Chapter 92: It

At noon, after Li Xiaoran woke up drowsily, she found the bed beside her empty, and only then vaguely remembered that Wu Yuchen had kissed her before saying he was leaving.

Li Xiaoran took the breakfast Wu Yuchen had left for her to the kitchen, and upon seeing the script on the table, she couldn’t help but open it again, eating while reading once more.

…

On the other side, in a private room at a restaurant near the Central Drama Academy, the several girls from Class 96 who had been chattering loudly moments earlier now fell silent as soon as they saw Wu Yuchen.

It wasn’t because they’d never seen a handsome man—they simply knew Wu Yuchen was now a director who had won the Tokyo Film Festival’s top prize and the Berlin Golden Bear for Short Film, a genius praised even by their professors. Facing him in person, they simply couldn’t relax.

Wu Yuchen was the first to smile and speak:

“I’m truly delighted to meet all of you lovely ladies today!”

“I’ve heard from Ceng Li that you were all selected from across the country to enter the Central Drama Academy—you’re truly one in a thousand. This meal is on me, no arguments. Thank you for taking care of Ceng Li—please eat and drink well!”

Hearing Wu Yuchen’s humility, the girls all sighed in relief.

Mei Ting smiled and replied, “Then today we’re riding on Ceng Li’s coattails, pigging out on your treat~”

Zhang Tong added, “Actually, I still remember vividly when you came to the audition—you were holding an IV drip while waiting. I thought you were just another candidate like us, but you’re the director!”

“Exactly! No director looks this good!”

The girls burst into laughter, glancing at Ceng Li, who blushed deeply.

“Wu Yuchen, are you really only in your second year? Our professors say many directors never win awards in their whole lives!”

Wu Yuchen chuckled, “Luck, luck~”

Facing the girls’ endless questions and curiosity, Wu Yuchen remained calm, sticking to humility and modesty, occasionally cracking a joke—the meal passed in warm cheer.

Wu Yuchen noticed that only seven of the eight girls from their class had shown up—Yuan Quan was missing.

But he didn’t dwell on it; this girl had been socially anxious since entering the academy, always avoiding group events, even going to doctors to get fake medical certificates—not to skip class, but to skip activities.

After the meal, the girls relaxed completely in front of this director their own age.

“Big Director Wu, if you ever shoot a new film and need a suitable role, don’t forget us!”

“Haha, I…”

Wu Yuchen was about to speak when his phone rang. He gave an apologetic look, turned slightly, and answered. Han Sanping’s voice came through:

“Young Director Wu, I’ve got word back on yesterday’s matter. Gong Li has already joined the crew of ‘China Box.’ If you can wait until next year, there might be a chance for collaboration.”

Wu Yuchen felt no emotional shift—he’d expected this yesterday—and asked:

“Director Han, what about Ning Jing?”

She was his true target!

“Sigh, Ning Jing called me herself—she’s getting married soon and won’t take any roles right now,” Han Sanping sighed.

“Married?!” Wu Yuchen finally lost his composure.

“Yes, she started dating that foreigner during the filming of ‘Red River Valley.’ I didn’t expect her to be engaged less than a year later,” Han Sanping explained.

Wu Yuchen sighed—he’d been so focused on her lack of recent work that he’d forgotten this entirely.

“Young Director Wu, do you have any other actors in mind? I can help you contact them.”

“Thank you for your concern, Director Han, but I can’t think of anyone right now—I’ll hold open auditions.”

“Good. There might be hidden gems among newcomers—look at Zhou Xun, she did a great job in your last project,” Han Sanping comforted him.

“Yes, you’re absolutely right!”

Shortly after, Wu Yuchen hung up. He said all the right things, but failing to secure Ning Jing still left him deeply disappointed—she was his ideal female lead in every way.

The girls around the table had overheard parts of his call—Ning Jing, Director Han—and suddenly, the Wu Yuchen who had seemed so approachable moments ago now seemed elevated in their eyes.

Like the saying: “Talk with scholars, no commoners come and go”—a man’s circle reveals his status.

