Huayu, my cheat code is a bit strange.

Chapter 62 First Encounter with the Bearded Man (Please read on, please recommend, please do everything!)

Qiao Zhenyu was naturally unaware of Gu Xiao's rich inner monologue.

He turned around and followed the staff into the audition room with steady steps.

The door closed gently behind me, shutting out all the noise from the outside world.

Qiao Zhenyu quickly glanced around the room—five decision-makers behind a long table, several cameras, and expressionless stylists and casting assistants.

The room wasn't large, but there were nearly twenty staff members, creating an unusually oppressive atmosphere.

He dared not delay, and walked to the center of the room, bowing respectfully towards the long table:

"Hello, teachers. I am Qiao Zhenyu."

Zhou Xiaowen flipped through his file and spoke first, her tone unreadable: "Graduated from Beijing Dance Academy?"

“Yes, Director Zhou.” Qiao Zhenyu nodded.

"Try the movements."

Action director Zhao Jian succinctly stated, "It doesn't need to be too complicated; just demonstrate the body's coordination and flexibility."

"Okay, Director Zhao."

Qiao Zhenyu closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, his entire demeanor had changed.

Instead of using powerful boxing techniques, he performed a classical dance.

His dance is full of rhythm and beauty, characterized by its leaps, spins, and graceful movements.

After completing the set of movements, he was breathing steadily and looked at the judges' panel with clear eyes.

The directors exchanged glances, this time with a hint of approval compared to before.

Zhou Xiaowen's tone softened a bit: "He has a good appearance and figure, and has the makings of a noble young master."

He looked at the casting assistant beside him and said, "Try the scene where Duan Yu first meets Wang Yuyan at Mantuo Manor. You have three minutes to prepare."

After he finished speaking, a female assistant stepped forward and handed him the script.

Qiao Zhenyu felt a slight chill run down his spine, took the script with both hands, and read it carefully.

Three minutes passed in a flash.

Qiao Zhenyu handed the script back, took a deep breath, and the composure that belonged to a dancer slowly faded away, replaced by a pure youthful passion.

He turned slightly to the side, his gaze falling on the casting assistant. His eyes initially held a hint of appreciation, but quickly turned into an incredulous daze.

"Click."

Zhou Xiaowen's voice broke the silence.

Qiao Zhenyu snapped out of character, his eyes regained their clarity, and he stood respectfully at attention once more.

Zhou Xiaowen and Zhang Jizhong exchanged a few words in hushed tones. The latter remained expressionless, but his gaze lingered on Qiao Zhenyu for a moment longer.

Seeing this, Zhou Xiaowen had no choice but to continue asking, "Tell me your understanding of Duan Yu."

Qiao Zhenyu organized his thoughts: "Duan Yu is a pure-hearted person who reveres Buddhism, detests fighting, and appreciates beautiful things."

Yu Min nodded secretly, her gaze turning to Zhang Jizhong.

Zhang Jizhong pondered for a moment, then said in a low voice, "It's indeed good, but it lacks a bit of freedom."

Qiao Zhenyu stood there, stunned and somewhat at a loss.

"Alright, go back and wait for our notification," Zhou Xiaowen finally said.

Qiao Zhenyu felt a little disappointed upon hearing this, but he maintained his composure and bowed, saying:

"Thank you teachers."

He turned and walked out of the audition room, letting out a soft breath as the door closed.

When Gu Xiao saw him come out, she gave him a questioning look.

Qiao Zhenyu walked to his side, shook his head with a wry smile, and whispered:

"The pressure is too much, and I feel there's little hope."

He had barely finished speaking when the staff member's voice rang out again:
"Next, Gu Xiao, get ready."

"Looks like it's my turn." Gu Xiao slowly stood up.

Qiao Zhenyu patted him on the shoulder and said in a complicated tone, "I have something to do, so I won't wait for you. Good luck."

