Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 476 The Choice of Roles
The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the one-way glass into the room, outlining two constantly intersecting silhouettes.

A discordant sound suddenly rang out, and the rhythmic beat was abruptly interrupted.

Little Cannon breathed a sigh of relief and rolled over to lie down.

After a long while, he sat up, leaned back in his chair, lit a cigarette, and started puffing away at the head of the bed, not caring that he was in the bedroom.

Shen Xing, who had just come out of the washroom, frowned slightly, then smiled broadly.

She was tall and slender, wearing a semi-transparent nightgown.

"Honey, is 'Tangshan' finished?"

Shen Xing has been one of the most popular hosts on Phoenix TV in the past two years, and has even been called the number one beautiful host by the media.

Since meeting Xiao Gangpao at an awards ceremony in 2007, one of them is a famous and beautiful female host who wants to expand her career and develop in the film and television industry.

One is a top-tier director in China, considered one of the best resources in the film and television industry.

As a renowned director, even if he is surrounded by countless beautiful women and has seen it all, the prestige of a female host is naturally different from that of a celebrity, at least in the director's eyes.

Thus, the two sides reached an agreement immediately.

He exhaled a smoke ring, stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray by the bed, reached out and pulled Shen Xing over, grinning widely.

"Not yet, we're waiting for Cao Yang to take the last shot..."

I instinctively wanted to say "I'll make the decision," but then I suddenly realized that I was a big director in China, and it would be embarrassing for me to say that in front of a woman.
A man can lose anything in front of a woman, especially one with whom he has this kind of relationship, but he can't lose face.

"When Cao Yang arrives, we'll shoot a few more shots. He's the screenwriter for this movie, and I think there are a few things that need to be changed. We'll wait for him to make the changes before shooting a few more shots."

Little Cannon offered a haphazard explanation.

"You are so awesome."

Shen Xing turned around, trying to make her face look infatuated, and said something with a double meaning.

That wasn't her intention. After filming "Aftershock" was finished, she couldn't play a role anymore. She asked this mainly to show that she cared about Xiao Gangpao.

"Don't you have a new matchmaking project? Are there any roles that would suit me?"

"Hey, it's still in its infancy, there's no script yet, and I don't even know who the roles are. I reckon I'll have to wait until 'Tangshan' is completely finished before I start thinking about new movies. Don't worry, if there's one that suits you, it's yours."

Little Cannon said casually.

Shen Xing had no choice but to think about it; it was indeed the case. After all, "Tangshan" wasn't finished yet, and a new movie couldn't be made so quickly.

Her eyes darted around, and she asked with a charming smile, "Darling, aren't you going to see Director Cao later? Can I come along?"

Little Cannon chuckled, and his mischievous hand tightened its grip, causing Shen Xing to frown slightly.

"Maybe next time. I have an appointment with Cao Yang to discuss work this time. It's not appropriate for you to come along, since there are only two of us men."

After saying that, he picked up his phone and looked at it. There was still more than an hour until the agreed time. After deducting the time spent on the road, it seemed that there was still some time to spare.
"Besides, if that kid Cao Yang takes a liking to you, I can't bear to let him go."

Little Cannon grinned, gently patted Shen Xing's head, and pressed down on her.

For someone his age, his physical strength is definitely not what it used to be, so this is his favorite way to play.

Cao Yang and Xiao Gangpao arranged to meet at the private restaurant that he and Lao Tian frequented.

When he arrived, Little Cannon was already there and had already ordered the food.

"Drink?"

When Xiao Gangpao saw Cao Yang come in, he asked with a grin.

"Never mind, I've been busy these past few days, maybe next time."

Cao Yang sat down, glanced at Xiao Gangpao, and couldn't help but ask, "You look very tired, what's wrong?"

Little Cannon smacked his lips, chuckled, picked up a bite of food, put it in his mouth, and lowered his voice, saying, "Would you believe me if I said I just spent an afternoon with a beautiful TV host?"

"That one from Phoenix TV? What's her name again, Shen Xing?"

Cao Yang also picked up a piece of food and said casually.

"Cough, cough..."

The little cannon was immediately choked, causing him to cough.

He looked up at Cao Yang in disbelief, "You... how did you know?"

Little Cannon thought he was being quite discreet, always disguising himself before going to Shen Xing's apartment.

Moreover, although the two had been together for almost a year, they actually didn't go to Shen Xing's apartment very often.

There's nothing we can do about it.

