In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

August 22nd, early morning.

When Yang Guangming woke up, he heard his mother preparing breakfast in the kitchen, and his father, Yang Hongwen, seemed to be on the phone in the living room.

He got up, washed up, changed into simple home clothes, and walked out of the bedroom.

Yang Hongwen stood by the living room window, holding the receiver of the cordless phone in his hand, his back to the bedroom. His voice was low but his tone was serious.

“Yes, Director Jiang Wen… Yes, I’m Yang Hongwen from the Central Academy of Drama… I’d like to schedule a time to bring my son to meet you… He has some talent for acting and wants to try out for the role of Ma Xiaojun…”

Without disturbing him, Yang Ming tiptoed to the dining table and sat down. Chen Zhiyun brought out fried eggs and porridge from the kitchen, smiled at him, pointed in Yang Hongwen's direction, and mouthed "we're talking about serious business."

The sunlight nodded and waited quietly.

About five or six minutes later, Yang Hongwen ended the call, turned around, and had a relaxed smile on his face.

“It’s arranged.” He walked to the dining table and sat down. “Jiang Wen is free at 2 PM. It’s at his house, which is also his studio, a courtyard house. Let’s go directly there.”

Chen Zhiyun asked with concern, "What was his attitude like? Was he easy to talk to?"

"He sounded very polite on the phone."

Yang Hongwen picked up the bowl of porridge. "After all, I've been at the Central Academy of Drama for so many years. Although I haven't had much direct contact with him, we still know each other. He has to give me this face."

However, he also clearly stated that he has his own standards for casting, especially for the male lead, and it depends on whether he's suitable. Whether he gets the role after being given an audition depends on Mingming's performance.

He looked at his son: "Mingming, it's your turn this afternoon. Don't feel pressured, just perform normally. Your mother and I have both seen your performances, and you have both the skills and the talent."

Yang Guangming swallowed the food in his mouth and nodded calmly: "Dad, Mom, don't worry, I will prepare it carefully."

"How do you plan to prepare?" Chen Zhiyun asked. "Should we find a familiar acting coach for some temporary guidance?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "Mom, it's not necessary to find someone to give me advice. But... I'd like to make some adjustments to my appearance."

"Image?"

"Ah."

Yang Guangming put down his chopsticks. "Dad, didn't you say yesterday that Director Jiang Wen wants the male lead to look like him? I definitely don't look like him. I think his requirement for the role is that the actor shouldn't be too handsome, and it's best if he's more ordinary."

My face is definitely not 'ordinary' or 'looks like him'.

So I was thinking, during auditions, could we try to resemble the appearance of an ordinary teenager from that era as closely as possible, so that we wouldn't be rejected at first glance because of our looks?

Yang Hongwen seemed thoughtful: "You mean... makeup? Or changing clothes?"

“I have everything,” Yang Guangming said. “Ideally, I’d like to find an old military uniform like the ones young people wore in the 1970s, the kind that’s neither new nor old. Also, I’d like to make my face a bit darker and rougher, and my hair a bit messy. I don’t need anything as complicated as professional theatrical makeup, just simple adjustments to soften the delicate features of my face and add a touch of rusticity and period style.”

Chen Zhiyun pondered and said, "That's the right approach. First impressions are very important. If you go with your current face, Jiang Wen might subconsciously think, 'Too handsome, doesn't look like him,' and no matter how good your performance is later, he'll still have a problem with it."

First, try to match his appearance as much as possible, giving him the idea that "maybe I can give it a try," and then impress him with your performance.

Yang Hongwen agreed: "That makes sense. Old military uniforms... let me think. The school's props store should have some. I'll go ask in a bit and see if I can borrow one."

Yang Hongwen glanced at his watch. "It's a little past eight now. I still have to go to the training center to arrange some things this morning, and then go find some clothes. Mingming, you stay home this morning and read the original novel of the movie carefully, and try to understand the characters. I'll probably be back before eleven, then we'll have lunch together and then set off."

"it is good."

After breakfast, Yang Hongwen hurriedly went out.

After cleaning up the kitchen, Chen Zhiyun walked to her son's room and saw Yang Guangming sitting at his desk with a notebook open in front of him and a pen in his hand, sometimes writing a few lines and sometimes lost in thought.

She didn't go in to disturb them, gently closed the door, and went to attend to her own business.

Yang Guangming was indeed reading the novel "Ferocious Animals," which was the basis for the film "In the Heat of the Sun."

