Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 67, Section 66: It's you!
Wang Sheng tossed Xu Fan's resume into the trash can with a swift and decisive motion, without the slightest hesitation.

He didn't have any problem with Xu Fan's acting skills; he just didn't want to get involved with Feng Xiaogang at this delicate juncture, and he was too lazy to bother with the gossip circulating in the industry.

At this moment, all his attention was focused on finding the most suitable "Juanjuan" for "Harmony Brings Prosperity".

He picked up the thick stack of resumes again and carefully reviewed them one by one.

The Beijing Film Studio's Art Office was very efficient, collecting resumes from many well-known actresses of the appropriate age group from Beijing and even across the country.

Chen Xiaoyi's resume came into view. She became famous for her role in "The Outsider Girl". She has solid acting skills and a gentle image, but Wang Sheng felt that her temperament was too soft and lacked the inner resilience and occasional outbursts of sassiness that the character "Juanjuan" in the script needed as a modern woman who was struggling on her own after divorce.

Next is Jiang Shan, who became famous throughout the country for her role as Du Mei in "Addiction". Her acting skills are beyond doubt, and she is fashionable and beautiful. However, Wang Sheng felt that her beauty had a touch of urban bourgeois sophistication. Compared with "Juanjuan" in the drama, who had to balance her career and family and even face the chaotic situation caused by her father "dressing as a woman", she lacked a bit of down-to-earth and relatable charm.

Chen Jing's resume is also outstanding. Her performance in dramas such as "Campus Vanguard" has been widely praised. She has a unique temperament and strong plasticity. However, Wang Sheng felt that her image was too cold and rational, which seemed to be somewhat distant from the helplessness, anxiety and deep maternal love that "Juanjuan" needed when facing family trivial matters.

Jiang Wenli is a talented actress with a dignified and elegant image and strong versatility. However, Wang Sheng always felt that she had an inescapable artistic air about her, which did not quite match the tone of this work full of local flavor and comedic elements.

Ju Xue has a pure and beautiful image and her acting is fresh and natural, but she seems too young and delicate to support the role of a mature woman who has experienced marital setbacks and already has a child.

After reviewing each resume, Wang Sheng felt that something was missing.

These actresses are all excellent, but none of them seem to fully fit his image of "Juanjuan," a woman who is capable of handling everything outside the home and dealing with a chaotic family situation, with a sharp exterior honed by life but a soft and resilient heart.

Until he turned to the next resume—Song Dandan.

In the photo, Song Dandan has a neat short haircut, a bright smile, and bright eyes, exuding the frankness and boldness of a typical Beijing girl.

Wang Sheng's eyes lit up instantly!
That's what it feels like!

At this time, Song Dandan was already a household name thanks to her Spring Festival Gala skit "The Overpopulation Guerrilla Team," but in the film and television industry, especially in the position of leading actress in TV dramas, she had not yet reached the heights she would later achieve.

Many people still remember her as a comedic sketch actress with a strong Northeastern accent, who was honest and lovable.

But Wang Sheng knew that Song Dandan's acting skills were not limited to sketches. Her later portrayals of mothers in works such as "Home with Kids" perfectly blended humor, feistiness, and warmth, proving her profound ability to handle such roles.

More importantly, Song Dandan is now in her early thirties, possessing both the charm of a young mother and the maturity gained from life experience.

Wang Sheng even vaguely remembered that during this period, Song Dandan's personal life was going through quite a turmoil. Her relationship with her husband Yingda was on the verge of breaking down, and she was raising her young son Batu alone.

This real-life experience may allow her to better understand the inner struggles and strength of the character "Juanjuan".

"It's her!"

Wang Sheng made up his mind almost immediately.

He noticed that the contact information on the resume was a home landline.

Without hesitation, he picked up the phone on his desk and dialed the number.

The phone rang several times before being answered, and a slightly tired but still clear female voice came through: "Hello, who is this?"

"Hello, is this Ms. Song Dandan? I'm Wang Sheng from Shengying Media at Beijing Film Studio." Wang Sheng's tone was respectful and clear.

There was a noticeable pause on the other end of the phone, as if someone was somewhat surprised, before the voice rose slightly, carrying a hint of cautious enthusiasm: "Oh... Mr. Wang? Hello, hello! I've heard so much about you!"

