Wen Minglan said: "That is just a symbolic vase role, there is no room for acting."

Chen Ziyan was stunned.

"Minglan, although your role in that movie isn't the lead, in such a big production with an all-star cast, that is already the second most important role."

Wen Minglan hesitated for a moment and said: "Do you think I should take it?"

"From a work perspective, I think you should take it," Chen Ziyan said bluntly, "participating in this big-production movie will add luster to your resume."

Wen Minglan asked: "Then can't the lead actress role be fought for?"

"That role has already been decided for someone else."

"Who?"

"A newcomer," Chen Ziyan said, "none of us know her."

Wen Minglan bit her lip, "Why is it a newcomer again? Does everyone like using newcomers so much?"

Chen Ziyan was a bit helpless.

"There always have to be some fresh faces in movies; if it's always those few people acting, the audience will get tired of watching."

Wen Minglan sighed. "Alright, then I'll play the supporting role."

Wen Minglan still looked a bit reluctant.

Chen Ziyan watched her silently, not saying anything. After a few seconds passed, when Wen Minglan showed a look of confusion because Chen Ziyan hadn't spoken for a long time, Chen Ziyan finally said: "Minglan, you are indeed very popular now. If you want to play a lead actress in a movie, you can find scripts, but wanting to play a lead actress in a top-tier movie production is basically unrealistic. If you were an unknown newcomer, the possibility would be much greater."

Wen Minglan did not understand and asked: "Why?"

"Actually, there is no 'why'. This industry is just like this. Either you walk to the top position yourself, or you have to rely on others to reach the sky in one step. And it just so happens that directors always prefer an actor who hasn't been discovered yet, especially when the director is male and the actor is female," Chen Ziyan said, "Let's not question why the environment is like this. We are all in the environment, we can only accept it."

Wen Minglan hesitated for a moment and asked: "So, even for Yan He, is it like this?"

"Yan He? No, you are mistaken. On the first day Yan He brought *Love Letter* to me, he told me very clearly why the lead actress in high school needs to be a newcomer or a face the audience doesn't know. He has a very clear vision for this movie, and I also think his thinking is correct. Only a face the audience doesn't know and hasn't seen much can allow the audience to immerse themselves without obstacles. If you go to act, the audience's first reaction will be that you are Chen Wanqiu from *Friends*, and the second reaction will be that you are the actress Wen Minglan," Chen Ziyan asked, "Do you understand what I mean?"

Wen Minglan nodded hesitantly.

"I know."

"This is just because the movie *Love Letter* needs such a lead actress, but not every movie needs a lead actress who is like a blank sheet of paper," Chen Ziyan said, "Minglan, I'll be honest, you are famous now, and at this stage, you are starting to want to go further. I can understand all of this, but you must learn something from Lu Yan He."

"Learn what?" Wen Minglan asked.

"To be calm in the face of honor or disgrace," Chen Ziyan said, "I have never been afraid that an artist won't become popular under my management, but I am very worried that after an artist becomes popular under my management, they will float away like a balloon. Perhaps if I am not careful and don't hold the string, they will float away. I have seen many such examples, and I have told you many times."

Wen Minglan hesitated for a moment and asked: "Sister Ziyan, is my wanting to act in a movie and be a lead actress a sign of floating?"

"No, it's not," Chen Ziyan shook her head, "but because you wouldn't have come to me to say these things before, there is a change in you, so I specifically reminded you out of concern. In fact, setting this aside, I am very happy that you can take the initiative to come to me to fight for the lead actress role in *Love Letter*. I have always said that you need to be more proactive. This is a good phenomenon."

She laughed, cupped Wen Minglan's face with both hands, and stroked it gently.

"Your innate quality is very high; you have an advanced face full of storytelling, and you have a natural literary feel. Your aura is like a traditional young lady from a wealthy family; this is your advantage that distinguishes you from other actresses. I am afraid that you will be infected and influenced by the impetuous atmosphere around you and lose your characteristics. We never need to be in a hurry to play the lead actress, because your starting point is different from others? If you are anxious in your heart sometimes, just remember one sentence: playing the lead actress is just a matter of course for you, it is not worth becoming your goal. Your goal is to become a top-tier actress like Chen Bige."