Moreover, he had seen this movie more than once in his previous life and had a deep understanding of the character Ma Xiaojun.

In this life, combining the original character's acting skills with his own insights into human nature gained from his experiences across several lifetimes, he believes he can portray a unique and vivid Ma Xiaojun.

But understanding is one thing, but how to present this understanding through the body of a sixteen-year-old, through a performance style that conforms to the characteristics of the times, and precisely match Jiang Wen's aesthetics and needs, still requires meticulous design.

In his mind, images, lines, and emotional shifts of Ma Xiaojun appeared clearly one by one. He imitated different performance styles, subtly adjusting the rhythm of his tone, eyes, and body movements.

Time flies when you're focused.

Around 10:30 a.m., Yang Hongwen returned, carrying an inconspicuous cloth bag.

"I've borrowed the clothes."

He went into his son's room and took out a slightly faded Type 65 military uniform jacket and a pair of matching military trousers from the bag.

Yang Guangming took the clothes and looked at them. The fabric was thick, and the color had faded naturally, giving them a vintage feel. "They're nice, thank you, Dad."

"Try it on to see if it fits."

Yang Guangming changed into his military uniform jacket and trousers. The jacket was a bit too big, the shoulders were slightly droopy, the sleeves were a bit too long, and the trouser legs needed to be rolled up a little. But it was precisely this ill-fitting, oversized style, coupled with his deliberately restrained, upright posture, that immediately gave him a touch of the unique, somewhat naive, and casual air of a boy from that era.

Yang Hongwen looked her up and down, his eyes lighting up: "Hmm, it feels much better now! Let's fix her face a bit more."

Yang Guangming looked in the mirror, dipped his finger into a little of the darker foundation from his mother's dressing table, and gently patted it onto his cheeks, forehead, and nose, making his skin tone appear half a shade darker and less fair and smooth.

She then used an eyebrow pencil to make her eyebrows slightly messy and thicker, weakening the originally delicate sword-like shape. She tousled her hair with her hands.

After some simple touch-ups, the boy in the mirror still looked handsome, but the overall refinement was effectively weakened, replaced by a more down-to-earth, even somewhat rough, feel. His eyes were also deliberately adjusted to be more direct and wild than usual.

"Great!" Yang Hongwen clapped his hands. "This makes a completely different impression. Jiang Wen shouldn't immediately turn her away because of her appearance."

Hearing the sound, Chen Zhiyun came over and took a look, nodding in approval: "Mingming's makeup skills are not bad, simple and effective. However, you still need to work on the eyes. Ma Xiaojun should be curious, restless, and a little timid. Your eyes are still a bit too steady right now."

"Mom's reminder is right. I will pay attention to adjusting my state during the audition," Yang Guangming humbly accepted.

Lunch was simple; Chen Zhiyun cooked noodles and stir-fried two dishes. After the family of three finished eating and rested for a while, the father and son prepared to leave around one o'clock.

Yang Hongwen was driving a black Santana, which was considered a decent private car for that era. The car drove out of the residential area and merged into the traffic of Beijing in the late summer afternoon.

The traffic wasn't too bad. Yang Guangming sat in the passenger seat, watching the street scenes flash by outside the window.

In the early 1990s, Kyoto was in the midst of a transition between the old and the new, with traditional courtyard houses coexisting alongside newly built buildings, and bicycles still being the main mode of transportation.

"Are you nervous?" Yang Hongwen asked casually, looking straight ahead.

"I'm not nervous," Yang Guangming replied truthfully.

Having lived several lifetimes and seen all sorts of things, an audition really didn't make me nervous at all.

Yang Hongwen glanced at his son and saw that he was calm and clear-eyed, showing no sign of anxiety. He nodded inwardly. His son's mental fortitude was indeed far beyond that of his peers, and even surpassed that of many adults.

"Don't be nervous," Yang Hongwen said. "Jiang Wen is talented, but he also has a temper and a sharp eye. Just do what you've prepared and don't let his aura affect you. If you perform well, he'll naturally be able to tell."

"Yes, I know."

The car turned into an alley and stopped in front of a courtyard house that looked quite old. The walls were made of blue bricks and gray tiles, and the vermilion gate was somewhat mottled. Two stone stools were squatting at the entrance.

The courtyard gate was ajar, and faint voices and footsteps could be heard coming from inside.

