Chapter 6: Preparations Complete

Having sent Li Xiaoran off to Ludong Island for an immersive experience, Cao Yang finally breathed a sigh of relief. The remaining supporting roles were not so hard to fill. The entire film’s appeal rested on the female lead; the other supporting characters, as long as their ages matched, could be portrayed by anyone—they were merely symbolic in the narrative.

The three main male supporting roles were allocated as follows: the role of the philandering renowned director went to Old Tian, one went to Sun Honglei, and the last to Wang Jinsong, a drama teacher. Sun Honglei was still a minor figure in the film industry, and his entry into the crew was thanks to Ding Jiali, who was to play one of the female supporting roles on the condition that Sun Honglei be given a part. She was truly devoted to her boyfriend’s career, tirelessly pleading for opportunities, scouring for resources, even humbling herself to take minor roles willingly. One could only say Sun Honglei’s charm was considerable.

Wang Jinsong’s acting was exceptional, especially the classic scene where he snaps a rubber band against a window—the kind of moment that never lost its appeal. Interestingly, when Cao Yang visited the drama department seeking out Huang Lei to relay an invitation via Liu Nai Cha, Wang Jinsong happened to be there. Upon learning that Cao Yang was making a film, both Wang and Huang Lei expressed support, urging Cao Yang to prioritize students from their drama school if the roles suited. Wang even joked about reserving a role for himself. When Cao Yang met Wang recently and mentioned this, Wang immediately agreed, demonstrating his support through action—a true model for educators, unlike some who only fuss over image and think themselves worldly wise.

As for the three main female supporting roles, one was assigned to the coal boss’s mistress, another to the girlfriend of a friend in the café scene—a role that demanded little and allowed for casual portrayal, hardly a highlight of the film but easy to play. Honestly, the coal boss had good taste: curvaceous, youthful, radiant, with a face full of vitality—visually pleasing indeed. Ding Jiali played the female lead’s friend abroad, sharing several scenes with the protagonist. Hopefully, she wouldn’t overshadow Li Xiaoran too much. But there was little to worry about; the role was limited, more like an NPC exchanging lines with the lead. Once Li Xiaoran settled into her character after her immersive experience, it would be difficult for anyone to outshine her. Besides, Cao Yang had another immersive experience up his sleeve to layer onto Li Xiaoran’s performance—its effect unknown but surely beneficial.

The other friend who shared a kissing scene with the lead was considered for Yu Feihong, who had promised a cameo for about ten days—plenty of time for the two scenes required. Just imagining two similarly attractive, cool, and intellectual beauties acting out tender and coquettish moments felt promising. Minor roles with one or two lines, or none at all, were filled by students from the Central Academy of Drama. As a proud alumnus, Cao Yang felt it his duty to support his alma mater, unlike predecessors who habitually poached from rival schools without a hint of conscience. These roles also served as practical training for the students, which was a win-win. Additionally, more students could be recruited as assistant crew members, each department paired with a student assistant with full board and lodging—thus exceeding teaching practice requirements effortlessly.

Why, then, was the female lead not from the Central Academy? Cao Yang could confidently answer that he had initially invited Yu Feihong and Xu Jinglei, both from the academy, but they declined the lead role. Were they not from the Central Academy? He was the first to think of his alma mater—that was the awareness of a director loyal to his school. Unlike the National Master Yi, whose leading ladies, whether Gong Li or Zhang Ziyi, were all from the Beijing Film Academy, or Old Tian, whose leads Xu Fan and Lü Liping also hailed from there.

With the actors cast and crew ready to take their places, the script submitted for approval and awaiting feedback, and the location negotiations complete, all that remained was for the female lead to get fully into character—the filming was ready to begin at any moment.

Li Xiaoran’s time recently had been... how to put it? At first, quite pleasant. Sunshine, sandy beaches, a large villa, worry-free meals, endless classic films to watch, resting with music and sea views, leisurely strolls along the shore—a life akin to paradise. For the first few days, she sincerely felt that life was beautiful. Except for one flaw: the stories in these films always began with blissful romance and ended in heartbreak. She longed to send a blade to that despicable director.

As time passed, the number of heart-wrenching films she watched increased, along with endless melancholic songs. Alone in the vast villa, loneliness and solitude began to creep in, invading her heart. Watching movies, crying, listening to music, feeling sorrow. Walking the beach, cold autumn winds, solitary sunsets, an atmosphere of sadness enveloped her. Li Xiaoran realized that such a life was not so beautiful after all.

Day after day, she lost count of how many days passed, drifting aimlessly, lost in tangled thoughts, overly sentimental. Alone in thought, alone in walking, alone in laughter, alone in tears, alone in sadness, talking to herself, humming to herself, waiting through moonlit nights and dawns.

Suddenly, one day, she couldn’t help but wonder: had the world abandoned her? Why was she so lonely and sorrowful?

Cao Yang arrived. At first glance, seeing Li Xiaoran strolling along the beach, he knew it was about time. He found it hard to describe her—was it a solitary grace, or perhaps something similar?

This was Cao Yang’s second visit. The first had been somewhat promising but still fell short. So he began to explain the film to Li Xiaoran: the story, the heroine’s tragic fate, the philandering director’s recklessness, the pressures of society...

Once Li Xiaoran fully understood the story, Cao Yang left, and the film could move forward.

Back at the school, Cao Yang gathered the crew for a meeting to discuss shooting details. He called together all actors except the female lead for a script reading, allowing everyone to familiarize themselves with the story and one another.

More than half a month passed, the shooting details finalized, and 125 rolls of 35mm Kodak film arrived—each roll capable of shooting four minutes, purchased at a 5:1 shooting ratio.

Confident that Li Xiaoran was ready, Cao Yang set off with the crew for Ludong Island. Thankfully he came when he did; waiting another month might have driven her to depression.

“Xiaoran?” Cao Yang greeted as he raised his hand.

At the edge of the endless blue, Li Xiaoran stood quietly on the serene beach, dressed in a pristine white sleeveless dress with a khaki trench coat draped over it. She brushed back wind-tousled hair and removed a single earphone, gazing at Cao Yang for a moment before forcing a faint smile.

Pale skin, reddened eyes, a haggard face, weary expression, disheveled hair—truly a poignant tableau.

“She’s ready!” Cao Yang could hardly contain his excitement. He immediately called to notify everyone: “Get everything ready! Filming starts tomorrow!”

Then, thinking further, he opened the system interface:

Host: Cao Yang
Current Reputation: 10627
Available Reputation: 10627
Immersive Experience: +1
Film in Preparation: “Alone by the Night Sea”
Female Lead: Li Xiaoran

Without hesitation, Cao Yang activated the immersive experience buff for Li Xiaoran.

“Here’s another boost for you. Hope you surpass all expectations.”