Chapter 784: 527 is just so domineering

If Lan Shuixian were familiar with this drama, she would definitely know how it had made celebrities out of those actors back in the day, but she did not seek them out now. At least regarding the role of the second female lead, she was not considering the same person from back then.

“You think I can’t direct,” Lan Shuixian sneered. “You should be clear that the most important factor for a good drama is the plot. As long as the plot is good, and the actors’ performance is passable, anyone can make it popular.”

Back then, those who had become famous, she did not want to take the trouble to look for them. She had merely found the original author of the drama, then bought the rights and found both investors and the director from back then.

As long as the director was the same, and the plot was the same, she believed that the drama could definitely become popular again.

After the drama had become a hit, it had been remade several times, with each remake receiving a favorable response, proving that its success didn’t rely much on who the actors were—it all came down to the plot.

A good plot and capable actors—naturally, she would look for actors who were willing to listen to her and follow her lead. Once the drama was a hit, they would surely be grateful to her.

“I don’t care whether this drama can be a hit or not. I was just thinking about taking on the role of the second female lead for fun, but now it seems I need not bother portraying it, nor do I want to participate.” Xiaofeng had accepted the role simply to experience life as an actress.

But with Lan Shuixian around, that life was bound to be unpleasant. Seeing as that was the case, why should she make things difficult for herself?

“That’s exactly what I mean. You are not a professional actress; if you took on the role of the second female lead, it would only be out of consideration for the Yu Family. Since you don’t wish to act, it’s actually a good thing for us.” Lan Shuixian had come today precisely to make Xiaofeng feel uncomfortable and then retreat knowing it was difficult.

Now that Xiaofeng had brought it up herself, Lan Shuixian was naturally happy to agree.

“If my sister doesn’t act, I will,” Yu Shuiling interjected with a cold laugh upon hearing Lan Shuixian’s words. “Don’t think that just because you’re the scriptwriter, you can do whatever you want. We Xiaonian despise people like you, who are disgusting and burn their bridges after crossing. I’ve got nothing to do at home lately anyway. Acting is just acting—who can’t do it? Xiaonian, am I right?”

Yuyao was originally elated, thinking that if Xiaofeng dropped the role of the second female lead, she could certainly take it on.

Hearing Yu Shuiling claim she would take on the role, Yuyao immediately sneered sarcastically, “Miss Yu, you’re going to take on the role of the second female lead? Are you sure you can produce the right feeling? Miss Yu, some things are not as simple as just saying them. Besides, filming isn’t child’s play; are you sure you can handle it?”

“Whether I can handle it or not is not for you to decide. Only I can make that call. Of course, our Yu Family can also pull out of this investment. I’d dare say that if the Yu Family backs out, there will hardly be anyone else who would dare to invest. Lan Shuixian, you’d better think this through.”

“It’s just a role of the second female lead. If you really want to take it on, then it’s yours.” Lan Shuixian understood the eventual outcome of the second female lead all too well. Although the character had also become immensely popular, it was all negative publicity, and the fame was far less than that of the lead actress.

“Shuiling, if you want to act, don’t take the second female lead, take the lead role,” Xiaofeng said.

The lead character’s personality was more similar to Shuiling’s, and having her in the role would likely make things twice as easy.

“Right, I should be taking on the lead role, not the second lead,” Yu Shuiling said emphatically, hands on her hips. “I’ll act as the lead.”

It was their own investment in the TV drama; they still had the choice of roles. If Lan Shuixian disagreed, the Yu Family would simply pull out their investment.

Lan Shuixian’s brows furrowed. “You want to act as the lead?”

“Yes, I want the lead role,” Yu Shuiling looked up confidently, then turned to Xiaofeng and asked, “Sister, can I really play the lead role?”

“You can. I’ve looked at the lead character’s traits, and they’re quirky and spirited, just like you. You won’t even need to act; it’s like this role is your true personality,” Xiaofeng said, observing Yu Shuiling, who had sparkling eyes and a graceful, upright figure with a natural heroic aura.

This temperament truly matched that of the lead character.

The original lead actress had also been especially well-loved because her unique temperament perfectly matched the character, bringing all the quirky traits to life, which was why she had been so popular as soon as the drama aired.

“Shuiling, if I say you can do it, then you definitely can. Let’s do this; you’ll take on the lead role,” Xiaonian said, smiling broadly upon hearing that Shuiling wanted the lead role.

“This is ridiculous,” Lan Shuixian frowned. “This is a production, not a playground for you to mess around. If you want to play, go do it elsewhere. The lead role has already been decided upon, and it won’t be you.” The second female lead could be replaced, but the lead was absolutely not negotiable.

“I want to do it anyway,” Shuiling said, looking up triumphantly. “Of course, if you don’t want me to act, feel free to find another investor. Without the Yu Family’s investment, naturally, we won’t have any say here. Isn’t that so?”

Xiaofeng gave a mental thumbs-up to Shuiling’s words, thinking that their Brother Yu did indeed raise his sister to be quite domineering.

Watching Yu Shuiling, Lan Shuixian said after a moment’s silence, “If you want to play the lead so badly, then play the lead. But let me be clear: if your acting is subpar and fails to make this drama a hit, it’s the Yu Family that will suffer the loss.”

Lan Shuixian had indeed approached several investors, but in this era, TV dramas weren’t a highly profitable business, and many were reluctant to invest.

If it weren’t for the Yu Family willing to invest, this drama might not even have commenced filming.

“My older brother doesn’t care about that bit of money. If he sees he can use it to make me happy, he’d be delighted,” Yu Shuiling retorted nonchalantly.

It was just money, and her brother had always been extremely generous with her when it came to financial matters.

Listening to Yu Shuiling’s words, Lan Shuixian felt like she could vomit blood.

She couldn’t comprehend how she had ended up dealing with such a spoiled scion like Yu Shuiling, and frustratingly, she had no way to handle her.