RPAGF Chapter 1181 Can
Chapter 1181 Can
For any actor, being cast in one of his films is a golden opportunity to enhance their acting skills and reputation. The male lead, Gu Yan, is a recognized film star. He is not only handsome but also impeccable in his acting skills. From period dramas to modern films, from dramas to comedies, there's hardly a role he can't handle. The two previously collaborated on a historical drama about political intrigue two years ago, with Su Wan playing the second female lead, "The Strategist," and Gu Yan, the male lead, "The Forbearing Prince." They had numerous scenes together and became close friends due to their shared passion for acting. The second female lead, "A Yao," is the film's highlight. Born in poverty, she was abandoned by her parents at a small town train station as a child, raised by begging and the help of kindhearted individuals. She appears innocent and naive, like a young girl who would be delighted for a piece of candy. However, deep down, she harbors insecurity and paranoia. After meeting the male lead, she sees him as her only "salvation," resorting to lies and trickery to stay with him, ultimately driven to extremes by the pain of unrequited love. The complexity of this role demands exceptional acting skill, requiring both an innocent exterior and a sinister inner self. The slightest mistake can create awkwardness. Su Wan was captivated by A-Yao the moment she first read the script. She felt the character possessed a sense of fragmentation, like fragile glass, seemingly transparent and pure, yet concealing sharp edges. To perfectly portray A-Yao, Su Wan traveled to the small town mentioned in the script to experience life there. She rented a house near the train station, learning to make fried dough sticks from a breakfast vendor, interacting with stray cats, and even volunteering at a local orphanage, observing the expressions and behaviors of children lacking family care. She also filled two notebooks with character analysis notes, deducing the formation of A-Yao's personality from her childhood experiences and analysing her psychological dynamics through every line. She even documented small details, such as the way A-Yao picks her fingers when nervous and the way she gently steps on her toes when happy. But now, the role she had poured so much effort into had been snatched away by Lin Weiwei using her capital. "Lin Weiwei is truly unscrupulous in her pursuit of resources," Su Wan sneered, observing the words "Xingyao Media Investor" on the screen. Xingyao Media was the investment company behind Lin Weiwei, and its owner was a renowned resource-pusher. As long as she was willing to spend, any artist, regardless of their skill, could secure high-quality resources. Lin Weiwei's smooth journey since her debut through a talent show was entirely due to Xingyao Media's support. Su Wan's fingers tapped rapidly on the keyboard, pulling up Xingyao Media's recent investment projects—besides "Dust in Fireworks," they also included two S+-rated dramas and an endorsement deal with a luxury brand, clearly aiming to establish Lin Weiwei as an "all-around top star." However, Lin Weiwei's acting skills couldn't support these resources. Since her debut, the dramas she starred in have been criticized for their "stiff acting" and "clumsy dialogue." Her only real strengths were her "attractive looks" and "talkability," hyped up by her marketing accounts. "Relying on capital to pressure people, huh?" Su Wan turned off her computer and walked to the window. Outside, the night deepened, the city's neon lights streaming in through the glass, casting mottled shadows on the floor. She remembered Gu Yan's words during their collaboration, "A good role needs a good actor to interpret it, otherwise it's a waste." Perhaps she could start by learning from him and see if she could salvage the situation. Su Wan retrieved her WeChat account and opened the chat with Gu Yan. The message from two months ago, where Gu Yan had recommended a script to her, was still stuck. She hesitated for a few seconds—she didn't want to burden Gu Yan with her personal relationship. But thinking of the effort she'd put into "A Yao" and the possibility that Lin Weiwei might ruin the role, she pressed enter. "Teacher Gu, excuse me, do you know about the replacement of the second female lead in 'Dust in Fireworks'?" Su Wan's heart raced after the message was sent. She wasn't sure if Gu Yan would reply, or how much help a reply would offer, but she didn't want to miss any opportunity. About ten minutes later, the phone screen lit up, and Gu Yan replied: "I know. Director Zhang complained to me yesterday that the investors were forcing someone into my role, and he had no choice. Su Wan, don't lose heart. This role was meant for you. Lin Weiwei's acting skills just can't hold up to it - in the last audition, she couldn't even grasp the basic emotions of 'A Yao', she could only stare." Seeing the words "this role was meant for you", Su Wan's eyes warmed slightly. She replied: "Thank you, Teacher Gu, for understanding. I'm just a little unwilling. I've prepared for so long, even went to the small town to experience life, and wrote two notebooks. Now they suddenly say they're replacing me, and I feel a little sad." "If you're unwilling, then go for it!" Gu Yan replied quickly, with his usual straightforwardness, "Director Zhang actually admires you very much. After the last audition, he told me that 'Su Wan brought A Yao to life'. It's just that he was under pressure from the investors and couldn't refuse. If you're willing, you can come to the crew tomorrow to visit and talk to Director Zhang about your understanding of the character. Maybe there will be another chance - Director Zhang is a person who cherishes people. "He's a talented person. If you can convince him, he'll definitely fight for you." Su Wan's eyes lit up, her disappointment instantly replaced by hope. "Really? Thank you so much, Teacher Gu! I hope it won't cause you any trouble?" "Trouble what? I'm doing this for the good of the movie," Gu Yan replied. "Tomorrow morning at 10:00, I'll have my assistant pick you up downstairs from your house. We'll meet on set. Oh, and bring your character notes. Director Zhang will definitely be more impressed with you after seeing them." "Okay! Thank you so much, Teacher Gu!" Su Wan replied, clutching her phone tightly, her heart finally half relieved. She knew this was just an opportunity; whether she could seize it depended on her own abilities, but at least she still had a fighting chance. The next morning, Su Wan rose early. She didn't wear heavy makeup, just a light foundation, natural eyebrows, and a smudge-colored lipstick, looking clean and presentable. She chose a simple white dress that fell just above her knees, neither looking too casual nor stealing the show. She put the two character notebooks into the canvas bag and brought a pen with her, just in case she needed to take notes when discussing with Director Zhang, so that she could appear more professional. At 9:50 in the morning, Gu Yan's assistant called on time and said that she had arrived downstairs in the community. Su Wan picked up the canvas bag and walked downstairs quickly. Gu Yan's assistant was a young man. When he saw Su Wan, he smiled and said hello: "Sister Su Wan,