OBS Chapter 25: A Flower of Wealth and Prosperity in the Mortal World!
Chapter 25: A Flower of Wealth and Prosperity in the Mortal World!
Daidai Hot Pot near the gate of Beijing Film Academy.
Xu Lang, Yang Chaoyue, and Meng Ziyi sat by the window.
The surrounding tables were filled with students from the Beijing Film Academy, who were discussing topics such as "camera language," "character arc," and "audience opportunities," making it resemble a small industry salon.
The red oil is bubbling and the topic is heating up.
Xu Lang inquired about the Three Kingdoms Zhao Zilong production team, and Meng Ziyi said that she had met with director Cheng Lidong.
If all goes well, the drama will begin formally recruiting actors after the start of the new year, and then filming will begin in the middle of the year.
Currently, auditions are only being accepted through referrals from acquaintances; however, the director is not currently in Beijing and is scouting locations elsewhere.
Xu Lang asked her to keep an eye out for the director, saying he could go audition anytime if the director was available.
For solo actors, the most important thing to seize is this kind of opportunity in the cracks.
The two then discussed many acting techniques, and Meng Ziyi was very much looking forward to performing.
She asked Xu Lang a lot about the film crew and said that she would audition for the film crew during her first summer vacation.
She's a freshman this year, and the Beijing Film Academy has a rule that freshmen are not allowed to go out to film.
Most rules are designed for ordinary people.
Xu Lang told her many interesting stories from the film crew, as well as some specific acting techniques.
She listened attentively and watched some photos and short videos of Xu Lang during filming, feeling very excited and amazed.
This man in period costume... he's practically born for period dramas.
She doesn't understand acting, but she felt that this short video of just over ten seconds made her feel as if she saw Yelü Qi come out of the book and into reality.
His eyes held a newfound admiration for Xu Lang!
The two chatted and laughed, discussing interesting anecdotes from the entertainment industry and professional knowledge about acting.
Yang Chaoyue, who was standing next to her, couldn't understand anything and just kept eating.
We've eaten and drunk our fill!
Meng Ziyi wanted to take Xu Lang to the milk tea shop to sit and chat some more, but Xu Lang said he wanted to leave.
He has to join the crew the day after tomorrow, so he needs to rest for a day tomorrow.
"It's a deal then, I'll come visit you on set in Hengdian this weekend! Don't you dare find me annoying!"
Meng Ziyi's bright face was filled with a smile, but there was a hint of reluctance.
Xu Lang maintained his smile: "You're welcome anytime, meals will be provided!"
Xu Lang took Yang Chaoyue to the airport and flew back to Hengdian.
Actually, he has another appointment tonight!
Chai Biyun and Da Tiantian have arrived in Hengdian. While we were having hot pot, Chai Biyun sent him a message asking when we could leave.
Time management is almost a required course for rising stars in the entertainment industry.
Xu Lang rubbed his temples—if his schedule hadn't been so tight, he could have deepened his promising "classmate relationship" with Meng Ziyi tonight.
The transition from discussing their professional lives to talking about life between the two was very natural, and a subtle understanding and affection were quietly growing between them.
"Brother Lang, Meng Ziyi is so pretty, and so lively and cheerful. You like girls like that, right?"
A fifteen-year-old girl's mind is as sensitive as the surface of a lake in early spring.
She tried to probe, but Xu Lang blocked her out without any hesitation, citing her being a "minor".
The feeling of helplessness at being treated like a child, mixed with a hazy admiration, made her heart ache.
Xu Lang recalled his interactions with Meng Ziyi in his previous life. For a period of time, the two were indeed very close and had reached a stage of ambiguity.
Later, because they were separated into different groups, the ambiguous atmosphere gradually faded, and eventually it all came to nothing.
In this life, he doesn't intend to deliberately get close to them; he'll let everything take its natural course.
"Children shouldn't ask such questions!"
Xu Lang refused to answer her question, and affectionately stroked her head:
"What were your impressions of your trip to Beijing? Do you still want to be an actor?"
"I'm not a child anymore!" Yang Chaoyue protested, but her voice weakened under Xu Lang's gentle yet unwavering gaze. She leaned back in her chair dejectedly and muttered:
"Reading gives me a headache, and classes feel like listening to gibberish... Is there any kind of acting where I don't need to learn anything and can just start acting right away?"
