Editor:Â Nyoi-Bo Studio
âMiss Gu Huanhuan, right? You can start now. Perform Yun Duoâs dance, then proceed to their meeting,â Director Guan briefly outlined the scene.
The days of hard practice had paid off more than expected. Gu Huanhuanâs pirouettes, spinning gracefully on one foot, were mesmerizing. Occasionally, she glanced back, her porcelain-like face showing an intense concentration that captivated the audience. She embodied Yun Duo, the heart-wrenching character from the novel.
The scene transitioned to the moment of their reunion. Gu Huanhuanâs expression changed subtlyâinitial surprise, followed by excitement, and finally a joyous smile tinged with tears. In a short span, she managed to convey a range of emotions, bringing the character to life.
The judges exchanged glances and smiled in satisfaction.
After her performance, Gu Huanhuan bowed deeply and slowly exited the room.
As soon as she left, Director Guan declared, âYun Duoâs role is hers. Itâs as if it was tailor-made for her.â
One of the investors agreed, âHer dancing was impressive. We could consider adding more dance scenes to enrich the characterâs portrayal.â
âI was thinking the same. Perhaps she could perform a solo dance in the studio for the male lead, followed by a romantic embrace. It would be visually stunning,â Director Guan enthused. Every film he directed was his passion project, each like his own child.
Despite the original novel having few dance scenes, Director Guan, ever the perfectionist, wanted to showcase Gu Huanhuanâs dancing abilities.
âBut I thought Susie did a pretty good job,â one of the investors chimed in. He was in his fifties, with a protruding belly and a balding head, the classic âMediterraneanâ look. His jowls quivered as he spoke.
Director Guan frowned, âSusieâs demeanor lacks a bit of refinement; thereâs a slight coarseness to her. She canât compare to Gu Huanhuanâs pure and clean aura.â
Director Guanâs comments were impartial and fair, without favoritism.
âIf Susie isnât the female lead, Iâll withdraw my investment,â the investor insisted, his tone resolute.
The room fell into an awkward silence.
The producer stepped in to smooth things over, âLetâs tentatively decide for now and make a final decision later. I think both of them have their strengths.â
Given that he was one of the major shareholders, the final decision had to be postponed.
After exiting, Gu Huanhuan wiped her forehead, slightly sweaty from the dance. Realizing it was getting late, she decided to head to Qiyuan for dinner. It wasnât far, and she missed her cousin-in-lawâs cooking.
â¦
Wen Chi had just returned from a business trip, which had become less frequent lately. This trip had been particularly fruitful.
As he sat down at home, he casually picked up the TV remote and turned on the television. He rarely watched TV, so it was mostly a decorative item. He turned it on just to fill the silence.
He had barely started watching the news when his mother called.
âChi, have you returned from your trip? If youâre back, come home for a meal. Iâve made some soup for you,â Mrs. Wen said lovingly.
âI just got back and Iâm a bit tired. Maybe later,â Wen Chi replied, rubbing the bridge of his nose, his face showing fatigue.
Mrs. Wen seemed dissatisfied with his answer, sensing he was brushing her off.
âItâs fine if you canât come today, but you must come home for lunch tomorrow,â Mrs. Wenâs tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.