Chà Chà Novel

The director and Wei Sinian weren’t the only ones at the audition. The author of the original novel, who was also the screenwriter, was there too. After watching Su Nuo perform, she murmured in a daze, “Heng Yu…”

This was exactly how the Heng Yu she’d written was supposed to look.

The Heng Yu in her story was bright and easygoing, but also sensitive and perceptive. How could he not realize that what he felt for He Yun was different?

Of all the princes in the palace, He Yun was the only one he became friends with.

But in that era, in those circumstances, the furthest he could ever cross the line was simply to be He Yun’s friend.

He came from a family of generals, loyal for generations. His father and older brothers had all died for their country. His family had fought desperately to protect him, their last remaining son, hoping only that he’d inherit the title and live a safe, happy life in the capital.

But in the end, just like his father and brothers, he put on his armor.

He knew it would be incredibly hard, but he knew even better that if he didn’t go to the border, He Yun would die even sooner.

Su Yujin’s performance had made death heartbreaking, but a goodbye like this one was like a thorn in the heart. It was sad, yet full of hope.

He was protecting the person he wanted to protect. He was putting on armor and going to war for that person.

Even knowing it was a road to death, he wasn’t afraid.

His only regret was the fear that they’d never see each other again.

Tears ran down the screenwriter’s face. She quickly wiped them away. “Sorry, I lost my composure.”

The director was stunned too. None of the earlier auditions had felt like anything, and wow, all the good ones had shown up on the same day.

“Sinian, what do you think?” The screenwriter’s opinion was obvious, and the director was leaning toward Su Nuo as well, but he still cared most about Wei Sinian’s opinion.

Sure, the little young master’s performance was moving, but what if their Best Actor preferred the little fan?

No matter how good it would be to get in with the Fu family, it wasn’t as important as Wei Sinian’s choice.

Wei Sinian was in a great mood. “He’s a better fit. He is Heng Yu.”

Saying something like that right there at the audition meant he was more than just satisfied.

After all, they always told people to go home and wait to hear back.

You just said that right to the little young master’s face. It’s like you can’t wait to sign the contract right now!

Wei Sinian seemed to read the director’s mind and went on, “Why don’t we just sign the contract? We don’t want to hold him up before school starts.”

Director: “…”

I really had no idea, Wei Sinian. I never knew you were this kind of person.

To suck up to the big-money backer, you’re no longer that cool, fame-indifferent Best Actor!

The director was heartbroken, like he was watching an idol statue crumble.

And so, under the strangely doting gazes of everyone in the room, Su Nuo signed the contract on the spot. He’d join the production next week.

Wei Sinian watched how Su Nuo reacted. The boy didn’t lose his cool at being recognized. He was calm, polite, and thoughtful, with none of the restlessness you’d expect at his age.

Out of character, he was nothing like Heng Yu. Getting in and out of a role that quickly was something plenty of actors in the industry couldn’t do.

“Sinian, you’re paying an awful lot of attention to the little young master,” Director Wang said once Su Nuo had left, finally asking about how unusual Wei Sinian had been acting.

Wei Sinian said coolly, “No, I’m not.”

What was there to pay attention to? No matter how much attention he paid, the kid wouldn’t give him a second glance.

The Best Actor, who now doubted every day whether he was famous enough, finally found his career drive again. He started taking on so many more gigs that his manager and fans almost cried from joy.

The Best Actor in semi-retirement mode, who only made one film a year, was finally putting in the work!

When Su Nuo came out, Su Yujin was surprisingly still there. He pulled out Wei Sinian’s signed photo, quietly showing off. “I didn’t expect to meet Best Actor Wei today. He even said I did really well!”

Su Nuo’s lips curved. “Really? Congrats.”

One compliment is nothing. In my last life, he wanted to hand you every opportunity he could. Too bad you never lived up to it. Your acting was always just average.

Su Nuo thought that if Su Yujin put even half the acting he did in real life onto the screen, he’d have won an award a long time ago.

He didn’t tell Su Yujin he’d already signed the contract. To him, Su Yujin’s little tricks were childish and laughable. What Su Yujin cared about, Su Nuo didn’t care about at all.

“I really feel like we’re meant to be friends. Can we add each other on WeChat?” Su Yujin smiled as if he were completely harmless and looked at him with sincere-seeming, hopeful eyes.

Was he really using the tricks he used on all those men on him?

Su Nuo wasn’t falling for the innocent, kind little white flower act.

“Nope.” Su Nuo lowered his voice. “My brother doesn’t let me hang out with ugly people.”

Even after Su Nuo had walked off, Su Yujin still hadn’t recovered from being shut down. He screamed for the system in his head. “System! Is something wrong with this world? Why is Su Nuo like this?!”

In the original book, wasn’t he supposed to be a little young master so sheltered he was naive? And because he grew up in an orphanage, more sensitive and considerate than other people? He should’ve been soft and gentle and easy to fool. What’s with him being so rude to a stranger?!

The system’s mechanical voice sounded. “No anomalies detected. Please complete the mission as soon as possible to gain energy.”

Su Yujin gritted his teeth. “And whose fault is that? Because you’re useless!”

Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up. It was like it was trying to rush him to his grave.

If it had dealt with the Fu family earlier, would he have to tiptoe around like this?

Now, going after Su Nuo wasn’t going to be easy at all!

The director muttered to himself, “What a hassle. I still have to call Su Yuchen.”

Why can’t they just let the kid take over the family business? Why do they have to shove him into my production?

It was a matter of social courtesy. Su Yuchen wasn’t that important to him, but he still had to save him some face.

“Mr. Su, hello. Your younger brother has real talent for acting, but he’s not quite the right fit for our role. I’m sorry we won’t be able to work together this time,” the director said politely.

Su Yuchen hadn’t really expected Su Yujin to succeed in the first place. He’d only reached out to the director because his brother wanted to act so badly.

Hearing the result now, it wasn’t hard to accept. But thinking about how difficult his brother’s temper had become lately gave him a headache.

Not getting what he wanted, he was definitely going to throw a fit at home.

After the two of them exchanged pleasantries and hung up, the director couldn’t help grumbling. “Look at a real big shot. Calm and steady as a mountain. Never makes things hard for me over some tiny little thing.”

Wei Sinian asked, “Who?”

“Who else? President Fu!” the director said dreamily. “Sinian, how much do you think our big-money backer will invest in us? The little young master is his precious baby.”

Wei Sinian frowned. “Don’t say things like that. If other people hear, it’ll look bad for Su Nuo.”

People who didn’t know better might think Fu Baihan had a little lover in their cast.

“And he got the role on his own. It has nothing to do with his family. Even if they don’t invest a single cent, you still have to cast him as Heng Yu, and you still have to pay him,” Wei Sinian added.

The director looked at him, speechless. “I was just joking. Why are you making such a big deal out of it? As if I’d ever stiff a kid on his pay!”

Wow. He hasn’t even joined the cast as your little general yet, and you’re already protecting him.