Seeing Wu Yuchen’s slightly disappointed expression, none dared disturb him—until Ceng Li, sitting beside him, gently nudged him and asked:

“Are you shooting a new film?”

Wu Yuchen nodded. “Yes, an experimental avant-garde film—I plan to shoot in Hong Kong and Macau—but I haven’t cast the female lead yet.”

At that moment, Mei Ting suddenly asked, “Director Wu, if you hold open auditions, can we apply?”

The other girls stared at Mei Ting in shock—they knew the Central Drama Academy forbade first-year students from acting in films!

Wu Yuchen looked at Mei Ting, recalling how in her past life she’d dropped out of school in her first year just to act—saving Liu Ye and Zhang Ziyi in the process.

Few knew that two students had been expelled from Class 96 in their first year for failing grades. Liu Ye and Zhang Ziyi were barely hanging on at the bottom—only Mei Ting’s withdrawal saved them.

He studied Mei Ting—she wasn’t entirely unsuitable.

“If you’re truly serious, come audition for me,” Wu Yuchen said. He wouldn’t push—she knew her own path—but whether she got the part depended entirely on her audition.

After the meal, the girls left first. Ceng Li stood by the car, talking with Wu Yuchen.

“Wu Yuchen, do you really think Mei Ting is risking expulsion just to act? I don’t understand.”

“Everyone’s experiences differ. Among you, Mei Ting is the most mature and decisive—she already acted in Ye Daying’s ‘Blood-Red Childhood’ in 1994 and won the Spring Swallow Award for Best Actress.

Maybe she feels everything she’s learning now is useless to her—she sees a diploma as less valuable than opportunity.”

Wu Yuchen saw Ceng Li’s half-understanding gaze and smiled:

“Li Zi, don’t overthink it—building a solid foundation in your first year is definitely right.”

Ceng Li nodded, glancing at the girls waiting nearby: “Drive safely—I’m going to join them~”

Wu Yuchen waved goodbye, watching Ceng Li’s back. She was tall, with a broader frame than most girls, and with short hair, she’d suit the role of Lola perfectly. But after knowing her so long, he understood her personality too well—she wasn’t the kind of girl who charged ahead without hesitation.

As the girls disappeared into the distance, Wu Yuchen thought of Ning Jing again. He kicked the car tire, cursing under his breath: It’s all Jiang Wen’s fault!

He wasn’t lashing out randomly—this really was Jiang Wen’s fault.

Everyone knew Jiang Wen and Liu Xiaoqing had started dating during the filming of ‘Furong Town,’ provoking Liu Xiaoqing’s husband to chase them with a knife. In the end, Liu Xiaoqing divorced Jiang Wen, sacrificed her reputation—her ex-husband published a book exposing their private affairs, turning them into a laughingstock for years.

Later, to support Jiang Wen’s first film, ‘In the Heat of the Sun,’ Liu Xiaoqing risked her savings and used every connection to secure investment in Hong Kong—only to lose both money and love.

Why? Because during filming, Jiang Wen fell for Ning Jing.

The two had caught each other’s eyes. When Liu Xiaoqing visited the set and sensed something was off, she confronted Ning Jing. Ning Jing, a fierce woman with a fiery temper, shot back: “Why should I give up the man I love? If you want him, compete for him!”

After filming ended and Jiang Wen still refused to return to her, Liu Xiaoqing knew they were over.

But could she bear to lose everything and let Ning Jing win?

She knew Jiang Wen’s tastes well—she introduced her younger sister Liu Xiaohong’s French friend to him. Sure enough, Jiang Wen couldn’t resist—he quickly started dating the French girl.

Ning Jing, furious, thought: You find a foreigner? So will I. During the filming of ‘Red River Valley,’ she threw herself into the arms of the foreigner, Paul.

So after all this, Ning Jing’s impending marriage to a foreigner means she can’t star in Wu Yuchen’s film—doesn’t it all come down to Jiang Wen?!

After cursing Jiang Wen a few times, Wu Yuchen drove off gloomily. Back at the company, he ordered everyone to get moving—auditions were to begin.

Miracle Films was no longer a shell company. On his last return, Wu Yuchen had bought filming equipment and hired a team of graduates from Beijing Film Academy and the Central Drama Academy—some had followed him through several films and were so impressed they joined him full-time after graduation.

