Abstract Art Award Winner

"No problem, Director Kong can contact me when the time comes. I can play any role that suits me."

Zhou Le verbally agreed, but didn't completely rule it out, because he added a condition that the role was suitable. In other words, if the role wasn't suitable, it definitely wouldn't work, and the suitability of the role had many implications.

First, the characters in the script were poorly developed; second, the billing order was too low.

Zhou Le thought that if things came to his head, he might end up being a nobody, just some minor character.

They would be better off spending that time on more variety shows.

Kong Sheng naturally understood the implication and then continued, "Our company is currently working on a film and is still in the casting stage. We need someone with exceptional acting skills for the male lead, so I'd like to ask if Yin Zheng has the time. If so, we could have him audition."

Zhou Le was surprised that the other party had come prepared: "Sure, Director Kong, are you directing this film?"

"No, I'm going to be in the second part of 'Like a Flowing River' soon. The director of this show is Director Sun Molong, who is quite experienced. He used to be a cinematographer, but back in 14 he co-directed 'Our Parents' Love' with me, which won the Feitian Award."

We have a pretty good relationship. If Yin Zheng is available, I'll have him contact him.

"Let's get in touch first. We just finished working together on a movie, but I haven't asked about his upcoming plans yet. We can talk about it first."

“Okay, then I’ll talk to Mo Long. But don’t worry, Zhou Le, the pay here will definitely be right. Besides, his temperament is really suitable for that movie.”

After that, Zhou Le stopped paying attention to the matter. Once the second part of "Like a Flowing River" started filming, he worked overtime to catch up on the recording.

Since everyone was already familiar with each other, and Kong Sheng knew Zhou Le's abilities, most of the shots were completed in one take. Even if there was a cut, it was because the actor Zhou Le was acting opposite wasn't performing well enough.

However, most of the actors in this drama have some kind of background or connections, so Kong Sheng couldn't really criticize them. But privately, he would always say that if everyone had Zhou Le's acting skills and abilities, it would only take two or three months to film such a TV series.

"Zhou Le's acting is indeed good. Compared to the first part, he has also made some changes in the character development. You can see from many details that Song Yunhui, whom he plays, has grown up and is now a more mature factory director."

Kong Sheng has never been stingy with his praise for Zhou Le.

Although his participation in this film represented the company's ideas and plans, personally, he really hoped that Zhou Le would be the male lead in every film.

Otherwise, filming with those annoying actors would mean having to film eight different scenes every night.

Zhou Le also felt that he was doing well in Kong Sheng's film crew; at least the food was quite good.

Even if you compare it to all the film crews he's worked on before, the food on Kong Sheng's film crew would still be among the best.

"Sigh, Director Kong, you really found a great chef. If it weren't for the film festival, I really wouldn't want to go out. Since joining the crew, I've eaten out less often."

Zhou Le said from the bottom of his heart.

"Haha, then let's work together more in the future. Right now, none of the dramas I have on hand are really suitable for you. Otherwise, I would move my bed to the company boss's door and make him agree to let you act in them."

Kong Sheng was indeed very kind to Zhou Le, and Zhou Le knew this, so even when talking to others, he would never say anything bad about Kong Sheng.

Just as Zhou Le was about to leave the group, he received a call from Yin Zheng.

"Hello, Mr. Zhou, are you busy?"

"Brother Zheng, you're slapping me in the face! What President Zhou? When did our relationship become so cold?"

"Haha, you're the boss, so it's not an exaggeration to call you President Zhou. But I'm calling this time to ask you about the drama that Daylight Entertainment filmed. Sun Molong sent me the script, and I've taken a look at it. The script is indeed very well written, and the character portrayals are also very impressive."

I really wanted to take the role, but I felt some of the plot points might be controversial. Although the handling was fine, with the internet so prevalent these days, I was worried it would affect my career path.

Zhou Le hadn't discussed the specifics of the script with Kong Sheng before, so he couldn't help but ask, "What kind of script is it? What's the story about?"

