Chapter 57: Auditioning Bai Xiaonian! An Unconventional and Daring Approach (Please Continue Reading)

(Page 1/3)

“Hiss~” Lu Zheng pinched his own thigh, the pain confirming he wasn’t dreaming.
“Sweetheart, let me confirm something,” Lu Zheng rubbed his brow. “You want me to invest in *The Sound of the Wind* and, through my investor connections, secure a role for one of your junior schoolmates?”
“The main point is the investment,” Jing Tian said confidently. “I heard from a very capable person that *The Sound of the Wind* will perform well. Uncle, your investment is sure to bring a good return to the company.”
“As for arranging a role for my junior schoolmate, that’s just a side matter—just a little favor!”
The “very capable person” Jing Tian referred to was actually Zhang Li.
Her thinking was simple: Zhang Li was someone with supernatural abilities, so any project he valued was bound to be excellent and worth betting on.
Of course, she also remembered that after Lu Zheng finished his calls with the Huayi big boss, the company team conducted a professional evaluation report on *The Sound of the Wind* and believed the investment would yield a modest profit.
For these reasons, she wanted Lu Zheng to invest in *The Sound of the Wind* and, incidentally, arrange a role for Zhang Li.
Originally, she only had Zhang Yadong evaluate *Preference*, which earned her a “+1” in musical literacy and pitch talent.
So, what could she gain by securing an important supporting role for Zhang Li in a major film?
She was very eager to find out!
“Alright, just a side matter,” Lu Zheng said after a brief pause. “Huayi hopes we invest twenty million yuan. If we agree, our original plan to invest in *The Grand Legend of Sunzi* will have to be canceled, so you probably won’t be able to play the female lead.”
Hearing this, Jing Tian remained calm inside. “If I can’t play the lead, then I won’t. It’s just as well—I want to focus on studying seriously for the next two years. Acting outside will only be a distraction.”
Becoming famous through acting wasn’t as important as gaining all those “+1”s from Zhang Li.
Lu Zheng: “...”
He couldn’t help but roll his eyes.
She was willing to give up the chance to play the lead just to get him to invest in *The Sound of the Wind* and secure a role for that so-called junior schoolmate.
And that was called “just a side matter”?
“Sweetheart, dating is fine—it can broaden your experience—but be careful,” Lu Zheng said earnestly. “You’re quite innocent. Don’t be fooled by some pretty boy’s sweet talk.”
A faint blush rose on Jing Tian’s delicate face. “Uncle Lu, I’m not dating. You can even tell my grandparents about this—I can explain it clearly.”
“Don’t misunderstand, I’m just giving you a friendly warning,” Lu Zheng said, doubting his own judgment.
He knew how terrified his great-niece was of facing her grandparents; her tough demeanor now meant she truly had nothing to hide.
“I understand. Mom told me not to find a boyfriend within the industry, and if I ever did, I should tell you first so you can investigate. I remember all that,” Jing Tian replied.
This reminded Lu Zheng of something, and he asked, “The junior schoolmate you mentioned—is that Zhang Li, the one I investigated last time?”
“Yes, that’s him,” Jing Tian confirmed. “He’ll be auditioning for *The Sound of the Wind* soon. Uncle, please arrange it quickly.”
Lu Zheng rubbed his forehead again.

(Page 2/3)

