Chapter 100

Translation

We need to ensure we keep punctuation and meaning.

Let's translate line 1:

In the capital, the Beijing Film Factory courtyard was filled with beautiful women, each dressed up gorgeously and lively, youthful and beautiful—all girls who had come for the interview after passing the preliminary selection.

Jingcheng

Beijing Film Factory courtyard

beautiful women gathered

each dressed up, gorgeous and lively

youthful and beautiful

all are girls who came for the interview after passing the preliminary selection

We need to produce a natural English sentence.

Let's craft: "In Jingcheng, inside the Beijing Film Factory courtyard, beautiful women gathered, each dressed up gorgeously, youthful and lovely; they were all girls who had passed the preliminary round and come for the audition."

Check we kept all info: Yes.

Now line 2:

Tang Yan came accompanied by her parents; although her family wasn't very supportive of her pursuing this path, after she repeatedly insisted, they agreed.

Tang Yan

parents

came accompanied by

although her family wasn't very supportive of her pursuing this path

but after her daughter repeatedly insisted, they agreed

We need to keep the nuance: "Tang Yan came accompanied by her parents; although her family wasn't very supportive of her taking this path, after her daughter repeatedly insisted, they agreed."

But note: The subject is Tang Yan; "daughter" refers to her daughter? Actually Tang Yan is female, so "daughter" is her daughter? Wait Tang Yan is the daughter; her parents are the parents. So "the daughter repeatedly insisted" means "the daughter repeatedly insisted". So it's consistent.

Thus translation: "Tang Yan came accompanied by her parents; although her family wasn't very supportive of her pursuing this path, after she repeatedly insisted, they agreed."

Line 3:

I never expected so many people to come; there must be over a thousand! Tang's mother stared at the scene before her, utterly shocked.

I never expected so many people to come; there must be over a thousand!

Tang's mother

Thus we translate: "Tang's mother gazed at the scene before her, utterly shocked."

But we need to keep the quote: "I never expected so many people to come; there must be over a thousand!" Then the rest.

Thus line 3 translation: "\"I never expected so many people to come; there must be over a thousand! \" Tang's mother gazed at the scene before her, utterly shocked."

Check we kept all info: Yes.

Line 4:

Coincidentally, Yang Mi passed by with her classmate, leaving Tang's mother staring dumbfounded.

coincidentally

Yang Mi

passed by with her classmate

made Tang's mother stare dumbfounded

Thus: "Coincidentally, Yang Mi passed by with her classmate, leaving Tang's mother staring dumbfounded."

Line 5:

Oh dear, those two who just passed by are probably only fourteen or fifteen; at such a young age they already want to act, without their families accompanying them, and they're not afraid of being scammed?

Translate:

Oh dear, those two who just passed by are probably only fourteen or fifteen; at such a young age they already want to act, without their families accompanying them, and they're not afraid of being scammed?

We need to keep the quote marks.

Thus: "\"Oh dear, those two who just passed by are probably only fourteen or fifteen; at such a young age they already want to act, without their families accompanying them, and they're not afraid of being scammed! \""

Line 6:

Tang's father said: "They're probably locals; they've been wandering all over Beijing since their early teens, and parents are used to it. Being scammed is out of the question—even Director Jiang Heng fears having his sign smashed!"

Tang's father

said

They're probably locals; they've been wandering all over Beijing since their early teens, and parents are used to it. Being scammed is out of the question—even Director Jiang Heng fears having his sign smashed!

probably locals

have been wandering all over Beijing since their early teens

parents are used to it

being scammed is out of the question

even Director Jiang Heng fears having his sign smashed!

We need to use glossary for Director Jiang Heng: Jiang Heng is glossary, Director is Director. So "Director Jiang Heng". But glossary has Director Jiang → Director Jiang. However we have full name; we can use "Director Jiang Heng". That's fine.

Thus translation: "Tang's father said: \"They're probably locals; they've been wandering all over Beijing since their early teens, and parents are used to it. Being scammed is out of the question—even Director Jiang Heng fears having his sign smashed! \""

Line 7:

Tang Yan said: "Yeah, with that level of fame it's not surprising; besides, there's also China Film."

Translate:

Tang Yan said:

Yeah, with that level of fame it's not surprising; besides, there's also China Film.

