Married in a Daze - Chapter 46
Chapter 46
Meng Xin said she would pull some strings to inquire, but the process was much slower than Qin Zhenzhen had anticipated. Just as she had given up hope and was starting to study the script for Drunken Dreams of Jianghu, a message finally arrived: she was to go for an audition.
By then, half a month had already passed.
Qin Zhenzhen shook off her lazy mood and agreed into the phone.
In those half-month, she had filmed commercials, appeared on shows, and even given a dedicated interview. But she hadn't run into Lu Ruyun again. She'd heard that Like a Dream was in its final stages and would soon wrap up. Lu Ruyun was very busy every day.
Some had tried to book them for a show together, but the buzz was clearly not as intense as before. Since Star Showdown, they hadn't had another opportunity to collaborate. The hottest news lately was Director Zheng Shaoyuan's new film and his female lead, Wei An.
Wei An was a newcomer who had debuted just a year ago. Her very first role was as a female lead, and it had caused a minor sensation. The TV drama she did next had decent ratings, and a movie she starred in also pulled in respectable box office numbers. Outside the industry, rumors were flying that she would replace Qin Zhenzhen as the next top name on the popularity charts.
But obviously, this topic was debatable, as her looks weren't particularly outstanding. However, for this very reason, her fans called her the "girl next door." She had once revealed in an interview that this was her favorite nickname, which earned her quite a bit of goodwill from the general public.
They said her acting was good, that she had a natural talent, and most importantly, she was suited to be an actor, not a celebrity.
Yes, Qin Zhenzhen was the one suited to being a celebrity, the kind who could just pose for photos.
Initially, Qin Zhenzhen didn't pay much attention to the rumors circulating on Weibo, but Meng Xin had no choice but to start doing damage control. Only an idiot wouldn't see that this was a deliberate attack on Zhenzhen.
As for who wanted to target Zhenzhen so specifically, it went without saying: Zheng Shaoyuan.
So, the internet began to see a flood of "newcomer trying to ride the coattails of an established star" and "bundled marketing" narratives. With Qin Zhenzhen's fans, CP fans, and the water army Meng Xin hired joining forces, the previous topic was quickly reignited.
Netizens weren't all fools. In this storm, some remained neutral, some said Wei An would need a complete face overhaul if she wanted to replace Qin Zhenzhen, while others claimed Qin Zhenzhen's position was earned by selling smiles and would eventually be taken over by the truly talented actress Wei An.
Wei An's fans even played the emotional card, arguing that Wei An was a genuine actress. Losing to another actress of substance would be acceptable, but losing to Qin Zhenzhen—a celebrity who rose to fame by selling her looks and smiles without any acting skills—was unacceptable. If Qin Zhenzhen were to win in such a showdown, how many other dedicated actors and actresses would be disheartened?
This viewpoint was naturally refuted. Many neutral netizens felt the statement was too harsh, bordering on personal attacks, and advised them to watch their words.
But the dissuasion fell on deaf ears. Those netizens who spared no effort in mocking Qin Zhenzhen even compiled a list of her "crimes," one of which was that her diva attitude kept her out of the film circle, barricaded her from movies, and limited her to TV dramas. She was just having a hot streak these past couple of years, they said, with no staying power.
Once this claim surfaced, it immediately sparked heated debate. The earlier topic about Qin Zhenzhen offending a director, thus being unable to film movies and only being fit for TV dramas, was dragged out again for ridicule.
Within the industry, TV dramas are judged by ratings, films by box office. It's hard to say which has higher prestige. But Qin Zhenzhen, after three years in the industry and standing at the top of the popularity charts, didn't have a single decent film to her name. Even her TV dramas weren't classics, just entertainment fodder. This, indeed, was something to be mocked.
For those with an unstable foundation, being phased out was only a matter of time.
In contrast, Wei An, having debuted just a year ago, already had a film with a box office of 400 million. Among the young actresses, she ranked high. Furthermore, she was about to star in Director Zheng Shaoyuan's new movie. The box office prospects went without saying. If she performed well, she could even aim for the four major film festivals. Such prestige was unmatched among her peers.
It was even a height Qin Zhenzhen couldn't reach.
Hence, the topic of Wei An replacing Qin Zhenzhen as the top name on the popularity charts emerged.
Once this argument was presented, the previously neutral netizens mostly fell silent. There was nothing left to say.
However, Qin Zhenzhen's fans were not pushovers. Even if a decline was inevitable later, she was still at the forefront of popularity now. Crushing Wei An in terms of fan support was a piece of cake.
