"Next actor for the audition, Shu Chang..."
Shu Chang was very nervous. She hadn't been at first after all, she had seen her fair share of big occasions. But a few of the younger child actors kept crying uncontrollably, and it affected her mood, making her want to cry too.
Still, before the audition began, Shu Chang did her best to calm herself down and regain composure.
Everyone knew how important this audition was. It was said that the role of Jade's was the female lead, and her screen time was on par with Jackie Chan.
If she managed to land such an important role, it would mean everything. Her family had talked about it endlessly.
Walking into the audition hall felt like stepping through the gates of fate Shu Chang was about to face the first real judgment of her acting career.
Though only fourteen years old, Shu Chang was already a seasoned child actress.
"Director Gilbert, Director Nolan, Director Tang, Uncle Chen Long(Jakie Chan), hello, I'm Shu Chang."
Shu Chang introduced herself: "I started acting in TV series and films when I was five years old and have since performed in many productions. I have a wealth of professional acting experience and am very well-adjusted to life on set…"
Gilbert looked at Shu Chang's résumé and asked, "You acted in The Story of Little Fengxian?"
"Uh, yes," Shu Chang replied cautiously. "Director, you've seen it?"
"Sort of," Gilbert acknowledged. He had indeed seen it—back in his past life. He'd been most impressed by Jiang Qinqin's performance, but the childhood version of Fengxian had been played by Shu Chang.
After a brief exchange, Gilbert signaled to the assistant director for Shu Chang to get ready.
Shu Chang accepted the script and, being experienced with this type of audition, immediately dove into studying the lines and preparing for the performance.
About five minutes later, Jakie Chan joined her for a scene. The two began acting together.
Gilbert and Nolan watched the performance, and Nolan remarked, "If we're going by instinct, I think this girl is really good."
"Do you think her age might be an issue?" Gilbert asked. "She's already fourteen. In just a few years, she'll be an adult."
Nolan replied, "Gilbert, I think we shouldn't worry about that yet. If the first movie flops, we won't even have to think about sequels."
Gilbert thought about it and agreed. In a movie series, the first film is key. If the first one fails, the rest won't even get made.
Looking at it that way, although Shu Chang's age was slightly higher, her mature acting and her spirited charm really fit the character of Xiao Yu.
So, after her performance ended, Shu Chang became Gilbert's top choice.
After the auditions were over, Gilbert, Nolan, Jackie Chan, and Tang gathered to review the audition videos of the child actors.
The first to be ruled out was Qianqian. She clearly didn't suit the role of Jade. It would've required major changes to the character, which simply weren't necessary.
Next, Gilbert's supposed "favorite" Yang mi was also eliminated. Since age was no longer the biggest factor, Shu Chang's performance clearly outshone Da Mimi's.
With a stronger candidate available,Yang Mi couldn't get the part.
As for Yang Zi... uh, Nolan said she looked like a monkey and said he couldn't shoot a film with a monkey. So, Yang Zi was out too.
That left an unknown actress named Wang Jiaqi and Shu Chang. In terms of acting skill, Shu Chang had the clear advantage. But considering the long-term potential of a series, nine-year-old Wang Jiaqi seemed more suitable.
The four of them found it hard to make a decision. Then Tang suggested, "Why don't we have the two of them audition again—this time with a harder scene—to see who performs better?"
Only he could say something like that. If the other three said it, it would've seemed inappropriate.
Nolan and Jackie Chan looked at Gilbert. Gilbert rubbed his chin, where his beard had already grown in.
After half a minute of thought, he made a swift decision: "Then let's hold one more audition!"
Gilbert made the call, and the news spread quickly. Soon, word got out.
People began talking: "Did you hear? Two child actors gave such great performances during the audition that even Director Gilbert couldn't decide. They're doing another audition!"
"Really? Who are the two actors?"
"I heard one is named Shu Chang, a child actress. The other hasn't acted much but gave an outstanding performance."
The audition for Jackie Chan's Adventures had become the most high-profile audition in the entire Chinese film industry. Everyone knew landing the role meant skyrocketing to fame—just like Bingbing Li before.
Bingbing Li was an adult actress and already fairly well-known, so that was understandable.
But this time, the role belonged to a teenage girl. Her screen time was even more significant than Bingbing Li's—she was the female lead. If someone were selected, even if they didn't become nationally famous overnight, their career would certainly be smooth sailing from then on.
Other child actresses and their parents also got wind of the news and realized they had no hope.
The children didn't mind much. After all, they didn't truly understand what the role of "Jade" really meant. But the parents? Their hearts ached. Their daughters had missed out on a golden opportunity.
But the most upset and jealous one of all was Mrs Liu.
She and her daughter had prepared so much for the audition and given out plenty of gifts, only to end up empty-handed.
"How could you be so useless? I told you to give gifts to Director Gilbert he's the one making the final decision on the role! What's the point of giving gifts to those Chinese directors?"Mrs Liu complained.
Chen Godfather was helpless too. "I had no choice. Director Gilbert wouldn't even meet me. He doesn't accept antiques or calligraphy scrolls.
Cash doesn't work either. The man's not short of money."
"Then you're an idiot. Why didn't you try sending a woman instead?" Mrs Liu snapped angrily.
"Sending a woman?" Chen Godfather gave her a once-over and said, "What kind of woman would a big-time director like that be interested in? He's seen all kinds of women.
If you think you're good enough, you could try going yourself…"
"Me?" Mrs Liu blushed. "I'm not young anymore. I've got a kid that age already. There's no way he'd be interested."
"Ah!" Chen Godfather wagged his finger. "Don't be so sure. Some powerful people have unusual tastes—just like Cao Cao."
"What do you mean?"
"They like married women, you know!"
Mrs Liu actually started to consider Chen Godfather's suggestion. "You think… if I went, we could get the role?"
Chen Godfather shook his head. "I doubt it. Big-name directors care about talent first, then connections. I told you before—Qianqian isn't right for the role."
"Then why'd you tell me to offer myself up like that?" Mrs Liu was furious.
"I meant for you to build a relationship with Director Gilbert. He could protect us in the future. There's more than just Jackie Chan's Adventures—there'll be other films too!" Chen Godfather explained.
To be fair, Chen Godfather had long-term vision. While others were focused on this one role, he was already thinking about the future.
Unfortunately, both he and Mrs Liu were turned away. Director Gilbert had no interest in married women, nor in offering roles based on favors.
So in the end,Mrs Liu never even got to meet Gilbert. But Chen Godfather kept scheming.
Not meeting him was fine they could still spread rumors that Mrs Liu had a connection with Director Gilbert. That way, Qianqian would also be seen as having a special relationship with him.
Gilbert himself didn't know anything about this, but once others believed it, they'd look at Qianqian in a different light.
Basically, they were trying to ride on Gilbert's fame—and it actually worked.
Since they couldn't get the role, they had to gain something. Otherwise, it'd be a complete loss.
A few days later, the final audition took place. This time, Shu Chang delivered an even more impressive performance. As for Wang Jiaqi, having never truly studied acting, her performance lacked consistency.
So Shu Chang ended up landing the coveted role of Jade, thanks to her steady performance, the suitability for the character, and her great chemistry with Jackie Chan.
When Shu Chang's guardian signed the actor's contract, the entire casting competition finally came to an end.
However, this casting decision left a lasting impact on the Chinese-language film industry—something that had never happened in the previous timeline.
No one could tell where the hurricane stirred by the butterfly's wings would eventually head.
.....
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