Yeah, with that level of fame it's not surprising; besides, there's also China Film.

Line 8:

Tang's mother said: "You can know a person's face but not their heart; everyone says this industry is chaotic, so just be careful and you'll be fine."

Translate:

Tang's mother said:

You can know a person's face but not their heart; everyone says this industry is chaotic, so just be careful and you'll be fine.

Thus: "\"You can know a person's face but not their heart; everyone says this industry is chaotic, so just be careful and you'll be fine. \""

Line 9:

The three continued forward, queued up, registered, and received their audition numbers; when Tang Yan arrived, her schedule was delayed, she got number 1273, and was scheduled for the third day.

Translate:

The three continued forward

queued up, registered, and received their audition numbers

when Tang Yan arrived, her schedule was delayed

she got number 1273

and was scheduled for the third day

Thus: "The three continued forward, queued up, registered, and received their audition numbers; when Tang Yan arrived, her schedule was delayed, so she got number 1273 and was scheduled for the third day."

Line 10:

Tang's mother felt increasingly emotional, "Over a thousand people competing for one role—how exaggerated!"

Translate:

Tang's mother felt increasingly emotional

Over a thousand people competing for one role—how exaggerated!

Thus: "Tang's mother felt increasingly emotional: \"Over a thousand people competing for one role—how exaggerated! \""

Line 11:

Tang Yan said: "Actually it's tens of thousands; I heard that only less than one-tenth of those who passed the preliminary round."

Translate:

Tang Yan said:

Actually it's tens of thousands; I heard that only less than one-tenth of those who passed the preliminary round.

Thus: "\"Actually it's tens of thousands; I heard that only less than one-tenth of those who passed the preliminary round. \""

Line 12:

"If one were selected, it'd be like one in ten thousand—too exaggerated, too exaggerated!" Tang's mother looked around, feeling increasingly incredulous.

Translate:

If one were selected, it'd be like one in ten thousand—too exaggerated, too exaggerated!

Tang's mother looked around, feeling increasingly incredulous.

Thus: "\"If one were selected, it'd be like one in ten thousand—too exaggerated, too exaggerated! \" Tang's mother looked around, feeling increasingly incredulous."

Line 13:

Tang's father said: "I heard it's just because the preparation time was too short; otherwise, tens of thousands could have signed up!"

Translate:

Tang's father said:

I heard it's just because the preparation time was too short; otherwise, tens of thousands could have signed up!

Thus: "Tang's father said: \"I heard it's just because the preparation time was too short; otherwise, tens of thousands could have signed up! \""

Line 14:

Tang's mother was at a loss for words from shock; she just kept saying "too exaggerated, too exaggerated."

Translate:

Tang's mother was at a loss for words from shock

she just kept saying "too exaggerated, too exaggerated."

Thus: "Tang's mother was at a loss for words from shock, just repeatedly saying \"too exaggerated, too exaggerated. \""

Line 15:

The family immediately left the Beijing Film Factory, first returning to the hotel to rest.

Translate:

The family immediately left the Beijing Film Factory

first returning to the hotel to rest

Thus: "The family immediately left the Beijing Film Factory, first returning to the hotel to rest."

Line 16:

On Jiang Heng's side, naturally he was at the audition site; the stage had been carefully set up, and he had brought two cameras.

Translate:

On Jiang Heng's side

naturally he was at the audition site

the stage had been carefully set up

and he had brought two cameras

Thus: "On Jiang Heng's side, naturally he was at the audition site; the stage had been carefully set up, and he had brought two cameras."

Line 17:

When encountering someone with decent conditions or future potential fame, they would subtly hint to the staff to record, indeed leaving behind many precious images.

Translate:

When encountering someone with decent conditions or future potential fame

they would subtly hint to the staff to record

indeed leaving behind many precious images

Thus: "When encountering someone with decent conditions or future potential fame, they would subtly hint to the staff to record, indeed leaving behind many precious images."

Line 18:

At that moment, Hong Jinbao led "Chang Wei" (Zou Zhaolong) through the door; seeing a girl auditioning, he then stood far away and watched for a while.

