Chapter 393: with translation of chapter title

In the office, Jiang Heng pinched the list, his brows furrowed.

Whether Beijing Film Academy or Central Academy of Drama, among the tenth-year acting majors, there are simply too few male actors who have made it big.

Li Zion and Zhang Yishan are doing fairly well, especially the former, who once shot to fame overnight and became a huge star.

Zhang Yishan rose to fame thanks to The Youth, but his career later declined due to The Deer and the Cauldron.

However, suggesting these two play Xiao Yan seems somewhat unsuitable for both.

As for Shanghai Theatre Academy, even among the tenth-year class there is no suitable male actor.

Putting the list down, Jiang Heng pressed his temples, considering whether to hold an open audition or choose from slightly older, already famous male actors.

At that moment, Cui Zhenzhen entered, saying Yang Mi had come over.

Da Mi Mi's development over the past two years has been fairly smooth.

One hit TV drama after another, and on the film side she has starred in several low- to mid-budget movies.

Unfortunately, she has always resented not having starred in Jiang Heng's effects-heavy blockbusters; from time to time she returns to the company, drops by Jiang Heng's office for a sit-down, chats, and sees if she might get a chance.

"What's wrong, Director Jiang!"

Seeing Jiang Heng's displeased expression, Yang Mi jumped in fright, and couldn't help muttering to herself, "Surely it's not because of me!"

Jiang Heng rose, smiled, and said, "It's nothing, just a small issue! Zhenzhen, pour her a cup of coffee!"

Upon hearing that, Cui Zhenzhen went out to make hand‑drip coffee, while Jiang Heng asked Yang Mi about her recent situation.

"Hmm, not bad. Lately I've got a film offer I haven't decided whether to accept!"

Jiang Heng laughed, sat on the sofa, and said, "Go on, what film is it that's got you so torn?"

"Do you know Guo Jinming?"

"I've heard of him; he's still quite popular among young people!"

"He wants to adapt his work Tiny Times into a film, bring it to the big screen, and invite me to play the female lead; I haven't yet decided whether to take the role!"

Jiang Heng laughed, "Why not?"

Speaking of Tiny Times, when it first premiered its reputation collapsed outright, criticized as ostentatious, showy wealth, and affected.

But after ten or eight years, looking back, the rich crowd really does seem to be that wealthy and willful!

Guo Jinming once said on a talk show that in college, his classmates all flaunted wealth; if you came from a small town and your family had little money, they really looked down on you.

So although Jiang Heng isn't particularly fond of Tiny Times, he doesn't harbor strong dislike for it either.

For Yang Mi's career development it's also a positive move, with no reason to refuse.

But Yang Mi was genuinely disappointed by Jiang Heng's answer.

Because this almost proves that Jiang Heng never even considered her for the new film's female lead; what she wanted to hear was, "No, I've already prepared for you to play Xiao Xuan'er!"

But the reality is, Jiang Heng suggested she appear in Tiny Times, which hits harder.

In an instant, Yang Mi even wondered whether she would never get a chance to play the female lead in his new film; if that were true, she might just quit.

"Thanks!"

Just then, Cui Zhenzhen walked in with two cups of coffee.

Yang Mi took it, took a small sip, and glanced at the scenery outside the window.

Suddenly she said, "This time, is it Jing Tian?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "How come you say that?"

"It feels like the female lead in your recent new films has been either her or Xi Xi!"

Upon hearing that, Jiang Heng felt a slight embarrassment—was it really that obvious?

"Not at all; this time I want to find someone younger, for both the male and female leads!"

"Someone younger? Are we doing another open audition?"

Jiang Heng gave a slight nod; for now, it seems we can only do it this way.

Yang Mi gave an embarrassed laugh, "They're pretty lucky—once selected, they're blessed with great fortune and can go straight to starring in your works!"

"I suppose so!" Jiang Heng didn't humble himself either. Upon hearing that, Yang Mi grew even more disappointed, already having the intention to leave.

But even if she left Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company to strike out on her own, she wouldn't dare offend Jiang Heng.

Even saying that when faced with a tough problem she might still turn to Jiang Heng for backing, she wouldn't dare leave immediately just to spite him.

After chatting idly for a while, seeing Jiang Heng occupied with other matters, Yang Mi finally said her goodbyes and left.

Walking out of Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company and getting back into her car, she felt only a sour ache in her heart.

Though she had tens of thousands of words to say, she didn't know whom to tell them to.

After thinking for a while, she still dialed Tang Yan's number.

Their situations are similar; in Jiang Heng's recent effects-heavy blockbusters, both of them are supporting roles or extras.

However, Tang Yan is a bit luckier than she is—she at least played the lead in Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother.

"Hey, Tangtang, where are you?"

"At Guomao? What's up?"

"Wait for me, I'll be right there!"

"Oh, then give me a call when you arrive!"

Tang Yan isn't as career‑driven, takes fewer roles, and each year sets aside plenty of time to accompany her parents or rest.

At this moment it's still before the end of the first lunar month, not yet her working time!

Not long after, Yang Mi finally arrived; both wearing sunglasses, they began to stroll and chat.

Yang Mi directly said Jiang Heng plans to hold an open audition for the female lead this time; hearing that, Tang Yan smiled sweetly, "Another open audition—looks like we'll have even more beautiful sister‑types!"

Yang Mi heard that and rolled her eyes in annoyance—what kind of nonsense is that? It's just too weird to listen to!

Tang Yan said, "Is what I said wrong?"

Yang Mi said irritably, "Right, the problem is, you just don't have any ideas?"

Tang Yan replied, "What ideas could I have? When there's a suitable role, Director Jiang calls me!"

Yang Mi, hearing this, felt her teeth itching with anger, "All the good roles are given to Jing Tian and Xi Xi; you wait like this, you won't get one even after a hundred years!"

Tang Yan said, "I know, but it's perfectly normal!"

Yang Mi was too exhausted to complain any more, even began to doubt whether coming to see her was a mistake.

Fortunately, after wandering for a while, the two found a secluded restaurant and vented properly.

Before parting, Yang Mi held Tang Yan's hand, somewhat wistfully saying, "I feel I have no chance to star in his movies anymore; I'm really jealous of you!"

Tang Yan said, "What is there to be jealous of? I probably won't have a chance either in the future, so it's the same!"

"That's different; at least you've performed!"

Tang Yan's gaze drifted briefly, as if recalling the past, when Liu Yifei or Jing Tian didn't even know Jiang Heng yet!

He let out a long sigh and said, "Many years have already passed!"

After the meal, Yang Mi took a car straight to the airport, flew to Shanghai, and signed a contract for "Tiny Times."

Tang Yan returned to the mansion in Jingcheng, talked about today's events, and Tang's mother also expressed a hint of regret.

Over at Jiang Heng's side, they finally decided to use open casting, moving from place to place, stopping once a suitable candidate was found.

Not wanting to wait for the Jingcheng event, they selected the suitable actress—Gu Lianaza.

The young lady was preparing for exams, happened to be in Jingcheng, and joined with a try‑it‑out attitude.

The issue is that Gu Lianaza's looks are truly outstanding; she once entered the art exam, billed herself as "the most beautiful art examinee of Beijing Film Academy," which caused an internet sensation.

During the open casting, she participated barefaced, already incredibly stunning.

Changing into the outfit prepared in advance by Outstanding Rising Film Company, she outshone all the beauties.

Jiang Heng didn't play those tricks either; he decided on the spot.

(End of Chapter)