Huayu: Starting with Hextech

Xu Xiao'ou turned off the projector and looked at Lin Xiao again: "I've seen your period drama look and learned about your age and experience. To be honest, I was a little hesitant at first. You're too young, your face is too new, can the audience believe you're playing a career elite?"

Lin Xiao's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't say anything, just listened quietly.

"However," Xu Xiao'ou changed the subject, a slight smile appearing on her lips.

"Your maturity beyond your years and the storytelling in your eyes during the trailer for 'Chinese Paladin 3' changed my mind. What Wang Wei needs may not be a face that has been worn down by the workplace, but a face that is fresh and handsome enough, but with enough depth in its eyes and the ability to command attention."

She took out several bound pages of A4 paper from the folder and pushed them in front of Lin Xiao:

"This is the script outline for the first five episodes of 'Du Lala's Promotion Diary,' as well as a detailed character biography of Wang Wei. You can take it back and take a look to get a feel for it."

Lin Xiao took the paper with both hands; the paper still carried the warmth of the printer.

"but,"

Xu Xiao'ou leaned back in her chair, her tone becoming more objective.

"My opinion of you doesn't mean the role is yours. When we cast actors, especially for the male and female leads, we place great importance on the chemistry between them. We've already decided on Wang Luodan for the female lead, Du Lala."

Wang Luodan.

Lin Xiao is familiar with this name, knowing that she rose to prominence with her role as Mi Lai in "Struggle," where her acting was fresh and natural, making her very popular with audiences.

"Luo Dan is an excellent actress with her own ideas. She had a significant influence on the selection of her co-star for the role of Wang Wei."

Xu Xiao'ou looked at him and said frankly, "So, you need a formal audition and to act alongside Luo Dan. Only when your interactions make us all feel 'it's right,' will this role truly belong to you."

She set clear conditions: recognize potential and give opportunities, but require real, rigorous assessment.

"I understand, and I'm very grateful to Producer Xu for giving me this opportunity." Lin Xiao carefully put away the script, his attitude serious. "I will study the script and the character carefully and prepare diligently for the audition."

"Okay." Xu Xiao'ou seemed satisfied with his attitude. "The audition is scheduled for next Monday afternoon, right here. I'll have my assistant send you the specific scenes you'll be acting in beforehand. Any other questions?"

Lin Xiao thought for a moment and asked, "Producer Xu, regarding the character Wang Wei, besides the description in the script, do you have any deeper understanding or expectations for him personally?"

This question made Xu Xiao'ou raise an eyebrow, and her gaze towards Lin Xiao became more meaningful. She didn't answer immediately, but thought for a moment.

"Wang Wei..."

She spoke slowly, "I think what's most admirable about him is that he maintained a sense of 'decency' and 'warmth' in a highly competitive and commercialized work environment. This 'decency' isn't a feigned gentlemanly demeanor, but rather stems from inner cultivation and respect for the rules."

This "warmth" isn't about excessive sympathy, but rather a deep appreciation for truly valuable people and things. I hope the actors can portray this core essence.

This answer goes on a deeper level than what's described in the script.

Lin Xiao solemnly wrote it down: "I understand, thank you Producer Xu."

After the conversation ended, Xu Xiao'ou personally escorted him to the meeting room door.

Before parting, she suddenly said, "Lin Xiao, there are many talented newcomers in this industry, but how high and far they can go often depends on their vision and character. Prepare well, I look forward to your performance."

This is a subtle encouragement and expectation from the producer.

Lin Xiao thanked him again.

After leaving the Imagery Workshop, Lin Xiao checked the time: 3 PM.

He was just about to find a place to carefully review the script when his phone rang. It was a text message from Xu Xiao'ou's assistant, confirming the audition time and important notes, and adding a note at the end:

"Ms. Lin, Sister Dan is at the company discussing the script today. Mr. Xu said that if you have time, we could meet briefly to get to know each other."

Lin Xiao immediately replied, "I'm free, is that convenient?"

The other party replied quickly: "It's convenient. Sister Dan is in the rest area on the second-floor terrace. You can just go there."