Jing Tian had already asked him to investigate Zhang Li’s background—did that mean it wasn’t interesting?
Could it be one-sided pursuit?
“If that’s the case, Old Jing’s expression when he hears this will be priceless,” Lu Zheng suddenly said with some anticipation. “Alright, I’ll get on this right away.”
Satisfied with the answer, Jing Tian hung up.
After washing her hands, she walked out of the restroom and returned to the dining table, chatting casually with everyone as if nothing had happened.
After lunch, on the way back to the dormitory, Jing Tian stood beside Zhang Li. “Junior, do you want to join the student council?”
“It’ll help you expand your network among teachers and classmates and assist with credit requirements.”
If he joined the student council, she’d have a reason to talk to him often.
Zhang Li thought for a moment and shook his head. “No thanks. I often take leave to shoot films. It’s not suitable for me.”
Not getting the answer she wanted, Jing Tian pursed her lips. “Then, if I have problems with acting, can I ask you for advice?”
“Senior,” Zhang Li smiled, “you want to ask me?”
The word “senior” made Jing Tian’s ears turn pink; she clearly found her own excuse flimsy.
“Yes,” Jing Tian said boldly. “I originally studied dance, but due to health reasons, I left the Beijing Dance Academy and retook the entrance exam for the Beijing Film Academy, where my grades were average.”
“I heard you were admitted to the Beijing Film Academy with the highest score in the country. Many teachers praise your talent and spirit. The master becomes the teacher,” Zhang Li said.
Having heard this, Zhang Li couldn’t refuse. “If you need anything, senior, feel free to contact me. I’ll do my best.”
His answer made Jing Tian beam. “Don’t worry, I’ll pay tuition—I won’t let you help for free.”
This little bundle of experience wouldn’t escape her grasp.
They chatted a while longer before parting ways in front of the dormitory.
Just as they entered the dorm building, Dou Xiao and the others began teasing Zhang Li.
“I was going to say I’d treat you all to authentic roast duck tonight, but now I guess not,” Zhang Li shook his head.
Dou Xiao and the others exchanged glances before calling out in unison, “Foster father!”
Zhang Li looked at them with disdain and shook his head.
Time passed quickly—three days later.
In a studio at the northwest edge of the capital, Zhang Li arrived by car.
Thanks to his cooperation with Huayi and the fact that the role he was auditioning for—an important supporting character named Bai Xiaonian—was already scheduled, he went straight to the audition room upon arrival.
The panel consisted of director Gao Qunshu, Chen Guofu, the original book author and screenwriter Mai Jia, and two executives from the investors Huayi and Starlight Entertainment—a total of five people.

(Page 3/3)

“Hello, teachers. My name is Zhang Li. I’m here to audition for the role of Bai Xiaonian.”
Zhang Li had done his makeup in advance, with a middle part hairstyle. His skin was no longer so pale, making him look nearly thirty. His eyes were cloudy, giving an impression of a weary mindset.
Upon entering, he shifted his speaking style, adopting a certain unique accent and tone.
The five panelists’ eyes flickered as they looked down at Zhang Li’s profile.
“Have you studied Kunqu opera?” Gao Qunshu looked up at Zhang Li, his gaze inquisitive.
“No,” Zhang Li replied with the same distinctive tone. “I plan to start learning after this audition. I’ve even hired a friend from Kunshan who studied Kunqu since childhood to teach me.”
Various thoughts flashed through their minds. A faint smile appeared on Mai Jia’s solemn face. “You’re from my hometown.”
“Yes, Teacher Mai Jia. I’m from Hangzhou,” Zhang Li responded.
Mai Jia nodded but said no more.
The Starlight Entertainment executive next to him turned on a camera.
“It’s good that you’ve begun learning Kunqu early,” Chen Guofu said. “But whether you get the role depends on your acting skills. Please choose a piece to perform.”
“Alright, teachers,” Zhang Li said, scanning the room. He dragged a chair to the center, sat down, and began his performance.
His eyes changed, wearing a half-smile as he said, “Just ask Jin Shenghuo directly; you’re sure to get some details.”
Among the five, only the two investor representatives were less familiar with the script, while the other three knew it by heart.
As soon as Zhang Li spoke, they recognized the scene immediately.
It was the part where Bai Xiaonian frames someone.
It was somewhat challenging but not too difficult.
At that moment, Zhang Li’s tone shifted: “Do you think I’m joking? I have dirt on everyone.”
His eyes turned cold. “Including you.”
Confusion flickered in the eyes of Mai Jia and the other two.
Then Zhang Li’s expression changed again. Without any props, he picked up an imaginary teacup, brought it to his lips, and said, “I’m eating. Why the noise?”
After speaking, he made a gesture as if splashing tea.
Mai Jia and the others stared in bewilderment.