Chapter 348: 【Sharpening the Spear Before the Battle, Even if Not Sharp, It Will Still Shine】 (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tick

Inside the villa living room in the year 2025.

When Lin Xiaolu asked that question, Lin Xiuyuan, who had already taken the phone Lin Chongji had been using for searches and was quickly browsing the searched information, was already there.

After briefly looking over the film's performance and data in this world line, he looked up at her almost without hesitation and said in a firm tone, "Take it, why wouldn't you take it?"

Then, his gaze returned to the screen, his fingers swiping rapidly, and he continued while staring at the information, "According to the currently known situation, this film reached 8.65 million admissions, ranking second in the local box office for that year."

Then he looked at a few more lines of text, "As for awards, although it didn't sweep everything, it was still very impressive. It won Best Screenplay at the 19th Chunsa Film Festival, and the lead actress even used this film to win the..."

"... Best Actress at the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards in the film category, and Best Actress at the 19th Chunsa Film Festival."

Having said this, he simply turned the phone screen toward Lin Xiaolu so she could clearly see the honors listed on it.

Finally, he stated, "For a film that wins over both the market and the critics, it can greatly elevate an actor's status and even become a representative work for one's reputation. Why would you refuse it?"

As Lin Xiuyuan finished speaking, Lin Chongji, who was beside them, nodded vigorously and, looking at the still somewhat dazed Lin Xiaolu, added in a very certain tone.

"Yes, take it. This is indeed a very good film. I was a little worried before that you might not be able to get in touch with works with a strong style like 'Witch', but I didn't expect you to be so lucky to have actually gotten this script."

At this point, her tone became more serious, "And after you finish acting in this film, if the results and response are as good as they are here, then even if opportunities like 'Witch' come along later, it's fine, but even if they don't, it doesn't matter at all, because this film is enough to establish your foothold in the film industry."

"Indeed." Lin Xiuyuan added, simply handing the phone to Lin Xiaolu so she could see it clearly for herself.

Lin Xiaolu took the phone, her fingertips sliding over the dazzling numbers and award names on the screen, her breathing seemingly becoming lighter.

This information and data seemed to have a magical power, instantly dispelling her previous hesitation and anxiety, but soon a sense of dizziness from being struck by a huge opportunity, along with the pressure that followed, surged into her heart.

However, even so, after taking a deep breath, Lin Xiaolu looked up, her eyes firm, "I understand. Then I will go tell Writer Kim tomorrow. I like this script."

Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan was just about to nod in agreement when a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

So he raised his hand to signal Lin Yun'er and Lin Xiaolu to wait a moment, "You two wait for me here."

After saying that, he quickly ran up to the second floor of the apartment and rummaged through his room.

A few minutes later, he came back downstairs with a square gift box that was exquisitely packaged and not light in weight.

He placed the gift box on the coffee table and signaled to Lin Xiaolu, "Here, take this with you when you go to see Writer Kim tomorrow. Since someone introduced such a good resource to you, no matter what, we can't fail to express our gratitude."

Seeing Lin Xiuyuan say this, Lin Xiaolu also curiously bent down to open the gift box.

Inside, on a black velvet cushion, lay a set of extremely exquisitely crafted pure gold bowl and chopstick ornaments. The bowl walls and chopsticks were carved with delicate auspicious patterns, shimmering with a steady and luxurious luster under the light.

This made Lin Xiaolu look up in surprise, "Xiuyuan, when did you buy this?"

"I bought it at a gold shop when I was passing by while accompanying YoonA to look at jade and crystal shops last time."

Standing to the side, Lin Xiuyuan answered nonchalantly, "I was just shocked by the gold price here at the time, and the design also had a good meaning—after all, bowls and chopsticks represent abundance in food and clothing—so I bought it. I originally thought I might be able to give it as a gift someday, but I didn't expect it to be used right here."

At this time, Lin Chongji also leaned over to take a look at the golden ornament and couldn't help but laugh.

"I remember now. At the time, I even asked him why he was buying gold bowls and chopsticks for no reason; it was so strange. Now that I see it, giving this as a gift, especially to a senior or intermediary who helped you build bridges and introduced an important job opportunity, the meaning is actually very appropriate and decent."

"Mm, I understand." Lin Xiaolu did not decline.

Because she remembered very clearly that the money for this gift ultimately came from the supplementary gold card she had given him.

It was nothing more than moving money from her left hand to her right, just saving her the trouble and time of picking out a gift herself.

