Chapter 69
Li Mo arrived at the audition venue with Yu Wenqian and her team. There were quite a few other actresses there, and Li Mo felt a twinge of anxiety, especially when she saw Fan Weiqi.
Fan Weiqi was a highly acclaimed actress, known for her exceptional acting skills and numerous awards. Li Mo was a fan of hers, particularly after watching her performance in a historical drama the previous year.
In that drama, Fan Weiqi had played a female general, a role she had brought to life with incredible charisma and nuance. Her portrayal of the strong and capable general had captivated audiences, and Li Mo believed that even she couldn’t have done a better job.
Seeing Fan Weiqi in person, preparing for the audition, filled Li Mo with apprehension. Fan Weiqi’s talent was undeniable.
“Hello, Sister Weiqi. I’m Li Mo. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Hi, I know you. You’re Li Mo, the Best Actress winner from the Golden Rooster Awards, right?”
“Yes, I am. I’m so happy that you know me, Sister Weiqi.”
“I watched your film. Honestly, I was very impressed. I don’t think even I could have captured that essence. You were brilliant.”
“Sister Weiqi, you’re too kind. You’re making me blush.”
“Hehe, I’m just being honest. Which role are you auditioning for?”
“I’m trying out for the female lead. What about you, Sister Weiqi?”
“I’m auditioning for the second female lead.”
“But Sister Weiqi, with your status, why would you want to play the second lead?”
“For me, it doesn’t matter if it’s the lead or supporting role. What matters is the character. If I don’t like the character, I won’t accept the role, even if it’s the only role in the entire film.”
“But Sister Weiqi, I think you’d be perfect for the female lead. She’s a very strong and determined character, similar to the female general you played before. I’m sure you’d be amazing.”
“Hahaha, I could play her, but I want to try something different this time. I think the second female lead is more challenging. She might seem fragile on the outside, but she’s strong on the inside. You can see it in how she survives after being abused. And her unwavering devotion to the female lead is admirable. I want to explore that kind of character.”
“Hearing you say that, I’m even more excited to see your portrayal of the second female lead.”
“Right?”
“Yes, I can’t wait.”
Fan Weiqi, enjoying their conversation, beckoned Li Mo closer and whispered in her ear,
“I’ll let you in on a secret. I think you have a good chance of getting the lead role. Good luck. I’m rooting for you.”
Li Mo, glancing around to make sure no one was listening, asked,
“Why do you say that?”
“Look around. Besides you and me, who else has the right aura for the female lead? Hehe.”
Li Mo looked around. Although most of the actresses were seasoned veterans, none of them seemed to fit the image of the female lead.
“You’re right.”
“Hehe, I told you. And I’m auditioning for the second lead, so I’m sure you’ll get the lead role.”
“I hope so. I really love this character.”
“You’ll get it. Don’t worry. Get ready to be my wife! Hahaha.”
“Huh?”
“Wait, you don’t know this is a lesbian film?”
“Really? I had no idea! But I’ve read the script countless times, and there’s no romance in it. Is there something wrong with the script?”
“It’s not your fault. You’re reading the original script. The revised script hasn’t been released yet. The story is the same, but they’ve added a romantic subplot between the two female leads.”
“How do you know that?”
“Director Wang told me himself. And they’re planning to submit the film to the Berlin International Film Festival next year.”
“My agent mentioned that they’re planning to submit it to a film festival.”
“Yes, the Berlinale usually favors arthouse films and LGBTQ+ films. Didn’t you know that?”
“I had no idea.”
“So, are you ready to be my wife? Hehe.”
“Hehe, I didn’t know you were such a flirt, Sister Weiqi.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re so smooth!”
“Hahaha, do I usually seem stiff and awkward?”
“On TV, you always seem cold and aloof.”
“Cold and aloof actresses don’t get husbands. That’s just an act for the audience.”
“Hahaha, my image of you is completely shattered! Sister Weiqi, you’re breaking character! Oh my god, this is too funny!”
“Tsk, that’s because you don’t know the real me. Here, let’s add each other on WeChat. I’ll show you the real me.”
“Okay.”
“Hahaha, you’re so funny. I think I’ve found the right wife. I like you.”
Li Mo and Fan Weiqi hit it off, exchanging contact information. A moment later, the door to the audition room opened, and a female assistant emerged. She glanced at her list and beckoned Fan Weiqi inside.
Fan Weiqi disappeared into the room, and Li Mo waited nervously, wondering how she was doing. She hoped Fan Weiqi would get the role. She was eager to work with her.
