At seven o'clock in the morning, Wei Lai came to knock on Qin Wei's door, hoping to invite her to have breakfast together. However, when the door opened, it was her assistant, Li Liang, who greeted him. Inside the room, Li Yao and two unfamiliar individuals were sitting there.
Both of them were dressed in military uniforms of China. One was a female, and the other was a middle-aged man of about fifty.
Everyone sat silently on the couch, not uttering a word.
Wei Lai was a bit confused and didn't know what to say after being invited in. He could only look at Qin Wei with bewilderment.
Qin Wei, like yesterday, had her left arm fixed with a bandage, but she was wearing a casual short-sleeved shirt. Her face, devoid of makeup, appeared pale and lifeless.
"Should I come back later, then?"
Wei Lai gestured toward the door.
"Could you please come back in five minutes?" the middle-aged man rose and expressed his apologies to Wei Lai before asking her to temporarily leave.
Afterward, the middle-aged man spoke:
"Miss Qin, it's my student's responsibility for your injury. The fact that the record of our routine training has drawn attention from society is something we didn't anticipate, and it's our mistake. After all, we filmed such training in previous years without attracting any external attention.
Let's go with the flow; it's not a bad thing.
Moreover, as it's a major revision for the first time, we attach great importance to it. Your sudden withdrawal might invite various questions. Since you were also a participant, you could feel that although this military training was arduous, it was progressing steadily. And the one who caused you harm is my student.
That's why I've come here today specifically, to bring my student and apologize to you."
While speaking, the man stood up straight and bowed to Qin Wei:
"Miss Qin Wei, I deeply apologize for injuring you. My student was too heavy-handed. Once she returns to the team, she will be punished, and I will inform you of the punishment. But for now, I will have her sincerely apologize to you."
Having listened attentively, Song Huan silently approached Qin Wei and took out a stack of papers from his pocket, reading them for inspection.
"These words are quite profound. It seems you write a lot in your spare time," Qin Wei remarked before accepting the self-critique letter.
"It's not that I don't want to continue; it's just that being like this, how can I continue the training?" Qin Wei turned to the man and asked.
Although she didn't know the man's identity, she held great respect for military personnel (excluding Song Huan). That was also the main reason why she allowed Song Huan to come in.
The man smiled, apparently Qin Wei didn't recognize him as the "military doctor" who helped reset her arm in the medical room yesterday. But that was understandable. She was in so much pain at the time that she didn't pay attention to these details, and he was also wearing a white coat and a mask that day.
It was merely a chance encounter, so it would be forceful to expect immediate recognition.
"We will arrange the training reasonably and provide additional rehabilitation treatment. Miss Qin, please trust us. The military doctors in our unit are particularly skilled in treating injuries from falls and blows."
The man approached with sincerity, and considering his special background, Qin Wei didn't mind. It depended on how Li Yao and the company would arrange things.
Qin Wei looked at Li Yao, who pushed his glasses up.
"The documentary has gained attention, so your company can benefit from the so-called... buzz, right?
In any case, even if Miss Qin suddenly withdraws from the military training due to injury, it will still invite many questions, won't it?
The severity of the injuries? Is it because she couldn't handle the hardship? Considering the current situation, I am genuinely concerned about Miss Qin's well-being.
In fact, I could morally pressure Miss Qin in this way, but this year we are going to shoot a military-themed movie, and our military district's Publicity Department is one of the production parties. I have witnessed Miss Qin's performance, and if possible, I would like to recommend her to play one of the leading female roles in collaboration with the Publicity Department. However, the final decision lies with your esteemed company."
Li Yao remained silent, but he knew it was true. The person in charge from the other side had privately approached them. As a company, it was highly unlikely for them to refuse an olive branch extended by a promising film production.
However, seeing his own child injured yesterday, he felt enraged and impulsively agreed to help her apply for withdrawal.
Song Huan silently applauded Captain Yang in her mind. Truly, she lived up to her code name "Red Fox" with her astuteness. She could change the way things were presented, turning confirmed matters into acts of goodwill.
As for the others, she was just an alternative choice. Since they had found a more suitable candidate, it was fine for her to focus on acting.
"The preparations for the film have been underway for a while, but we have been hesitant about who should play this role. After all, it's not easy to find a young female actor who possesses both looks and popularity, maintains stable emotional control, has good physical potential, and possesses acting skills.
You see, shooting a military-themed movie is quite demanding. Our military district has previously produced several films, and there have been instances where actors couldn't endure the hardships and quit.
Of course, it doesn't question the actors' abilities; high-intensity filming tasks are simply not manageable for everyone.
During the process, there will also be a lot of action scenes, and for the sake of achieving realistic effects, there will be many explosive elements on set. All these reasons necessitate actors with good overall qualities.
We started paying attention to you when we heard that you were also going for military training. Since you were within our consideration, we began observing you.
However, there were some doubts, which led us to test your ability to handle pressure, causing you some grievances. But your performance pleasantly surprised us..."
Captain Yang spoke a lot, but in essence, apart from the accidental injury, everything else was a test. Because Qin Wei wasn't a military personnel, it was difficult to find a suitable opportunity to test her. Fortunately, the military training presented itself as an opportunity, allowing them to pay special attention to her.
And her good performance, unbeknownst to her, indicated her true nature. She had the potential and ability to take on the role of the female lead.
Li Yao couldn't help but worry, "But she's still injured. Are you sure she'll be fine?"
The man replied with sincerity, "I personally guarantee to both you and Miss Qin that the military camp isn't a place devoid of warmth. We have strict training, but we also take responsibility for the health of every trainee.
Moreover, efforts always bring rewards. Based on Qin Wei's attitude and perseverance till the end, I can already congratulate you in advance for securing a new role."
For Qin Wei, a small grievance turned into a change of protagonist. Although she didn't know why she became "one of the female leads," suddenly it didn't feel so unfair anymore.
Qin Wei had already started planning which city to buy a house in for her retirement.
...
Returning was necessary, so Qin Wei made a request:
"I have an event in the afternoon that I need to attend. I'll come back after it's over."
The man nodded, indicating his agreement.
However, when she explained the situation to Qiao Sixiao, she was told:
"Just go back directly."
Seeing Qin Wei's confusion, Qiao Sixiao explained,
"Li Hanming is absent too, right? Due to military training, the organizers can understand. You're not feeling well today, so don't exhaust yourself unnecessarily."
In reality, it was because Shen Kai would also be present.
Before she could understand the truth of certain matters, if possible, it was best to avoid letting her meet Shen Kai. After all, Qiao Sixiao didn't believe in Shen Kai or He Hong.
Unaware of her thoughts, Qin Wei didn't insist any further. Since Shen Kai would be at the event, she was wondering whether or not to go. Qiao Teacher gave her a good reason.
"Then let's go."
Song Huan pointed upstairs.