The father and son got out of the car. Yang Hongwen straightened his shirt collar, while Yang Guangming made a final adjustment to his expression and eyes, making the boyish air of "Ma Xiaojun," which was a bit prying and restless, even stronger.

Yang Hongwen went up and knocked on the door.

With a creak, the door was pulled open from the inside, and a young man wearing a T-shirt and shorts with a buzz cut poked his head out: "Who are you looking for?"

"Hello, we have an appointment with Director Jiang Wen for the audition at 2 PM this afternoon," Yang Hongwen said politely.

The young man sized up the father and son, his gaze lingering on Yang Guangming for a couple more seconds. He seemed to find the boy in the old military uniform somewhat interesting, and stepped aside, saying, "Come in, Director Jiang is busy inside."

The yard is very lively.

In the not-so-spacious courtyard, there were some equipment boxes piled up, power cords strung around, and several people were discussing something around a table. Some drawings and photos were scattered on the ground.

A busy yet slightly anxious creative atmosphere permeated the air.

The young man who opened the door shouted towards the main room, "Director Jiang, the auditionees have arrived!"

The curtain to the main room was lifted, and a man with a square face and small eyes, wearing a loose white shirt, walked out. It was Jiang Wen.

He looked to be in his thirties, with slightly dark skin, and exuded a shrewd and restless energy.

"Professor Yang, you've arrived." Jiang Wen walked over quickly, first extending her hand to Yang Hongwen, her attitude quite warm.

"Director Jiang, sorry to bother you." Yang Hongwen shook hands with him and then introduced him, "This is my son, Yang Guangming. Mingming, call him Uncle Jiang."

"Hello, Brother Jiang." Yang Guangming bowed slightly, his voice clear and bright. He met Jiang Wen's gaze without flinching or avoiding it, but the content in his eyes had been adjusted to the appropriate humility and expectation of an auditionee, as well as a trace of Ma Xiaojun's "stunning" and "wildness".

Jiang Wen found the young man in front of her rather interesting, and a smile appeared on her face. He didn't address Yang Ming as his father had suggested.

Jiang Wen's gaze fell on Yang Guangming, scrutinizing him from head to toe for several seconds.

He noticed the boy's worn-out military uniform, and his deliberately groomed, less-than-handsome face and hairstyle. Clearly, the boy had prepared diligently for the audition, trying to physically resemble the character.

But... Jiang Wen still subconsciously shook her head.

The foundation is too good.

Military uniforms and makeup can conceal some of the flaws, but his upright posture, overly symmetrical bone structure, and especially his eyes are still too bright and too prominent.

This still differs from the Ma Xiaojun he envisioned as somewhat cunning, ordinary, and even a bit sleazy and cowardly.

However, he had to give Professor Yang face; since he was already here, he figured he might as well give it a try. What if there was a pleasant surprise in the performance? Although he didn't have high hopes for it.

What kind of acting skills can a child this age have? Most of them rely on talent and intuition; it's already good enough if they can give a natural performance.

"Come in and have a seat." Jiang Wen stepped aside and led the father and son into the main room.

The main room was converted into a conference room and reception room, with a large table in the middle, several chairs around it, and the walls covered with scene photos.

Jiang Wen pulled up a chair and sat down, gesturing for Yang Hongwen and Yang Guangming to sit as well.

Without much small talk, he cut straight to the point: "Professor Yang, as you mentioned on the phone, I have a general idea of ​​what Ma Xiaojun is like. Your son's appearance... well, you've put a lot of effort into it, but it's still a bit different from the character I need."

He speaks very directly and doesn't beat around the bush.

Yang Hongwen was already mentally prepared and said frankly, "Director Jiang, I understand. Appearance is something you can't force. We're here today to let Mingming try out a role. You can watch his performance, and if you think it's not suitable, that's fine too. Just consider it as letting the child learn and broaden his horizons."

Jiang Wen nodded; Yang Hongwen's attitude made him feel comfortable. He hated those who tried to force people on him just because they had some connections, and who were picky about everything.

"Okay, let's try it."

Jiang Wen walked to the table, rummaged through it, pulled out a piece of paper, and handed it back to Yang Guangming. "This is the scene where Ma Xiaojun first saw Milan's photo. You have five minutes to prepare, then perform it for me."

Yang Guangming took the paper.

The paper contained a handwritten script and a simple scene description; the handwriting was somewhat messy, but still legible.

