Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 9 Fan Binbin

In a photography studio, Zeng Li has just finished a photoshoot for a male character.

"pear."

Hu Jing, Zeng Li's best friend, had been spending time with her during this period of free time.

Zeng Li had just removed her makeup and changed back into her own clothes, her expression showing a hint of weariness that was barely perceptible.

Hu Jing handed her a bottle of water, leaned closer, and asked in a low voice.

"Hey, I heard that Fu Yibai's new movie, 'Caught in the Web,' is currently holding open auditions for the female lead."

Are you really not going to give it a try?

Zeng Li paused for a moment while twisting the bottle cap, then resumed her normal motion, took a sip of water, and said calmly.

"What am I supposed to audition for in his films?"

We just finished working together, so it's best to avoid any potential conflicts.

"Why are you trying to avoid suspicion?"

Hu Jing gave her a reproachful look.

"You're a Berlin Film Festival Best Actress winner!"

It's perfectly normal for you to audition for his new film when he's holding open casting calls.

So many people are eyeing this opportunity; I heard that even agents from Hong Kong and Taiwan have submitted their information.

"Don't let the good stuff go to outsiders. You've worked with him before, you have a good understanding, that gives you a huge advantage."

Zeng Li silently packed her things, her eyelashes lowered, concealing the expression in her eyes.

Was there any tacit understanding? Perhaps there was once.

But after that night in Berlin, something changed.

The estrangement that followed their return was an unspoken choice on both sides. She didn't want to fall into that awkward and insecure situation again.

"We'll see."

Zeng Li ultimately replied with just three words in a soft voice, and picked up her bag.

"I'm tired, let's go back."

Looking at her friend's slightly aloof profile, Hu Jing was puzzled, but she didn't try to persuade her any further.

Meanwhile, the audition process at Morning Light Media is in full swing.

After initial screening, more than 20 actresses entered the formal audition stage, most of whom went on to gain some fame.

The audition was scheduled to take place over two consecutive days, and the audition venue was a rehearsal room rented from the Beijing Film Academy.

Fu Yibai sat in the middle of the judging panel, with production director Wang Peng on his left and a senior professor from the acting department, who was also one of his teachers, serving as his artistic advisor on his right.

The audition process was long and tedious.

Fu Yibai looked at it very carefully, making notes on the evaluation form in front of him from time to time.

Some people overdid it, some were superficial, and some, though talented, lacked the aloofness and decisiveness of Ye Lanqiu.

"Next up, Fan Binbin."

The staff at the entrance announced their names.

Fu Yibai paused slightly in his hand.

This name was already familiar in 2003. Her role as Jin Suo in "My Fair Princess" brought her to the forefront, and she continued to accumulate popularity in dramas such as "Young Justice Bao 2", becoming one of the most watched young actresses.

only……

Her image and temperament seem to be somewhat different from Ye Lanqiu's cold, repressed, and internally torn character.

The door was pushed open, and Fan Binbin walked in.

She was dressed simply today, in a white shirt and jeans, with her long hair flowing smoothly over her shoulders. Her makeup was light, even deliberately toning down the vibrancy in her eyes, which gave her a rare air of purity.

But that star aura, polished by the camera, still emanated the moment he stepped into the room.

"Hello everyone, I am Fan Binbin."

She bowed slightly, her smile polite, and her eyes lit up when she glanced at Fu Yibai.

Fan Binbin was surprised that Fu Yibai was so young and good-looking.

This is completely different from the image of the director she had in mind.

She felt that even if Fu Yibai didn't become a director, but instead became an actor, his future achievements would still be considerable.

In just those few seconds, Fan Binbin developed a slight liking for Fu Yibai.

"Hello Binbin, please have a seat."

As the production supervisor, Wang Peng took the initiative to speak, speaking in a gentle tone.

"The scene I auditioned today was scene 28 of the script, where Ye Lanqiu, after learning about her illness, experiences cyberbullying and is alone in her rented room, facing the mirror."

You have five minutes to prepare. Would you like to look at the script?

"Thank you, Mr. Wang."

Fan Binbin nodded, took a deep breath, and walked to the "performance area" that had been cleared out in the middle of the classroom.

…………

The performance lasted about two minutes.

When it was over, Fan Binbin closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, he had quickly returned to the state he was in when he came in, except that his breathing was a little rapid and there were fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

"Thanks."

She bowed slightly.

Fu Yibai was writing on the evaluation form with his head down.

To be fair, Fan Binbin's performance exceeded his expectations.

She tried to rein in her outward performance habits and delve deeper into her emotions, demonstrating a certain level of control over the nuances of her performance.

The film particularly captured the oppressive feeling of "wanting to cry but having no tears," which was quite well done.

But... I always feel like something's missing.

Ye Lanqiu's "aloofness" is not simply weariness or melancholy; at its core lies something sharper and more isolated, even carrying a destructive beauty within despair.

Fan Binbin's interpretation lacks a certain inner strength and complexity.

"Thank you, Binbin. Please wait outside for a moment. We will notify your agent if there is any further news."

Wang Peng spoke according to the procedure.

Fan Binbin nodded and looked at Fu Yibai again, this time with a look of inquiry and anticipation in his eyes.

"Director Fu, I really like 'Black Coal, Thin Ice'. Congratulations on winning the award."

It is an honor to audition for your film today.

Regardless of the outcome, I hope to have the opportunity to learn more from you in the future.

She paused, her eyes sparkling.

"If you are free tonight, would you do me the honor of having a casual dinner together?"

I know a good private kitchen nearby.

Fan Binbin didn't actually want anything to happen. Although she did have some ulterior motives in vying for the role, she was genuinely interested in dealing with Yi Bai.

After all, no woman could resist the charm of such a young, handsome, and talented man.

"Thank you, Ms. Fan, for your interest in 'Caught in the Web' and your recognition of 'Black Coal, Thin Ice'."

Fu Yibai's voice was steady and professional.

We will notify you of the audition results after a comprehensive evaluation.

As for dinner…”

He glanced at his watch, as if confirming the itinerary.

"It might be quite late today. If it's convenient, I can make time after 8 o'clock."

You decide on the location; just send a message to my assistant.

A glint flashed in Fan Binbin's eyes, and his smile became even brighter.

"Okay, Director Fu, I'll send the address to your assistant later."

I won't disturb the teachers any longer.

She bowed slightly again, walked briskly out of the room, and after closing the door, a faint scent of perfume seemed to linger in the room.