Wang Sheng's name has recently become a household name in the industry, and Song Dandan had naturally heard of him.

"Professor Song, you're too kind. I apologize for bothering you, but I have a script I'd like you to take a look at."

Wang Sheng got straight to the point: "Our company is preparing a three-episode Lunar New Year TV series called 'Harmony Brings Prosperity,' which tells a series of comedic stories about a family when the grandfather disguises himself as a woman to visit his grandson. I think the role of the female lead, 'Juanjuan,' is very suitable for you. I wonder if you are interested?"

Wang Sheng then briefly explained the cast and other details. "A New Year's drama? The female lead?"

Song Dandan's voice was filled with unbelievable surprise.

When her personal life was at a low point and her career seemed to be hitting a bottleneck, such a project, spearheaded by Beijing Film Studio and the up-and-coming Sheng Ying Media, with potential lead actors including Zhao Benshan and Guo Da, came knocking on her door. It was undoubtedly a timely help.

"Mr. Wang, thank you for thinking of me! I... of course I'm interested!" Song Dandan's voice became excited.

Wang Sheng could hear the excitement in her voice and continued, "The role requires an actress who can portray the texture of life, someone who is both feisty and maternal, and I think you're the perfect fit. Also..."

He paused, then added in a more casual tone, "I saw you on TV with your son, Batu, before. The little guy is so cute, all chubby and adorable."

The role of the 'grandson' in our play hasn't been cast yet. If Batu is interested, she can audition for it; consider it a fun opportunity.

These words, especially when they mentioned her son Batu, instantly touched the softest spot in Song Dandan's heart.

The hardships of raising a child alone and the uncertainty about the future seem to have given way to a glimmer of hope at this moment.

Wang Sheng's invitation was not just a job opportunity, but also a rare display of thoughtfulness and respect.

"Mr. Wang... this... this is so kind of you!" Song Dandan's voice was a little choked up, but she quickly composed herself, displaying the straightforwardness typical of women from the North: "I will definitely read the script carefully! When is it convenient for you to come over and discuss it in detail? The audition is anytime!"

"If it's convenient for you this afternoon, Ms. Song, you can come directly to the Shengying Media Dispatch Center on the first floor of the main building of Beijing Film Studio," Wang Sheng confirmed the time.

"Okay! I'll be there on time!"

After hanging up the phone, Wang Sheng felt relieved.

He trusted his judgment; Song Dandan was the best candidate for "Juanjuan".

Just after 2 p.m., Song Dandan appeared at the door of the dispatch center office on time.

She was wearing a simple shirt and trousers, without makeup, but she looked energetic, her eyes filled with appreciation and anticipation for this opportunity.

Wang Sheng invited her into his office and handed her a script excerpt he had prepared—a key scene depicting Juanjuan's shock, anger, and eventual understanding and heartache after discovering her father had disguised himself as a woman and sneaked into her ex-husband's house.

Song Dandan didn't say much. She took the script and looked at it carefully for a few minutes. Then she took a deep breath, nodded to Wang Sheng, and said, "Mr. Wang, I can begin now."

She didn't give an exaggerated performance; instead, she was completely immersed in the character's emotions.

At first, she was filled with disbelief and anger, her tone urgent and sharp; as her "father" clumsily explained, her emotions gradually shifted to helplessness and heartache, her eyes complex, her voice trembling; finally, all her emotions culminated in a sigh and slightly reddened eyes. Her complex emotions—both resentment and deep love for her father, helplessness in the face of life yet the necessity to be strong—were portrayed with distinct layers, making her performance truly moving.

After the performance ended, the office was quiet for a few seconds.

Wang Sheng led the applause, and several staff members nearby couldn't help but clap and praise him as well.

"Teacher Song, that was brilliant!"

Wang Sheng said sincerely, "This is exactly the 'Juanjuan' I wanted! She looks a bit tough, but she's softer than anyone else at heart. She's right here in front of me."

Song Dandan smiled with relief, her eyes still glistening with tears, but her smile was incredibly bright: "Thank you, President Wang! Thank you for giving me this opportunity! I will definitely perform well and not let you down!"

Wang Sheng extended his hand and shook her hand firmly: "It's been a pleasure working with you, Ms. Song. I'll have someone from the brokerage department contact you regarding the specific details of your contract with Batu."

"Okay okay."

(End of this chapter)