However, after gently closing the lid of the gift box, a trace of new worry surfaced in Lin Xiaolu's heart, "But I'm a little worried, what if, what if I don't end up getting this role? Because Writer Kim only said the director hopes I go try out. If I fail the audition, or if there are other variables, that would be terrible."

Before Lin Xiuyuan could even speak, Lin Yun'er gave the answer, "What are you thinking about? Lin Xiaolu, are you a newcomer who just entered the industry? Don't you know what 'unspoken rules' are—"

Lin Xiaolu looked at her, a bit confused, seemingly not understanding.

Seeing the other person's expression, Lin Yun'er then remembered that although she herself in 2013 had debuted for many years, the films and dramas she appeared in were basically handed over by the company.

So she sighed and began to explain it to her, "Simply put, ever since this script was delivered to your hands and the director expressed a clear intention, as long as you don't do anything stupid, the role is already yours more than eighty percent of the time, understand?"

"The so-called audition they talk about is often just a necessary process to give all parties a formal explanation and confirmation. Because your acting potential and image fit, they have likely already auditioned you elsewhere."

"At this point, unless you suddenly go blank during the process and perform terribly, it won't fall through. Or if someone with a stronger background brings capital into the production and forces you out, that's a different story."

Having said this, Lin Yun'er thought for a moment and added a few more sentences.

"However, according to what I've heard, when this film first started shooting, it wasn't actually widely seen by the outside world as a project that would 'explode,' and the investment wasn't particularly exaggerated, so the probability of someone bringing capital into the production to forcibly snatch a lead role that requires acting skills is relatively small."

"The director choosing you, besides you possibly fitting certain traits of the character in his mind, your popularity and attention accumulated recently because of 'The Heirs' must also be one of the important considerations. If you can attract your fans to go to the cinema to watch it, it is a very realistic boost for any commercial film. After all, your heat during this period is real."

After listening to Lin Yun'er's clear and logical analysis, Lin Xiaolu's heart finally settled down quite a bit.

Lin Xiuyuan took a more direct approach; he simply took Lin Xiaolu's hand, had her sit on the sofa, and sat down next to her himself.

"If you are really worried about the audition itself, afraid that you are unprepared or have a deviation in understanding, that's simple—let's use a cheat code."

"A cheat code?" Lin Xiaolu was puzzled.

"Yeah—" Lin Xiuyuan pointed to the television in front of them and then gestured around the room.

"This isn't 2013, this is 2025. Here, you can directly see how that actor in the original film interpreted this character. Although it's just an image, watching it will definitely be inspiring."

"Break down the original film and analyze it, watch it a few more times. Although cramming can't compare to long-term accumulation, the old saying goes: 'Sharpening the spear before the battle, even if it's not sharp, it will still shine.' With a reference, at least you'll have more confidence, knowing what the general direction and the standard answer are like, so there shouldn't be any problems."

This suggestion made Lin Xiaolu's eyes light up, because her acting breakthrough during 'The Heirs' was accomplished exactly like this.

"Why not try it and see." Lin Xiuyuan said with a smile, then looked over at Lin Yun'er, "So, YoonA, do you want to go back to Lausanne to rest first? I'll stay with Xiaolu for a while tonight, watch the movie with her, and discuss it."

Who knew that Lin Yun'er would cross her arms, a very playful smile appearing on her face, her gaze looking Lin Xiuyuan up and down.

"I go rest? I think you should be the one to rest. Running around Europe for the past few days, being a driver, accompanying shopping, and having to deal with us—your energy must be almost drained, and you're still thinking about staying up late to tutor her. Be careful not to be sucked dry by her."

"Yah! Lin Yun'er!" Lin Xiaolu, who had just been moved by Lin Xiuyuan's thoughtful suggestion, instantly flushed red and glared angrily at that damn old woman.

To this, Lin Yun'er shrugged, her smile unchanged as she replied, "I'm stating a fact, Lin Xiaolu. Do you dare deny that you have ulterior motives for Xiuyuan? Or rather, that you don't have any thoughts about him?"

Put on the spot, Lin Xiaolu opened her mouth, wanting to firmly deny this statement.

But when her gaze caught Lin Xiuyuan's face with its gentle smile, and she thought of the crazy night the two of them had not long ago, the words reached her lips and were helplessly swallowed back.

In the end, she could only snort coldly, look away, and resist with silence.

This caused Lin Yun'er's laughter to become even more unbridled.

Eventually, at Lin Yun'er's insistence, Lin Xiuyuan returned to the hotel room in Lausanne himself.

At this time, Kim Taeyeon was leaning against the headboard playing with her phone. Seeing that only Lin Xiuyuan had returned, she raised an eyebrow, "Where's YoonA? Didn't you say there was something going on with Xiaolu? You guys finished so quickly?"