"It's about a man in his thirties who suffers all sorts of setbacks in life. He's diagnosed with cancer, lost his job, and his family life is unhappy. Basically, everything is going wrong for him. These plot points are portrayed quite realistically. However, some of the later plot points might be accused of creating gender antagonism. That's my only concern."

Afterwards, Zhou Le learned more about how the script was written later, and thought about it after listening.

"To be honest, because I've been exposed to a lot of cyberbullying, I dare say that once you finish filming this, it will definitely be discussed, and the amount of discussion will definitely be huge. It all depends on you. If you portray the character well enough, it will actually be an improvement for you personally."

Sometimes, don't be afraid of too much pacing, because you're the character in the play, and in truth, you're the victim.

Yin Zheng listened to these words and thought about it for a while: "Well, then I'll still go and act in it. I really like this script. First, it's produced by Daylight Entertainment, and second, the subject matter is very much in line with the current online environment. I feel that this show will definitely be a hit."

"Okay, let's go film it then. Daylight Entertainment has actually done a pretty good job in this regard. Even if we get criticized, most of the criticism will probably be directed at the director and screenwriter."

After persuading Yin Zheng to take on the role, Zhou Le took the high-speed train to Shanghai.

This time, I'm attending the Tokyo International Film Festival, and there are two films that are closely related to me.

So Jiaozi and Guo Fan arrived in Shanghai ahead of time. Jiaozi brought Gong Ge'er with her, while Guo Fan brought Zhou Le and Zhao Jinmai.

As for "The Captain," the journey will start from Beijing, and Zhou Le, who plays the second male lead, is not considered a main character, so he will not travel with them.

"Xiao Zhao looks a bit taller. Did he bring his homework with him this time?"

"I brought it with me, Brother Le. I originally wanted to go empty-handed, but when my mom heard that I was going on a business trip with you, she insisted that I bring my homework and textbooks. They're so heavy they're killing me."

"It's good that you brought it. Don't think that your parents are nagging about your studies. It's already great that they let you come out to participate in the film festival. I had some classmates who were very talented in their own areas, but they didn't stick with it because their parents didn't understand."

At this moment, Guo Fan said from the side, "However, sometimes even if you persevere, you may not be able to get ahead. Most of those who study fine arts do not become illustrators. They just work as designers in some companies. Many of those who study music or performance have already switched to becoming full-time emcees."

"Director Guo, don't discourage young people like that. I think Xiao Zhao still has a bright future. At least she has laid a solid foundation now," Dumpling comforted her from the side.

But when Zhou Le looked at Guo Fan and Jiaozi, he noticed that both of them had a lot more gray hair and were much thinner than when they first met.

"Where have you two been? Why have you gotten so thin?"

Zhou Le asked.

"Hey, stop talking. We were just chatting before you came. We're both preparing for the sequel. First, it costs more money than before, and we have to manage the whole project well. Second, the previous results are there for all to see. If we don't do well in the next one, our reputation will collapse. So we're worried." "Sigh, I can't help you with your problem at all. Besides providing some financial assistance, there's nothing else I can do to help."

"It's alright, as long as Mr. Zhou gives us the money, that's enough. Neither of us are greedy people."

Dumpling smiled knowingly at Guo Fan.

Seeing this, Zhou Le instinctively clutched his wallet, wondering if Jiaozi was going to follow Guo Fan's bad example. Aside from one working in animation and the other in science fiction, the two weren't that different.

But then I thought, the success of the first film means they won't lack money for the second one.

However, when the topic actually came up, Zhou Le realized that the two of them were still in different situations.

Guo Fan certainly doesn't lack investment. He's now backed by China Film Group, which has already committed 300 million yuan. Guo Fan can figure out the rest himself. With his own investment, Wu Jing's investment, and some other companies' investment, he'll have more than enough to make the second film.

But it's different with dumplings. Although the first film was a huge success in terms of both critical acclaim and box office, very few companies were actually willing to invest in it.

Because the dumpling company is not large, large companies want to invest and take shares, and some companies want to use under-the-table contracts, inflate costs, and take kickbacks, but the dumpling company has not agreed to any of them.

So far, Enlight Media has invested 80 million, Jiaozi has contributed over 100 million, and Wanda and Tencent have each symbolically invested 30 million.

