Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 210, Section 208: How did Senior Sister Zhao end up like this...?

February 16, 1999, the first day of the Lunar New Year.

The chill of a winter morning in Beijing was somewhat mitigated by the lingering smell of firecrackers from the previous night and the brand-new Spring Festival couplets and "Fu" characters on the lintels of every household.

Wang Sheng was woken up early in the morning by his mother, Zhang Xiulan. He changed into the new clothes that had been prepared for him and, full of energy, accompanied his parents on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

First we'll go to Grandpa's house, then we'll go to Grandma's house.

The process is largely the same: bringing New Year's gifts to the elders' homes, saying auspicious words like "Happy New Year" and "Good health," accepting red envelopes from elders (which are often secretly slipped back by the mother), listening to the elders reminisce about the past and their concern for their children and grandchildren, and then sitting together to enjoy a hearty and homely lunch or dinner.

The hustle and bustle and warmth of the day passed by in a hurry, like a home videotape that had been fast-forwarded.

……

As night falls, the lights are on.

On Qin Island in Shandong Province, thousands of miles away, the air is filled with the damp chill of the sea breeze.

The residential building where Fan Xiaopang lives is also filled with the warmth of the Spring Festival.

The lively atmosphere of the Fan family's New Year's Eve dinner was still lingering, with the coffee table piled high with melon seeds, peanut brittle, and various snacks.

Wearing a festive red sweater, Fan Xiaopang leaned lazily against the sofa, chatting casually with his parents, but his mind was already on the set of "The Legendary Twins" which was about to start filming.

The role of Tie Xinlan was a crucial step for her, and she secretly resolved to seize this opportunity and make a name for herself.

"Little Fatty, stop looking at those magazines and watch TV."

After cleaning up the kitchen, Mrs. Fan wiped her hands and came over. She picked up the remote and turned on the TV: "It seems like Qingdao TV has a new drama premiering tonight. They say it's quite exciting."

Fan Xiaopang hummed in agreement, but his gaze remained fixed on the fashion magazine in his hands.

She has never been very interested in TV dramas broadcast on local channels, always feeling that they are poorly produced and rarely of high quality.

Instead of wasting time, you should spend more time working on the script or watching movie tapes.

A noisy opening theme song came from the television, the melody of which was quite familiar, with a cheerful touch of folk tunes.

"...Thank God, thank Earth, thank fate for bringing us together..."

Fan Xiaopang glanced at the screen casually.

This glance, however, made her pause for a moment.

The scene flashing across the screen was the background of a Qing Dynasty drama, showing several young men and women dressed in Manchu clothing chasing and playing around, looking youthful and beautiful.

However, one of the actresses, dressed in a bright red princess outfit, with big eyes and exaggerated, lively expressions, was not the one she remembered from the promotional photos from Taiwan.

"Huh? Isn't that...Alyssa Chia?"

Fan Xiaopang subconsciously sat up straight.

She had some impression of this sweet-looking actress from Taiwan.

At this point, the opening theme ends, and the main story begins.

The title of the show, "Princess Pearl," was displayed at the bottom of the screen.

"Oh, so it's this show."

Fan Xiaopang suddenly realized.

She had vaguely heard that Shengying Media had invested in a TV series called "Princess Pearl".

This drama premiered in Taiwan last April and was originally planned to be introduced to the mainland during the summer. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, it had to be postponed. Then, it was delayed again because of the popularity of "The Four Great Constables". Finally, it was postponed until the first day of the Lunar New Year.

What surprised Fan Xiaopang even more was yet to come. When the camera switched to a certain scene, a character dressed as a maid appeared, with demure eyes but an undeniably beautiful face. Fan Xiaopang almost thought he was seeing things.

"This...this is Senior Sister Zhao?!"

Fan Xiaopang suddenly leaned closer to the TV, his eyes wide open.

Senior Sister Zhao!
She was a senior at Xie Jin Hengtong Star School!

Although Senior Sister Zhao was a few years older than her and they didn't have much contact during school, they were still classmates.

