"Good!" Wu Bo smiled with satisfaction.
Xiao Wenqiang quickly took the prop scarf from Situ Chen's neck. The last moment had been a bit tense, and she wasn't sure if she had injured him. "Thank you, Teacher Situ. Did I hurt you just now?"
Looking at Xiao Wenqiang, who had returned to her innocent and pure state, Situ Chen pursed his lips and smiled playfully. He hadn't expected this woman's eyes to be so expressive, and her ability to change expressions so quickly. "It's fine, you did very well!" he said, his deep voice returning.
Gao Shiying, who had been listening to their conversation, found the dialogue a bit strange.
"Brother Wu, didn't I tell you? Su Ling has acting talent. Most importantly, she's willing to work hard. For an actress as young and beautiful as her, it's rare to find someone willing to be a stunt double." Zhang Hong lavished praise.
During the filming of "Yi Hua Lu," he had only been an assistant director, but he had worked with many actors. Even after collaborating with Xiao Wenqiang for just a day, they hadn't discussed anything other than filming. However, he greatly admired this actress's down-to-earth attitude, her willingness to endure hardship, and her spirited performances.
That's why, as soon as he saw the role of Meng Wan, this actress's image automatically came to mind. It was also why he had gone through Qiao Jie to get her contact information.
"Excellent! She is the Meng Wan I envisioned!" Wu Bo decided on the spot. "Have your agent come over to sign the contract!"
Xiao Wenqiang looked a little troubled. Although this role wasn't a leading one, it was far more significant than any she had played before. Most importantly, she would be able to collaborate with Director Wu Bo and the acclaimed actor Situ Chen. She was afraid that if Li Bokai found out, he would sabotage it.
Gao Shiying knew about the strained relationship between Xiao Wenqiang and her agent. Since there was no one else present, he directly asked, "Are you afraid Li Bokai won't let you film?"
Directors Wu Bo and Zhang Hong looked over with confusion.
"Yes, my agent and I have different philosophies, but my contract is still with him." Xiao Wenqiang thought for a moment and then asked another question, "May I be so bold as to ask who has been cast as the second female lead, Xu Xinrou?"
"Certainly! She's also from your Xingyao Entertainment, named Ding Xiang. Although she was brought in by the investors, her acting is quite good, and she can handle this role!" Gao Shiying answered truthfully.
Xiao Wenqiang was quite surprised by his honesty. She later learned that "Chenshi Entertainment" had also invested in this film. But for now, she still voiced her concern, "If Ding Xiang is confirmed to be in this crew, then I might not want to sign. Her agent is also Li Bokai."
Su Ling's contract had less than half a year left. Xiao Wenqiang was now determined to find a new agency once her contract expired. If she were to film such a good project during this time, her market value would increase, and she feared Li Bokai wouldn't let her go. With Ding Xiang also in the crew, Su Ling was even less inclined to join, as Li Bokai would undoubtedly have to follow the crew and might arrange some "sugar daddy" dinners for her.
"Su Ling, as long as you can perform this role well, we can help you resolve the contract issue and ensure you are free from Xingyao Entertainment before filming begins!" Situ Chen suddenly spoke up.
"Really? Then I will definitely work hard! I don't need a salary, as long as I'm provided with food and accommodation during the filming period!" Xiao Wenqiang's eyes lit up.
Gao Shiying was also a little surprised by his old friend's directness, but he readily chimed in, "Of course it's true! But it's not like we wouldn't give you a salary. By the way, for your next contract, are you interested in joining our Chenshi?"
Xiao Wenqiang hesitated again, afraid of jumping out of one fire pit only to land in another. After all, she didn't know much about this world yet and wasn't sure if "Chenshi Entertainment" was merely gilded on the outside while rotten within!
"There's no rush. You can go back for now. We'll notify you once things are resolved," Situ Chen said, seeing her thoughts and giving her an out.
"Okay. Thank you all. I look forward to your good news. Goodbye!" Xiao Wenqiang politely bid farewell to everyone.
After she left, Gao Shiying asked curiously, "I didn't expect you to think so highly of this Su Ling, to the point of helping her resolve her contract issues!"
"She has talent, spirit, and most importantly, the right attitude. Just coming for an audition, she memorized all her lines. Such actors are rare nowadays!" Situ Chen explained the reason and continued, "Also, the contract matter is up to you. After all, that's your expertise!" With that, he also stood up and left the audition room, waving goodbye without a trace.
"Oh great, so you're pushing work onto me. Thanks a lot!" Gao Shiying couldn't help but grumble. After a moment, he realized and asked the director, "Huh? How did he know Su Ling memorized all her lines? She didn't mention it."
Wu Bo had worked with them more than once and knew that while Agent Gao was competent in public, he was often provoked by Situ Chen in private. He was already familiar with their dynamic. He replied directly, "That's because he also memorized all the script lines! Not only his own, but others' as well, which is why his improvisation was so brilliant!"
After answering, Wu Bo pulled Zhang Hong and they left. It was naturally good for them that the actor was dedicated. However, although the auditions and casting were over, there were still many preparations to be done before filming began, and they had to get back to their own professional work!
After returning, Gao Shiying contacted a few reporters he often worked with, obtained photos and videos of artists under Li Bokai, and sent them to Li Bokai.
Xiao Wenqiang was unaware of how the subsequent negotiations went. She only knew that three days later, she received a call from Li Bokai, asking her to meet to discuss contract matters.
"Su Ling, you're amazing! I never expected President Gao of Chenshi Entertainment to personally handle your contract. It seems I've underestimated you all these years!" Li Bokai appeared somewhat more haggard than before, with darker circles under his eyes.
"Brother Kai, you're overthinking it!" Xiao Wenqiang didn't want to talk to him much.
However, Li Bokai wanted to continue, saying that Gao Shiying had made things very difficult for him these past few days, and he didn't know where Gao had gotten so much damaging information. "But I think he's mistaken this time. You have no acting skills, you're unwilling to sell yourself, and you'll only rely on your youth for a few more years. Trading your contract, which lasts less than half a year, for the future of my artists is worth it!"
"Brother Kai, can you please give me the termination contract quickly?" Xiao Wenqiang no longer wanted to deal with him.
"Now you don't even want to listen to me speak a few words? Su Ling, you're capable. I'll watch how your future unfolds! Do you think Chenshi Entertainment is so noble? Everyone in this industry is the same!" Li Bokai took out the termination contract, quickly flipped to the last page, signed his name, and threw it to Xiao Wenqiang.
Xiao Wenqiang was not the original Su Ling. This time, she took the contract and carefully read through it several times. Only after confirming there were no traps or loopholes did she sign the name "Su Ling."
After obtaining the termination contract, Xiao Wenqiang stood up with a smile. "Alright, the road ahead is long. I hope we don't meet again!" She then happily walked out of the coffee shop, the wind outside seeming sweet with her improved mood.