NGSB Chapter 4

[Previous Chapter] [Table of Contents] [Next Chapter]

---

Chapter 4

Han Xiaonan[1] was a veteran otaku girl who lived on the latest trends in show business. Everyday after work, she would go home to check the latest news. Tonight, the first thing she did was visit Qiandu Web’s homepage to see the newest updates. The biggest headline was still about yesterday’s Heavenly King falling to his death from a building.

She knew about this man and had even seen a few of his movies, but she preferred youthful, pretty males. The dead star wasn’t her ideal type, so she wasn’t interested in the news. However, when she went to check on Huli Web, she discovered that the star’s death was the main headline there too. There was even a diagram outlining the process.

With nothing better to do, Han Xiaonan open the attached links to read through its contents with her chin propped up in her hands. As her mouse sped past the pictures, her boredom grew. She frowned as she increased her scrolling sped. Her finger clicked the scroll button as she finished skimming each pic. Because she moved too quickly, the images went by two at a time. By the time Han Xiaonan recovered her senses, she’d already skipped past multiple shots.

Still, now her trembling hand went to scroll back up before she murmured to herself, “I’m going blind I’m going blind I’m going blind…”

“Ahhhhhhhhhh!” Her apple-shaped face flushed red as she swept her mouse aside. It fellt with a crack to the ground, ending its long, hard life. But Han Xiaonan was too distractd to care. She hovered over her laptop screen while staring carefully at the photograph. From the way the wind brushed past his hair, to the shoes stepping on the floor, and then the final curve of his lips drawn into a smile was someone that could have only been crafted by God’s hand. The angle of those eyes and the slope of his nose, along with that perfect grin was absolutely flawless. As she peered into his clear eyes made amber by the light, it felt like the man was going to leap right off her screen. Cupid’s arrow struck her through the chest as she covered her flaming face with a tremor. She grit her teeth to suppress another scream, but couldn’t stop herself from smiling like an idiot.

So handsome so handsome aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh! I want to kneel down and lick him!

Meanwhile, at the other end of B City, Li Rongrong had just gotten off work. She wasn’t a bit exhausted, but rushed to open her computer as soon as she got home, eager to share her “beauty goods” with her friend group.

[Lotus Yolk Pastry[2]]: ahhhhhhhh
[Little Double Seven]: rongrong’s so excited, did you get a pay raise?
[Lotus Yolk Pastry]: aaaaahhh my manager decked my pay…but that’s not the point, aaahhhhh lil double seven guess who i saw today?
[Little Double Seven]: you’re still so happy after getting a pay cut…
[Singing Brush[3]]: rongrong works in CX, ahhhh, could it be…you saw zhu qing?!
[Little Double Seven]: aaaaaaaaaaa heavenly king zhu!
[Lotus Yolk Pastry]: no way, i saw a flawlessly beautiful boy today! zhu qing’s nothing compared to him, in a faceoff he’d lose 50% power and just be the dregs!
[Singing Brush]: …i remember rongrong saying you were his die-hard fan just yesterday…
[Little Double Seven]: +1
[Lotus Yolk Pastry]: hmph u guys should just check my weibo. I only got a pic of his back but i want to kneel and lick him aaaa!

As the owner of a verified Weibo account from CX Entertainment’s reception group, Lotus Yolk Pastry had just uploaded a slightly blurry picture less than five minutes ago. It depicted a tall and slender youth dressed in a cream-colored trenchcoat over his slim shoulders and 1.8m frame. Because he was so skinny, the form-fitting jacket showed off his figure perfectly. A spot of sunlight illuminated his hair, making it glow faintly golden. Despite its blurriness, it was a very insightful shot, almost like a feather tickling one’s heart as it hid the subject’s facial features.

While Lin Xi was studying hard at his script, he didn’t realize his popularity had already begun to rise. He was currently marking up the freshly printed pages with a pen, his long hair tied into a bunch behind his head. Between reading, he rubbed his temples to banish his exhaustion and stared at the clock on the wall.

It was already 11PM.

He’d more or less read the entire script by now, so Lin Xi stretched and set it aside before heading to bed to rest. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of his new home was the neon lights of the city which dyed half the skies a crimson red. It was impossible to see the stars beyond them. But because there were no clouds, the moon shone bright and soft overhead, sprinkling its white radiance.

Lin Xi’s steps paused as he stared at the moon, which looked almost near enough to pluck. He suddenly quirked a smile as his eyes lit up at the sight.

—

The next day, he went downstairs on time to see the little tubby Wang Fang and Ji Chengshu, who was dressed in a simple white shirt, waiting for him outside. Wang Fang was holding a plastic bag with a few meatbuns inside. He walked forward with a smile and handed it to Lin Xi.

“Chief, I knew you wouldn’t have time to eat breakfast this early.”

