Chapter 359: Refusing to Take Over, Audition

In the early morning, a ray of dawn light woke Wei Jin.

Turning his head, he saw Jing Tian curled up like a little kitten, and a smile appeared at the corner of Wei Jin's mouth.

The little girl has become more and more alluring these days; last night I couldn't hold back and gave her several good spankings, so today she probably will sleep until she wakes naturally.

Little did he expect that this thought had just surfaced when he saw the beauty in his arms slowly open her eyes.

"Tian Tian, good morning."

Looking at Jing Tian's sleepy eyes, Wei Jin couldn't resist tweaking the little girl's qiong nose.

"Mmm~~ Brother, you woke up really early."

Jing Tian rubbed her eyes, as if still in a daze; although she was lying face up with no makeup, her natural beauty was hard to conceal, her pretty face moist and radiant, full of youthful vitality.

"If you're awake, get up; do you want to go to an audition with me today?"

"An audition?"

Upon hearing this, Jing Tian visibly perked up, slightly propping herself up and leaning against the headboard, but then immediately thought of something and shook her head.

"I can't in the morning, Lu Shu has something to find me about."

Wei Jin pulled the girl into his embrace, burying his head in her soft hair, and took a deep breath.

"The audition will last a long time; when you're free, if you're interested, just come over yourself?"

"Okay, I will, Brother." — Leaving Dongshanshu, Wei Jin went straight to the company.

As for Jing Tian, Wei Jin didn't wait for her; little girls going out are too time-consuming.

Upon arriving at the office, he saw Lu Yang already waiting for him; as the assistant director of Bottom-Tier Girl, of course he needed to participate in the audition work later.

"How was it? How did you feel about going to South Korea this time?"

Wei Jin passed him a cigarette, and they started chatting.

Because Brotherhood of Blades 2 was a hit in South Korea, Lu Yang was invited to attend this year's Busan Film Festival, and had just returned two days ago.

"Hey, it was just okay; the food there was really not to my taste."

Lu Yang has a bit of a silly attribute; as soon as he opens his mouth, he starts complaining, and it seems he really hasn't been spared from being disgusted by kimchi.

After a while of casual chatting, Lu Yang gave Wei Jin a somewhat gossipy look.

"Senior brother, did they look for you?"

Wei Jin glanced at Lu Yang, knowing who he meant by "they."

A few days ago, the Golden Rooster Awards caused a big joke.

Because of previous shenanigans, not only did Zhang Yimou decline the invitation, but Jiang Wen and Xu Laoguai also refused to attend, and even Chen Shiren, who usually gets along well with that group, directly declined the guest invitation because he didn't get a nomination for Sacrifice.

Including a host of renowned art-film directors such as Gu Changwei, Wang Xiaoshuai, Jia Kezhang, and Wang Quanan, all were absent.

On the commercial film side, it was even worse; the only major director nominated, Feng Dapao, couldn't attend because 1942 had started filming.

The rest of the major directors simply ignored the Golden Rooster's invitation.

As a result, at the opening ceremony, Cao Baoping actually became the director with the most influence at this year's Golden Rooster, who called him that? Because his The Piano Tuner had a box office that was awesome.

The shabby situation at the opening ceremony, once reported, provoked collective questioning from industry insiders and netizens alike.

These old-timers also started to panic, thinking that since the opening ceremony was already ruined, the closing ceremony had to pick up.

These days, many big directors in the industry have been earnestly persuaded by these people to change their minds; presumably Lu Yang is also unable to withstand their nagging?

Shaking his head, Wei Jin replied:

"These people now don't dare to invite me."

Lu Yang nodded; these people's heads are still clear, they haven't challenged the hell dungeon.

"Ah, we're miserable then; all kinds of lobbying, even school teachers have come to say hello."

"Then what do you think? Want to go?"

"Go? How could that be! Going would be slapping myself in the face; I've already agreed with my senior brother Ning Hao and my senior brother Jiang Wen that I definitely won't participate this time, let them go play by themselves."

Wei Jin nodded; Lu Yang's attitude should represent that of the vast majority of directors, and this time it seems they want to give the Golden Rooster a lesson.

"Then let's wait and see the joke at tonight's Golden Rooster."

After finishing a cigarette, Wei Jin looked up at the clock on the wall.

"Come on, the actors are probably getting anxious waiting."

"Okay."

On the other side, Jing Tian tidied up and dressed herself leisurely, then went out and instructed the driver to take her to Starlight Splendid.

All the way to the office, she saw Lu Zheng busy inside the office.

"Lu Shu, you called me over today; is there something?"

"Tian Tian has come? Please have a seat first."

