Huayu: Starting with Hextech

"good!"

Chen Mingzhang spoke first, taking off his baseball cap, wiping his face vigorously, his eyes shining.

"That's exactly the feeling! Wang Wei's 'degree' is so precise! Any more and it becomes ambiguous and greasy, any less and it becomes a cold-blooded boss. Lin Xiao, your performance in this scene has very clear layers!"

The screenwriter nodded repeatedly: "Yes, especially that final micro-expression and the way he looked from behind; it perfectly conveyed Wang Wei's inner turmoil and restraint, even more so than the script!"

Xu Xiao'ou didn't speak, but her eyes, which were fixed on the screen, and the slight upturn of her lips said it all.

She looked at Lin Xiao and Wang Luodan, who had already broken character and were waiting quietly in the audience, and the last trace of doubt in her heart vanished.

"Mr. Xu, Director Chen, how about we try another scene with even more intense emotions?" the casting director suggested.

"No."

Xu Xiao'ou raised her hand to stop them. She stood up and walked to Lin Xiao and Wang Luodan. Her gaze first fell on Wang Luodan, and she said with admiration, "Luodan, you will always be the only choice for Du Lala."

Wang Luodan smiled, waved casually, then turned to Lin Xiao, looked him up and down, her eyes no longer filled with scrutiny and provocation, but with more approval and curiosity.

"good,"

She spoke, her tone still calm, but noticeably more sincere, "She's a better actress than I expected. Wearing a suit, she looks quite the part, almost like a foreign company director."

This unique way of praising made Chen Mingzhang, who was standing next to him, laugh.

Lin Xiao smiled and bowed slightly: "Thank you, Sister Dan."

Xu Xiao'ou looked at Lin Xiao one last time. She adjusted her glasses, a clear and confident smile appearing on her face, her voice carrying clearly throughout the audition room:

"Lin Xiao, Wang Wei is yours."

She extended her hand: "Welcome to 'Du Lala's Promotion Diary'."

Lin Xiao extended his hand and shook hands firmly with Xu Xiao'ou: "Thank you, Producer Xu, thank you, Director Chen, thank you, teachers. I will do my best."

The dust has settled.

Wang Luodan walked over and gently patted Lin Xiao's arm with her folder: "We'll be colleagues from now on, Director Wang. Hope we can work together."

"It's a pleasure working with you, Du Lala," Lin Xiao replied.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Chen Mingzhang also came over and patted Lin Xiao on the shoulder: "Young man, do a good job! If you play this role well, it will greatly help broaden your acting career. Go back and thoroughly understand the complete script, and feel free to communicate if you have any questions."

"Okay, Director Chen."

It was already evening when I left the Imagery Workshop.

The early summer breeze in Beijing carried a warm feeling as it brushed against my face.

Lin Xiao got into the taxi back to the hotel, looked out at the streetlights coming on, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled.

In my chest, there is the exhilaration of being recognized, the anticipation of new challenges, and a sense of groundedness in realizing the plan step by step.

Wang Wei, the male lead in "Du Lala's Promotion".

A new journey has officially begun.

……

By the end of June, Shanghai had fully entered the rainy season.

The air was hot and humid, the sky was always gray, and occasionally a sudden rain would patter against the window, only to clear up again in the blink of an eye, leaving only wet stains on the ground and sweltering heat.

In this sweltering weather, Lin Xiao completed the formal signing of a contract with the production team of "Du Lala's Promotion".

The contract was signed in a meeting room at a law firm; the process was standardized and efficient.

Xu Xiao'ou was present in person, along with director Chen Mingzhang and the production manager.

The salary, based on the market standard for new male leads, is slightly higher than that for "Beauty's Rival in Palace," but considering the production scale of the series and the platform's expectations, the figure is reasonable and respectable.

More importantly, the contract clearly states the weight of his role and the promotional resources allocated to him, demonstrating the production team's high regard for him.

The moment he signed his name, Lin Xiao could clearly feel that some invisible gears began to mesh and turn.

The character of Wang Wei, initially a virtual reward from the system, has transformed into a real, tangible new starting point in his career, one that is about to be given flesh and blood.

"Lin Xiao, welcome again."

Xu Xiao'ou put away her contract, extended her hand, and her smile showed more approachability and trust than during the audition.

"Pre-production is basically complete, and filming is expected to officially begin in Shanghai in mid-July. The complete script and shooting schedule will be sent to your studio in the next few days. I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration and create a truly high-quality production."

"Definitely, Producer Xu." Lin Xiao shook hands with her, his tone firm.

As I left the law firm, a light drizzle began to fall again.

Lin Xiao, holding an umbrella, found a quiet coffee shop nearby, ordered an iced Americano, and sat down to carefully read through the complete script he had just received.

A thick stack of papers, exuding the scent of ink.

He flipped directly to the sections featuring key emotional and intimate scenes.

This wasn't out of any romantic intentions, but because he knew that this would be the most important "key point" to address when trying to appease Tang Yan.

After a quick glance, he found the script to be more subtle and professional than he had anticipated.

Wang Wei and Du Lala's relationship deepened gradually through their work interactions and mutual appreciation, without any dramatic misunderstandings or deliberate physical contact.

The most intimate scenes were nothing more than a brief hug under work pressure, sharing an umbrella in the rain, and a brief kiss at the end.

It's more of a spiritual resonance and tacit understanding.

This relieved Lin Xiao.

He closed the script, took a sip of his iced coffee, the bitter liquid sliding down his throat, bringing a refreshing coolness. He took out his phone and sent Tang Yan a message:

"The contract has been signed, and filming will begin in late July in Shanghai."

The message was replied to almost instantly: "Great! Congratulations! What do you want to eat tonight? I'll finish work early and go home to cook!"

You could feel her excitement even through the screen. Lin Xiao replied, "Keep it simple, you're tired from filming."

Tangyan Apartment at night

Tang Yan returned early as expected, and even went to the supermarket to buy groceries. She was busy in the kitchen wearing an apron.

Several exquisite home-style dishes were already laid out on the table: sweet and sour pork ribs, steamed sea bass, and lettuce with oyster sauce, all of which were Lin Xiao's favorites.

The house was filled with the aroma of food and a warm atmosphere.

Seeing Lin Xiao enter, Tang Yan immediately put down her spatula, ran over, and jumped into his arms, looking up at him with bright, sparkling eyes: "Congratulations, Director Wang Wei!"

Lin Xiao smiled, put his arm around her, and kissed her on the lips: "Thank you, Ms. Tang Yan."

The two laughed and joked around for a while before sitting down to eat.

Tang Yan asked with great interest about the details of the contract, how much the salary was, what the director said, and how long the filming period would be.

Lin Xiao answered each question in turn, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

After dinner, the two snuggled up on the sofa to watch TV.

Tang Yan nestled in Lin Xiao's arms, her fingers unconsciously twirling the buttons of his pajamas. Suddenly, she asked softly, "Lin Xiao, have you read the script?"

"I saw it." Lin Xiao knew what she wanted to ask.

"So... how much romance do Wang Wei and Du Lala have?" She lowered her voice even further, her tone cautious and tentative.

"Not many, mainly workplace interactions and building relationships," Lin Xiao answered selectively. "The development of relationships was rather subtle."

"Oh..." Tang Yan responded, paused for a moment, and then asked, "So... are there any kissing scenes? Or, hugging scenes or something?"

They arrived as expected.