After a while, the door opened again, but Fan Weiqi didn’t come out. The assistant beckoned Li Mo inside. Li Mo stood up and entered the room. She saw Fan Weiqi sitting on a chair, winking at her and giving her a thumbs-up.
Li Mo smiled at her and then approached the three people sitting in a row in front of her. The middle-aged man was Director Wang, the director of the film. To his right sat Qiang Ge, the assistant director, and to his left sat Yang Yichen, the screenwriter.
Li Mo greeted them and introduced herself. After a brief chat, Director Wang instructed her to begin her audition. He had chosen a seemingly insignificant scene for her to perform.
“Act out the scene where the female lead arrives in Shanghai and opens a food stall. You can start whenever you’re ready.”
“Okay.”
Li Mo was curious why he had chosen this scene. It was a mundane scene, depicting everyday life and work. She had expected him to choose the scene where the female lead was injured by the bomb or captured by the Japanese soldiers.
Despite her curiosity, she didn’t question his choice. She closed her eyes for a moment, visualizing the scene, immersing herself in the character’s emotions. Within seconds, she was in character.
She imagined herself standing behind a wooden food stall. Life was hard, but she was free, and that brought her happiness.
She smiled as she wiped down the counter with a ragged cloth, arranging everything neatly to make it comfortable for her customers.
She looked at the second female lead, who was washing dishes, and smiled at her, her expression filled with love and gratitude. The other woman smiled back, their bond unbreakable. They were working hard together, building a new life, hoping their efforts would bring them a brighter future.
Director Wang watched her performance, his expression serious. He observed her every gesture, every subtle change in her expression. Then he called out, “Cut!”
“That’s enough. Now, explain your interpretation. Tell us why you chose to portray the scene that way.”
“Okay, Director. That scene depicts the female lead and the second female lead arriving in Shanghai and opening a food stall to make a living. I believe the female lead would approach her work with dedication and care because she cherishes her newfound freedom.”
“But she’s living a hard life now, compared to her comfortable life at her husband’s house. Don’t you think she would struggle with this drastic change?”
“Although she didn’t have to worry about money at her husband’s house, she was unhappy, even miserable. And before her marriage, she came from a very poor family, so manual labor wouldn’t be a problem for her. The most important thing is that she’s finally free, something she’s always longed for. So, no matter how hard life is, she would feel it’s worth it.”
“Okay, then why was she smiling while working? Don’t you think she would be tired and exhausted?”
“She is tired and exhausted, but she’s also happy. That’s why she’s smiling.”
“I understand.”
Director Wang, his face still serious, turned to the two people beside him. They leaned closer and whispered to him, then sat back in their chairs. Director Wang looked at Li Mo and asked her to perform another scene, this time the reunion scene between the two female leads.
“Weiqi, can you please join Li Mo and act out the scene with her?”
“Of course.”
“Okay, then you two will perform the final reunion scene. Start whenever you’re ready.”
“Okay.”
Li Mo and Fan Weiqi stood facing each other, a few feet apart. Fan Weiqi, despite her young age, was an experienced actress. Her eyes instantly welled up with tears, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief.
Li Mo stood there, her body trembling. After all these years, she had thought she would never see this woman again. She took a deep breath, trying to hold back her tears.
Fan Weiqi bit her lip, unable to believe her eyes. She laughed through her tears, her gaze fixed on Li Mo. She had searched for her for so long, enduring countless disappointments and despair, and now, here she was, standing right in front of her.
Li Mo couldn’t hold back any longer. She took a step towards Fan Weiqi, and Fan Weiqi took a step towards her. They stopped when they were just inches apart, their hands almost touching.
Fan Weiqi, seeing the scars on Li Mo’s face, reached out and gently caressed her cheek, her heart aching. Li Mo turned away, wanting to hide her disfigured face, but Fan Weiqi pulled her close, embracing her tightly.
“Cut! That’s enough.”
Li Mo and Fan Weiqi, snapping out of character, released each other and turned to face the three people behind the table. The three remained silent for a moment, then Director Wang began to clap, followed by Qiang Ge and Yang Yichen. Qiang Ge grinned at them, giving them a thumbs-up.
Yang Yichen smiled warmly, her eyes filled with maternal pride. Fan Weiqi nudged Li Mo playfully and winked at her. Yang Yichen spoke first.
“They’re like they stepped right out of my story! Exactly as I imagined them! What do you think, Qiang Ge?”
“One word: amazing.”
“Yes, very good. That’s all for today. You can go home and wait for our decision.”
“Thank you, Director Wang, Qiang Ge, and Screenwriter Yang.”
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