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Chapter 266 This Comrade, You're Perfect for the Second Male Lead (Please Subscribe)
"Yes, I want to give them some things," Wang Huiyu said truthfully.

She was still thinking about divorcing Xu Meng, so she definitely couldn't just ignore it now.

At the same time, she would only know how Xu Meng and the others would judge her if she went there.

Xu Meng used a gun, so he's definitely the one who's most seriously injured.

Xu Ye didn't say anything and silently started drinking his porridge.

Anyway, he couldn't possibly give Wang Huiyu any advice.

Let them decide how they want to judge; it has nothing to do with him anymore.

After finishing her porridge, Zhu Lin went back to change her clothes.

After all, you have to wear your best clothes when you're going to an audition.

After she changed her clothes and came out, she amazed Xu Ye.

Today, Julie is wearing a set of clothes in the style of a girls' school uniform from the Republican era, but the clothes are white with some embroidery, and the skirt is also white.

Xu Ye was stunned to see that she had such clothes.

Seeing Xu Ye's reaction, Zhu Lin was somewhat smug.

"Uncle Xu." Lu Ning was wearing a dress and looked very cute.

She happily ran to Xu Ye's side.

"It's about time, let's go."

“I’ll drive Xiao Ning, and you drive Lin Lin. Is that alright?” As he spoke, Lu Tao glanced at Xu Ye.

“Of course I can.” Xu Ye said, then looked at Julie.

Whether it works or not, it's up to Zhu Lin to say so.

"Let's go, let's not be late," Zhu Lin said generously.

Xu Ye had no idea what film studios were like in the 1970s, and was quite curious about it.

He hopped on his bicycle, and with Zhu Lin on the back, followed Lu Tao.

He and Zhu Lin didn't talk much along the way.

Zhu Lin was still holding the script and memorizing her lines, so she didn't have time to chat with Xu Ye.

The bicycle passed through several alleys and turned onto the main road.

Xu Ye rode very steadily, afraid that the bumps would affect Zhu Lin's memorization of her lines.

A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of osmanthus blossoms from Zhu Lin's hair.

"Xu Ye." Zhu Lin suddenly closed the script and called softly.

"Hmm?" Xu Ye tilted his head slightly.

"I'm a little nervous," Zhu Lin said, her voice trembling slightly. "This is my first audition, and I don't know if I'll be successful."

Xu Ye slowed down the car: "You will definitely succeed."

"how do you know?"

“Because you’re more dedicated than anyone else.” Xu Ye smiled. “The way you were memorizing your lines on the way here just now, it was like you were trying to etch every single word into your heart.”

Zhu Lin's face flushed slightly. She gripped Xu Ye's sleeve tightly: "Thank you for your encouragement. I hope I can succeed."

Turning a corner, the gray walls of the film studio came into view.

Lu Tao first went up and greeted the gatekeeper, then let Xu Ye ride the bike inside.

—Several Soviet-style buildings are scattered in a well-organized manner, with antique-style blocks and Republic of China-era streets in the distance.

Actors dressed in various costumes came and went, creating a lively atmosphere.

Auditions aren't so early yet, so they can still stroll around the film studio and watch the filming process.

Xu Ye pushed his bicycle and walked side by side with Zhu Lin on the tree-lined path of the film studio.

In the distance came the director's shouts and the sound of clappers, and several extras in military uniforms hurriedly ran past them.

It's obvious that this is a war movie being filmed.

At this time of year, most movies are on this theme.

After all, shooting this is definitely a good choice.

Others may be subject to criticism, but this one is absolutely not.

Xu Ye and Zhu Lin wandered around and looked at everything, which gave them a good understanding of how movies are made nowadays.

Before I knew it, several hours had passed.

Lu Tao found Xu Ye and Zhu Lin because it was time for the audition.

"This is Studio Three," Lu Tao led them through the crowd. "The auditions will be held there today."

As he spoke, Lu Tao led them outside the photography studio.

The photography studio was already filled with more than twenty young girls, all dressed up in a glamorous way.

Xu Ye noticed that Zhu Lin's hands were trembling slightly.

“Don’t be afraid,” he whispered. “Just treat the judges like radishes and cabbages.”

Zhu Lin chuckled: "Where can you find such a beautiful radish?"

Just then, a middle-aged man wearing a baseball cap walked in and clapped his hands: "The audition for role number three is now starting. Those whose names are called, come in."

One girl after another went in and came out, some elated, some dejected.

"Next up is Comrade Zhu Lin."

Zhu Lin took a deep breath and looked at Xu Ye for help.

Xu Ye secretly gave a thumbs-up.

Zhu Lin took a deep breath and walked straight inside.

Xu Ye didn't go in, since he hadn't participated in the audition.

Lu Tao didn't go in either; the two of them stood outside the door smoking and chatting.

Twenty minutes later, Zhu Lin emerged with red eyes.

Xu Ye's heart tightened: "How is it?"

Zhu Lin suddenly broke into a bright smile: "The director said I can come to film next week!"

