After Being Blackened All Over the Internet, I Ruled the Military Variety Shows
Chapter 204: An’an’s Sister Is a Sister Complex

Chapter 204: Chapter 204: An’an’s Sister Is a Sister Complex

"Wh-what kind of part-time job is it?"

Xu Ling’an never expected that Director Wei would start by introducing a job.

Normally quick-witted, she was at a loss for words and instinctively asked what kind of job it was.

"It’s just..."

Jiang Lingxi interrupted Wei Xiao, took the teacup Xu Ling’an had forgotten to set down, and placed it on the table. "An’an, you’re well-versed in history. Do you remember Emperor Yuan Zhao’s youngest sister from the Dayin Dynasty?"

Faced with a topic she had studied and was interested in, Xu Ling’an instantly regained her confidence and nodded without hesitation. "Yes, I remember. Jiang Ling’an, the youngest sister of Emperor Yuan Zhao, was titled Princess Jin’an. She was eleven years younger than the young Emperor Yuan Zhao, born with a weak constitution, and died at twenty. However, she left behind the first collection of writings and poetry by a woman, showcasing her literary talent..."

The quiet room was filled with the girl’s sweet and crisp voice. However, as she spoke, her voice gradually softened, "Am I talking too much?"

Jiang Lingxi smiled and shook her head. "No, you explained it very well."

Her Jin’an was so excellent that as her sister, she felt only pride.

Wei Xiao was genuinely impressed.

In the vast expanse of history, Princess Jin’an was merely a minor character.

Moreover, she died young and might not even have her name in the history books if not for her princess status.

Even he had to work hard to find as many accounts of Princess Jin’an as possible when writing the script, piecing together her short life.

Yet, the girl who had just finished her college entrance exam knew so much about Princess Jin’an.

Wei Xiao hesitated for a moment, unable to resist asking, "The textbook doesn’t cover Princess Jin’an this thoroughly, does it?"

"She shares my name, so I collected some additional materials myself. I also like the fragments of her collected writings and poetry. Unfortunately, the complete original is at the Yinhe Palace Museum, and I can’t see it." Xu Ling’an said with a bit of regret.

Wei Xiao: "..."

Those things are probably sealed in airtight glass cases, well preserved; he couldn’t see them either.

"Jiang Ling’an, Xu Ling’an, the names are exactly the same except for the surname." This coincidence made Wei Xiao even more determined. "Would you like to play Princess Jin’an in my cast?"

Before Xu Ling’an could respond, he continued, "Princess Jin’an grew up within the palace, so the filming will take place only at the Yinhe Palace set in this film city. The role isn’t extensive, so it will take a maximum of two months to finish shooting. It won’t interfere with your college plans. Additionally, since you’re an adult, the crew will sign an official contract with you. As for the pay, I haven’t discussed it with others yet, but it will definitely be more than a part-time job."

Although there was a previous payment for Lin Xuefei, this girl was a complete newcomer with no industry experience, so he couldn’t offer the same pay as Lin Xuefei’s.

"But I don’t know how to act."

This honest answer made Wei Xiao laugh. "Your personality is very similar to Princess Jin’an’s. It doesn’t matter if you can’t act; that’s why I’m here."

Xu Ling’an immediately thought of him holding a megaphone, blasting directions indiscriminately.

Wei Xiao, seeing through her thoughts, said: "...I may be a bit serious, but it’s all for the actors’ benefit."

Xu Ling’an nodded, believing it was similar to how her class teacher was strict with students to help them achieve better grades.

"Besides, you’re going to play the sister of Emperor Yuan Zhao in the drama. You are siblings in real life, so it will seem even more natural." Wei Xiao said, glancing at Jiang Lingxi.

Nervously, Xu Ling’an’s heart was stirred again.

A sister!

She and her sister could not only be sisters in real life but also on-screen.

Plus, she might appear on TV, allowing more people, including her mother, to see her.

Thinking this way made her even more tempted!

Seeing the girl’s expression across from him, Wei Xiao was amused yet exasperated.

Apparently, the promise of a significant pay had less lure than this.

"Grandma, I..."

Gao Lan was also taken aback. She had just brought her granddaughter along to visit the set, and now her granddaughter was invited to act?

The development was so quick that even she had trouble keeping up.

But without a doubt, this was a good opportunity, much more reliable than working in a factory or as a waitress for part-time jobs.

However, meeting her granddaughter’s hesitant gaze, she understood why she hesitated—it was out of concern for her.

"If you want to go, then go. You’ll be living in a dorm in university; are you planning to take me with you? You’ve grown up, and it’s time to be brave and soar forward. Besides, Xiao Xi is there, too. I’m not worried."

With her grandmother’s encouraging eyes, and her sister’s respectful gaze toward any decision she made, Xu Ling’an silently mustered up courage, raising her voice clear and determined, "Thank you, Director Wei, for this opportunity. I will do my best to play Princess Jin’an well and not let you down."

In the small room, Wei Xiao’s satisfied laughter echoed.

Jiang Lingxi was also delighted. Now, the male lead, Qing Yuan, and Little Jin’an would be played by people she recognized, whereas others weren’t as important as these three roles.

However, she was more reserved than Director Wei and planned to laugh when she returned to her hotel room.

*

With consensus achieved, and Xu Ling’an being an adult who could represent herself, the contract signing process went smoothly.

Immediately after the ink dried, Wei Xiao posted a concise update on his WeChat Moments: "The role of Princess Jin’an has been finalized."

So, there was no need for the managers, actors, and investors among his friends to send any more candidates.

Among his acquaintances, curiosity regarding his choice lingered, and they all began sending messages to inquire.

Wei Xiao, holding his endlessly buzzing phone, simply mass-replied, "You’ll find out when the promotional photos are released in a couple of days."

Once it was revealed that she was an unknown outsider, that wouldn’t be contrary to his usual style.

For now, those curious had to suppress their curiosity, knowing the fourth female lead’s promotional photo would soon reveal her identity.

But word spread quickly on set.

Wei Minmin was the first to confront her uncle, staring intently, still in disbelief, "You actually got An’an to film for you!"

"What do you mean by ’got’?"

"She’s about to be a college student. Why would she suddenly want to act?"

There was something she left unsaid, especially after witnessing his fiery outbursts directed at actors firsthand.

Wei Xiao, though reluctant to admit it, told the truth while touching his nose, "I think it’s because her sister is also part of our crew."

Wei Minmin: "..."

So, An’an is truly a sister complex?