Sheng Ning’an was taken to the film crew, and the person who brought her spoke to the director who, after a glance, had someone take her to get makeup done. After the makeup was applied, even the makeup artist was amazed.
"She’s way too beautiful!"
"Indeed, it’s a good thing there’s only one scene, or our lead actress might just get overshadowed."
The role Sheng Ning’an was to play was that of the protagonist’s mother, who had been the foremost beauty of Beijing. Of course, Sheng Ning’an was only portraying her in her younger years, appearing just once in the entire play, and that too in someone else’s memory. The part wasn’t big, just a profile shot. But holding the title of "the foremost beauty," they certainly couldn’t settle for just anyone.
The production had originally cast a reasonably famous and good-looking actress for the cameo, but she backed out because she despised how minor the role was and due to a new work arrangement.
However, the setting was all done, and if she didn’t show up, all the money spent would be wasted. Left with no choice, the director thought of finding someone on the spot to fill in.
After all, the role wasn’t demanding, just a profile shot. The only requirement was that the actress must be exceptionally beautiful.
Although it was just one requirement, it was not an easy one to fulfill.
The person who had brought Sheng Ning’an was in charge of the extras, and had initially gone out to see if there was anyone suitable among them but stumbled upon Sheng Ning’an by chance.
Her beauty astounded him at first sight.
It turned out, his judgment was indeed excellent.
Sheng Ning’an looked even more stunning than the originally chosen actress after makeup and truly lived up to the title of "the foremost beauty of Beijing."
Sheng Ning’an only needed to shoot one scene of admiring flowers, without any dialogue or interaction with other characters.
Originally, she was only supposed to be filmed admiring flowers from the front of the garden in profile, but given how captivating Sheng Ning’an looked, the director even added a moment where she turns to glance back.
Since there were no lines to be delivered, it was not difficult for Sheng Ning’an; she just had to treat it like a regular photo shoot.
The director had Sheng Ning’an first try it out to find the right feel, and it turned out her camera presence was exceptionally good. They got it in one take, but the director, seeking a better effect, insisted on adding several more shots.
When the shooting was over, Sheng Ning’an was about to remove her makeup but was stopped by the director who said, "Hello, I’m the director of this play, Li Mu. I wonder if you would be interested in pursuing a career in acting? I have another play in the works, and I think your temperament is perfect for a role in it." After speaking, he handed her a business card, "This is my assistant’s card. If you’re interested, you can contact him and come to try out the role."
"Thank you!" Although Sheng Ning’an had no plans to enter the entertainment industry, she still accepted the business card out of politeness.
While she was halfway through removing her makeup, the person who had brought her hurried over, pulled out a phone, and said, "Let me add you on WeChat, and I’ll send you your payment."
Sheng Ning’an was also curious about how much money she would get for that brief role, so she added him on WeChat, and he promptly transferred her US$200.
This was the first time Sheng Ning’an had made money on her abilities alone, and it felt quite marvelous.
Though the payment wasn’t even enough to cover the entrance ticket to the tourist site.
But earning it herself felt completely different.