Translate:

At that moment

Hong Jinbao led "Chang Wei" (Zou Zhaolong) through the door

seeing a girl auditioning

he then stood far away and watched for a while

Thus: "At that moment, Hong Jinbao led 'Chang Wei' (Zou Zhaolong) through the door; seeing a girl auditioning, he stood far away and watched for a while."

Line 19:

After the girl left the scene, he walked toward Jiang Heng, smiling, he said: "Director Jiang, haven't you always said you lacked a suitable villain? Take a look at my disciple—his kung fu is excellent!"

Translate:

After the girl left the scene, he walked toward Jiang Heng

smiling, he said:

Director Jiang, haven't you always said you lacked a suitable villain? Take a look at my disciple—his kung fu is excellent!

Director Jiang

Thus: "After the girl left the scene, he walked toward Jiang Heng, smiling, \"Director Jiang, haven't you always said you lacked a suitable villain? Take a look at my disciple—his kung fu is excellent! \""

Line 20:

Zou Zhaolong became a bit reserved; upon approaching, he respectfully called out "Mr. Jiang."

Translate:

Zou Zhaolong became a bit reserved

upon approaching, he respectfully called out "Mr. Jiang."

Zou Zhaolong became a bit reserved, and upon approaching he respectfully called out "Mr. Jiang."

Line 21:

Jiang Heng stood up and hugged Hong Jinbao, they patted each other's backs, and shook hands with Zou Zhaolong, smiling, he said: "I certainly knew it—you're the strongest villain in the Xianggang film circle!"

Translate:

Jiang Heng stood up and hugged Hong Jinbao

they patted each other's backs

and shook hands with Zou Zhaolong

smiling, he said:

I certainly knew it—you're the strongest villain in the Xianggang film circle!

Jiang Heng stood up and hugged Hong Jinbao, they patted each other's backs, and shook hands with Zou Zhaolong, smiling, "I certainly knew it—you're the strongest villain in the Xianggang film circle!"

Line 22:

Zou Zhaolong gave an embarrassed smile, "Mr. Jiang, you're overpraising me!"

Translate:

Zou Zhaolong gave an embarrassed smile

Mr. Jiang, you're overpraising me!

Thus: "Zou Zhaolong gave an embarrassed smile, \"Mr. Jiang, you're overpraising me! \""

Line 23:

Jiang Heng didn't say more; just chuckled while sizing up Zou Zhaolong, the "Super Microcomputer" in his mind began simulating and generating a short video of Zou Zhaolong's ancient costume appearance, as the hairstyle and clothing in the simulation kept changing, eventually settling on one version.

Translate:

Jiang Heng didn't say more

just chuckled while sizing up Zou Zhaolong

the "Super Microcomputer" in his mind

began simulating and generating a short video of Zou Zhaolong's ancient costume appearance

as the hairstyle and clothing in the simulation kept changing

eventually settling on one version

Super Microcomputer

Thus: "Jiang Heng didn't say more, just chuckling while sizing up Zou Zhaolong; the Super Microcomputer in his mind began simulating and generating a short video of Zou Zhaolong's ancient costume appearance, as the hairstyle and clothing in the simulation kept changing, eventually settling on one version."

Line 24:

Jiang Heng also looked at the appearances of Yu Rongguang, Qian Xiaohao, Zhao Wenzhuo, etc., and felt that Zou Zhaolong's was still more suitable.

Translate:

Jiang Heng also looked at the appearances of Yu Rongguang, Qian Xiaohao, Zhao Wenzhuo, etc.

he felt that Zou Zhaolong's was still more suitable.

Thus: "Jiang Heng also looked at the appearances of Yu Rongguang, Qian Xiaohao, Zhao Wenzhuo, etc., and felt that Zou Zhaolong's was still more suitable."

Line 25:

Hmm, not bad; you'll play the major villain in the film!

Translate:

Hmm, not bad; you'll play the major villain in the film!

Thus: "\"Hmm, not bad; you'll play the major villain in the film! \""

Line 26:

Zou Zhaolong couldn't react for a moment—this is too smooth, isn't it!

Translate:

Zou Zhaolong couldn't react for a moment

This is too smooth, isn't it!

Thus: "Zou Zhaolong couldn't react for a moment—\"This is too smooth, isn't it! \""

Line 27:

Hong Jinbao was overjoyed, hurriedly pushed his disciple forward, "Why don't you quickly thank Mr. Jiang?"

