CH 58

However, Wen Wen was overthinking.

Wen Li kept a clear separation between work and personal matters, even though she was currently researching with Song Yan.

The intricate and hard-to-understand political plotline in this movie destined it to have a mediocre performance in the domestic mainstream film market. However, with its excellent screenplay and exquisite costume design, it received significant accolades both domestically and internationally in its release year.

If one wants to make a period film that is visually and aesthetically pleasing to the audience, it requires much more effort and resources than modern films. Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design awards are not easily won. The meticulous depiction of the Ming Dynasty, its grandeur and atmosphere, with every green tile and red wall in the scenes representing the weight of history.

Even the costumes worn by the actors were recreated to reflect the true magnificence of that era.

No actor could resist such a script and behind-the-scenes team. Anyone who pursued this profession desired to appear in such a film and become a part of it, whether in a minor or major role.

After watching Yu Weiguang's movie, Wen Li was even more excited about Qiu Ping's [Ice City].

Both are renowned directors with top-notch film teams. If she could have her name on the cast list of this film, regardless of her success in transitioning her career, it would be an unforgettable experience for her professional journey.

Entering the industry as a fledgling and gradually growing into a fully-fledged bird, Wen Li had aspirations and ambitions for a higher level. Qiu Ping's new film was her first step towards reaching greater heights.

Although it was a significant step and she hadn't fully taken it yet, as Qiu Ping had only agreed to give her an audition opportunity, she knew she had to seize it herself, and there was no guarantee she would succeed.

Getting such a valuable audition opportunity and competing for the same role as those accomplished actresses with impressive filmographies was challenging yet exhilarating.

As the movie concluded, the credits began rolling on the screen. In the dimly lit hotel suite, the only source of light faded, creating a somber atmosphere.

After watching a thought-provoking and excellent movie, there was always a vague sense of loss in Wen Li's heart. She didn't rush to turn on the lights and sighed softly, gazing at the screen.

"It's still better to be a modern person," she concluded in the end.

Song Yan was also engrossed in watching the movie. At first, when he heard her sigh, he thought she was going to give a lengthy review like professional critics. However, he didn't expect her conclusion to be so down-to-earth.

He smiled and agreed, "Yes."

The movie ended with a melancholic traditional melody, which further dampened Wen Li's mood. She sighed again and slumped onto the couch, saying, "Teacher Song, it was such a pity that you missed this movie."

Of course, she couldn't say that he would have acted better than the original cast because the male actor did a fantastic job as well. But in terms of appearance and temperament, Wen Li believed Song Yan was the most handsome.

"If it were you playing the role, this movie would be even more perfect."

She mused to herself, imagining Song Yan in the attire of an emperor.

As she kept thinking, she recalled the intimate scenes in the movie.

Suddenly, she felt that it wasn't such a pity that he didn't take on that role.

"It's not certain," Song Yan didn't know that her thoughts had shifted to certain aspects of the movie and earnestly responded to her sigh, "Each actor has their own strengths. I just considered them when making the decision."

"Are you using the excuse of not being good at emotional scenes again?" Wen Li straightened up, pointing her finger at his face, speaking seriously, "Don't say you're not good at it. You're too good at it. If you were to act in idol dramas, what would those male actors do?"

Song Yan raised an eyebrow, "Better than all the male actors you've worked with?"

"Ah?" Wen Li was puzzled, "Of course, you are. What's the comparison?"

Song Yan chuckled, supporting his chin with one hand, and said slowly, "They are all men, of course, there's something to compare."

"Oh, so male actors are also so competitive," Wen Li patted his shoulder approvingly, "Then you can rest assured, in my heart, you are on a different level than them."

Song Yan suddenly held her hand and kissed her fingertips, lowered his gaze, and softly thanked her.

"Thank you."

Wen Li's fingers tingled from the kiss, she felt content yet unsatisfied. She leaned closer, cleared her throat, and said, "Really, in my eyes, you are the most handsome, the most handsome in the whole country."

"En?" Song Yan smiled, his lips curling, "I know."

Wen Li made a humming sound and asked, "Why aren't you saying thank you?"

Song Yan had always been an easygoing man, so he complied, "Thank you."

