17 Audition

Friday, Jiang Ranyun flew to City S.

Song Zhiyuan had her own recording studio in City S. Over the past few days, she had become very familiar with the demo, and the lyrics were written by a professional lyricist she liked.

Yi Feicheng had originally planned to go with her.

But after chatting with Jiang Ranyun at the bar a few days ago, he decided to try for the male lead role in Wen Shuchan’s new drama. He rearranged his schedule over the past few days and couldn’t find time to go.

…

Recording songs was harder than Jiang Ranyun had imagined. Although she had taken a few vocal lessons before, once she was in the recording studio, she was repeatedly corrected on pitch, which completely shattered her confidence.

“Ahhh, why do I sing so terribly!” During a break, Jiang Ranyun hugged Anan in the lounge, crying out in frustration.

Anan comforted her simply, “Sis, I think you sing really well. It’s just that their demands are too harsh!”

Jiang Ranyun whimpered, “Wuwu.”

A soft laugh came from outside, followed by a polite knock.

Song Zhiyuan walked in and said, “Don’t be down. Didn’t the sound engineer say you’re already singing very well? Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you can’t hit the notes perfectly, they can fix it in post-production.”

Seeing Song Zhiyuan, Jiang Ranyun felt embarrassed to still be hugging Anan like that. She straightened up, sighed, and smiled, “I thought I had the talent to be a singer.”

Song Zhiyuan smiled, “Actually, with today’s technology… Your current level is already better than many singers out there.”

Jiang Ranyun was half in disbelief, “Really?”

“Really,” Song Zhiyuan said with a smile. “If you want, you don’t have to release just a single. You could put out an entire album. I can be your producer and help write songs for you.”

Jiang Ranyun joked, “That’s a bit too flattering.”

Song Zhiyuan immediately added, “Although I’ll give you a discount, even with that, my producing fees aren’t cheap. So, what do you think? Want to release an album and become a triple-threat artist in film, television, and music?”

“I’ll think about it,” Jiang Ranyun smiled. “Let me first heal the wounds my heart took in the recording studio.”

Song Zhiyuan laughed heartily.

After spending the entire day in the recording studio, Jiang Ranyun finally struggled through and finished recording the song.

Once the vocals were done, it still needed production.

Song Zhiyuan asked, “When do you want to release the song?”

Jiang Ranyun thought for a moment.

This was a love song, with a melody and lyrics carrying a subtle mix of sweetness and sorrow.

After considering, Jiang Ranyun said, “As soon as possible.”

If she waited until her relationship with Yi Feicheng returned to normal and the “breakup” news became public before releasing the song, she feared it would be misunderstood…

“Alright,” Song Zhiyuan said, then flashed a dazzling smile. “You’ve been tired from recording all day. How about we grab dinner together tonight?”

Jiang Ranyun hesitated.

Last time when they dined together, rumors of a scandal arose. Well, back then they were both single, and she still was now, though someone wouldn’t acknowledge that. Previously for a magazine shoot, she had merely greeted Song Zhiyuan, yet Yi Feicheng had already reacted…

Just then, a message chimed.

Yi Feicheng’s message arrived just in time.

“I’ve arrived in City S.”

“Are you done with work?”

Jiang Ranyun replied: “Done.”

Song Zhiyuan said, “Looks like you’ve got plans tonight.”

Jiang Ranyun looked up and smiled, “Sorry about that.”

“Then maybe next time we can have dinner,” Song Zhiyuan stood up. “Shall I walk you out?”

“Okay.”

As they stepped outside, Yi Feicheng called, “I’m heading to the Huasheng Building now.”

Jiang Ranyun was surprised, “How did you know...?”

Yi Feicheng replied casually, “I looked it up. Isn’t Song Zhiyuan’s studio there?”

“…” Jiang Ranyun glanced at Song Zhiyuan beside her and quietly said into the phone, “I’ll wait for you in the lobby.”

Yi Feicheng arrived quickly.

He strode toward Jiang Ranyun, glanced briefly at Song Zhiyuan beside her, then looked away, focusing his smile on Jiang Ranyun.

Jiang Ranyun stood and said to Song Zhiyuan, “I’ll leave first, Teacher Song.”

