128: recommend

Chen Mu looked like he wanted to share something with Shen Lian, but his costume was old, his surroundings were bare, and he held only a half-eaten, cold lunch box in his hand.

Chen Mu smiled awkwardly and asked, "Are you thirsty, Teacher Shen? I'll go buy a bottle of water for you."

"I'm not thirsty." Shen Lian took the mineral water Jiang You handed him and stuffed it into Chen Mu's arms. "On the other hand, look at you—your lips are almost cracking."

Over the years, Chen Mu hadn't seen many good days, but he had received plenty of cold shoulders and ridicule from others. Given Shen Lian's current status, there was absolutely no need for him to chat with him at all. Yet, when they met again, it was like meeting an ordinary friend; Shen Lian even gave him a bottle of water.

To Chen Mu, the feeling was very different.

"Which production crew are you with?" Shen Lian asked.

"Glory of Love," Chen Mu replied. "I'm playing the lackey of the third male lead."

Shen Lian nodded. It sounded like a third-tier IP, perhaps slightly better than a low-quality web drama.

"What about you, Teacher Shen?"

Shen Lian: "I'm filling in for a role for Director Dai. The previous actor had something come up and couldn't make it."

"Director Dai Tong?" A flash of envy appeared in Chen Mu's eyes. "I've seen your new drama, Teacher Shen. It will definitely be fine."

"You're finally here!" While they were talking, Dai Tong strode over from a distance, grabbed Shen Lian's hand, and gave it two vigorous shakes. His gratitude was beyond words: "You're a real pal!"

"Isn't that right?" Shen Lian laughed. "Since Director Dai invited me, how could I not come?"

Dai Tong pulled Shen Lian along. "Once we're done filming, dinner is on me!"

Shen Lian paused and looked at Chen Mu.

Only then did Dai Tong notice someone standing opposite them. There were many minor actors playing extras in the film city, so he hadn't paid attention just now.

"An acquaintance?" Dai Tong asked curiously.

Shen Lian: "Yes. Chen Mu, I have things to do, so I'll be going now."

Chen Mu nodded. "Goodbye, Teacher Shen."

His voice was clear and bright, and Dai Tong couldn't help but take an extra look.

Once they were further away, Dai Tong said, "He looks a bit familiar."

"He's been in quite a few dramas. Although they're all very small roles, his acting skills pass muster."

Dai Tong: "Oh? He can actually get a 'pass muster' from you?"

Shen Lian didn't say it out loud, but Dai Tong was a major director who dealt with all kinds of acting. He knew very well that Shen Lian strove for perfection in acting and was proud by nature. From his position as a winner, he didn't think much of those with poor acting or those who didn't put in any effort. Therefore, his evaluation of Chen Mu wasn't low.

Shen Lian: "Why don't you give him a try and see for yourself?"

Dai Tong looked suspicious, but seeing that Shen Lian wasn't joking, he changed his tune: "Fine, I remember there are three roles that haven't been decided yet. But they're 'plot kills'—at most a few shots. Would he be willing?"

Shen Lian thought of Chen Mu's destitute appearance and replied, "He'll definitely be willing."

At a time like this, there was no room for pickiness. Moreover, given Chen Mu's personality, he would be more than happy.

Shen Lian had a slender build. After being carefully nurtured by Chu Yilan throughout the winter, he had gained a bit of weight, making him look even more well-proportioned. Once he changed into the costume and put on eye makeup, with a slight hint of ruthlessness, he looked both stunning and exquisite.

"He is the ash under the eaves of a magnificent palace that cannot see the light."

This was the definition of the character Shen Lian was playing.

He stood motionless in the shadows, making the towering palace behind him seem even more majestic. The young eunuch's aura was calm and numb; in his eyes lay hopelessness and an abyss. All emotions swirled for only a moment before suddenly dispersing.

Despite it being broad daylight, it made one feel that this square of heaven and earth was filled with a gloomy, yin energy—a place of true splendor, yet a burial ground.

It was as if it had been devouring people like this, silently, for hundreds of years.

The young eunuch bowed his body and, following the darkness cast by the palace eaves, gradually disappeared from view step by step.

