Chapter 7

After driving Zhou Jie away, Sun Shupeng still had to deal with the next connection-based candidate, which gave the director a massive headache, as if his head had suddenly grown a size larger.

However, Sun Shupeng rubbed his temples and pointed at Ye Ming, saying, "You've heard the piece just now; I don't need to explain the requirements. Two words:颠覆 (subversion). Show me a subversive performance based on your understanding."

In fact, from the moment Director Sun Shupeng mentioned "subversion," Ye Ming had been thinking about what kind of performance would truly be subversive.

Using Zhou Jie's roaring performance, though exaggerated and closely following Ma Jingtao's style, could at most be called the second Roaring Emperor. Would you dare say your performance surpasses the Roaring Emperor?

Thinking about the acting style of "The Story of a Love" from his previous life, Ye Ming truly understood why the director wanted to test the actors with the word "subversion."

"The Story of a Love" indeed subverted the traditional style of Qiong Yao dramas, a significant subversion that completely changed everyone's perception of Qiong Yao dramas.

Therefore, it brought about a groundbreaking subversive effect. To find the essence of subversion along this line would be easier.

Ye Ming nodded and said slowly, "I want to sing a song next to express my respect for 'Plum Blossom Three Movements' and to honor the joy Qiong Yao has brought us. Of course, this is entirely in line with the director's requirements for a subversive performance. It's an original song I created myself. But I believe it absolutely fits the current theme of subversion."

The confidence radiating from Ye Ming was overwhelming. He dared to claim subversion, which gave Director Sun Shupeng a glimmer of hope.

Even top-tier actors wouldn't be so confident about a song being the pinnacle of Qiong Yao dramas.

At this moment, everything about Ye Ming seemed natural, as if he was born to do this.

Even He Xiujing's interest was piqued. After auditioning so many actors, this was the first confident newcomer. Was he truly talented, or just exaggerating?

There is a fundamental difference between acting and singing. This newcomer actually claimed he would use singing to subvert Qiong Yao dramas. Who did he think he was—Zhang Guorong, Anita Mui, or Andy Lau?

Are today's newcomers so arrogant?

However, a faint glimmer of hope also rose in He Xiujing's heart. The "The Story of a Love" production needed subversion. Perhaps this newcomer's subversive personality would be suitable for the show. At least, other actors wouldn't risk their careers for such a role.

He Xiujing decisively said, "Alright, perform with confidence. If your performance is subversive, we won't ignore it. Remember, we want subversion. If it's not subversive, you know the consequences."

The last sentence was a clear threat. Don't think just because you're from Yonghua, I'll be lenient. He Xiujing had the confidence to back it up.

Sun Shupeng added, "How will you perform? Do you have an accompaniment track or an instrument?"

Director Sun Shupeng had been in the industry for a long time, starting from the bottom and working his way up. According to his understanding, an actor who always carried an accompaniment track or an instrument was not a good actor.

At least, not a dedicated one. Even if an actor had a strong background, he wouldn't want such an actor.

Moreover, Sun Shupeng was certain that the topic was decided this morning with He Xiujing, and even Zhang Xiaoming, his direct subordinate, wouldn't know about it.

The other actors who had auditioned were competitors, and there was no way they would share such information.

Sun Shupeng watched Ye Ming's facial expression with interest, wanting to see how this newcomer would proceed. If he couldn't continue, it would give Sun Shupeng a reason to kick him out, showing that even with Yonghua's backing, he wouldn't give special treatment.

At this moment, Sun Shupeng even felt a bit of schadenfreude, which surprised him.

Ye Ming thought for a moment and said, "To be honest, I put a lot of effort into preparing for this audition. I didn't have time for anything else. When I came in, I saw a guitar outside, which seemed to belong to someone from the crew. I'd like to borrow it. Is that possible?"

This time, even He Xiujing was taken aback. She hadn't expected Ye Ming to observe the crew's situation during the audition and remember such details.

Interesting, He Xiujing's hope grew even more.

Seeing that He Xiujing didn't object, Sun Shupeng called out, "Xiaoming, come here."

Xiaoming, who had just left, thought Ye Ming had already performed and was about to be kicked out, so he walked in happily.

Though the director set the audition, people like Xiaoming were also important. Offending them wouldn't affect the director's decision, but they could make things difficult for you.

If Ye Ming didn't pass, Xiaoming would have more opportunities to profit. To smoothly audition, or even to get a better spot in the queue, you'd need to give some benefits.

However, as soon as Xiaoming entered, Sun Shupeng asked, "I need a guitar. Whose is it outside? Bring it here."

Xiaoming was surprised. The director hadn't finished the audition yet and wanted to add props. This was unprecedented for a newcomer. Could this newcomer have a strong background?

There are rules for auditions. A newcomer randomly requesting props was impossible.

Xiaoming didn't have time to think much. He quickly smiled and said, "Director, that's my guitar. I'll bring it right away."

In the crew, the director's word was law. Xiaoming brought the guitar in less than a minute, showing that being a director's confidant wasn't easy.

This time, Xiaoming didn't rush to leave. A newcomer requesting props from the director was unusual. He wanted to see what this newcomer could do.

Ye Ming showed no signs of nervousness, fully relaxed. This was a basic quality of an actor. Tension was always an actor's enemy.

What makes an Oscar-winning actor? It's the calm and composed demeanor in the face of any situation, a quality honed through years of experience.

At this moment, Sun Shupeng could see this potential in Ye Ming, nodding in approval. This kid really had potential, not at all like a newcomer.

After tuning the guitar and playing a few notes, Ye Ming's performance began.

The upbeat chorus quickly passed.

Ye Ming's voice flowed with the music. "I hear your voice, and it gives me a special feeling, making me want to remember you. I remember someone who will always stay in my heart, even if I can only think of you."

For a love song, this was a decent performance. At least the rhythm was catchy. At this point, He Xiujing gave a relatively fair evaluation.

She didn't let her personal feelings affect her judgment, a lesson she learned from a senior in the industry when she first started.

"If one day, our love can come true, I'll work twice as hard to be good to you, never changing. No matter how far the road, I'll make it happen."

At this point, the song showed no subversive qualities. The style was light and fresh, common in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Even if the melody was catchy, Sun Shupeng didn't hear anything subversive.

He was about to call a stop, as the song didn't fit the requirement of subversion.

However, seeing that He Xiujing showed no intention to stop, he sighed. Women, indeed, are emotional creatures. Though the song wasn't subversive, it captured the sentimentality and tenderness in women's hearts.

Even if it was a pop song, it was one that women would like, as evident from He Xiujing's reaction.

There was no need to offend the producer, so Sun Shupeng kept quiet.

But at that moment, Ye Ming's voice underwent a dramatic change, a shocking transformation. Sun Shupeng, with his years of experience, had never seen a song change so intensely.

Ye Ming quickly moved to the latter part of the song.

"I'll whisper in your ear,

I'll tell you, I'll tell you,

I love you~ I love you~

Just like a mouse loves rice.

No matter how many storms,

I'll always be by your side.

I miss you~ I think of you~

No matter how hard it is,

As long as you're happy,

I'll do anything to love you like this..."