Chapter 128: Xi Zi: What? Sister-in-law Became Mom?! (Guaranteed First Update)

Gong Ying first admitted she was an actress, and just as she was about to refuse, the other person immediately asked, “Which studio are you from?”

It certainly wasn’t from their own Shanghai Film Studio.

“I’m from the General Political Department Theater Troupe, but I can’t act in your film—I’m sorry,” Gong Ying politely declined Song Chong.

Director Song Chong was currently casting the female lead for his first independently directed feature film, “Good Things Come Slowly.”

He had initially considered a few actresses from Shanghai Film Studio, but most were already filming other projects or didn’t fit the image.

But this girl before him was perfect—beautiful, gentle, with a uniquely charming smile, exactly matching his vision of Liu Fang, the high-ranking official’s daughter.

“Could you tell me your name?” Song Chong didn’t want to give up so easily.

“I’m Gong Ying. I’ve already committed to another Shanghai Film Studio movie—I’m truly sorry,” Gong Ying said helplessly; “The Herdsman” would likely take up half a year of her time, leaving no room for other films.

“Whose film is it? I’ll go negotiate with him.”

Gong Ying immediately spoke up for her sister: “Director Xie Jin.”

“Ah!”

Song Chong froze in place—was this girl the female lead of “The Herdsman”?

Even if he had eight hundred courage, he wouldn't dare compete with Director Xie for the female lead!

Since Xiao Ying had already revealed it, Gong Ying decided to ask outright: “May I ask where Director Xie’s office is? I need to see him.”

Song Chong sighed and pointed the way: “Forget it—I’ll take you there myself.”

The entire studio was curious about the female lead of “The Herdsman”—how good could she really be? Why did Director Xie prefer an outsider over his own people? Now, just by looking at her face, it was clear she’d already won big.

Along the way, many studio staff wondered who the two girls Song Chong was leading were; Song Chong simply replied, “Here to see Director Xie.”

That simple answer, to those with ears to hear, told them everything.

Soon, the whole studio was buzzing: “The female lead of ‘The Herdsman’ has arrived at Shanghai Film Studio—prettier than Chen Chong and Zhang Yu! And she looks so delicate, practically begging to be taken advantage of.”

At that moment, Chen Chong was locked in a standoff inside Director Xie Jin’s office. Hearing a knock, Xie Jin called out, “Come in.”

Song Chong grinned: “Director Xie, these two are here for you—I brought them over.”

“Oh! Xiao Gong, you’re here already? Faster than I expected. This must be your sister—she does look a bit like you.”

Gong Ying was delighted—she hadn’t expected Director Xie to know her at all.

Then Xie Jin turned to Chen Chong: “Xiao Chong, go home for now. You’re about to take the college entrance exam—study hard. I’m sure you’ll get into your dream university.”

With Director Xie saying that, Chen Chong knew she had no chance.

Although “Little Flower” had brought her fame to its peak, making her the top star in China’s film industry at the time, and she’d even considered retiring from acting to study abroad, there was no real need to fight for this role.

But after reading the original novel of “The Herdsman,” she realized the female lead, Wei Fenfang, didn’t have many scenes—but the character was endearing, and given the novel’s massive popularity, the film might even gain some international influence.

So she hoped to use her relationship with Director Xie to land the role, perhaps helping her life abroad.

But Director Xie had already chosen someone else and turned her down. Not even considering whether she fit the role, Chen Chong’s college exam was coming up—by the time the film was finished, who would be giving way to whom?

Chen Chong guessed Gong Ying must be Director Xie’s new female lead. She asked with a tinge of bitterness: “What’s this sister’s name? I’ve never seen her before.”

Gong Ying thought to herself: My “Jihong” was truly wasted—I’ve never been recognized outside.

Song Chong, quick to speak, added: “Her name is Gong Ying. I was planning to cast her as the female lead in my new film—turns out my taste matches Director Xie’s. I won’t disturb you anymore.”

Director Xie smiled at Song Chong, who held the door open for Chen Chong as he left.

Chen Chong: How annoying this guy is! She immediately took her leave.

Then Director Xie invited them to sit and chat. His desk was covered with photos, and Gong Ying felt uneasy—had she almost lost the role?

“These are candidates I’ve picked for Xu Shengfang. What do you think?” Xie Jin pushed the photos toward her.

Some were from Shanghai Film Studio, others from different troupes—all handsome, well-built young men, including Guo Kaimin and Ma Xiaowei from Shanghai Film Studio, whom she also called “Wei Zuo.”

But Gong Ying dared not make decisions for Director Xie; when he asked her opinion, she could only say, “They’re all good.”

Xie Jin smiled: “You’ve surely read the novel more than once. Pick one from these photos who best matches your image of Xu Shengfang.”

He wanted to see if everyone’s vision aligned. Gong Ying now felt pressure—she flipped through the photos repeatedly, finally pulling out one of a man with thick eyebrows and bright eyes.

“This one might be more suitable.”

Seeing the photo, Xie Jin burst out laughing: “You and Writer Wei are thinking the same thing.”

Gong Ying blushed: “Did he recommend this actor too?”