Lin Xi gave a start as he stared at Wang Fang’s silly smile, then accepted the bag with a word of thanks. Ji Chengshu just snorted at them both.

This time, they didn’t ride in the car that Lin Xi secretly suspected was older than himself, but Ji Chengshu’s black Buick LaCrosse. Ji Chengshu sat in the driver’s seat with his hands on the wheel as he glanced back at Lin Xi. Seeing that he looked quite well, he nodded in satisfaction and asked, “How did the script reading go yesterday?”

In the backseat, Lin Xi set his three piping hot meatbuns aside with a nod. “I’ve already read through the entire thing. Though I haven’t been able to absorb the entire script, I’ve more or less grasped the different roles.”

Ji Chengshu was surprised, and it showed in his reflection in the rearview mirror. “Which role did you want to audition for?”

When Ji Chengshu had told him to pick a role yesterday on the phone, Lin Xi had more or less guessed that the man had the skills to get him an audition no matter who he picked–even if it was the male lead. But after reading through Ice God, Lin Xi decided on a supporting character as his first foray into the entertainment world.

“I think the role of Qiu Huan’s[4] not bad.”

Ji Chengshu approved with a nod. “It does suit you. How much of the role have you mastered?”

“Although Director Li’s sure to have high standards, it shouldn’t be a problem,” Lin Xi said as he leaned back against the leather seats and closed his eyes. Now it was time to gather energy for his upcoming audition.

Ji Chengshu only gave Lin Xi a strange look through the mirror. Lin Xi didn’t notice since his eyes were shut, but Wang Fang interjected in surprise and asked, “Hey chief, since when have you met that Director Li, ah?”

Lin Xi hadn’t noticed the flaw in his words until now, but calmly moved to explain while keeping his ears open for Ji Chengshu’s reaction. “Oh, I researched a bit about Director Li yesterday on the Internet.”

It would be easy to fool Wang Fang, but Ji Chengshu was a little harder. Still, when his agent didn’t react, Lin Xi felt relieved. After all, no matter how much the man suspected him, he’d never make the link between Qi Wenyuan’s soul and this body. At most, he’d assumed that Lin Xi had talked about Li He in the past with He Shushan or other people. Director Li was already a weighty name in the business. He’d shot dramas for 20 years now, but had yet to win any major awards. Still, all of his series had maintained popularity over the past two decades, a clear testament to his skills.

In his previous life, Lin Xi had worked with Director Li soon after he debuted in show business. He had only one drama under his belt at the time and was cursed wretchedly on set as a result. Fortunately, he had a good temper and followed the rules. He understood that Director Li was only yelling at him for his own good. Otherwise, a more short-tempered newbie would have quit the set ages ago.

He had heard about Director Li’s newest project as well–a Western (xuanhuan) styled fantasy series with demons and gods. CX Entertainment had invested in the series and even invited special effects masters and stuntmen from Hollywood to create something with new visual heights. Lin Xi couldn’t help but break out into cold sweat at Director Li’s aspirations after reading the script last night.

It wasn’t that Ice God was bad, but…that the script was almost too good. He was almost afraid that the actual filming, choreographing, and acting wouldn’t live up to the high expectations. Western fantasy films and dramas were plentiful, but unless the directors and producers involved were big names, it was rare to make a profit or even cover the losses. Director Li’s series was much the same, with exacting standards for the cameras and special effects. If they wanted to make it the best, then they’d have to spend money like water to keep up the quality and make profits. Otherwise, the audience would be left unsatisfied.

He’d heard from Ji Chengshu that CX Entertainment had invested quite a bit of money into the drama, until it was on par with that of a blockbuster film. Lin Xi exhaled. The Chu Group’s probably the only company with the means to pour so much cash into a TV series. Tianyu would never dare to be so bold.

It wasn’t even 9AM by the time the trio arrived on set, but the place was already packed. Everyone was busy at their stations. There weren’t many people here to audition, so Ji Chengshu got a number for Lin Xi before handing it to Wang Fang and going to stand in line. Finally, he brought them backstage, where they met Director Li covered in sweat despite only wearing a white tank top. Perspiration covered the back of the middle-aged man with the receding hairline as he fanned himself with a palm leaf fan beneath the refreshing autumn air. His eyes bore past Ji Chengshu, who was standing in the front, to zero in on Lin Xi. They lit up at the sight as if fired up with 100W bulbs.

Li He hastened over with delight and stood in front of Lin Xi in his tank top, shorts, and old flip-flops. He looked like one of those old men who lived in the old-fashioned city lanes. “Lil’ Chen, ah, come quick. Our Nüwa’s[5] arrived.”

