Chapter 60: Who Doesn

The original female lead in “The Two of Us,” the tenant girl, was a complete novice, found at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, because the director wanted someone who resembled his younger self—he searched every university in Jingcheng before finding her.

The film took three years to shoot, partly because the director wanted to refine the newcomer’s performance. Even so, many still felt the girl’s acting fell short of the old woman’s.

But Wu Yuchen had no such habit, nor three years to spare for such polishing—he would never consider casting a novice.

Moreover, this film absolutely hinges on the performances of the two female leads, the old woman and the girl. He intended to use “The Two of Us” to chase awards, and the leads’ performances were critical—no room for compromise.

Wu Yuchen had already discarded Jiang Qin, so he clearly had someone better in mind.

Small in stature but full of energy, lively and restless, stubborn yet endearing, and above all, spiritually attuned with excellent acting.

While writing the script, Wu Yuchen already had a figure in mind—one he had just met recently.

As soon as the phone connected, Wu Yuchen asked directly:

“Is this Brother Peng?”

“This is Dou Peng. Who’s calling?”

“It’s Wu Yuchen—the one who asked you for music last month. You remember?”

“Oh, it’s you! I couldn’t forget! That film of yours—I doubt I’ll forget it even in twenty years. Calling this late, you’ve got another music job?”

“I do have a request, but not for music. Last time I visited you, your girlfriend was also an actress. I’m making a feature film, and I think she’s perfect for the female lead. Could you ask her if she’d be interested?”

Before Dou Peng could answer, Zhou Xun’s voice came through the phone: “I’ll do it!”

…

Inside the room, Zhou Xun was Ditou reading the script, while Wu Yuchen carefully studied the twenty-something woman before him.

Zhou Xun was not trained in acting, but she was one of those rare talents born for the craft—her spirit and insight were top-tier, and her screen presence was exceptional.

Many may have first learned of Zhou Xun through “Suzhou River,” but long before that, several directors had already noticed her—including China’s leading filmmaker, Chen Kaizi.

After “Farewell My Concubine,” Kaizi began a new film, “Feng Yue,” which started shooting in 1994 and wouldn’t be released until 1996.

His original choice for the female lead was Zhou Xun, but after several months of filming, Kaizi decided her height wasn’t right—even with seven-centimeter heels, she still fell short. He replaced her with a minor dancer, then brought in the beautiful Chen Hong for a screen test. Though Chen Hong didn’t fit his vision, she comforted him during the film’s troubled production, and they began an affair. Eventually, the lead role went to Gong Li.

Think about it: from being the chosen leading lady of the mighty director Chen, she was demoted to a minor dancer after months of work—Zhou Xun’s emotions must have been a rollercoaster, filled with regret and frustration.

Last year she starred in “Daughter Red,” but even as the lead, she played only the youthful version of the character, with limited screen time.

But the script in hand now, “The Two of Us,” was different—the tenant girl Xiao Ma was undeniably the absolute female lead, the entire story unfolding from her perspective.

As for Wu Yuchen himself, though a new director, his previous short film “Car 44” had already revealed his talent.

“Director, I’ll do it!” Zhou Xun looked up, smiling brightly.

Wu Yuchen reached out and shook her hand, then said:

“I’ll tell you upfront—I’m making this film to win awards.

I’ll pay you ten thousand yuan. Not much, but decent. But there are conditions: filming will last at least half a year, intermittently—you must be available whenever called, and maintain your performance state. Can you accept that?”

Zhou Xun understood the value of this opportunity—her desire for the lead role was strong, especially since Wu Yuchen had explicitly said he was chasing awards.

“Director, if you need me, I won’t even go home for the New Year!”

Wu Yuchen finally smiled and released her hand. Zhou Xun’s appearance and acting were not only perfect for the role, but her years of living in Jingcheng made her ideal.

With Zhou Xun in hand, the world is mine!

Wu Yuchen then stood up: “I’m going to invite the old woman’s actress now. Want to come along?”

“Sure! Director Wu, who are you planning to cast as the old woman?”

Wu Yuchen smiled and asked: “Have you seen ‘I Love My Family’?”

“I Love My Family” was the first domestic family sitcom released two years ago, starring Song DanDan—it was hugely popular in Jingcheng, and Zhou Xun had certainly seen it.

“Of course. Is there someone suitable in it?”

“The neighborhood committee director, Aunt Yu!”

“Huh?!” Zhou Xun stared in shock.

…

Jin Yaqin, seventy this year, was from the Beijing People’s Art Theatre and had retired, with rich stage acting experience.

She was the original actress who portrayed the old woman in “The Two of Us,” delivering an outstanding performance that earned her dual Best Actress awards at the Tokyo Film Festival and the Golden Rooster.

So Wu Yuchen never considered replacing her—besides, she had little fame and wouldn’t demand a high salary, making her the perfect choice.

The old woman had a naturally sharp, stern face—when she wasn’t smiling and her expression turned serious, she looked exactly like a peculiar, bitter old lady.

But in person, she was exceptionally cheerful, loved lively company, and had excellent relationships with others. After reading “The Two of Us,” she hesitated and said:

“Young Director Wu, this old woman’s personality is the complete opposite of mine. Am I really suitable?”

Wu Yuchen smiled: “Teacher Jin, I’ve seen you play Aunt Zhao in the TV series ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ and the brothel madam in the film ‘Du Shiniang’—both were incredibly vivid. I’m certain this role won’t be a problem for you!”

Hearing Wu Yuchen recall her few on-screen roles so precisely, Jin Yaqin felt deeply flattered.

She had spent her entire career playing supporting roles in theater, TV, and film—never imagining that nearly ten years after retirement, a film’s lead role would come knocking on her door. The old woman was both delighted and moved. After all, who hasn’t dreamed of being the lead?

“Then I’ll give it a try!”

“Thank you, Teacher Jin! I have one more bold request: this is Zhou Xun, who will play the tenant girl Xiao Ma. I’d like her to stay at your home for a while, to bond with you. Would that be alright?”

The film tells the heartwarming story of how the old woman and the girl, initially disliking each other, gradually grow to rely on and care for one another—Wu Yuchen naturally wanted the two leads to build that connection early.

Jin Yaqin looked at Zhou Xun, who immediately smiled sweetly and said, “Hello, Auntie Jin.”

“Haha, no problem! I love company—right now, it’s just me and my husband at home. I’ve been feeling lonely!”

Jin Yaqin warmly pulled Zhou Xun down to sit beside her.

Wu Yuchen followed Zhou Xun’s lead and changed his address:

“Auntie Jin, from now on, you’ll need to be less lively. Try observing an elderly, lonely person you know with a peculiar personality—it’ll help you understand the role.”

“Don’t worry, I understand—art comes from life!”