I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 403 caused a sensation in the Chinese community!
"There's this girl~~~"

"The one and only wonder of this world~~"

"..."

In a residential building next to Stanford University in San Francisco, Cen Yongkang, wearing headphones and humming a song from his work "Step Up 2," walked toward a dance studio he owned.

He is a true Costa Rican.

His parents were both Chinese, but after they moved from Guangzhou to Costa Rica, he and his two sisters were born one after the other.

He arrived in San Francisco, USA, at the age of 8.

Besides Chinese and English, this guy also speaks Spanish; but what makes him most famous is actually his dancing.

He started learning dance with a dance company team from his high school. At the time, his family did not approve of him dancing, but Cen insisted on doing what he loved.

It was also through dance that he met superstars like Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Simpson... and became their backup dancers.

This experience led him to frequent contact with the entertainment industry. His first work was noticed by Steve Jobs, the then-globally popular CEO of Apple, who made him a silhouette dancer in an iPod commercial.

During this period, she won many important roles in musicals thanks to her outstanding dance skills, and also worked in stage plays, movies, and TV series.

Until Spielberg bought the rights to "Step Up 2," he gained immense fame for his role as Cable.

At least, people in the Asian community in Hollywood know that he exists.

The reason Chen Jin took a liking to this guy was because he was actually quite famous in the Asian community in Hollywood in the future.

His exceptional dance skills set him apart in this niche community.

These strengths make him a perfect fit for the role of a baseball player, or he could be portrayed as a street dancer who fights zombies with his agility – both excellent character designs.

These can all be changed.

Cen Yongkang's dancing is indeed amazing; being able to be a backup dancer for divas like Beyoncé certainly speaks volumes about his talent.

He actually started acting in 04, mostly in dance-related roles, and has since appeared in more than 20 films. He even starred in "Crazy Rich Asians", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2", and "Instant Universe", which won multiple Oscars!
Drop drop!
Before he even arrived at his dance studio, Cen Yongkang's phone suddenly rang.

Although he was born in 82, he looks very sunny and youthful, which may be related to his long-term practice of breakdancing.

He's a very cheerful person, doesn't have tattoos, and isn't into hip-hop; his profession as an actor still makes him very restrained.

"An unfamiliar call?"

Cen Yongkang usually speaks English. He muttered to himself for a moment, then swiped his phone to answer the call.

"Hey Harry, lucky lad, I'm Steven Winger, casting director for The Dark Knight!"

"The Dark Knight?!"

Cen Yongkang was startled by this title.

Just kidding, this movie has been a household name in North America, not just globally, for the past two years.

Young people, in particular, have watched it several times.

There have been fewer than 50 blockbuster films in history that have grossed over $10 billion worldwide.

Cen Yongkang even picked up his phone and glanced at the call, feeling a bit incredulous... Yes, although he had made a name for himself in the Asian community, movies like "Step Up 2" and "The Dark Knight" were like ants compared to elephants in terms of scale.

They are not even in the same league.

Hollywood has very strict regulations for producing blockbusters.

If The Dark Knight was a Super S-level investment, then Step Up 2 is a B-level investment.

There are several gears in between.

"Yes, you may not know me, but let me introduce myself. I was the one who handled the casting for Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' and the upcoming 'The Dark Knight Rises'!"

When Steven Wenger said this, he was not at all proud; in fact, he seemed quite indifferent.

But it was precisely this confident tone that made Cen Yongkang gasp.

"Oh... Mr. Wenger!"

He stretched out his hand and stood by the roadside, less than a kilometer from the studio, but he stopped and needed to catch his breath.

"I am Cen Yongkang!"

Cen Yongkang emphasized it again, and Wenger on the other end of the phone couldn't help but laugh. He could hear the excitement in Cen Yongkang's voice.

He can understand it too.

Any not-so-famous scoundrel would be amazed when they hear about a movie like "The Dark Knight".

This movie is so famous.

Arsène Wenger could rest on his laurels for the entire film he made, based solely on the casting of this one movie; it is the strongest proof of his resume.

However, Wenger is clearly not someone who is content with the status quo.

