Girlfriend Episode 13 Recap
> Girlfriend Recap
Building on her new S-level artist contract and strict training regimen, Wen Xiaonuan continued to dedicate herself to her career, making significant progress in dance and physical form. One morning, despite leaving half an hour earlier than usual, she still found herself unable to hail a cab. Ye Feimo, having anticipated this, had already secured a shared bicycle, explicitly presenting it to her as a way to aid her physical training schedule.
However, recognizing that the shared bike would still make her late, Wen Xiaonuan pleaded with Ye Feimo for a ride to the company. Ye Feimo, with a cunning plan, intentionally had his assistant park his car right at the company entrance, causing a stir among onlookers who openly speculated if Wen Xiaonuan was his girlfriend. Ye Feimo closely monitored Wen Xiaonuan's development, emphasizing that an S-lister needs not only inherent quality but also broad insights and world views.
He instructed Zhou Xiaojing, Wen Xiaonuan's manager, to take her to the set of "Blue Sky Galaxy" during its test filming to broaden her horizons and understand what a real set and a lead actress are like. This visit, he explained, was a job requirement and should be conducted in his name, assuring Xiaojing he would inform Director Li Can. Upon arriving at the set, Zhou Xiaojing and Wen Xiaonuan observed an actress named Bai Xiuwen repeatedly failing her takes.
She struggled to convey emotion and sing the Huangmei opera lines correctly, frustrating Director Li Can. He declared he would find anyone on set who could do better. Wen Xiaonuan, having a background in Huangmei opera, stepped forward. Director Li, recalling a past promise to make her the leading actress if she "jumped down" (referring to a previous incident), asked her to audition.
Wen Xiaonuan’s performance of Huangmei opera was flawless, earning high praise from Director Li, who exclaimed she was "the Girl Weaver herself." Bai Xiuwen, in response, left in a huff. Director Li then stated that while he was impressed, the final decision wasn't solely his; it also required Wen Xiaonuan's and the investor's approval. Zhou Xiaojing, representing Anning Culture, affirmed their full support for Director Li's choice.
Director Li challenged Wen Xiaonuan, warning her that he would replace her if she failed to meet his high standards, but Wen Xiaonuan confidently accepted. Later, Wen Xiaonuan discussed the opportunity with Zhou Xiaojing, admitting she had never played such a significant role. Zhou Xiaojing encouraged her, emphasizing that opportunities in their fast-paced industry are fleeting, and Wen Xiaonuan must diligently study the script and grasp the character before meeting Director Li the next day.
Meanwhile, Gu Yunzhou met with a friend to discuss art speculation, where his friend recommended buying paintings from a currently popular artist. Gu Yunzhou, however, stated he was not interested in speculating on paintings. He then encountered Jiayi again. To amuse her, Gu Yunzhou paid someone 3,000 yuan to let him wear a mascot costume. He then danced for Jiayi, who found the costume adorable, before removing the head to reveal his face, surprising and delighting her.
Wen Xiaonuan spent the entire night immersed in the "Blue Sky Galaxy" script, curious about the inclusion of Huangmei opera elements. Zhou Xiaojing explained that Ye Feimo had insisted on it during a board meeting, overriding much opposition, because he wanted to integrate traditional and modern cultures, believing "emotions drive resonance." This explanation helped Wen Xiaonuan find the "soul" of the character.
The next day, Wen Xiaonuan met Director Li again, expressing her deep admiration for the script and her particular fondness for the "Cowherd and Weaver Girl" story and the Huangmei opera elements. Director Li praised her previous audition, noting her accurate stare, singing, and body movements. He asked her what it meant to be an actor, and Wen Xiaonuan replied that an actor brings characters to life, affirming her dedication to even the smallest roles.
