Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 272 All the talent points are put into appearance!

Liu Qianqian was born into a well-off family. Her grandparents were the top two leaders of the local hospital, and her father was a university professor and diplomat. It can be said that she was born into a family that was already better off than 95% of people in China.

Even after her parents divorced, her mother, Liu Xiaoli, remarried a Chinese-American lawyer who was doing very well in New York. She helped Liu Qianqian obtain a green card, ensuring that she continued to live a life of luxury even in a foreign country.

She also had a very successful business tycoon who could arrange everything perfectly for her to pursue her dream of becoming a star in the entertainment industry after returning to China. At the age of 14 and a half, she received an admission notice from the Beijing Film Academy. Upon returning to China, she directly joined the cast of "The Story of a Noble Family" and landed the role of the second female lead. She also beat out many actresses to win the role of Wang Yuyan in the then-popular "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils".

Even though Liu Qianqian is indeed exceptionally talented, who would believe that a newcomer could receive such treatment solely because of her natural beauty? This series of arrangements clearly shows that she has powerful connections protecting her.

But this time it's different. Whether it's his biological father, stepfather, or godfather, none of them have a say in Wu Yuchen's film crew.

Liu Qianqian remembered what her mother, Liu Xiaoli, had said to her before:
"Sissi, since you've chosen the path of acting, this film, 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas,' is a rare opportunity for you. You know, this is Wu Yuchen's film. If you can gain his favor, not only will the doors of China open for you, but also Hollywood!"

Even though Liu Qianqian was a newcomer to the entertainment industry and had never experienced the fierce competition among actresses, she knew this was important just because of Wu Yuchen's work.

Actually, it wasn't her audition time yet, but she and Shuchang came just to get a feel for the place and avoid stage fright. Seeing all those big-name stars from across the country crowding together for auditions, it was definitely worth the trip!

……

In the room, Wu Yuchen stretched. The middle-aged actors auditioning for the father roles were basically a small group of the top actors in the country, and he observed each one's performance very carefully. Being an interviewer was not an easy job.

Many actors have excellent acting skills, but Wu Yuchen still pointed out some minor flaws in them, or rather, flaws in their portrayal of the father.

Director Chen is the kind of actor who plays every role like himself, which makes you feel pretty good when you watch him, but when you think about it carefully, Wu Yuchen feels that he is somewhat different from the character.

Wang Zhiwen's acting was quite good, but his physique is a problem. When he was young, he was 180cm tall and weighed only 108 pounds, as thin as a stick. Now he's better, weighing 120 pounds. But he still looks too thin, and in this role, Wu Yuchen felt he couldn't quite pull off the look of a military officer.

In this respect, Pu Cunxi is better than Wang Zhiwen; he acts better and is also more muscular. However, Pu Cunxi has a more refined appearance, although he previously played Sun Ce in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and also played a policeman...

"Director Wu, I see you're still a little hesitant?"

Hearing Gong Li's words, Wu Yuchen didn't hide anything: "There are two people, I'm not quite sure yet, Zhang Guangbei and Teacher Chen Baoguo."

Chen Baoguo, needless to say, is now quite famous thanks to "The Grand Mansion Gate." Most people remember him primarily for television dramas, with very few films. But actually, ten years ago, he starred in many excellent movies. His role as Glass Flower in "The God Whip" is considered a classic in Chinese film history, and "Woman Sesame Oil Maker" even won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Those who say he can't act in movies probably weren't even born when he was making those films!
When it comes to acting skills, Chen Baoguo is undoubtedly excellent. Although his eyebrows naturally exude a faint sense of authority, it is just right for the role of a military officer, a father.

The other Zhang Guangbei may not be very famous, but if you mention Lü Bu in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" or Chu Yunfei in "Bright Sword," everyone will know who he is. His appearance is undoubtedly excellent. As for acting skills, he's a film actor by training, having acted in numerous movies before "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," and has been nominated for Best Actor at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards more than once.

It must be said that many actors in their middle age are actually quite good at acting. It's just that they lived during the early stages of Chinese-language cinema, and opportunities were scarce, simply not enough for so many good actors to showcase their talents. By the time the film and television industry truly exploded a decade or so later, these people were all too old and could only play supporting roles.

