I'm not a drama freak, I can really see through the script

Chapter 203, Bullshit! People in the martial world are not free to choose their own path—

Galaxy Images.

This film, heavily supported by the Heung family and spearheaded by Heung Wa-keung and Du Qifeng, is a funeral for the old era.

Basically, many of the big stars who were able to be invited were doing so because of Mr. Xiang's influence.

Some of the older generation are different. Some of them used to be very powerful and influential, but now they can't even afford to eat.

"Mr. Xiang, do you still reminisce about the days in Longcheng?"

"No," Xiang Huaqiang said calmly. "Back then, it was precisely because of the British's unscrupulous control that fertile ground for gangs was created. If you could make money through legitimate means, who would want to kill people or be killed? Everyone in the underworld has no choice but to follow the crowd."

Du Qifeng nodded. Although he had never been to the real Jianghu (martial arts world), everyone in the Jianghu had told him the same thing: "Once you're in the Jianghu, you're not in control of your own destiny."

I was forced into it.

"Mr. Xiang, I'm going to test two people this time to see who is more like a 'Jianghu person,' so I won't be having tea with you."

"Oh? Who?"

"Gu Tianle, there's another person you might not know, named Li Xuan."

"Li Xuan."

Although Gu Tianle is considered a newcomer to film, he is still a leading man and TV king in Hong Kong. Back then, "A Step into the Past" was a huge hit. He rose to fame overnight with three roles: "The Return of the Condor Heroes", "Ordinary People", and "A Step into the Past".

Compared to characters who advance through the ranks normally, these "geniuses" who rise to the top in one step clearly have a greater advantage in the industry.

We can't completely treat them as newcomers anymore.

However, on the other hand, those who have actually acted on the big screen have a slight advantage.

All I can say is that, in this role, we're barely on the same starting line.

"How about I go with you?" Xiang Huaqiang said to Du Qifeng. "I'd also like to meet this young man."

In fact, whether it's Gu Tianle or Li Xuan, they are both very minor figures in Xiang Huaqiang's world of fame and fortune. They are the kind of people who are indispensable.

What makes Li Xuan special is the relationship between Xiang Huaqiang and Zhou Xingxing—a love-hate relationship, or as some might say.

I want him to be doing well, but I don't want him to be doing too well.

It's now very clear that Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle" is excellent. Although he didn't make a penny, this is definitely the second step he has taken to dominate the film market.

From "Shaolin Soccer" to "Kung Fu".

He has already proven his abilities; there's no need for exaggerated performance-based agreements or harsh profit-sharing schemes anymore. He's truly poised to become a force to be reckoned with.
Along with "Kung Fu Hustle," he also saw that young man named Li Xuan.

He has a lot of drive.

A burst of energy.

A feeling that arouses curiosity.

"Your curiosity?" Du Qifeng was slightly taken aback and said, "This mainland kid actually aroused your curiosity."

"Hmm, thinking about it carefully, this isn't the first time I've heard this name."

The last time was when Cheung Pak-chi from "Running on Karma" and his conflict led to Charles Heung permanently blacklisting an artist.

The second time was with "The Twins Effect," which was touted as the only bright spot in this utterly terrible movie.

The third time is this time with "Kung Fu".

Every time his name appears in President Xiang's eyes, it takes on a completely new and refreshing appearance.

Each time he appeared before Xiang Huaqiang, his status rose, from an unnamed character to the now-famous Fire Cloud Evil God, each time a completely new person appeared.

Who exactly is this person?

His rise to fame seems to be faster than that of other second-generation film stars in his own industry.

Take Xie Jinfeng, who is highly regarded, for example. When he played the lead role in "Gen-X Special Police", he was already the male lead. At that time, Li Xuan's resume was still blank.

But now...

It seems that he has been chasing after us all the way.

Looking back, Xiang Huaqiang was somewhat slow to realize that, not to mention compared to those who rose to the top in one step, his speed was no slower than theirs!
Moreover, it seems that he is developing both film and television careers.

This makes him seem even more impressive.

Even more monstrous.

This makes people even more curious.

"Just because of this, do you want to come with me to see it?"

"If it's convenient for you, Director Du."

"What's the inconvenience?"

"It's also to satisfy my curiosity. I probably won't interfere with your choice of role," Xiang Huaqiang said calmly.

At this moment, Du Qifeng was somewhat surprised.

To be honest, he felt that this audition was just a formality. Gu Tianle had too many advantages. Putting aside all the status filter, this Gu Tianle really had been a small-time gangster and came from the gangster era.

Bringing Xiang Huaqiang along only means that Li Xuan has even less of a chance at this audition.

Although this guy is very charming and even made Andy Lau infatuated, some things are just right and some things are not. Some people are just born with advantages.

That's someone else's real life, while you're just acting, so the realism is lacking.

We've arrived in Hong Kong at this very moment.

These buildings were constructed in the 1960s and 70s, and some of the high-rises are even better than those in mainland China today. They are basically the most prosperous and advanced places Li Xuan has ever been to.

That's true at least in this era.

It's just that it's this era that's somewhat poignant.

What an advanced and developed old era!

No wonder some people are so fascinated by him and miss him so much that even now, a director wants to make a funeral film about him from the old days.

Yes, "Election" is a funeral for the old era.

When Li Xuan arrived at the audition location, he was surprised to find it was a tea restaurant.

It really is a specialty tea restaurant with Du Qifeng, serving milk tea, pineapple buns, and slightly greasy dishcloths.

There are also half-open roller shutters.

Two mobile offices, the same model as Chan Ho-nam's, were parked at the entrance.