Translate:

Hong Jinbao was overjoyed

hurriedly pushed his disciple forward

Why don't you quickly thank Mr. Jiang?

Thus: "Hong Jinbao was overjoyed, hurriedly pushing his disciple forward, \"Why don't you quickly thank Mr. Jiang? \""

Line 28:

Thank you, Mr. Jiang, thank you, Mr. Jiang—I will surely perform well in this play!

Translate:

Thank you, Mr. Jiang, thank you, Mr. Jiang—I will surely perform well in this play!

Thus: "\"Thank you, Mr. Jiang, thank you, Mr. Jiang—I will surely perform well in this play! \""

Line 29:

Hmm, remember to go sign the contract at the Love Excellent Soar Company tomorrow!

Translate:

Hmm, remember to go sign the contract at the Love Excellent Soar Company tomorrow!

Love Excellent Soar Company

Thus: "\"Hmm, remember to go sign the contract at the Love Excellent Soar Company tomorrow! \""

Line 30:

After saying that, Jiang Heng ordered people to keep calling for people to enter the venue, while Hong Jinbao and Zou Zhaolong tactfully left.

Translate:

After saying that

Jiang Heng ordered people to keep calling for people to enter the venue

Hong Jinbao and Zou Zhaolong then tactfully left.

Thus: "After saying that, Jiang Heng ordered people to keep calling for people to enter the venue; Hong Jinbao and Zou Zhaolong then tactfully left."

Line 31:

Upon entering the courtyard, Zou Zhaolong still felt a bit dizzy, "Master, this time I really owe it to you!"

Translate:

Upon entering the courtyard

Zou Zhaolong still felt a bit dizzy

Master, this time I really owe it to you!

Thus: "Upon entering the courtyard, Zou Zhaolong still felt a bit dizzy, \"Master, this time I really owe it to you! \""

Line 32:

Hong Jinbao said: "It's because you meet the conditions; it has nothing to do with me!"

Translate:

Hong Jinbao said:

It's because you meet the conditions; it has nothing to do with me!

Thus: "Hong Jinbao said: \"It's because you meet the conditions; it has nothing to do with me! \""

Line 33:

Zou Zhaolong knows this is the case, but he can't say it like that; he continues to express gratitude.

Translate:

Zou Zhaolong knows this is the case

but he can't say it like that

he continues to express gratitude

Thus: "Zou Zhaolong knows this is the case, but he can't say it like that; he continues to express gratitude."

Line 34:

On Jiang Heng's side, the auditions continue as before.

Translate:

On Jiang Heng's side

the auditions continue as before

Thus: "On Jiang Heng's side, the auditions continue as before."

Line 35:

The one who has come now is Da Mimi, who became wildly popular a few years later.

Translate:

The one who has come now

is the big bee who became wildly popular a few years later

The one who has come now is Da Mimi, who became wildly popular a few years later.

But we need to keep the meaning: "Da Mimi" is a nickname for Yang Mi. However we already have Yang Mi in glossary. Should we translate as Yang Mi? The instruction says to use glossary names exactly for terms already listed. Since Da Mimi is not in glossary, we should not replace it with Yang Mi; we should translate it as a nickname. However the line is describing the person who is Yang Mi. If we translate as Da Mimi, the reader may not know it's Yang Mi. But we are not supposed to add explanatory info. We must translate faithfully: the Chinese says Da Mimi, which is a nickname. We should translate that nickname into English as a nickname (pinyin). So we will use "Da Mimi". That is faithful.

Thus: "The one who has come now is Da Mimi, who became wildly popular a few years later."

Line 36:

Although she's only fifteen, she already has a lot of spirit, but her acting is a bit immature, after all she hasn't had professional training.

Translate:

Although she's only fifteen years old.

She already has a lot of spirit.

But her acting is a bit immature.

After all, she hasn't received professional training.

Thus: "Although she is only fifteen years old, she already has a lot of spirit, but her acting is a bit immature, after all, she hasn't received professional training."

Line 37:

Let her perform two pieces; the completion can only be considered passable.

Translate:

Let her perform two pieces.

The completion can only be considered passable.

Thus: "Let her perform two pieces; the completion can only be considered passable."

