Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 11 Invitation

After leaving the Beijing Film Academy, Fu Yibai received a text message forwarded by his assistant. It was a dinner address sent by Fan Binbin, a rather secluded upscale private restaurant near Chaoyang Park.

At 8:30 p.m., Fu Yibai drove alone to the agreed location.

The restaurant had an elegant ambiance and offered excellent privacy. Guided by a waiter, he entered a quiet private room.

Fan Binbin has arrived.

She changed her clothes, no longer the simple outfit from the audition, but a well-tailored champagne-colored satin slip dress, with a soft off-white knitted cardigan over it.

With her long, slightly wavy hair cascading down her back and her exquisite makeup, she exuded a languid yet captivating charm under the soft lighting.

Several exquisite cold dishes and a bottle of decanted red wine were already laid out on the table.

"Director Fu, you've arrived."

Fan Binbin stood up to greet him with a bright smile and personally pulled out a chair for him.

"Miss Fan, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Fu Yibai nodded in greeting and took his seat.

"Just call me Binbin."

Fan Binbin sat down opposite him and personally poured him a drink. "With so many people auditioning today, Director Fu must be tired."

The food here is good, light and refreshing, perfect for relaxing.

"That's very thoughtful."

Fu Yibai took the wine glass, swirled it gently, and did not rush to taste it.

He looked at Fan Binbin and got straight to the point.

"Binbin, the other judges and I all saw your performance at today's audition. You were very dedicated and had a lot of ideas."

Fan Binbin's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward slightly. The neckline of his cardigan opened slightly with the movement, revealing a section of his delicate collarbone and a hint of his curves.

She softened her voice.

"Being recognized by Director Fu makes all my hard work worthwhile."

I went back and pondered the character of Ye Lanqiu for a long time. I feel that I can understand her more deeply and express her in a more restrained and powerful way.

Director Fu, I really, really want to work with you on the project "The Search".

Her eyes were bright and full of expectation.

Fu Yibai remained expressionless and spoke in a calm tone.

I have seen your sincerity and efforts.

You are indeed the most suitable candidate for me.

However, several actresses are scheduled to audition tomorrow.

Therefore, I cannot guarantee you anything.

After all, I have to be responsible for my own project.

I will notify you as soon as the final results are available.

He made no promises.

Upon hearing this, Fan Binbin's smile deepened.

Although Fu Yibai did not promise to give her the role, she was even happier.

She could sense from Fu Yibai's answer that he was a serious and responsible man.

Unlike the directors I've met before, who saw her as pretty and wanted to manipulate her with roles.

"I see.

Regardless of the outcome, I am very happy to have met Director Fu and had the opportunity to communicate with you.

A toast to you, wishing "The Search" a successful run, and looking forward to future opportunities for collaboration.

"Thanks."

Fu Yibai raised his glass and gently clinked it against hers.

During the dinner that followed, Fan Binbin didn't press the issue of her role. Instead, she cleverly changed the subject, chatting about movies, music, and interesting stories from the film industry both domestically and internationally. She was quite knowledgeable and witty, and the occasional glimpses of her girlish side contrasted sharply with her glamorous image on screen, making everyone feel relaxed and happy.

She would occasionally serve food and pour wine for Fu Yibai, her actions natural and intimate, her eyes full of charm yet maintaining just the right balance so as not to be too offensive.

Fu Yibai responded appropriately, neither overly enthusiastic nor cold, maintaining a polite and professional social distance.

Dinner drew to a close in a delicate balance.

The red wine in the glass was empty, and most of the dishes on the table had been eaten.

Fan Binbin gently wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin, her eyes sparkling.

She put down her napkin, leaned back slightly, and unconsciously stroked the slender stem of her wine glass with her fingertips. Her gaze fell on Fu Yibai's face, with a faint smile on her lips.

"Director Fu."

Her voice was softer than before, and it sounded especially clear in the quiet private room.

"You came by car, right?"

"Hmm, what's wrong?"

"I just drank quite a bit of alcohol."

As the old saying goes, don't drink and drive.

My apartment is nearby; why don't you stay at my place for the night?

Fan Binbin looked sincerely into Fu Yibai's eyes, as if she was genuinely worried about Fu Yibai's safety when she extended the invitation.

Fu Yibai's fingers, which were holding the wine glass, paused slightly.

The private room seemed even quieter, with the faint sounds of distant traffic from outside the window, belonging to the city night.

The air was filled with the aroma of wine, the lingering fragrance of food, and the increasingly distinct scent of perfume on Fan Binbin, lingering and persistent.

He paused for a moment, seemingly genuinely considering Fan Binbin's suggestion.

The silence, which usually lasted only a few seconds, stretched out for an extended period.

Just when Fan Binbin thought he would refuse, Fu Yibai spoke up.

"Okay, then I'll take my leave."

A smile instantly bloomed in Fan Binbin's eyes, a smile that flowed from the corners of his eyes and brows, a mixture of relief, pride, and a deeper level of anticipation.

She picked up her small handbag, and her movements as she stood up were even more graceful than before.

"Then...shall we go, Director Fu?"