Chapter 15

Chapter 15

My development after arriving in Gangcheng was both unexpected and yet entirely within expectations.

The movie for which Lu Junrong had held auditions in the mainland was titled West City’s Romance. It was an art film, produced with the sole intention of winning awards.

The female lead was ultimately given to Yin Yuanyuan, the Queen of Art Films in Gangcheng.

As for the supporting role-the character who needed to speak the West City dialect-the part went to a girl from the West City Opera Troupe. She was very beautiful, and her voice, stage presence, form, and acting were all exceptional.

I didn’t get a part at all.

Lu Junrong was very blunt with me. He said the reason he decided to sign me in the first place was because he saw that I had ‘something’ when it came to acting.

However, this industry was full of talented, beautiful actresses.

Since I had zero acting experience, he didn’t have the patience to groom me personally, and it was impossible for him to just slot me into a film crew.

Lu Junrong signed a temporary six-month contract with me.

During these six months, he would arrange for me to join at least two film crews, though he made no promises regarding the size of the roles.

There would be an evaluation after six months. If I didn’t meet his standards, there would be no further cooperation.

In other words, everything depended on my own hard work.

After the contract was signed, the busy Mr. Lu flew off to the UK.

Sister Fang complained, “Ah Ron is being a bit too cold-blooded. Zhiyi is a young, beautiful girl all alone in Gangcheng. Not only is he not paying her a salary, but he isn’t even providing her with a place to stay.”

I quickly interjected, “Mr. Lu helped me a great deal with the divorce, and he’s given me an opportunity. He is my benefactor; I really can’t ask for too much.”

“Of course, you are also a great benefactor to me, Sister Fang. Back when I was at my lowest, you gave me a clean set of clothes. I could never forget such kindness.”

Sister Fang smiled and waved her hand, her plump, round face dimpling beautifully. “It was nothing, just a small gesture.”

Sister Fang was truly a wonderful person. She worked hard to help me find a suitable rental.

Before leaving, Sister Fang told me that she would arrange for me to join the crew of a period drama in November.

She advised me to communicate more with the locals in Gangcheng. My biggest problem right now was the language barrier.

I thanked her repeatedly for the advice.

After a night of deep reflection, I drew up a six-month plan for myself.

First, I had to solve the problem of survival.

I didn’t have much money, so I had to find a job.

After careful consideration, I chose to work part-time at a fried chicken fast-food restaurant where wages were paid daily.

This would allow me to practice my communication skills, and if news came from the film crew, I could head over immediately.

Second, no matter how tight money was, I had to set aside a portion for skincare to maintain my complexion, and I had to exercise every day to stay in shape.

My face was my storefront; it was my kingdom.

Finally, I absolutely had to read extensively. Having a pretty face was useless if I couldn’t understand a script or lacked the ability to interpret a role. That would be fatal for an actress.

My daily schedule was packed to the brim. It was exhausting, but I was happy.

I thought back to my past life.

I had planned my adopted daughter’s studies, taken her to talent classes, served my ailing in-laws, and looked after my husband.

My identity had been that of a mother, a filial daughter-in-law, and a virtuous wife.

I was everything except Xu Chunyan. I was never myself.

But now…

Everything I was fighting for was for myself.

Now, I am Xu Zhiyi.