16 Male Supporting Role in Show Business

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Shen Ancheng’s expression shifted slightly as he said, “What a coincidence.”

“Yes, when we were casting, we actually wanted to invite Director Shen out for a meal and ask you to keep an eye on her, but that girl absolutely refused.”

Of course, this was just polite talk at the dinner table. Everyone knew it was nearly impossible to meet Shen Ancheng before casting. He was practically off the grid—unreachable by anyone. How could they arrange a dinner?

Shen Ancheng wouldn’t bluntly expose the truth; instead, he smoothly offered some praise, saying Deng Ranfei was quite good.

As the wine flowed freely, the young newcomers Deng had brought took their seats beside Shen and Yuan Yuan.

The actresses sat next to Shen, the actors next to Yuan Yuan.

Shen Ancheng drank without changing his expression. When one of them leaned over to pour more wine, he subtly blocked the hand, causing them to withdraw.

Yuan Yuan’s side was the same—no one spoke, but the attitude was clear. The atmosphere of the dinner remained unchanged. As for what everyone thought in their hearts, no one could say.

In the latter half of the dinner, another person arrived—Deng’s niece, Deng Ranfei, an actress in Shen’s crew. Shen Ancheng knew every actor and their roles. Her character was the divorced first wife of a well-known literary figure in the story.

This ex-wife was initially rejected as a product of a feudal arranged marriage and divorced. Afterward, she pursued continuous learning and work, eventually becoming a successful figure even more accomplished than her ex-husband.

It was a very good role.

But it couldn’t compare to the second female lead, Zhou Wenjing.

Deng Ranfei’s mid-dinner arrival was naturally accompanied by a plausible reason, but whatever the excuse, when she sat down with a drink beside Shen Ancheng, he immediately understood the true purpose of the dinner.

“Director Shen, after recent script readings, I really like the role of Zhou Wenjing. I admire and aspire to it. Could you give me a chance to try for Zhou Wenjing?”

Deng seemed to be eavesdropping on their conversation. As soon as Deng Ranfei finished speaking, he smiled and chimed in, “Ever since this girl joined the crew and saw the script, she’s been nagging me about this role. Director Shen, what do you think? We all know changing roles at this stage would cause some damage to the production, but her father is willing to help.”

“Help” meant investing in the production.

The producer exchanged a glance with Shen Ancheng.

A wealthy heiress?

This was typical of those who couldn’t get the part through backdoor means during casting. After reading the script and realizing which roles suited them, they just couldn’t resist wanting to switch.

Shen Ancheng said nothing. The producer, well aware of his temperament, immediately declined with a warm, tactful smile.

She was skilled and persuasive, rejecting without causing embarrassment to anyone.

Shen Ancheng calmly continued eating, appearing neutral, but Deng Ranfei, meeting his expression, felt there was no opening for negotiation.

After the dinner, the friend who had introduced them left first.

Deng made a few remarks to the young artists: “Why so dull? Why not go and take care of Director Shen and Producer Yuan?”

Shen Ancheng was silent for a moment, his gaze darkening as it shifted between the young artists and Deng Ranfei.

Feeling his stare, Deng Ranfei looked up and caught a half-profile of Shen Ancheng’s sharp jawline and the subtle movements of his Adam’s apple. Her heartbeat suddenly quickened.

“How about I go back with Director Shen and Sister Yuan? It’s late, and I don’t feel safe going alone. Now there’s company. Uncle, you all should head back early.”

Deng glanced at his niece.

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Deng Ranfei smiled obediently.

Shen Ancheng rubbed his brow, somewhat irritated. As he got up and passed the two young artists who had spent the evening flattering the boss and doing whatever was asked, his steps hesitated slightly.

“You two come along too.”

Deng’s eyes lit up, Deng Ranfei’s expression flickered, Yuan Yuan looked surprised, and the two young artists felt a complex mix of joy, anxiety, and fear, especially the young girl whose smile froze awkwardly.

Shen Ancheng took the male artist in his car, Yuan Yuan took the two girls, and both called for drivers to return to the hotel near the crew’s set.

Shen Ancheng had his assistant come down to settle the newcomers.

Afterward, a few went upstairs to their rooms. Yuan Yuan left first, leaving only Deng Ranfei and Shen Ancheng together in the elevator.

“Director Shen…” Deng Ranfei looked up at him, stepped closer until nearly pressed against him, and gently placed her hand on his arm. “You’ve drunk so much... are you alright?”

The elevator dinged, signaling Deng Ranfei’s floor.

Shen Ancheng reached out to press the elevator door open button and stepped forward, seemingly making way for her to exit.

Deng Ranfei bit her lip, feeling the sting of cold indifference after her warm approach—a rare and humiliating experience. Her face flushed fiercely as she hurried out in her high heels.

Not long after, the elevator doors closed swiftly behind her.

Shen Ancheng’s rise from actor to successful director was not merely due to genius breaking through worldly barriers—how many have such talent? His success stemmed from adept social skills, wide connections, abundant resources, and both talent and savvy. So when he wanted to make a film, even a makeshift crew could be organized; after a decent first film, the second larger production proceeded smoothly.

He understood everything that happened tonight. Deng Ranfei wanted the second female lead; Uncle Deng brought people to network, offering both charm and investment. Deng Ranfei was already an actor he had selected for the crew.

The Deng family cared for their daughter and spared her any sacrifice; her future was well paved.

The only question was what those two young artists thought.

Bound by their company, did they have to compromise knowing it was all for the heiress’s path? Or did they see it as an opportunity, a mutually beneficial arrangement?

Shen Ancheng felt uneasy seeing Deng Ranfei standing with one of the young artists. He gave them a chance by taking them away from Uncle Deng, offering small roles in the crew.

He helped them out of a temporary bind; their future would depend on their own abilities.

