"Get out of here. If she had any acting skills, I'd write my last name backwards," Wang Jianzhong scoffed.
"Wang written backwards is still Wang, isn't it?"
Wang Jianzhong: "..."
"If you don't believe me, I'll send you a video first. It's not too late to make a decision after watching it!"
"Okay!"
Not long after hanging up, Wang Jianzhong received the video sent by the man with the beard.
Opening it, Wang Jianzhong's eyes widened, and he exclaimed, "Holy crap!"
...
Ever since receiving the role-playing mission from the system, Jiang Ling had put aside her idle pursuits and begun preparing for the role of Zhao Hede.
She asked Sister Sa for help with her investigation and learned that "The Empress of Heaven" was the new drama Wang Jianzhong was preparing to shoot.
Wang Jianzhong was a well-known director in the industry, particularly skilled at filming historical dramas related to the Western Han Dynasty. He had directed several works with good reputations and positive feedback.
The only criticism he faced was his temper, which was like a firecracker, explosive at the slightest touch. He detested arrogant, popular celebrities.
Those unprofessional celebrities were often scolded by him until they were unrecognizable, and some even cried on the spot.
Sister Sa pouted and said, "That Director Wang, he doesn't have much talent, but he has a big temper. He scolds people at the drop of a hat and shows no respect to anyone. I wouldn't dare recommend you for a drama he directs, even if you beat me to death."
Jiang Ling's lips curved into a smile. "What's the big deal? Hearing you say that, I quite like Director Wang's personality."
Sister Sa stared at Jiang Ling blankly, her eyes filled with surprise and confusion.
You like someone who curses people? Are you out of your mind?
Jiang Ling didn't reply, merely sighed softly.
The film and television industry was rife with hidden struggles, power plays, and calculations, never a moment of peace.
She had been acting for twenty years, from a minor voice-acting extra to a three-award-winning actress. She had dealt with dozens of directors, at least.
Directors like Wang Jianzhong, who wore their emotions on their sleeves and were as straightforward as could be, couldn't hide a single thought.
If you acted poorly and were told off a couple of times, there was nothing wrong with that. Criticism led to progress.
Even if his words were unpleasant, they were merely a release of frustration.
It was those who smiled to your face and stabbed you in the back that were truly terrifying.
She had suffered greatly from a smiling-faced viper of a director in her past life, nearly ruining her acting career.
When Jiang Ling heard the system prompt that the role of Zhao Hede would come to her, she had been waiting for Wang Jianzhong's call.
However, as she waited, Wang Jianzhong's call never came, but the man with the beard did.
"The film is finished, edited into 40 episodes. I just rewatched the part where Xu Zhu descends the mountain and has his encounter. I have to say, your performance was truly outstanding, nuanced and profound!"
The man with the beard was full of generous praise for Jiang Ling over the phone.
"Director Zhang, you flatter me. I'm just doing my job as an actor," Jiang Ling replied humbly.
"Your job? Yes, as an actor, your role is the most important thing. In an era of entertainment addiction and money worship, where everyone is chasing traffic and popularity, how many people can remain true to their original intentions and do their job well?"
The man with the beard sighed emotionally. After a pause, he continued, "Your awareness is truly rare. Keep it up, and I believe your future achievements will be limitless!"
"Yes, I will work hard. Forsaking popularity and pursuing a path of solid acting is the future I've planned for myself."