Lu Zheng looked up and greeted the girl, his smile resembling that of a kind father.

"Tian Tian, I called you over because the company received a film investment invitation; the female lead's role in the script is still quite prominent, and if you're interested, I'll invest."

"Oh? What project?"

Upon hearing this, Jing Tian became interested; over the years she has received many script invitations, but those coming to solicit investment are still the first time she's encountered.

"An action film from Hong Kong, telling the story of a police story."

As Lu Zheng explained, Jing Tian slightly furrowed her brow; having followed Wei Jin for so many years, she has already made a preliminary judgment on script quality and crew level.

"Lu Shu, let's just refuse it."

Lu Zheng was slightly startled, as if he understood Jing Tian's meaning, but still opened his mouth to advise.

"Tian Tian, don't blame Uncle for meddling; with your current fame, your annual output is really too little; you can't count on always acting in Wei Jin's plays forever?"

Upon hearing this, Jing Tian felt somewhat moved in her heart, a pair of big eyes looking toward Lu Zheng.

"Lu Shu, you misunderstood; I am not resisting other directors' films."

Speaking of this, Jing Tian tilted her head, as if weighing her words.

"You also said that the producer and action director they found so far are Zhen Zidan, and Wei Jin gege doesn't like this person, and I don't want to work with him either."

"This is simple; as investors, we just need to change the person."

Lu Zheng waved his hand dismissively; although Starlight Splendid is inconspicuous in the industry, handling a film crew is still easy for him.

"Lu Shu, have you ever wondered why the Hong Kong team came to the mainland to seek investment?"

"This"

Lu Zheng was momentarily at a loss for words; he truly hadn't considered this question, and when Jing Tian reminded him, his thoughts raced instantly.

"Lu Shu, any worthwhile project, or any project worth a gamble, the Hong Kong side wouldn't miss the opportunity—let alone other things, Jiahe has always been open to external investment."

Speaking of this, Jing Tian paused, then revealed the main reason for her refusal.

"Most importantly, Cheng Long dage and the original director have both withdrawn, which shows."

"Alright, then we won't bother with this project."

Lu Zheng nodded, agreeing with Jing Tian's view, and immediately continued the previous topic.

"Just Tian Tian, how are you planning your future works? Are you really going to keep waiting for Wei Jin?"

"Lu Shu, I was actually planning to discuss this with you; after this film wraps, I want to hold a concert—what do you think?"

Jing Tian voiced her plan; she felt that after so many years, her singles were sufficient, and her singing skills had improved greatly—holding a concert would both repay fans and give her something to do.

"Tian Tian, this idea is good; I'll handle this matter."

Jing Tian's face broke into a sweet smile.

"Thank you, Lu Shu." Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng's face again showed a fatherly smile.

"Silly niece, why do we need to say these things between us?"

"Well, Lu Shu, I'll go first—I need to go to Wei Jin gege's place to audition together with him."

"Yeah, go ahead."

Watching Jing Tian leave happily, Lu Zheng smiled and shook his head, then pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Director Lei, I won't participate in 'Special Identity'; let's collaborate again if the chance arises—yeah, that's it."

On the other side, Lei Yaoliang hung up the phone, his face somewhat gloomy.

"Damn, aren't the mainland's rich kids supposed to be easy to reel in?"

After venting, Lei Yaoliang picked up his phone again and called the already-confirmed action director, Zhen Zidan.

"This guy's methods are a bit wild; he should have a solution, right?"

As he muttered to himself, the call connected.

"Hello, Danny, Starlight Splendid has refused—now what should we do?"

Hearing the silence on the other end, Lei Yaoliang felt annoyed, wondering if this guy also wanted to quit—luckily, not long after, the other side proposed a new idea, and Lei Yaoliang's eyes grew brighter and brighter.

"Alright, I'll contact"

After hanging up, Lei Yaoliang let out a mocking laugh.

"This guy's been mixing in the mainland for so many years, winding around—he sure knows a lot, let's give it a try first."

Shanhe Building, front desk workstation.

Zhang Wen was holding her phone, taking a photo; the screen showed the signature she had just obtained.

"Front desk work is the best—almost every few days there's a new signature, and this time it won't let you guys drool to death, hum."

After muttering to herself, Zhang Wen sent today's signature in the WeChat group, and sure enough, not long after, a string of exclamations followed.

"You're slacking off again."

While enjoying the rainbow flattery from the group sisters, a voice suddenly sounded out of nowhere, startling Zhang Wen so much she jumped up, stood straight, and nearly dropped her phone.

Looking up, Zhang Wen let out a big sigh of relief.

"Tian Tian, you scared me to death."

"Haha, you're always slacking off; later when your brother sees you, he'll scold you again."

