Assistant to My Contracted Husband

Compared to other actresses, her acting skills stand out.

Over the years, her reputation, box office, and popularity haven’t been bad at all. Choosing her is indeed the best choice for Ou Cheng.

The applause from the audience erupted, congratulating Gu Xiran.

"Xiran, you’re really impressive."

"Yes, the look in your eyes when the nanny slapped you was so full of grievance and stubbornness, I really loved it."

"Well deserved, congratulations, congratulations. You’re likely to win the Best Actress award with this drama next year."

The other actresses, somewhat insincerely, offered their congratulations. Before Gu Xiran could respond, Jian Ran spoke up.

"Everyone, you’re too kind. There are many roles in this big drama, and surely everyone will get a share. In the future, once Xiran joins the cast, I hope you all take good care of her."

"That’s certainly a must, Mrs. Gu."

Jian Ran’s strong presence made everyone dare not act rashly. They said some hypocritical words and said no more, clearly seething with anger under their heavy makeup.

Gu Xiran secretly marveled at her mom’s greatness; just one sentence was enough to intimidate this group.

Amazing!

There are quite a few veteran actors in the cast who have worked with Gu Xiran before. In fact, Gu Xiran is more eager to work with them.

"As for the supporting roles, they’ll be announced later, so everyone please remain calm. If there are no more issues, today’s audition is over."

"Director Ou, I have a question..."

"Xiran, what’s your question?"

Director Ou asked curiously.

"The thing is, I want to resign from the lead female role in this drama."

"What?"

The crowd was astonished, including Jian Ran, who couldn’t understand Gu Xiran’s intentions.

Gu Xiran offered a slight smile and softly explained, "Actually, I’m more interested in the first supporting female role in this drama, the girl who grows up with the lead female and then falls out with her."

Compared to the weak, white lotus-like lead female role, Gu Xiran indeed prefers this role.

Also, it has a considerable range. After all, no one is born evil; everyone is forced to change by circumstances one step at a time.

"Mom, didn’t you always want me to take on more varied roles? Playing a villain that people love to hate is certainly a challenge for me."

Jian Ran thought for a moment at these words, then pressed her lips together and said.

"Okay, I support you."

"Thank you, Mom. Director Ou, what do you think?"

Ou Cheng pondered Gu Xiran’s words carefully, then responded approvingly, "Xiran, you’ve got a keen eye. This role is the most challenging in the drama. But since you’re confident, I am willing to trust you and believe in your acting skills, honed for so many years in the entertainment industry, which will surely pass the test."

"Alright, thank you, Director Ou."

...

"The list of the female lead and other supporting roles will be announced later. Everyone, you’re dismissed. Thank you all for attending the audition today. Xiran, Mrs. Gu, I’ll host a dinner for you two later. It’s been a while since we last got together. The last time we worked with Xiran was when she was in middle school, and now she’s grown into such a fine lady."

"Sure, no problem."

An internationally renowned director, with an endless supply of good scripts and resources, yet speaks to Jian Ran and Gu Xiran without any airs.

The others could only glare with resentment, envious but unable to gain favor.

Jian Ran and Gu Xiran stayed for the meal while the others gradually left.

Song Le was immensely jealous, thought for a moment, then still unwilling to give up, stepped forward.

"Auntie Jian, Xiran, long time no see."

"And who is this?"

With so many actors auditioning, many unknowns, and too many that were neither here nor there, Ou Cheng couldn’t really remember who was who.

Jian Ran’s eyes flickered, then she pressed her lips together and said, "This is Xiran’s classmate from when she was young."

"I see. Looks quite like Xiran. If you’re not an actor, you might consider being a stand-in. Stand-ins don’t need acting skills, just need to physically be there. If you’re classmates with Xiran, maybe we can offer you a bit more pay."

Ou Cheng spoke matter-of-factly, having already forgotten about Song Le’s audition.

There’s nothing to be done; her acting was too poor, like reciting lines without any emotion.

Song Le’s face turned pale, then flushed with embarrassment.

Jian Ran was initially a bit puzzled, feeling like Song Le had changed into a different person, but couldn’t pinpoint it. After Director Ou’s comment, she pondered for a moment and indeed found her very similar to Tang Bao.

Had surgery?

Could it be modeled after Tang Bao?

Jian Ran was filled with confusion but gave nothing away, curling her lips into a smile and said, "Director Ou, your memory, she just auditioned for the concubine role with the slapping scene."

"Oh, right, sorry, there were just too many auditioning actors."

Director Ou was a bit embarrassed, and Jian Ran helped smooth things over, saying, "Yes, I can’t tell them apart either, but since I know this girl, I can remember."

"Hmm."

The atmosphere was a bit awkward, with Gu Xiran maintaining a subtle smile. Song Le approaching her voluntarily was not unexpected.

In the past, every time she attended an event or auditioned, if she talked with a director or producer, Song Le would come over confidently, claiming to be her classmate to gain favors.

Agent Sister Ping, seeing Song Le like this, felt nothing but disdain but also marveled at Gu Xiran’s intelligence.

Deservedly the daughter of Mrs. Gu, indeed smart.

...

"Xiran, long time no see, I missed you. If you’re having a meal together, can I join? I really have a lot I want to talk to you about."

"Yes, you can."

Gu Xiran forced a slight smile, neither angry nor happy, and Jian Ran and Ou Cheng couldn’t say much more.

Jian Ran squinted her phoenix eyes; this Song Le was not simple. She didn’t really like this kind of girl and felt she should remind Xiran to be more vigilant.

...

Ou Cheng directly chose the top-floor restaurant of a hotel, an excellent environment. There was no need for Gu Xiran to order; everything Ou Cheng ordered was to her liking.

"Xiran, I remember when you were with me filming, you ate boxed meals for three months without a complaint. I knew back then you’d achieve great things."

"Director Ou, if you keep flattering me like this, I might end up floating on air... Besides, you never complained either, and I found those boxed meals delicious."

Gu Xiran laughed softly. Back then, they were filming a war drama, often rooted in the mountains, still during summer vacation, with lots of flies and mosquitoes. It wasn’t just me enduring hardship; many veteran actors and Ou Cheng were also personally involved. I felt that working with such a director and cast was wonderful.

If others could bear it, so could I.

And besides, the conditions in the mountains were naturally harsh. To keep causing a big fuss for food delivery would have been troublesome.

"You, girl, I remember there was a young actress back then who was always picky, had no fame, and halfway through the filming switched to a romance drama."

Ou Cheng’s memory was really poor, Gu Xiran mused darkly, the person he referred to was actually Song Le.