Gong Li had also seen the two actors' audition performances and even acted alongside them, but she didn't dare to offer any further opinions now. She had already expressed her thoughts during the auditions. Now it was clearly the crucial moment for Wu Yuchen to make his final selection, and if her words influenced his decision, the other actor would be furious with her.

"Director Wu, you'll have to think about it carefully."

Wu Yuchen smiled. He still had two or three days to consider, as he needed to continue selecting actors for other roles.

At this point, Gong Li also started talking to Wu Yuchen about the script: "Director Wu, when you were writing the script, didn't you think about making the protagonist and his father Japanese? I feel that would make the dramatic tension of the film more intense?"

Wu Yuchen smiled upon hearing this: "I've thought about it, of course I've! But this would create some problems. First of all, it would make many details and logic in the movie rather far-fetched, mainly because it would be impossible for a little Japanese boy and a little Chinese boy in a concentration camp to communicate without any problems..."

In the original film, both boys are German, speak the same language, and have similar cultural backgrounds. If one were to be Japanese and the other Chinese, while a group of white people in America might not find it strange since they look the same, many ordinary people in China would feel awkward watching it.

Given the circumstances at the time, could a Japanese child with a different culture and language really become friends with a Chinese child from a concentration camp?
Therefore, Wu Yuchen ultimately decided to set both characters as Chinese and their father as a puppet soldier, which would make the logic more coherent.

On the other hand, if the entire family were actually set up as Japanese, the roles of the other characters would be greatly reduced, and the impact of the scenes about Japanese brainwashing in the movie would be greatly weakened.

Speaking of which, we must mention the other two characters we will be picking out in the next two days.

One is the older sister of a little boy, who is required to be an actress aged 12-14. The other is a girl whose thinking begins to change drastically after puberty. She abandons her dolls, believes in racial theory under the brainwashing education of Japan, and becomes infatuated with a militaristic Japanese officer.

The older sister's character can be considered the second female lead in the film. While the mother, the female lead, portrays the devastation and helplessness after learning the truth, the older sister's character forms a stark contrast with the little boy, showcasing the terrifying nature of brainwashing to the audience.

Wu Yuchen was holding the documents, looking at Liu Qianqian who was introducing herself.

"My name is Liu Qianqian... I did a lot of preparation for this audition, including reading relevant materials and books, including one called 'The Go Girl,' which I really like. I think..."

Hearing this, Wu Yuchen was taken aback. This little girl had been watching "Go Girl" so early? Was it a butterfly effect caused by him?
Actually, this book itself isn't very literary. It lacks historical depth, dramatic conflict, and compelling plot. If the setting were modern, it would definitely be a low-quality romance novel, even worse than Qiong Yao's novels.

However, after Liu Qianqian recommended this book, it went viral and generated considerable controversy. Some said it was anti-war, while others said it glorified aggressors. Wu Yuchen will not comment on the specific content and biases, as it is ultimately up to each reader to read and judge for themselves.

However, one thing is certain: the author employs a dual-perspective narrative, alternating between a Chinese girl and a militaristic Japanese officer, but the execution of each perspective differs significantly. The Japanese officer's perspective is noticeably richer in emotion and story, while the Chinese girl's perspective feels considerably more superficial, with character development sometimes falling short. It's therefore obvious which perspective fosters greater reader engagement and empathy.

So Liu Qianqian said she was fascinated by this book, even her favorite novel… A high EQ explanation: even goddesses read cheesy romance novels—that's down-to-earth; a low EQ explanation: Liu Qianqian's reading taste isn't exactly sophisticated! Wu Yuchen shook his head slightly, dismissing these random thoughts, and then looked at Liu Qianqian in front of him—170cm tall, beautiful, and with an excellent temperament. He immediately deducted points from her appearance in his mind.

That's right, it's a point deduction. First of all, her height is a bit too tall. He wanted a teenage girl, and at 170cm, she's taller than many adult women.