However, Wen Li didn't stop there. Instead, a trace of dissatisfaction emerged in her beautiful eyes, "Besides thank you, what else?"

Song Yan tilted his head, "What?"

"Forget it," Wen Li felt that beating around the bush with these hints was pointless. She stood up, "The movie is over. Let's go to bed after taking a shower."

"Why are you so impatient?" Song Yan chuckled and stood up as well. He pulled Wen Li back and cupped her face, giving her a kiss.

Her cheeks grew warm as Wen Li felt joy in her heart. However, she couldn't help but blame him, "You know what I'm implying and yet pretend to be clueless? What kind of person are you?"

"I'm sorry," Song Yan apologized with his mouth, but his expression didn't seem remorseful, "Because your sulking appearance is really adorable."

Wen Li knew she had a habit of not being straightforward. Her grandfather, uncles, and father had all pointed out that it wasn't a good trait. Sometimes, they wanted to have a serious conversation with her, but her attitude would ruin it, and no matter how patient they were, they would lose their temper eventually. If she were a boy, she would have been beaten long ago.

Song Yan was truly an exception; he seemed to enjoy it.

Wen Li snapped, "I don't need you to tell me that I'm adorable."

Then, when she took a bath, she sang a bathroom song, displaying her childlike innocence. In her shallow understanding, cuteness was used to describe children, so she sang nursery rhymes to express her cuteness.

After finishing the bath, Wen Li returned to her elegant and glamorous self.

Now that the acting program concluded successfully, with the release of tension, Wen Li finally didn't have to think about script lines even when going to bed.

When Song Yan finished showering and got into bed, he pulled Wen Li into his arms from the edge of the bed, his palm gently touching her hair. He asked in a low voice, "Do you still need me to rehearse lines with you tonight?"

Wen Li replied, "It's all done, no need anymore."

Just as Song Yan was about to smile, she immediately started discussing their next job with him.

"Director Qiu said that after returning to Yancheng, he wants me to find a time to go to his place for a screen test. He also mentioned that he will invite us to have a meal together."

Song Yan concisely responded, "Okay."

"I think the meal is not the main point; the main point is the screen test," Wen Li continued chattering, "Sister Dan told me that several actresses are also in contact for this role. If it weren't for the screenwriter, Old Zhou, thinking that I resemble Ye Yan, I wouldn't have many advantages, actually."

"But you do resemble Ye Yan, that in itself is already a significant advantage."

Wen Li agreed, "That's true, thanks to my parents."

"Prepare well."

"Okay."

Wen Li felt ambitious, clenching her hand into a fist under the covers.

After a silence of about ten seconds, Song Yan tapped her waist and asked, "Is the work discussion finished?"

"Hmm?" Wen Li thought for a moment, "Oh, right, about that screen test. I haven't had any contact with Director Qiu before. Since you've worked with him, can you give me some advice? It would give me more confidence during the screen test."

"Sure, let's discuss it when we wake up tomorrow," Song Yan asked, "Is it finished now?"

"Why do you keep asking me if it's finished? Are you getting impatient?" Wen Li was quite dissatisfied.

Surprisingly, Song Yan admitted, "Yes, I am getting impatient."

Wen Li widened her eyes and was about to struggle out of his embrace.

"I've been hinting at it for a long time," Song Yan buried his face in her neck and sighed, "Can we talk about work after we're done?"

"..."

She had been filled with thoughts about work, but with his words, she was taken off guard.

Under such temptation, Wen Li desperately tried to control herself and reluctantly refused, "No, after we're done, I won't have the energy to discuss work with you. Teach me about the audition experience first."

"Okay, I'll teach you now," Song Yan compromised.

Wen Li immediately assumed the role of a diligent student, ready to listen attentively. She picked up the phone from the bedside table and said, "Wait a moment, let me take some notes."

Song Yan took the phone from her and threw it aside.

"No need, this experience isn't something you can learn through words, only through understanding."

"Oh..."

Wen Li nodded in sudden realization. Yes, acting was like that. Many experiences could only be understood and not put into words. Acting was an abstract concept, different from the theoretical knowledge in textbooks.

But soon, she realized something was amiss.

"...Does Director Qiu always make actors audition for these kinds of roles?" Wen Li shrunk her body, avoiding Song Yan's lips on her collarbone.