“Yes. His demeanor is pure—he could never play a thief or traitor; no one would believe him if he did,” Xie Jin teased, quoting Writer Wei’s own words.

He was also satisfied with Zhu Shimao, but if neither lead actor came from the studio, he’d surely invite gossip behind his back.

Yet in his heart, artistic standards couldn’t be lowered. If the novel weren’t so famous, he might have compromised—but “The Herdsman” had been read by millions. If his film didn’t match readers’ imaginations, he’d be stabbed in the back just the same.

In front of Gong Ying, Xie Jin tentatively settled on the male lead—but he’d still need to meet the man in person before confirming. He’d also mostly finalized the supporting roles, relying almost entirely on Shanghai Film Studio’s roster: Niu Ben as Guo Pianzi, Liu Qiong as Xu’s father, and so on.

“Oh, we’re still missing Xiao Qingqing,” Director Xie said—the little boy who plays the son of the male and female leads, around four or five years old.

In his previous film, “Ah! Cradle,” which told the story of a Yan’an childcare center, he’d worked with many child actors. One boy, Fang Chao, had left a deep impression on him.

He was only two and a half then, already had great screen presence, knew how to cooperate—now he’d be under four, perhaps a bit too young.

Seeing Director Xie lost in thought, Gong Ying assumed he was worried about finding the child actor and couldn’t help offering help.

“Actually, I know a child of similar age who’s very spirited.”

“Oh?” Xie Jin was surprised—Gong Ying knew child actors? “Where is he? In Shanghai?”

Gong Ying shook her head: “No, in Beijing. He’s Writer Wei’s cousin—his name is Xi Zi.”

“Ah?” Xie Jin perked up. “Writer Wei has a cousin this young?”

“Yes, they’re fraternal twins—a boy and a girl. They’re probably five now. The girl is especially beautiful, and the boy is very clever. Their father is a leader at Peking University, their mother a literary editor.”

!

Gong Ying gave her sister a knowing look: “Sis, you know all this? Have you even met the parents?!”

Xie Jin immediately asked: “Do you have a photo?”

Gong Ying was about to shake her head, then remembered something. She glanced at Gong Ying, embarrassed—but seeing how eager Director Xie was, she finally pulled out her diary from her bag, flipped through it discreetly, and handed over a photo.

Gong Ying: What’s so secret you’re hiding it from me?

Gong Ying craned her neck but couldn’t make out what the photo showed.

Xie Jin saw it and burst out laughing—who took this family portrait? Look at the two kids, perfect!

Gong Ying grew even more curious—what was in that photo?! It was driving her mad!

After laughing, Xie Jin carefully studied the little boy in Wei Ming’s arms. He couldn’t believe it—no wonder he was Writer Wei’s cousin; this boy’s looks were outstanding!

The photo alone satisfied him, but the child’s ability to handle the camera still needed to be tested in person.

Gong Ying had come not only to report but also to read the script.

Xie Jin immediately gave her a copy, unafraid of leaks—the full text had been published in “Film Creation,” though ordinary people couldn’t easily buy the magazine.

As soon as the sisters left, Xie Jin immediately called Peking University.

Gong Ying had pestered for a long time before finally seeing the photo—and then she laughed too.

“You’ve made Mom and Dad think you’ve secretly married and had kids already! And your husband’s just a bit younger, haha!”

Gong Ying chased her sister in annoyance, then bumped into someone.

“Sorry.”

Zhang Yu, who had rushed over, sized up Gong Ying and forced a smile: “It’s fine.”

Gong Ying whispered: “It’s Zhang Yu!”

In Beijing, on the way back to Wei Xiuyuan.

Lü Xiaoyan’s bicycle carried Xi Zi and Le Le, the three of them laughing and chatting.

After a day of recording, Le Le had completed her solo “Where Is Spring?” and the group duet “On the Hopeful Field,” and had made three new friends.

Although all were children, besides her five-year-old self, the other three were all older kids—ten or above.

That Cai kid, Guoqing, had already performed on stage even younger than her—so impressive!

He even called himself captain of the Galaxy Youth Choir and promised to let her join when she was older.

And Cheng Lin, who sang “The Girl Who Picked Mushrooms,” was only thirteen but already had a formal position and earned a salary!

Xi Zi, however, was deeply impressed by another Lin sister—the one named Xia Lin, who sang “Little Grass.” She was apparently a reserve member of the Galaxy Choir, and her mother was a soprano.

Xi Zi was still thinking about Sister Xia Lin: “When I got tired, she held me, and she even gave me a Big White Rabbit candy.”

Lü Xiaoyan: “You’re so big, letting an eleven-year-old girl carry you—don’t you feel ashamed?”

When they reached their building, they saw Wei Ming waiting. Lü Xiaoyan got off the bike, and Xi Zi skillfully bent over to help his mother dismount.

“Xiao Ming, are you here to ask about the recording?”

Wei Ming: “We can talk about that later. Auntie, there’s a new problem.”

“What problem?”

Wei Ming looked at Xi Zi: “Director Xie Jin wants to invite Xi Zi to audition for the role of the son of the male and female leads in ‘The Herdsman’…”

(End of Chapter)