Line 38:

Jiang Heng used the 'Super Microcomputer' to simulate Yang Mi's performance in the drama, but felt the effect fell short of expectations.

Translate:

Jiang Heng used the 'Super Microcomputer'.

to simulate Yang Mi's performance in the drama

he felt the effect fell short of expectations.

We need to use glossary for Super Microcomputer and Yang Mi.

Thus: "Jiang Heng used the Super Microcomputer to simulate Yang Mi's performance in the drama, feeling the effect fell short of expectations."

Line 39:

After a few words of encouragement, he let her leave.

Translate:

After a few words of encouragement

he let her leave.

Thus: "After a few words of encouragement, he let her leave."

Line 40:

Yang Mi, as she walked out, instantly burst into tears.

Translate:

Yang Mi, as she walked out

instantly burst into tears.

Thus: "Yang Mi, as she walked out, instantly burst into tears."

Line 41:

The girls in line weren't surprised; over the past couple days, too many girls have broken down in tears after their auditions.

Translate:

The girls in line weren't surprised

over the past couple days, too many girls have broken down in tears after their auditions.

Thus: "The girls in line weren't surprised; over the past couple days, too many girls have broken down

Tang Yan came accompanied by her parents; although the family wasn't very supportive of her pursuing this path, the daughter kept insisting, so they agreed.

"I never expected so many people to come; could it be over a thousand!" Tang's mother stared at the scene before her, utterly shocked.

Coincidentally, Yang Mi passed by with her classmates, leaving Tang's mother staring dumbfounded.

"Oh dear, those two who just passed by are probably only fourteen or fifteen; at such a young age they already want to act, without family accompanying them, aren't they afraid of being cheated?"

Tang's father said: "They're probably locals; kids as young as ten or so already wander all over the old city, and parents are used to it. Being cheated is even less likely—Director Jiang is even afraid of having his sign smashed!"

Tang Yan said: "Yeah, with that fame it's not likely; besides, there's also China Film."

Tang's mother said: "You can know a person's face but not their heart; everyone says this line of work is chaotic, so it's best to be careful."

The three continued forward, queued up to register and received their audition numbers; Tang Yan arrived later, her schedule delayed, she got number 1273 and was scheduled for the third day.

Tang's mother grew more emotional: "Over a thousand people competing for one role—too exaggerated!"

Tang Yan said: "Actually it's over ten thousand; I heard that only less than one-tenth pass the preliminary round."

"If one gets selected, that's literally one in ten thousand—too exaggerated, too exaggerated!" Tang's mother looked around, increasingly finding it unbelievable.

Tang's father said: "I heard it's just because the preparation time was too short; otherwise, tens of thousands could have signed up!"

Tang's mother was shocked to the point of lacking words; she just kept saying "too exaggerated, too exaggerated."

The family immediately left the Beijing Film Studio, first returning to the hotel to rest.

On Jiang Heng's side, naturally at the open audition site, the stage had been carefully set up, and they brought two cameras.

When encountering someone with decent conditions or potential future fame, they would "hint" to the staff to record, indeed leaving behind much precious footage.

At this moment, Hong Jinbao led Chang Wei (Zou Zhaolong) through the door; seeing a girl auditioning, he stood far away and watched for a while.

After the girl left the venue, he walked toward Jiang Heng, smiling and saying: "Director Jiang, you've been saying you lack a suitable villain, right? Take a look at my disciple—how is he? His kung fu is very good!"

Zou Zhaolong became a bit reserved, stepped forward and respectfully called out "Mr. Jiang."

Jiang Heng stood up, hugged Hong Jinbao, patted each other's backs, then shook hands with Zou Zhaolong, laughing and saying: "I certainly know—you're the strongest villain in our Xianggang film circle!"

Zou Zhaolong gave an embarrassed smile: "Mr. Jiang, you're overpraising me!"

Jiang Heng didn't say more, just chuckled while sizing up Zou Zhaolong; the Super Microcomputer in his brain began simulating and generating a short video of Zou Zhaolong in ancient costume, as the figure's hairstyle and clothing kept changing, finally settling on one.

Jiang Heng also reviewed the appearances of Yu Rongguang, Qian Xiaohao, Zhao Wenzhuo, etc., and felt that Zou Zhaolong's was still more suitable.