Director Li remarked on her rare understanding and attitude for an actress her age, promising to tell Ye Feimo about her great potential. Wen Xiaonuan then asked, albeit hesitantly, if his decision to cast her was influenced by Ye Feimo. Director Li firmly told her that self-doubt would be magnified on screen and that she must trust herself, assuring her they would make "Blue Sky Galaxy" a success.
Word quickly spread throughout the company that Wen Xiaonuan was cast as the female lead for "Blue Sky Galaxy", with many speculating that Ye Feimo personally appointed her and questioning her acting abilities. Ye Feimo then addressed Zhou Xiaojing directly, demanding an explanation for Wen Xiaonuan's casting. Zhou Xiaojing clarified that it was Director Li's decision, and she hadn't reported it sooner due to the ongoing auditions.
She stressed that her judgment was based solely on Wen Xiaonuan’s potential and suitability, not personal feelings. Ye Feimo, however, insisted that Anning Culture’s interests could not be swayed by her feelings and demanded more assurance. He proposed that Wen Xiaonuan first star in a teaser for "Blue Sky Galaxy". If her engagement metrics (shares, likes, comments) could rival those of the top ten popular stars, then she would officially get the role.
Zhou Xiaojing argued that this was an immense challenge for a newcomer with no prior works, but Ye Feimo countered that the teaser itself would be her work, and if she couldn't gain recognition with their resources, she wasn't suitable for the lead role. Zhou Xiaojing agreed to the challenge. Three days later, Zhou Xiaojing presented the teaser's detailed plan to Ye Feimo.
She explained that after consulting Director Li and the Operations Department, they unanimously decided to include a kissing scene. This was to highlight the teaser's core, enhance marketing, and boost viewership, as data showed teasers with kissing scenes gained 30% more views. Ye Feimo reviewed the male lead candidates, but his clear hesitation about the kissing scene led him to reject them all.
Seeing his dilemma, Miss Cheng suggested Ye Feimo himself take on the male lead role, citing his unmatched popularity, good looks, acting skills, and availability. Gu Yunzhou supported the idea, and Ye Feimo, finding the suggestion agreeable, readily accepted. Zhou Xiaojing then met with Director Li to discuss the teaser details.
Director Li alluded to a past agreement between them, but Zhou Xiaojing steered the conversation back to work, stating her sole focus was securing the female lead role for Wen Xiaonuan. Director Li remarked that she hadn't changed, still as "firm and gallant" as before. Zhou Xiaojing informed him of her plan to boost Wen Xiaonuan's popularity and public presence by having her attend an upcoming charity show, which would also feature prominent stars like Han Hui.
At the charity show, Han Hui deliberately pushed Jiayi, a Yaohua artist, resulting in a sprained ankle. Han Hui’s manager, Linda, then verbally attacked Wen Xiaonuan, calling her "disrespectful" and "attention-seeking." After a group photo, Han Hui, feigning concern, suggested Jiayi and Wen Xiaonuan rest in the public lounge. Shortly after, Jiang Ling'er joined Han Hui. Linda made a derogatory remark about the lounge.
Jiang Ling'er proceeded to mock Wen Xiaonuan for acting "impertinently" with a big company backing her, and Jiayi for "living on someone while helping others secretly" and "pretending to be sick." Wen Xiaonuan was about to retort, but Jiayi restrained her and urged her to leave. Concerned for Jiayi’s injury, Wen Xiaonuan offered to carry her, but Jiayi refused, instead calling Gu Yunzhou to pick them up, revealing her affiliation with Yaohua.
As they left, Han Hui and Jiang Ling'er conversed. Jiang Ling'er complained about being in a public lounge with "minor actresses." Han Hui then openly discussed Yaohua’s investment in "Blue Sky Galaxy", mentioning that Wen Xiaonuan had secured the lead role after Director Li Can had publicly dismissed Bai Xiuwen from the set. This provoked Jiang Ling'er, who had clearly hoped for the role herself, and Han Hui further emphasized the vast difference in status and background between Jiang Ling'er and Wen Xiaonuan.