He wanted to serve every producer well, even the outsider Chen Jin.

He had looked up the young man's information; he was the owner of the largest film company in China, young and promising, and definitely a strong contender for the Forbes Young Person of the Year list. With such frequent exchanges between the Chinese and American film industries, Wenger still felt this was an opportunity.

Moreover, David and Chad have a very good relationship with him; they've known each other since the days of The Matrix.

"I know there's a movie that needs you to audition!"

Steven Wenger was speaking, and Cen Yongkang was clearly very excited.

He knew, of course, that the casting director's call was about an audition, but hearing it from his own ears still felt a little unreal.

"Listen, do you know Jin Chan?"

"Or... have you heard of the Chinese actress 'Chen Jin'?"

Wenger shouted loudly, and even said Chen Jin's Chinese name.

"Chen...Jin?"

Cen Yongkang blinked, and after thinking for a few seconds, he suddenly realized what was going on, and his voice rose slightly: "Chen Jin? The lead actress in 'The Flower of War,' the Chinese film that's currently showing in North America?"

"Hyougo, congratulations, you got it right!"

Wenger laughed: "He has a new film and needs a lead actor, a fairly substantial role, and he's looking to recruit a Chinese actor!"

"Oh, by the way, the male lead in this movie is still Bale!"

"Bale, the Batman from 'The Dark Knight'!"

Wenger emphasized it again, and Cen Yongkang had calmed down by then.

Christian Bale!
Is he the male lead in Chen Jin's new film?
Is this the movie I'm auditioning for?
A lot of information flashed through Cen Yongkang's mind, and he quickly said, "Okay, okay, I have time. When is the audition?"

Do you have an email address?

"I'll send you some information and key points about the audition for the role!"

"OK!"

Cen Yongkang was very decisive and quickly gave his email address. After hanging up the phone, he still felt like he was dreaming.

The whole person felt dizzy.

Wenger, of course, didn't stand on ceremony with him. He basically said what he needed to say and hung up the phone directly. But Cen Yongkang stood there and waved his arms fiercely at the sky several times. He knew... his luck might be about to change.

A better chance to become famous than Step Up 2!

"Step Up 2" brought him into the spotlight of the Asian entertainment industry, making him a member of the niche Hollywood scene for the first time.

Asian-related films and casting are all done through this circle.

Otherwise, Wenger wouldn't have had his information.

It was because of this movie that he was able to be seen by more Hollywood filmmakers.

Now, we've finally reached a higher level.

I definitely have to seize this hard-won opportunity.

"Yes, yes!"

Cen Yongkang was so excited that he kept pumping his fist until his phone beeped with an email notification. He had his doubts about the authenticity of the call, but seeing the incredibly professional audition invitation and the stamp of the Screen Actors Guild of Hollywood confirmed his suspicions.

However, he still needs to find someone to confirm it.

He doesn't know Steven Wenger, but there's someone who definitely does.

It's always good to ask more questions.

These days, even Americans aren't safe; scammers are rampant.

After rushing into his dance studio, he immediately made a phone call to the director of "Step Up".

Zhu Haowei!
He will become a very famous Chinese-American director in Hollywood in the future.

He directed films such as G.I. Joe, Crazy Rich Asians, Now You See Me 2, and the Wicked series.

Cen Yongkang stars in "Step Up 2," which is his first feature film directed three years ago. In his early years, he directed music videos and short films. He is a graduate of the Southern California Film School and has no connections, so he had to start from the bottom.

"Step Up 2" is not the first film he has worked with Cen Yongkang. They had worked together before, so they have a good relationship in private.

Before they became famous, directors and actors were just ordinary workers.

"Hey Harry, did you hear the news?"

As soon as the call connected, Zhu Haowei laughed.

"Ok?"

Cen Yongkang was stunned for a moment, and asked in surprise, "You...you knew?"

"Did Justin Bieber tell you that?"

Cen Yongkang: "???"

What and what?

What does this have to do with Justin Bieber?

Although I did work as a backup dancer at his concerts a few times, we weren't familiar with each other.

