This director is vindictive.

Chapter 230 Hu Ge was stunned by my acting experience for five minutes!
My name is Li Song. I am a contract actor. I am 1.8 meters tall and weigh 180 kilograms.

I'm very lucky. Because of the lockdown, there's a severe shortage of featured actors, especially those with a particular type like me, so my pay has skyrocketed.

But I was also very unlucky; 14 days later, another 14 days passed.

I've been here for almost a month now!
Fortunately, since I was required to quarantine on-site, I didn't need to worry about hotel room and food costs.

However, I actually had a pretty good month, because most of the people staying at this hotel were "big shots" like celebrities, actors, and directors from the entertainment industry!
I saw Hu Ge, Liu Yifei, Yang Mi, and even the billion-dollar director Chen Mo.

It has to be said that Chen Mo truly deserves to be called a great director and a marketing genius. I even think that he has more traffic than those popular celebrities.

A video of a nucleic acid test has surprisingly become a trendsetter.

I also secretly filmed a video, but unfortunately it only got a few hundred views.

It wasn't until the eighth day of this round of quarantine that I was suddenly added to a group by the group leader.

The group's name was incredibly cringeworthy: "The Famous Daredevils"! Who would have thought that such an incredibly cringeworthy group name was actually chosen by the renowned director Chen Mo?

The group chat is full of people quarantined at this hotel. Goodness, there are seven or eight directors and dozens of actors and celebrities, many of whom are big names.

Of course, the biggest name is Chen Mo.

I guess only he has that kind of influence, able to get so many directors and stars to join this group.

The group has over a hundred people, and it's still growing!
I finally figured out what the group name meant.

Chen Mo suddenly had the idea to make a "quarantine" movie.

The name is "Make a Name for Yourself"! Moreover, they directly posted an announcement in the group, recruiting various actors and behind-the-scenes workers.

In other words, all the actors in "Fame and Fortune" will be selected from those who are quarantined at this hotel.

The group chat exploded. I believe that in the entire Chinese-language entertainment industry, there is no actor who could refuse the lead role in director Chen Mo's new film.

Although I am not a celebrity, I am an actor, a featured actor, and an actor!
I've also watched "An Actor Prepares"! I think my chance has come.

The first role the director suggested was Lu Ziye, a tycoon in Shanghai during the Republican era!

Lu Ziye, Lu Ziye, is there anyone with a wilder path than me? I, a mere extra, have infiltrated a group of entertainment industry bigwigs, and may even be about to play the male lead, reaching the pinnacle of my life, becoming the next inspirational example of a comeback from extra to star!
Lu Ziye requires ages 35-50. I'm 30 this year, so I should be within that range, but everyone says I look older than I am.

Secondly, the requirement is extensive acting experience. I spent three years as an extra and three years as a featured extra, and I've acted in at least 800 to 1,000 films and television series! So this requirement is perfectly met!

Thirdly, because this Shanghai tycoon was once glorious but is now down on his luck and on the verge of bankruptcy, director Chen Mo requested that he be wealthy, but at the same time also be able to express the sense of destitution after bankruptcy.

I believe I perfectly fit this description; who is more prosperous than me? This is definitely my biggest advantage in this hotel.

No one is more prosperous than me! I have absolute confidence in my prosperity!

Fourth, actors need to have excellent dialogue skills and be able to accurately convey the emotions and thoughts of the character.

I've been in the industry for many years, and directors always praise my acting skills, even though many of the shows I've acted in have no lines or only a few lines. But that's enough to demonstrate my level of expertise. Otherwise, why would I consistently get more acting opportunities than other extras after I became an extra? That's what skill is all about!

So, I have no problem with this one either.

Suddenly I felt that this role was even tailor-made for me!

I'm about to leap over the dragon gate and become one of the male leads in director Chen Mo's new film!

My name, Li Song, is about to make its mark in the entertainment industry!

So I immediately found Hu Ge's WeChat and signed up to compete for the role of Lu Ziye.

