Huayu 16: I Became the Dream-Fulfilling Master for Young Actresses

Meanwhile, Bai Mengyan's smile hadn't even faded when she saw Chen Xingzhou's eyes gradually redden.

Her heart skipped a beat, and her previous joy instantly turned into worry: "Xingzhou? What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

She moved closer and carefully grasped half of Chen Xingzhou's fist with her small hand. The light from the private room fell on Chen Xingzhou's face, revealing the sourness and anger in his eyes.

Bai Mengyan's throat tightened.

She felt even worse than when Chen Xingzhou broke up with her last time.

She hugged Chen Xingzhou tightly, her eyes reddening, and she couldn't help but sob softly. She gently patted his back with her small hands: "Xingzhou, did you get upset at the signing ceremony today? Tell me, okay?! I'll stand up for you... Don't keep it to yourself, okay..."

Chen Xingzhou was startled awake when he heard Bai Mengyan's tearful voice.

Feeling the girl trembling in his arms, he suppressed the emotions in his eyes and stroked her back with his hand: "I'm sorry, Mengyan, it's my fault, I scared you."

Bai Mengyan buried her face in the crook of his neck, large tears falling onto his collar, and shook her head: "I don't want your apology... Just tell me what wronged you suffered."

"All I want is for you to be alright..."

Chen Xingzhou's heart softened. He cupped her face, wiped away her tears, and kissed the corner of her eye.

"It's really nothing. I just thought about how many newcomers in the industry are ruined by their agencies and have nowhere to turn. I was worried that you would be wronged, so I couldn't control myself."

Bai Mengyan blinked her misty eyes, still sobbing slightly, and said, "You couldn't have kept it to yourself, you scared me..."

She complained, but then leaned closer to him, finding a comfortable position to rest against him.

Chen Xingzhou held her fair hand and shared his analysis and thoughts with her.

Bai Mengyan listened quietly. Her earlier happiness had long been overshadowed by Chen Xingzhou's worries. She had only seen how dazzling the olive branches offered by big companies were, and had never considered the intricacies behind them.

But Chen Xingzhou had already planned out her future path.

She sniffed and pressed her face against his chest: "I understand, I'll listen to you. No rush to sign a contract, let's focus on filming the music video and accumulating more work first."

"Anyway, with you here, I'm not afraid of anything."

Chen Xingzhou nodded, kissed her lips, and promised, "With me here, I will never let you suffer the slightest grievance."

……

In the afternoon and evening, Chen Xingzhou accompanied Bai Mengyan as they strolled around Kyoto.

Until noon the next day, at the entrance of Hangzhou Lijing International Apartment.

Chen Xingzhou kissed Bai Mengyan's warm lips and said softly, "Mengyan, practice your acting skills well. After I finish filming 'Princess Agents,' you will be my leading lady."

Bai Mengyan nodded obediently, but her face still showed reluctance: "Xingzhou, you have to hurry. When I have time, I'll come to Hengdian to see you, okay?"

Chen Xingzhou smiled helplessly. Why did everyone want to visit him?

Hengdian has already been booked by Li Yitong, so it's not easy to get anyone else in, otherwise he'll be in trouble if something goes wrong.

Now is not the time to lay all the cards on the table.

He ruffled Bai Mengyan's hair: "No need, it's enough that I came to see you. It's not like I have to film every day."

Bai Mengyan knew he was working hard filming and didn't want to trouble him, so she nodded vigorously: "Okay, you must take good care of yourself in Hengdian, don't overwork yourself, eat on time, and remember to send me a message every day."

"I'm waiting for you!"

"I'll do whatever you say." Chen Xingzhou kissed her forehead again. "Let's go upstairs, it's sunny outside the apartment."

Bai Mengyan didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she stood on tiptoe and rubbed her face against his chest for a while before reluctantly letting go. "Then I'm going up now. Be careful on the way, and remember to tell me as soon as you get to Hengdian."