The other party is a global pop music superstar, so it's impossible for us to be familiar with him. We just think he dances well and enhances his stage presence.

"Haha, Bieber asked me to make his autobiography documentary and asked you to be his backup dancer!"

Zhu Haowei thought it was about this matter.

Cen Yongkang quickly said, "Jon, I didn't call you about this!"

"Oh? What is that?"

The key question is, wouldn't this guy have some emotional reaction if he heard something like this?

This is Justin Bieber, the world's most sought-after child prodigy. His documentary invites you to play a role; most people would have jumped for joy.

If Chen Jin were here, she might also tell him the untold BL story between Puff Daddy and Bieber.

"There's a casting director I'd like to ask if you know him!"

"Steven Wenger, he said 'The Dark Knight'—"

"Who?"

Zhu Haowei's voice on the other end of the phone became noticeably louder: "Steven Wenger?!"

"Yes, that's what he told me..."

"Oh, shit!"

Zhu Haowei was visibly astonished: "You're kidding me, right? Aren't you?"

I'm not only afraid that my brother will have a hard time, but I'm also afraid that my brother will drive a Land Rover.

The greatest harm is to oneself when one's own brother is doing well.

"Forehead……"

Cen Yongkang gave an awkward laugh and said, "He said there's a new film that needs me to audition for a role—"

"enough!"

"Who is the lead actor and producer?!"

Jon M. Chu only wanted to know this: "Luckily, The Dark Knight Rises has already finished filming, otherwise I would really be afraid that you would be acting opposite Bale!"

Cen Yongkang: "..."

"How...how did you know that Bale is the male lead in this new movie?"

"what?"

Zhu Haowei thought Cen Yongkang was joking and chuckled, "Right? I've dreamed of Bale being the male lead in my new movie!"

"such a pity……"

Jon M. Chu shrugged: "I've inquired. Bale is currently filming a movie about factory workers and has been losing weight for several months!"

"Really, Jon!"

"That's what the casting director, Wenger, told me. Bale is the male lead, but the producer and another lead actor are Chinese, Chen Jin. They worked together on 'The Flower of War,' which is currently showing in theaters!"

"Not Harry, did Wenger really say that?"

Zhu Haowei's current state of mind is exactly the same as Cen Yongkang's when he received the call—he doesn't believe a single word of the title.

"Yes, he told me himself, and he even sent me an audition letter with the Hollywood Screen Actors Guild stamp on it, along with the audition time and location..."

"..."

Zhu Haowei opened his mouth, but for a moment, he couldn't say anything.

Bell and Chen Jin, *The Flower of War*?
Of course he knew about this movie; he rushed to the theater to see it as soon as it was released. The movie has already grossed over $2500 million in its opening weekend in North America, and it is predicted that it will eventually reach $6000 million in North America.

The entire Chinese community has been discussing this film for some time now.

Unexpectedly, someone close to me... was able to connect with the lead actor in this movie?

"Jon, Jon?"

Cen Yongkang was shouting, and Zhu Haowei took a deep breath before his voice returned to normal: "Harry, congratulations!"

"Thank you!"

"I...I really came here to verify this casting information, I'm afraid it's a scam..."

Cen Yongkang said somewhat embarrassedly.

"I know!"

"Send me the audition notification letter; it should be real!"

As a director, Jon M. Chu knew more information than Cen Yongkang: "I actually started paying attention to Chen Jin last year. She's been filming in North America, and it seems her new film is related to relativity!"

"I never expected that this movie I'm about to film would be a collaboration with Bale!"

"If it's him, then the information is actually more credible, because only Chinese people would hire Chinese actors to make movies!"

This statement is actually quite heartbreaking.

In fact, white people rarely hire Chinese Americans to act in movies, unless it's a Chinese American director, a Chinese American investor, or a film that genuinely needs Asian actors.

"You have a very good chance of getting the role!"

"If there's no competition from white actors, since he contacted Wenger to get you involved, it's highly likely he's already decided to cast you..."

Jon M. Chu is speaking from a director's perspective.

"Keep it up, do your best!"

"Maybe... I'll have to follow Chen Jin in the future!"

(End of this chapter)