Chapter 497

The first audition ended smoothly at eight o'clock in the evening.

During the late afternoon, there was a half-hour break to eat boxed meals, then the auditions resumed.

This time, there were eight main roles to audition for—all characters from the novel centered around the three family members.

Either parents or children.

So the actors auditioning varied greatly in age.

Someone like Ruan Lin, only seventeen and still a minor, is in Gao Er this year.

The oldest candidate was fifty-one, auditioning for the father role in one of the families.

To be honest, in his past life Li Luo had acted in Short Drama, but he'd never really gone through a formal audition like this.

Short Drama actors mostly got cast through personal recommendations or other means—meeting in person after getting to know each other, just to feel out the chemistry.

This was Li Luo's first time experiencing a formal TV drama audition, and it felt quite novel.

Watching actors sink into character within seconds—no set, no scene partner, no costume—just speaking lines out of thin air, Li Luo watched with keen interest.

Some actors auditioning for parental roles were quite elderly, yet their performances were truly impressive.

Li Luo had originally preferred to pick emotionally intense scenes for them to perform.

But later he changed his mind, deliberately choosing calm, ordinary passages—and then he noticed something interesting.

Some actors easily conveyed emotion in intense scenes, but in quieter moments, their performances lacked depth.

Meanwhile, some seasoned actors, one moment smiling and saying "Hello, teachers," the next instantly transformed—as if they'd become someone else entirely, as if their souls had been possessed by the characters.

Truly amazing.

"Can we preliminarily lock in a few candidates?" Producer Zhang Ruiwen asked, looking at today's list of auditioning actors.

"Yeah, let's go to the conference room and go over it," Wang Jun said, nodding as his own list was covered in circles and crosses.

So Li Luo and the others returned to the previous conference room, had a brief discussion, and confirmed several actor selections.

"There's another audition at the end of the month," Wang Jun said. "One, to fill any gaps; two, to cast some minor supporting roles. Our main cast is already mostly settled."

"I'll organize a dinner at the end of the month—let the main creative team and the lead actors meet and get to know each other."

"Once the outdoor locations and studios are ready, we'll probably start shooting around early August."

"Director Wang," Li Luo said after Wang Jun finished, "can I make a request?"

"Go ahead," Wang Jun raised an eyebrow.

"A small request," Li Luo said, pinching his thumb and forefinger together toward Wang Jun. "I've finished revising the script, but I still hope that at least our main cast members will read the original novel of Little Joy before we start filming."

"Fine," Wang Jun smiled. "No problem—I'll make sure it's arranged."

……

A production team has many things to prepare, but as the screenwriter, Li Luo had long since completed his own duties.

After reading the script, Wang Jun only suggested minor revisions; after discussing them with Li Luo, they made adjustments, and their communication was harmonious.

As time passed, it gradually reached the end of May, drawing closer to Xu Youyu's college entrance exam.

"Only two weeks left until the college entrance exam."

In the master bedroom of Bihai Lanting 1502, Li Luo was typing at his desk; during a break, he turned to look at Xu Youyu, who was lying on his bed scrolling through her phone.

"What's your mindset now, Youyu? Nervous?"

"Nervous? Pfft," Xu Youyu sighed, swinging her bare feet. "I wish the exam were over right now—I'd be free!"

"Do your classmates know you know they know you're writing a novel?" Li Luo teased with a laugh.

"What's with this tongue-twister?" Xu Youyu rolled over on the bed, kicked him irritably, "Talking about this just annoys me. I'd rather they'd never found out—I feel like everyone's staring at me weirdly in class now."

"Why not just come clean?" Li Luo offered in friendly advice.

"Get lost!" Xu Youyu snorted. "I just want to finish the exam and be done with it all!"

"What about graduation ceremony?" Li Luo kindly reminded her. "You might even be an outstanding graduate and have to give a speech—perfect chance to promote your Literary Era."

"You want a beating?" Xu Youyu shot up from the bed, straddled Li Luo's thighs, and clamped both hands tightly around his neck. "Watch it—you might die in bed one day."

