Chapter 37: I Didn’t Ask You to Play a Fool

“Director, who’s coming in to audition today? There aren’t many roles left to fill in Fated, right?”

Inside a rather ordinary cultural center in Beijing, three classrooms had been rented out for the past two months. Not many people came and went, but those who did mostly concealed their appearances.

Still, it was nothing more than masks, scarves, hats, and sunglasses. Though a bit odd, it didn’t really attract too much attention.

A man with slightly messy hair, wearing glasses and sporting heavy dark circles under his eyes, casually scratched the back of his head.

“Mm, there’s still the second male lead, the third male lead, and the third female lead.”

“So, Director, have you found anyone suitable yet?” The assistant pulled out a can of sugar-free oolong tea from the cupboard and handed it to the man.

The man looked irritated the moment the topic was brought up. The corners of his mouth tugged slightly. “Haven’t seen anyone suitable. Either they can’t get into the role, or they overact. Every one of them thinks they’re amazing. I checked my email a couple of days ago and saw something from Yu Mozhi’s manager. The name Yu Mozhi rings a bell — I think he’s an award-winning actor. Let’s give him a shot.”

“What? Yu Mozhi? The film emperor? Isn’t he currently in a dispute with his agency over his contract? Plus, he’s being bashed all over the internet. He still has the nerve to come audition? Is he treating us like a last resort?”

Maybe it was the intensity of the online hate storm — it made people instinctively want to distance themselves. Many celebrities had their public image ruined just like that.

“They’re all the same with their drama. If he can act well, that’s what really counts. Yu Mozhi isn’t exactly targeting online fans with this, right? Some directors have told me before he suits this kind of role. He just can’t do heartwarming scenes. Since no one else feels right at the moment, let him try.”

“Oh, I see.”

“There are also a few newcomers I found pretty promising. Not sure if any of them will fit the third male lead.”

Just then, the door was knocked on. The assistant director entered with a group of people.

“Old Kong, I’ve brought the young actors you thought showed some potential. Take a look.”

Kong Jun finally looked up, adjusted his glasses, and nodded. “Alright. Let’s start.”

At the time scheduled for Yu Mozhi’s audition, he was walking toward the room carrying the little dumpling in his arms, with Liu Wu by his side. Just as they approached the room, they heard Director Kong’s booming voice echo through the hallway.

“I told you to act smart but a little simple-minded — not like complete fools!!”

The casting script in his hand had been crushed into a roll and was now smacking the table with loud bangs. Fuming, he waved his hand and barked for everyone to get out.

The assistant director rubbed his forehead with a headache, glancing at the actor who had just performed and now looked like he wanted to curl into a ball in fear.

“That’s enough, that’s enough. Old Kong, calm down. You guys, come with me.”

The trembling actors followed the assistant director out of the room. The assistant director, who was usually quite amiable, softened his expression as soon as they left the room.

“He gets irritable every time he’s filming. Don’t take his words to heart. Alright, just go back and wait for the results.”

All the actors understood very well — when they said “wait for results,” based on Kong Jun’s attitude just now, it was clear what kind of “results” they could expect.

A few of them, who had previously felt like they were rising stars after being noticed by Director Kong, now had stiff expressions. Just then, they looked up and came face-to-face with Yu Mozhi and his group as they were about to enter the room.

(End of Chapter)