Chapter 18: Song Zu'er Really Wants to Make Progress!

Famous artists fear that filming a bad movie will devalue their reputation, but as a student, Bai Baihe didn't care. After all, she hadn't even entered the industry yet; even if she filmed a flop, she doubted anyone would know who she was.

Thus, she participated in the auditions for Cheng Sheng Films.

To her surprise, Cheng Sheng selected her as the second female lead for *The Great Tang Dynasty: Origins*, playing Princess Pingyang Zhao.

The second female lead! The excitement nearly caused her to faint.

This also left her roommates green with envy.

After joining the crew, as filming progressed, Bai Baihe's admiration for Cheng Sheng grew steadily.

She was particularly stunned by the performances of the crew members.

Most of them attended the same school as her, and several were even in her same class.

She considered her acting to be slightly better than theirs, but after watching them perform, she realized they completely crushed her.

At that moment, she felt a bit discouraged.

However, when it was her turn to film, she discovered that she *was* Princess Pingyang Zhao. Princess Pingyang Zhao was herself; her performance lacked even a trace of artifice, appearing more like a real person than an actress.

After finishing her scenes, Bai Baihe thought she was dreaming.

Even after filming wrapped, she still felt as though she were in a dream because the shoot had been so incredibly smooth.

It was unbelievably smooth.

Because of this, she had wondered why every actor in the crew performed as if possessed by award-winning masters. After much thought, she found no answer and could only attribute it all to Cheng Sheng's merit.

Before filming began, Cheng Sheng had gathered all the actors together for several days of script analysis and study.

Once the film was completed, Bai Baihe wondered if she could use this opportunity to gain access to more film and television resources.

Little did she know...

Before she could even take action, news broke that the film had been shortlisted for the Main Competition at the Venice Film Festival.

Even more surprising was that, as the second female lead, she would be able to walk the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival.

Although she wasn't the female lead walking the carpet, she was satisfied—after all, this was Venice!

Even if the film didn't win an award, being shortlisted was a success in itself.

Once the news broke, her classmates were dying of envy, and her phone was practically exploding.

Congratulatory messages from friends, classmates, and teachers never stopped.

Even an hour ago, she had received invitations from several entertainment companies.

Even Huayi Brothers had called her, promising her the lead role in a television series.

They promised to arrange it immediately upon the signing of a management contract.

Such generous terms were something a student could never obtain.

One must realize that Huayi was the top private film and television company in the entertainment industry, boasting its own great director, Feng Dapao, and A-list stars like Liu Jialing, Liang Jiahui, and Cheng Daoming.

Every one of them was a household name in the industry.

If she truly signed with Huayi Brothers, she would certainly never have to worry about film and television resources in the future.

A single unreleased movie had catapulted her straight to the peak.

***

On the set of *Lotus Lantern*.

Su Chang approached the director, requesting a half-month leave of absence to attend the Venice Film Festival.

Upon hearing this, the director naturally refused.

The TV series was currently in production!

If the female lead just left like that, what would happen to the crew?

One must understand that wasting a single day cost tens of thousands of yuan!

Su Chang hurriedly explained her reasons.

Upon hearing them, the director of *Lotus Lantern*, Chang Guangxi, suddenly changed his tone. His expression softened significantly, and he directly approved Su Chang's request for leave.

This sudden twist left Su Chang, who had been prepared to explain further, stunned.

*Wait, is he just dying for me to leave?*

Beside her, Chang Guangxi didn't notice Su Chang's expression; he was currently so happy he wanted to pop champagne to celebrate.

Although Su Chang going to Venice would delay the filming of *Lotus Lantern*, that was a minor issue.

According to Su Chang, she had been nominated for Best Newcomer and Best Actress.

Regardless of whether she won, the mere fact of these nominations meant that when *Lotus Lantern* was released, they could use them for promotion or to sell the series to television stations, thereby driving up the price of *Lotus Lantern*.

If she was lucky enough to win Best Actress, his *Lotus Lantern* would take off instantly.

A work by a Venice Best Actress winner! The price would have to increase several times over!

The news of Su Chang's leave spread quickly through the crew.

Everyone was shocked by the director's decision.

One had to realize that Su Chang was the female lead; she was in every scene from beginning to end.

If she left, how would the upcoming scenes be filmed?

Was the director crazy?

Jiao Enjun, who played Erlang Shen, approached Su Chang and asked, "Changchang, how did you convince Director Chang to let you take leave?"

Jiao Enjun was genuinely curious; he actually wanted to ask Director Chang for a few days off to return to Yizhou to handle some personal matters.

Lately, his wife had been having emotional outbursts and wanting a divorce, but because of filming, he had no time to deal with it.

Now that Su Chang had secured leave, Jiao Enjun had an idea.

"Actually, it's because I'm going to Venice for the film festival in a few days. That's why Director Chang is letting me go," Su Chang said without hiding anything.

Because it wouldn't be long before the news of Cheng Sheng Films being shortlisted for the Venice Main Competition was reported by the media.

"What? Cheng Sheng Films? You mean that Cheng Sheng who has been causing such a stir online?" Jiao Enjun asked in shock.

"Yes, Director Cheng. His film was shortlisted for the Main Competition, and I am honored to be one of the nominees for Best Newcomer and Best Actress," Su Chang said happily.

"Venice Best Actress..."

Jiao Enjun's eyes went blank as he muttered to himself. Then, his eyes widened, and he said excitedly to Su Chang, "Changchang, you're going to strike it rich! Don't forget me in the future."

Even if she wasn't the Venice Best Actress yet, being selected was a victory.

"Teacher Jiao, stop teasing me," Su Chang said bashfully.

"Haha, Changchang, keep it up! Bring home a Venice Best Actress award!" Jiao Enjun encouraged her.

At this moment, he also understood why Director Chang had allowed her to take leave.

He *had* to let her go!

Even if she hadn't asked, Director Chang might have practically pushed her out the door.

If Su Chang went to Venice, her market value would increase many times over, which would be extremely beneficial for *Lotus Lantern*.

Before long, the rest of the *Lotus Lantern* crew also learned that Su Chang was going to Venice, and everyone came forward to congratulate her.

"Cousin, can you take me with you?"

Song Zu'er, who played little Nezha, asked in a milky voice.

Su Chang patted Song Zu'er's small head and said, "You little girl, you should focus on acting. Director Chang has told you several times to spend more time practicing your crying scenes."

"But I want to walk the red carpet!" Song Zu'er said, sticking a finger into her mouth.

Su Chang smiled; it seemed her little cousin was very eager to improve!

The one who was happy was not just Su Chang, but also Qiao Shan.

Upon learning that he could go to Venice to walk the red carpet, Qiao Shan had been bragging about it to the entire class.