By the time the crew wrapped, the studio had cycled through more setups than Guiying could easily count: close-ups of the bowl, wide shots of the full table, candid shots that weren't even part of the script, everyone determined to capture every possible angle before calling it done.
The director found him near the wardrobe rack, business card already in hand.
"Before you go." He held it out. "I direct short films on the side, mostly independent work, festival circuit stuff. I haven't seen visuals like yours in a long time, and I want to give my audience something fresh."
Guiying accepted the card and studied it briefly. "You're inviting me to audition?"
"I am." The director's expression stayed earnest, none of the performative charm most industry people layered over genuine interest. "No pressure, obviously. But I'd genuinely love to see what you could bring to the role."
