Chapter 842: Chapter 842: The Aborted Work
Finally, on the ninth day, Chen Zi met with him alone for a talk.
In the café, Chen Zi ordered two cups of coffee and asked, “Would you like some cake?”
The director shook his head.
Chen Zi said to the waiter, “Two servings of strawberry cake, two servings of matcha cake, two servings of cocoa cookie cake, packaged, remind me to take them when I leave.”
When the coffee was served, Chen Zi took a sip, “Espresso is still the best for a pick-me-up.”
The director added a lot of sugar, admiring the other’s ability to abstain from it.
Indeed, those who drink coffee without sugar are impressive!
Chen Zi smiled, “Director, feeding Little Taotie each day—are you apologizing, or is it just a fan’s gesture?”
The director was a bit surprised.
Chen Zi shrugged, “A middle-aged uncle suddenly joined her fan group, I had to check to avoid any nasty thoughts towards kids.”
The director nodded, “It should be investigated.”
Chen Zi grinned, “Then shouldn’t the director answer my previous question?”
The director sighed, “It’s both an apology and a fan gesture; the two aren’t mutually exclusive, are they?”
Chen Zi smiled, “Do you think Zaizai acts well?”
“Yes, very well, I was being extreme.”
“It’s a pity, no matter how good, she won’t be in your film.”
The director chuckled bitterly, “I won’t be filming anymore.”
Chen Zi was surprised, raised an eyebrow, “Are you admitting defeat?”
The director shook his head, “I wanted to shoot a Hua Country myth-themed story to contend for awards, but now thinking about it, I was too naive. Those international awards never give this kind of work from our country; it’s usually rural-themed, it’s quite amusing.”
Chen Zi paused with his coffee and suddenly asked, “Got inside information?”
The director lowered his eyes, after a while, sighed, “Sort of, a foreign friend told me the selection material this year is still the same.”
Chen Zi put down his coffee, asked, “Interviewed after getting the news?”
The director nodded, “Sorry, for carrying emotions into the interview, venting anger at her.”
“I wondered.” Chen Zi sighed, “You didn’t want to have a poor mind, understood.”
The director hesitated, asked, “I watched Finding the Leading Lady as a variety show, has the film been shot?”
Chen Zi glanced at him coolly, “Why ask?”
“I inquired about the screenplay, it seems… appropriate for this award, will it be involved?”
The director’s tone was urgent, excited, “If Little Taotie plays the childhood of the leading lady well, she might not only win the domestic newcomer award this year but possibly the foreign one too.”
Chen Zi shook his head, “It won’t be competing this year.”
“Then has it been shot?”
Chen Zi nodded, “Shooting bits and pieces, Little Taotie has filmed a few scenes, how to say… she might need to hone her acting further, putting it aside for now.”
The director was surprised, “The entire crew waits for her to grow?”
Chen Zi said calmly, “Not so exaggerated, other scenes are being shot, when they finish, at least three months later. After the Time-Space Monster Management Bureau training, she should be ready; her scenes will be shot three months later.”
“What are your plans, give up this film if it can’t compete?”
“Yes, the myth-themed genre won’t win awards, neither will it succeed at the box office.”
Chen Zi, “How do you know it won’t succeed, tastes vary in this country daily, maybe they’ll love your fresh take?”
“I don’t want to take risks.”
Chen Zi shrugged, “Another aborted project, lost quite a bit?”
“The breach of contract fees for the leading roles cost a bit more, otherwise, it’s alright; the money’s enough.”
“Okay then, I’m heading back, will you stay a while?”
The director stood up, “I’m leaving too.”
Chen Zi asked, “Coming to deliver steak tomorrow?”
The director nodded, “Strictly as a fan visit.”
Chen Zi nodded, watching him leave.
The waiter handed him the packed cakes, he smiled, turned, but bumped into someone.
The cakes fell to the ground, cream smeared everywhere.