The next day, Liu Rulan took Xiao He to meet Director Yan.
This was at a classical-style film set on the outskirts of Beijing. Antique buildings and pavilions were everywhere; even the people walking around mostly wore simple period costumes. From time to time, tricycles loaded with equipment and props threaded through the crowd. As Xiao He and Liu Rulan moved through the throng, there was an odd feeling of slipping through time.
Because the crew was still in the preparation stage, the lot they arrived at looked half-abandoned.
A few prop masters were placing items in precise spots. A young man in a plaid shirt with his sleeves rolled up stood on a high platform, holding a megaphone and directing: "A little to the left, a touch more—yes, now a bit right—no, no, back to the left—"
Xiao He and Liu Rulan didn't interrupt; they waited to the side while the young man directed the prop guys.
Finally, the props were placed in suitable positions and everyone on site breathed a sigh of relief.
Xiao He had been watching until he was mentally exhausted. When it was finally over, he hurried over with Liu Rulan to say hello: "Director Yan, hello. We were recommended by Director Zhuang."
Yan Shaohan looked at the two of them, then cleared his throat, ran a hand through his hair, and in what he probably thought was an extremely handsome move, leapt down from the platform. He landed in front of them with one leg apart and the other straight, his voice taking on an affected mature rasp as he casually said, "Oh, it's you guys. I've been waiting for you. Director Zhuang already told me in advance—welcome to my set."
Xiao He: …Where did this emo teenager come from?
Liu Rulan: …Is this guy reliable enough to be on TV?
As a professional, Xiao He kept a smile on his face, while Liu Rulan quickly picked up the conversational thread: "I'd heard Director Yan was young and promising with exceptional talent. Seeing him now, he truly seems outstanding in every way. Amazing!"
Xiao He chimed in obediently with the group: "Yeah, yeah, Director Yan's work Hidden Star Shine is one I really enjoy. I wonder when you'll update the comic? As a reader, I'm anxious!"
Yan Shaohan had been pleased by Liu Rulan's praise, but at Xiao He's on-the-spot urging for updates his face fell, and he feigned indifference while clearing his throat: "…ahem, ahem, that matter can wait."
Oh no, another fan pushing for updates!
Seeing this, Liu Rulan hurried to help smooth things over: "Director Yan, it's understandable that with your busy filming schedule updates would be slower—"
At the same time she nudged Xiao He with her elbow in a discreet way.
Xiao He: "..."
Alright, alright, I'll zip it.
Luckily, Yan Shaohan didn't hold the update comment against them. He still retained a clear, energetic student vibe—quick to get excited and quick to forget grudges. Once Liu Rulan steered the topic, he immediately launched into a long, enthusiastic monologue about himself.
Xiao He: …So lively, so eager to share—does this guy never get tired?
Where Xiao He secretly harbored a desire to roast him, Liu Rulan acted as the engaged listener, skillfully guiding Yan Shaohan's rambling back to the filming of Hidden Star Shine.
Yan Shaohan jabbered on excitedly with high energy, and only then did he finally look at Xiao He and study his appearance: "Hmm, the looks are fine, and the temperament—"
Xiao He tightened his fist without making it obvious.
Before leaving, he had practiced psychological suggestion in front of a mirror to make himself appear more youthful and sunny.
He wasn't sure if it had worked…
"Temperament fits well too!" Yan Shaohan nodded approvingly, then rubbed his chin: "It's just—you seem familiar to me…"
Xiao He prompted: "My recent works are Thief Catcher's Shen Jue and Meng Zetian in Hidden Star Shine."
Yan Shaohan remembered, and his eyes went wide with shock: "Ah—oh right! You played Shen Jue! Damn, man! I actually thought you'd be super fierce in real life, but you're pretty approachable and normal-looking! I almost didn't recognize you!"
Xiao He: "…Yes, yes, that's me."
Take that as a compliment.
"Then I don't need to worry at all. Yin Qi has a lot of fight scenes. Once we start filming, it'll all depend on you!" Yan Shaohan immediately patted Xiao He on the shoulder like an old buddy. "Mind signing an autograph? No wait, better take a photo together! I'll post it to my feed later!"
Xiao He: "Okay."
What had been expected to be a serious audition meeting ended in this extremely casual manner.
He had assumed they would at least go through a normal audition process, act out several scenes, but Yan Shaohan was so easygoing he didn't even follow procedure—he just sent Xiao He and Liu Rulan off to prepare the contract.
After everything was settled, Yan Shaohan enthusiastically invited them to the neighboring area for lunch: "There's this trendy restaurant next door I've been dying to try! If you're interested, we can check it out together—pet some cats while eating steak! Super fun."
Xiao He: ? If that's true, the place will be covered in cat hair.
His nose suddenly felt itchy.
He liked cats and dogs, but he was a bit of a neat-freak, so he decided not to force himself to join.
Xiao He: "Sorry, Director Yan, we're not available for lunch today."
Liu Rulan politely declined as well: "Thank you for the invitation, Director Yan, but we'll have to pass. Xiao He has a flight back to Shanghai this afternoon."
"I see—"
Yan Shaohan looked disappointed, but quickly recovered and promised, "Next time then. Shanghai has quite a few interesting places to check out. If I get the chance I'll come by."
"All right. Liu Jie and I will always welcome Director Yan—"
Once they left the lot, Xiao He let out a heavy sigh of relief.
He had never expected Director Yan to be like this… honestly, a bit unreliable—more so than any director Xiao He had met before.
"Liu Jie, do you think this guy's any good?" Xiao He voiced his concern.
These years, comic adaptations almost always died—successful ones were extremely rare. If Hidden Star Shine flopped, even the original comic author couldn't save it; the netizens would trash it mercilessly.
Xiao He had been excited about the role, but after seeing the director, it felt like cold water in the face.
Liu Rulan wasn't as worried as Xiao He: "Don't worry. Director Zhuang is the show's producer. Even if Yan Shaohan isn't very capable, Director Zhuang vouches for it; it won't be terrible."
Still, Liu Rulan had repeated that line several times already—whether she was comforting Xiao He or trying to convince herself was unclear.
Xiao He sighed: "Fine, I'll have to trust him for now."
The role of Yin Qi was truly charming and a fresh challenge for him. If he gave up now, he'd be hard to accept it.
What could he do? He'd just grit his teeth and act, hoping Yan Shaohan wasn't as unreliable as he appeared.