It's that classic scene from the movie: Ma Xiaojun sneaks into Milan's room and accidentally sees a photo on the wall. The girl in the swimsuit with a bright smile instantly strikes his innocent teenage heart.

This scene has almost no dialogue; it relies entirely on eye contact and subtle changes in facial expressions to convey emotions.

From curiosity, to the stunned silence upon discovering the photo, to the thrill of examining it closely, and finally to the complex emotions mixed with shyness and longing.

It's difficult to act.

It is not easy for a sixteen-year-old boy to accurately grasp such subtle feelings.

But after looking at it once, Yang Guangming had a clear idea of ​​what was going on.

He placed the paper on his lap and closed his eyes.

The memory surfaced clearly in my mind. It wasn't a memory from this life, but rather a video recording stored on my "hard drive"—that classic movie, that classic scene.

However, he also added his own interpretation.

Ma Xiaojun's feelings at this moment were not merely the innocent longing of a teenager for a beautiful girl. Behind it lay the release of suppressed youth under the background of the times, the quiet budding of individual consciousness in collective life, and the clumsy exploration of the unknown world.

These deeper elements are not written in the script, but the actors can bring them to life.

Five minutes passed quickly.

Yang Guangming opened his eyes and looked at Jiang Wen: "Director Jiang, I'm ready."

Jiang Wen had been observing him.

For those few minutes, the boy sat quietly with his eyes closed, his fingers tapping unconsciously on his knees, as if rehearsing a scene in his mind. There were no nervous fidgets, no repeated readings of his lines; he was completely immersed in his own world.

This situation is quite interesting.

"Okay, let's begin." Jiang Wen sat up straight, placed her hands on the table, and focused her gaze.

Yang Hongwen also held his breath.

Yang Guangming stood up.

He didn't specifically seek out a "scene"; he just stood there, but his entire demeanor had changed.

His shoulders were slightly relaxed, his head was tilted slightly to the side, and his eyes held a hint of curiosity and exploration, as if he were really looking around an unfamiliar room.

Then, his gaze froze.

It wasn't a sudden freeze, but a gradual shift from casual to focused. The pupils dilated slightly, and the breath paused for a moment.

He saw the "photo".

The expression on Yang Guangming's face changed very subtly.

At first, he was stunned, as if struck by something, his mind blank for a moment. Then he examined it carefully, his eyes slightly narrowed, and his head unconsciously tilted forward a little, as if trying to see it more clearly.

His Adam's apple moved slightly, an unconscious action of swallowing saliva.

A light began to shine in his eyes.

It was a light that blended amazement, curiosity, shyness, and innocent longing. It was pure, without any impurities; it was the most instinctive reaction of a young boy suddenly discovering "beauty."

Throughout the entire process, there were no lines of dialogue, and not even any major physical movements.

But the two viewers in the living room were completely captivated.

……

Yang Guangming didn't have a single line, or even much physical movement. All the acting was in his eyes, in the subtle adjustments of his facial expressions and body language.

The film vividly portrays the hazy yet intense gaze of adolescents towards the opposite sex, and the complex emotions of inferiority and longing, timidity and recklessness.

Jiang Wen had initially only intended to "go through the motions," but now he was completely captivated. He leaned forward, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on his knees, his eyes fixed on Yang Guangming.

picture!so similar!
It wasn't the physical resemblance, but rather the feeling, the state of mind, the soul of Ma Xiaojun, that seemed to have possessed this young man at that moment!
Jiang Wen had originally intended to "wait and see," but now she found herself sitting up straight, her eyes fixed on Yang Guangming.

This kid... he's got something.

It's not just the facial expressions that are on point, but more importantly, the nuances of emotion. From discovery to observation, from amazement to shyness, the transitions are natural and smooth, with every subtle change hitting the mark perfectly.

Moreover, the "light" in their eyes is so captivating.

Pure, passionate, with the awkwardness and sincerity unique to youth. It was as if a real "Milan" had struck his heart through that fictional photograph.

Yang Hongwen was also stunned.

He knew his son had studied acting and was talented, but he had never seen him portray a character with such dedication.

At this moment, Yang Guangming was no longer the calm and precocious son he knew, but had become another boy, Ma Xiaojun, who lived in the previous era and had his own little thoughts and feelings.

The show goes on.

Yang Guangming stared at the "photo" for a long time, so long that time seemed to stand still. Then, as if suddenly snapping out of his daze, he hurriedly looked away, glancing left and right, as if afraid of being discovered.

