WIIAD? Chapter 48: The Interview

"Brother, where did you get this obsession with money?"

"My dad."

"..."

Wang Xiaohua sighed helplessly, "Brother, the pay for this role might not be very high since you're a newcomer. Besides, the salaries for actors in Hong Kong can't compare with those here."

"But if you can get this role, your future pay will increase significantly! Let me put it this way: variety show appearances will start at a million, and movie and TV roles will start at three to four million!"

Hearing this, Qilin swallowed hard and nodded decisively, "Sister Hua! I'll do my best!"

Satisfied, Wang Xiaohua nodded, "I've already informed the director. Tomorrow, I'll pick out some clothes for you, and we'll go to the interview the day after tomorrow!"

Qilin agreed with a smile. Although he was the lead in the series, it was an anthology, so many scenes didn't require his presence. Taking a day off wasn't a problem; the director could just film other scenes.

Early on the third day, Wang Xiaohua personally drove Qilin to the interview location.

Qilin wore a fitted Korean-style suit, black crocodile leather shoes, and his hair was styled into a slicked-back look, giving him an exceptionally sharp appearance.

This was all arranged by Wang Xiaohua. She had done some preparatory work for the role. Although she didn't know the exact nature of the character, she identified some common traits from Director Zheng Rui's previous casting choices: the role likely required a young, sharp, and physically adept actor.

So, she had Li Yue style Qilin accordingly.

The interview was at a coffee shop. They arrived early and chose a secluded spot, waiting quietly for Director Zheng Rui.

After a while, a waitress approached with a drink menu, smiling as she asked what they wanted to order.

"An Americano."

"I'll just have water."

As soon as Qilin spoke, he noticed the waitress staring at him in a daze.

Feeling a bit awkward, Qilin wondered why she was staring. Was it not allowed to order water at a coffee shop?

Before he could say anything, a sharp scream echoed in his ear.

"Ah!!! Ma Wencai! You're Ma Wencai! Ah!!!"

Instinctively covering his ears, Qilin was completely bewildered.

Wang Xiaohua, experienced as she was, quickly stood up and covered the waitress's mouth, glancing around nervously.

Fortunately, the coffee shop wasn't crowded in the morning, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

Realizing her outburst, the waitress quickly apologized.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just really like you. Can you give me an autograph?"

This was the first time Qilin encountered a fan in real life, and he found it quite strange.

Wang Xiaohua smiled and said, "Not only an autograph, but you can also take a photo. But please keep it quiet and don't be too loud, okay? We have an appointment and don't want too many interruptions."

The waitress nodded excitedly and eagerly took out her phone.

Seeing this, Qilin made room for her to sit down and took a few photos with her.

He then signed an autograph, of course, signing as Qilin, not Ma Wencai!

The waitress left beaming and even offered to cover their bill for the day, which Wang Xiaohua politely declined, asking her to keep things discreet.

But Wang Xiaohua soon realized she had trusted the wrong person. Within two minutes, everyone in the coffee shop was lining up for photos and autographs! Some were genuine fans of Qilin, while others were just there for the fun of it, figuring an autograph cost nothing.

Fortunately, the coffee shop wasn't too crowded, so it was all over in about ten minutes.

This left Qilin feeling strange, giving him his first real sense of being a celebrity!

After another ten minutes, Director Zheng Rui finally arrived.

Director Zheng Rui was quite low-key, dressed in a blue casual outfit and wearing a baseball cap. Behind him was a burly man over 1.9 meters tall.

As soon as Qilin saw him, he could tell this man had a military background, given the commanding presence he exuded.

"Haha, Director Zheng, long time no see," Wang Xiaohua greeted politely and shook hands with Director Zheng. Qilin quickly stood up as well.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Wang Xiaohua, Zheng Rui’s gaze fell on Qilin. 

The moment he saw Qilin, he knew he had found his man. Comparing him to the character in his mind, it felt as if the character had come to life!

As they took their seats, the burly man stood guard nearby, vigilant and imposing. 

Qilin was curious, but Wang Xiaohua knew the backstory. Director Zheng Rui had been kidnapped before, which made him particularly concerned about his safety. He rarely went out without bodyguards, and this had become a significant psychological burden for him.

"I heard from Old Fang that you're quite skilled in martial arts? Even Hong Tai couldn't beat you?" Zheng Rui's voice was somewhat raspy, clearly that of a heavy smoker.

Qilin quickly responded humbly, "Director Fang was flattering me. Uncle Hong is very skilled, and I have great respect for him."

Zheng Rui laughed. While Qilin's words seemed humble, he was essentially confirming the claim.

Zheng Rui glanced around and pointed to his bodyguard. "Can you beat him?"

Qilin looked at the man, then shook his head. Zheng Rui initially thought Qilin was backing down, but then Qilin slowly added, "I haven't fought him, so I'm not sure. If he's well-versed in military combat techniques, it might be challenging."

Hearing this, the bodyguard also turned to look at Qilin. Initially dismissive of Qilin's appearance, his expression turned serious upon seeing Qilin's physique.

Intrigued, Zheng Rui smiled and asked, "Can you demonstrate?"

Qilin glanced around. Performing in a coffee shop would be difficult.

After thinking for a moment, he took a fabric cushion from behind him and, with his right hand in a sword-finger gesture, stabbed it forcefully.

"Pop!"

The cushion was pierced, leaving a small hole. Qilin respectfully handed it to Zheng Rui, who inspected it and confirmed there were no prior modifications.

Zheng Rui's eyes lit up. Not only did Qilin have the looks, but he also had genuine skills!

Aside from his current lesser-known status, he was practically tailor-made for the film!

Especially seeing Qilin in a suit, he perfectly matched the ideal image Zheng Rui had for the character.

And a lower profile wasn't an issue. Once the Spring Festival release of "Fang Shiyu" hit, Qilin's fame would undoubtedly soar with his stellar performance!

With this in mind, Zheng Rui smiled and turned to Wang Xiaohua. 

"I’m very satisfied with Qilin. Does he have availability next year?"

"He does, but we’ll need to adjust his schedule. My brother has a TV series and two movies lined up for next year."

Zheng Rui nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "I'm in a bit of a hurry and need to start filming right after the new year. I hope he can commit three months to my project. Of course, I'll compensate you well in terms of his pay."

At the mention of pay, Qilin's eyes instantly brightened...


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