Both of them have jobs and are very busy.

Of course, this is only part of the reason.

The main reason is that both of them have families.

Let's not even talk about the small cannon.

Shen Xing married a wealthy man surnamed Chen when she was 24 years old.

Cao Yang remained silent, only picking up a mouthful of food, chewing it for a while, and swallowing it. Looking at Xiao Gangpao's hesitant expression, he finally said, "These things are hard to hide... Weren't you and Xu Fan getting along quite well? How come..."

He originally wanted to advise Little Cannon to take it easy, since Little Cannon had essentially joined his side.

However, considering that I still have a lot of problems in this area that I don't know how to solve, I lost interest in talking about the little cannon for a while.

"Xu Fan and I are alright. She vaguely knows a lot of things, but she's easygoing about it, hehe..."

Little Cannon said with a cheeky grin.

Cao Yang wasn't interested in discussing this with Xiao Gangpao, so he changed the subject and asked, "You haven't finished making 'Tangshan' yet? Have you encountered any problems?"

"Ugh, just thinking about this gives me a headache."

Little Cannon shook his head, then smiled broadly and said to Cao Yang, "Well, you're the film's producer, supervisor, and screenwriter. I was just waiting for you to come back and finalize the version, wasn't I?"

"Stop talking nonsense."

Cao Yang picked up a piece of food, chewed it, and asked, "What exactly happened?"

Little Cannon hesitated for a moment, then gave a wry smile and said, "Didn't Tangshan also provide funding and other support? They trust you more and said the final version must be approved by you."

Actually, if that were all, I could still find a solution. However, when we were doing our publicity campaign, it coincided with the Wenchuan earthquake, right? You know I used a bit of... sigh.

To be honest, I'm still a little scared, afraid of bringing up past grievances, which is why I've been hesitant to finalize the design.

Then, he grinned and said to Cao Yang with a somewhat obsequious smile, "I dare not finalize the version, but you are different. With your influence, no one will say anything. You are the pride of the Chinese people, the world's number one director..."

"Alright." He waved his hand, interrupting Little Cannon's boasting and flattery.

Cao Yang couldn't understand why Xiao Gangpao was still feeling guilty when almost a year had passed.
Is he really afraid that once the movie is finalized, it will trigger memories of the "prediction" of the earthquake and cause trouble for him?

The original "prophecy" was a lucky accident, saving countless lives.

Are people born in the era of Little Cannon so sensitive because they have experienced too much?
Or is it just that Little Cannon is simply timid and afraid of trouble?

Since he couldn't figure it out, Cao Yang decided to stop thinking about it and take some time in the next few days to go and check it out.

I'll make time to go there in the next few days.

Cao Yang didn't waste any words and spoke directly.

Little Cannon breathed a sigh of relief and chuckled, saying, "I've been waiting for you to say that. Let me toast you with tea instead of wine."

After drinking his tea, Xiao Gangpao thought for a moment and then said, "I watched a dating movie a while ago and had some ideas. I want to elevate the linear dating narrative into a philosophical exploration of the emotional dilemmas of modern people."

Hehe, to be honest, this inspiration came from... well, after I... did *that* with Shen Xing. So, directors really need to experience life more to constantly generate inspiration.

Cao Yang glanced at Xiao Gangpao, somewhat unsure. Could what he said be true? The plot of "If You Are the One" does indeed explore extramarital affairs.

This is Xiao Gangpao's personal feeling after "experiencing life"?
But why does this guy seem a bit "shameless"?

Perhaps sensing Cao Yang's unusual gaze, Little Cannon quickly added:

"Well, there's a female lead in the show. She's not just a pretty face; she needs to be portrayed vividly and with nuance. She's outwardly glamorous and cheerful, but inwardly she's trapped in an emotional dilemma."

Especially because she had long suppressed her pain due to falling in love with a married man, her infatuation with him bordered on obsession. She even chose to jump into the sea to escape her suffering, displaying a resolute, moth-to-a-flame determination.

Cao Yang frowned, and couldn't help but think of Li Xiaoran.

The film she starred in, "On the Beach at Night Alone," which was her directorial debut, is actually quite similar to this character.

Especially after Li Xiaoran got into character, she would occasionally add some little romantic touches to their relationship...

No!

Cao Yang glared at Xiao Gangpao fiercely. "You bastard, are you implying something to me?"
"Why are you looking at me? If you have any creative ideas, just shoot them. Why are you telling me all this?"