This audition wasn’t just for the female lead—it included the male lead and several supporting roles—marking Miracle Films’ first full, proper film preparation process.

The first round was simply reviewing resumes, photos, and materials. Wu Yuchen personally reviewed every known actor, including students from the Central Drama Academy and Beijing Film Academy; lesser-known actors from other schools were handled by his assistants—this way, no promising talent would be missed. After screening, they’d call each candidate to schedule formal auditions.

Rushing through it all took nearly a week before auditions began.

In bed, Wu Yuchen noticed Jiang Qinqin lying on his chest, silent. He patted her butt.

“What’s wrong? Still sulking?”

“How could I sulk with you? You’re an international director now~”

Jiang Qinqin grumbled, but her small hand kept lightly scratching his skin.

“Qin Qin, you’ve read the script. I’m not denying you a chance—come audition tomorrow. If you do well, you’ll be the female lead.”

Jiang Qinqin’s face lit up instantly:

“Really?”

“Why would I lie to you?”

Jiang Qinqin beamed. She’d read the full script—she had an edge over other actresses. She knew the role might not suit her perfectly, but she wanted to fight for a role in Wu Yuchen’s film.

Still, Wu Yuchen was no longer a minor director—he had awards now. Filmmaking wasn’t a game. Jiang Qinqin knew she couldn’t act childish, so if she got to audition, she’d accept the result, win or lose.

Seeing her mood lifted, Wu Yuchen knew she was rested—he rolled over and resumed.

…

The next day, Wu Yuchen rented a hotel conference room for auditions. Dozens of women waited outside, taking turns entering.

With his award-winning reputation, Wu Yuchen now had some clout—this audition drew many applicants. He wasn’t being overly strict—he wanted to see if anyone surprised him. Even Chen Shasha had made the list. And surprisingly, her fit for the role was even better than Jiang Qinqin’s!

Jiang Qinqin trudged out of the conference room, dejected. Chen Shasha hurried over:

“Qin Qin, how did it go?”

Jiang Qinqin pouted. “Don’t ask. He said my performance felt wrong—too cynical, not enough strength. He picked apart everything…”

Chen Shasha comforted her: “Qin Qin, he’s close to you—that’s why he’s so critical. Maybe…”

Jiang Qinqin shook her head. “No point speculating. I know I didn’t perform well. I hope you make it, Shasha!”

Hearing this, Chen Shasha felt a surge of hope. She’d learned much about the female lead’s character from Jiang Qinqin’s feedback—and she felt she’d nailed her audition. Maybe she’d get it!

At that moment, a staff member called down the hallway: “Next, number 23!”

No answer. He shouted again: “Number 23! Is number 23 here? If you don’t come, we’ll…”

“I’m here!”

A panting girl sprinted over—and as she drew near, Jiang Qinqin and Chen Shasha both widened their eyes.

Wu Yuchen’s mood was still good. Half the auditions were done. The established actresses who came weren’t right—but several students showed promise.

Gong Beibi and Mei Ting from the Central Drama Academy, and Chen Shasha from Beijing Film Academy—all decent, but currently ranked second in his mind.

First place was Yu Lan from Beijing Film Academy—later known as Yu Nan. She was Wang Quan’an’s girlfriend, starred in ‘Tuya’s Marriage,’ and played Long Xiaoyun, the woman Cold Blade admired in ‘Wolf Warrior 1.’

Yu Lan carried a hard, powerful aura—her face and figure both radiated strength. Though she looked a bit rustic now, with proper styling, she’d be fine.

In this regard, she was currently the closest match to Lola’s essence.

Wu Yuchen was pondering this when the door opened again—and the figure who walked in made him open his mouth.

Shoulder-length fiery red hair, a sky-blue top, light green pants, a black leather belt around the waist, black high-top leather boots on his feet, and a silver earring in his ear.

This unique outfit was strikingly conspicuous—it was exactly the appearance of Lola, the female lead in his script!

What stunned Wu Yuchen was that the person standing right there on his set was Li Xiaoran!