Were directors nowadays this audacious? Did she really have to sacrifice so much just for an audition?

"No," Song Yan honestly replied. Just as Wen Li was about to get angry, he said seriously, "But what if? Being fully prepared will make us ready for any unexpected demands."

"But does ]Ice City' have intimate scenes?"

She had read the script, and there were none. Did Director Qiu like to suddenly create scenes that weren't in the script for her to act in?

"No."

"..."

Wen Li couldn't understand how he could say "no" with such confidence.

"Teacher Song!" She pushed him away, adjusting her loose clothes, "Please don't take advantage of your good looks."

Song Yan blinked and smiled. "But I'm taking advantage because you like it."

Why did he mention "like" again?

Why did he enjoy saying the word "like" so much?

Was he an elementary school boy?

Wen Li finally understood why Song Yan's portrayal of the Emperor in the drama today captivated her. It was because, like the Emperor, he had peculiar and incomprehensible preferences in bed.

The Emperor liked to make the empress dowager call him by his nickname in bed.

Song Yan liked Wen Li to call him "senior" in bed.

Wen Li's body arched like a bridge. Her slender waist was barely grasped. Only one person could pass through this bridge. Song Yan acted arrogantly, exerting his dominance, and only when Wen Li collapsed did he finally breathe contentedly, clearing away the traces left by their entanglement.

Wen Li was well aware of her capabilities. Indeed, she was not in the mood to discuss work with him anymore.

"Why do you like it when I call you 'senior'?" She mustered up enough energy to ask.

Song Yan tidied up the things on the bed, slid under the covers, and embraced her while stroking her hair. He said, "Because it gives me a sense of fulfillment, like my dream has come true."

Wen Li didn't understand, feeling extremely tired. She mumbled a response and fell asleep.

So, Song Yan could understand the Emperor. He compelled the Empress Dowager to call him by his nickname, not to humiliate her or himself, but because deep down, he yearned for a relationship with her that transcended status and worldly constraints—a relationship based on equality and mutual affection.

Wen Li said it was better to be a modern person, and Song Yan agreed with her view.

At least, as a modern person, he could wait for this day to come.

——

After finishing the final behind-the-scenes interview for [The S-Class Acting Awards], Wen Li and Song Yan boarded the flight back to Yancheng.

Wen Li felt that it was a waste of manpower and resources for the production team to send the entire A team to accompany her and Song Yan for the show. Since the two variety shows aired on different television stations, the materials couldn't be shared. It was like the production team had come on a business trip but didn't capture any footage that could be used in their own show.

Director Yan was clearly aware of this.

Because the director of the acting awards show was his senior from the same school. Although they worked for different TV stations, their personal relationship was quite good. When Wen Li and Song Yan went to record the acting awards show, he even called his senior to give him a heads-up, saying that the two of them were not cooperating well with the camera and causing trouble.

[The S-Class Acting Awards] was set to air its final episode next week. Currently, they were currently editing the teaser.

At this time, Director Yan's senior, the director of [The S-Class Acting Awards], called him.

He called to thank him.

Director Yan pondered for two seconds and said, "Senior, can you show me the teaser materials?"

"How can I do that? What if you use them in your show?" his senior responded cautiously.

"I'm your junior. How can you suspect me of stealing your materials?!" Director Yan couldn't help but get annoyed, "I've heard about it too. You changed the script on the spot, making Song Yan act alongside Wen Li. Can you say you're not riding on the popularity of their CP?! Can you say you're not riding on the popularity of our show?!"

The tone of his senior also became mournful, as if he had suffered a great injustice. "Zhengkui, how can you think that way about me! I'm just doing my job. I absolutely have no intention to target you."

That's how people are. They were so innocent in school, but once they entered the workplace, they became cunning.

Director Yan sneered, "If that's the case, then make sure not to use any materials featuring Song Yan and Wen Li in the teaser."

"...That's not possible. I specifically had the post-production team create an exclusive two-and-a-half-minute trailer."

"What? Two and a half minutes?"

For a regular couple's lovey-dovey variety show, the editors struggled to create a 30-second trailer for each episode. But this couple appeared on another program for one episode, yet their production team could easily come up with a two-and-a-half-minute trailer?

Damn it.