Zhao Yi glanced at He Xin after he finished his sentence and the latter swiftly added, “That’s the case. Old Zhao always enjoyed a good reputation in the circle. His character, talent, and fame are all acknowledged. Old Zhao would always work with reliable people and that’s one of the reasons why he’s so likable. If he makes an exception and employs Ding Sisi, I’m worried that it’ll bring an adverse impact on the entire film production. Not only will that ruin Old Zhao’s reputation, but also the whole film. So we’re worried about using her.”
Frowning, Yun Muxi began to carefully ponder about this issue. Then she said calmly, “I’m not familiar with what’s going on inside the circle and I don’t usually pay attention to it either. Now that I’ve heard you both, I really have no idea who to choose.”
Seeing as Yun Muxi did not offer them a good suggestion, Zhao Yi turned to look at Gong Yu. “What about you, Gong Yu? What do you think?”
Gong Yu stared deeply at Yun Muxi and said coolly, “Has Director Zhao consider using a newcomer?”
Yun Muxi had been feeling uneasy under Gong Yu’s gaze but her discomfort intensified after hearing his words.
On the contrary, the eyes of Zhao Yi and He Xin brightened. Zhao Yi asked curiously, “Do you have someone in mind? If she’s suitable, I wouldn’t mind using a newcomer!”
Gong Yu’s gaze at Yun Muxi turned even more serene and unfathomable. “Yun Muxi is this film’s scriptwriter and she has a better grasp of the characters than anyone else. You both said she’s a rare talent. If you need someone to interpret the female protagonist Zhen Ai, there ought not to be no one who would understand the character more than her.”
Yun Muxi panicked after hearing his words and hastily said, “Mr. Gong sure knows how to joke. I’m just a person who writes scripts and a layman when it comes to acting. I wouldn’t know how to act at all. Moreover, I’m unsuitable in terms of the character’s appearance. Whether it’s internal or external, I’m completely unqualified. I don’t wish to ruin my work with my own hands but I’d still like to thank Mr. Gong for your high regard for me. It’s me who cannot answer your expectations.”
Gong Yu sneered. His gaze turned even more profound as a hint of mockery flitted across his eyes undetected.
Zhao Yi instantly knew the suggestion was unacceptable. “Even though Xiao Xi is talented, she doesn’t seem capable of becoming an actress. Moreover, the role of the female protagonist Zhen Ai will really challenge one’s acting caliber. Xiao Xi’s appearance… She’s really not quite suitable for it.” Zhao Yi did not directly say that Yun Muxi was not pretty enough for the role and used a roundabout way by calling her unsuitable. However, it was true that he did not think her acting was good enough for it.
He Xin did not mince his words either. “It’s true that Xiao Xi isn’t quite suitable. She has no acting experience at all.”
Yun Muxi felt like she had unloaded a huge burden after seeing how resolute Zhao Yi and He Xin were. “That’s right. I’m unsuitable indeed. I’m neither pretty nor experienced in acting. Doesn’t that make me completely unsuitable for the role?” she asked, chuckling.
Gong Yu stared deeply at her, his mocking smiling intent intensifying.
He Xin paused momentarily before saying somewhat hesitantly, “Why don’t we make an exception and employ Ding Sisi? We’ll request that she disciplines herself for the time being in the contract. Even though she doesn’t have a good reputation, she still has quite a lot of fans. Wasn’t she in the recent blockbuster film? Weren’t the box office and reviews quite good?”
Zhao Yi was still feeling reluctant. “But I don’t really like a person like her.”
He Xin continued to persuade him, saying, “We’re asking you to pick an actress for the female protagonist role, not a candidate to be your wife. If it still doesn’t work out, we’ll change the actress immediately.”
Zhao Yi hesitated for a moment before finally saying, “Alright then. You should have a talk with her agent first. I don’t wish to go through too many rounds of negotiation with her. We’ll also have to keep our opening ceremony low-profile so we don’t cause too much of a fuss even if we want to change the actress.”
…
The discussion between He Xin and Ding Sisi’s agent went very well and the actress for the female protagonist was soon determined. The agent had also promised to keep Ding Sisi in line and guaranteed that she would not cause any trouble.
Following that, the rest of the cast was also nailed down and the preparation for the film came to an end. The date for the opening ceremony was also swiftly decided. Per Zhao Yi’s request, the ceremony was not majorly publicized and launched without fanfare. Only those from several reputable media organizations were invited.
During the press conference for the opening ceremony, Zhao Yi gave simple introductions of the key members of the crew: producer He Xin, scriptwriter Yun Muxi, male protagonist Gong Yu, female protagonist Ding Sisi, and several important supporting characters. Even though the ceremony was kept as simple and low-profile as humanly possible, it still made great waves in the circle thanks to Zhao Yi’s position and reputation as well as the impact of the leading cast. Many professionals had high expectations of this film.
…
“Wow! Mommy Xuanxuan, look! Mommy is on the television!” Niannian was drawing on the small side table when she saw footage of the opening ceremony. Thus, she happily shared what she saw with Gu Yuxuan.
“That’s right! What a pity! Everyone who goes on television would dress so well, but only your Mommy… Sigh! Unfortunately, she disappoints the heaven’s favor of her.” Gu Yuxuan stood up, unable to stop herself from commenting on Yun Muxi.
Inside the footage playing on the television, Yun Muxi wore a simple black suit. She appeared so ordinary that she stood no chance against the dazzling actors and actresses. She wore her usual black frames and no makeup whatsoever as she stood inconspicuously in the crowd.
Gu Yuxuan was still complaining when Yun Muxi returned.
“Mommy, you’re back! Niannian misses you so much!” Niannian’s smile was incomparably bright when she saw that Yun Muxi was back. With her hands thrown wide, she ran toward Yun Muxi.
Yun Muxi squatted down and enveloped Niannian with a hug. Seeing the adorable child in her embrace, she felt warmth filling her heart. “Mommy misses you too, my baby. Were you obedient at home?” she asked, beaming.
Gu Yuxuan answered in place of Niannian with a smile. “You’re home, Xiao Xi?”
Yun Muxi smiled faintly at her. “Xuanxuan, I’ve been too busy lately. Thank you for taking care of Niannian.”
Gu Yuxuan immediately pulled a straight face and pretended to be mad. “Hey, what do you mean by acting like a stranger with me now that you’re a bigshot scriptwriter? You’re becoming so polite with me!”
Yun Muxi burst out laughing. “That’s enough! What bigshot scriptwriter? Stop teasing me. But we’ll start filming ‘Where Does Love Belong’ tomorrow. The director wants me to stay with them. Director Zhao has always hoped for the presence of the scriptwriter so the filming process will go smoothly. I’ll soon be very busy, so I might have to entrust Niannian to you and Yichen during the daytime. But you also know that Yichen has started working for his father and there’s a limit to his time. I’ll have to depend on you most of the time.”