"Hehe, Director Cao, does the female lead's character seem familiar? To be honest, I referenced the female lead's character in your film 'A Night Alone on the Beach'."

Little Cannon said with a smile.

It's just a reference to the character design; it's far from plagiarism.

"so what?"

Cao Yang was a little confused. "You've been beating around the bush with me for so long. What exactly are you trying to say?"
"I want to invite Xiaoran to play the female lead. She would definitely be very good at playing this kind of character."

Xiao Gangpao quickly added, "Don't worry, there won't be any passionate scenes. Even if they just hold hands, I'll find a hand double for Xiaoran."

Cao Yang thought about "If You Are the One" for a moment. If the plot of the movie doesn't change much, the movie's reputation is actually quite good.

"As long as Xiaoran is willing, I'm definitely fine with it."

Cao Yang said.

Little Cannon gave another wry smile.

"That's the problem. Xiaoran doesn't want to act."

“If she doesn’t want to act, just find someone else. What’s the point of telling me?” Cao Yang said while chewing the food in his mouth.

“I think Xiaoran is the most suitable. No one else can portray the same feeling. Director Cao, my dear brother, I'm begging you, please put in more effort when you go home tonight, please… I mean, please whisper sweet nothings in her ear. She really is the most suitable.”

Little Cannon's face was full of smiles as he pleaded with Cao Yang.

Besides pleading, there was also teasing and mischievous laughter in it.

"talk later."

Cao Yang glared at Xiao Gangpao again, neither refusing nor agreeing.

We should ask Xiaoran what she thinks before making a decision on this matter.

Li Xiaoran will return to Beijing tomorrow. As one of the main actors, she will be back to attend the press conference for the start of filming of "The Founding of a Republic".

Because of the nature of the film as a tribute, Cao Yang told President Han that the roles in the movie "The Founding of a Republic" should be played by actors with Chinese nationality, and actors who have acquired foreign citizenship should not be used.

Therefore, when it came to casting the role of Soong Mei-ling, someone had previously recommended Vivian Wu, who had played Soong Mei-ling in the 97 film "The Soong Sisters".

However, after learning of Cao Yang's intentions, President Han removed Wu Junmei from the list because she was an American citizen.

As for the choice of Soong Mei-ling, President Han had always been interested in Li Xiaoran.

Based on historical facts and Mr. Han's understanding, Li Xiaoran, with just a little makeup, would perfectly fit his vision for the role, and he also believed that Li Xiaoran could play the role of the third young lady of the Song family well.

Li Xiaoran initially didn't really want to play the third young lady of the Song family, but President Han said that this was a tribute film, and she couldn't refuse to pay tribute to the motherland just because of the role.
And so, Li Xiaoran accepted the role.

On March 1st, the press conference for "The Founding of a Republic" was held, and all the main actors of the crew attended, making it a truly star-studded event.

Cao Yang, as the executive producer, Han Zong, Lao Tian, ​​and Huang Jianxin, as directors, along with several official initiators of the project, were all present.

Even though the project's initiator and President Han are both very influential and hold high positions, Cao Yang still sat in the very center at the press conference.

On the left is President Han, and on the right is Lao Tian.

As a tribute film, the questions asked by reporters must have been prepared in advance. Otherwise, if someone is tactless, wouldn't that cast a shadow over the tribute film?

So, during the press conference, there was a brief moment of chaos when Cao Yang first walked in.

Reporters were all vying to greet Cao Yang. If it weren't for the inappropriate occasion, they would have loved to shove their microphones into Cao Yang's mouth, eager to get firsthand interview material about his triumphant return from the Oscars.

After that, the press conference became more formal and conventional once it officially started.

After the press conference, there was a dinner with the main cast and crew, mainly to let everyone get to know each other.

As the executive producer, Cao Yang will definitely be participating.

However, he talked with Director Zhang of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, Director Tong of the State Administration of Radio and Television, Deputy Director Zhang, and Director Yan of the Film Channel Program Center for a while before coming in quite late.

These are all considered project initiators, but none of them attended the dinner.

"Director Cao."

"Director Cao."

"Director Cao."

……

After Cao Yang entered, the main actors of the film crew who were having dinner together, including Tang Guoqiang, Zhang Guoli, Chen Daoming, Jiang Wen, Liu Dehua, Xu Qing, Chen Hao, and others, all stopped their small-circle conversations and greeted Cao Yang.

(End of this chapter)