"Okay." Chen Xingzhou watched her skip and hop into the apartment building until he saw her appear on the balcony, waving goodbye to him.

He slowly turned around and got back into the car.

……

After saying goodbye to Bai Mengyan, Chen Xingzhou headed straight to the high-speed rail station.

At 3 p.m., he arrived at the bustling Hengdian World Studios.

The air was filled with the aroma of boxed lunches, the smell of cosmetics, and the dusty smell that made your throat dry. All you could hear were footsteps, voices, and walkie-talkie calls.

As a key drama series for Ciwen Media this year, "Princess Agents" had already arranged a series of things for the actors.

After putting away his luggage, Chen Xingzhou immediately headed towards his private styling studio.

Upon arriving at the studio, the assistant skillfully led him to the makeup area, smiling and saying, "Teacher Chen, let's start with the makeup and styling. Yan Xun's appearance before and after the makeover is very different."

"Let's take some costume photos from his early days as the Crown Prince."

Chen Xingzhou nodded in agreement. Just as he sat down on the waiting chair, he heard soft footsteps and respectful greetings from behind him.

He turned around instinctively.

The other person had a standard oval face, fair and translucent skin, and her hair was loosely tied back. She was wearing only a light pink theatrical costume over a simple white T-shirt, and had a slender figure.

It was Li Lin.

Li Lin debuted at her peak, and now, 16, she is already a well-known young actress in the industry, though not particularly famous.

This time, she is playing the arrogant yet tragic "Princess Yuan Chun" in "Princess Agents".

Just then, the system panel popped up.

[Ding! Female celebrity Li Qin detected.]

[Current wish: I'm worried that the scenes depicting Princess Yuan Chun's later descent into darkness and madness might be too extreme, leading to mindless criticism from the audience and potentially targeting the actress herself. I hope to portray the character's helplessness and tragic undertones.]

Upon seeing this, Chen Xingzhou's eyes remained unmoved.

He felt that this wish didn't even require his involvement.

He had seen Li Lin's portrayal of Princess Yuan Chun, and she did a very good job. As for the criticism Li Lin received from the audience, it seemed there was none.

Pulling himself back to reality, Chen Xingzhou looked at Li Lin again.

Noticing his gaze, Li Qin also noticed him.

She was slightly taken aback at first, then remembered where she had seen Chen Xingzhou before, and took the initiative to speak: "You must be Chen Xingzhou, the actor who plays Yan Xun? I saw some clips during the audition, and you acted very well."

Chen Xingzhou immediately stood up, his attitude humble and polite: "Hello, Teacher Li Lin, I am Chen Xingzhou. It is an honor to work with you. You are the perfect person to play the role of Yuan Chun."

Li Qin was amused by his tactful reaction and said, "We have quite a few scenes together in the early stages. Yan Xun's contrast will really test your acting skills. Take care, this scene won't be easy to act."

"Yes, thank you for your guidance, Professor Li Lin."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Li Lin went to the dressing room to put on makeup.

Chen Xingzhou withdrew his gaze and rubbed his chin.

Li Qin's reminder was correct; the character Yan Xun has a huge contrast.

This is not only his transformation in the drama, but also a step for him to gain a foothold in this industry.

Soon after, the styling team came to do his makeup and change his clothes.

A moment later, Chen Xingzhou appeared, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, his hair tied up in a high crown. The young man in the mirror had sharp eyebrows and eyes, and was full of vigor.

This was Yan Xun's most dazzling appearance when he first entered Chang'an.

The makeup setting lights came on, and the shutter clicked continuously.

The shutter of the makeup setting lights finally stopped, and the photographer leaned in, camera in hand, his face full of praise: "Teacher Chen is in great shape! The youthful spirit of the prince in the early photos is all there; these sets of photos are definitely usable!"

Chen Xingzhou smiled and thanked him, then removed his headdress, changed into casual clothes, and prepared to rest for a while before trying on the next outfit.