When Lin Muci sat before Zhao Lan again, it was already late into the night.
Yet, Zhao Lan's eyes showed no hint of fatigue. Her gaze upon Lin Muci was filled with intense excitement.
"The very first moment I saw this script, I felt it was incredibly suited for you, Xiao Ci."
"This role will be an absolute breakthrough for you. If you can interpret it well, you might even win an acting award with it!"
Hearing Zhao Lan's words, Lin Muci blinked slightly, a flicker of curiosity appearing in her eyes.
"Really?"
Zhao Lan nodded earnestly.
"Of course, it's true. Look—"
Zhao Lan’s gaze was focused on Lin Muci’s eyes as she reached out and handed the script to her.
"The producer and director are my friends. I’ve already recommended this script to He Yunru. Xiao Ci, take a look. If you also feel this script is good, I suggest you take on this lead role."
Zhao Lan was genuinely moved by the script.
She offered a wry smile.
"If I were twenty years younger, no matter what, I would spare no effort..."
"...to take on this script."
"You have no idea how rare and precious a good script and a good role are. I’ve been acting for twenty years, but roles like this can be counted on one hand."
"Xiao Ci, this script is truly exceptional!"
Zhao Lan earnestly tried to persuade Lin Muci.
Lin Muci, however, was deeply intrigued.
Was it really that good?
Driven by curiosity, she opened the script she held!
...
[SSS Project. Tentative Title: "The Fatal Woman"]
[Synopsis: A twenty-eight-year-old woman is an ordinary office worker in the big city. However, no one knows about a part of her past. It all started with a letter that arrived, revealing she has a ten-year-old son...]
Lin Muci couldn't help but continue reading.
The story was indeed gripping.
Initially, she couldn't understand why such a contemporary drama script would so captivate Zhao Lan, who had seen it all. But after finishing the entire script, her greatest reaction was an overwhelming urge to applaud.
This script was simply brilliant.
It began with a weary urban worker, yet it delved into a hidden, dark past from when she was eighteen. It was precisely because of the extensive interwoven scenes between her twenty-eight-year-old and eighteen-year-old selves that Zhao Lan had lamented her own age.
But given her current age.
To play scenes from her eighteen-year-old self would indeed be jarring for the audience.
Zhao Lan looked up at her with urgency.
"The role of Meng Dongqing is the best role I've seen in the past decade! Xiao Ci, this role is truly rare. In all these years, I've seldom encountered a character that so delicately and perfectly portrays a young woman."
Her emotions were genuinely fervent.
"Xiao Ci, I believe only you can portray her well. If this role isn't interpreted with the care it deserves, if it's wasted, I will truly feel it's a great pity."
"When I was reading the script, your image was the first thing that flashed through my mind, Xiao Ci. Believe me, this script is truly meant for you."
Lin Muci lightly pursed her lips.
She was still contemplating.
The plot was undeniably good.
The role was also highly challenging.
Seeing her hesitation, Zhao Lan even became a little impatient.
"What are you hesitating for? You must take on such excellent resources!"
Lin Muci then asked the system.
"What level is this movie?"
In truth, she had already decided to accept this film.
Even if this movie didn't receive a high rating from the system, she was determined to act in it. It wasn't just Zhao Lan's words that moved her; more importantly, she was deeply touched by the character in the film.
The movie's plot had struck a chord with her.
A spark of ambition and resolve flickered in the depths of Lin Muci's eyes.
This time, the little system did not dally obscurely but provided a direct answer.
"This movie?"
"The system is currently evaluating it."
"Evaluation complete. This movie is a nine-star level film!"
Lin Muci's eyes widened abruptly.
"Nine stars?"
This was somewhat beyond her expectations.
"Isn't this an art-house film? And it doesn't seem like... not a type of film that would be a box-office hit... How can a film like this, without spectacular special effects or thrilling large-scale scenes, be rated nine stars?"
The little system provided a confident affirmation.
"Yes. Our scoring system is infallible... This movie is indeed the kind that has the potential to go down in history."
"After all, the quality of a film is not determined solely by its commercial value; it requires comprehensive, multi-faceted evaluation!"
Lin Muci was somewhat astonished. This was not something she had anticipated.
She looked up at Zhao Lan.
And told her.
"I can take on this movie!"
A hint of pleasant surprise immediately surfaced on Zhao Lan's face. However, after a moment of contemplation, Lin Muci spoke again.
"But—"
"I need to finish filming Wu Minlong's movie first. And for this role, I might need a considerable amount of time to do a lot of preparation to immerse myself in the character. Isn't the producer of this film He Yunru? Can she wait for me for that long?"
This was the concern that troubled her.
Upon hearing her mention this issue.
Zhao Lan let out a deep sigh of relief, and then she immediately smiled.
"Don't worry. Relax, she absolutely can."
"She is even more eager for you to take on this film than I am. You are her good luck charm."
"The role of Meng Dongqing also deeply moved her."
"She said it's the most resilient female strength she's ever seen, the female character that touches her most and commands her respect. If there isn't the best actress to portray this character's excellence, resilience, and indomitable spirit, she would rather shelve the project."
"She will never compromise."
"You are the only female lead she recognizes!"
Zhao Lan's eyes sparkled. She reached out and clasped Lin Muci's hand.
"Xiao Ci, you are a girl I have great faith in."
"I can see a powerful strength in you."
"I believe you will be an actress who breaks through history."
Her gaze upon Lin Muci was filled with tenderness, the kind of affectionate warmth one reserves for a younger generation!
"Xiao Ci, our mainland actors, over these past few decades, from being looked down upon by overseas, to gradually rising, to establishing a foothold overseas, to finally gaining resources of our own, and allowing others to acknowledge our acting skills."
"Xiao Ci, with the foundation laid by our generation, your generation will surely be able to soar higher, reaching even greater stages."
"To let more people see just how good our actors are!"
"Xiao Ci, I absolutely believe in you!"
It was as if, in that moment, the burden on her shoulders suddenly felt immensely heavy.