Chapter 75: Gao Yuanyuan

Xiao Yanzi didn't know how she had finished her performance or how she had walked out; she just felt her mind go blank.

After she went out, an assistant came up to ask about the audition, and she also shook her head in a daze.

Seeing Fan Bingbing waving at her from the line, she subconsciously went over.

"How was the audition just now?"

"Not bad, just told me to go back and wait for news!"

Fan Bingbing said: "That's all; based on your ability and fame, I thought it had to be you!"

The others hearing this also turned their heads to look.

Seeing these two turn their heads back, each muttered complaints in their heart.

Xiao Yanzi self-mocked: "My little fame in the TV industry counts for nothing in film circles, let alone international blockbusters!"

Fan Bingbing thought: "You knowing is enough!"

Yet she said: "You at least have some fame; unlike us, we can only leave it to fate!"

Xiao Yanzi sneered: "Not necessarily; I heard someone pulled strings through Director Jiang's friends—like a few action stars from Xianggang—just to speak up for several people!"

As soon as she said that, several queued female artists had their morale collapse, inwardly cursing the crew for unfairness and backroom dealing.

Fan Bingbing, however, remained calm and unaffected: "Oh, that really is enviable, I—"

"Um, those who have finished the audition, please leave immediately, don't disturb others!"

But the staff on site really couldn't hold back and spoke up to remind.

He originally wanted to turn a blind eye, after all, they were somewhat famous artists; offending them wouldn't be good.

It was clear that the two were getting more and more worked up, affecting those around, so he couldn't help it.

Xiao Yanzi was also a smooth operator; she hurriedly made an apologetic gesture to those around, saying, "Wishing everyone a smooth audition!" and left on her own.

At the back of the line, the late-arriving Gao Yuanyuan happened to see this scene and instinctively remarked, "She's so polite!"

The girl in front of her snorted, "What politeness? Spouting nonsense that messes up others' states—obviously she means no good!"

Gao Yuanyuan didn't dare criticize others, giving an embarrassed smile: "Surely not!"

The girl ahead sneered: "Not likely? You don't know how important this role is, everyone's fighting for it!"

She stopped mid-sentence, but when she turned her head to look, she felt ashamed.

Gao Yuanyuan, born in '79, is now 21—just the age of pure loveliness—wearing a floral long dress with a fresh, bright smile, even the girl in front of her was infected by it.

"Hey, sis, what have you acted in? I feel you look a bit familiar."

The girl ahead probably felt her chances were slim, so she started gossiping on the spot.

Gao Yuanyuan gave an embarrassed smile: "I've only filmed one movie and a few TV dramas, none of them famous!"

The girl nodded, also agreeing: "I probably saw you when flipping channels!"

One important standard for this audition is having acting experience; the girl didn't find it strange either.

They also tossed out some hearsay they'd picked up, leaving Gao Yuanyuan blinking in surprise.

"Hey, I don't even know Director Jiang's casting standards—I'm sure I have no chance, but you should have a good shot!"

Gao Yuanyuan said: "For such an important role, how could it possibly be my turn? Just taking part is enough!"

Inside the hall, over forty artists had already finished their auditions, yet few could satisfy him.

Even "Fan Ye" later tried out; though she was certainly pretty, her temperament seemed slightly off.

"Director Jiang, take a break?"

A senior from China Film beside him asked, calculating five minutes per person, forty-plus people would take over two hours, which is also quite tough.

"Let's take a break!"

The audition paused; staff went out to smoke or use the restroom, while Jiang Heng went to get the latest sign-in sheet.

As he was flipping through it, a Columbia employee beside him suddenly said: "Director Jiang, when we came, Pascal the CEO once said, if you can't find suitable talent here, you might consider Hollywood. Actually, you don't have to insist on expensive A-list stars; some B- or C-list actresses are also quite good. After all, the film's biggest draw is mechs fighting monsters, but if it's a Hollywood actress, it would help boost the movie's box office in North America and worldwide."

Jiang Heng laughed, knowing Columbia wouldn't easily give up.

Yet he said: "Rest assured, we'll definitely find someone suitable!"

"Are you talking about Miss Zhang? Her performance in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was indeed good. However, she doesn't seem to have come today!"

Zhang Ziyi, ever since learning that Jiang Heng was to co-produce a special-effects blockbuster with Columbia, has actively pursued the female lead role, but Jiang Heng simply hasn't given her a chance.

Moreover, upon learning that Cheng Long was preparing to film Rush Hour 2, she gave up on this.

"It's not her; the heroine I want is not like her!"

Perhaps due to her personality, the roles Zhang Ziyi plays tend to be overly self-centered and forceful.

Consequently, although her acting is excellent, her popularity with audiences isn't high.

The Columbia company's representative continued to urge: "Director Jiang!"

Jiang Heng waved his hand to signal him to stop: "Let's leave it at that for now; let's continue the auditions!"

Probably sensing Jiang Heng's so-so mood, all the staff also wore expressionless faces.

After entering the hall, seeing a bunch of people like "black-faced gods," the female auditionees performed even worse.

The Columbia company's representative couldn't help but show a smile.

Even if today's audition yields no suitable candidate, Jiang Heng could still look for other actresses, but if they could see him frustrated, they would still be delighted.

Because the CEO has been on Jiang Heng's side, suffering too many setbacks.

If it weren't for the film's production quality being genuinely solid, would a Hollywood heavyweight like Columbia Pictures really have to lower itself to beg for cooperation!

"Hello Director Jiang, hello everyone, I'm Gao Yuanyuan from Jingcheng!"

Just as everyone was lacking energy, a clear voice rang out.

Looking up, I saw a girl in a floral long dress, hair draped over her shoulders, exuding artistic vibe, standing center stage, instantly brightening the view.

Jiang Heng still didn't speak; the assistant, following the prearranged request, had Gao Yuanyuan perform.

Acting-wise, it's actually okay.

It's mainly because this person has a good attitude; the performance is relaxed and natural, pleasant to watch.

Of course, it might also be due to the other person's looks.

「Click！」

After the crew called cut, they looked toward Jiang Heng.

「Hmm, can you show an expression of anger and hatred, one that doesn't hold back? 」

Jiang Heng finally made a request; everyone inside was shocked—is this the person he's looking for?

She's pretty enough, but with her looks and style she's totally an artistic goddess—though it doesn't quite match the style of Pacific Rim.

Gao Yuanyuan wasn't aware of this; following Jiang Heng's request, she performed accordingly.

How to say it? It's not great, but it's passable.

Jiang Heng thought for a moment, then said: 'Let's go wait in the back for a bit!'

(End of chapter)