Li Luo laughed, wrapping his arms around her slender waist, feeling the gentle pressure of her hands on his neck—not painful at all—and the soft elasticity pressing against his chest, then suddenly said: "Youyu."

"Hmm?" Xu Youyu loosened her grip, looking down at him curiously. "What now? More annoying stuff?"

"Not that," Li Luo tightened his hold on her waist. "Your college entrance exam ends on June 8th, right? Isn't that also your birthday?"

"Yeah!" Xu Youyu nodded happily. "After the exam, I'll celebrate my birthday! Big party! And it's a Saturday, perfect."

"After your birthday, you'll be eighteen, right?"

"Mmm~" Xu Youyu looked down at Li Luo, suddenly grinning mischievously. "What are you planning? Why bring this up suddenly?"

"Nothing," Li Luo cleared his throat. "Eighteen means you're an adult, and soon you'll be a college student—it feels suddenly different."

In his past life, when Xu Youyu was a college student, Li Luo hadn't known her; they only met online after she graduated.

So his image of her from that past life had always been that of a sophisticated urban woman—independent, strong, full of presence and energy.

But now, Xu Youyu was about to become a college student.

And not just any college student—she'd be a fresh, naive freshman stepping onto campus.

Though technically, to him now, she should be called "senior."

But the feeling was different—easily sparking daydreams.

"Sigh…" Hearing Li Luo mention college, Xu Youyu sighed. "I'll be going off to university alone while you three are still in high school. I wish time would just jump ahead to when you're all in college too."

"College doesn't mean we won't see each other—you'll still come back to sleep here, right?"

"Is that the same?" Xu Youyu rolled her eyes. "And I'll definitely have to live in the dorm at first—only after military training can I apply to move out."

"Military training isn't that long."

"So you won't miss me then?" Xu Youyu blinked, suddenly looking pitiful, pouting and gazing at him with wide, hopeful eyes.

Li Luo couldn't withstand Xu Youyu's tactics—he immediately raised his hands in surrender: "I didn't mean it like that."

"I know that's exactly what you mean," Xu Youyu sighed wistfully, resting both hands on Li Luo's chest, lowering her eyes in a pouty, submissive tone. "With two younger sisters at home, someone like me, past my prime, naturally doesn't catch Young Master Li's eye."

"... Where did you even get that plotline from?"

"Hmph, you stinky man."

No sooner had Xu Youyu finished speaking than the back of her head was firmly pressed down—next second, her lips were sealed.

Her body gradually softened; after several minutes, Xu Youyu leaned against Li Luo's chest, breathing lightly, a faint smile on her lips.

"The filming crew for 'Little Joy' starts in August," Li Luo whispered into Xu Youyu's ear. "I should be able to ask my homeroom teacher for permission to come and go from school as needed, so I can join the set."

"And?" Xu Youyu asked softly.

"I can also drop by Qianjiang University to check out your college life."

"You said that," Xu Youyu's smile finally broke free, and she buried her head even harder into his chest.

"By the way, back when we bet on the ten-thousand-coin milestone and I lost—what exactly was your punishment supposed to be?" Li Luo remembered and couldn't help asking again.

"There's still a few months left—why the rush?" Xu Youyu chuckled at the reminder. "You didn't mention it, I was almost about to forget."

Li Luo: "... Then if I stop bringing it up from now on, can you forget it in a few months?"

"That's impossible," Xu Youyu huffed. "But don't worry—it won't be too hard for you. It's simple."

The next day, another Saturday.

In the afternoon was the second audition for 'Little Joy.'

This time, due to the approaching Gaokao, Gao San students were required to stay on campus after school to review and fill knowledge gaps.

Ying Chanxi had to handle some matters at the Student Union.

The rock club had nothing to do, so Yan Zhusheng told Ying Chanxi, who was heading to the Student Union, that she was going to the rock club—but after Li Luo dropped her off at the library, she happily trailed after him.

"What are you doing?"

"Going with you to the audition," Yan Zhusheng blinked, honestly replying.

"Didn't you just tell Xi Xi you were going to the rock club?"