"That's fantastic! Congratulations on achieving your dream!" Xu Ye was genuinely happy for her.

"I didn't expect it to go so smoothly, especially for such an important role," Zhu Lin said excitedly.

After all, it's rare for a newcomer to have such an opportunity.

"Come on, I'll treat you to something nice." In a great mood, Zhu Lin prepared to treat Xu Ye and Lu Tao to a good meal.

"Great! Let's go eat something delicious!" Lu Ning exclaimed happily.

The four of them arrived at a state-run restaurant near the film studio. Zhu Lin generously ordered braised pork, sweet and sour carp, and several seasonal side dishes. When the waiter brought out the steaming food, Lu Ning's eyes widened in amazement.

"Linlin, how much will this cost?" Lu Tao said with some heartache.

Zhu Lin smiled and put a piece of meat on everyone's plate: "I'm happy today! If Xu Ye hadn't encouraged me, I probably wouldn't have dared to go to the audition."

Xu Ye raised his teacup: "Let's celebrate the birth of our new star with tea instead of wine."

Just as they were enjoying their meal, a commotion suddenly broke out at the restaurant entrance. A middle-aged man in a Zhongshan suit strode in, followed by several staff members.

"Isn't that Director Zhang?" Lu Tao asked in surprise, lowering his voice.

Director Zhang looked around, his gaze settling on their table, and walked straight over: "Comrade Zhu Lin, I've finally found you!"

Zhu Lin quickly stood up: "Hello, Director Zhang!"

Director Zhang smiled and waved his hand, "Sit down, sit down. I've come to tell you some good news."

"The production team has decided to cast you as the second female lead!"

"The second female lead?" Zhu Lin was so surprised she dropped her chopsticks. "Isn't she the third female lead?"

Director Zhang winked mysteriously: "The originally planned second female lead was suddenly transferred to another production team. I saw how well you performed in the audition, so I recommended you to the directing team." This luck is truly extraordinary.

The second female lead has significantly more screen time than the third female lead.

"Thank you for your guidance and recommendation, Director. I will definitely perform well and live up to your expectations," Zhu Lin said with a grateful expression.

"You're too kind. It's because you're so outstanding." As he spoke, Director Zhang glanced at Xu Ye beside him.

"Excuse me, are you here for an audition too?"

"I think you have a great image, and you'd be perfect for playing the second male lead in our show."

Xu Ye quickly waved his hand: "Director Zhang, you've misunderstood. I came here with Comrade Zhu Lin."

Director Zhang, however, refused to give up. He circled Xu Ye, saying, "With that physique and that presence, it's a shame he's not an actor!" He leaned close to Xu Ye's ear and whispered, "The second male lead only makes eighty yuan a month, plus all sorts of subsidies."

Zhu Lin chuckled to herself, and Lu Tao couldn't help but tease, "Xu Ye, why don't you consider it?"

Xu Ye was both amused and exasperated: "Director Zhang, I work at a boiler construction factory and really can't spare the time. Besides, I have absolutely no acting talent; I can't even deliver my lines properly."

Xu Ye wasn't really interested in acting, so she politely declined.

"Wow, that's quite a coincidence. The second male lead in the drama is an employee of the boiler construction factory. You're playing yourself!" Director Zhang couldn't help but say.

Now, he's even more interested in Xu Ye and feels that he should invite her to act in the film no matter what.

"Moreover, the second male and female leads have a romantic storyline, which I think is very suitable for you," Director Zhang added.

He felt that Xu Ye and Zhu Lin must have a very close relationship.

Otherwise, why would he accompany Zhu Lin to the audition?
Xu Ye's ears burned when he heard the words "romance scenes." Zhu Lin lowered her head in embarrassment, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

"Director Zhang, I'm really not cut out for this." Xu Ye tried to decline.

"Don't be so quick to refuse!" Director Zhang warmly put his arm around Xu Ye's shoulder. "How about this, you come to the set first, consider it as being Zhu Lin's sparring partner."

Zhu Lin quietly tugged at Xu Ye's sleeve and whispered, "Just consider it helping me get familiar with the film set?"

Seeing Zhu Lin's expectant gaze, Xu Ye sighed helplessly, "Alright, but I have one condition."

"What are your conditions? Just say the word!" Director Zhang waved his hand generously.

“I only come on my days off,” Xu Ye said earnestly. “I also have to work at the factory on weekdays.”

"No problem!" Director Zhang readily agreed. "Come report for duty next Sunday!"

After seeing Director Zhang off, Lu Tao shook his head with a smile: "Xu Ye, you can't escape now."

On the way back, the setting sun cast long shadows of the two of them. Zhu Lin sat on the back of the bicycle, humming a song softly, her fingers unconsciously twirling the hem of Xu Ye's clothes.

“Xu Ye,” she suddenly spoke.

"Um?"

"Thank you for joining the crew." Zhu Lin's voice was filled with undisguised joy. "This way, I won't have to face an unfamiliar environment alone."