Secondly, she's just too beautiful. This isn't a movie called "Go Girl," it's not a romance film, so why would they cast such a beautiful girl to play the older sister?
However, we can't just dismiss it like that. The girl actually read "Go Girl" and even tried to connect with the story emotionally, so it seems she really put in the effort. We should also see how her performance is; maybe it'll be quite good.

"The little girl's admiring gaze..."

"There needs to be a change, from shock to admiration for someone..."

"Your eyes should shine!"

Watching Liu Qianqian's performance, Wu Yuchen wondered why he was having such unfounded fantasies. He simply said, "Qianqian, right?"

Liu Qianqian immediately said respectfully, "Director Wu, please speak."

"I see you've been accepted into the Beijing Film Academy, so you're practically my junior. With your talent, becoming an idol or a star is no problem, and you can even play specific roles. But if you want to step out of your comfort zone, I suggest you spend the next few years building a solid foundation and experiencing more of life!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Qianqian was completely baffled by the other person's meaning and felt a surge of disappointment. However, she maintained her good manners and politely said to Wu Yuchen, "Thank you for your guidance, Director Wu. I will definitely study hard from now on!"

After Liu Qianqian walked out the door, Gong Li shook her head and commented, "She's put all her talent into her appearance!"

Wu Yuchen laughed and said, "I think her life used to be too comfortable, and she can't connect with reality."

After Liu Qianqian stepped out of the room, Liu Xiaoli, who was waiting outside, immediately came up to her and asked with concern, "Qianqian, how are you?"

Liu Qianqian lowered her head and shook her head: "Mom, I feel like Director Wu might not be satisfied with me."

"Ah? What's wrong?"

Liu Qianqian recounted her experience inside in detail, and Shu Chang, who was listening nearby, comforted her, "Qianqian, it might not be what you think. Maybe Director Wu was just encouraging you. Otherwise, why would he give you advice?"

Liu Xiaoli sighed inwardly, but encouraged her daughter, "Changchang has a point. Qianqian, don't be too disappointed. At least Director Wu has a good impression of you."

Just then, the staff called out Shuchang's number and name. Liu Qianqian said to her good friend, "Changchang, good luck!"

Liu Xiaoli patted Shuchang on the shoulder and said, "Changchang, do your best, Auntie has high hopes for you!"

Shu Chang gave the two of them a bright smile, then turned and went into the room.

Shu Chang and Liu Qianqian have similar upbringing, but Shu Chang's experience was much more tragic. Her father abandoned her shortly after she was born, and she was raised by a single mother. When she was 10 years old, her mother passed away, and she could only live with her aunt.

This made Liu Xiaoli feel sorry for the little girl. When she brought food for her daughter on set, she would always include Shuchang in her meals, which made Shuchang very close to the mother and daughter.

After a while, when Shuchang came out of the room, Liu Qianqian immediately went up to her and asked, "Changchang, how are you?"

Shu Chang still had a bright smile on her face: "I don't know either, but I feel that Director Wu is quite kind."

Liu Xiaoli also asked, "Changchang, what did Director Wu say to you?"

"It seems to be similar to what I said to Xixi, suggesting I study at the Beijing Film Academy! Saying I shouldn't waste my talent~"

Upon hearing this, how could Liu Xiaoli not see the difference between these words and what she had said to her daughter? Shu Chang might have been chosen!

……

Inside the room, Wu Yuchen and Gong Li were exchanging ideas: "This Shu Chang is good, he acts well, and at 14 years old and less than 160cm tall, his height is just right. The three of you, mother and son, standing together are perfect."

Gong Li said with a smile, "Director Wu, such promising talents should be sent to our Central Academy of Drama for training! Liu Qianqian over there looks like she's suited to be a star, and Shu Chang is suited to be an actor!"

"Haha, Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama are both fine. I'm just afraid she won't want to go to either of them and will end up going to an ordinary university, which would be a waste of her talent and she'll regret it in the future."

If Wu Yuchen remembered correctly, in his previous life, Shu Chang was admitted to the Central Academy of Drama in her second year of high school, but she rejected him. The following year, she was admitted to Beijing Second Foreign Language University, but ended up developing her career in the film and television industry.

I wonder if he'll listen to his advice this time. But it's his future to decide; what's important to him is that the actor for this role has been cast!

(End of this chapter)