The next day, the rain had stopped, and the weather was rather nice. Shi Su deliberately got up early again, and it was just past eight when she arrived at the set.
At this time, no one else had arrived yet; only a few staff members were tidying up the props on set.
Shi Su went inside, picked up a wooden sword used for training, and started practicing yesterday’s moves alone in a corner.
Close to nine o’clock, she could hear people outside greeting each other frequently. Shi Su, immersed in her practice, turned in the corner, thrust her sword, turned again, thrust again, and executed a beautiful, stylish leg sweep, then thrust the sword again.
Suddenly, a burst of applause broke out near the side door not far away.
Shi Su stopped her movements and turned to see an unfamiliar middle-aged man. His hair was half-bald, but he had meticulously tied the remaining hair into a small ponytail. His cheeks had some stubble, making him look rugged yet very... refined.
"Not bad, not bad, the whole set of movements was done in one go." The man genuinely clapped a few more times, then glanced at the time, "You’re here early. Are you the one playing Tian Yuli? Called... Shi Su?"
Seeing him carrying a script in his arm, Shi Su figured he was also part of the staff and nodded, "Yes, hello, may I ask who you are?"
The man smiled slightly, "My surname is Cai."
Jun had indeed mentioned some big names involved with this drama. The producer of "Yao Platform Trail" is Cai Hong, a very prominent figure in the industry. Every drama he’s handled has won awards, almost all become hits.
And as the chief producer, he has the power to decide how the millions invested by the capital should be spent, deciding where to focus the expenditure, on which lead actor, on the styling in the drama, or on post-production effects—all determined by him.
And this Mr. Cai, middle-aged and balding, takes particular pride in the last few strands of hair on his head, styling those few strands differently every day.
...So isn’t the person in front of her exactly him?!
Shi Su quickly realized, "Hello, Mr. Cai!"
Cai Hong was neither surprised nor uncomfortable at not being recognized at first glance but looked at the wooden sword in her hand with admiration and asked, "The movements were very impressive, how long have you been practicing?"
"Yesterday was the first day, I just remembered the whole set of movements, still a bit unfamiliar," Shi Su’s eyes were clear, her attitude humble.
Cai Hong nodded, still with admiration in his eyes, "You have a talent for acting, and you’re diligent and hardworking. Perform well after the shooting starts, efforts will be rewarded."
He did not speak deeply, but the girl in front of him was very beautiful, a different kind of beauty from most women in the entertainment industry. She possessed an indescribable aura, and in her speech, she always exuded seriousness and humility, polite yet not overstepping boundaries. Facing someone of his position, comparable to a director, other actors would have rushed to welcome him warmly, saying it’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Cai, but she remained composed and respectful.
Plus, she had the physique and face naturally suited for fantasy and costume dramas, and with his years of experience in the industry, he foresees her skyrocketing to fame with only an opportunity lacking.
Though Tian Yuli is the second female lead, her storyline is fascinating and really tests acting skills. If she can seize this opportunity well, it’s like a carp leaping over the Dragon Gate.
Speaking of which, he has another film needing production soon, lacking a female actress who can handle fight scenes this neatly and beautifully. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ nοvelfire.net
If she could maintain this kind of impressive performance throughout the drama, he wouldn’t mind making an exception by casting a newcomer in the movie.