Xia Zhiyi understood the meaning behind the staff member's words.
When the staff came out to hand out numbers, there were already quite a few people in the hall. At that point, apart from checking the surveillance footage, no one could possibly know who had arrived first for today's auditions.
Since the number plates weren't originally issued in order, the producer probably suggested adding a bit of randomness for fun or other purposes.
Xia Zhiyi didn't mind. "Okay, thank you."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Ziwang didn't have much to say. He thanked the staff as well and followed Xia Zhiyi to sit down to the side.
I initially thought that even if it was a random draw, their numbers would be drawn later, so it wouldn't be so quick.
Just as Zhao Ziwang sat down next to Xia Zhiyi, another staff member popped up and called out, "Is number 90 here?"
Zhao Ziwang turned his head in surprise and looked at Xia Zhiyi.
Xia Zhiyi calmly stood up, patted Zhao Ziwang on the shoulder to comfort him, and replied with a smile, "Yes, I'm here."
"Ah, it's Teacher Xia." The staff member recognized Xia Zhiyi at a glance and quickly greeted her with a smile, " Teacher Xia, please come in. You were the first one selected."
Meanwhile, the other people in the hall who were openly or secretly watching Xia Zhiyi were starting to stir.
Someone whispered to the person next to them, "Do you know which role Xia Zhiyi auditioned for this time? Emperor Gaozong of Yan or Emperor Renzong of Yan?"
The other person didn't recognize him, but still whispered back, "I wasn't far from them just now, and I overheard some things. It seems like Xia Zhiyi is auditioning for the lead role this time."
" Huo Zekang?" The volume unconsciously increased.
nod.
"Hiss--!"
The others who heard the commotion also gasped in surprise.
To reiterate, in most people's minds, who would want to play a supporting role when they can play the lead?
Today's audition, which was supposed to be for multiple roles at the same time, was actually giving some actors a chance to try out different roles. If one role wasn't suitable, they could try another one or two.
That's why most of the people present were more or less trying their luck, hoping to get the role of Huo Zekang in his youth.
After all, although Huo Zekang was also a main character during this period, his role was the least prominent and the most difficult. If he succeeded, he would have a respectable resume to show for it later, wouldn't he?
However, upon hearing that Xia Zhiyi come to audition for Huo Zekang, most of the people present were actors. They had a general idea of Xia Zhiyi's level as a low-key but talented actress, and immediately felt that she probably had no chance today.
"Oh, I see..."
Someone muttered under their breath, "Hasn't he always only played supporting roles? Before, when people mocked Xia Zhiyi for only playing supporting roles, his fans said it was because Xia Zhiyi had to balance her studies. How come suddenly..."
Zhao Ziwang happened to hear this, turned around irritably, found the person who spoke, and said loudly, "What, you want to be Xia Zhiyi's agent? You even care whether she gets lead or supporting roles?"
"... I was just saying, why are you shouting like that?"
Zhao Ziwang: "Instead of grumbling here, you should adjust your mindset. Don't go in later and be unable to get into the zone, then blame it on Teacher Xia for your poor performance."
"..."
Zhao Ziwang is now a near-top-tier actor in the industry. He spoke up for three reasons: first, that's just his personality; second, he had confidence; and third, he felt that what he said made a lot of sense.
The other person, though still somewhat resentful, ultimately dared not offend Zhao Ziwang and swallowed his words, getting up to change seats.
After Zhao Ziwang said this, the others who were previously discussing in hushed tones also fell silent.
Too.
What's the point of saying so much now? It's better to stay calm. Who knows who will be the second to go in after Xia Zhiyi comes out? If you underperform because of a bad mindset, are you really going to go and reason with Xia Zhiyi?
They're mentally sound; they wouldn't do that.
However, once Xia Zhiyi went inside, it took her longer than everyone expected.
After more than ten minutes of silence in the hall, someone couldn't help but ask, "Isn't this... a bit too long?"
What went wrong?
That shouldn't be the case. Given Xia Zhiyi's previous acting skills, although his appearance at the audition and even his audition for the male lead was somewhat unexpected, most people didn't doubt his abilities.
While Director Min wouldn't normally let Xia Zhiyi go for just one interview and immediately decide on a contract, it shouldn't take this long either, right?
Another person answered, "... maybe they'll go straight to the second stage."
This audition for multiple roles was essentially a nationwide audition, albeit one open to industry professionals.
This audition is just the first step. If there are suitable actors for supporting roles, there is a certain probability that they will be cast directly. However, the main roles will not be cast directly in this audition. Instead, a second round of selection will be held a few days after the initial screening.
Of course, this is because Director Min is very strict. Other directors or producers are not so strict. They may pre-select the roles or decide on the casting after a few auditions if they feel the casting is good enough.
As for Director Min... the last time Director Min made the news was when another talented actor auditioned with him for three hours before finally getting a role, which made the news.
Upon hearing this, the others exchanged glances, and one of them sighed, "Sigh, it seems I don't have a chance this time."
Director Min is well-regarded in the industry, not only because he has high standards for his works, but also because none of his dramas have received a score below 8.0. The lowest-rated drama was produced when one of the actors' careers collapsed two years after the show aired, causing fans to storm the rating system in a fit of anger. Even so, the score was not lowered below 8.
I don't know whether to say that the actor didn't have enough fans or that there are still quite a few rational people in the world.
Director Min has a good reputation in the acting industry because he always arranges auditions for casting, regardless of the actor's background. Whether you are a newcomer, an unknown extra who has been unknown for several years, or someone who has not yet entered the industry but came to try out by chance, as long as you are suitable, he can accept you.
However, given Director Min's strict requirements, true newcomers cannot pass his test. So most of the time, it's industry insiders who get the chance. Some people have become famous overnight by taking advantage of Director Min's connections, which makes Director Min very popular among extras.
Who wouldn't love a great director who could potentially make their dreams come true?
Otherwise, with Director Min Min's terrible temper, who could tolerate him?
It's because even though he has a bad temper, he's a good person.
But precisely because of this, under the current circumstances, everyone is convinced that Director Min has definitely taken Xia Zhiyi, and can't even wait for the next round!