“Let’s wait for the notification when we get back,” Qi Shejiang replied calmly, glancing at him. “Oh, okay, okay… let’s go eat then.” Li Jing thought it must not have worked out; otherwise, why would Jesse react this way? Waiting for a notification was likely a polite way to decline. What a pity, what a decent opportunity. However, Li Jing did not express his disappointment, so as not to upset Qi Shejiang. … Tang Shuangqin’s movie attracted a lot of attention; there were many individuals keeping an eye on the situations of various roles. The actors already confirmed were either A-list actors or came from a professional background, with promising futures. Within two days, news broke that Qi Shejiang was seen at the audition location. Everyone knew about the past “grudge” between Xia Yiwei and Tang Shuangqin. The fact that Tang Shuangqin allowed Xia Yiwei’s son to audition was impressive; everyone started to question: Director Tang, do you remember the fear that Xia Yiwei instilled in you? At this time, a senior figure from the crosstalk community, Lin Yang, seemed to find a good opportunity to take a jab: “An actor who lacks a legitimate status in crosstalk stepping into mainstream entertainment is one thing, but having no training in acting and expecting to play a Bianxi master based solely on his crosstalk singing ability is frankly disgraceful to the masters.
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Thankfully, Director Tang places great importance on proper cinematic practice, so I believe he won’t make such a mistake. This audition is just a farce—does being praised by seniors make one feel elevated? That’s not even from a Bianxi performer.
Lin Yang’s sarcastic remarks did not prevent some people from agreeing with his viewpoint. Qi Shejiang’s identity comprised two factors: firstly, he was Xia Yiwei’s son, and secondly, he was a controversial crosstalk performer, specialized in his field without acting training or Bianxi background. This crossover genuinely seemed unfit; it appeared impossible.
If this movie were poorly made, it would be one thing, and no one would take it seriously, but this is Tang Shuangqin’s film. No one expected the audition to be successful, so it’s no wonder Lin Yang could mock recklessly, feeling that if it failed, no one would dare to speak up.
“Ahem, ahem, ahem.” Li Jing kept coughing.
Qi Shejiang, who had been silent, looked up in surprise and said, “Director Tang didn’t do that.” “What do you mean he didn’t? He’s holding a grudge. He still remembers something from so long ago.” Xia Yiwei continued. Just as Qi Shejiang was about to explain, Li Jing’s phone rang. He picked it up, responded, and then looked bewildered, “What? Who are you? ‘Yuan Yang Kou’?” Xia Yiwei leaned over to listen, “What’s going on?” “Can… see you then.” Li Jing put down the phone, his mouth agape, “So… that’s… the production department for ‘Yuan Yang Kou’… wants to talk about the payment and schedule…” Xia Yiwei instinctively picked up her phone and said to Qi Shejiang, “Didn’t your dad just return home? Did you tell him and made him spend money?” Li Jing: “…” Qi Shejiang: “…” Qi Shejiang said, “Director Tang said from the beginning that he was very satisfied with me. He watched my performance and even spoke with me, asking me to wait for the notification about the contract, didn’t I tell you, Uncle Jing?” Li Jing slapped his forehead, “No! How come you’re not excited at all! I thought you were turned down…” What’s wrong? Who stays so calm when picked by Tang Shuangqin? Doesn’t Jesse watch Tang Shuangqin’s movies or news abroad? What’s there to be excited about? Qi Shejiang mumbled, feeling it was quite normal for him to be selected.
His biggest advantage was knowing Xiao Yinyue, and it was when she was young, at the same age as the character in the movie. From this perspective, Luo Xia didn’t compare to him. Ms. Luo Xia is impressive, being the granddaughter of Xiao Yinyue, but has she ever met her grandfather when he was young…? “What are you doing?” Li Jing rubbed his face, feeling a mix of emotions, then turned to see Xia Yiwei saying nothing, just focused on fiddling with her phone. Xia Yiwei: “No, I’m posting on Weibo to tell Teacher Lin Yang the good news!!”
Chapter Twenty-One Xia Yiwei: “Many years ago, I collaborated with Director Tang Shuangqin. Director Tang is very particular about filmmaking, so for him to select my son, a crosstalk performer, to play the role of the young Master Xiao Yinyue, I feel honored and am in awe of the efforts he has put in. This really is difficult beyond measure. Jesse doesn’t have Weibo, and I just received the news, I’m genuinely delighted and wanted to share with everyone here, especially to inform @Lin Yang_Xiangsheng Teacher, you are absolutely right, Director Tang is so particular, and to have selected Jesse for the role is a great recognition of his excellence! I share this joy with you!” Xia Yiwei’s one Weibo post stirred up a tidal wave! Lin Yang’s words hadn’t even been out for twenty-four hours and already were being slapped in his face.
What she said was so targeted, quoting Lin Yang, not revealing any vulgarity, but filled with mockery. Of course, the most important part was the information revealed in her words: Jesse not only auditioned but actually got selected! Netizens: “Holy crap!!” Media: “Holy crap!!” Lin Yang: “… Holy crap!!” Lin Yang was dumbfounded; after posting on Weibo, he strolled off to rest, checking back periodically to see if anyone agreed with him. If someone rebutted, he would shoot back and definitely retweet it. But it wasn’t long before his phone seemed ready to explode, ding ding ding, the sound of WeChat notifications, text messages, and phone calls ringing incessantly. This situation made Lin Yang feel something was off. When he picked up, he found it was a media interview, asking him how he felt about Qi Shejiang playing the young Master Xiao Yinyue in ‘Yuan Yang Kou’. Lin Yang dodged the question and hung up the phone, then went online to see that Xia Yiwei had tagged him and it got retweeted, causing him to receive countless retweet notifications. Not only Xia Yiwei’s Weibo, but in this information age, in just a short time, media outlets and the ‘Yuan Yang Kou’ production team had confirmed the casting, and Qi Shejiang was indeed secured for the role. As those short messages went out, they all unsurprisingly tagged Lin Yang and Xia Yiwei, adding a gossip note about Xia Yiwei venting for her son.
Lin Yang gasped as he read, and his apprentice hurried over to assist him, “Master, what happened?” It was too late, Lin Yang cursed, “It must be a dark maneuver. Xia Yiwei used her identity to get her son a role…” Halfway through speaking, Lin Yang suddenly felt something was off. Why was Xia Yiwei so bold to casually announce her son’s good news on Weibo, cheering for him without fear of speculation? Moreover, with the casting of Xiao Yinyue dragging on, it only made everyone feel that Qi Shejiang’s selection must have been outstanding to some extent. Just as he was feeling troubled, his phone rang again. Usually, when media outlets sought Lin Yang, he was very willing, but now, he had no intention of engaging and hurriedly turned off his phone.
The media is truly everywhere. Lin Yang has a commercial performance and is cornered by reporters who insist he says something, making it impossible for him to escape. “Xiao Yinyue is a master of Bianxi whom I deeply admire, and I also really like Director Tang Shuangqin’s films.”
