Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 14 Determining the Candidates

The corridor fell silent again, and the two of them found themselves at a loss for words.

Wang Peng and Professor Chen walked from the end of the corridor. Fu Yibai glanced at them and quietly said goodbye to Zeng Li.

"I'll get back to work now, Miss Zeng, please make yourself at home."

He turned around, walked towards the classroom door, paused when his fingers touched the doorknob, but ultimately did not turn back and pushed the door open and went in.

Wang Peng and Professor Chen approached, nodded politely to Zeng Li, and followed her into the classroom.

Zeng Li was left alone in the corridor again.

She remained standing in the same spot, her straight back slightly relaxed, her hands hanging at her sides, her fingertips icy cold.

She stared blankly at the closed door for a moment, then her gaze was replaced by a hint of self-mockery and bitterness.

"Zeng Li, what exactly are you expecting?"

She asked herself the question.

It was clearly my own choice to draw a line, clearly...

But when he actually called her "Ms. Zeng" in that distant and polite tone, and when she saw that his eyes, which had once gazed intently at her, now held only a businesslike calm, a corner of her heart unexpectedly collapsed.

The warmth and excitement of that night in Berlin, the trust and subtle feelings built up over months on set—it turns out they could cool down so quickly and so completely.

"Alright."

Zeng Li took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the soreness in her chest, straightened her back, and walked towards the waiting room next door.

There, Hu Jing was looking around anxiously. When she saw her come in, she quickly waved.

"Pear, where did you go? I was just looking for you. Is it almost my turn? I'm a little nervous..."

Zeng Li walked over, grasped her friend's slightly sweaty hand, and tried her best to make her voice sound calm and normal.

"Don't be nervous, just treat it as a normal audition."

I just saw Director Fu and the others go in, and they all seem to be in good spirits.

"You've prepared for so long, there won't be any problems."

She spoke words of comfort, but her gaze unconsciously drifted towards the corridor.

That door was tightly shut, separating two worlds.

The audition finally came to an end in the evening.

Fu Yibai closed the last page of the evaluation form and rubbed his sore eyes.

Wang Peng and Professor Chen from the Performing Arts Department were also sorting through the thick stack of materials in front of them, both looking tired.

"Mr. Wang, Ms. Chen, thank you both for your hard work."

Fu Yibai stood up and stretched his stiff neck.

"After seeing so many people these past two days, I have a general idea of ​​what's going on."

Let's have a quick chat, and then that's all for today.

The three sat around a desk in the front row of the classroom.

As darkness fell outside the window, the lights of the distant teaching buildings gradually came on.

"Let's start with the ones that left a deep impression on us."

Fu Yibai opened his notebook, which was filled with key points.

"Fan Binbin... exceeded expectations, showed a strong desire to transform his image, and demonstrated a high level of dedication and commitment to the role."

Chen Hao has made attempts, but his personal imprint is too strong, making it difficult to separate him from others.

Liu Yifei has talent, but she's too young and there's a distance between her and the character.

Qin Lan and Tang Yan, these newcomers, have a positive attitude, but they lack experience and depth.

Wang Peng added, "The performances of the others later in the day were all fairly average."

Professor Chen adjusted his glasses and concluded, "Overall, Fan Binbin is indeed the most mature and well-prepared one so far."

Although she needs to overcome the label of "glamorous" outwards, she is aware of it and is working hard to turn inwards.

If she were chosen, under the director's guidance, she might truly create something special.

Fu Yibai tapped his fingers lightly on the table, without immediately giving a response.

"Since you two also think she's suitable, let's make it official."

Mr. Wang, contact her team and coordinate the time.

As for the role of Chen Ruoxi, let's give it to Hu Jing, who was in the afternoon.

Are there any candidates for Mo Xiaoyu and Yang Jiaqi?

Fu Yibai didn't know what he was thinking, but he ultimately gave the role of Chen Ruoxi to Hu Jing.

