Chapter 107: Confirming Other Characters

In a Sihe Academy in the old district of Beijing, Xiang Fei adjusted his suit collar and gently knocked on the weathered wooden door. The door creaked open, and Teacher Li Mingqi stood in the doorway wearing an apron, still holding a spatula.

"Oh my, isn't this Director Xiang Fei, who shot 'Titanic' in Xiangjiang?" Li Mingqi exclaimed, wiping her hands in surprise, "Please come in!"

Xiang Fei presented the script with both hands: "Teacher Li, I'd like to ask a favor of you, to play a role."

Li Mingqi took the script, squinted at the cover, and said, "'Shoplifters'?" She suddenly laughed, "What can an old bones like me possibly play?"

"The grandmother role in the script," Xiang Fei said seriously, "an elderly woman living on a pension."

Li Mingqi put on her reading glasses and sat in a rattan chair, slowly flipping through the script. Xiang Fei sat quietly beside her, watching the changes in her expression.

When she reached the thirty-second scene, Li Mingqi's hand suddenly trembled. Xiang Fei noticed her eyes gradually filling with tears.

"This old woman..." Li Mingqi took off her glasses and wiped them, "She extorted her ex-husband to..."

"To let her family eat a hot meal," Xiang Fei softly finished her sentence.

Li Mingqi suddenly slammed the table: "I'll play this role!" She stood up excitedly, "I won't take a single cent of the salary!"

Xiang Fei hurriedly stood up: "How can that be..."

"Don't argue with me!" Li Mingqi glared, "Being able to play such a role is my blessing!" She turned and walked toward the kitchen, "Stay for a meal, I'll make you 'Donkey Roll'!"

Back at the company, Xiang Fei rubbed his temples wearily. His assistant asked cautiously: "Director Xiang, we still need two child actors..."

"I know," Xiang Fei sighed, "a little boy and a little girl..."

He flipped through the materials sent by the casting director; not one of the hundreds of resumes was suitable. Either too pretentious, or lacking spirit.

"Return all the materials," Xiang Fei suddenly said, "I'll go find Han Shanping."

In the office of China Film Group, Han Shanping laughed heartily after hearing Xiang Fei's troubles.

"Even Xiang Fei, who made 'God of Gamblers' and 'Titanic', has something he can't handle?" he teased, "I thought you were omnipotent."

Xiang Fei helplessly spread his hands: "Uncle Han, don't mock me. These two children are too hard to find; I've seen hundreds and none satisfied me."

Han Shanping's eyes suddenly lit up: "I actually have an idea."

Three days later, Han Shanping brought Xiang Fei to a migrant workers' children's school in the suburbs of Beijing.

"What are you..." Xiang Fei asked in confusion.

Han Shanping smiled mysteriously: "Follow me."

They hid behind the classroom door, watching a group of children in class. Suddenly, Han Shanping pointed to a little boy secretly reading a comic book: "How about that one?"

Xiang Fei observed carefully. The boy was about five or six years old, with bright eyes, a touch of cunning, yet still innocent.

"Interesting..." Xiang Fei murmured.

At that moment, a little girl suddenly raised her hand: "Teacher, he's reading a comic book in class!"

The boy hurriedly stuffed the book into his desk and made a funny face at the girl. The girl's puffed-up expression was especially cute.

Xiang Fei and Han Shanping exchanged a glance and said in unison: "It's them!"

In the principal's office, Xiang Fei said earnestly: "We only need to occupy their time for two months..."

"No, no!" The principal waved his hands repeatedly, "The children need to attend class!"

Han Shanping interjected: "We can hire the best tutors for full-time guidance, guaranteeing their studies won't be delayed."

The principal still shook his head: "The parents won't agree either."

At that moment, Li Mingqi suddenly pushed the door open: "Old classmate, do me a favor!"

Xiang Fei stood up in surprise: "Teacher Li? How did you..."

Li Mingqi patted his shoulder: "I heard you were in trouble, so I rushed over." She turned to the principal, "These two children have great talent; it would be a pity to miss out."

The principal hesitated: "But..."

"The filming location is right here in Beijing," Li Mingqi said, "I will personally bring them back on weekends."

Amidst the principal's sigh, things finally took a turn for the better.

In a dilapidated rental room, the boy's father rubbed his hands: "Making a movie? How much money will you give?"

Xiang Fei said gently: "The salary will follow industry standards; additionally, we will be responsible for the children's education and living expenses."

The little girl's mother asked suspiciously: "Isn't this a scam?"

Han Shanping took out his work ID: "I am from the Beijing Film Studio, and this is the famous director Xiang Fei."

"Ah! I've seen your movies!" The girl suddenly screamed, "'God of Gamblers', right!"

The boy also jumped up excitedly: "It really is a great director!"

Seeing the expectant looks in the children's eyes, the parents finally nodded in agreement.

In the conference room of Feimin Entertainment, Xiang Fei looked at the complete cast list and let out a long sigh of relief.

"Finally complete," he rubbed his brow.

Han Shanping patted his shoulder: "These two children are definitely treasures."

Just as they were speaking, the conference room door was pushed open, and Li Mingqi walked in, holding a child in each hand.

"Come, meet your director," she said kindly.

The boy boldly walked up to Xiang Fei: "Director brother, when can I start acting?"

The girl, however, shyly hid behind Li Mingqi, revealing only a pair of curious big eyes.

Xiang Fei squatted down, looking the two children in the eye: "Soon, but first there will be training."

He turned to Han Shanping: "The rest is up to you, Uncle Han."

Han Shanping pretended to be angry: "Me again?"

Xiang Fei laughed: "The capable bear more burdens!"

Laughter filled the conference room, and even the shy little girl couldn't help but giggle.