Both Lin Xi and Ji Chengshu were still processing his words when a beautiful woman of around 30 emerged from a room on the side. She had just stepped out from the set of a traditional black-lacquer door to approach them. Her gaze shook as it landed on Lin Xi before she withdrew her surprise to stop by Li He’s side.

“Aye, Lil’ Chen, just look! Our Nüwa’s finally here!” Li He’s flip-flops sounded loudly against the floor as he declared happily.

The woman called “Lil’ Chen” felt her mouth twitch before looking apologetically at Lin Xi’s companions. With a sigh, she declared in a bold tone that didn’t match her charming looks at all, “Old Li, our Nüwa’s supposed to be a female. You’re looking at a pure man in front of you now.”

“…..” Lin Xi knew Nüwa, an important female supporting role. She was supposed to be one of the top three beauties in the world of Ice God.

Director Li seemed to realize his mistake just then. He stared at Lin Xi’s slightly long hair before pouting. “If he’s not here to audition for Nüwa, what other roles can he play?”

Ji Chengshu had had enough. He pushed up his glasses, which reflected the light to hide his eyes. “Director Li, I’m Ji Chengshu. This is a new artist under my management named Lin Xi. He’s acted in two projects before and he’s here to audition for the role of Qiu Huan today. I hope you’ll take care of us.”

“Ah, Lil’ Ji, is it? When did you show up? Why didn’t you tell this big bro hello?”

Ji Chengshu pursed his lips and nearly blacked out from fury. But he knew this was simply Li He’s personality, so he swallowed his bitterness and said, “Director Li, Lin Xi’s only joined CX Entertainment recently. I hope you can guide us well.”

Li He’s stomach stuck out as he spoke cheerfully, seemingly oblivious to Ji Chengshu’s disconcertion. “Sure. I’ve only set one role for my series, so I’ll keep an eye on him later during auditions.”

Since Ji Chengshu had already brought up CX Entertainment’s name, Li He couldn’t play the fool anymore. In any case, that Lin Xi fellow really is handsome. He’ll fit the Qiu Huan role well. As long as his acting isn’t terrible, it’s fine for CX Entertainment to send in one of their own. They’re the ones financing this series, after all, so it’s their own money at stake. Li He was quite happy to show some favors in exchange.

But by his side, the beautiful woman only examined Lin Xi multiple times without a word. Her thoughts were a mystery. In truth, the auditions this time were only a formality. Most of the roles had already been set in private, so Lin Xi was sent straight to the auditions without putting on stage makeup or costumes.

A simple black Panasonic HPX-3000MC stood on a tripod in the southwest corner of the audition room. Its lens was capable of filming the entire room. Lin Xi entered from a door on the western side to see Li He and four others seated in a row against the southern wall. By now, Li He had already put on a jacket with its zipper pulled up. Lin Xi didn’t know if he still had the tank top on inside, but the director’s serious expression was a complete reversal from the man he saw outside. If he didn’t know the director from the past, he would have suspected they switched him for a doppelganger instead.

Li He sat in the center seat, while the woman called Lil’ Chen was on his left. Lin Xi walked to the center of the room and narrowed his eyes to see the name tag placed in front of her spot.

Chen Yajing.[6]

Lin Xi had never heard of her before, but it looked like she had an important position for this project. He knew almost everyone involved in the business, so her appearance out of the blue was astonishing. But he kept his reactions to himself.

“Hello, everyone and Director Li. I am screen tester #13, Lin Xi, auditioning for the role of Qiu Huan.”

Li He nodded and indicated that he should begin. Lin Xi took a deep breath before slowly exhaling. His vision swept across the entire room before pausing in front of the dark camera lens. His phoenix eyes narrowed slightly as he entered into his role.

---

[Previous Chapter] [Table of Contents] [Next Chapter]

༺ Chapter Glossary ༻

[1] Han Xiaonan (韩小楠) – Han is a surname, Xiaonan means “little Nan,” which doesn’t have any particular definition.

[2] Lotus Yolk Pastry (莲蓉蛋黄素) – lianrong danhuang su, literally, “lotus seed egg yolk shortbread,” but the name was too long so I’ve shortened it. Li Rongrong’s online chat handle. Note that the “pastry” referred to here is a type of crispy, multi-layered flour bread with lotus seed and egg yolk stuffing inside. You can see pictures of it here.

[3] Singing Brush (唱宣笔) – chang xuanbi, literally “singing Xuan brush” in reference to high quality writing brushes made in Xuancheng of Anhui Province.

[4] Qiu Huan (裘欢) – Qiu is a surname that means “fur coat,” Huan means “jubilant.” A supporting male character in the costume drama Ice God.

[5] Nüwa – the female creation goddess in Chinese mythology. Read about her here.

[6] Chen Yajing (陈雅静) – Chen is a surname, Yajing means “gentle and quiet, tasteful and peaceful, unostentatious.”