He raised his hand and scratched the back of his head, a gesture very much like "Ma Xiaojun," carrying a touch of bewildered naiveté.

Finally, he couldn't help but steal another glance at the "photo," his eyes filled with reluctance, before turning around and preparing to leave, as if he had made up his mind.

As he turned around, he paused for a moment, then looked back one last time.

That glance was brief, but it conveyed a complex mix of emotions: lingering affection, anticipation, and a hint of the timidity that a young person is unwilling to admit.

Then, he quickly "walked" away and disappeared into the "doorway".

The show is over.

Yang Guangming stood still, took a deep breath, and slowly opened his eyes. The immersion he had been in in the role receded like the tide, and he returned to being the calm-eyed young man.

He was very satisfied with his performance and had a lot of confidence. His confidence did not come from his own acting talent, but from his confidence in the combined effect of the six generations of spiritual power.

After awakening to the mystery of his birth, Yang Guangming integrated the spiritual power accumulated over six lifetimes. Unlike the previous lifetimes he had transmigrated through, this time the accumulation of spiritual power finally led to a qualitative change from a quantitative one.

After the qualitative change in mental strength, although no extraordinary abilities were born, it was still quite miraculous.

With the qualitative change in his spiritual power, and after these days of understanding and exploration, he can now apply it to real life when necessary, and control it freely and at will.

Unless one deliberately mobilizes their mental energy, their words and actions remain unchanged.

However, once intentionally provoked, it can significantly enhance one's affability and persuasiveness—the effect will be particularly outstanding when used for making friends or negotiating.

In this life, he only wishes to be a rich second-generation heir and assist his father in achieving success. He doesn't usually need to use such special abilities.

However, if this ability is used in performance, the effect is equally amazing.

Its outward presentation is a highly infectious performance, especially its eyes, which seem to speak volumes with every glance, making it exceptionally expressive.

He was already very talented in performing, and with the added effect of the qualitative change in his mental strength, he was naturally confident in his performance just now.

The living room was quiet.

Jiang Wen didn't speak, but just looked at Yang Guangming, her fingers tapping lightly on the table, her eyes flashing with a thoughtful light.

Yang Hongwen didn't dare to make a sound, for fear of disturbing Jiang Wen's judgment.

After about half a minute, Jiang Wen finally spoke: "What...were you thinking about just now?"

The question came as a surprise, but Yang Guangming clearly understood what he meant.

“I think that when Ma Xiaojun saw the photo, it wasn’t just that he thought ‘this girl is really pretty,’” Yang Guangming said slowly. “It was a more complex emotion. He probably couldn’t explain it himself, but at that moment, he saw a completely different world—a free, bright world, a world different from the collective life he was familiar with.”

Jiang Wen's eyes lit up.

He never expected that a sixteen-year-old child could understand things at this level.

The character Ma Xiaojun is indeed more than just a simple teenager. He embodies the struggles and budding of individual consciousness within the collective framework of that particular era. His yearning for Milan is essentially a vague longing for another way of life.

This understanding was deeper than he had originally imagined.

"One more time," Jiang Wen suddenly said, her tone more urgent.

He walked to the table again, rummaged around for a while, and pulled out another page: "This is a scene of Ma Xiaojun and Milan's first formal meeting. You have five minutes to prepare."

Yang Guangming took the paper and quickly glanced at it.

This scene is more complex than the previous one. It has dialogue, interaction with other actors, and a richer range of emotions. From the initial feigned composure, to the tension and awkwardness in the dialogue, and finally to the mixed emotions of disappointment and stubbornness at the end.

He closed his eyes and went back into preparation mode.

This time, Jiang Wen didn't just wait around. Instead, she walked up to Yang Hongwen and asked in a low voice, "Professor Yang, who... studied acting with this child?"

“I run an acting training class, you should know that, he learned from the teachers in the class. The main thing is that this kid really likes acting, he has watched a lot of movies and plays, and he likes to think about things in his spare time.”

"His performance just now was very nuanced, especially his eyes, they were so expressive. Training classes can't teach you this much depth. Your child is truly talented in acting." Jiang Wen's words were full of praise.

……

Jiang Wen and Yang Hongwen chatted quietly, while Yang Guangming was immersed in his own world.

Five minutes passed quickly.

Yang Guangming opened his eyes: "Director Jiang, I'm ready."

