Chapter 16

Bai Xiaofei works at a company that mainly rents out photography equipment. When he goes to film sets, he usually joins the camera crew, one of the main departments on set, and interacts with photographers for a long time, so he naturally has some connections. If the photographer for this "Good Man" is someone he knows, it would be natural to pay a visit, not to flatter, but just to meet a friend. Who knows, there might be a time when he needs the other person's help.

Zhao Yinxue shook her head and said, "I'm not very familiar with the photographers! But my boss has a wide network of contacts, she should know. I'll take you to ask her later!"

Seeing how complicated it was and that they had to find the head of the costume department, Bai Xiaofei almost refused on the spot.

However, a sudden idea flashed in Bai Xiaofei's mind, and he thought, "It's not bad to go and check it out! Zhao Yinxue's boss seems to be quite capable. I might have to travel through time to different eras in the future. If it's ancient times, just the ancient costumes would be a hassle. It would be better to build a good relationship with Zhao Yinxue's boss, who might be able to help me in the future!"

Thus, Bai Xiaofei changed his tone, nodded, and smiled, "Alright, then I'll trouble you. I'll treat you to a big meal later!"

Zhao Yinxue gave Bai Xiaofei a sidelong glance and said, "You're being too formal with me! If you keep being so formal, I won't talk to you anymore!"

"..."

Bai Xiaofei was drenched in sweat, not quite able to handle Zhao Yinxue's enthusiasm!

...

After tidying up the room, taking a shower, and changing into a bright dress, Zhao Yinxue led Bai Xiaofei to the costume department.

Just as Bai Xiaofei and Zhao Yinxue reached the door, a roar came from inside.

"What a mess! Assistant director, what kind of eyesight do you have? Look at the actors you've chosen! This play doesn't need big-name actors, just some new faces, but they have to be reliable! Look at these people! They have no charm, no acting skills, and they act like they're someone important. Do they think they're Sun Honglei or Huang Bo?"

"Director, please don't be angry! This batch is indeed subpar, but don't worry, there's another batch coming, and I guarantee the quality!"

"Enough, enough, stop blowing hot air! The production is about to start, but we still haven't found the lead male. Get the other candidates over here quickly, and if they're not suitable, find someone else!"

"Yes, yes, yes! You guys, go back for now!"

Then, seven or eight young men with good looks but no distinctive features walked out of the costume department one after another.

Zhao Yinxue peeked inside and, seeing that it was safe, turned back and stuck out her tongue at Bai Xiaofei, smiling, "Alright, the auditions are over. Let's go in!"

Bai Xiaofei nodded and followed Zhao Yinxue into the costume department.

The costume department was large, with rows of fashionable and bright clothes, including many camouflage outfits. A huge mirror made the room seem even more spacious.

A middle-aged man with half-gray hair and sharp eyes was sitting on the sofa, carefully reading the script, with a look of anger still on his face, as if he were a man not to be disturbed. This man was likely the director who had just been shouting. Bai Xiaofei took a closer look and saw that he indeed had a strong air of leadership.

The director was so engrossed in the script that he didn't even notice Bai Xiaofei and Zhao Yinxue entering.

Bai Xiaofei was not surprised; he had been in the entertainment industry for several years and was familiar with the quirks of big directors. This one was definitely the type who, once immersed in the script, would forget about the real world, completely absorbed in the story!

Such directors often produced very detailed and touching works, able to move the audience with small details!

Next to the sofa, a young man in his twenties, with a sturdy build and small eyes, was pacing back and forth, fiddling with his phone, seemingly looking at actor profiles.

No need to guess, this must be the assistant director who had been scolded earlier.

There was one more person in the room, Zhao Yinxue's boss.

Her name was Liu Manjing, who looked around 30 but was actually 42. She had excellent skin and a mature, steady aura, exuding a noble and elegant charm, making her very attractive, a true beauty!

According to Zhao Yinxue, there were at least a hundred people pursuing Liu Manjing, including some big directors and stars!

Her charm was evident!

After listening to Zhao Yinxue's introduction, Liu Manjing smiled at Bai Xiaofei and said, "You must be the Bai Xiaofei that Xiao Xue often talks about? Not bad, not bad! Mature and steady, with a straight back and a well-built figure. You must exercise regularly, no wonder Xiao Xue always thinks of you, you do have some assets!"

Zhao Yinxue blushed and said awkwardly, "Boss, you're talking nonsense!"

Bai Xiaofei also broke into a sweat, then extended his hand and smiled at Liu Manjing, "Sister Liu, nice to meet you! I'm Bai Xiaofei, please take care of me!"

Liu Manjing shook Bai Xiaofei's hand and pointed to a chair, saying, "Sit down, it's tiring to stand! Xiao Xue, go to my room and get some fruits and drinks to entertain Xiaofei!"

"Okay!"