Before her words fully fell, Yi Feicheng tightened his grip on Jiang Ranyun’s hand.

He gave Song Zhiyuan a slight nod and led Jiang Ranyun away.

*

“You travel back and forth so much. Aren’t you tired?” Once inside Yi Feicheng’s car, Jiang Ranyun tilted her head toward him.

Yi Feicheng had an event for a luxury brand today. Jiang Ranyun had seen it on Weibo during her break; he wore a striking red suit from that brand with a unique design.

He came straight from the event without changing.

“Not tired,” Yi Feicheng said.

Jiang Ranyun chuckled, “You’re stubborn.”

Fatigue was clearly visible on him.

Yi Feicheng leaned closer to her, closed his eyes, and said, “Spending a little time with you recharges me.”

Their fingers intertwined tightly.

After a moment of silence, Yi Feicheng suddenly remembered something and softly said, “I got the male lead script for ‘The Pearl.’ Director Wen said the audition is next week and she’s giving me a chance.”

Jiang Ranyun had also received the audition date yesterday.

Still, Yi Feicheng’s words felt a bit strange. “Giving you a chance? Isn’t Director Wen known for using familiar actors? You’ve worked with her before.”

Yi Feicheng replied, “Exactly because we’ve worked together, she knows me well. When I told her I wanted the male lead in ‘The Pearl,’ she refused. She thought I wasn’t suitable, that I couldn’t convey the emotions she wanted.”

“What emotions?” Jiang Ranyun recalled the script. She had the female lead’s script, which contained some parts about the male lead. She had read it many times and found nothing unusual — just a deep love for the female lead.

“Love.”

Jiang Ranyun frowned, “...Really? Haven’t you done quite well with romantic roles in your recent works?”

Yi Feicheng shook his head and said softly, “Honey, except for you, I’ve never played roles where love is the main storyline. Even works with heavier romantic themes have only touched on it lightly.”

Romance was at most a side note, a fleeting brush on the surface.

“Even if it’s little, it’s good, isn’t it?” Jiang Ranyun said.

“Not good enough.”

“Is Director Wen’s standard too high?”

“It’s high, but also I’m not good enough. If it were you, there wouldn’t be a problem.”

“I haven’t played in any of Director Wen’s dramas yet…”

“She’ll be won over by you.”

No one would be unhappy being praised like that. Jiang Ranyun laughed, “I’ll take your good wishes.”

After a silence, Yi Feicheng spoke again, “...For this drama, I don’t want anyone else to be your male lead.”

“Why?”

“...There are too many intimate scenes. I don’t want to see anyone else acting close to you.”

“Hm?”

Intimate scenes? Jiang Ranyun was a bit surprised. The parts of the script she received had some, but not many.

She asked Yi Feicheng about the male lead’s script. He whispered, “Mine is basically all intimate scenes.”

Jiang Ranyun couldn’t help but tease him, “If I get the role but you don’t get the male lead, what then?”

Yi Feicheng said nothing, only tightened his grip on her hand.

He knew exactly what he was thinking.

His heart pounded heavily, burning with jealousy, a desire to destroy, and a greedy possessiveness that could only be satisfied by having her all to himself.

“I won’t let that happen,” Yi Feicheng finally resolved.

*

The auditions for the male and female leads were held on the same day, at the same place.

Arriving there, Jiang Ranyun realized quite a few well-known faces had come.

Ge Qiuling accompanied her quietly and said, “I heard Director Wen’s previous films were critically acclaimed but not box office hits. The investments were low, so breaking even was no problem. But this time, the investment is huge. The financiers are worried about not getting their money back, so they want her to pick actors who can carry the box office.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ranyun felt somewhat relieved.

Among their peers, there weren’t many actors who could really draw box office numbers, and she was definitely among the top.

As for the male lead…

Jiang Ranyun recognized a few familiar faces: Xu Tianze, Jin Binghe…

Then Yi Feicheng walked in.

He scanned the room, locked eyes with Jiang Ranyun, and immediately relaxed, breaking into a smile.

He then took his seat among the male actors, his expression calm and indifferent as usual.

No one would have guessed, Jiang Ranyun thought with a smile, that Yi Feicheng had called her for half an hour the night before, confessing how nervous he was.