But according to the dumpling's plan, this amount of money is simply not enough.

Of the six companies currently involved, two are owned by Jiaozi itself, and two are owned by Enlight Media.

"That's strange, why wouldn't they make money if they could?"

Zhou Le said this, but he didn't find it strange at all.

After all, Wu Jing did not make "Wolf Warrior 3" after so many years since "Wolf Warrior 2" became a box office hit.

In addition to her insistence on having dumplings, she was isolated by many people in the film industry.

After all, a white lotus suddenly emerging from a murky place is always particularly eye-catching.

"It's okay, don't worry. I'll make up the difference no matter how much it costs. Just do your work. Make sure to polish the parts that need polishing. Don't worry about the money. Even if you run out of money, I can just borrow from someone else."

Guo Fan knew Zhou Le's personality; once he set his mind on something, he would do everything in his power to help.

"Yes, we should stick close to our Boss Zhou. He's the kind of person who, once he sets his mind on someone, will find a way to give us 150 yuan even if he only has 100 yuan."

Zhao Jinmai sat quietly to the side, listening to the others talk about huge projects worth hundreds of millions of yuan, without daring to say a word.

Only after we finished discussing that topic did she ask, "Is Japan fun? I've seen pictures of it online before, and I'd like to travel there, but I don't have time because I'm studying every day."

"It's alright. Isn't there a Disneyland over there? I heard it's quite interesting, a bit different from the ones here. I can take you there sometime."

"Hehe, thanks, Brother Le. I'll follow you from now on."

"Yes, but it's always better to be careful when traveling abroad."

They were going to stay there for another day, but Yu Shuxin also came over in the evening. Although she barely appeared in the first movie, she was now with the "Wandering Earth" crew. With Guo Fan not around, the "Wandering Earth 2" crew was naturally free.

In addition, since the performances at the theater had already ended, she wanted to go with the cast and crew for a vacation.

"MaiMai, let me tell you, Japan is quite interesting. I've been there many times. I'll show you around properly when we get there."

After Yu Shuxin arrived, Zhao Jinmai finally found someone to rely on. Although Zhou Le usually protected her and treated her like a younger sister, there are still differences between men and women, and there are some topics that are not suitable to discuss with Zhou Le.

But jokes aside, everyone stayed in their own rooms that night. Yu Shuxin took advantage of the fact that no one was looking and went to stay at Zhou Le's place for the night.

In the morning, Zhou Le woke up first and patted Yu Shuxin.

"It's getting late, time to get up."

Yu Shuxin then woke up groggily.

Actually, Yu Shuxin looks somewhat different before and after makeup, but Zhou Le got used to it after everyone got used to it.

He thought Yu Shuxin was nice, not just because of her looks, but more because he liked her personality.

"Oh, it's getting late, Brother Le. I'll head back now."

Yu Shuxin packed her things and quietly returned to her room.

Around noon, the group set off by car for the airport.

Zhou Le ate at the airport first, and then ate another meal on the plane.

To be fair, the first-class service on international flights is indeed excellent, and the food is also delicious.

"Zhou Le, do you know that you're actually quite famous overseas?"

Zhou Le shook his head: "I can't be. I've hardly ever been abroad or had much contact with foreign countries."

"You don't have to go out, but that doesn't affect the spread of your work. Apart from Cheng Long and Zhang Ziyi, who are more popular with the older generation, younger people either like handsome men or good-looking actors with great acting skills."

You've got both of those advantages, and besides, you did the voice acting for "Ne Zha" this year. Although the Japanese version wasn't yours, many cinemas showed the Chinese version with Japanese dialogue, which further solidified your place in the anime/manga community.

"Is this okay?"

"Of course, someone in Japan did a survey on the most popular Chinese people across all age groups in Japan. The first was Mr. Lu Xun, the second was Zhuge Liang, the third was Cheng Long, and then Sun Wukong and Lü Bu. But you were ranked sixth, and then Fan Binbin, Angelababy and Huang Zitao."

At this point, Guo Fan asked mysteriously, "But do you know who's ranked tenth?" (End of Chapter)