Zhao Yinxue agreed and left the room.

Liu Manjing, like a mother-in-law scrutinizing a potential son-in-law, stared at Bai Xiaofei with her large eyes, asking about his family and personal life, making Bai Xiaofei very uncomfortable and sweating profusely.

Bai Xiaofei cleared his throat and was about to ask about the crew's photographer.

Suddenly, the assistant director who had been pacing back and forth in the costume department earlier walked over.

He looked at Bai Xiaofei with great excitement, as if he had found a savior, and said with a broad smile, "Ha, sir, hello, I'm Zhao Sen, the assistant director of 'Good Man.' You look unfamiliar, so you must be a first-time visitor to our set, right?"

Bai Xiaofei was taken aback, not understanding why the other person was talking to him. Was he asking him to play an extra? If it were before, Bai Xiaofei might have been interested, but now... with the time-traveling device, he really didn't care about the small fee for an extra, and the hot weather made it even more unbearable. No way!

While thinking, Bai Xiaofei nodded and said, "Hello, I'm Bai Xiaofei. I'm just here to drop off a friend at the hotel and will leave soon."

"Leave soon?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Sen became anxious, thinking, "This won't do! It's rare to find someone who fits the lead male's character so well. I can't let him go so easily. Where else can I find someone so perfect? I have to find a way to keep him! Otherwise, I'll be scolded by Director Zhao again!"

Having made up his mind, Zhao Sen got straight to the point, "Mr. Bai, here's the thing. Our production is still missing a very important role. I think you have a unique aura that fits our character's needs. I wonder if Mr. Bai is interested in trying out for the role. If you pass the audition, we'll sign a contract immediately, and the terms will be very generous! Our production is a big investment and production, and it will definitely be a huge success when it's released!"

"Ah? Try out?"

When Zhao Sen finished speaking, Bai Xiaofei was stunned, as was Liu Manjing, who was sitting across from him.

Zhao Yinxue, carrying a pile of fruits and drinks, returned to the costume department and heard Zhao Sen's words, immediately looking at Bai Xiaofei with surprise, envy, and jealousy, thinking, "Bai Xiaofei is about to hit the big time!"

Others might not know the content of the production, but Zhao Yinxue, who had read the script, was very familiar with it.

The production had only a few important roles, and most of them were female. There were very few male roles, and the most important male roles were the lead male and the second male. Considering the director's and assistant director's earlier shouts... my goodness! Could it be that Zhao Sen is asking Bai Xiaofei to play the lead male?

Oh my!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a heaven-sent chance that many people dream of!

With Director Zhao Yichao's status, making a new actor famous is just a matter of one production. If Bai Xiaofei can pass the audition, he will definitely rise to fame!

"Bai Xiaofei's luck... is really something!"

Zhao Yinxue looked at Bai Xiaofei enviously, thinking, "I've thought about being an actor and had dreams of being a star, but no one ever noticed me."

In the costume department.

Zhao Sen was staring at Bai Xiaofei with fiery eyes.

Liu Manjing, sitting beside him, had a curious look in her beautiful eyes. She had never seen Zhao Sen be so enthusiastic about a "newcomer" before, and the role he was offering was likely the lead male!

After all, in China, many first and second-tier stars would beg to work with Zhao Sen, but he often ignored them.

Upon closer inspection, Liu Manjing noticed some unique qualities in Bai Xiaofei. His looks were not outstanding, but they were not bad either. What stood out was his aura! Combined with the subtle military vibe he exuded, it created a mysterious and irresistible charm, like a black hole that once you get caught in, you can't escape!

Liu Manjing, regaining her composure, couldn't help but admire Zhao Sen's keen eye, which was indeed extraordinary!

Cough!

Feeling uncomfortable under the intense gaze, Bai Xiaofei touched his nose and said awkwardly, "Director Zhao, I'm just an ordinary person with no acting skills at all!"

Bai Xiaofei was indirectly refusing Zhao Sen's offer.

As a seasoned veteran of the film industry, Bai Xiaofei was sure that Zhao Sen would understand his meaning.

However, to his surprise, Zhao Sen was unconcerned, "No acting skills? No problem! This role doesn't require much acting, especially for you! As long as you act naturally, you'll definitely pass!"

Ah?

Is that possible?

Bai Xiaofei was taken aback, thinking, "What the heck? Is he trying to fool me? How can an actor not need acting skills? Act naturally? Does he want me to play a villain or a pervert?"

After some thought, Bai Xiaofei said, "Sorry, I'm not interested!"

Uh?

Upon hearing Bai Xiaofei's response, Zhao Sen was stunned.

Being rejected by a nobody was a first for him.

Not just Zhao Sen, but Liu Manjing and Zhao Yinxue were also stunned, unable to believe that Bai Xiaofei had turned down such a heaven-sent opportunity.

...