"Hello, Hu Ge, I'm actor Li Song, and I'd like to audition for the role of Lu Ziye!"

Hu Ge replied quickly: "Li Song? What kinds of plays have you acted in?"

"The Legend of Sword and Fairy, Eternal Love, The Great Shark, Rural Love Story, and Love in a Small Town."

I rattled off over a hundred films and television shows that couldn't fit on the entire screen.

I believe that even Hu Ge was impressed by my extensive acting experience at that moment.

And indeed, a minute later, the screen showed that the other party was typing.

Two minutes passed, and the screen still showed that the other party was typing.

Five minutes later, Hu Ge finally finished typing. He was stunned by my rich acting experience for a full five minutes!
His reply was also astonishing.

Hu Ge: "!!!"

On the other side, Hu Ge was indeed shocked when he saw the screen full of works' names. Good heavens, it was truly amazing.

"Come and take a look, everyone. Forgive my ignorance, but these titles look familiar, yet I don't seem to have heard of any of them, let alone seen any of them!" Hu Ge immediately called everyone over to come and see what was going on.

"The Legend of Sword and Fairy? Ku ku ku." Yang Mi couldn't help but burst out laughing when she saw the title of the first work.

"Why does this remind you of Kang Shuaifu and Lei Bi?" Liu Yifei laughed.

Actually, there are a few somewhat well-known works interspersed among them. However, those works have clearly been overshadowed by these "magical" titles.

Li Song's confession continues.

However, I knew that good things take time, and sure enough, Hu Ge soon asked me the question that touched my heart the most.

Do you think you fit the role? Are you a graduate of a professional acting school? Which year?

Looking at the question Hu Ge posted, I remained silent for a few seconds.

My thoughts drifted back to the art college entrance exam years ago, a time when my youth had faded away.

“Back then, I failed the entrance exam for arts colleges! My teacher said I didn’t have any distinctive features! So, I learned my lesson and started to change myself. I want to thank that teacher from the Shanghai Theatre Academy back then. He guided me, which is why I have very distinctive features now.”

Hu Ge: "What are the characteristics?"

"I'm very well-off! I have things that others don't, so I have a constant stream of acting offers!" I answered with absolute confidence.

Hu Ge: "Could you send me a selfie?"

I quickly found the right angle and took a photo that best showcased my features.

Hu Ge was indeed shocked by me once again.

His answer was still one of amazement.

Hu Ge: "!!!"

Over there, Hu Ge, Liu Yifei, and Yang Mi were all laughing so hard they were clutching their stomachs.

"Hahaha! This person is so funny!"

How can he be so confident?

"However, their features are indeed very distinctive—they're exceptionally well-off! Hahaha!"

The three of them couldn't help but laugh as they looked at what Hu Ge was talking about and the photos.

"What are you laughing at? Why are you laughing so happily?" Chen Mo came out of the room and couldn't help but ask curiously when he saw the three of them laughing so hard they were almost falling over.

"Chen Mo, come and take a look! Hahaha! This guy is hilarious! He's so confident, every word he says exudes confidence. It's practically overflowing my phone screen!" Hu Ge quickly called out.

Chen Mo went over to take a look, and wow, he really was quite wealthy!
Absolutely right! And he does have very distinctive characteristics; it has to be said, he has truly carved out his own path.

After all, these days, there are very few featured actors like him.

But the market really needs all types of actors! So, this is truly a case of differentiated competition!
"I'm sorry," Hu Ge was about to type a refusal.

Chen Mo quickly grabbed him: "Hey, wait, what are you doing?"

"Huh? I was going to reject him tactfully, isn't this ridiculous?" Hu Ge asked in confusion.

"No way, let's give him a chance. It's rare to meet such an interesting person. It's just an audition. I'm quite curious why he's so confident," Chen Mo said with a smile.

"Are you really arranging an audition for him?" Hu Ge asked doubtfully.

