Fairy?

"This is Sun Jianren, Director Sun, and this is the screenwriter Hei Guangjun, Mr. Hei."
"Hello, Director Sun, Mr. Hei. I’m Xu Lin. Sorry to trouble you all today."
"We’ll see if it’s any trouble after the audition. We’ve seen much worse."
"Honestly, just putting you two here is already half a film. By the way, who’s this?"
"My sister. No need to mind her, she’s just tagging along for fun."
"With your sister, the three of you could headline an idol drama even without any acting skills."
The director and screenwriter both came across as humorous and kind, which made Xu Lin breathe a sigh of relief.
"By the way, you’ve never acted before?"
"No, she called me over and I really have no idea what to do. I just hope I don’t hold everyone back."
"It’s fine. Your part isn’t that big. The main focus is still on Ms. Chu."
Director Sun glanced at Chu Qingchan. This girl was still the same. Today, the crew might have to put in some extra work.
"Speaking of which, Director Sun, you too—of all people, you had to pick me. I was practically forced into retirement from the industry."
Chu Qingchan joked at her own expense, but Sun Jianren simply took a sip of tea.
"I brought you into this, after all. No matter how badly you act, I have to support you."
"Thank you, Uncle Sun." Hearing this, Chu Qingchan genuinely expressed her gratitude.
Her debut had been in a film directed by Sun Jianren, who was highly popular, though perhaps not among the absolute top tier.
His films were frequently nominated for world-class awards, though curiously, after more than a dozen nominations, he’d never actually won.
He’s a master of art films, but whenever he tries commercial cinema, the result is a disaster. His highest box office never surpassed 500 million.
"Don’t thank me yet. If you give me a perfect take today, I’ll invite you to my next movie—no more niche art films, a grand production just for you!"
Sun Jianren shot Chu Qingchan a look and took another sip of tea. "Is everyone else here?"
"Only Ma Wen hasn’t arrived."
"Seriously? That kid’s already putting on airs with me!"
"Old Sun, you didn’t cast him yourself, did you?" Hei Guangjun frowned and glanced at Sun Jianren.
"No, he was forced in with money. They want to use this public service film to whitewash him a bit. It’s disgusting."
Xu Lin couldn’t quite follow, but Chu Qingchan whispered, "Ma Wen is that idol who was recently accused of being involved in someone’s marriage."
"Oh, him." Xu Lin pictured a foppish, affected face. "Whether it’s true or not, they’re really casting him in a public service film?"
"Just like me, he was signed on before the scandal, and he bought his way in, so there’s no getting rid of him."

"What role is he playing?"
"He’s your senior who bullies you, but later reforms—pretty much his real-life situation."
"You really think that guy can pull off a delinquent? Even the dogs back in my hometown look tougher than him!"
Xu Lin’s remark made Chu Qingchan burst out laughing. "You’re ruthless!"
The others, seeing Chu Qingchan laugh so freely, paused and glanced at Xu Lin, as if they’d suddenly understood something.
Some reached for their phones, only to remember they’d already been confiscated—a staple of Director Sun’s sets. No phones allowed during filming.
"If only she had smiled so genuinely in that final scene of ‘Youth Song,’” Director Sun sighed. The authenticity of her smile now—if only it had been in the film’s last shot—would have been perfect.
"But she should be more careful. If someone captured this and spread it... Oh, right, she’s retired now. Not that it matters; her father’s got her covered anyway."
"Honestly, why do these second-generation kids bother with the entertainment world? Life would be better as a boss at home."
"Haha, you’re not short on money now either, yet you keep making films—ones that win awards, no less."
"I’m waiting on your script, Old Hei."
"Haha, once my script is ready, I’ve already got the actors lined up."
"Which actors? You just said you found today’s gems."
"Xu Lin here, and the second Miss Chu beside him."
"You think she’d actually shoot a movie? Does your script need a foreign beauty?"
"Yes, but it’s worth a try. Let’s secure Xu Lin first."
"He’s just an amateur, still in high school. If you really want him, I won’t stop you."
"Let’s see how he does first. Lao Zhao, has Ma Wen arrived yet?!"
"He just got here, just got off the car."
"Let him come over on his own. No need for a grand reception."
A few minutes later, a man dressed in flashy, even flamboyant, clothes approached, surrounded by a group of young students.
"Ma Xiaotian, can I have your autograph?"
"Sorry, everyone—the director’s waiting. I really shouldn’t keep them waiting. Sorry!"
Turning away, he walked straight toward their group, as assistants and crew stepped in to block fans still eager to follow.
"Well, isn’t this Sister Chu? Long time no see."
He adjusted his collar, and upon spotting Chu Qingchan, hurried over with a big smile.

"Hello."
"Hey, handsome—Sister Chu, is this your girlfriend?" After shaking hands with Chu Qingchan, he turned to Xu Lin, lips curving into a smirk that sent a shiver down Xu Lin’s spine.
"Xu Lin. Chu Qingchan just brought me in as an extra."
"Nice to meet you."
They shook hands. Xu Lin immediately caught a whiff of the other’s cologne and almost coughed, but managed to stifle it.
"Ma Wen, why are you only just getting here?!" Sun Jianren strode over, his face dark, making no effort to hide his displeasure.
Ma Wen scratched his head and bowed, clearly showing respect for the renowned director.
"Sorry, Director Sun, traffic was bad."
"We arranged a hotel nearby, but you insisted on staying elsewhere on your own dime. Never mind—don’t apologize to me!"
"I can wait, but the crew and your fellow actors shouldn’t have to!"
"Director Sun, please don’t be angry. It really was traffic, but it’s our fault. I’ll have her leave half an hour earlier tomorrow morning."
At that, a plump woman in business attire came over and held Director Sun’s arm.
"Zhang Liling, you’ve been in this business over a decade. Don’t tell me you don’t know better."
"Director Sun, we’re old friends. Let me apologize on his behalf."
"Fine, let’s get on with it. We’ve already lost time—let’s get started!"
With that, Director Sun called out, and everyone scattered to their positions as the assistant director, lighting, and camera crew began their preparations.
Xu Lin had three scenes in total: one where he’s bullied, one where he talks with the teacher played by Chu Qingchan, and a final one where, after being counseled, he becomes cheerful.
Since it was a short film, most scenes were brief, with the main focus being on caring for the deaf and mute community.
The principal character wasn’t him, but a girl—a child star, only fourteen, and coincidentally a student at the school.
He glanced in her direction just as she put down her script and looked his way; their eyes met.
‘What a spirited little girl,’
More than her looks, Xu Lin was struck by her aura—like a sixteen or seventeen-year-old fairy, fresh and ethereal.
She was even younger and more innocent—not exactly beautiful yet, since she hadn’t grown into her features, nowhere near Chu Qingchan, about on par with Monitor Ji.
He found himself staring at her, and she shyly nodded, then raised her script to hide her face.
Lost in thought—would she think he was some kind of creep? How embarrassing! He hadn’t even started acting and was already making a fool of himself!