Chapter 756: Finally, There's Something That President Mo Can't Do
Translator: Yunyi Editor: Yunyi
Soon after, Hai Rui announced that 'The Forensic Concubine' was to hold auditions for their male lead. Mo Ting was indeed the President of Hai Rui, so his judgment was direct and precise. Apart from Lin Sheng and Bei Chendong, the other two actors that were well-received in Beijing were Long Xing and Lu Yiling.
Both men were popular candidates for Best Actor, so Mo Ting's mission was to select the most suited one between the two.
Of course, Mo Ting's preference was leaning more towards Long Xing. Compared to appearance, he had always paid more attention to a person's capabilities. But, what if Tangning managed to ignite Lu Yiling's acting skills while they worked together?
Unfortunately, when the day came for the auditions, neither Long Xing nor Lu Yiling turned up.
One rejected the invite because his schedule was full, and the other was taking a 6-month break due to health concerns.
The two top choices actually found excuses to reject Hai Rui!
Even when the managers came to give their explanations, they were helpless, "It's honestly impossible for our Long Xing to change his schedule. We are so sorry, Assistant Lu Che. Long Xing wanted to take part in the drama, but, as an artist, he can't go back on his words and reject jobs that he's already agreed to. So..."
"Assistant Lu, these are Yiling's physical examination results. Due to an overload of work, his stomach and liver have been struggling to push forward. As a result, our agency has arranged for him to take 6 months off work. After all, nothing is more important than one's health. We are extremely sorry to do this."
Although Lu Che didn't know the real reason why these two men rejected Hai Rui, he did not expose the lie behind their excuses. After all, no one knew what their real stories were.
"President, that's pretty much what happened. The managers for the two men came one after another to apologize. From the looks of it, they honestly don't want to offend Hai Rui, but they have no choice." Lu Che placed some information on Mo Ting's desk and continued, "I've verified this information and confirmed that it's true what the managers have said. However, we both know that stuff like this can be forged."
"Compile a new list of actors for me and lower the requirements," Mo Ting instructed without lifting his head.
"We are currently at a stage where there are not enough experienced fresh blood to take over from those that have been around for a long time. Bei Chendong and Lin Sheng could be taken into consideration, but both of them have worked with the Madam before and Bei Chendong doesn't look good in ancient costume. If we take that into consideration, there's practically no other actor that can take on the responsibility."
"In such a big industry, we can't even find a few qualified actors..."
"There are, of course, actors that aren't very famous but look decent on the outside. However, when it comes to actors that can't seem to get famous, I don't want to take the risk," Lu Che handed the information for the other actors to Mo Ting, "You can take a look when you have time."
It didn't take long before Tangning heard how the two male lead candidates didn't turn up at the auditions. But, who did they think Hai Rui were? Someone actually dared to reject them? Obviously, someone with bad intentions had given them a more attractive offer.
What other reason could there be to prevent the auditions for male lead? As a result, there was temporarily no actor in the industry that satisfied the high standards of 'The Forensic Concubine'.
Everyone knew that it was important to select a good cast for a good script. This was one of the deciding factors for the success of a drama...
After Tangning coaxed the two babies to sleep, she picked up the script for 'The Forensic Concubine'. In actual fact, the way things panned out was actually a good thing for her...
...
Everything started from the moment that Bai Yu heard Long Xing and Lu Yiling were possibly taking part in 'The Forensic Concubine'.
Since Mo Ting and Tangning had their eyes set on these two men, she had to think of a way to take them away.
So, she met with Long Xing and Lu Yiling separately and lured them with her words.
"'The Forensic Concubine' is a female drama. In the end, the only person to shine will be Tangning, while you will simply waste your time. It does not benefit your chances of winning Best Actor at all. You must know that Tangning is Mo Ting's precious gem. If you partake in this drama, do you think you'd have any rights left on set?"
"However, if you sign with my agency, things will be different. After all, we have a foot in Hollywood. If you join us, we can act as a bridge between you and the international market. Did you think Hai Rui would be able to do that for you?"
Although Bai Yu's actions were extremely underhanded, Long Xing and Lu Yiling both had to admit that there was nothing wrong with her analysis.
Yes, they would gain popularity from featuring in 'The Forensic Concubine', but...they no longer lacked popularity. What they needed now was acknowledgment, and working overseas was the best way to put them in an advantageous position. After working overseas and returning to China, they would be international superstars. By then, it would be hard to imagine how many levels their careers would have advanced.
So, they rejected the auditions for 'The Forensic Concubine'.
Causing them to no longer have any suitable male lead candidates.
Mo Ting and Tangning were perfectionists. Even if they had no choice but to settle for second best, they would try their best to aim for perfection rather than casually picking someone to take the role.
...
7pm. Mo Ting returned home to find Tangning cooking dinner in the kitchen. He immediately approached her from behind and hugged her.
"Why are you so tired? Are you worried that I don't have a male lead to act with?"
"Hai Rui's not at the point where they can't even find a male lead," Mo Ting replied in a deep voice.
"Then, why don't you look happy?"
"I want to give you the best."
In the blink of an eye, Tangning put down the pot in her hands and turned around to face Mo Ting, "If you truly want to give me the best, I think I have the most suitable person in mind. I'm just not sure whether you would agree to it."
Mo Ting looked deep into Tangning's eyes and roughly guessed what she was thinking, but he shook his head, "I can't act."
"Don't lie. Grandfather already told me that you could ages ago..." Tangning immediately rebutted. "I've spoken to grandfather. If you're willing to film this drama, grandfather will return temporarily to manage Hai Rui. You don't need to worry about the operations at Hai Rui."
"I've never thought about doing something like this. My heart is resistant to it," Mo Ting replied honestly.
In the end, Tangning nodded her head and said comfortingly, "It's fine. If you don't want to do it, then forget about it. We will find someone else. I just think it's a shame. I'm sure you would pleasantly surprise everyone in your ancient look. It's too bad you don't like it."
Mo Ting did not say a word as he gripped Tangning's hand tighter.
"It's fine. It's honestly fine. It's my fault for forcing you to do something that you don't want to."
"I wouldn't go that far. How about I promise you that if we really can't find a male lead, I'll be the substitute."
"How could you be considered as a substitute...?" Tangning refuted.
"But, I really can't act..."
Tangning thought for a moment and nodded her head, "Fine, I guess there's finally something that President Mo can't do..."
But...deep down, she didn't believe him at all!