Chapter 29: As Far As Acting Skills Are Concerned, I Think Miss Gu Is Even Better

"Qu Xizhi, do you know what you are talking about?" Her words were not only questioning the best actress of the year, but also questioning the organizing committee of the year.

Why does Qu Xizhi keep her mouth shut here?

Qu Xizhi's tone was very affirmative: "As far as acting skills are concerned, I think Miss Gu is even better."

Gu Xizhi blinked blankly, the shock on her face was obvious.

Does she even know what she means by that?

She thinks she's better than this year's Best Actress?

Gu Xizhi faintly felt that Qu Xizhi was probably tired and confused. How could anyone think that her acting skills were better than the best actress certified by many judges?

She must have wanted to comfort herself too much.

Gu Xizhi really didn't expect that she would get such an answer to a question she randomly asked, and she was extremely astonished.

"However, Qu Xizhi showed no signs of regret and continued, 'Miss Gu, I truly believe that you have great talent. Undoubtedly, you may have minor flaws, but it cannot be denied that we all encounter various issues. Occasionally, not being in the right state or being affected by external factors is completely normal and doesn't reflect anything about talent or skill level, right?'"

She carefully reasoned with her and told her the facts word by word. Gu Xizhi obviously wanted to question her, but she couldn't refute.

Qu Xizhi continued, "Miss Gu, let's take today as an example. You are actually quite impressive. Not everyone can perform under such high-intensity work pressure with the kind of state you have shown. You say you don't have acting skills, but every performance of yours is excellent. You say you lack talent, but you can keenly perceive any flaws in your acting."

"So, there's nothing wrong with your acting from beginning to end, your problem is just letting your emotions get the better of you, isn't it?

There's nothing wrong with your acting from start to finish, your problem is just letting your emotions get the better of you, isn't it?

Gu Xizhi was really shocked when she heard this.

From the beginning to the end of this night, she was stuck in a strange circle. She didn't know what was wrong with her at all, but because she felt that she was not in a good state, she started to go crazy

She negated herself, crazily self-loathing.

From the very beginning NG due to exhaustion to having her mindset explode because of the NG, she felt like she couldn't act at all. She resembled an emotionally-driven creature, from start to finish, not knowing what she was doing and unable to immerse herself in the character's emotions and experiences as written in the script.

She is giving up on herself.

But...

Qu Xizhi actually knew.

She didn't doubt her like herself did; instead, she firmly believed that her performance was influenced by emotions.

The moon shrouded it, coating everything with a soft brilliance, and Qu Xizhi was among them. Gu Xizhi looked at Qu Xizhi for a long time, and suddenly said: "Qu Xizhi, do you really think so?" Those words, those words that don't seem to be the truth at all, are they really true?

"Of course." Qu Xizhi said, "Miss Gu, you have to know that talent is something that you have or you don't have. It can't be faked at all."

She looked at her and said: "You are born with so many things that actors work hard day and night, so try to stabilize your emotions and not let your emotions interfere with the display of your talents. This is the most important thing you should do now, isn't it?"

The night is like a thick black satin, the moonlight pours down, embedding a touch of pearl on it, the tall buildings and human voices in the city seem to have gone away at this moment, the boundless silence and the gentle wind blow over the face, the heart seems to be quiet down.

Gu Xizhi looked at Qu Xizhi with complicated emotions.

Although she didn't want to admit it, at this moment, she felt that Qu Xizhi really touched her.

But why would she say this to her?

Obviously, she is the least likely person to say these words. Gu Xizhi was silent for a long time, then suddenly made a decision.

"Okay."

She said: "Qu Xizhi, let's go back and read the script." Even if she is not as good as Qu Xizhi imagined, but there is such a person who believes in her, why would she give up on herself.

In the following time, Qu Xizhi used the rest time to study the next content of the script with Gu Xizhi.

Qu Xizhi seemed to have really understood Gu Xizhi's heart.

After the mood calmed down, Gu Xizhi's thoughts really became clear. The two of them read the script for a while, and then discussed the plot with the Director Jiang Tu for a while. Gu Xizhi's overall state gradually became more positive.

During the reshoot of the scene that had been NG twice, Gu Xizhi's performance went exceptionally smoothly. The assistant quietly observed her, feeling as if she had just gone out for a quick recharge. Her whole demeanor completely shifted from the low-energy state, which seemed incredibly strange.

Facing Gu Xizhi's performance, Qu Xizhi's words made Gu Xizhi think deeply.

