Chapter 51: Replacing Yang Mi

The script reading session is a crucial preparatory step before a film starts shooting. It allows the director and actors to deepen their understanding of the movie, enabling them to better inhabit their roles. After the reading, actors write character biographies to further internalize their characters, leading to a more authentic performance. When Chen Ling directed “Love Is Not Blind,” his mentor also arranged a script reading and made sure everyone wrote their character biographies. This practice proved effective, making the filming process much smoother.

As this was Chen Ling’s first film as an independent director, he was determined not to abandon such a valuable habit. Today’s script reading was well-attended—not only the actors but also several assistant directors and the executive director were present. The more time the team spends together before the shoot, the better their chemistry will be. Only Yang Mi was absent, having requested leave at the last minute. Early that morning, her agent Zeng Jia called Chen Ling to explain that the “Palace” production in Hengdian urgently needed her to reshoot a few scenes, so she couldn’t make it to the reading.

Although Chen Ling was a bit displeased, he understood. After all, reshooting scenes and script readings are both important, but sometimes priorities are clear. What puzzled him, however, was why the call wasn’t made by Yang Mi herself—during a shoot, it’s customary for the actress to communicate directly with the director and production team. But Chen Ling, busy organizing the reading and coordinating with Xu Zheng, didn’t dwell on it.

Among the many present, Guo Fan was clearly attending such a meeting for the first time. He was visibly curious but managed to maintain his composure. The atmosphere was lively, not just because of the veteran Xu Zheng, whom Chen Ling had promised a role, but also thanks to Shen Teng and Lei Jiayin, both adept at lightening the mood. Since this was a road comedy, the reading felt more like a class tea party.

Lunch was catered from the five-star hotel next door, thanks to Zhao Qian. As the reading would continue into the afternoon, Chen Ling made sure no one went hungry. By the end of the day, everyone had gained a much deeper understanding of the film, and the team was becoming well acquainted—saving precious time during filming.

Dinner was on Chen Ling, held in a large private room at the neighboring restaurant. With three days of script reading ahead, and today just the beginning, he forbade any drinking at the table.

On the second day, Yang Mi was still absent, and communication was again handled by Zeng Jia. She said it might be several more days, meaning Yang Mi could miss not only the reading but possibly even the first days of filming.

By now, Chen Ling sensed something was amiss. Two days in a row, only the agent had been in touch—distinctly irregular.

During lunch, Chen Ling found a moment to pull Chen Zhixi aside in the office.

“Zhixi, has Yang Mi contacted you at all these past two days?”

“What’s wrong? Her agent has spoken with me both yesterday and today.” Yang Mi’s agent had called them both, and Chen Ling and Chen Zhixi had already discussed it. Still, Chen Zhixi didn’t understand why Chen Ling was asking again.

“It doesn’t feel right. The project is about to start shooting. If anything comes up, Yang Mi should be reaching out to us directly. But it’s been Zeng Jia both days—it just feels off.”

“You think something might be up with Yang Mi?” Chen Zhixi pondered this and started to feel uneasy as well.

“You’ve been in this industry longer than I have—could you look into it? If she really can’t avoid a scheduling conflict, we need to find a replacement sooner rather than later, before we’re caught off guard.”

Chen Ling was simply being prudent.

“I’ll see what I can find out about Yang Mi’s situation.” Chen Zhixi realized this was no simple matter. If their suspicions were correct and Yang Mi was about to back out, they needed to act quickly.

…

In reality, Yang Mi and her agent Zeng Jia weren’t in Hengdian at all but had traveled to Hong Kong to meet with a director. With them was Feng Shaofeng, her co-star from “Palace.” Having already worked together, the two were now quite familiar.

“Mimi, when does the film ‘Breakup Buddies’ start shooting?” Feng Shaofeng asked.

A flicker of discomfort crossed Yang Mi’s face, but she quickly concealed it. Feng Shaofeng clearly didn’t know she had left Chen Ling in the lurch to come to Hong Kong, nor that Chen Ling forbade double-booking.