Gu Xiao nodded slightly, watching Qiao Zhenyu's figure disappear around the corner. "Next, Gu Xiao!" the staff member urged again.

He straightened his clothes and slowly walked towards the meeting room door.

Just as his fingers were about to touch the doorknob, Xiao Jiu poked his head out, his bright black eyes full of seriousness: "You have to win!"

Gu Xiao smiled slightly and pushed open the door to enter:

"It will win."

……

……

The door closed slightly behind them.

Gu Xiao glanced around, her gaze sweeping over the cameras and staff before finally settling on Zhou Xiaowen behind the long table.

He exclaimed in surprise, "Director Zhou, you look so haggard after just a few months!"

Yu Min frowned slightly, about to speak up and remind everyone of the procedures, but Zhou Xiaowen raised her hand to stop her, saying with great interest:
"You've changed quite a bit too. Is everything going smoothly with 'The Story of Jin Li'?"

"Everything is fine," Gu Xiao replied.

A playful glint flashed in Zhou Xiaowen's eyes as he teased, "Little Li's temper isn't exactly good, did he not get scolded?"

Gu Xiao nodded honestly and said:
"Yes, but he criticizes others more often, and his criticisms are quite interesting."

Zhou Xiaowen was taken aback at first, then burst into hearty laughter, even Zhao Jian couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.

The oppressive atmosphere was somewhat relieved by this.

The elderly Song Hongrong, who hadn't said much until now, glanced at Gu Xiao, then looked at Zhou Xiaowen with a strange expression and said:

"This is the Duan Yu you chose?"

Zhou Xiaowen wiped her eyes and said smugly, "How about it? Not bad, right?"

Song Hongrong nodded slightly, his gaze carefully examining Gu Xiao. "She is quite special."

Seeing Gu Xiao's curious gaze, Zhou Xiaowen pointed to the old man and introduced him:
"This is a professor in the school's art department, who was also the vice dean and the chief designer of several ancient cities for the film crew."

Gu Xiao suddenly realized what was happening and politely said, "Hello, Professor Song."

He's no longer a newbie on set; he understands the importance of an art designer.

In period dramas that emphasize costumes, makeup, and props, the art designer is half the core of the production team, holding a position that can rival that of the director and producer.

Song Hongrong waved his hand, his tone gentle:
"No need for formalities, let's begin the audition."

Zhao Jian finally spoke, his voice booming, "The information says you know sword dance, show me a move."

Gu Xiao nodded slightly, took the prop sword handed to her by the staff, and walked to the open space in the center of the room.

He weighed the longsword in his hand, and after getting used to it, he lightly flicked his wrist.

The hum of the sword cutting through the air echoed in the room.

His upright posture made the judges take him seriously. Even Zhang Jizhong, who had been expressionless, unconsciously adjusted his posture and his eyes became more focused.

Just as Gu Xiao was about to take action, she suddenly remembered something, and her expression became somewhat awkward:

"Wait a mininute."

Amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, he crouched down, took a chubby squirrel out of his pocket, and placed it on the carpet.

Xiao Jiu was a little stunned, his bright black eyes filled with confusion:
"Aren't we not allowed to come out?"

Gu Xiao gave it a helpless look, thinking to herself that she was wearing a sun-protective suit today, and if it started dancing around, she wouldn't be able to keep out this fat rat.

Zhang Jizhong stared blankly at the fluffy little thing on the ground, his bearded face filled with bewilderment.
Why did you bring the squirrel with you?

Gu Xiao stood up and explained, "It's an Eurasian red squirrel, which generally lives in subarctic regions and can't withstand the high temperatures in the capital."

Zhang Jizhong asked curiously, "So?"

Zhou Xiaowen seemed to realize something, and the corners of her mouth began to twitch slightly, while the other judges looked completely bewildered.

Gu Xiaogeng said frankly, "That's why I brought it here to enjoy the air conditioning."

Zhang Jizhong: "."

(End of this chapter)