Jing Tian covered her mouth and laughed; she often comes here and has long become close with Zhang Wen.

"No way, I'm familiar with Wei Zong's schedule—it's very safe."

Zhang Wen waved her hand; as one of the earliest senior employees in the company, only Chen Zhiming and Wei Jin can reprimand her—even if Zhang Xu sees her, he just laughs, and her days shouldn't be too easy.

"By the way, Tian Tian, are you going to the audition site? Room 2, small meeting room on the 8th floor—can you find it? Want me to take you?"

"No need, I'll go myself—won't disturb your slacking off, haha."

Waving goodbye to Zhang Wen, Jing Tian headed to the 8th floor on her own.

As the elevator doors just opened, Jing Tian saw a familiar face—Beijing Film Academy senior Xu Cairen and a little girl.

Although they weren't close, Jing Tian still politely greeted them.

"Senior Xu, hello—what's this?"

"Oh, it's Jing Tian—this is my friend's daughter; I brought her here to try acting."

Xu Cairen introduced the situation to Jing Tian, then tugged at the girl's sleeve.

"Gengxi, hurry up and greet—call someone."

The little girl immediately reacted, bowing politely.

"Tian Tian jiejie, hello, I'm Li Gengxi."

"Hello, Gengxi."

Jing Tian smiled and replied, intending to say goodbye and leave, but unexpectedly Xu Cairen pulled her into a chat.

"Tian Tian, are you going to the audition site?"

"Yeah, just killing time—Wei Dao asked me to come take a look."

"It's really enviable, you know, Wei Jin's female lead is truly rare."

Xu Cairen looked at the charming and lovely Jing Tian before her, feeling a twinge of sourness in her heart—youth really is wonderful, having Wei Jin utterly smitten with her.

It's a pity that a few years ago, when I was still at my peak, Wei Jin didn't take notice of me; now I'm already 37, and I fear there's even less chance.

"Xu Shi Jie is overpraising me, it's just good luck, hehe."

This line is hard to respond to; Jing Tian could only smile, but Xu Cairen clearly had no intention of letting the topic drop.

"Tian Tian, look, we're all about to leave, yet we still managed to meet—what a fateful encounter."

"Yeah, yeah."

What scheme Xu Cairen is hatching, Jing Tian naturally sees through; she can only make desultory conversation with her.

After quite a bit of fuss, Jing Tian finally managed to get away; as soon as she stepped into the elevator, she couldn't help but mutter inwardly:

"Good grief, how is this girl anything like me? Wanting a role doesn't mean you can spout nonsense."

When Jing Tian arrived at the meeting room, an audition had just begun, and the lead being auditioned was someone she knew very well—Yan Ni from the northwest.

In the industry, sticking together for warmth is the norm; as a rising young flower dan, gatherings of northwest natives in the circle often invite Jing Tian.

Although she doesn't really need such cliquishness, Jing Tian enjoys making friends and has attended several old-townsfolk gatherings, having met Yan Ni a few times.

She never expected that this actress, just over forty, would come to audition for the role of mother in her own drama.

But if she could act alongside Yan Ni, who comes from the Political Work Department, it would indeed be a fine experience.

Jing Tian, while imagining the scene of their collaboration, quietly slipped to the back row of the meeting room and sat down, making not a sound throughout, fearful of disturbing the actors' performance.

Soon a scene concluded, and she saw Wei Jin, seated in front, speak up.

"Teacher Yan Ni, your performance was excellent, but for now I can't give you a reply—I still need to audition others, please understand."

"No problem, I'll wait for the production team's notice, Director Wei."

Yan Ni conducted herself with grace and poise, waving at Wei Jin and then at Jing Tian in the back row; clearly, she had already noticed this rising northwest flower dan.

"Then I'll take my leave, Director Wei, Tian Tian, goodbye."

"Goodbye, Sister Yan Ni."

Jing Tian also rose to greet Yan Ni, then turned toward Wei Jin, who was looking back, and gave a faint smile, indicating she would remain seated here.

Wei Jin shook his head, not pressing further, and called out to the crew.

"Begin the next one."

Shortly after, a female actress with a very kind countenance entered.

"Director, Producer, hello, I'm actress Jiang Shan, here to audition for the second female lead role."

"Hello, Teacher Jiang Shan, I really enjoy your work—your performances in 'Conquest' and 'Grand Mansion Gate 2' were outstanding."

Hearing Wei Jin's unreserved praise, Jiang Shan smiled.

"Director Wei is too kind; I also enjoy your films, especially 'The Room,' and I hope this time I might get the chance to work with you."

"Then shall we begin?"

"Yes, Director."

(End of chapter)