Professor Chen coughed lightly and recommended two actors who graduated from the Beijing Film Academy.

Fu Yibai and Wang Peng did not refuse.

The fact that Beijing Film Academy sent Professor Chen to help is definitely because they hope to give their students some opportunities.

"Then it's settled."

Fu Yibai closed his notebook, his tone calm, yet revealing a hint of weariness.

With the main cast, especially the female lead, confirmed, the "Caught in the Web" project finally moved from paper to reality and entered a high-speed preparation phase.

As for the male roles in this film, they were recommended by China Film Group, since China Film Group also has an investment share and would definitely want to place its own people in those roles.

Fu Yibai had no objection to this, as business cooperation inherently requires balancing the interests of all parties.

Wang Peng's production team began to operate efficiently, with a detailed budget, the main creative team assembled, location scouting conducted, and a tightly packed production schedule.

After receiving confirmation, Fan Binbin's side reacted enthusiastically and quickly sent his agent to discuss the contract details.

On the day the contract was signed, Fan Binbin himself came to Chenxi Media.

Fu Yibai received her in the conference room.

Today, Fan Binbin has a completely different look. She's wearing a smart beige suit, her hair is styled up, and her makeup is exquisite and appropriate, giving off the air of a professional actor ready to get to work.

"Director Fu, please take care of me from now on."

After signing, Fan Binbin stood up, extended his hand, and smiled brightly, but his eyes were clear and open, as if the romantic encounter in the apartment that night had never happened.

Fu Yibai shook hands with her, his grip just right, and they parted after a brief touch.

"It's a pleasure working with you. I look forward to your return, Ye Lanqiu."

"I will do my best."

Fan Binbin spoke firmly, then changed the subject with a touch of playfulness.

"But Director Fu has high standards, so don't complain that I made too many mistakes."

"Reasonable NGs are part of the creative process."

Fu Yibai smiled, creating a harmonious yet professional atmosphere.

After seeing Fan Binbin off, Fu Yibai stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, watching her get into her nanny car and leave.

Zhao Qi knocked on the door and came in, placing a document on his desk.

"President Fu, the preliminary report on the early research of the cinema chain is out."

Also, regarding the marketing talent with an internet background that you asked me to keep an eye on, I've reviewed the profiles of several candidates.

Fu Yibai turned around and picked up the report.

"Thank you for your hard work, Sister Qi."

Regarding the cinema chain, after you've finished your visit, we'll make initial contact with several real estate developers and existing cinema owners who are interested in transferring or partnering with the company.

I need to schedule interviews with marketing professionals as soon as possible. I need someone who can master new media and understands the tastes of young people.

Although Fu Yibai, as a reborn person, knows all of these things, if he has to make decisions about everything, it would exhaust him.

Therefore, he needs to recruit various talents to help him do these things; he only needs to grasp the general direction.

"clear."

Zhao Qi nodded, her gaze sweeping over Fu Yibai's slightly tired but still bright eyes. After hesitating for a moment, she finally spoke.

"Mr. Fu, you've been... "

Isn't the pace a bit too fast?

"I'm about to start filming 'The Search,' and there's a ton of stuff going on at the company, plus I have to keep an eye on the theaters..."

"There's no other way; time waits for no one."

Fu Yibai rubbed his temples and walked to the coffee machine to pour himself a cup of black coffee.

"The hype surrounding Berlin is fleeting, and I must take advantage of this momentum to pave the way for what needs to be done."

By the way, have you received any feedback from the investment project solicitation team?

"We have received quite a few scripts and proposals. Mr. Wang is doing a preliminary screening, and he has marked a few that he thinks have potential. We'll let you take a look when you have time."

"Okay, have him send it to my email directly, I'll check it tonight."

Zhao Qi watched as Fu Yibai tilted his head back and drank the bitter coffee in one gulp, saying nothing more, but secretly admiring the young boss's drive and clear planning that far exceeded his age.