Chapter 505

Jiang Heng, to Zhang Ruoxuan who is still in high school, is truly a lofty mountain to look up to, an existence that one must look up to.

Just seeing a banner with his name, knowing he was inside the hotel, already made her unable to contain her excitement.

Dad, Dad, he personally came for the re‑test!

So what? If he doesn't pick you, what does it have to do with us?

That's right too!

If she isn't selected, she will most likely go to university, then find someone to marry and become a housewife… As for that kind of international big director, she'd just watch him on TV! Her excited mood calmed down a lot; Zhang Ruoxuan handed her backpack to her father, went up front to sign in, then got her number and waited in line obediently.

After waiting a long time, when it was almost her turn, her father suddenly said, "Keep a calm mind, don't worry too much, okay?"

I know, Dad!

Come on, my little girl is the best!

Hearing that, Zhang Ruoxuan felt a sourness in her nose and merely replied in a low voice.

Not long after, a staff member called her number; she hurriedly followed the directions to a spacious, bright room.

She stood in the center of the venue; before her was a row of tables, with several well‑dressed, strong‑aura people seated there.

Among them was a young, handsome‑looking man—none other than the renowned director Jiang Heng, who smiled at the corners of his mouth and regarded her with interest.

Zhang Ruoxuan panicked at once, lowering her gaze and daring not to look ahead.

A female vice president beside Jiang Heng sensed something odd; although Jiang Heng had been sitting there from the start of the re‑test, appearing earnest in his screening.

But he is usually stern and unsmiling—when has he ever looked so gently at any contestant!

Immediately she spoke softly: "Number 166, please briefly introduce yourself."

Zhang Ruoxuan took a deep breath, raised her head, and spoke confidently: "Hello Director Jiang, hello teachers, I am contestant number 166, Zhang Ruoxuan, from Yueqing, Wenzhou, born in 1996!"

Although called a re‑test, it's really just the director judging by first impression.

On site they look at facial features and physique; if she can dance, that's a plus, and they also check whether she has talent for acting.

Jiang Heng had come specifically for Zhang Ruoxuan; her relation to this audition fit the saying 'I wrapped these dumplings just for that little bit of vinegar'! Thus Jiang Heng smiled throughout, and when the re‑test ended he said, "Go rest now; you'll hear back by noon tomorrow at the latest."

Zhang Ruoxuan didn't understand why, she just felt Jiang Heng was a rather nice guy! The female vice president beside her was utterly astonished, because what Jiang Heng said was her line!

What's going on? Most likely he's taken a liking to this girl! Even if he doesn't cast her as the female lead in Three Body 2, he'll probably sign her to the company!

However, after Zhang Ruoxuan came out, her father hurried forward to ask her how she had performed.

"Not bad; Director Jiang seemed approachable, and when leaving he told me to rest well, with the results coming at the latest by noon tomorrow."

"That's still good; after the re‑test don't overthink it, leave it to fate, and come help Dad with the supplies."

"Oh!"

Zhang Ruoxuan also knew that becoming a big star was still far off for her; the entertainment industry is full of pretty girls, but only a few ever become major stars.

As for after she goes to university, she will most likely return home to help her parents with their business, get married and work alongside her husband; in short, she won't be working for wages! In the afternoon she accompanied her father to procure supplies, then spent the evening in Hangzhou.

The next morning, father and daughter drove back to Yueqing.

They had been cheerful on the way there, but on the return trip their mood grew somewhat low.

Who would want to be an ordinary person when they could be a big star! In the entertainment industry, those who pretend to lack career ambition mostly really lack it.

Along the way Zhang Ruoxuan couldn't help but wear a bitter face, looking gloomy and unhappy. Arriving home after ten, her mother hurried out and asked how the re‑test went: "It's fine; they just told her to wait for news, with the latest by noon today."

Her mother glanced at her watch and said, "That's not long at all; still no word."

Zhang Ruoxuan pouted, wore a bitter expression, as if she could burst into tears any second.

Her father said, "As we've said, it's the taking part that counts; we're just ordinary folk—don't dream of being a big star."

"Exactly, just study honestly, go to any university, then get married off. A girl doesn't expect you to make a lot of money!" Mother added, cutting in.

Hearing that, Zhang Ruoxuan really felt she was about to cry any second.

Just then, the phone finally rang.

"Hello, may I speak with Ms. Zhang Ruoxuan?"

"Yes, yes, that's me!"

"Then I'm pleased to inform you that, after unanimous approval by the audition panel and Director Jiang Heng's consent, you are confirmed as the actress who will play Zhuang Yan in Three Body 2. Please bring valid ID and go to the Jingcheng Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company building's business department to sign the contract within three days—any problems?"

"No, no problem—I'll hurry over as soon as I can!"

"All right, then I wish you all the best."

After hanging up, the courtyard fell into a brief silence—you looked at me, I looked at you, eyes wide, for a moment we could hardly believe it, then we were overcome with joy.

"Did that phone call say you're to play the female lead?" Mother asked timidly.

Seeing Zhang Ruoxuan nod, she added, "It can't be fake, can it?"

Zhang Ruoxuan quickly replied, "No, it's not—the call that notified me to come for the re‑test was this very one!"

"Then it must be right—you're saying my little girl will become a big star?" Mother laughed, unable to close her mouth, eyes shining.

Don't look at her earlier lack of support; that was only because she thought it was unlikely. In her youth she had gone into business with her husband elsewhere, and she's always been open‑minded.

Originally, in history, Zhang Ruoxuan gained a little fame from a campus beauty pageant, became a print model, and it was also she who accompanied her to shoot advertisements.

And now, naturally she must accompany her daughter to sign the contract.

Her father, at this point, no longer cared about his business; he simply shut the shop, helped Zhang Ruoxuan take a few days off, and sent the younger children to their grandparents.

The couple brought Zhang Ruoxuan, flew straight to Jingcheng, and upon landing took a taxi directly to the Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company building.

After explaining the situation to the front desk, the pretty, tall receptionist instantly became extremely courteous: "Oh dear, if you had called ahead with your flight number, we would have sent a car to pick you up!"

Zhang Ruoxuan quickly said, "Oh, that would be embarrassing—taking a taxi is quite convenient!"

Upon hearing that, Zhang Ruoxuan's parents exchanged a smile, understanding the situation.

With the daughter slated to play the female lead in Three Body 2, signing with Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company, she's highly likely to become a top‑tier star—who wouldn't want to curry favor and build good relations? Yet this girl still wears a silly expression.

Led by the receptionist, the family of three went to the business department, quickly signed the contract, and then someone handed over two bunches of keys.

"The company provides each artist with an apartment for lodging and will arrange a commuter car. Since the assistant and driver won't be confirmed until a day later, please make do for now and drive yourselves!"

Father Zhang glanced at the Mercedes-Benz car key in his hand, thinking to himself: "You call this being wronged?"

Mother Zhang then said: "How come, just after signing the contract, they give such good treatment!"

The supervisor smiled and said: "Because those who sign with Outstanding Rising Film Company will become first-line stars in just a matter of time; compared to the treatment back then, what we can offer now can only be said to be barely adequate." (End of chapter)