Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 405 - 405 406 Snatching the Role_1

Chapter 405: Chapter 406: Snatching the Role_1 Chapter 405: Chapter 406: Snatching the Role_1 With the great fire at Mei Garden, what followed was a variety of ‘The Smiling, Proud Wanderer’ merchandise from Yuyang Embroidery House. Muniang had previously mentioned she wanted to squeeze every benefit from the play, and although Zhong Yulang didn’t quite understand at the time, now, seeing her counting money until her hands went numb every day, he finally grasped a bit of it. The only thing he could do was marvel secretly at such a woman, who was simply a born businesswoman.

Seeing that the business of the play’s merchandise was also on the right track, Muniang could finally rest assured. Next, she would need to prepare for the new play, otherwise it wouldn’t be good if they couldn’t keep up with the rhythm when the time came.

“Take a look, this is the first act of the new play I wrote during my spare time. I still want you to play the male lead for now, but as for the female lead, I’m afraid we need to find someone new. The temperament of this female lead doesn’t quite match that of Guo Yuehua,” Muniang handed the script to Zhong Yulang.

Zhong Yulang took it over and glanced at it: “The Condor Heroes? Why are your play titles always so unique?”

Muniang chuckled sheepishly, thinking to herself that if the author chose such names, what could she possibly do?

“Right now, the most important thing to start with is casting characters. Although we’ll be changing the actress for the female lead, I still need to find a woman. As for who to choose, we have plenty of time this time, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find the right person,” Muniang said.

“Why isn’t Guo Yuehua suitable for this role? She seems to fit the image of a heroine as well.”

Muniang shook her head: “It’s different. Little Dragon Girl embodies more cleanliness and innocence, but most importantly she has a spiritual and ethereal aura. Guo Yuehua’s presence is too strong and doesn’t fit the character of Little Dragon Girl, it’s not appropriate.”

Actually, the reason Guo Yuehua was cast as Ren Yingying in the previous play was not because her acting was particularly good; after all, she was only a half-baked amateur. When Muniang chose her, it was also because the situation was urgent and she immediately confirmed Guo Yuehua upon finding someone with a temperament matching Ren Yingying.

Moreover, it was just like Guo Yuehua’s nature, so the performance that came out wasn’t bad.

But Guo Yuehua, after all, wasn’t a professional actress. She couldn’t hide her own character or be flexible, and naturally couldn’t restrain her sharp edge. She would definitely not do well in the role of Little Dragon Girl.

The reason for continuing to use Zhong Yulang as the male lead was actually because his many years of experience as an actor were sufficient for him to integrate well into every character. His innate indifferent nature could, upon taking the stage, portray Linghu Chong, who was a bit of a scoundrel, so well. Therefore, the role of Yang Guo was definitely within his easy control.

“Let’s settle on this for now. When the time comes, take this new script and have a look. Explain it to everyone, so that they all have an idea. Aside from the male and female leads, every character in the play will be selected through a competitive process. Whoever wants to play a role just needs to sign up, and perform a scene for me to see. If I’m satisfied, it’s decided.”

“Alright.”

——

“Hey hey hey, have you heard? Our theatre is starting a new play, hurry and grab a role. They say the most capable ones will get the parts. If you feel you can play a role well, just go sign up, and Lady will decide who is best fit for each role.”

“However, I’ve heard that the male and female leads are excluded. It makes sense though, with our Mei Garden already having two top stars, it’s natural that they take those roles.” This was said with a somewhat sentimental tone.

“What’s the problem with that? The scripts Lady gives us usually have plenty of promising roles. Last time in ‘The Smiling, Proud Wanderer,’ didn’t Yue Guan’er, who played Dongfang Unbeaten, gain a bit of fame? Although not as famous as Linghu Chong, she did make a name for herself. Keep accumulating fame like that and becoming a top star is just a matter of time. Don’t be ungrateful.”

“It’s true, let’s hurry and vie for the roles!”

While everyone was enthusiastically discussing, unbeknownst to them, Guo Yuehua had entered. A smug smile played upon her lips, having overheard their conversation. Mei Garden was releasing a new play, and the leads were already decided—it was naturally her role to claim. Even if the male lead wasn’t necessarily Zhong Yulang, she was bound to be the female lead. After all, Qiao Muniang was currently favoring her, and she was the only actress in Mei Garden!

“Lady Guo has arrived? Did you hear about the Lady’s plan to start a new play? Congratulations are in order for Lady Guo. Your recent play has taken Chatu Town by storm, and now you’ve immediately landed the next one. Won’t you set the entire Daqian Dynasty ablaze?” a young actor fawned over her.

Guo Yuehua appeared to bask in the flattery, “It’s the Lady’s decision to lift me up. There’s really nothing I can do about it, after all, matters of talent are beyond anyone’s control.”

“That’s right, that’s right. Lady Guo’s very first performance was so spectacular, truly extraordinary. We can’t compare at all. Having acted our entire lives and still not making a name for ourselves—take Yue Guan’er for instance—her achievements only came after more than a decade’s worth of hard work. Yet, Lady Guo, casually in your first performance, you made a name for yourself. And to top it off, you’re the Daqian Dynasty’s leading lady!”

The flattery was loud and clear.

Guo Yuehua curled her lips into a smile, “Well, there are indeed differences between people. Some are destined to be the protagonists from birth, while others struggle their whole lives only to remain in minor roles!”

Shen Dong found her arrogance unbearable and muttered under his breath, “It’s just your damn good luck, what’s there to be proud of!”

Unfortunately for him, Guo Yuehua overheard, and she immediately exploded, glaring as she said, “What did you say!? Jealous of my success now because you lack the talent to be a lead? If you have the skills, why don’t you ask the Lady for a leading role? Can you outshine Zhong Yulang?!”

Angered, Shen Dong retorted with a flushed face and a thick neck, “When did I ever wish to outdo my big brother? My big brother’s skill is real, built over more than a decade. He acts much better than you do. What gives you the right to show off here!”

Guo Yuehua lifted her chin, “I have the status here in Mei Garden. What use is your more than a decade of hard work? Don’t you have years of experience too? What have you achieved? When it comes down to it, it’s all about talent!”

“You!”

If Guo Yuehua were a man, Shen Dong would have been ready to fight her then and there.

“The Lady is coming!”

An actor called out in advance, and everyone promptly quieted down.

Guo Yuehua snorted but chose not to quarrel with Shen Dong any further.

As soon as Muniang walked in, she sensed the unusual atmosphere and said with a laugh, “What’s the matter? Are you all still nervous? It’s just a new play. If you don’t get a good role this time, there will be chances next time. Why all the fuss?”

Everyone looked at each other. Muniang obviously hadn’t anticipated the argument that had just taken place, and it seemed no one intended to speak up about it.