Unfortunately, that dominance probably wouldn't last long. If Wei An's movie truly succeeded and smoothly made it to the major film festivals, it would be another game-changer, with fates hanging in the balance.
Everyone seemed to be watching the conflict between the two of them as if waiting for a spectacle.
Even He Shuangshuang, who usually couldn't stand Qin Zhenzhen, was staring at her tablet, frowning. "Has she offended some petty person recently?"
Lu Ruyun glanced at her. "What?"
He Shuangshuang handed her the tablet. Lu Ruyun took it and saw the hotly debated topic on Weibo: "The Showdown Between a Talented Actress and a Pretty Face: Who Will Have the Last Laugh?"
The comments below were endless.
—Isn't it obvious? The talented actress, of course. I can even contribute two movie tickets for Wei An's film. What can I contribute for Qin Zhenzhen? She's only good for looking at stills and doing airport fashion shows.
—Don't be so sure, commenter above. Her post-"dark turn" stills for Cold Palace do make one somewhat expectant.
—Oh, please, hahaha! Expectant? Are you a Zhen-fan? You think we don't know just because you're wearing a different skin? Actually praising Qin Zhenzhen, tsk tsk tsk. Go watch more films by the older generation, will you? If not films, at least watch some TV dramas. Not to mention anything else, just take the role of the Hundred Blossom Immortal. Qin Zhenzhen could never portray that in her lifetime.
—I see you're a fan of the Hundred Blossom Immortal. What's wrong, upset that your idol married Zhenzhen? Hehe, who do you think you are? Even if Lu Ruyun hadn't married Zhenzhen, she wouldn't look twice at someone like you. You're really good at slandering people behind their backs!
Lu Ruyun scrolled down a couple more pages before handing the tablet back to He Shuangshuang. She parted her red lips. "What time is it?"
He Shuangshuang turned off the tablet and checked her watch. "Almost nine."
"Qin Zhenzhen should be here soon."
As soon as the words left their mouths, they saw a grey van pull up not far away. The person accompanying Qin Zhenzhen wasn't Ji Lu, but Meng Xin. The two were walking and talking, expressions grave.
Lu Ruyun sat in the car, watching them pass by. The Qin Zhenzhen outside the window had lost a lot of weight. Where her figure was once curvaceous and alluring, it now seemed all skin and bones, gaunt to the point of being barely recognizable.
She watched Qin Zhenzhen's back disappear from view and lowered her eyelids. "Let's go."
He Shuangshuang tilted her head. "Not waiting for her to come out?"
Lu Ruyun shook her head. "No."
What would be the point of waiting? She couldn't openly go congratulate her anyway.
He Shuangshuang pressed her lips together as if wanting to say something, but seeing Lu Ruyun's calm profile, she closed her mouth again. "Drive."
The black sedan slowly pulled out of the parking garage. As it passed the main lobby, Lu Ruyun turned to look inside before lowering her gaze.
Standing at the elevator, Qin Zhenzhen instinctively glanced outside, just in time to see a black sedan pass by. She frowned slightly. Meng Xin, who had been talking with her head down, asked, "Did you get all that, Zhenzhen?"
Getting no response, Meng Xin looked up and saw Qin Zhenzhen's gaze fixed outside. She followed her look but saw only the bleak, cold wind. "What's wrong?"
Qin Zhenzhen snapped back to attention. "Nothing. Go on, Sister Meng."
Meng Xin patted her shoulder. "You can't let your mind wander like that once we're inside."
Qin Zhenzhen nodded with a light smile. "Got it."
Ding. The elevator arrived. Qin Zhenzhen and Meng Xin stepped in, heading for the eighth floor: Director Yu Changlin's home.
That's right. The audition location was Director Yu Changlin's apartment.
Qin Zhenzhen had been taken aback when she first heard the location, but then she remembered Director Yu's eccentricities and it no longer seemed strange. Today, Qin Zhenzhen hadn't dressed up deliberately. She looked very casual, with only light makeup. The two even brought a bag of fruit when they arrived at Director Yu's place.
Director Yu's temper and eccentricities were famous in the industry, as was his reputation for being incorruptible. Qin Zhenzhen remembered hearing a story from when she first debuted. Director Yu was preparing to shoot a film, and an investor tried to force a female lead onto him, promising him all other rights. Director Yu threw down the project and walked out on the spot, showing no face at all. After that incident, he earned a reputation for integrity.
So, they definitely couldn't bring anything else, just a bag of fruit. Surely Director Yu's integrity didn't extend to throwing fruit out the door.
The two stood at the door, took a deep breath, and Meng Xin knocked. "Director Yu?"