Wen Minglan lowered her head with a shy smile.

"I know, Sister Ziyan, I will listen to you."

"Um." Chen Ziyan touched her face again, "Believe me, although this role is indeed a bit of a vase as you said, she is very suitable for you. If you act well, it will still become your representative work."

Wen Minglan nodded.

When Chen Ziyan saw this girl named Zhang Ruozhi, she understood at a glance why Lu Yan He and Chen Siqi had taken a fancy to her.

In this era, to find such a girl who seems to come from the end of the last century, with a pure and slightly rustic temperament, perhaps it can only be found in Hezhou.

In a city like Yuming, you won't see this kind of girl.

She wore no makeup, her face was plain, but it was full of vitality. Whether it was her smile or her shy expression, it seemed as if it could be imprinted on your heart.

Chen Ziyan took a deep breath.

Lu Yan He turned to look at her, his face overflowing with a smile that said, "See, I didn't say it wrong, did I?"

Zhang Ruozhi was still a bit nervous and uneasy, her hands tightly clutching her cup.

This was a coffee shop near the school.

It was noon. Lu Yan He specifically sent a message to Zhang Ruozhi, making an appointment to meet her here.

"She is Chen Ziyan, my agent, and also one of the producers of our movie. Don't be nervous," Lu Yan He said to Zhang Ruozhi.

Zhang Ruozhi nodded and took a deep breath, still looking a bit nervous.

Chen Ziyan said: "I have already initially understood your situation. Your grades are very good, and you are a very serious girl in daily life."

Zhang Ruozhi looked at her with some surprise.

Chen Ziyan said with a smile: "Before I came to see you, I met with your head teacher first, wanting to understand your situation at school. I was very surprised to learn that your grades are so good, and you are ranked in the top ten in your grade."

Lu Yan He and Chen Siqi showed surprise at the same time.

They didn't know about this regarding Zhang Ruozhi yet.

Unexpectedly, this girl was actually a top student.

Chen Ziyan: "You must want to get into a good university, right?"

Zhang Ruozhi nodded.

Chen Ziyan said: "Ruozhi, according to your school's admission situation in previous years, your grades can probably get you into a university at the level of Jiangguang University. Siqi is at that school."

Zhang Ruozhi looked at Chen Siqi and nodded.

"Actually, since you can study to be in the top ten in your grade at Hezhou Middle School, it shows that you are definitely a very hardworking child. If you were studying in a better middle school, perhaps you could get into a better university," Chen Ziyan said, "I heard that you have some concerns about being an actor, mainly regarding getting into university. I know that for a high school student, the college entrance exam is the most important thing. But I want to say that we can try to consider acting from a broader dimension. Life is not just these few years of high school, nor is it just one university. As long as your grades are good, there is not much difference between getting in this year and getting in next year, but some opportunities may only be encountered once in a lifetime."

Lu Yan He's heart skipped a beat; Chen Ziyan had actually started already.

Zhang Ruozhi's fingers twisted together.

"I—"

"I know, you want to say that your mother might not agree."

"Yes, I will not agree—" Suddenly, a woman's voice sounded from beside them.

Everyone was stunned for a moment.

The expression on Zhang Ruozhi's face was the most surprised; she looked at the woman in a long dress who had appeared suddenly and called out "Mom."

Everyone then realized that she was Zhang Ruozhi's mother.

Zhang's mother looked at Lu Yan He and the others, her gaze flickering. She kept a straight face and said: "Ruozhi has already told me about you wanting to find her to act in a movie. Thank you for your favor toward my daughter, but I am also formally telling you here today that before my daughter takes the college entrance exam, she will not do anything outside of her studies under any circumstances. So, you should find someone else to act in this movie."

Zhang's mother's tone had a sense of being beyond dispute.

Lu Yan He and the others looked at each other, unable to recover for a long time.

Zhang's mother said to Zhang Ruozhi: "Ruoruo, go back to school."

Zhang Ruozhi lowered her head and stood up silently.

Chen Siqi said: "Auntie, can we sit down and have a chat?"