“Director Chen said filming would start in a few days, but I’m not sure whether the schedule will clash with this project.” Yang Mi hid the fact that the script reading had already begun and she’d lied about her absence.

“Oh, that one’s a solid project. But this film’s budget is four or five times bigger, and the director is stronger. Sometimes you have to make tough choices.” Feng Shaofeng had no rivalry with her; on the contrary, if they continued as co-leads, it would create natural buzz. He, like Zeng Jia, supported Yang Mi choosing this new film over Chen Ling’s.

“Yes, I think so too.” Yang Mi nodded, though she hesitated. She’d read both scripts several times—the one for “Breakup Buddies” was clearly superior.

But the director’s caliber, the production team, and especially the investment were much stronger for this project. Choosing between the two was difficult, but both directors had explicitly forbidden double-booking.

Unfortunately, the two shoots overlapped for several days, which complicated everything.

“Mimi, Shaofeng, come quickly—Director Li is free now and wants to see you both,” Zeng Jia interrupted, ending their conversation. The two rose and went to meet her; in the office, not only the director but also the producer—the investor—was present.

…

“So you’re saying the ‘Palace’ team has already disbanded, and Yang Mi and her agent are in Hong Kong discussing a film project?” It was after nine in the evening when Chen Ling got a call from Chen Zhixi.

Chen Zhixi had skipped the afternoon reading to investigate, and now had results.

“What’s the name of the film?”

“‘The Legend of the Feast at Hong Gate’? Well, that’s a massive production with an investment of over a hundred million—it’s no wonder she’d choose that over us.”

“All right, Zhixi, confirm with her. If not, let’s find a replacement as soon as possible.”

Although Chen Ling admired Yang Mi’s drive and felt sorry for her future predicament, he had no intention of yielding when it came to his own film.

…

In Hong Kong, Yang Mi and Feng Shaofeng had just finished another audition, this time with the investors present. Pleased with their performances and with Director Li Rengang’s strong recommendation, it was all but settled that they would play the leads—just waiting on the contracts.

The two, along with their agents, were celebrating over dinner. The mood was jubilant.

“Come on, Jiajia, Mimi, let’s raise a glass to celebrate,” Feng Shaofeng said, lifting his wine. Landing a lead role in such a big production was cause for genuine happiness.

Yang Mi, Zeng Jia, and Feng Shaofeng’s agent all raised their glasses.

“Mimi, we have you to thank for the lead, but especially you, Shaofeng, for your strong recommendation,” Zeng Jia said, clinking glasses with him, her face aglow with joy.

Yang Mi had few contacts in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and it was only thanks to Feng Shaofeng’s advocacy that she’d been considered for such a high-profile project.

“You’re too polite, Jiajia. I know how talented and hardworking Mimi is. Of course I’d look out for a friend if I had the chance.” In the private room, Yang Mi and Feng Shaofeng sat together, each agent by their side. Feng Shaofeng leaned a little closer to Yang Mi—a gesture that didn’t escape Zeng Jia’s notice. She took a sip of wine, saying nothing, confident Yang Mi was aware.

“By the way, you should drop that supporting role soon. If it affects this project, it’ll be a problem,” Feng Shaofeng continued when he noticed Yang Mi’s distracted expression.

“I’ll call Director Chen tomorrow and explain,” Yang Mi replied. Though she felt a bit guilty about going back on her word, when it came to resources, she knew where her priorities lay.

By the time dinner ended, it was late. Sitting in his van, Feng Shaofeng’s agent turned to him and said, “Shaofeng, as long as ‘Palace’ performs as expected next year, and with this big production under your belt, you’ll be firmly established as a top-tier actor.”

Feng Shaofeng looked up with a smile. “‘Palace’ is bound to be a hit.”

“Also, during the shoot for ‘The Legend of the Feast at Hong Gate,’ make sure to take good care of Yang Mi. She has a lot of potential and drive, and she’s quite impressionable. Don’t let the opportunity slip by.”

“I understand.” Reflected in the window, Feng Shaofeng could see the smile on his own face. The timing was just right—a few months of filming would be no problem.

Having invested in introducing the project, the returns could be twice as great. The thought made him smile even more.