Chapter 138: Casting
Le Yi’s evaluation of the script was: “Although the core plot is quite common, the story is tightly structured, every scene connects smoothly, and the theme and ending align with mainstream values.”
“The only flaw is that some of the lines are a bit awkward,” Le Yi pointed out.
“Can they be revised?” Gu Qinghuan asked.
“I’ll have my agent ask the writer,” Le Yi said, sending a message to his agent.
Gu Qinghuan opened her notebook and began considering which students to select as actors.
The adult roles were mainly the teacher and the protagonist’s parents. Since Le Yi was available, there was no need to hire anyone else.
Le Yi could play both the teacher and the protagonist’s parent; a simple change of styling would suffice. For the audience, seeing one actor in two roles would also be a highlight.
Since Shine with Light was a variety show, the presence of the celebrity had to be emphasized.
Gu Qinghuan looked at Le Yi across from her; she felt he would enjoy this type of performance.
Next came the student roles: one protagonist and at least two supporting students.
One supporting student would praise and encourage the protagonist, helping him reach the so-called “happiness” endpoint.
The other would raise doubts, prompting the protagonist to realize his inner issues during moments of emptiness, leading to self-reflection.
Simply put, one plays the “red face” (stern) and the other the “white face” (gentle).
With this setup, only three actors were needed. For other roles, they would first confirm with the director.
Gu Qinghuan wasn’t sure if costumes and props could rely solely on Le Yi’s resources. Probably not, since that would reduce the spectacle. The audience would likely want to see the performers “working hard.”
“The writer doesn’t mind revisions, but she wants to personally handle the edits based on feedback,” Le Yi said.
“That’s simple. Once the actors are gathered, we can hold a voice or video meeting to discuss the script. So shall we start looking for actors now?” Gu Qinghuan asked, sharing her thoughts on role distribution.
Le Yi was clearly intrigued by the idea of playing two roles simultaneously. “No problem. Let’s first find three actors. Do you have anyone in mind?”
Gu Qinghuan stroked her chin. “Actually, I do.”
A few minutes later, Gu Qinghuan and Le Yi arrived at Class 6’s doorway.
Their timing was perfect: the decision on the script had just concluded, the first period was ending, and reaching Class 6 wouldn’t disrupt class.
Gu Qinghuan peeked in: “Hello, may I speak to Lu Jian? I’m Gu Qinghuan from Class 3; I have something to discuss with her.”
The students in Class 6 were already buzzing just from seeing the cameraman behind Le Yi. They quickly called for Lu Jian.
Fortunately, Lu Jian had signed a consent form, so she was allowed to be at school.
“Hello, I’m Lu Jian,” she said cautiously, standing in front of Gu Qinghuan and Le Yi.
“This is Lu Jian, Class 6’s academic representative,” Gu Qinghuan introduced to Le Yi and the camera. “During the last midterms, Class 6 had the highest average score in the grade. Lu Jian ranked first in her class and second in the grade.”
Le Yi looked impressed. “A top student, too.”
Lu Jian scratched the back of her head shyly. “Is there something you need? Are you asking me to participate in the performance?” She glanced at the camera.
It wasn’t hard to guess. The show officially started filming tomorrow, so that would be the only reason to be called over.
“That’s right,” Gu Qinghuan nodded. “We’re performing a skit, and we need a positive role to remind the protagonist to face reality and reflect on himself. I think you’re perfect, so I wanted to ask your opinion.”
Lu Jian thought for a moment. “Why me?”
“Last time, even without knowing you, you helped someone from our class. I felt you had a strong sense of justice, and being a top student matches the role. That’s why we came to you,” Gu Qinghuan explained.
Lu Jian was clearly pleased by the compliment, though she instinctively touched her face when she noticed the camera. “Um… is my image okay?”
“No problem at all,” Gu Qinghuan said matter-of-factly. “I think you can bring real life to this character.”
Le Yi drew in a sharp breath, secretly whispering to the PD: “If any director had said that to me, I’d play any role.”
The PD nodded, thinking this moment would definitely make the final cut for tonight’s broadcast.
Lu Jian was visibly moved. She instinctively wanted to nod, but Gu Qinghuan gently held her hand, pulled out the script, and walked her aside to explain.
The explanation went quickly; the focus was analyzing the character and informing her that she would also participate in revising lines later.
Lu Jian skimmed the key parts of the script. Even her summary skills as a top student were impressive.
She nodded. “The script is interesting, and I feel this role resonates with me.”
“Then take some time to think about it. Let us know by noon so you can discuss it with your family,” Gu Qinghuan said.
The reminder brought Lu Jian back to reality; she indeed needed to consult her family. “Okay, I’ll confirm and message you on WeChat.”
After sending the message, Gu Qinghuan and Le Yi moved on. “Let’s go, next one.”
On the way, Le Yi chatted with her. “You considered it very thoroughly, letting her discuss with her family.”
“Her family might have objections. If she can convince them, that’s great. If not, I’ll ask for her opinion again,” Gu Qinghuan explained.
“If she wants to participate, I’ll handle persuasion and commitments. If her family agrees, we move on to the next candidate.”
Le Yi had initially considered some extreme hypothetical situations but decided against it. If broadcast and criticized, the agent would surely flood him with calls.
He changed the subject. “Which role are you looking for next?”
“The protagonist,” Gu Qinghuan said without hesitation.
Now she was standing at the door of Class 12.
Gu Qinghuan composed herself. “Hello, I’m looking for Yu Yuan.”
The students in Class 12 stared at her in disbelief.
Ever since Yang Xiao and the others’ failed plot, Class 12 had largely avoided Class 3 students.
Though not the whole class was involved, inter-class tensions meant individuals could be implicated.
Class 12 students often felt a sense of being “slapped in the face” by Class 3. Even if Class 3 didn’t pursue it, the sentiment lingered, so they chose to avoid conflict.
Yan Zhengqing’s usual attitude seemed unchanged, but toward Yang Xiao and the others, he had become noticeably distant.
Recently, he was preoccupied with dating Lin Xiaoxue and showed off less in class. Class 12 thought this was fine.
Now, the Class 3 class president was coming over! What did she want?
The Class 12 students nervously called Yu Yuan. She also nervously stood in front of Gu Qinghuan. “What’s the matter?”
Gu Qinghuan raised her voice to ensure nearby students could hear: “Our group is performing a skit. I think you’re suitable as the protagonist, so we came to you.”
“Why not ask Yu Xin?” Yu Yuan blurted. “You’re closer to her, right?”
“She has her own matters to handle. You’re her sister. I don’t know many people, but you’re more suitable, so I came to you,” Gu Qinghuan explained.
The Class 12 students relaxed. Although surprised that Yu Yuan had a sister in Class 3, it was understandable that the sisterly connection influenced the choice.
As for whether anyone suspected Yu Yuan was “informing” Class 3: impossible. Yang Xiao and the others’ reckless actions were impulsive. Yu Yuan had no dealings with them; she wouldn’t have warned Class 3.
Thinking this way, Yu Yuan had it tough. One side was her sister, the other the class. Remaining silent was her best option.
Gu Qinghuan thought: clearing suspicion was this simple.
