Chapter 237: Protagonist and Supporting Character

Chapter 237: Protagonist and Supporting Roles

"The lead? Director Charlie, you aren't joking, are you?"

Meng Fan was caught off guard. After all, he hadn't even attended the script workshop. He had assumed that landing a few minor roles or background voices would be a success, but he wasn't naive. A moment's reflection revealed the reason: it all stemmed from his recent altercation with the Korean star.

"Your voice acting prowess is plain for all to see."

Director Charlie, driving the car, tapped the horn lightly as he passed an intersection and said with a smile, "The only things you lacked were experience and seniority. As for experience, everyone knows how frantic and efficient your recording sessions have been lately; there were virtually no issues during the post-production proofing. You have enough experience. As for seniority, won't you have it once you voice the lead? Besides, our studio doesn't operate on seniority; the capable deserve the roles."

"Furthermore, you perfectly match the vocal requirements for this protagonist. There’s no reason not to cast you. Or do you not want to play the lead?"

Meng Fan replied, "That’s not it at all."

Director Charlie chuckled. "Are you worried about the other voice actors in the studio? Don't be. Actually, choosing you wasn't just my idea. The producers saw your name on the list and specifically requested you for the male lead."

Meng Fan laughed, "In that case, I will certainly do my utmost to play this role well!"

Of course, Meng Fan wanted a major role like the male lead.

Voice acting was one of his dreams, and to become a renowned voice actor, landing significant roles was essential.

One could be a decent voice actor by sticking to minor parts and background characters, but becoming a household name was nearly impossible that way.

Thinking it over, the number of roles required for his [Studio Bug] mission was dwindling, while he still had plenty of time left. Taking on a major role with substantial lines was perfect.

Once the business was settled, Director Charlie couldn't help but gossip. "Meng Fan, about that incident with the Korean star—what were you thinking at the time? I’m just curious, mind you. If it’s too hard to answer, don't worry about it."

Meng Fan said, "There’s nothing difficult to answer. At the time, anyone who encountered such a thing wouldn't just look the other way. I think if you were there, Director, you would have done the same. How could one stand by while several men beat a woman?"

Director Charlie laughed, though not quite as decisively. "That’s easy to say, but the other party was a celebrity after all. Not everyone has that kind of courage."

Meng Fan smiled, "Actually, I didn't even know who that Korean star was."

"Now you’re just being modest. Even if you didn't know him, you knew he was a celebrity. That’s why everyone admires you for being a real man!"

The two chatted all the way to the studio. As he stepped out of the car, Meng Fan said to Director Charlie, "Director, reporters might come looking for me. When they do, please have the staff turn them away and tell them I’m not accepting any interviews."

After a moment's thought, he added, "Of course, if those reporters ask what works I’m recording here, the studio is welcome to tell them. Consider it our way of promoting for the client."

"Very good, very good."

Charlie was growing fonder of Meng Fan by the minute—talented and considerate.

Reporters would come, of course; how could they not?

With Meng Fan’s caveat, whether they interviewed him or not was irrelevant to Charlie and the studio.

Who wouldn't want to ride the wave of popularity? Otherwise, the producers of "Nine Heavens" wouldn't have specifically requested Meng Fan for the lead.

As long as the talent was there, one naturally wanted to hire the most famous person available.

"Iron God!"

Lou Lan, the bearded man who had pulled another all-nighter, was yawning while eating breakfast in the lobby. The moment he saw Meng Fan, his heavy eyelids snapped open. He rushed over, beard fluttering. "My Iron God, you’re a legend! That was so damn manly! You’re the number one male god of our voice acting circle! In this whole industry, I don't bow to anyone, but I bow to you!"

Director Charlie parked the car and walked in.

"...and Director Charlie!" Lou Lan’s tongue was truly nimble. "Director Charlie has a keen eye for talent! If it weren't for him, I’d never have met you, Iron God, let alone worked with you!"

Director Charlie laughed heartily. "I never realized you were such a smooth talker!"

He gestured to Meng Fan and headed into his office.

Once the director was gone, Meng Fan asked Lou Lan with a smile, "Have you saved any roles for me these past two days?"

"I did at first, but..." Lou Lan was curious. "Didn't Director Charlie say the lead in 'Nine Heavens' is yours? Do you still want other small roles?"

"I do," Meng Fan said. "I still have many shortcomings in terms of experience. I’ll be discussing roles with the director for most of the morning, and I’ll be auditioning in the afternoon. Formal recording won't start until tomorrow or the day after. I was wondering if you could find me twenty or so more roles so I can gain more experience."

Meng Fan was genuinely looking to level up.

"Do you have to be so humble?" Lou Lan thought for a moment. "The other voice actors are busy with 'Nine Heavens,' so some roles are currently unclaimed. You go see the director, and I’ll help you sort through them."

Meng Fan thanked him. "Just organize the roles; leave the rest until you’ve had a nap."

Lou Lan grinned. After Meng Fan went into the director's office, he grabbed a coffee and got to work.

The studio hadn't been taking new orders due to the "Nine Heavens" animation, but a steady stream of game and animation projects had arrived—especially game contracts, which were more frequent than before. Most of the clients were drawn in by the quality of Meng Fan’s work.

Lou Lan made a few inquiries, organized the list, and quickly gathered twenty roles.

He glanced at the director's office door, saw they were still discussing, and found an empty room to set up a cot for a nap.

What, couldn't sleep after coffee?

Impossible.

For a "cultivator" of Lou Lan’s caliber, even after a shot of espresso, he could fall asleep in minutes if he wanted to.

After spending the morning discussing roles and plot points in Charlie’s office, Meng Fan had lunch at the Damei Studio. Beyond missing the meals Chen Daqiang ordered, he mainly needed to catch up with Qin Jiu regarding the second volume of "Guide for Campus Romance" and the reprint of the first.

Neither volume had a massive print run, and Meng Fan didn't really care about the sales figures. He had said they could be listed as soon as they were off the press, and today they were indeed available on a book website.

What Meng Fan cared about more was the publication of the third volume. It had been submitted for review a few days ago, and since the first two volumes were already out, the process was much simpler. It was already scheduled for printing.

"That works. I’ll plug it during my livestream tonight."

After lunch, Meng Fan went to the Chocolate Factory to audition.

The audition went smoothly—it was just a formality—and they set the start date for formal recording for the next day.

Once the audition ended, it was time for Meng Fan and Lou Lan to enjoy their hard-earned downtime.