Chapter 9

"Hanyu, get ready to shoot" the director called out, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. The set was bustling with activity as the crew made last-minute adjustments to the lighting and camera angles.

"Yes, just give me a moment," Hanyu replied, his tone calm as he finished adjusting his costume in front of the mirror.

Yesterday, during the filming, his mother reached out to him in a state of urgency, causing his assistant to hand him the phone. This unexpected interruption led to a delay in the production, which left the director somewhat annoyed.

As Hanyu walked back onto the set, the director approached him with a furrowed brow. "Hanyu, we can't afford any more delays. Are you absolutely sure everything is okay now?"

Hanyu nodded reassuringly. "Yes, sorry about yesterday. It was a family matter that needed my attention. But I've sorted everything out now, and I'm ready to give my best for the shoot."

The director's expression softened as he understood the situation. "Alright, just remember, we have a tight schedule. Let's make this scene count." Hanyu took his position in front of the camera, and the crew got back to work.

The director's voice rang out once again, "Action!" As Hanyu began delivering his lines, the atmosphere on set transformed. The tension from earlier seemed to dissipate, replaced by an air of professionalism and focus. The crew members moved like a well-oiled machine, capturing each angle with precision.

A few hours later, after nailing the scene, Hanyu stepped off the set, wiping sweat from his brow. His co-star, Mei, approached him with a smile. "Great job, Hanyu. You really brought your A-game despite all the chaos earlier."

Hanyu returned Mei's smile, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Thanks, Mei. It's all about staying in the zone, no matter what's happening around us."

Mei chuckled, glancing back at the bustling set. "Well, I guess chaos is just part of the magic of filmmaking."

Hanyu nodded in agreement. "Definitely. Speaking of magic, I have to admit, your delivery in that last scene was incredible. You really pulled me into the moment."

Mei's cheeks turned slightly pink. "Aw, thanks, Hanyu. It's a team effort, you know. We both feed off each other's energy."

The assistant anxiously disrupted their conversation.

Hanyu furrowed his brow. "Is something wrong?" Hanyu asked, his voice tinged with concern.

The assistant hesitated, then replied, "I've just received President Ji's message, I called the number. I had a conversation to one of the marketing executives from the jewelry brand.

Hanyu leaned in, curiously. "What jewelry brand?"

The assistant cleared her throat, glancing down at her phone. "They mentioned that a director recommended you and when they saw your photos and modeling videos, they were satisfied and interested in featuring you in their upcoming advertisement campaign. They want you to be the face of their brand for the country's market."

Hanyu inquired, "Which jewelry brand is this?'

Nervously, the assistant gulped down and said "J'adore G.E.M

Hanyu was stunned when he heard the name. "J'adore G.E.M? That's a high-end luxury jewelry brand outside the country! Are you sure they want me to be the face of their upcoming campaign here?"

The assistant nodded. "Yes, Mr. Hanyu, they are very interested in having you represent their brand. They've already shared the meeting details, and we're expected to be there tomorrow evening for the contract signing."

Hanyu found himself stunned again. "Wait, I'm gonna call my dad" hanyu excused himself.

After three rings, Father Ji answered the phone. "Hello? Hanyu?"

"Dad, just to confirm something, you did say it's a movie role and not a brand ambassador position, didn't you?" Hanyu questioned, his anxiety palpable.

"Oh, did I? My friend didn't provide me with all the details," Father Ji remarked.

"It's not a film role but it's actually an advertisement, and I've been chosen to be the spokesperson," Hanyu explained.

"I see," Father Ji replied, his tone tinged with surprise. "Well, Hanyu, you know how these things go. Sometimes opportunities can take unexpected turns. Are you not happy?"

Hanyu let out a sigh, clearly displaying his discomfort. "Actually, I find it hard to believe that I'm going to represent an up·scale brand as an ambassador. After all, I'm just a second-tier actor."

"Ah, my son," Father Ji said with a chuckle. "Don't underestimate yourself. You might be a second-tier actor now, but this ambassadorship could be the stepping stone to greater things."

Hanyu asked with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "You really think so, Dad?"

Father Ji affirmed, his eyes warm and encouraging. "Absolutely. Remember, every successful journey starts with a single step. This brand sees something in you, something that makes them believe you can make an impact."

Following their touching conversation, the father and son ended the phone call.

After the call ended. Hanyu remained still where he stood. Mei and the assistant approached him. Both of them congratulate him.