"Arrange it! Why not? Well, we've got nothing else to do anyway, so let's just do a video audition," Chen Mo said with a smile.

Back to Li Song's side.

Indeed, gold shines wherever it is, and my years of hard work have not been in vain.

Hu Ge: "Mr. Li Song, Director Chen Mo is right next to me. Are you available now? If so, we can do a video audition right now." I was very excited and looking forward to it.

Director Chen Mo must have been attracted by my appearance and rich acting experience; otherwise, why would he make an exception and let me audition now?

Although I'm not fully prepared yet, I think with my abilities, I'll definitely be able to land this role!
Well, actually I was a little nervous. After all, this was my first time auditioning for such an important role, a role that could change my future.

I will give it my all.

I replied, "Please wait a moment, I'm going to wash my face!"

Hu Ge: "Okay, let me know when it's convenient for you."

I put down my phone, went to the bathroom, and splashed my face with cold water.

Looking at my face in the mirror, I told myself, "You can do it, Li Song, you definitely can! The entertainment industry is waiting for you to conquer! Go Li Song!"

In order to make a good impression on the director and land the role, I specially applied mousse and tidied up my appearance.

All is ready except for the opportunity!
I was as brave and spirited as a warrior going into battle!

"I'm ready!"

A video call invitation came quickly from the other end.

*Click!* Oh no, my hand slipped and I accidentally hung up.

Hu Ge: "???"

"Sorry, sorry, I pressed the wrong button! Can I try again?" I apologized quickly, and even slapped myself. Li Song, Li Song, how could you let me down at such a crucial moment?
Hu Ge: "Of course!"

Then another video call invitation came in.

This time, without any surprises, I absolutely will not allow myself to make the same mistake.

I saw Hu Ge, I saw Chen Mo, and I could vaguely see Yang Mi and Liu Yifei as well.

Chen Mo greeted me, saying, "Hello!"

I was so excited, and then I blurted out, "Director Chen, hello, hello, I'm your idol... oops, I'm not your idol, no, I'm not your fan, I..."

*Slap!* I slapped myself.

Li Song, Li Song, look at your pathetic self.

Chen Mo was stunned, Hu Ge was stunned, Yang Mi was stunned, and Liu Yifei was stunned.

"Don't be nervous, take your time!"

"You're auditioning for the role of Lu Ziye?"

"Yes! I want to audition for Lu Ziye! Thank you, Hu Ge, and thank you, Director Chen, for giving me this opportunity."

I'm a little excited, no, I'm extremely excited.

"Please introduce yourself!"

“My name is Li Song, I’m thirty years old, and I’ve been in the industry for six years! Three years as an extra, three years as a featured extra! I’ve read the requirements for the role of Lu Ziye that you put forward, Director Chen. Although I’m not old enough, I look older than I am.”

"I've acted in hundreds of films and have extensive acting experience."

"I have a prosperous appearance. Many people say that just by looking at me, they can tell I'm a lucky person, like a boss!"

"I've been in the industry for six years, and three of those years were spent as an extra. That was the lowest point I ever went through, so I believe I can portray Lu Ziye's sense of destitution!"

As expected of you, Li Song, you can do it!
I'm quite satisfied with my performance!

"I've read 'An Actor Prepares' and practiced my lines diligently! Please give me a chance, director, and I'll give you back a Lu Ziye!"

"Mr. Li Song, I'm sorry, this role is not suitable for you!"

As expected, I still failed! Actually, my confidence was all an act.

What the hell am I confident about?! Looking like this, I'm still dreaming of becoming a star.

I just kept hypnotizing myself, constantly telling myself, "Li Song, you are the best, you are the best!"

But at this moment, I woke up from my dream!

What is he thinking? He looks so well-off and has a lot of acting experience, but he's just a complete idiot.

Why did I become a featured actor? Because I'm fat, and I get discriminated against wherever I go.

I know I'm too fat, but I've just been deceiving myself.

