Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Chen Chen took the document, glanced at it, and his eyes lit up: "49% of the shares? Wang Jinghua is willing?"

“She’s focused on long-term benefits,” Zhang Yu said. “Chen Chen, the studio’s crisis is temporarily over. Cheng Tian’s 500,000 will arrive tomorrow, and Wang Jinghua will also send 300,000 as start-up capital for the joint venture. We have enough funds for the reshoots.”

"What about the actors?" Chen Chen asked. "Zeng Li didn't come today because she had a fever. If she's really sick, she might not be able to film for several days in a row."

Zhang Yu thought for a moment: "Let's postpone Zeng Li's scenes for now. If she really can't film... then we'll replace her."

"Change the actor?" Chen Chen frowned. "At this point, where are we going to find a suitable actor? Besides, changing the actor will cost more money, and we'll have to reschedule..."

“We have someone in mind.” Zhang Yu looked towards a corner of the set where two girls were standing—Gulnazar and Dilraba. They had come to visit the set today and wanted to see if there were any audition opportunities.

Gulnazar wore traditional Xinjiang attire, a long red dress embroidered with gold thread, a small flower hat, and her long hair braided; she looked as beautiful as a burning flame. Dilraba, on the other hand, wore a white dress, her long hair slightly curled, her features striking and deep, like a delicate porcelain doll.

“They are…” Chen Chen asked.

“Gulnazar, a girl from Xinjiang, can dance. I met her at a dinner party before, and I promised to give her an audition opportunity,” Zhang Yu said. “Dilraba, her senior, is also from Xinjiang and is a freshman at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. She has great potential.”

Chen Chen sized up the two of them for a while and nodded: "They do have good looks. But what about their acting skills? Zeng Li's role may not have many scenes, but it is very important and requires a certain level of acting skills."

"Let them try it out." Zhang Yu beckoned the two of them over.

Gulnazar and Dilraba jogged over, their eyes filled with both anticipation and nervousness.

"Director Zhang, Director Chen," the two greeted each other.

“There’s an opportunity,” Zhang Yu said bluntly. “The original actress is sick and we need to replace her. The role is a singer in Shanghai, with three scenes. Who wants to give it a try?”

The two exchanged a glance, and Gulnazar spoke first: "Director Zhang, I want to try! I've been dancing since elementary school and I can sing too. The role of a singer is perfect for me!"

Dilraba nodded in agreement: "I'd like to give it a try too. Although I don't have much experience, I'll try my best!"

“Then let’s try them all.” Zhang Yu asked the assistant director to bring the script. “You’ll have twenty minutes to prepare. Try out Zeng Li’s most outstanding scene—the singer removing her makeup backstage and reminiscing about the past in a monologue.”

Twenty minutes later, the audition began.

Gulnazar went first. She changed into a light red cheongsam, sat in front of the mirror, and began to remove her makeup. Her performance was very expressive; tears came easily, and her emotions were full, but in some places, she overdid it and lacked depth.

“Stop,” Zhang Yu said. “Gulnazar, you’re playing a singer, not a resentful woman. Her sorrow is restrained, hidden behind her smile. Try to tone it down a bit, and use your eyes and subtle expressions to convey your emotions.”

Gulinaza nodded and tried again. This time it was much better, but still not smooth enough.

Next up was Dilraba. She also changed into a cheongsam, but this time in a light green, which made her look even more innocent. She sat in front of the mirror, not immediately starting her performance, but instead closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. When she opened her eyes again, her entire aura had changed—from a lively young girl to a sophisticated and aloof songstress.

She didn't cry loudly; tears slowly welled up in her eyes and then slid down one by one. The makeup removal was slow and deliberate; with each bit of powder removed, her eyes became more vacant. Finally, looking at her bare face in the mirror, she suddenly smiled—a smile so poignant it was heartbreaking.

"Cut!" Zhang Yu called out, clapping. "Very good. Dilraba, you have great talent."

Dilraba blushed as she stepped out of character: "Thank you, Director Zhang."

Gulnazar was a little disappointed, but still politely said, "Reba acted really well."

Zhang Yu looked at Chen Chen: "What do you think?"

Chen Chen nodded: "Dilraba's performance is more layered and nuanced. Let's go with her."

"Okay," Zhang Yu said to Dilraba, "This role is yours. But you need to memorize the lines for three scenes within three days, is that okay?"

"Yes!" Dilraba nodded vigorously. "Thank you, Director Zhang! Thank you, Director Chen!"

Although Gulnazar was disappointed, she was still happy for her senior. Zhang Yu noticed her mood and said to her, "Gulnazar, you also have a chance. The studio has a period drama project coming up, and there's a role for a dancer from the Western Regions that would suit you perfectly. Come audition then."

Gulinaza's eyes lit up: "Really? Thank you, Director Zhang!"

After dealing with the actor replacement issue, filming resumed. Chen Chen went to get her makeup done and prepare for her scene, while Zhang Yu stayed behind the monitor.

Just then, his phone rang; it was an unknown number.

"Hello, Director Zhang? This is Li Binbin." A gentle but firm female voice came from the other end of the phone.

Li Binbin? Zhang Yu was taken aback for a moment before realizing that was Li Bingbing's real name. She should still be at Huayi, so why would she call him?

"Hello, Ms. Li. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"I heard you've set up your own studio and even collaborated with actress Wang Jinghua," Li Binbin said. "I'd like to ask... does your studio sign actors?"

Zhang Yu's heart skipped a beat: "Miss Li wants to join?"

“I have this idea.” Li Binbin said directly, “I’ve been with Wayi Entertainment for three years, and my career hasn’t been bad, but I always feel like something is missing. After reading about your studio’s philosophy, I really agree with it. I want to work with people who truly understand acting and respect actors.”

This is a pleasant surprise. Although Li Binbin isn't a top-tier actor yet, he already has a certain level of fame and his acting skills are solid. Joining his studio would be a huge boost.

“Ms. Li, you’re welcome to come and have a chat,” Zhang Yu said. “However, I must remind you that the studio is still in its early stages, and its resources are definitely not as good as Huayi’s.”

“Resources can be accumulated slowly, but the core values ​​are ingrained,” Li Binbin said. “Director Zhang, I’m going to Hengdian for an audition next week. Can we meet and talk then?”

"Of course. You're welcome anytime."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yu felt a slight warmth in the mole under his left eye. Li Binbin's star-like mark was taking shape—a resonance with the pursuit of art, a yearning for respect.

The progress is accelerating.

---

Six o'clock in the evening.

Filming continued into the evening, and we finally finished shooting the eighth scene of the day. Everyone was exhausted, but the progress was faster than expected, and everyone was very excited.

After removing her makeup, Chen Chen came out and saw Zhang Yu sitting behind the monitor, organizing materials. The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the window, bathing him in a golden glow. He was looking down, intently at the screen, the lines of his profile particularly clear in the light and shadow.

Chen Chen looked at him for a few seconds, then walked over: "The progress today is good, two games ahead of schedule."

Zhang Yu looked up, saw it was her, and smiled: "It's because you directed it well. Director Chen, you're becoming more and more like a director."