Chapter 30: Tang Zhiming

Chapter 30: Tang Zhiming

Among the actors, An Wen received the least scolding from Ye Qiaofeng, primarily because his expectations of her were so low that even slight improvements on her part delighted him. Later, as her acting skills grew more refined, she held her own even against seasoned veterans, earning widespread admiration and praise from the entire crew.

One day, An Wen was sitting on the ground reading her script, nearly dozing off, when Deputy Director Zhang brought someone over to see her.

"An Wen, this is Director Tang Zhiming!" Deputy Director Zhang introduced.

Naturally, An Wen recognized Director Tang Zhiming. Netizens hailed him as the top television director in the country, with his works averaging 8.5 on Douban. Even Ye Qiaofeng was once his student.

"Hello, Director Tang!" An Wen quickly stood up to greet him.

"An Wen, you're only 15, right?" Tang Zhiming asked kindly.

"Yes," An Wen replied obediently.

"I see you don’t even have an assistant. Haven’t you signed with an agency yet?" Tang Zhiming inquired.

An Wen smiled sweetly and said, "Not yet. I thought I’d focus on finishing this drama first before considering those matters."

"I think you have great potential, and at such a young age, you’re highly adaptable. I could help refer you to some agencies."

A referral from Tang Zhiming would ensure no agency dared to look down on her. However, the entertainment industry was wary of connections with those in power or revered figures. Either people would silently assume you had a special relationship with them—though they might not dare provoke you openly, they’d gossip and scorn behind your back—or they’d permanently link you to that person. Any misstep on your part would reflect on them, and vice versa.

If someone malicious leaked this, the sheer volume of netizens could drown even the purest person in baseless rumors. It might even become a "scandal," resurfacing to haunt her at every turn.

"Thank you, Director Tang, but I think my performance in this drama has been decent. Reputable agencies probably wouldn’t want to miss out on me. When the time comes, I’ll still have options!" An Wen said softly, her clear eyes gazing at Tang Zhiming with an air of innocence.

"What are you saying?" Deputy Director Zhang glared at her in frustration and quickly interjected, "Director Tang, An Wen is still young and doesn’t know how to speak properly. She’s just headstrong and wants to prove herself through hard work!"

Tang Zhiming hadn’t expected An Wen to refuse either. After a moment of surprise, his face lit up with delight. "Being headstrong is good. Young people should have that kind of vigor."

The more Tang Zhiming observed An Wen, the more he saw her as a breath of fresh air in the entertainment industry. Now he understood why Ye Qiaofeng had recommended her to him—her talent, adaptability, and flawless appearance made her an actress worth nurturing.

"An Wen, I’m currently preparing a period drama, and I think there’s a role that would suit you perfectly. Would you consider it?" Tang Zhiming asked.

"Director Tang, are you referring to 'Hua Luo Chang An'?" An Wen inquired.

"Yes. You know about it?"

"I often browse Weibo. The male lead for 'Hua Luo Chang An' was announced at the Penguin Festival a few days ago," An Wen admitted frankly.

"There’s a character named Li Qingyi—a cold but righteous beauty. I think she’d be a great fit for you," Tang Zhiming said.

Li Qingyi was the third female lead, with a compelling personality and substantial screen time.

"Thank you, Director Tang, but my goal is Lin Wanting," An Wen replied sweetly.

Tang Zhiming was surprised and said, "It seems you know this drama quite well."

"Although I'm young, I've heard the crew talk about it. Besides, Director Tang's dramas are always hard to ignore," An Wen replied, her peach blossom eyes faintly smiling.