Brother Dao Took the Entertainment Industry by Storm, Fans Beg Me Not to Kill Anymore

Chapter 652: Grand Calligraphy Show! A Judge Asking for Contact Info at the Audition?

After the ink, brush, paper, and inkstone were all laid out, Xiao He handled the remaining steps entirely on his own.

Although Director Chou was likely just trying to make things difficult for him, Xiao He didnʼt get discouraged. Instead, he sat down calmly and began grinding the ink with practiced ease.

After over a week of grueling training under Teacher Wen Yuan, Xiao He could finally fully showcase the results of his intensive crash course.

Before everyoneʼs eyes, the young man was neither impatient nor flustered. He prepared his materials at his own steady pace, completely absorbed in his own world, as if the judges before him didnʼt even exist.

At that moment, he was fully immersed in his own space.

No one could disturb him.

The people around him unconsciously held their breath, watching the scene unfold with rapt attention—

A few minutes later, several judges marveled at Xiao Heʼs calligraphy, clicking their tongues in admiration.

The judges for this final role selection all held significant positions. Among them were Director Chou Zhenlong, who had been assigned to oversee the project; a producer dispatched by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television to manage production; a person in charge sent by Jingyou Entertainment; as well as several historical consultants and screenwriters related to this historical drama...

So, strictly speaking, the audition wasnʼt a one-man show for either Director Chou or Jingyou Entertainment.
In particular, the few elderly scholars sitting nearby were technical advisors sent by relevant associations. After all, if they wanted to film an authentic historical drama that adhered strictly to historical facts, there would be many intricate details requiring highly specialized knowledge. Without their expertise, Director Chou would be under immense pressure handling these issues alone.

One elderly scholar, who specialized in the history of Emperor Chen and also served as vice president of the Calligraphy Association, stared at the writing before him, finding it nearly impossible to distinguish real from fake. For the first time, he put on his reading glasses, gently rubbing the rice paper as he examined it closely. If one looked carefully, they would notice his hands trembling slightly.

Finally, he muttered under his breath: ”Excellent calligraphy, excellent... this is an exact replica! The strokes are alike, and even the spirit matches—as if Emperor Chen himself were alive. If I hadnʼt witnessed it with my own eyes... Iʼm afraid I wouldnʼt be able to tell real from fake.”

”Impossible. Did you really just write this?”

The screenwriter who had cried earlier still hadnʼt wiped away all her tears. Her eyes were red-rimmed, but as she stared at the rice paper before her, her already reddened eyes grew incredibly wide again, a look of utter disbelief on her face.

The other elderly scholars nearby had long since left their seats, huddling together and chattering excitedly, their faces flushed with emotion. Xiao He was almost afraid they might suddenly faint from the excitement.

Even Director Chou stared at the calligraphy for a long time. Then, not believing his eyes, he reached out a hand to touch the ink marks, wanting to confirm that Xiao He had really written this in front of everyone. But his hand was promptly smacked away by the elderly scholar next to him: ”Hey, donʼt touch! The ink hasnʼt dried yet! Do you want to ruin this piece of work?”

”Shoo, shoo, move aside! You clearly donʼt know how to respect other peopleʼs labor!”

”Philistine! Youʼre just in the way!”

”Oh, coming through! Donʼt block us!”

”Are you done looking? If youʼre done, let me see—I want to study it—”

The elderly scholars scolded without any restraint, their disdain for Director Chou plain to see. They all craned their necks, eager to get a look at Xiao Heʼs work. Director Chou was nearly pushed aside along with his chair.

But Director Chou couldnʼt afford to offend these big shots he had personally invited. So he had to save face by clearing his throat dryly, shifting his position, and pretending he hadnʼt heard anything.

—To be honest, he didnʼt really understand calligraphy.

Though he was older and worked within the system, his refined hobbies leaned toward chess and tea drinking. He had only a general understanding of calligraphy and painting, so he couldnʼt fully grasp why these old guys were so stunned by the calligraphy.