When the Side Character Gets a System and Travels through Difference Worlds-Chapter 78: Chi Mo 32

The latter half of the second episode’s filming revolved almost entirely around Song Haomin and his ex-wife, and none of the other guests on the dating show had any objections. None of them had any intention of breaking into the entertainment industry. ’Getting paid to be on a show where you don’t have to deal with anything? What could be better?’

So, the guests all gathered together, chatting and laughing while they watched Song Haomin and his ex-wife’s emotional tug-of-war.

It was Friday, the final day of filming. Around three in the afternoon, the director officially announced that production on the second episode was complete, and it was time for everyone to go their separate ways.

Xu Jike wanted to invite Chi Mo to return to S City with him, but to his surprise, she had other plans. "I booked a flight for tonight. I have a meeting with someone tomorrow."

Tan You hadn’t told anyone that Director Liu had sought her out. ’It would sound like I’m showing off,’ she thought, ’and what if it doesn’t work out? How embarrassing would that be?’

Xu Jike sounded a little dejected. "All right. Do you have any plans after that?"

Tan You’s reply was politely vague. "I’m not sure. We’ll see. I don’t know how many days I’ll be there."

While waiting in the airport lounge, Tan You was a little surprised. "Brother Song, you’re going to Z Province too?"

Song Haomin held up his ticket. "Yes. I have some scenes to film."

Tan You pressed her lips together slightly. They sat in the lounge with several empty seats between them, their unfamiliarity and desire to avoid gossip practically etched into their bones.

They boarded and deplaned in silence, not meeting again until they were both waiting for a taxi outside the airport. Teacher Xu was supposed to pick her up, but who could have known the film crew would be delayed? As the production’s dedicated makeup artist, there was no way she could leave.

"You’re both headed to the film production base? It’s on the same route!" The driver was especially chatty. "You can just ride together."

Song Haomin was a gentleman. "I’ll take the front passenger seat."

Tan You smiled. "Thank you, Brother Song."

The driver asked, "Miss, what movies have you been in? I’ll definitely watch them when they come out. You’re gorgeous."

Tan You was a little embarrassed. "I’m not an actress. I have an appointment to audition a dance piece, but I don’t know if I’ll get the part."

"Oh, a dancer?" The driver glanced in the rearview mirror. "Wait... aren’t you that Chi Mo? My daughter is a huge fan of yours! You’re even prettier in person."

Tan You smiled. "Thank you. I’m just a dance teacher."

"You have to give me an autograph later so I can make my daughter jealous. She’s such a big fan."

Tan You replied, "I’m not a celebrity, so an autograph isn’t necessary. But I happen to have an extra keychain. Please give it to your daughter for me. Thank her for her support; I’m very honored."

Tan You’s words were simple, but she’d mentioned auditioning for a dance role. ’Which production needs a dancer?’ Song Haomin began to wonder. He was well-connected at the film production base; he knew what every crew was up to.

He’d heard Director Liu was desperately looking for a dancer. ’It can’t be, can it? Did she really manage to connect with Director Liu?’ If that was true... Song Haomin lowered his gaze.

The taxi drove them all the way to the production base. After taking a photo with the driver and giving him the small gift for his daughter, Tan You was just about to contact Teacher Xu when she was suddenly pulled into a bear hug.

"Little Chi, I’m so sorry! I said I’d pick you up tonight, but I really couldn’t get away." Teacher Xu hugged Tan You, rocking her back and forth before reluctantly letting go.

Tan You patted Teacher Xu on the back. "It’s fine. There were taxis at the airport, so it was easy to get here."

Teacher Xu glanced at Song Haomin, who was standing nearby. "Little Chi, and this is?"

"This is Brother Song, another guest from the show. Brother Song, this is Teacher Xu." After the brief introductions, Teacher Xu seemed eager to get going.

"Mr. Song, we have some things to take care of, so we’ll be on our way. We’ll talk again when we have the chance."

Song Haomin silently watched them walk away. After a long moment, a self-mocking smile touched his lips. He had clawed his way through the industry for over a decade and had never once been cast in one of Director Liu’s films.

And yet Chi Mo, a complete unknown, was about to audition for a part in his movie. The evening breeze carried Teacher Xu’s voice back to him. "Director Liu isn’t in a great mood. He’s rushing to finish a night scene."

Tan You asked curiously, "Does Director Liu have a bad temper?"

"Eh, that’s his problem. We just need to do our part..."

When she followed Teacher Xu to the set, Tan You could feel the tension in the air, like the calm before a storm. The entire crew seemed to be on edge; everyone held their breath, practically walking on tiptoe.

Teacher Xu pointed toward the monitors. "He’s over there."

She followed Teacher Xu’s gaze and saw a wiry little old man sitting behind the monitors. His lips were pursed, the lines around his mouth were etched deep into his face, and he had a naturally imposing aura.

For a moment, Tan You’s gaze wavered. The little old man reminded her strongly of Han Cunming—they looked quite similar when they put on a stern face. But she wasn’t intimidated. She just adopted a let-it-be attitude. ’After all, you can’t force a sale,’ she thought.

Teacher Xu, who wasn’t nearly as afraid of Director Liu, pulled Tan You around the back of the set. "Director Liu, Little Chi is here."

The moment he heard Little Chi had arrived, Director Liu looked up. He stared at Tan You for a full two minutes before speaking. "Not bad. The dance piece you’re here for is a night scene. Want to give it a try now?"

Was Tan You the type to back down from a challenge? She nodded immediately. "Yes."

The tension in Director Liu’s expression eased slightly. "Alright. Little Xu, take her to get some simple makeup and styling..."

"On second thought, just have her change into the costume."

Teacher Xu beamed. "That’s Director Liu’s way of saying you’re pretty."

Tan You smiled. "Thank you for the compliment, Director."

As soon as Teacher Xu led Tan You away, the producer and assistant director sidled up to him. "Director Liu, so that’s Chi Mo?"

"Mhm. Haven’t you all seen the video?" Director Liu cleared his throat, his mood suddenly much improved.

"We saw it, but she looks even better in person. The video doesn’t do her justice," the assistant director said, smacking his lips with a hint of regret.

"Even if the camera doesn’t love her, she’s still far beyond the average person. Besides, what I need is her dancing," Director Liu said bluntly. "The dancer you recommended was good, but her aura was all wrong."

Tan You was completely unaware of the subtle clash happening on set. After Teacher Xu pulled her into the dressing room, she began to change. The costume was a solemn ceremonial robe, and her thick, dark hair was bound up in a jade coronet, giving her an exceptionally dignified appearance.

Tan You schooled her expression, lifting her chin slightly, instantly adopting the air of an aloof, untouchable beauty. As she walked out of the dressing room, Director Liu happened to turn and look her way. He shot to his feet. "Perfect! That’s exactly the feeling I was looking for!"

Tan You glanced at Director Liu. She wasn’t an actress; her only purpose here was to perform the ritual dance perfectly. She had spent the entire past week studying it.

Now, with the added boost from the costume and styling, Tan You had already become one with the dance.