For example, in the face of Gu Xizhi's emotional scene, Qu Xizhi said: "Miss Gu's portrayal of the character's emotions is exceptionally accurate and vivid."

Faced with some small gestures that Gu Xizhi designed herself, Qu Xizhi said: "Miss Gu's added movements are very fitting for the character, and her thinking is very clever."

Faced with Gu Xizhi's lines, Qu Xizhi said: "Miss Gu's lines are really infectious, and her reputation as the top student in professional courses is well-deserved."

Faced with Qu Xizhi's praises, Gu Xizhi couldn't help but still have doubts about herself. However, she had to admit that she was genuinely touched by those words. She really enjoyed hearing Qu Xizhi's compliments, even if she didn't believe she was that good. Gu Xizhi felt that it was wonderful to have someone think so highly of her.

....

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=1849307

This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

A few days later, there was an issue with the communication regarding the filming location, so the crew took a one-day break.

The bored Gu Xizhi immediately knocked on Qu Xizhi's door.

When Gu Xizhi knocked on the door, Qu Xizhi had already washed up and was drinking tea and watching the news in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. She was a little surprised to see Gu Xizhi the first time she opened the door, but soon Gu Xizhi explained her purpose.

"Miss Qu, we don't have to shoot today."

Qu Xizhi: "Huh?"

Gu Xizhi asked, "Miss Qu, do you have any plans today? Are you going to review the script or do something else?" Qu Xizhi replied, "I don't have any plans for today yet."

"That's good. "Moshan Calligraphy and Painting Academy" is released today. It's a play by Yin Ci and Xiao Ji. Do you want to watch it together?"

Qu Xizhi is one of the top ten first-line actresses in today's film industry, and Yin Ci is a well-deserved international actress. Yin Ci has been Gu Xizhi's role model for a long time, so Gu Xizhi rarely fails to see her movies.

Even though Qu Xizhi has no interest in Yin Ci and Xiao Ji, and she's not interested in the script of "Moshan Calligraphy and Painting Academy" that she received but later turned down, she is still very interested when she hears that Gu Xizhi is inviting her to watch the movie together.

Just because Qu Xizhi took some time to think, it made Gu Xizhi say, "If you don't want to go, then forget it. I'm not that keen on going with you either." Qu Xizhi smiled and shook her head, saying, "No, I was just thinking about when to book the tickets."

Now Gu Xizhi said energetically again, "Let's go shopping in the afternoon."

"Then in the evening."

Fully agreeing with Gu Xizhi's suggestion, she returned to her room to prepare for today's schedule. Meanwhile, Qu Xizhi made a phone call to her manager, Ling Xian, right after Gu Xizhi left.

"Book two tickets for "Moshan Calligraphy and Painting Academy"."

The whole afternoon, Gu Xizhi went shopping and bought things with Qu Xizhi. Just as Gu Xizhi had expected, Qu Xizhi acted exactly like she had imagined – once they entered the mall, Qu Xizhi embraced the philosophy of "the mall is my home, I can take whatever I like," and she was deeply pampered by every shop assistant. At first, Gu Xizhi was a little uncomfortable with this, but as time went on, she gradually became numb to it.

After finishing dinner at 7 o'clock, Gu Xizhi, who had been shopping all afternoon, regained some energy after eating but still couldn't resist dessert. While eating and chatting with Qu Xizhi about movies, she asked, "Why did you reject the script for "Moshan Calligraphy and Painting Academy"? The director is Yunnan, right?"

Qu Xizhi had already finished her dinner and put down her utensils early. She said, "You may think highly of Yunnan, but I feel that he is too eager for quick success and instant benefits. This movie won't win any major awards."

Gu Xizhi stopped eating the dessert, and looked at her thoughtfully, "You knew before filming whether the movie would win an award or not?"

"You can guess seven or eight out of ten."

Gu Xizhi stared at her blankly for a while, and just as she was about to speak, the phone rang, so she quickly said sorry and picked up the phone.

After seeing the caller ID, Gu Xizhi first glanced at Qu Xizhi, then took the phone and walked aside to answer it.

Although the VIP private room was quite spacious, the sound could still be heard clearly in the space. When Gu Xizhi answered the call, her voice sounded very cheerful, "Mr. Tang."

Qu Xizhi, who was sitting at the dining table and reading restaurant magazines, looked up at her.

Tang Yu on the other end of the phone also seemed to be in a good mood, with a very gentle voice, "Miss Gu, I have an announcement that I will be in your city tonight, can I have a meal with you tonight?"