Later, she was admitted to the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy in 98, and Senior Sister Zhao from the class of 96 became her senior sister.

What impressed Fan Xiaopang the most was Bai Xiaoxue, played by Zhao Shijie in the TV series "Sisters and Brothers in Beijing" which aired on Yangshi in 95.

That drama was quite popular at the time, which gave her, her senior, a certain degree of fame in the television industry.

But now, how come Sister Zhao is playing a maid in this "Princess Pearl" series?!
And judging from the opening credits, she's not even the female lead?

Is the female lead Jia Jingwen who played Xiao Yanzi?
A very strange feeling suddenly welled up in Fan Xiaopang's heart.

In her opinion, Senior Sister Zhao's qualifications and reputation were far too good for her to play a supporting role to a newcomer from Taiwan, such as a maid.
How did this production team choose the cast?
With this surprise and a hint of indignation on behalf of his senior sister, Fan Xiaopang's originally nonchalant attitude became more serious, and he began to watch the drama seriously.

The first episode tells the story of the female protagonist, Xiao Yanzi, who performs on the street and by chance meets Xia Ziwei, the daughter of Emperor Qianlong who was left behind during his private visit to the countryside, and her maid, Jin Suo.

To help Ziwei find her father, Xiaoyanzi risked entering the hunting grounds, only to be shot by Fifth Prince Yongqi with an arrow...

The plot moves quickly, with a light and lively pace and a distinct comedic element.

Alyssa Chia's portrayal of Xiao Yanzi is less impulsive and naive, but more charming and lively. Her big, bright eyes dart around, and she captures about 50-60% of Xiao Yanzi's liveliness, mischief, and straightforwardness.

It lacks that crazy, eccentric energy.

Zhao Shijie's portrayal of Jin Suo has far fewer scenes than Xiao Yanzi's. Most of the time, she simply stands quietly beside her mistress, but the occasional glances she makes reveal her worry and loyalty towards her mistress, which she captures perfectly.

Even dressed in simple maid's attire, her delicate and charming face was impossible to ignore.

"This girl is really pretty, it's just that she has too few scenes." Fan's mother also commented, "The one playing the young lady is also beautiful, her eyes are expressive."

Fan Xiaopang didn't reply, but his mind was racing with his judgment.

To be fair, Alyssa Chia's portrayal of Xiao Yanzi was quite good, very captivating, and engaging enough to keep viewers watching.

But for some reason, Fan Xiaopang always felt that if Zhao Shijie were to play Xiao Yanzi, with her big, expressive eyes and the fiery spirit she showed in "Sisters and Brothers in Beijing", wouldn't she be more explosive? Would she be able to better portray that kind of street-smart,江湖 (jianghu) spirit?

The thought, once it popped into her head, even seemed absurd to her.

The production team must have had their reasons for casting, and the version currently airing features Alyssa Chia.

Two episodes aired back-to-back, and time flew by.

When the ending theme song "Rain Butterfly" played, Fan Xiaopang was actually a little reluctant to leave.

This show... seems kind of interesting.

Although the plot is somewhat exaggerated and childish in some places, the characters are vivid, the conflicts are cleverly set up, and the emotional storyline is presented in a straightforward and touching way.

The mischievousness of Xiao Yanzi, the gentleness of Ziwei, the unwavering loyalty of Jin Suo, the handsome and dashing Fifth Prince... coupled with the backdrop of the imperial palace and the core suspense of "the real and the fake princesses," it truly possesses an irresistible "magical" quality.

"Mom, do you think this show is good?" Fan Xiaopang asked tentatively.

"It's beautiful!" Mother Fan answered without hesitation. "It's so lively and fun to watch during the New Year. That Little Swallow is so mischievous, it's always a joy to watch. Jin Suo is also quite lovable. It's just that Xia Ziwei is not likable."

Mr. Fan also chimed in, unusually, "It is quite easy, you don't have to use your brain."

(End of this chapter)