Crying While Filling the Pit I Dug - Chapter 88
Director Liu persisted in urging casting director Lao Zhang to scout for fresh talent, and finally chose a day for audition. Surprisingly, Meng Jiangye, who had never shown up until then, made an appearance. He had maintained communication with Song Miaomiao, understanding the circumstances. Recognizing the significance of the role, he had allowed Song Miaomiao over a month to refine her skills. However, this time, he couldn’t resist witnessing her progress firsthand. Fortunately, Song Miaomiao displayed much greater comfort and effortlessly captivated everyone within seconds.
Director Liu remained somewhat concerned, but he acknowledged Song Miaomiao’s considerable improvement. Consequently, he arranged to film scenes portraying Wu Le during her tumultuous youth.
During this stage, the focus was on portraying Wu Le’s profound lack of love since childhood. Song Miaomiao, although unable to fully comprehend this approach, exerted her best efforts to convey Wu Le’s conflicting thoughts and motivations.
Director Liu, for the first time, nodded in agreement with Song Miaomiao’s interpretation.
After renegotiating the shooting schedule and locations, reshooting the scenes where Wu Le encounters Yu Ang three times, Song Miaomiao delivered a commendable performance each time.
As filming wrapped up, Song Miaomiao approached Xu Nanfang and expressed her gratitude, “Thank you for your advice. I followed your method, and this time it’s really much better.”
Xu Nanfang replied, “You’re welcome. It’s your dedication and hard work that made the difference. Some principles are simple, yet few people are willing to put them into practice.”
Seeing Xu Nanfang seeming a bit distracted, Song Miaomiao felt a sense of familiarity with him. After all, she had extensively watched his episodes, interviews, and videos online, feeling a one-sided familiarity.
She pondered on the idea of giving gifts, cooking soup, or embroidering sachets for Xu Nanfang, reminiscent of the Princess’ gestures in the previous world.
“Brother Xu,” a crew member approached with a gift box, “A young fan of yours couldn’t enter the filming location and asked me to pass this to you.
“Thank you, Xiaowa. Do you happen to remember who that fan was?” Xu Nanfang inquired.
The staff member Xiaowa chuckled, “What’s the deal? You want to personally thank her?”
Xu Nanfang’s assistant, Wen Qiuyue, was a plain girl with black-rimmed glasses and a ponytail. She excelled in taking care of others, and her demeanor exuded honesty and reliability. Assigned to Xu Nanfang by the company, she maintained strict confidentiality regarding his affairs. Despite being reserved, the salary for this position was significantly higher than her previous job in a factory, prompting her dedication to her duties, adhering strictly to Xu Nanfang’s preferences and personality.
Wen Qiuyue interjected, “Brother Wa, let’s find that fan together. Brother Xu never accepts gifts from fans, or anyone for that matter.”
“Really?” Xiaowa teased, “Not even from a girl who isn’t a fan? What about his girlfriend?”
Xu Nanfang smiled and shook his head.
It seemed the gesture of giving gifts wouldn’t work after all. Nonetheless, Xu Nanfang graciously signed his name and instructed Wen Qiuyue to locate the fan. Observing Xu Nanfang and Wen Qiuyue’s familiar interaction, including Wen Qiuyue’s casual use of “Brother Xu”, Song Miaomiao couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. However, she quickly dismissed the notion, reminding herself that their relationship was purely professional. Xu Nanfang’s courteous treatment of Wen Qiuyue suggested no romantic intentions.
Following the completion of the drama, Song Miaomiao found no opportunity to encounter Xu Nanfang. Their involvement in separate crews made it challenging to meet unless mutually agreed upon.
Their next encounter was scheduled for a publicity event three months later.
The film “Record” lacked special effects, flashy scenes, or grandiose settings. Post-production primarily involved editing, focusing on selecting clips for release. Many films with shorter production cycles than “Record” were common.
Over the past three months, Song Miaomiao remained active. She took on new roles and sought to expand her horizon within the industry. During the filming of “Record”, Meng Jiangye secured a prominent role for her in a TV drama set in ancient times, where she portrayed the third female lead.
As the script for the TV drama neared completion, Song Miaomiao delved into her role as a female executive with a sharp personality in a 50-episode workplace drama. Her character exuded a professional demeanor, reflected in her styling and assertive direction.
Song Miaomiao continued to apply the method Xu Nanfang taught her, even as the filming for this project commenced only four days prior to the completion of “Record”.
Memorizing lines for the new play consumed a significant amount of Song Miaomiao’s time. She had minimal sleep, relying on strong coffee daily to keep her going. When she found a moment of respite, exhaustion washed over her, accompanied by headaches, leaving her feeling disoriented.
In the dressing room, despite her excitement at seeing Xu Nanfang, Song Miaomiao remained in a daze. Her makeup artist noted, “Miss Fang, you haven’t been resting lately. The dark circles under your eyes are quite prominent. Let me cover them up for you.”
“Thank you,” Song Miaomiao replied wearily.
At that moment, Xu Nanfang entered the dressing room with his assistant, politely greeting Song Miaomiao. His early arrival surprised her, considering she had rushed to see him.
“Mr. Xu,” the makeup artist acknowledged Xu Nanfang’s presence, recognizing his status as a prominent figure. However, she couldn’t comprehend his low-maintenance demeanor. Indeed, Xu Nanfang required minimal makeup adjustments; a simple haircut sufficed.
Observing her gestures, Xu Nanfang smiled and remarked, “Thank you, but attend to Miss Fang first.”
The makeup artist felt a bit embarrassed and continued to apply makeup for Song Miaomiao while engaging in casual conversation.
“Mr. Xu arrived really early today,” she remarked.
“I was just worried about traffic jams, so I left early on purpose,” Xu Nanfang explained casually.
So, it was simply a fear of traffic jams…
Observing that Song Miaomiao was good, Xu Nanfang’s assistant, Wen Qiuyue, requested leave and headed to the mall for some shopping.
As the makeup application neared completion, the makeup artist realized she had left the lipstick in her car. Apologizing, she excused herself to retrieve it.
“It’s okay,” Song Miaomiao replied, though internally she felt a surge of anticipation. This could be her chance to spend some time alone with Xu Nanfang.
After Meng Jiangye finished filming “Record”, he assigned her an assistant named Xiaomi. She seized the opportunity to ask Xiaomi to help her with a distraction.
That day’s publicity event was just a part of the promotional activities. There had been a larger press conference earlier, attended by the director. However, Song Miaomiao hadn’t had the chance to be alone with Xu Nanfang then; the whole process had been rushed. So, she had only managed to steal a few glances at him.
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