"Thank you, thank you Director Chen, thank you Hu Ge, thank you for giving me this opportunity. Even if it's just this audition, I can brag about it for the rest of my life, hahaha, thank you, thank you so much!"

"Actually, I know you all must be thinking, 'Where did this fatso come from? Is he some kind of clown?'"

"Actually, I did do it on purpose, but I succeeded, didn't I? I successfully got an audition opportunity! A proper audition opportunity!"

I muttered to myself that I was indeed grateful to them, even though I knew they might just be curious about what kind of oddball would have such a mysterious confidence like me.

However, I guessed the beginning, but not the ending.

"Mr. Li Song! Although you are not suitable for the role of Lu Ziye, I have a job here. I wonder if you would be interested?"

Director Chen Mo, who was on the other end of the video call, suddenly asked me a question.

"Interested, interested, of course I'm interested! Director Chen, do you want me to play a cameo role? Or a corpse?"

I was incredibly excited. Actually, I was right before. This audition is something I can brag about for a long time. Among featured actors, who else has actually auditioned for the lead role in Chen Mo's new film like me?

But to my surprise, Chen Mo actually offered me a job.

My efforts have finally paid off! Whether it's playing a corpse or a special guest role, I'm happy to do it.

Although I was rambling before, Director Chen Mo is indeed my idol.

"No, not at all! We need someone to film behind-the-scenes footage and do promotion for this show. How about it? Are you interested? I think you're not suitable for the role of Lu Ziye, but your physique and your previous inexplicably confident style would be quite effective in helping with promotion and narration."

Is it a live stream?

"Some parts can be live-streamed, but that needs to be discussed. How about it? Interested?"

"Yes, yes! Thank you, Director Chen!"

I'm so excited! Although it's not acting, this job is still a pleasant surprise!
"Director Chen, I, I, I..." I suddenly stammered because I didn't understand why.
Didn't they just give me this audition opportunity to make a fool of myself?

"You want to ask me not out of curiosity, but out of curiosity, what kind of eccentric person would have such inexplicable confidence to give you an audition opportunity?"

Chen Mo laughed and answered my question on the other end of the video call; he guessed perfectly.

Yes, that's the question I wanted to ask.

Although, actually I don't really mind that much, well, actually I do mind quite a bit!
"Correct!"

"You guessed right. At first, I was just curious or surprised, and I wanted to see you make a fool of yourself. Even if you might feel uncomfortable, I still want to say, yes, that's exactly it!"

"hehe!"

"You've gotten what you wanted. You deliberately put on a confident and eccentric act just to pique our curiosity, right? Li Song, keep that mindset!"
Do you know why I gave you this job? Out of pity? No, no, no, it really isn't!
Because I think you're really suitable!

"You obviously know what contrast is. To put it bluntly, we're no different. We directors and actors are all just trying to create works to entertain the public, and of course, make money along the way!"
And what about you? You also have the same purpose: to swallow your pride and entertain the masses!
So don't underestimate yourself. If you can maintain that confidence you had just had, then I believe everything will be different for you from now on.

Yes, many people may pay attention to you because of your "weirdness". Don't feel ashamed because of it. You're just trying to make a living, what's there to be ashamed of?
And if you maintain that confidence, it might just become real confidence.

For example, you can still think, "I have no taste," and firmly believe that you are more suitable for the role of Lu Ziye. You can also tell netizens and the audience that you can showcase your rich acting experience and your well-off figure. Yes, entertain the public. As long as you don't feel embarrassed, then others will be the ones who feel embarrassed!

I understand now. After hearing Chen Mo's words, it's truly a case of "a single conversation with a wise man is worth more than ten years of study!"

Chen Mo spoke very frankly and realistically, and I understood him. His words seemed to open a completely new door for me.

As expected of Chen Mo, as expected of the Midas Touch, if I, this lump of mud, ever become a stubborn rock, it will definitely be thanks to him!

Starting today, I, Li Song, will not eat beef!

(End of this chapter)