To this, Lin Xiuyuan briefly explained the situation, describing the scene where Lin Yun'er and Lin Xiaolu were at loggerheads.

This directly made Auntie Kim Taeyeon laugh after hearing the words, "Hahaha————"

Only after laughing, she looked at Lin Xiuyuan with a tone carrying a bit of grievance and fear, "Ah? Wait, Xiuyuan, does this mean I'm sleeping in such a big room alone tonight?"

Looking at that little expression of hers, Lin Xiuyuan said helplessly, "It seems that is the case."

"No way." At this, Kim Taeyeon's expression tightened, the corners of her mouth turned up, and she put down her phone and patted the empty spot beside her, "If that's the case, Xiuyuan, you have to stay and keep me company; I'm scared being alone."

"But Zhiyan over there————" Facing this situation, Lin Xiuyuan really had a bit of a headache.

"I don't care, you go explain." Kim Taeyeon was crisp and decisive; she was too embarrassed to directly tell Dalongzai that she wanted to snatch her man.

For such offensive words, it was better to let the man himself be the scumbag and explain it.

Helpless, Lin Xiuyuan had no choice but to change locations without stopping, returning to the hotel room in Siena, Italy, through the Time Gate.

At this time, Dalongzai, Li Juli, and Park Hyomin had already finished shopping and returned.

And in order to provide cover for Lin Xiuyuan's possible online meeting, after returning, Dalongzai did not enter her own room, but instead chatted and rested in the adjacent suite with Li Juli.

It wasn't until Lin Xiuyuan knocked on the door of the next room that Dalongzai opened it with a smile, looking at Lin Xiuyuan before her, she said with gentle eyes, "Finished, Xiuyuan."

"Mm, finished. But Zhiyan, there's a temporary matter, I need to discuss it with you." A trace of imperceptible awkwardness appeared on Lin Xiuyuan's face.

Her years of being a "fairy" meant that as soon as Dalongzai saw his expression, she roughly guessed the situation in her heart.

So even though the smile on her face didn't change, her tone already carried a hint of teasing, "What is it? Don't tell me you're going to abandon me again tonight to go busy yourself with other things."

Having his excuse pointed out in advance, Lin Xiuyuan was even more embarrassed and scratched his head.

Fortunately, Dalongzai didn't want to make Lin Xiuyuan feel awkward, so she quickly smiled gently again, reached out, and pulled him back into their room.

"Alright, I'm teasing you. Tell me, what is the important matter that requires our busy man Xiuyuan to have to temporarily abandon me?"

Facing this understanding from Dalongzai, Lin Xiuyuan also breathed a sigh of relief, took the opportunity to lower his voice, and explained the situation: Lin Xiaolu had received an important movie script, and he had to go over to help and provide some off-site assistance.

Hearing that it was a serious matter concerning Lin Xiaolu's future development, Dalongzai immediately put away her joking expression and nodded in agreement without hesitation.

"This is a great thing. If YoonA unnie's career can get better and better, we are all happy. Then Xiuyuan, go ahead and get busy, serious matters come first. Tomorrow we will shop around here ourselves, look at the houses to do a preliminary screening first, and when you finish your work and come back, we can make the final decision."

"Mm, thank you for your hard work, and I've wronged you, Zhiyan." Lin Xiuyuan was moved in his heart, hugged her gently, and planted an apologetic kiss on her lips.

Dalongzai, who hugged him back, patted his back gently, "It's fine, it's more convenient for us to shop by ourselves, you go ahead and get busy."

Watching Lin Xiuyuan's figure disappear behind the door again, Dalongzai composed her expression, turned around, went out, and knocked on the door of the next room.

The person who opened the door this time was Park Hyomin; she was currently wearing a facial mask, and seeing that the only person at the door was Dalongzai, she asked curiously, "Eh? Zhiyan, why did you come over? Aren't you being clingy with Xiuyuan next door?"

"

After entering, Dalongzai sat down beside Li Juli and said in a tone as natural as discussing the weather, "Oh, Xiuyuan said he had a temporary appointment and went out to find his lover. So, now I only have you unnies."

As soon as these words were spoken, Li Juli, who was drinking water, almost spat it out laughing, while Park Hyomin, who was wearing a mask, instantly widened her eyes, and the mask almost cracked.

A muffled but shocked voice sounded through the mask, "What the hell? Lover? Yah! Park Zhiyan, you explain this to me clearly! What is going on!! That guy Lin Xiuyuan has someone else outside? Who is it??"

Enjoy