"The more you think about it, the scarier it gets, right? That’s why I said if this script is filmed well, it’ll be amazing. But if it’s done poorly, it’ll get torn apart by the public." Tang Li took another sip of water. ’This isn’t easy for me, you know?’

To understand this script, she had to familiarize herself with every movie and TV show of the same genre on the market. Now, she had to go to great lengths to explain it to everyone. Her mouth was getting dry from all the talking.

Old Hu was already completely immersed in the script. It was a genre he had never touched before. But strangely, the more scared he felt, the more he wanted to keep reading.

Seeing Old Hu’s reaction, Sister Yun knew he was hooked. She smiled. "Looks like Old Hu is going to direct every genre of TV show there is. He’s already unlocked crime dramas and sweet romance dramas, and now he’s moving on to historical horror. What’s next?"

As she spoke, she flipped through the other scripts. "It seems these are all different."

Tang Li pulled out a few mystery scripts. "These three are mysteries, one is a workplace drama, and the other two are palace intrigue ensemble dramas."

Sister Yun said, "This talent of yours... honestly. With so many scripts, the outside world would be fighting tooth and nail for them. We’re all human, so how can the gap between people be so huge?"

Tang Li felt a little guilty. "I haven’t been as busy lately, so I’ve had time to work on these."

Sister Yun rolled her eyes. "So you’re supervising the production on set during the day and then burning the midnight oil when you get back? And you call that ’not busy’?"

Tang Li laughed it off. "My only job right now is to supervise the production. The deputy director has taken over all my other company work, so I’m really not as busy as before."

Seeing Yun Qi and Chen Ling staring eagerly at the script in Old Hu’s hands—the three of them were practically passing it back and forth to read—Tang Li couldn’t help but feel a little bad for them.

"I’ll send the digital copies to everyone. Looking at Old Hu, I’m guessing this will be his next project. And I’ll say it again: the auditions will be based purely on skill. They will be absolutely fair and impartial."

The actors all nodded in unison, and the living room quickly fell silent. Tang Li didn’t disturb them and started reading the script herself off to the side. This was Tan You’s script, and she had to be the one who understood it best.

It wasn’t until dusk fell that everyone had finished a rough read-through of the entire script. Chen Ling clutched her phone, understanding that this was both an opportunity and a challenge. Just as Tang Li had said, it was a very difficult role to play well.

Tang Li closed her laptop. "Finished?"

Old Hu took off his glasses. "I’ve read through it once. My opinion still stands: I feel like this was written by a director, not a screenwriter. The visual descriptions are too detailed, and the set designs and everything are meticulously described."

Tang Li smiled. This particular script wasn’t her own creation; it was written based on a series of images. How could it be anything but detailed?

Old Hu also closed the script. "I need to mull this over some more. It’s a new challenge every time, and honestly, the thought is pretty exciting..."

He tapped the script as he spoke. "This show will need a lot of actors. Everyone should come audition. Of course, I hope you all get parts."

Tang Li simply curled her lips into a smile. She, too, was looking forward to seeing what kind of scenes Old Hu would ultimately create.

"Old Hu, after this show is done, let’s film a family political drama. I really like this script," Tang Li said after a moment’s thought, suddenly changing the subject.

"By then, Ye Qian’s movie should be more or less finished, and we can start putting the crew together."

Ye Qian looked up and saw Tang Li raise an eyebrow at her. Ye Qian smiled back. Given their friendship, saying "thank you" again would just make things awkward. The only thing she could do was work hard, shine as brightly as she could, and not bring dishonor to Tang Li’s project.

Old Hu took the script and looked it over. After flipping through a few pages, he could tell it was another rare gem. He reluctantly pulled his eyes away and handed the script back to Tang Li. "I won’t read it right now. I’m worried I won’t be able to focus on filming the current project."

"Alright, you decide how to schedule it." Tang Li smiled. She really admired this about Old Hu. He was like Tan You, always focusing on one thing at a time. It might seem a bit clumsy, but it actually allowed them to strive for perfection.

While Old Hu and the others were busy filming the TV show, the first movie Ye Qian had ever acted in was finally released. Naturally, Tang Li received a premiere invitation from her and Director Liu. Director Liu had also sent an invitation to Tan You in the past, but Tan You preferred peace and quiet and hadn’t attended.

But Tang Li wasn’t like that. She intended to go, and to do so openly. She didn’t feel like she was being ostentatious; Tang Li felt incredibly happy to be able to bask in Tan You’s glory.

Ye Qian was the most delighted. "That’s great! Let’s go in together the day after tomorrow. We have to walk in together."

"Of course," Tang Li agreed readily. "We’ve always been close. It’s only natural we’d go together to an event like this."

"It’s just that as soon as Director Liu’s project wraps up, you’re going to get busy." Tang Li said, looking at Ye Qian. "Have you been getting a little too into character lately? You seem a bit... hmm. Your smile gives me the chills."

Ye Qian’s smile widened. "Director Liu said the same thing when he saw me just now. I guess my preparation is paying off. Don’t worry, I can adjust."

Tang Li was a little worried. "Just don’t get too lost in the role. If you feel any discomfort, go see a therapist right away."

Ye Qian said, "Don’t you worry. I’m in it for the long haul in my acting career. I know how to manage myself."

Tang Li smiled. "That’s for the best. Have you decided on a gown? Are you borrowing a haute couture piece? I don’t know anything about luxury brands."

Ye Qian said, "No, I’m not interested in that stuff either. I went to that tailor shop you always use for custom clothes. The master tailor made a pair of ’battle armors’ for us."

Tang Li was curious. "Oh? Now I’m really looking forward to it. I haven’t been to the shop in almost a month; they just send the finished clothes to my house after a design is approved. Of course, the clothes from his shop are all exquisitely made. It’s rare to see such craftsmanship."

Ye Qian said, "Exactly. That’s why I don’t see the point of all that haute couture and high-end jewelry. It’s all just marketing hype from the brands. Besides, if you borrow their clothes and accessories, you end up at their beck and call. I don’t think it’s necessary."

"I’m going to be an actor, not a celebrity or a red-carpet star."

Tang Li patted Ye Qian’s hair. "I have a few sets of jewelry. You should come over and try them on. If any of them work, you can borrow them—"

Ye Qian’s eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Of course," Tang Li said, amused. "They were all carefully collected by a very close friend of mine. Her favorite is jadeite; she’s collected quite a bit over the past two years."

Ye Qian knew instantly it wasn’t Wen Xiao. She got a little gossipy. "A close friend, huh? How close?"

"She’s like a second mother to me," Tang Li said with a smile, changing the subject. "The company has stylists... We probably don’t need to worry about that part..."