Director Zhao tried to encourage Lu Jingming again, but the latter just became more impatient.
It was not only Lu Jingming. Some actors were having trouble too. For instance, one could not cry on cue and needed eye drops.
Director Zhao was already used to such situations. Since he was not a famous director, he had to find solutions without offending anyone. If conflicts were to arise before filming, it would only be hard for everyone.
Lin Ting was up next. Her voice was relatively sweet and soft. However, it was not clear enough.
Director Zhao had no choice but to reprimand her a few times.
Lin Ting nodded repeatedly and tried her best to improve.
On the side, Song Ci took note of Director Zhao’s advice.
Finally, it was Song Ci’s turn. She was the third female lead named He Lian Er.
“Sorry, I’m here to look for my sister.”
Director Zhao raised his head and looked at Song Ci. She was confident and her lines were delivered superbly. He was a little surprised, but said nothing and just continued to observe.
The female lead played by Lin Ting was called He Ying Er. She said in a surprised tone, “Lian Er? Why are you here?”
“It’s late and you’re still not home. You didn’t even answer my calls! Obviously, I’m worried. It looks like I came at the right time!”
Lin Ting put on a helpless expression.
“Little sister, wait for me downstairs…”
Lu Jingming interrupted, “Why are you wasting my time? Return Mei Yuling’s things immediately and leave!”
“He Ying Er” replied, “I really didn’t take it!”
“What things?” asked “He Lian Er”.
Mei Yuling was the second female lead played by Qi Yuanyuan.
“A safety buckle. It’s not very valuable, but I inherited it from my mother!”
“He Lian Er” laughed.
“You’ve already said it’s not valuable. Why would my sister take it?”
Lu Jingming’s character was named Tiger. He said, “You’ll have to ask your sister that question.”
“He Ying Er” was angry and exasperated. She could not defend herself. When “He Lian Er” saw this, she stood in front of her sister and tried to convince “Tiger”.
This scene was supposedly the climax.
Director Zhao noticed the difference between Lu Jingming and Song Ci.
Lu Jingming was basically only reading his lines. It became obvious the more he spoke. The delivery was not smooth and there were no emotions.
On the other hand, Song Ci was the complete opposite. Her performance was good enough to be in the final cut.
Director Zhao was really taken aback by Song Ci. Back then, he did not attend her audition. It was left to the casting executives. He thought to himself, ‘It’s such a waste for Song Ci to be a supporting character. She’s brilliant.’
Song Ci was beautiful and had a refined temperament. Even Lu Jingming and Lin Ting were unable to overshadow her. Moreover, her voice sounded pure and lively. How was she not famous?
Shortly after, Director Zhao told everyone to take a five minutes break. Then, they continued with the next act.
It was a group scene involving more people.
Song Ci’s lines were only at the later stages. After all, she was the third female lead and did not have much screen time. Her character and the female lead were sisters who relied on each other for survival. Even though He Lian Er was younger, she was more mature. In the end, she died. He Lian Er was more of a stepping stone for He Ying Er to become stronger.
Song Ci listened to everyone’s lines quietly. Finally, it was her turn.
“Why do you keep involving yourself with my sister? You like her, don’t you?”
“Tiger” retorted, “Nonsense!”
“Then don’t stop my sister from seeing Brother Qian! He’s planning a surprise for her and I can’t wait!”