The Martial Artist Turned Movie Mogul
Chapter 540: Audition begins

Chapter 540: Audition begins

The audition script was nothing but a few excerpts from the original, and after skimming through it once, she understood what scene was taking place.

While studying the script, Li Li, who had been discussing the plot with scriptwriter Li Zenan, waved her over.

"Tang Shu, come here," he said.

Upon hearing this, Tang Shu approached him and her gaze unintentionally fell on the script in their hands. She noticed many revisions had been made, and that there were even numerous annotations in the margins.

"Director Li, Scriptwriter Li."

"You’ve come at just the right time. Sit next to me later. Today we’re auditioning for the role of Lu Xiangtong, and the main thing is to observe the actors’ etiquette in their movements—if you think they’re acceptable, give them a vote."

"Alright."

Having said this, Tang Shu understood why she had been called over that day.

The character of Lu Xiangtong came from a noble family; her father, a high-ranking official who had served three sovereigns, was also the Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor. She had been deeply taught in poetry and etiquette from a young age, every gesture she made exuded rhythm, the epitome of an elegant lady from a distinguished family.

However... she had the misfortune of marrying the wrong man.

In the drama, she was assigned to the Crown Prince by the Emperor. Unfortunately, the Crown Prince’s heart belonged to another, and so she, spending years in the harem, devoted all her energy to handling affairs, treating her husband with icy respect, until the Crown Prince fell from power and Lu Xiangtong followed him in death.

If you looked at this character through the eyes of modern people, she wasn’t exactly likable.

And the reason Director Li had her participate in the auditions was precisely because Lu Xiangtong, after more than a decade steeped in strict etiquette, naturally exuded the aura of a lady from a reputable family. Some attributes are not something that can be portrayed by a few words from an etiquette coach.

Director Li nodded and looked toward Lu Gang, who immediately understood, adding a "Tang Shu" nameplate next to the one marked "Li Li"—obviously well-prepared in advance.

"By the way, I’ve seen your Huan Ying. You were quite good. You can also casually observe the auditioning actors’ performances later," he added.

Tang Shu was taken aback and then concurred.

"Thank you, Director Li."

"Thank me for what? I wouldn’t let you play just any part. You should know that an etiquette and props advisor is much harder to find than an actor," he retorted.

Tang Shu: "..."

Listening on the side, Li Zenan burst into laughter, "What are you saying? Your, Li Li’s, eye for selecting actors is the most discerning in the industry. Just for a supporting female role, you called in more than twenty actors, but for etiquette and props, you only auditioned four or five."

"How can that be the same? If those auditioners were on the same level as Tang Shu, I would be just as indecisive as I am now."

It was nothing more than finding someone who met his standards.

Li Li glanced at his watch and clapped his hands to gather everyone together.

The auditions began.

***

The role of Lu Xiangtong didn’t have many scenes, often serving as a backdrop in the story, yet there was no shortage of auditioners.

Actresses from various entertainment companies sat in the waiting room, some reviewing the script earnestly, while others scrolled through their phones for news.

Soon, someone discovered a short video on the internet about Mu Ziwei and Tang Shu’s encounter at the entrance, and the two people sitting next to each other whispered among themselves, occasionally glancing over at Mu Ziwei at the far end.

"Speaking of which, with Sister Ziwei here to audition, there’s probably not much left for us," one said.

"Yeah, we’re not as famous as her to begin with, and she’s just returned from M country, riding a wave of popularity!" another added.

"All we can do is perform well in the audition later. There’s nothing else we can do," they concluded.