Internet moguls are being held hostage by the entertainment system!

Chapter 6: Taking the Role
"In just three or four years, I will make sure you live a very good life."

Following the audition script she had received, Chen Xiu calmly delivered this line to the three judges in charge of the audition.

With limited space for expression in a single line, Chen Xiu didn't try to come up with any fancy tricks.

The calm tone didn't inspire any passionate enthusiasm, but when Chen Xiu spoke, it gave off a sense of certainty that made people unconsciously believe it.

He was stating a fact, and that is indeed the case; Didi has only been established for a little over three years...

After delivering that line, Chen Xiu stood still, a slight smile playing on her lips, her gaze calmly fixed ahead, awaiting the judges' discussion.

Among the three judges, Meng Fei, who had a brief acquaintance with Chen Xiu in the stairwell, sat on the right, while Ma Weiwei, one of the directors, sat in the middle.

At that moment, they were both looking to their left in unison.

There sat a woman with glasses, short hair, a slightly plump figure, and who didn't seem to talk much.

The nameplate on the table clearly identified her as Gu Man, the important person Meng Fei had just mentioned.

Pushing up her glasses, Gu Man looked up at Chen Xiu, who was so captivating that one couldn't help but stare at her, and said, "Tell me about your understanding of the character."

“Okay, I think He Yichen is a proud gentleman.”

Before Chen Xiu could even explain her assessment, Gu Man's eyes lit up as she pressed for an answer.

What defines a proud gentleman?

Chen Xiu exchanged a glance with her, and chuckled to himself, only then realizing that the other person was actually a professional comedian.

"The Zhuangzi, in the chapter 'Mountain Trees,' says that a virtuous person should dwell among the trees and wild geese, and should be able to transform into a dragon or snake. The so-called transformation into a dragon or snake refers to the ability to transform into a snake when circumstances are unfavorable, hiding in the grass and dwelling in muddy burrows to protect oneself. When fortune smiles upon one and one's inner strength is perfected, one can then soar into the sky and transform into a dragon, flying high in the heavens!"

"I think He Yichen is a proud person deep down, and his confidence comes from his inner pride. Even if a proud person is temporarily living under someone else's roof due to family changes, he will firmly believe that he can become outstanding in the future and give his loved ones enough support and care!"

Chen Xiu's erudite and insightful argument immediately stunned the three judges present.

As a new director, this was the first time Ma Weiwei had encountered such a situation while participating in actor auditions.

Upon hearing Chen Xiu's opening line, which immediately mentioned "Zhuangzi," her professional instincts told her that she had encountered a master.

As the original author of the novel, Gu Man should theoretically be the person most familiar with He Yichen.

However, after hearing Chen Xiu's "reading comprehension" passage, she couldn't help but feel a little doubtful.

Did I think this much when I wrote He Yichen?

Hmm... there should be some!

"A wise man should dwell among the wild geese and possess the transformation of a dragon and snake. How wonderful these words are! How could I not have thought of them? I must not have met anyone who understood them before. I never imagined that this young man could comprehend the character arc that I had deliberately left blank!"

As her thoughts wandered, Gu Man looked at Chen Xiu again with a sense of having found a kindred spirit.

Both female judges were very perceptive.

The only male judge, Meng Fei, expressed his opinion on Chen Xiu's answer, which was beyond the scope of the question, in a very simple and direct way.

Dude, you're awesome!

The lip movements are correct.

Chen Xiu nodded almost imperceptibly, then turned his gaze to Gu Man, who was still deep in thought.

Gu Man looked up and met his gaze, her hands on the table clenching silently.

"You're right. This role will require about 10 days of shooting time, and filming will start on the 20th of next month. Do you have any questions?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiu immediately thought of her own plans for June, but she should be able to finish by the 20th and wouldn't need to ask the production crew for leave.

Just as he was about to agree, Ma Weiwei interrupted, "Teacher Gu, there are still a few actors auditioning. Shouldn't we reconsider?"

Are there more actors later?

Gu Man frowned slightly as she looked at Ma Weiwei, her indifference obvious.

The author has an idealized image of the characters he creates in his novels.

After listening to Chen Xiu's interpretation of the character, Gu Man felt that he was the embodiment of He Yichen.

Having met her expectations, Gu Man naturally had no patience to audition for other actors.

Therefore, when faced with Ma Weiwei's suggestion, she not only did not accept it, but even developed some resistance.

Why waste this time?

"Didn't you see that my confidante explained He Yichen clearly? How could they be better than Chen Xiu?"

Meng Fei's earlier assessment of Gu Man was that she was a bit stubborn. Stubbornness can also be translated as being opinionated and unwilling to compromise once she has made up her mind about something.

Having made up her mind, Gu Man crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, looking at Ma Weiwei and saying, "I think he's perfect for me, there's no need to look at anyone else."

These words immediately created an awkward atmosphere.

Normally, if the editor and director disagree, the director's opinion will prevail.

However, Ma Weiwei is a new director, and "My Sunshine" is her first work, so she has limited say.

On the other hand, Gu Man had already collaborated with the production company Juku Media on "Boss & Me," so as an audition judge this time, her voice should carry considerable weight.

With both sides sticking to their own versions of events, the decision-making power seems to have fallen to a third party who is "not involved."

Realizing he had become the center of attention, Meng Fei's eyes darted around for a moment before he quickly regained his composure.

"Actually, I think Director Ma's considerations are very thorough. After all, auditions require a comprehensive evaluation..."

Seeing Ma Weiwei's delighted expression and Gu Man's furrowed brows, Meng Fei suddenly changed the subject.

"However, from an outsider's perspective, I think Chen Xiu's performance was better than the previous actors. Director Ma, what do you think?"

"His performance was indeed quite good."

Ma Weiwei has no ill feelings towards Chen Xiu. Her previous remarks were only for work-related reasons, and her current recognition of his acting skills is based on the same logic.

"Since you agree, Director Ma, why don't we finalize it and start the auditions for the other actors as soon as possible? I'll handle the rest outside."

Meng Fei patted his chest and accepted the job that was originally his, while also giving Ma Weiwei a way out.

Seeing this, Ma Weiwei didn't insist any further and nodded to approve Chen Xiu's audition.

To offend neither side and still achieve your goal—that's what a master does!

Chen Xiuru thought of this, then nodded to Meng Fei, indicating that she appreciated his kindness.

After passing the audition, Chen Xiu signed a contract with the production team. He wasn't too concerned about the pay; he was just trying to complete the task and didn't care about the small amount.

Once the contract was signed, I successfully landed the role of He Yichen during his university years!
When Chen Xiu came out, she found that most of the people sitting outside had disappeared, and Luo Yunxi, whom she had just chatted with, had also left.

Just as Chen Xiu took out her phone to book a flight back to Beijing, the WeChat notification beeped prematurely.

The meaning of the character "孟" is: [photograph].

(End of this chapter)