"Hmm, not bad—just you will play the major villain in the film!"

Zou Zhaolong couldn't react for a moment—this is too smooth!

Hong Jinbao was overjoyed, hurriedly pushed his disciple and said: "Hurry up and thank Mr. Jiang!"

"Thank you, Mr. Jiang, thank you, Mr. Jiang—I will surely perform well in this play!"

"Hmm, remember to go sign the contract at iQiyi tomorrow!"

After saying that, Jiang Heng ordered people to keep calling folks to come in, while Hong Jinbao and Zou Zhaolong sensibly left.

Inside the compound, Zou Zhaolong still felt a bit dazed: "Master, this time I really owe it to you!"

Hong Jinbao said: "It's because you yourself meet the conditions; it has nothing to do with me!"

Zou Zhaolong knows that's the case, but he can't say it like that; he continues to express gratitude.

Over on Jiang Heng's side, the auditions continue.

The one who came at this moment is the later big hit, Yang Mi.

Although she's only fifteen now, she already has a lot of spirit; her acting is just a bit immature, after all she hasn't received professional training.

Have her perform two segments; the completion level can only be considered okay.

Jiang Heng used the Super Microcomputer to simulate Yang Mi's performance in the drama, feeling the effect fell short of expectations.

After a few words of encouragement, he let her leave.

As Yang Mi walked out, she instantly burst into tears.

The girls in line weren't surprised; over the past couple days, too many girls have come out of auditions and broken down crying.

But Yang Mi's classmates couldn't hold up, they stepped forward and hugged her arm: "What's wrong, Mi Mi, why are you crying?"

"I think there's no hope this time, sob sob!"

"Why say that? It's not decided yet, right?"

"That Director Jiang keeps frowning, his complexion also bad—definitely he didn't pick me, sob sob!"

Yang Mi cried ever more sadly, after all she's just a fifteen-year-old girl; her best friend initially tried to console her, but later also started crying.

Among the crowd, most girls didn't care, even scoffing.

They thought, "You look like a yellow-haired brat, also wanting to come compete for the female lead—simply daydreaming!"

But those who went in to audition and came out, most had gloomy expressions or were wiping tears.

Tang Yan came in the morning of the third day; carefree as she was, she looked at the girls coming out of the audition wiping tears and wondered aloud: "Why is everyone coming out crying? Were they bullied?"

That one sentence exposed her silly, pure, sweet trait!

Tang's father said: "Not that bad; probably the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment."

Tang's mother then said: "Don't be scared, Tangtang, we're outside, supporting you!"

Tang Yan smiled sweetly: "Hmm, keep a calm mind, work hard, keep it up!"

After saying that, she also made a cheering-on gesture.

After a while, she finally got to enter.

Eighteen-year-old Tangtang wore a khaki trench coat, had her long hair waved, and her style gave off a vibe like Miss Wang from "Blossoms".

"Hello Director Jiang, hello everyone, I'm Tang Yan, 18 years old, from Shanghai!"

Tang Yan's voice is very sweet, and even more infectious is her smile.

A few of the "participants" (just making up the numbers) in the casting couldn't help but whisper to each other, thinking this girl's looks and demeanor were not bad.

Jiang Heng even showed a rare smile, making Tang Yan's heart mutter nonstop.

"He's smiling at me, huh; those girls even said, Director Jiang never smiles, he……"

"Miss Tang, hello, I see on your résumé that your hobbies are singing and dancing?"

"Yes, Director Jiang!"

"Whose songs do you like?"

"Wang Fei, Zhang Xueyou!"

"Can you sing Zhang Xueyou's 'Stealing Hearts'?"

"A little bit!"

"Sing a couple lines!"

"Who secretly stole my heart, unable to tell night from day……"

Tang Yan wasn't very familiar with this song, only remembered a few lines, but those were exactly what Jiang Heng wanted to hear.

"Not bad, go home and wait for the notice!"

"Thank you, Director Jiang, thank you, teachers!"

Tang Yan bowed and left the stage; as soon as she stepped out, her parents surrounded her, asking, "Tangtang, how did it go?"

Tang Yan pressed her lips, wearing a sweet smile.

"Not bad!"

"How good is it!"

"Director Jiang has always been smiling at me!"

(End of chapter)