"Do you need someone to rehearse with?" Jiang Wen asked. "I can help you with Milan's lines."

“No need, I can imagine it myself,” Yang Guangming said.

He got back into the zone.

At the beginning of the scene, Ma Xiaojun was a bit pretentious. He thought he could hold his own and act like a "man" in front of the girl he liked.

Yang Guangming straightened his back and raised his chin slightly, trying to appear calm, but the flicker in his eyes and the small movements of his fingers betrayed his inner tension.

He began the “dialogue”.

Sometimes she would force a relaxed smile, sometimes she would touch her nose unnaturally, and sometimes she would freeze in shock at a single sentence from the other person, a look of panic flashing in her eyes.

He spoke his lines a little too fast, as if afraid of an awkward silence, and kept pausing, revealing his clumsiness.

Especially when "Milan" touched on a certain point that touched his sensitive pride, his expression froze instantly, and a trace of hurt flashed in his eyes, but he quickly covered it up with a nonchalant smile.

Finally, when the "conversation" ended and he turned to leave, his back view revealed a stubbornness and disappointment. His steps were quick, as if he were fleeing, and his shoulders slumped slightly, betraying his true emotions.

The show is over.

Yang Guangming turned around and once again detached himself from the role.

This time, Jiang Wen didn't remain silent for long.

He stood up abruptly, walked up to Yang Guangming, looked him over carefully for a few moments, and then asked, "Why do you think Ma Xiaojun put on an act in front of Milan?"

“Because of his inferiority complex,” Yang Guangming answered without hesitation. “Although he’s a kid from a compound and seems fearless, he instinctively feels inadequate in front of a beautiful, mature, and worldly girl like Milan. So he tries to cover it up and put on a show. But the more he tries to act, the more his immaturity and clumsiness are exposed.”

Jiang Wen nodded, then shook her head: "More than that. There's another reason: he doesn't want to be looked down upon. In that environment, a boy's dignity is very important, especially in front of the girl he likes. Even if he feels insecure inside, he has to put on a brave face."

“Yes, that’s right,” Yang Guangming agreed.

Jiang Wen walked back to the table and pulled out another sheet of paper: "Again. This is the scene where Ma Xiaojun and his buddies were fooling around together."

The third audition.

This scene requires more outward expression of emotion. A group of teenagers are gathered together, bragging, fooling around, and showing off. Ma Xiaojun isn't the most prominent among them, but he has his own little bit of cleverness and vanity.

Yang Guangming portrayed the dynamics of being in a group—sometimes agreeing, sometimes egging on, and sometimes boasting a little to save face. His movements were a bit more exaggerated, and his voice was a bit louder.

Jiang Wen watched, her fingers gently tapping on her leg.

The fourth audition.

Ma Xiaojun's solo performance.

Late at night, lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind raced through the day's events. There was longing for Milan, regret for my actions, uncertainty about the future, and the restless energy of a teenager.

This scene involves almost no physical movement, relying entirely on facial expressions and eye contact.

Yang Guangming stood there, his head slightly tilted back, as if he were truly lying in darkness. His gaze sometimes vacant, sometimes focused, sometimes flashing with a smile, sometimes veiled in shadow. His lips were pursed, his Adam's apple bobbed occasionally, and the rhythm of his breathing changed with his emotions.

Very delicate, very insightful.

After the four performances ended, the living room fell silent again.

Yang Guangming let out a soft breath and looked at Jiang Wen.

Jiang Wen sat in a rattan chair, her hands clasped over her stomach, her eyes fixed on the floor as if deep in thought.

Yang Hongwen's heart jumped.

He could tell that Jiang Wen approved of her son's performance, and was even pleasantly surprised. But whether she would ultimately give up on him because of his appearance remained to be seen.

Time passed by minute by minute.

The sound of cicadas chirping came from outside the window, and the occasional footsteps of someone walking by in the yard, but the living room was so quiet you could hear your own heartbeat.

Finally, Jiang Wen raised her head.

He looked at Yang Guangming with a complex expression, a mixture of admiration, entanglement, and a hint of relief.

“Your name is Yang Guangming, right?” he asked.

"Yes." Yang Guangming nodded.

"How old is this year?"

"Sixteen years old."

Jiang Wen stood up, walked to Yang Guangming, and patted him on the shoulder.

It was quite powerful, carrying his unique energy.

