OBS Chapter 4: Of course not! How could that be?
Chapter 4: Of course not! How could that be?
Chai Zhiping's smile faded slightly, and she looked at Guo Xiaosi with some confusion.
"If I remember correctly, you were the one who first agreed to Mimi recommending Xiaobai, right, Xiaosi?"
Upon hearing this, Guo Xiaosi's smile froze.
Because that is indeed the case.
Although the core creative team of the entire "Tiny Times" production team was basically brought by Chai Zhiping, she even made a backup for the role of "director".
However, Guo Jingming has a certain degree of decision-making power when it comes to casting.
Cheng Xuedong, a complete newcomer who wasn't even formally trained and had no acting experience whatsoever, was still chosen by Guo Jingming to play the male lead, Zhou Chongguang.
Similarly, Hold-on Sister, who plays Tang Wanru, was also chosen by him despite opposition.
Even Yang Mi, who played Lin Xiao, was finally chosen only after both Chai Zhiping and Guo Xiaosi gave their approval.
In exchange, most of the other important main characters were played by Taiwanese actors brought by Chai Chih-ping, such as Kuo Tsai-chieh, Ko Ching-teng, and Kuo Pi-ting.
The remaining "side roles" were divided up among the other co-producers.
The character "Xi Cheng" is an example of this.
It had been agreed that a singer who came from a talent show would participate in the performance, from one of the production companies, Tianyu Entertainment.
Who knew that Yang Mi would interfere and recommend one of her junior brothers, Guan Shengbai, to Guo Xiaosi.
To be honest, Xi Cheng is one of the most important characters in the original novel, as he is involved in all the stories of the sisters' separation and reunion.
However, in a movie script, the situation is different. This character is destined not to have many scenes; at most, he is just a "tool" to trigger the climax and conflict.
So, Guo Jingming, wanting to win over Yang Mi, readily agreed to do her a favor.
On the contrary, Chai Zhiping had some reservations at the time, feeling that the two of them were causing some trouble and that it would be difficult to coordinate with Tianyu Entertainment later.
But now, things seem to have gone against the natural order!
Despite her reservations, Chai Zhiping instantly recognized Guan Shengbai as a "superstar in the making" after meeting him, and became unusually enthusiastic.
Guo Xiaosi, who had already done Yang Mi a favor and chosen Guan Shengbai, has now jumped out to become an obstacle.
"So, Xiao Si, do you... have a problem with Sister Chai?"
The smile that had been on Chai Zhiping's face was now completely gone, and even her soft Taiwanese accent had turned cold and stern.
Guo Xiaosi was startled by what he saw, and suddenly a realization dawned on him...
How could someone as shrewd as Chai Zhiping in the entertainment industry not see his own discontent?
It's just that, considering Guo Jingming is the core figure of the "Tiny Times" project IP, we turn a blind eye to some of his supposedly clever little tricks.
But Guo Xiaosi kept causing trouble, and Chai Zhiping wouldn't tolerate him forever.
"Of course not! How could that be? How could I possibly have a problem with you? You know, you're the person I respect the most, Sister Chai."
Guo Xiaosi smiled broadly, but secretly felt annoyed.
He didn't know what was wrong with him. Seeing them chatting happily, he inexplicably felt the urge to come out and pour cold water on their enthusiasm.
As a result, when Chai Zhiping put on a stern face, he found himself in a difficult position.
"That's how it is..."
"Oh no! That's terrible! I was the one who recommended Xiaobai!"
Yang Mi interrupted Guo Xiaosi with a playful look, "Since it's not that you have a problem with Sister Chai, then it must be that you have a problem with me."
"Of course not! How could that be! Mimi, you're joking around like that!!"
Guo Xiaosi turned his head, and a little sweat had already seeped out on his forehead.
Guan Shengbai, who should have been the main character in this interview, was instead leaning back leisurely, watching the farce with great interest.
Seeing Guo Xiaosi frantically explaining to both sides, Guan Shengbai smiled and suddenly spoke up.
"I understand, so they have a problem with me."
"Of course not! How could that be? Uh..."
Guo Xiaosi paused in his explanation and suddenly turned to look at Guan Shengbai.
Even Chai Zhiping and Yang Mi, who were standing next to her, were stunned for a moment.
You're here even though you're not a buddy?
An awkward silence lasted for a full two seconds.
"Pfft~"
Yang Mi couldn't help but laugh first, and then Chai Zhiping's face slowly thawed, revealing a smile.
"Alright, alright! Sisters, I misspoke, okay?"
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Guo Xiaosi clasped his hands together and made a pleading gesture towards them.
Interestingly, Guan Shengbai's "+1" question just now actually created a comical ice-breaking effect, freeing Guo Xiaosi from that extremely awkward atmosphere.
"It's my fault for not being clear. I naturally prefer Xiaobai to play the role of Xicheng."
Guo Xiaosi first glanced at Guan Shengbai, then hurriedly concluded the matter to prevent the two ladies from using it as an excuse to make trouble again.
"What I mean is, how should we handle things with Tianyu Entertainment?"
"What else can we do? That's how movie casting is! Even with a signed contract, actors can be replaced, let alone since it was just a verbal agreement."
Chai Zhiping rarely showed the decisive and ruthless side of a top agent.
"That's settled then. If Tianyu has any objections, have him come and talk to me."
Upon hearing this, Guo Xiaosi also displayed his familiar "decency," giving Guan Shengbai a friendly smile.
"Then congratulations, the role of Xi Cheng is now yours!"
His words sounded quite serious, as if "Xi Cheng" was not a minor supporting character, but rather the crucial first male lead.
......
......
This rather high-profile actor audition ended rather anticlimactically.
In fact, this was the case for most actor auditions that year.
Aside from those who are forced into the roles by investors, producers, and other stakeholders, most directors have the main actors in mind before filming begins.
Most of the other missing roles were filled through "internal recommendations," just like Yang Mi recommending Guan Shengbai.
Even during auditions, it's just a matter of two or three key decision-makers having the actors perform a short scene.
The scenario that everyone imagines—standing outside the conference room with a number plate, being called in one by one, performing like a monkey in front of a few judges, and then stunning everyone with amazing acting skills—is extremely rare.
There are generally two reasons why this might happen.
Firstly, this kind of "selection" is itself a publicity tactic for film and television dramas. By hyping up the "selection of leading actors," the work can become popular even before its release, and even be known to the whole nation.
It's like a new Dream of the Red Chamber, and also like The Last Supper and The Mermaid.
Secondly, there is a special need for the main character, which is to find undiscovered talents from the public.
The most typical example is "Under the Hawthorn Tree," a film that Guan Shengbai's predecessor missed out on.
However, most casting decisions, especially for minor supporting roles, are based on "first impressions".
Just like how Chai Zhiping fell in love with Guan Shengbai at first sight, she made a decision immediately without even needing an audition.