Turning back, Lin Xiao followed the signs and found the stairs leading to the second-floor terrace.

The terrace is spacious and arranged like a small garden, complete with parasols and rattan tables and chairs.

At that moment, a figure was sitting in a wicker chair with his back to him, a script spread out on his lap, and a pen in his hand, writing something from time to time.

Hearing footsteps, the person turned around.

It is Wang Luodan.

Unlike her somewhat artistic and aloof image on television, she was almost makeup-free, with fair and clean skin, revealing fine downy hairs.

Her hair was a neat short style, with slightly messy bangs that were casually tucked behind her ears.

He was wearing a simple white cotton T-shirt and faded light blue jeans, with a pair of Converse sneakers on his feet.

He was slender, but his eyes were clear and bright. He sat casually, exuding a natural and unadorned liveliness.

She looked at Lin Xiao with a hint of curiosity in her eyes, sizing him up and down a few times, then raised an eyebrow and spoke. Her voice was clear and crisp, her pace not fast, but it carried a direct quality:

"You're Lin Xiao?"

"Hello, Sister Dan, I'm Lin Xiao." Lin Xiao stepped forward and greeted her politely.

Wang Luodan put down her pen, closed the script, leaned back slightly in her chair, crossed her arms, and continued to scan his face, as if assessing the quality of an item.

"Yeah, he's even more handsome in person than he looks in the trailer for 'Chinese Paladin 3'." She nodded, her tone as calm as if she were simply stating that the weather was nice today. "Sister Ou has a really good eye."

These words sounded like a compliment, but combined with her scrutinizing expression and casual demeanor, they gave off a slightly... other vibe.

Lin Xiao smiled but didn't reply.

Wang Luodan suddenly stood up. She wasn't very tall, but her proportions were excellent, making her appear very upright.

She walked up to Lin Xiao, and as the distance between them closed, Lin Xiao could smell the faint scent of soap on her.

"but,"

She looked up at him, her eyes becoming serious, even a little provocative, "The role of Wang Wei isn't something you can just carry with a handsome face."

Did Sister Ou tell you?

He had to convince Du Lala, and the female viewers of the show, that he was a genuine elite who could rise to the position of director in a Fortune 500 multinational company, and that being loved by him was a reliable and prestigious thing.

She tilted her head, a half-smile playing on her lips: "You've only acted in period dramas before, right? Demon Lords, generals... that's a far cry from being a foreign company director. You think you can pull it off?"

That was a rather impolite question, even a bit harsh.

But Lin Xiao didn't see any malice in her eyes. Instead, he saw a seriousness towards the work and a pickiness towards her partner.

Lin Xiao met her gaze without flinching or becoming angry; he simply smiled calmly.

"Sister Dan is right. Wang Wei is very different from my previous roles. That's exactly what I find challenging and attractive. Whether I can do it or not isn't up to me; we'll have to try to find out. So, I need to learn more from seniors like Sister Dan."

His response was neither humble nor arrogant; it acknowledged the gap, expressed respect, and also revealed confidence and a willingness to learn.

Wang Luodan stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly burst out laughing. Her deliberate provocation vanished instantly, and she returned to her usual casual and straightforward self.

"Okay, your attitude is alright." She waved her hand. "I'm just giving you a heads-up. Wang Wei is a tough character to play. If you don't do it well, you might end up looking like a pretentious jerk or a wooden doll. Let's see how you are at the audition next week."

She sat back down in the wicker chair, picked up the script, and added casually:

"By the way, you have a girlfriend, right? A handsome young actor. We need to make that clear beforehand. Be careful during filming and don't cause any trouble."

This sudden shift in thinking startled Lin Xiao for a moment, then he nodded: "Yes, don't worry, Sister Dan, work is work."

"That's good." Wang Luodan waved her hand, as if to send him away. "Take the script back and study it carefully. See you Monday."

The first meeting was brief, direct, and even had a bit of a "show of force" feel to it.

But when Lin Xiao stepped onto the terrace, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve into a smile.

This "buddy" is actually... kind of interesting.