However, Chu Meibo is just a newcomer who has only played the second and third female leads in two dramas, and neither of these dramas has even been broadcast yet. It is simply a pipe dream for her to compete with the Best Actress for this role.
Shen Huai did try to use his connections to at least secure an audition opportunity for Chu Meibo. He had a good relationship with the other party, and they didn't hide it from him. The entire crew was Director Xie's go-to people. Director Xie was known for his incorruptibility and couldn't be swayed by money. If he displeased the old man, Chu Meibo would probably have a hard time in the film industry in the future.
After much deliberation, Shen Huai had no choice but to give up.
But unexpectedly, "after the darkest hour comes the dawn," and this time it was Director Xie who took the initiative to invite Chu Meibo to audition.
No matter how Shen Huai thought about it, he felt that Chu Meibo had done something again.
However, during the phone call...
Chu Meibo: "No, I didn't do anything. I was busy writing test papers every day."
Shen Huai: "..."
Since Chu Meibo said that, Shen Huai didn't press the matter further. Instead, he said, "I had Tong Yun buy the book 'Red Actress.' You can read it first..." He paused, then suddenly remembered something, "Do you... know Xu Hanzhang?"
Chu Meibo: "Yes, I know him. He's a young master who blushes when he talks. He's quite cute."
Shen Huai: "..."
He recalled the picture of the gentle and refined literary master in his textbook, whose eyes were full of concern for the country and its people, and he couldn't reconcile it with the young master that Chu Meibo described as blushing when he spoke.
Unofficial historical accounts say that Xu Hanzhang deeply loved Gu Mei, so after Gu Mei's death, he remained unmarried for the rest of his life and devoted almost all his energy to the revolutionary cause.
Now that Chu Meibo has said this, Shen Huai almost blurted it out, but luckily he reacted in time.
He remembered that "The Red Performer" was written after Gu Mei's death, so he explained a few more words: "It is said that the female lead Cheng Yanxin in 'The Red Performer' was based on you. You also know Xu Hanzhang, so perhaps you will have a deeper understanding of this story. This will be an advantage for you when you audition."
"Oh?" Chu Meibo seemed intrigued. "He did mention to me before that he hoped to write a story based on me, but I never saw it. I thought..."
Chu Meibo didn't finish her sentence, but it revealed a hint of determination: "Don't worry, I will definitely get this role."
With Sister Mei's words, Shen Huai felt reassured.
“I’ll be finished here in about a week. I told Tong Yun not to tell anyone. We’ll talk about the rest when I get back.”
Chu Meibo responded.
However, Shen Huai was still a little uneasy. After all, Sister Mei had given him such a big surprise without saying a word. He didn't know what would happen in the next week.
Therefore, Shen Huai could only patiently repeat the instructions to Chu Meibo once again.
Chu Meibo, clearly impatient, asked directly, "Stop talking about me, how's your relationship with Xiaoye going?"
Shen Huai's words were stuck in his throat: "..."
Chu Meibo said disdainfully, "You two aren't together yet?! -- Is Xiao Ye even a man? He really disappoints me."
Ye Cang, who had just changed his clothes and come out, suddenly sneezed and looked up at Shen Huai blankly.
Shen Huai coughed lightly, turned his back and walked towards the balcony, saying with some helplessness, "Sister Mei, let's talk about business first."
Chu Meibo laughed: "We've finished discussing business. Now let's talk about personal matters."
Shen Huai: "..."
In the end, Shen Huai couldn't hold back any longer and had to make an excuse to hang up the phone.
He let out a long sigh before returning to his room.
Ye Cang leaned back in his chair, twirling a pen deftly between his fingers: "Was that Sister Mei just now?"
Shen Huai nodded.
"Has everything been explained?" Ye Cang stood up and said after seeing Shen Huai's confirmation, "Then let's go out."
Shen Huai walked into the elevator with him, and looked at him apologetically: "Sorry, I didn't expect it to be so late."
Ye Cang waved his hand: "It's nothing, but I'm quite curious, why did you suddenly want to invite me to dinner?"
Shen Huai pursed his lips: "You've had a tight schedule lately, and you've worked hard too. This meal is to help you relax."
"I see!"
Ye Cang seemed to be deep in thought, but he didn't say anything more. When the elevator arrived, the two of them quickly got out and headed towards the restaurant.
It was sunset, and the orange light bathed the entire city in a warm glow. In the square, many tourists were leisurely feeding pigeons.
Couples walked past the two of them hand in hand; these included not only heterosexual couples but also same-sex couples. However, no one seemed surprised or gave them any odd looks.
Ye Cang suddenly said, "I heard that same-sex couples can get married in this country?"
Shen Huai was taken aback, his fingers twitched slightly, but his expression remained calm: "Yes."
In the past, Ye Cang would probably have been fooled by Shen Huai's reaction and felt frustrated, but his gaze slid over Shen Huai's fingers and a smile appeared on his face: "Huai, after we finish eating, I have something I want to tell you."
Shen Huai pursed his lips: "Perfect timing, I also have something to say."
The two looked at each other for a moment, then looked away.
Ever since that time in the United States, when Shen Huai told Ye Cang about his past, their relationship seemed to have changed, as if they had grown much closer without anyone noticing.
Perhaps because they were in a foreign country, the two seemed to be more candid than they would be in the country.
Shen Huai no longer shied away from talking about his past, and he and Ye Cang discussed many more topics than before.
Shen Huai was surprised to find that Ye Cang was not only accomplished in music, but also had a wide range of interests. The two could also have a great time talking about some obscure topics.