"We have nothing to chat about," Zhang's mother said with a dark face, "I said, I am very grateful for your kindness, grateful that you found my daughter to act. I know this opportunity is very rare, but my daughter is going to take the college entrance exam and is going to get into university."

Chen Siqi still wanted to say something, but Chen Ziyan pulled her back.

Chen Ziyan stood up, smiled at Zhang's mother, and said: "Ruozhi indeed should go back to school. There is only so much rest time at noon. I'm sorry to have made you use your noon rest time to meet with us. Have you eaten enough just now? Do you want them to prepare some snacks for you to take back to the classroom? You are at the age of growing, and the pressure of studying every day is very high; you can't go hungry."

As she said this, she waved her hand.

"Hello—"

Someone came over.

"Please help us pack two egg yolk pastries and two mung bean cakes," Chen Ziyan said.

The person in the coffee shop responded and went to do it.

Chen Ziyan smiled slightly at Zhang's mother and Zhang Ruozhi, saying: "Sit for a while, they will be ready soon. We really didn't want to delay Ruozhi's class, so we specifically made an appointment with her at noon. The meal was a bit simple, we only ate two pieces of cake."

Hearing this, Zhang's mother's expression softened slightly.

She hesitated for a moment, but ultimately sat down.

"I will pay for these snacks later," she said.

"Oh my, why are you being so polite with us? We were the ones who made the appointment with Ruozhi in the first place," Chen Ziyan said with a smile, "Actually, I can particularly understand your feelings. When Yan He was preparing for the exam, I was also very nervous. I basically didn't take any work for him; I just wanted him to prepare for the exam with peace of mind. Later, when I found out he got into Zhenhua University, it really won me a lot of face, and I was particularly happy."

Zhang's mother looked at Lu Yan He, her eyes becoming a bit softer.

"He must have put in a lot of effort to be able to get into Zhenhua."

"Indeed, he started early and finished late, studying almost every minute," Chen Ziyan said bluntly, "I said this child is too self-disciplined. I asked him at the time, why, when he could clearly be an artist and didn't need a high degree, he still worked so hard to take the college entrance exam just to get into a good university. He said, because everything is fake and will change; only what is in one's own hands is real. Having experienced a three-year low period, he knew that nothing is better than becoming strong oneself."

Chen Ziyan's words made Lu Yan He feel ashamed.

Zhang's mother said: "He was able to get into Zhenhua under those circumstances; as parents, who wouldn't be inspired? I think you must be able to understand my feelings, right?"

"Of course," Chen Ziyan nodded, "Actually, even if you didn't come to find us, we were going to find you. Ruozhi is not yet an adult; she cannot decide for herself about acting. We also wanted to understand what she thought first before formally visiting your home to communicate with you. I didn't expect you to come over first."

Zhang's mother nodded.

"Ruozhi told me yesterday that she ran into Lu Yan He and this little girl, and that you wanted her to act in a movie."

"You must have thought your daughter ran into scammers, right?" Chen Ziyan covered her mouth and laughed, "These two are also children, very reckless, completely ignorant of social etiquette, making you laugh."

Zhang's mother waved her hand, "These two young people are so excellent, how could it be a laughing matter? If Ruozhi can be half as excellent as them in the future, I will be satisfied."

Chen Ziyan smiled.

At this time, the snacks were packed and brought over.

"Here," Chen Ziyan took the packed snacks and put them into Zhang's mother's hands, "You should take Ruozhi to school first, we will wait for you here."

"Wait for me?" Zhang's mother was puzzled.

Chen Ziyan said: "Didn't you just say that before Ruozhi takes the college entrance exam, you absolutely won't consider anything other than studying? Before, it was just the children chatting. I hope to have a serious chat with you about Ruozhi's future planning. You can just treat it as a casual chat, just like when Yan He came to find me. I didn't expect this child to grow into what he is today. Sometimes, life is really a matter of fate. What do you think?"

Chen Ziyan kept a smile on the corner of her mouth, radiating a calm and determined aura.

Zhang's mother looked at Zhang Ruozhi and nodded hesitantly. ===== CHAPTER 432 =====