Benshan’s beloved disciple, starting from the 2009 Spring Festival Gala
Chapter 10 - Audition for Zhang Tian Ai

Chapter 10 Audition for Zhang Tian Ai

There were three main female roles in The Journey of a Troubled Man.

The mistress of Li Chenggong (the boss).

The wife of Li Chenggong (the boss).

The female teacher/”female liar”.

In addition, there were two supporting female roles with minor screen time. The primary focus was on casting the first three roles. Qu Yiming (the director) had simple requirements for these characters—the mistress should be youthful and beautiful, the wife should have the qualities of a virtuous and caring mother, and the female teacher should have strong acting skills.

As for drawing in the box office, it was not up to these supporting roles—Qu Yiming alone would be sufficient for that. Many in the industry understood this, so the phone of Ben Shan (the producer) was ringing off the hook.

“Hello, Mr. Han?”

“Mr. Wang, the casting is public; I’m not in a position to directly designate actors…”

“…”

After some personal connections and mutual benefit exchanges, although the three main female roles were not specifically assigned, the two minor supporting roles were switched out.

When Qu Yiming received the news about the two supporting roles being assigned, he was having dinner with Song Xiaobao, who was treating him. Despite Song Xiaobao seeming a bit unremarkable, he was actually quite clever.

Qu Yiming didn’t allow Song Xiaobao to express thanks, Xiaobao was too cautious to ignore the gesture.

“Yiming, I hope you can continue to look out for me,” Song Xiaobao said, raising his glass and grinning.

Qu Yiming set down his phone and clinked glasses with him.

“Let’s keep this brief for today, we’ll have more time for drinks later. I’ll head home to revise the script.”

The two were having a light drink during dinner, and there was no need to drink heavily.

“Alright, Yiming. I’ll treat you again when we have time.”

“Sure.”

A few days later, the first round of auditions had concluded. Ben Shan Media, the production company in the rehearsal room, Qu Yiming, along with two assistant directors and the producer, were reviewing resumes.

It seemed like Ben Shan had given some covert instructions, or perhaps due to other reasons, many actresses from Northeast China were selected early in the audition process. For example, Zhang Tian Ai, auditioning for the mistress role, was from Harbin, Heilongjiang.

The wife role had Xin Zhilei from Hecheng, Heilongjiang. The female teacher (“female liar”) role had Xiao Song Jia from Harbin as well. There were other Northeast actresses, but Qu Yiming didn’t recognize most of them.

“Qu Director, are we ready to start the audition?” A staff member entered and asked.

Qu Yiming exchanged a glance with the assistant directors and producer before nodding, “Let’s begin.”

“Zhang Tian Ai! Who is Zhang Tian Ai?”

The staff member looked towards the actresses waiting outside.

“I’m here!”

Zhang Tian Ai quickly raised her hand.

“Come in for the audition.”

“Okay.”

Zhang Tian Ai walked into the room. She looked completely different from her character on stage. She quickly sized up Qu Yiming, who was already more famous in Northeast China than Ben Shan himself.

At that moment, Qu Yiming had removed the intentionally ugly appearance from his Spring Festival Gala stage outfit, revealing his handsome features. Ben Shan had cast him as the boss and made Song Xiaobao the clown because of Qu Yiming’s image. Such a good-looking young man should not be wasted playing an ugly character.

Zhang Tian Ai had the same thought. Qu Yiming also examined her. At that time, Zhang Tian Ai had gained fame from her role in The Prince’s Transformation but later faded due to lack of good roles.

Now, Zhang Tian Ai, dressed in a white sweater and jeans with her fair face and exquisite features, looked perfectly suited to play the youthful mistress. She could easily embody the role of a pretty face.

Feeling Qu Yiming’s gaze on her, Zhang Tian Ai quickly introduced herself, “Hello, teachers. I’m Zhang Tian Ai from Harbin, Heilongjiang. I haven’t had any prior acting experience, but I’ve applied to the Beijing Film Academy’s training program. I’m very interested in acting and am willing to learn and follow the director’s guidance.”

“What do you think of the mistress role?” Qu Yiming asked.

Zhang Tian Ai had prepared for the audition after receiving the role assignment and responded confidently, “She is brave, daring to pursue her love, and when she realizes it is unattainable, she bravely steps away. Unlike the typical mistresses who fight with the wife, she’s pure-hearted.”

“…”

Qu Yiming then instructed her to perform the role of the mistress. After some guidance and emotional support, Zhang Tian Ai got into the role.

Qu Yiming asked her to play a flirtatious scene.

“Okay, darling,” Zhang Tian Ai said, “I missed you so much~”

She held Qu Yiming’s arm and gazed at him with affection and admiration, performing the role as required.

It was good. Qu Yiming gently pulled his arm away.

“You can wait outside now.”

“Okay… thank you, Director Qu,” Zhang Tian Ai said as she hurriedly left the room.

“Yiming, did you take a liking to this girl?” The producer teased.

Qu Yiming waved his hand dismissively.

“I just think she’s suitable for this role.”

“Then let’s settle on her,” one of the assistant directors suggested.

The producer nodded.

“I agree.”

“Agreed,” the other assistant director chimed in.

Qu Yiming replied, “Alright, let’s go ahead and confirm her for the role. Let the other actresses auditioning for the mistress role know that they are no longer needed. Now, let’s proceed with the audition for the wife role…”