"No!"
Xu Lang decisively shattered her illusions.
……
An hour and a half!
The two walked out of the airport and returned to this familiar city.
Xu Lang escorted her back to her dormitory and stood downstairs:
"Yang Chaoyue, if you really want to be an actress, you should study hard and delve into acting from now on."
"Didn't you say you wanted to change your family's situation and build a house for your dad? With the few thousand yuan you earn at the bubble tea shop? Or are you planning to go work in a factory tightening screws?"
"You have a great rapport with the audience. As long as you are willing to put in the effort to hone your acting skills, you will definitely be able to make a living in both acting and variety shows in the future."
"Go back and think about it carefully!"
Today's trip was rushed, but for Yang Chaoyue, it was a very meaningful day that will have a great impact on her future.
She's only fifteen, and thinking about this question might be a bit heavy for her, but if she wants to establish herself as an actress in the future, she has to work harder than others.
She returned to her dormitory, seemingly understanding but not quite.
Xu Lang saw her peek out of the dormitory window, wave, and then turn and leave.
Heading to the next dinner party!
……
Private kitchen restaurant.
Inside the private room, Chai Biyun and Jing Tian chatted and laughed until the door was pushed open.
Both of them turned to look at the newcomer and immediately stood up.
"Xu Lang, you've finally arrived!"
Chai Biyun smiled brightly, speaking with fiery enthusiasm:
"Come on, let me introduce you to Tian Tian, my best friend!"
Jing Tian gave a shy smile and nodded gently, but her eyes couldn't help but linger on him a few more times.
My sister wasn't lying, he really is a handsome guy, even more so than in the videos.
This trip was definitely worth it!
Xu Lang politely extended his hand: "Xu Lang; it's an honor to meet you!"
Jing Tian shook hands with him, but the touch was brief.
"Biyun said you're a great actress and asked me to come over and learn from you."
Xu Lang smiled modestly and said, "Sister Yun is talking nonsense, don't listen to her lies."
Turning to the dining table, he said:
"Come on, are you hungry? I was a bit busy and I'm late, sorry, sorry."
"It's alright, we had some dessert and caught up!" Chai Biyun helped Jing Tian sit down, secretly giving her a few winks, as if to say, 'I wasn't lying, was I? I've got you hooked, haven't I?'
"Xu Lang, please sit down!"
The three of them took their seats.
After exchanging pleasantries and a few glasses of red wine, the atmosphere in the private room quickly warmed up.
Jing Tian's initial reserve gradually melted away amidst Xu Lang's witty yet measured banter.
He can talk about interesting things on set with ease, and his insights on acting are insightful. The relaxed feeling of him listening attentively and responding to the topic at the right time is particularly comfortable.
"Xu Lang, Bi Yun said you broke up a couple in your drama."
Jing Tian stared at him with a gossipy look on her face, always maintaining a faint smile.
Xu Lang shrugged, looking completely innocent:
"Slander, blatant slander! I was just catching Xiaotong cheating with her. I usually rehearse with her. It's Chen Xiang who's petty and always picking fights with Xiaotong. Their relationship isn't solid, so how can you blame a nobody like me?"
He raised his glass as he spoke; Jing Tian also raised her glass and clinked it with his, and the two drank it all in one gulp.
"Xu Lang, when you're looking for a girlfriend, would you mind if she's older than you?"
Xu Lang pondered for a moment: "I value feelings more. If we feel comfortable together and have things to talk about, I don't think age is a problem."
"I think so too!" Jing Tian agreed without hesitation; these words resonated with her.
Watching the two chatting happily and their inexplicably harmonious aura, Chai Biyun suddenly felt a little uneasy.
She originally invited Jing Tian over, somewhat with the intention of "having her best friend help her make an assessment," but now she feels... like she's the one who played matchmaker?
Watching Xu Lang pour wine for Jing Tian with natural movements, and hearing Jing Tian cover her mouth and chuckle at Xu Lang's words, Chai Biyun silently took a sip of wine.
This development seems to have deviated somewhat from her original "script".