A small kindness worth little attention, yet somehow the story gradually spread through the crew.

With many people and departments and numerous WeChat groups, rumors circulated. They said Deng Ranfei had a powerful background and now wanted to switch to the second female lead. Shen Ancheng had brought a young artist into the crew late at night, and that artist had ties to Deng Ranfei. That night, bringing the actress to the hotel, having the assistant arrange accommodation and contracts—something unheard of before, as confirmed by staff who had worked with Shen Ancheng.

The rumors grew more detailed and vivid.

By the time the assistant director approached Shen Ancheng, the gossip had solidified into accepted fact: Deng Ranfei would replace Shen Ai as the second female lead, and Shen Ai’s original role would likely be taken away, since that young artist was personally brought in by Shen Ancheng and belonged to Deng Ranfei’s side. It was only natural that the benefits wouldn’t flow outside the family.

The assistant director asked cautiously, “Is the second female lead role still changing?”

Shen Ancheng was puzzled. “Changing what?”

The assistant director quickly realized the speculation was just rumors and hurried to say, “I thought so too. This isn’t like you at all.”

Shen Ancheng frowned deeply. “Filming is about to start. Isn’t everyone busy? Why stir up this nonsense?”

The assistant director tried to calm him, “This is a billion-dollar box office film. Newcomers without experience can’t do the lead, but landing the second female lead is a huge break. There will definitely be many opinions. Director Shen, as long as you don’t change your mind, I’ll spread the word and the rumors will die out.”

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Shen Ancheng wondered if Deng Ranfei was still dissatisfied. Such matters could be politely declined and forgotten; training actors was already difficult enough.

But if she kept stirring trouble... Shen Ancheng had a temper.

After the assistant director left, Shen Ancheng pondered and instructed his staff to closely monitor Deng Ranfei’s training sessions, lest she get distracted, idle, and cause more trouble without improving professionally.

The crew’s undercurrents were well known to the informed actors. The lead actors held their positions firmly and focused. Pan Wu was busy with other matters and indifferent to these minor issues. Shen Ai, the one involved, became a small boat caught in the storm. Not only her but even her agent panicked.

“Being Director Shen’s second female lead is like a pie falling from the sky. If it’s clearly yours but gets snatched by someone more ruthless, then you’re utterly useless! Didn’t I tell you to get along well with people and stop causing trouble? Have you talked to Director Shen? How are things between you?”

Shen Ai was speechless.

Recently, she had been torn by conflicting emotions. On one hand, she could no longer tolerate the gray rules of this world; suppressed feelings kept surfacing, wanting to scream out loud. On the other hand, she was stubborn and ambitious—she wanted to shine, to be a star adored by all, to earn plenty of money.

Fired from the crew and unemployed, she had survived over half a year on savings and occasional modeling jobs for living expenses. Her agent had spoken to her many times, dangling a brilliant future before her and gradually dissolving her stubbornness and persistence that didn’t belong in this world. Shen Ai was almost convinced.

Then she auditioned for Shen Ancheng’s film and, almost dreaming, got the second female lead. Only then did she believe Shen Ancheng was different from others—when he said “you’re not wrong,” he seemed to truly mean it.

Shen Ai’s spirit, nearly dead under her agent’s harsh words, was revived. The past month in the crew was wonderful: training, script readings, gatherings—like a pure campus life. She felt lighter, as if a light had been born inside, dispelling all gloom.

Until the news of the role change came.

Shen Ai believed Shen Ancheng wouldn’t exploit anyone. Every meeting she attended with him, looking at this professional and strong director, she couldn’t help but feel admiration—a student admiring a mentor, a fan idolizing an idol.

But the result seemed naive, just as her agent said: this was the industry norm. Only those willing to throw caution to the wind and lower their standards could climb step by step—unless they had a powerful background.

This was a blow even greater than an idol’s scandal.

“You either let your future end here, watching every opportunity snatched away by more ruthless people, and switch careers while you’re still young; or you fight harder than them. Shen Ai, with your face, if you dare to throw caution to the wind, won’t you rule this entertainment world? When you succeed, what you want will come back to you.”

“Ten million to go with Shen Ancheng? Guess how many people are lining up outside? With Shen Ancheng’s face, wealthy women would throw money to get close. If you got famous through him, ten million is just a single endorsement. Think about it.”

Her agent, furious upon learning Shen Ai had only been training for over a month without anything more, spoke bluntly, laying everything bare.

How did Deng Ranfei do it? How did you do it? Do you really believe in such a big crew no one cuts corners or watches your pie?

If even a pie in your hand can be snatched away, what future do you have?

Shen Ai, scolded into a daze, cried bitterly alone in her room.

The next day at class, Zhou Zhiyu, seeing her haggard face, immediately understood.

They had been training together for days. Since Shen Ai played her sister-in-law and comrade in the film, they spent a lot of time together, with overlapping courses. Being similar in age, they became good friends.

Zhou Zhiyu comforted her and offered advice: “Most rumors are distorted. Filming is about to start and there’s no sign of changes. If you’re worried, have your agent confirm or ask the director directly.”

Shen Ai had wanted her agent to do this, but after the call, her heart sank and she gave up. Ultimately, her agent thought her problems ran deeper; if she didn’t change, it didn’t matter if she took the role or not.

Shen Ai couldn’t help but ask Zhou Zhiyu, “Zhiyu, have you ever encountered casting couch situations?”

Zhou Zhiyu was taken aback, then smiled: “Of course. Before graduating, running small roles as extras, I faced many ‘rising stars’ targeting university students and newcomers—casting directors, cinematographers, senior actors, directors... all kinds of hints or outright taking advantage. But Director Shen never did this. Every time we’re together, I feel he treats everyone equally, even shows more respect to women.”