Feeling the warmth emanating from behind him, Xu Ye's lips unconsciously curled into a smile: "I've never acted before, so don't laugh at me later."

"No way!" Zhu Lin said with a smile. "I'll teach you properly."

The bicycle rolled over a small pothole, causing it to lurch. Zhu Lin gasped and instinctively hugged Xu Ye's waist tightly. Both of them froze, but neither let go.

A gentle evening breeze carried the warmth of summer. Xu Ye suddenly felt that perhaps trying new things occasionally wouldn't be bad. Especially when someone is willing to go on an adventure with you.

“By the way,” he asked softly, “what kind of story is the second male and female lead in the script?”

Zhu Lin was silent for a moment before softly replying, "It's a story about waiting and reunion."

Her voice was soft, yet it made Xu Ye's heart skip a beat.

Neither of them spoke again, but a subtle feeling, like the summer evening breeze, gently lingered between them.

The development and progression of feelings are actually quite mysterious.

Sometimes, it's just a chemical reaction.

Hormonal interactions can affect a person's thinking.

After arriving at the courtyard house, Zhu Lin jumped out of the car.

"I'm going to wash my face, I'll bring you the script in a bit." With that, Zhu Lin went back to her room immediately.

It seems I need to sort out my feelings.

After parking the car, Xu Ye walked towards the room.

The lights were still on in the east wing, indicating that Wang Huiyu was at home.

"Xu Ye, are you hungry? I'll cook you some noodles," Wang Huiyu said, standing at the door.

She knew that Xu Ye had most likely already eaten, but she still wanted to ask.

How long they can stay here now depends entirely on Xu Ye's decision.

"No need, Lin and I have already eaten out," Xu Ye said with a smile.

"What did the police say when I went there today?" Xu Ye asked casually.

Actually, he didn't care what happened to Xu Meng and the others.

If someone robs you and uses a gun, you should bear the consequences.

Wang Huiyu's face darkened, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes: "The police said Xu Meng will get at least ten years. His parents-in-law, as accomplices, will also get three to five years."

Xu Ye nodded, saying nothing more. Wang Huiyu hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "I submitted the divorce application today."

"Yes, this is your own business, you don't need to tell me." Xu Ye said calmly.

Wang Huiyu's eyes suddenly reddened: "Xu Ye, I know you're angry. But I want to ask you for a favor."

Xu Ye stopped in his tracks: "What kind of help?"

“I can’t go back to my parents’ home,” Wang Huiyu said, her voice choked with emotion. “Could I stay here a little longer until I find a job?”

Xu Ye looked at the pitiful woman and sighed, "You can stay as long as you want. The west wing is just sitting empty anyway."

Wang Huiyu bowed repeatedly in gratitude, saying, "Thank you! I will definitely find a job as soon as possible!"

As they were talking, Zhu Lin came out of the house, holding a script in her hand: "Xu Ye, here's your script." She glanced at Wang Huiyu, whose eyes were red-rimmed, and asked with concern, "Sister Huiyu, are you alright?"

Wang Huiyu hurriedly wiped her eyes and said, "It's nothing, it's nothing. You guys chat, I'll go boil some water." Then she quickly walked away.

Zhu Lin looked at Xu Ye with a puzzled expression. Xu Ye shook his head: "She went to the police station today. They said Xu Meng will be sentenced to at least ten years."

However, this is only a possibility; the specific outcome will depend on the verdict.

Xu Ye felt that Xu Meng might ultimately face a life sentence.

Zhu Lin sighed softly and didn't ask any more questions.

She handed the script to Xu Ye: "Take a look first. I've marked all the scenes for the second male lead."

Xu Ye opened the script and found that Zhu Lin had carefully marked many annotations in red pen.

He couldn't help but laugh and say, "You've done a really thorough job of preparing."

Zhu Lin blushed: "I...I just wanted to help you get familiar with the role faster."

The two sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, studying the script by the dim light. A gentle evening breeze carried the fragrance of flowers.

"This scene," Xu Ye pointed to a location, "how do you act out the second male lead confessing his feelings to the second female lead in a natural way?"

Zhu Lin leaned closer to take a look, then suddenly winked playfully: "How about we give it a try?"

Xu Ye was taken aback: "Now?"

“Yes,” Zhu Lin stood up, cleared her throat, and instantly got into character. “Comrade Wang, I’ve wanted to tell you something for a long time.”

In the moonlight, her eyes sparkled, warming Xu Ye's heart. He took a deep breath and replied according to the script, "Comrade Li, I...I've also been wanting to tell you something."

The two of them talked back and forth, and they actually managed to create a scene reminiscent of a play.

When the key lines of the confession were read, Zhu Lin's cheeks flushed, and Xu Ye unconsciously softened his voice.

"Stop!" Zhu Lin suddenly shouted, covering her face and laughing. "Xu Ye, you were acting so seriously, I almost believed it!"

Xu Ye laughed too: "It's all thanks to your excellent guidance."

(End of this chapter)