"This might sound a bit highbrow, but... if the character's actions, the whole plot lacks logical coherence, and it's all about face-slapping, highlighting moments, and abusing scum, then I really... have no interest in taking on this drama," Ji Ruochu's words left the producer momentarily silent; frankly, he found such remarks somewhat ludicrous.
Looking at the entire entertainment industry, apart from seasoned veterans who have already achieved fame and fortune, who would care about the logic of characters in a drama? Who isn't striving to climb higher? Even going all out for a role, using all their tricks, unlike Ji Ruochu...
Oh, well, almost forgot, she indeed doesn't need to.
Perhaps sensing what the producer was thinking, Ji Ruochu added, "Of course, I don't mean to belittle the enjoyment of light novels. Nowadays, people face immense life pressure, study pressure, work pressure. It's perfectly fine to unwind by reading some decompression novels during leisure time. Novels themselves are not literary masterpieces, nor is there a rule that says works with high intentions are superior.
It's just that, Grandpa Shang, most of my fans are around ten years old, some like me are college students, some are high school students, or even elementary school students.
When they admire me, I'm the example of winning awards in competitions, when they aim to emulate me, I'm the highest scorer in the national exam that year.
So... I'm sorry, my idol baggage is too heavy, I really can't take on this drama if it continues with this logic."
With this statement, the producer was stunned.
Goodness, he had been working with Shang Director for so many years, and this was the first time someone had said in front of them that their idol baggage was heavy.
You know, even famous domestic actors and actresses, when they come to Shang's crew, each one of them is tougher than the other. Who dares to say that their idol baggage is heavy?
"... Ruochu, Grandpa understands your thoughts."
Even more unexpectedly, Director Shang didn't show the slightest displeasure, instead, he smiled,
"Alright, in that case, give it some time. You can take a look at the revised script later. If the script still doesn't meet your satisfaction by then, Grandpa won't have the face to invite you to participate again."
"...Okay."
It wasn't until evening that Ji Ruochu and others finally left the crew, each riding their electric scooters towards the suburban villa area.
Yep, you read it right, electric scooters, the kind you can rent from the roadside.
Simple to operate, and safety is not bad either.
Even someone as famous as Ji Ruochu, once she puts on a helmet, no one can recognize her.
Of course, the reason why a few kids chose this mode of transportation is mainly because Ling Chujin has property near the studio, agreed to take them home for dinner after work.
And the nearby villa area, if you drive, you have to take a long detour, but it's different with electric scooters, you can be home in ten minutes.
As for why Ling Chujin has property near the film and television city...
Don't ask, it's the story of the fan leader splurging to pursue a star.
"I say Ruochu, you're not really going to take on this drama, are you?" Qi Yibin asked while driving the electric scooter.
Actually, taking the role is fine; fixing a few bugs and making some adjustments could still make it work. If it's the first performance, it probably won't be that smooth... right?
...
Very well, the scene instantly plunged into awkwardness.
"Let's see how it goes. If the script is well revised, I'll take it."
For Ji Ruochu, the mood regarding this play was extremely complex.
Honestly, if she hadn't received a better education, if her focus hadn't expanded beyond the fame and fortune of the entertainment industry, she would definitely have accepted this role.
But then again... if it weren't for her current conditions, they might not have considered her either.
Even though this play seems full of pitfalls now, she remembers, as described in her notebook, that it sparked countless fan wars on the platform back then.
The reason she lost in those years was, in fact, due to Wan Jia supporting her behind the scenes, resulting in her having too many resources for those years.
In the end, somehow, rumors spread that she had intervened in the relationship between Fang Yang and Wan Rouning, the couple.
The final outcome was winning another lawsuit for spreading false rumors, but she had already missed the chance to cast in this play.
And this, when she was still Tan Ruo, was the only opportunity she almost had to cooperate with Director Shang Chuan.
After that, due to changes in her acting path, she never had the chance to work with Director Shang again, which undoubtedly made her extremely regretful.
But at the same time, her diary-self was also grateful that she didn't act in this play. After all, the plot, while normal in a novel, would probably be cringe-worthy if brought to life...
Imagine, the annual "Tan Ruo, Queen of Memories" retrospective short film would likely have a unique cut just for that, and the imagery... even thinking about it makes her feel a bit queasy.
Today's conversation with Director Shang is indeed sincere because those words have puzzled her in countless days and nights in the past.
Every late night of diligent study, she would ask herself:
Why go through all this effort?
Can't I just take it easy?
Ji Mochen is rich enough, the Ji family loves her enough, and even Little Ruo's wish is simply for her to take good care of her parents and loved ones.
Why does she have to tire herself out like this?
So... what is she really pursuing?
Why participate in competitions?
Why, when she's already considered a genius in the eyes of others, does she still want to act?
Since she already has some fame in the entertainment industry, should she directly apply to an art school instead of going to college?
These questions have been lingering in her mind for the past few years, making her occasionally consider laying low, but she always ends up reopening the book.
She doesn't know why she has to be like this, but she always feels that if she just lays low like that... it would be too much of a waste!
As for what exactly is a waste—
It wasn't until a month before the college entrance exam that she figured it out.
At that time, which was also the most confusing period for her, she felt like she was wound up like a clock every day, mechanically doing the same things without seeing any results.
So she decided to indulge for a while.
That week, she didn't do any practice questions, didn't attempt any test papers, and didn't read any books. Every day, she woke up to play games with her old father and make desserts with her mother.
Then... she realized her life was starting to become dull.
Yes, there are many interesting things. She could find joy in various ways every day, even explore the whole world, but... it's just not that exciting.
Indeed, giving up is much simpler than persisting.
Indulgence, lying flat, freedom, carefree, unrestrained...
These things have no threshold, easily achievable by everyone.
But seriousness, self-discipline, persistence, self-restraint...
These things require immense determination and patience.
Why study? Grades? Future?
No, it's for understanding.
Why self-discipline? Self-torture?
No, it's refining one's will on the basis of self-care.
Of course, such constraints might be challenging for teenagers, but Ji Ruochu... she was never truly a child.
Facing this unexpected life, she thought it had to be different, contribute something to society.
In the name of "Ji Ruochu."
As for what contribution to make...
"Don't worry, I have a plan in mind, and I won't mess things up."
Ji Ruochu's determined words echoed from her helmet.
Seeing this, the others ceased discussing the matter and started talking about the research and development team they met on the set today.
"You guys don't know, in that R&D team just now, there are some seniors from our prestigious universities, both Jingda and Qingda," Mi Siyu said proudly.
"You know that?"
"Of course! Do you even know who I am? I'm from the Foreign Language Department, hello?"
"I think you're more of a gossip expert."
"Ming Chengle, believe it or not, I'll ride my e-scooter and run you over!"
"And then you both end up as casualties?"
"Get lost!"
"Get lost!"
"Hahaha!!"
...
Under the setting sun, a group of young boys and girls leisurely rode the electric scooters scattered along the roadside, teasing each other with laughter, creating a harmonious scene.
[Note: This scene is created for the plot's sake. Dear readers, please don't imitate – drive responsibly, and don't joke around while driving!]
[Oh, by the way, regarding the new name and new cover, Baozi looked up relevant posts.
It seems that after the book test, existing readers will see the original name and cover, without changes.
Only new readers will see the post-test version, so... it doesn't matter which name you prefer, it won't affect you! Hehe~]
