Chapter 17: A Gathering of Stars at the Film Studio (Please Follow)

Friday, the sun was still shining gently.

At last, the day of the audition had arrived.

Over the past two days, Su Mu had made use of every moment he could, frantically leveling up his emotional control skills. He devoured comedies, watched skits, absorbed tear-jerking short dramas, then deliberately practiced the opposite emotions. In the end, he even forced Xiao Ju and Qian Jida to recount their most painful memories while he laughed uproariously right in front of them. He was almost castrated for his efforts.

[Emotional Control Proficiency Lv1: 18/20 (Greenhorn)]

Now, his emotional control was on the verge of advancing to Level 2—Apprentice. Although he still couldn’t cry on command or shed tears at will, he could clearly feel a deeper understanding of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness with every increase in skill. At the very least, he no longer wore that stiff, wooden expression of before. As long as his face didn’t freeze up, he would seem quite natural. In front of the camera, being able to appear natural already set him apart from a large crowd. Perhaps, once he reached the level of Adept or even Level 3—Master Craftsman, he would be able to weep or unleash genuine emotions at will.

...

The days passed quickly.

Besides working on his proficiency, Su Mu also kept an eye on the news online. The vast majority still found it hard to accept that Su Mu would be cast in Director Zhang’s new drama. Most criticisms focused on his acting, believing that someone who relied on looks to star in idol dramas was nowhere near qualified to act in a production filled with seasoned veterans.

In fact, that was often the case. Even a script with excellent production values and a well-chosen team could be ruined by the wrong actor forced into an unsuitable role—a single bad apple spoiling the whole barrel.

In the past, Su Mu might have been that bad apple. But now, things were different. Su Mu wanted to show everyone whether he truly was a rotten seed, or a plump, nourishing black bean.

...

Huayi Film Studio.

Invested by Huayi, the movie city wasn’t as large as Hengdian, but the cost of its internal facilities was staggering. Rumor had it that nearly 3.2 billion yuan had been poured into its construction. Aside from not being able to accommodate massive outdoor sets, the studio could fulfill almost any other need. It boasted specialized areas for period dramas, meticulously designed courtyards for costume dramas, a special effects section, and modular spaces for building custom sets. Many of today’s most popular web dramas were filmed right here.

Su Mu had been here twice before, both times as the second male lead, so he was fairly familiar with the place. This time, the auditions for Director Zhang’s drama were reportedly to be conducted with the actual sets. So, they simply chose to use the studio’s filming locations. Once everyone’s makeup had been done, they could immediately perform on set, making results clear at a glance.

At this moment,

The area outside the studio was packed with people. Some were clearly extras waiting for gigs, while others, holding placards, were fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorites. The scene was so chaotic that it was impossible to tell whose fans were whose. After all, with so many productions being filmed here and actors constantly coming and going, it was hard to know who anyone was actually here for.

Still,

The news that Zhang Huaimo had brought his crew in early that morning spread quickly. Many actors who made a living around the studio had already caught wind.

“I saw Director Zhang Huaimo this morning—came with the crew. Looks like they’re starting auditions for the new show.”

“Of course! That’s Zhang’s usual routine for auditions. I just wonder if I’ll get a shot at even a small part—his scripts are always good.”

“Dream on. Every actor with a shred of fame fights tooth and nail to get into one of Director Zhang’s shows. No way you’ll get a chance.”

“Pfft, even Su Mu can come. Why not me?”

“Su Mu? That guy from idol dramas?”

“Yeah, the one who shamelessly begged for an audition at the awards show. If I could buy my way onto the stage for an award, I’d beg for a role too.”

“Hmph, I don’t think Su Mu has much hope. Director Zhang never picks actors lightly—not even producers can sway him.”

“Let’s wait a bit. I’m not taking any gigs today. Maybe we’ll catch some excitement at the scene.”

Around them, actors from various productions gossiped, and some even started live-streaming. News spread rapidly through the media.

But, it had to be said—Su Mu was indeed quite famous. Regardless of whether the comments were good or bad, he was at the center of attention.

Before long,

Business vans began arriving at the studio gates. Established veterans, award-winning actors, and popular young stars with solid acting chops all showed up, drawing exclamations from the crowd. Even some actors filming inside took the opportunity to come out and greet their peers.

“Wow, isn’t that Teacher Ma Baoguo? He’s here too! I love his work!”

“Ning Yuyan! Sun Danfei! Wow, they’re both so beautiful!”

“Zhang Jianlin, Zhou Yi? Even he’s here? That’s big!”

“Zhang Jianlin’s acting is something else. I bet he’ll be the lead in Director Zhang’s new show.”

“Yeah, I think so too. He just won Best Supporting Actor last year, so he’s bound to go for Best Actor this year. Only a starring role in a Zhang production can give him that edge.”

“Look at Zhang Jianlin—he’s here for the win.”

“Wait! Look—Su Mu!”

At that moment, someone in the crowd cried out. Heads turned. Female fans gazed dreamily, while the men sneered in jealousy.

Su Mu looked every inch the leading man today.

He wore a subtle, light gray suit—a slightly vintage style that highlighted his poise. Slim-fit trousers and a pair of exquisite brown handmade leather shoes completed the look.

Truth be told, this outfit was carefully chosen. He had modeled himself after Gao Qiqiang, the character at the pinnacle of his life from an old TV drama in his previous life. Outwardly, he appeared gentle and refined, but beneath the surface lay complexity, arrogance, and ruthlessness.

This was no ordinary “bad boy” charm. It had to convey a “steady kind of danger”—a sense of disciplined, repressed desire.

Such a nuanced aura was difficult to master. If Su Mu weren’t deeply familiar with the character, and didn’t possess strong adaptability, he wouldn’t have pulled it off.

...

Inside the studio, at Stage 23.

Director Zhang Huaimo was already there with his team, arranging the set. In fact, preparations for the drama had started long before; casting was simply the final step—one of Director Zhang’s quirks.

“Director Zhang, we’re here.”

“Director Zhang.”

Greetings echoed from outside the soundstage.

Zhang Huaimo turned at the sound.

“Everyone’s here. I’ll have to trouble you all today. Shortly, let’s have a brief discussion, and if things feel right, we’ll get into costume and try a live scene.”