Without a single line of dialogue, he had to rely on light and shadow, facial expressions, and the slumped posture of his shoulders and arms to express the character's traits. Dai Tong had been exhausted by the previous prima donna actor, but Shen Lian finished the scene in one take without a single hitch. The frustration blocked in Dai Tong's chest suddenly cleared.

Acting like a big shot? Hmph!

Shen Lian had said in advance that he wouldn't stay with the crew. Even without traffic, it took forty minutes to get from here to home, but since he didn't have many scenes, he could leave early.

According to the fastest schedule, it would take three days to film.

Fortunately, the character of Eunuch Qin Zhong was positioned as a "lone rat" who liked to secretly trip others up. In modern terms, he had an "anti-social personality." He targeted everyone, and since he didn't have many scenes with other actors, there wasn't much need for coordination.

The next day at noon, just as Shen Lian was about to eat his lunch box, he saw a staff member lead someone in.

"You're here?" Shen Lian was somewhat pleased.

He hadn't expected Director Dai to actually give this opportunity.

"Teacher Shen!" Chen Mu was even happier. Last night, Director Dai's assistant had contacted him. He auditioned this morning and felt he had performed well. Then, half an hour later, he received a call asking if he was willing.

Shen Lian hadn't guessed wrong; Chen Mu was naturally willing.

Chen Mu also knew that this opportunity came from Shen Lian's recommendation.

He hadn't spoken more than a hundred words to Shen Lian, yet he had accumulated so many favors. Chen Mu didn't know how to properly express his gratitude.

"Have you eaten?" Shen Lian asked.

Chen Mu subconsciously shook his head, so Shen Lian gave him his lunch box. It had two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes. Chen Mu had been in the film city for many days and had rarely seen even a scrap of meat. Today's portion had braised pork and diced spicy chicken, and the vegetables were stir-fried until they were fragrant. As expected, a different production crew meant different meals.

"No, no, no, Teacher Shen. I'll just go outside and have some fried noodles in a bit." Chen Mu felt embarrassed.

"Just eat. How long are you two going to go back and forth over one lunch box?" Dai Tong came over holding his own lunch box and chopsticks, then pointed to the food delivery cart behind him. "There's more than enough. If it's not enough, get another one."

Hearing this, Chen Mu stopped being formal. "Thank you, Teacher Shen. Thank you, Director Dai."

Dai Tong also noticed that Chen Mu was overly cautious, fearing he might offend someone. His state in the previous crew was clearly due to someone making things difficult for him. Because his treatment was so poor, when the assistant went to find Chen Mu this morning, they came back saying that Chen Mu was being mocked even for just pouring a cup of water in that crew.

But in this circle, being targeted didn't mean it was the victim's fault. At least, after Dai Tong spent half an hour getting to know Chen Mu and then auditioning him, he felt the kid was humble, polite, and had some talent.

Then again... were there few people with talent who found it hard to make it?

Chen Mu was lucky to get a recommendation from Shen Lian; otherwise, Dai Tong would have just grabbed a few random people and wouldn't have considered using him.

Chen Mu was all alone, carrying only a small, shriveled backpack. He opened it halfway through to get his water bottle, and Shen Lian caught a glimpse. The rest was just a few toiletries, with spare underwear and socks packed separately in small dust bags. It was little, but clean.

"Director Dai, what happens if those lunch boxes aren't finished?" Chen Mu asked.

"If they go bad, they're thrown away. If anyone is hungry, they can just take one."

Chen Mu nodded. Later, he took another lunch box and ate it until it was completely clean. He looked satisfied afterward, as if this was the only full meal he'd had in days.

Shen Lian had also lived through such days, but he always felt that Chen Mu shouldn't be in this state. Wasn't he about to terminate his contract with Xiguang Media? This looked like he was on the verge of having to pay compensation, ending up in such a mess.

Jiang You soon discovered that while Brother Shen was filming, Chen Mu was the most attentive observer in the entire place. His eyes were shining, as if he could instantly learn something from Shen Lian across the distance.

Jiang You was curious and walked over to Chen Mu: "Can you understand it?"

Chen Mu didn't quite catch her meaning, but in any case, he could say: "Yes."

"I can't understand those detailed emotions. I just think Brother Shen is amazing," Jiang You chuckled.

Chen Mu: "He really is impressive."