"I suddenly realized there's no need," Yan Zhusheng said seriously. "Next semester we're quitting the club. I think our first-year members need to get used to the feeling of seniors and juniors no longer being around."

"You've got quite the foresight."

"Mm, I think so too."

"You're just taking my flattery at face value?"

Yan Zhusheng didn't reply. Once they reached the school gate, she grabbed Li Luo's arm and hugged it tightly.

But Li Luo stopped dead at the intersection, leaving Yan Zhusheng puzzled: "How are we getting there?"

"My uncle said he'll drive me," Li Luo said. "He's coming over."

"Oh," Yan Zhusheng nodded obediently.

Before long, Lin Xiufeng's brand-new black Audi—bought only a few months ago—slowly pulled up beside Li Luo. But when the window rolled down, the driver wasn't Lin Xiufeng.

"Jian Chun, Senior?" Li Luo stared in surprise at Jian Chun behind the wheel, falling into thought. "Why are you driving? Where's my uncle?"

"Uh..." Jian Chun looked embarrassed, gripping the steering wheel with careful hands. "He twisted his ankle by accident and can't drive, so he asked me to drop you off."

"Do you even have a driver's license?"

"Of course I do," Jian Chun forced a confident air. "I passed it in my first year of college."

"When was the last time you actually drove?" Li Luo asked.

"Hmm..." Jian Chun grew nervous, recalling scenes from the past month, glancing away and muttering softly, "I drove my dad's car during the New Year."

Li Luo sighed, then smiled, opened the car door, and let Yan Zhusheng get in before sliding into the backseat himself. "Then please, Senior Jian, drive slowly."

"Mm, don't worry—I'm very steady."

At 1:30 p. m., Jian Chun successfully dropped Li Luo off at the entrance of Huayue Film and Television.

"Should I pick you up tonight?"

"No, no, Senior Jian, just go home. Drive safely," Li Luo said. "I've got dinner plans later—I won't keep you waiting."

"Oh, okay, then I'll head back."

"Mm, goodbye."

After seeing Jian Chun off, Li Luo stood by the roadside, watching the Audi's taillights fade around the corner, lost in thought.

"What's wrong?" Yan Zhusheng asked, curious at his thoughtful expression.

"Do you think someone would lend their wife to someone else?"

"You mean Uncle Lin asking Senior Jian to drive you?" Yan Zhusheng blinked, confused. "Is Senior Jian Uncle's wife?"

"I mean the car," Li Luo pointed to the Audi vanishing around the corner. "He saved up for so long to buy it, yet he's willing to let a complete beginner take it on the highway."

"It's like a new car he treats like a wife—and he's lending it out."

"What does that suggest?"

"It suggests..." Yan Zhusheng thought, then said, "He got a new wife?"

Li Luo: "... Crude, but not wrong."

Something's up, Lin Xiufeng.

Li Luo smiled, pulled out his phone from his pocket, and called his uncle.

"Hello?" Lin Xiufeng's voice came through. "Did Jian Chun drop you off?"

"Yes," Li Luo said. "I heard you hurt your arm and couldn't drive. You okay?"

"Ah... yeah, yeah, accidentally hurt my arm," Lin Xiufeng coughed twice, mumbling. "Jian Chun's driving's fine enough—look, she got you here."

"Mm, she's decent," Li Luo nodded. "So, can I expect a wedding invitation from you this year?"

Lin Xiu: "???"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Jian Xuejie told me—it was actually your ankle that twisted, not your arm that got hurt."

Lin Xiu: "..."

"Li Luo, let me explain."

"What's there to explain? It's great news."

"It's not what you think!" Lin Xiu exclaimed urgently. "Don't go spreading rumors! We were just chatting, and she mentioned how she drove her dad's car during the New Year and ended up in a haystack—I joked that she should practice driving, so that's why..."

"Enough, enough," Li Luo cut in quickly. "Don't go into the details of your flirting—I've got things to do this afternoon. Gotta go, talk later!"

"Hey! Don't hang up! I haven't finished yet!"