Chapter 107: Confirming the Other Roles

In a courtyard house in old Beijing, Xiang Fei adjusted his suit collar and gently knocked on the weathered wooden door. The door creaked open to reveal Teacher Li Mingqi standing at the threshold in an apron, a spatula still in her hand.

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

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, squinting at the cover: "'Shoplifters'?" She suddenly laughed, "What could these old bones of mine possibly play?"

"The grandmother in the story," Xiang Fei said earnestly. "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 nearby, 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 growing moist.

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

"To ensure her family could eat a warm meal," Xiang Fei softly finished her sentence.

Li Mingqi suddenly slapped the table: "I'll play this role!" She stood up excitedly, "I won't take a single cent for my fee!"

Xiang Fei hurriedly rose: "How can that be..."

"Don't argue with me!" Li Mingqi glared, "It is my fortune to be able to play such a role!" She turned toward the kitchen, "Stay for dinner; I'll make 'Donkey Rolls' for you!"

Back at the company, Xiang Fei wearily rubbed his temples. His assistant asked cautiously, "Director Xiang, we are still short 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; among hundreds of resumes, not one was suitable. Either they were too affected, or they lacked spirit.

"Return all these materials," Xiang Fei said suddenly. "I will go find Han Han Han Shanping."

In the office of the China Film Group, Han Han Han Shanping burst into laughter after hearing Xiang Fei's troubles.

"So even Xiang Fei, who directed 'God of Gamblers' and 'Titanic,' has things 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 Han Han Shanping's eyes suddenly lit up: "I actually have an idea."

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

"What is this..." Xiang Fei asked in confusion.

Han Han Han Shanping smiled mysteriously: "Follow me."

They hid behind the classroom's back door, watching a group of children in class. Suddenly, Han Han 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 that held a hint of cunning yet retained innocence.

"Somewhat interesting..." Xiang Fei murmured.

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

The boy hastily stuffed the book into his desk and made a funny face at the girl. The girl's puffed-up, angry look was exceptionally cute.

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

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

"No, no!" The principal waved his hands repeatedly. "The children must attend classes!"

Han Han 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."

Just then, 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 are very talented; it would be a great pity to miss this opportunity."

The principal hesitated: "But..."

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

Amid the principal's sighs, the situation finally took a turn for the better.

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

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

The little girl's mother asked vigilantly: "This isn't a scam, is it?"

Han Han Han Shanping took out his work ID: "I am from Beiyingchang, 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's really 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, everyone is here," he said, rubbing his brow.

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

Just as he spoke, 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 shyly hid behind Li Mingqi, revealing only a pair of curious big eyes.

Xiang Fei squatted down to look the two children in the eye: "Very soon, but first, there must be training."

He turned to Han Han Han Shanping: "I'll leave the rest to you, Uncle Han."

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

Xiang Fei laughed: "Those with ability bear more responsibility!"

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