"Kid, you've blown me away." Jiang Wen's voice was a little hoarse, but very clear. "I've been looking for Ma Xiaojun for so long, and I've seen a lot of kids. Some look like me, some don't, but they have the right vibe. But someone like you... you're the first one who can bring Ma Xiaojun to life."

He paused, looking into Yang Guangming's eyes: "In terms of appearance, you are indeed different from what I originally thought. You're too handsome, too eye-catching. Ma Xiaojun shouldn't be this good-looking."

Yang Guangming listened quietly.

"but."

Jiang Wen changed the subject, "Your performance smoothed out this 'shouldn't' point. Your portrayal of Ma Xiaojun was vivid, nuanced, and captured the essence of that era. You especially nailed the naiveté and clumsiness in his character."

He took a step back, put his hands on his hips, as if he had made a great decision: "I originally thought that I couldn't find an actor who completely matched my imagination, and I planned to find someone who was close enough, and then slowly work on it after filming started. But after seeing your performance, I felt... that's the one."

Sunlight brightened his eyes.

Yang Hongwen also breathed a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on his face.

“However,” Jiang Wen added, “you have to promise me a few things.”

“Please speak,” Yang Guangming said earnestly.

"First, during the period before filming starts, you need to stay with the crew and experience life there. Go to the military compound for a few days, mingle with those kids, and get a feel for it. Although your performance is good, there are still some traces of 'acting'. I want you to become Ma Xiaojun, not just act as Ma Xiaojun."

"No problem." Yang Guangming nodded.

"Secondly, your appearance needs further adjustment. Your makeup is good, but not enough. During the shoot, I'll have the makeup artist make it look a bit rougher and more rustic. You have to accept it and not complain about how ugly it looks."

"I see."

“Third,” Jiang Wen looked at him, “the salary isn’t high. This film has a limited budget, and the male lead’s salary is set at five thousand yuan. Can you accept that?”

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Director Jiang, I'm here for the audition, not for the pay."

"Great!" Jiang Wen slapped his thigh, a finally cheerful smile spreading across his face. "Then it's settled! The role of Ma Xiaojun is yours!"

He walked up to Yang Hongwen and extended his hand: "Professor Yang, thank you for bringing your son. This child is a promising talent."

Yang Hongwen shook hands with him and said with a smile, "He's the one who's determined. Director Jiang, I'll be relying on you for guidance in the future."

"It's our own child, don't worry." Jiang Wen was in a good mood, then remembered something, "By the way, about the contract, I'll have the producer come over, and we'll get the formalities done."

He called out towards the door, "Little Zhao!"

The young man who had opened the door earlier pushed it open and came in.

"Go and call Producer Zhang over. Tell him the male lead has been cast and we need to sign the contract," Jiang Wen instructed.

"Okay, sure!" Xiao Zhao glanced at Yang Guangming, his eyes filled with surprise and curiosity, then turned and walked away quickly.

Soon, a middle-aged man in his forties, wearing a polo shirt and glasses, walked in. He was the film's producer, surnamed Zhang.

Jiang Wen gave a brief introduction to the situation, and Producer Zhang readily took out the contract he had prepared beforehand and explained the terms to Yang Hongwen and Yang Guangming.

The contract is standard, the fee is 5,000 yuan, the filming period is expected to be three months, and I need to be on set for the entire time. There are no other problems with the other terms.

Yang Hongwen carefully reviewed the document and, after confirming that it was correct, signed it on behalf of his son. Yang Guangming also signed his name.

The contract is made in triplicate, and each party should keep a copy.

After completing the formalities, Jiang Wen said to Yang Guangming, "The script reading will begin the day after tomorrow at nine in the morning. We'll meet here again. Make sure you thoroughly understand the script, and then we'll go over the characters and plot together."

“Okay, Director Jiang,” Yang Guangming replied.

Jiang Wen walked to the table, pulled out a thick notebook from a pile of documents, and handed it to Yang Guangming: "This is the complete script. Take it back and read it. Be careful to keep it a secret and don't tell anyone."

"Understood." Yang Guangming took the script, which felt quite heavy in his hand.

With the matter settled, the father and son prepared to take their leave.

Jiang Wen saw them to the door, then said to Yang Guangming, "Prepare well. This is my debut film, and I have high standards. The role of Ma Xiaojun is in your hands. Don't let me down."

These words were spoken with great emphasis, but Yang Guangming could hear the trust and expectation in them.

He nodded solemnly: "Director Jiang, I will do my best."