The door soon opened. Qin Zhenzhen saw a middle-aged woman wearing an apron standing inside. "Yes?"
Meng Xin quickly smiled. "Hello, we're here for the audition."
The woman smiled and called towards the back, "Old Yu!"
"Old Yu, we have guests!"
Qin Zhenzhen looked past her. Yu Changlin was coming down the stairs wearing a wool sweater, casual pants, and slippers. "Coming."
Dressed in home clothes, he looked less severe than in photos, adding a touch of refinement. His steps were unhurried. Qin Zhenzhen and Meng Xin exchanged a glance. "Director Yu."
Yu Changlin nodded. "Have a seat."
Meng Xin handed the bag of fruit to the woman, who smiled and accepted it. Meng Xin then sat with Qin Zhenzhen on the sofa opposite Yu Changlin.
After they sat down, Yu Changlin set down the cup in his hand and said to Qin Zhenzhen, "Look up. Let me see."
Qin Zhenzhen was taken aback for a second, then quickly raised her head.
Her face, though only lightly made up, couldn't conceal its brilliance. Her features were exquisite, as if meticulously carved, her skin fairer than snow. A pair of bright, large eyes sparkled, captivating at a glance.
Too beautiful.
It was a far cry from the image of the character in his script.
Yu Changlin looked for a few seconds before shaking his head regretfully. "Miss Qin, why have you come to audition?"
Qin Zhenzhen glanced at Meng Xin. Meng Xin smiled. "Of course, it's to..."
"I want you to say it."
Yu Changlin looked at Qin Zhenzhen, his tone firm. "I want to hear you say it. Why are you here to audition?"
Qin Zhenzhen was stunned for a few seconds. "I want to make a movie."
Yu Changlin was amused by her answer. "Want to make a movie? So many people want to make movies. Why should I pick you?"
Qin Zhenzhen opened her mouth, but before she could make a sound, Yu Changlin continued, "And from what I know, you're someone Director Zheng passed over. What? Couldn't meet his standards, so you're here to try your luck with me?"
Seeing Qin Zhenzhen silent, Meng Xin hurriedly smiled and interjected, "Director Yu, you jest. We aren't..."
Yu Changlin didn't give her a chance to finish. "Miss Meng, to be frank, the only reason I'm meeting with you two today is because a friend asked me to. Originally, Miss Qin's qualifications didn't fall within my audition scope."
"You may leave."
After these brief words, he stood up. Qin Zhenzhen said in a low, steady voice, "That's right. I did go to Director Zheng first."
Her statement made Meng Xin freeze, and she quickly tugged at Qin Zhenzhen's arm. Qin Zhenzhen's expression remained calm. "Director Zheng is a rising star among directors. You are an established director who hasn't released a film in two years. Your works are excellent, but I don't want to take that risk."
"I've already failed once. If I have a chance at a second success, I'll choose the one with higher odds."
"Also, you should know that I am not someone Director Zheng passed over. I chose not to associate with him. So, the idea that I'm here to try my luck with you doesn't exist."
"As for your audition criteria, my weight was exactly one hundred pounds half a month ago. Now it's eighty-five."
Yu Changlin scoffed. "Miss Qin, are you saying that just because you've lost weight, I'll choose you?"
Qin Zhenzhen pressed her lips together. "What I mean is, I can transform in any way necessary for a role."
Her expression was calm, her words firm and decisive. Her gaze burned as she looked at Yu Changlin. Their eyes met mid-air. After a long moment, Qin Zhenzhen lowered her gaze. "Since Director Yu doesn't need me, Sister Meng, let's go."
Meng Xin was dumbfounded by Qin Zhenzhen's sudden bluntness and instinctively replied, "Okay."
Before they could turn to leave, Yu Changlin gave a light cough. His voice was low. "Miss Qin, did you know I particularly like honest people?"
Qin Zhenzhen, hearing this, stopped and turned back. "I didn't know before. I know now. But unfortunately, I didn't catch Director Yu's eye."
Hearing this, Yu Changlin suddenly laughed. "You little rascal."
This was the first time since Qin Zhenzhen entered that she saw him smile. "You're quite the sharp-tongued girl. If no one kept you in check..."
He paused, then changed his words. "You'd be quite something. You two, come with me."
With that, Yu Changlin walked straight inside. Qin Zhenzhen saw an empty room containing only a bed. Yu Changlin pointed at the large bed. "This is the second round of the audition. Here's the script. It starts in an hour."
"Congratulations. For now, you are the second person to enter this room."
Qin Zhenzhen asked in surprise, "Who was the first?"
Yu Changlin smiled. "You'll find out soon enough."
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