Gu Xizhi was a little surprised, "Tonight?"

Tang Yu asked, "Miss Gu, do you have an appointment tonight?"

"I..." Gu Xizhi rubbed her temples with some embarrassment.

In her opinion, Tang Yu is a man who suits her well in every way, and from the signs, it seems that he has the intention of showing favor to her. If she hadn't asked Qu Xizhi today, she would definitely agree without hesitation. But the problem is that there is no if.

People like Tang Yu immediately said after hearing her reaction, "If you have something to do, just get busy with the business first. I will go back tomorrow and see you next time."

Gu Xizhi quickly replied, "Actually, I don't have anything urgent. I just need to drive my friend somewhere. I can ask Lili to go instead."

Tang Yu said, "Well, I'll wait for you in the central square later, remember to call me when you arrive."

"Okay, bye." Gu Xizhi hung up the phone and looked back at Qu Xizhi.

Qu Xizhi put down the magazine a long time ago, and greeted her frankly, "A date?"

Gu Xizhi didn't speak, but her expression was obviously embarrassed.

Qu Xizhi smiled and said, "It doesn't matter, I can understand if it's a date.

Gu Xizhi was even more embarrassed when she heard her say that, but she couldn't say anything to apologize, so she just asked, "Don't you feel angry?"

"Of course not," Qu Xizhi replied as she stood up, tidying her belongings. "It's just watching a movie, and we can do it tomorrow too. I can drive you wherever you want to go."

Gu Xizhi didn't have the nerve to ask her to send her off again, so she quickly said, "No, I'll just go by myself, so I don't need to bother you."

Qu Xizhi paused, and quickly said, "That's fine."

After Gu Xizhi left, Qu Xizhi did not leave immediately.

The location of the restaurant by the window has a good view. The last ray of sunset is about to fall in the evening, and the whole city is shrouded in gentle tones.

Everywhere is very lively.

She sat for a while and dialed a phone number. The call was quickly answered, and Zhao Ling's cold voice came through, "What's the matter? Why are you calling me at this time?"

"Well, I have a favor to ask of you," Qu Xizhi's voice sounded calm, "Tang Yu came to find Xiao Jing."

"What? Are you sure?" Zhao Ling sounded somewhat uncertain, "He made an appointment with Xiao Jing?"

"Yes."

"..." Zhao Ling was silent for a moment, "I will handle this matter."

"Thanks."

"No problem," Zhao Ling replied nonchalantly. "By the way, there's something I need to tell you. I spent a long time trying to convince Sun Tingyou, but he insists on temporarily not approving Xiao Jing's record plan. Besides that, he has been asking me frequently if Xiaojing has any free time. There were some quite straightforward remarks that I couldn't tell Xiao Jing directly. If you have time, you can subtly remind her about it. As for the record plan, I think we should put it on hold for now."

Qu Xizhi frowned, "How long is Xiao Jing's contract?"

"I understand what you mean, but Xiaojing just signed the contract last year, so it might be difficult to approach it from that angle. We should think about how to persuade Sun Tingyou to back off instead."

"Got it," said Qu Xizhi as she contemplated, "If he tries to approach Xiao Jing, let me know immediately."

"It would be strange for you not to care about her affairs for a day."

After hanging up the phone, Qu Xizhi waited for a while, and sure enough, her phone rang again after a while, but to her surprise, the caller was not Zhao Ling, but Gu Xizhi.

Qu Xizhi looked at the call thoughtfully, and after a long silence, she answered the call: "Xiao Jing?"

On the other end of the phone, Gu Xizhi stood at a corner near the movie theater's entrance, lowering her hat, and asked, "Qu Xizhi, where are you?"

Qu Xizhi's gaze fell on the seat where Gu Xizhi had just been, and she replied, "Still near the mall."

"If you haven't gone back yet, it's perfect timing. The movie will start in ten minutes. Can you come upstairs? I'll be waiting for you there." 

Qu Xi Zhi raised her eyebrows and said, "Aren't you meeting Tang Yu?" It's only been five minutes since she left, so logically, she shouldn't have met him yet.

"Well, I just thought about it after I came out, and I don't want to go there anymore. I already called him and told him to make an appointment next time." She paused, "So do you want to come over?"

Qu Xizhi's expression changed several times, and she quickly said, "Just a moment, I'll be there later."

After hanging up the phone, Qu Xizhi sent a message to Zhao Ling:

There is no need to call Tang Yu.