"Okay, go ahead." Jiang Wen waved her hand.

The father and son walked out of the courtyard house and back into the alley.

The afternoon sun was still intense, but walking under the shade of the trees and feeling the breeze was quite refreshing.

Neither of them spoke until they reached the car, at which point Yang Hongwen let out a long sigh of relief, a smile of relief spreading across his face.

“Mingming, did you notice Jiang Wen’s expression?” He opened the car door and got in. “At first, he was concerned about your appearance, but after those four scenes were filmed, his eyes lit up.”

Yang Guangming got into the car and fastened his seatbelt: "Dad, did I do a good job acting?"

"It's more than just 'okay'." Yang Hongwen started the car and slowly drove out of the alley. "Watching you from the side, I felt like you were Ma Xiaojun. That feeling... was amazing. You're clearly my son, but when you're acting, you completely become a different person."

He glanced at his son, his eyes brimming with pride: "I was originally thinking that if things didn't work out, I'd use investment to give you another chance. Now it seems there's no need for that at all. My son got it on his own merit!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Dad got me an audition opportunity, so I definitely can't let you down."

“I fought for the opportunity, but you earned the role yourself.” Yang Hongwen was in a good mood and became more talkative. “I know Jiang Wen. He’s talented, but also stubborn. The fact that he decided to cast you on the spot shows that your performance really moved him. This is his debut, and he values ​​it more than anyone else.”

The car drove onto the main street and merged into the traffic.

As Yang Guangming watched the street scene flash by outside the window, holding the thick script in his hand, he felt at ease and fulfilled.

My first role in this life is as the male lead in a movie, and that's how it was decided.

He won an important role not through his family's wealth or his father's influence, but through his own abilities.

This feeling is great.

"Oh, right, Dad," Yang Guangming said, remembering something, "I overheard you two talking. Director Jiang said the budget is one million US dollars, and it's already in place?"

“Yes, that’s what he said.” Yang Hongwen nodded. “The investor is Manfred Wong from Hong Kong. One million US dollars is not a small amount for a movie. However, it’s Jiang Wen’s first time directing, so he’ll definitely have more money to spare. This budget is normal.”

He paused, then smiled and said, "I was going to ask if we needed any additional investment, but he said the budget was enough, so I didn't bring it up. Anyway, you've already got the role, so we can talk about investment later. If the movie does well and we need funding for post-production, then we can consider it."

The sunlight nodded.

He knew his father's thoughts. The investment was meant to create an opportunity for him, and now that the opportunity was there, there was no need to rush to spend money. Besides, Jiang Wen was clearly satisfied with his budget, so rashly proposing an investment wouldn't be of much help and would be meaningless.

Yang Guangming knew in his heart that a budget of one million US dollars was not low. If it weren't for the fact that ginger patterns used up so much film, this budget would have been enough.

Once filming begins, when Jiang Wen has spent all one million dollars and is begging for investment everywhere, offering to invest in him again would be a true act of kindness in his time of need.

The car drove all the way home.

After parking the car, the father and son went upstairs.

Chen Zhiyun had been waiting at home, and upon hearing the door open, she immediately came to greet them.

"How is it?" she asked anxiously, her gaze sweeping back and forth between the father and son.

Yang Hongwen smiled and said, "It's done! Our son has impressed Jiang Wen, who immediately decided that Ma Xiaojun is Mingming's son!"

Chen Zhiyun's eyes lit up immediately, and she grabbed her son's hand: "Really? It's really settled?"

"It's settled, Mom." Yang Guangming smiled and handed her the script. "The contract has been signed, and the script reading will begin the day after tomorrow."

Chen Zhiyun took the script, flipped through two pages, and then looked at her son's still-made-up face. Her eyes suddenly reddened.

She saw how hard her son worked to get the role.

"Okay, okay... My son is so great." Her voice was a little choked up, but her face was full of smiles. "Go wash your face quickly, your makeup has been smudged all day, it's not good for your skin."

"Mm," Yang Guangming responded and went into the bathroom.

Looking at himself in the mirror, at his face which looked much rougher after being groomed, he smiled, turned on the tap, and began to wash himself carefully.

Warm water rinsed my face, and the dark foundation gradually melted away, revealing my originally fair skin. The marks on my eyebrows were also washed away, restoring their neat shape.

When the last trace of makeup was washed away, the boy in the mirror returned to his handsome and outstanding appearance. (End of Chapter)