Goodness, this is really good, the flavor is just right.

Gu Tianle had arrived early and seemed to have been chatting with Du Qifeng for some time, but he still looked a little nervous and awkward. After all, the person next to him was Director Du, a great director who had brought gangster films to their peak.

He is also the boss of Galaxy Impression, and he himself is the capital. Even Gu Tianle, as a TV King, is bound to be a little nervous.

Of course, it's not just because of Director Du.

Beside him was another person, one of the underground emperors who had ruled Hong Kong for twenty years and dominated this land. The mobile offices outside the door, like those of Chan Ho-nam, were probably Mr. Heung's personal collection. Inside were his bodyguards. Perhaps because of his years of rigorous martial arts training (even in the simulator!), Li Xuan vaguely felt that many eyes were watching him.

Most people experience a lot of pressure, just like Gu Tianle, who feels incredibly stressed.

And this Mr. Xiang was looking at Li Xuan.

When he looked at Li Xuan, he smiled slightly and nodded.

Li Xuan responded with a smile.

Xiang Huaqiang was somewhat surprised by this first impression.

This young man is interesting.

He wasn't afraid of himself at all.

Neither humble nor arrogant, right?
Actually, he misunderstood Li Xuan. Li Xuan just felt that although Li Xuan's bodyguards looked fierce and menacing, he wasn't afraid if they all rushed at him at once.

Self-confidence.

Originating from strength, your modern strength comes from money and power. Li Xuan felt that his self-confidence should come from his fists.

Therefore, practicing martial arts is also a good way to cultivate self-confidence.

"I didn't expect that."

At this moment, Du Qifeng looked at Li Xuan. Even now, seeing this former extra still evoked some emotions in him. In such a short time, he had grown up to be who he is now.

Perhaps, in retrospect, he was still a nobody.

But that was from his and Xiang Huaqiang's perspective; they are both figures who can shake up the Hong Kong entertainment industry with a single step.

It's all capital.

Moreover, for Du Qifeng, Li Xuan's growth really happened in the blink of an eye.

Of course, feelings of regret are just feelings.

The important thing now is still the auditions, and deciding who will play Jimmy, the gangster.

"The audition rules are very simple. We'll give you two scripts. You just need to take the script and act out the role you envision."

"I don't need to read the script."

At this moment, Gu Tianle went to the restroom, and then came out carrying a milk tea.
Instantly, he gets into character, and his eyes instantly become "timid," "cautious," and "cowardly."

Such pitiful people are forced into gangs because they have no choice in the matter.

The feeling of being caught in the web of life, unable to control one's own destiny.

I just want to live a good life; it's all because of the times that have forced me to. These are all choices I had to make because I wanted to live a good life in this era.

That means you can only associate with gangsters.

The pain and entanglement were unbearable; it's clear that Gu Tianle was playing himself.

Du Qifeng, there is a certain feeling.

It should be him.

There's no reason why this role shouldn't be his—that sense of realism.
Because he had experienced this part of his life.

He... really, that genuine and real feeling.

Realism and immersion.

Gu Tianle truly possesses these qualities.
"People in the arena involuntarily."

At this moment, Xiang Huaqiang pondered deeply and said, "He really did experience that period of his life."

"Yes, the real-life experience gave him an unparalleled sense of immersion, making him truly deserving of the role."

To be honest, Gu Tianle's performance was not surprising to Li Xuan.

That painful and immature experience became Gu Tianle's weapon, allowing him to deeply immerse himself in the role and truly connect with the character in "Election".

This work can actually be considered the first shot in Gu Tianle's rise to fame.

Starting with this film, Gu Tianle began to make a name for himself in the film industry, and this role can be considered crucial to his official rise to fame.

I am standing at a crossroads in Gu Zai's life—and I don't even know if I can achieve anything with this role.

Gu Zai acted very well because his real life and the genuine sense of immersion he created were an interpretation of his past life. Theoretically speaking, when filming, his starting point was the same as his own.

It's simply about simulating life using a simulator.

Gu Tianle's life story is based on real experiences.

Li Xuan recalled watching "Election" in his previous life.

Louis Koo, your acting is really good.

At that time, he was still the object of my admiration, and I only wished that when I was shining brightly, I could have some of his power.

Now, I am standing at the crossroads of his life.

Who is better suited to portray this role, me or Louis Koo?
Ultimately, your understanding of the character is what matters most in your own simulator.

My understanding of the role of a gangster.

At this moment, Li Xuan pondered for a moment.
"Isn't that me?"

Liu Jianming's voice seemed to ring out.

Li Xuan thought for a moment and shook his head.

No, it's not you.

Unlike you, you were destined to be a golden carp, not something that could be confined to a pond.

Unlike 'him'.

Not everyone is connected to 'most' people; not everyone can be both legal and illegal.

But 'Jamie' is different; he really is different.

Upon closer examination, he is a typical example of someone caught in the web of power and unable to control his own destiny—a tragedy created by the times.

The feeling that "one is caught in the web of life, unable to control one's own destiny" is also what Gu Tianle wants to portray.
Perhaps in their eyes, this is the true meaning of the martial arts world.

Li Xuan, an outsider who had never been involved in the martial arts world.

How could I possibly understand these things?

"This can be considered as dissecting my past wounds..."

In fact, Gu Tianle didn't like that past.

For Gu Tianle, that past period was a time of wandering.

Now, the prodigal son has returned, but looking back, he realizes the past is gone.

It's still painful.

Now, it's like opening up the wound, using this painful, gangster-like, and helpless past to seize the right to make movies, and to make up for the fact that he was not in control of his own destiny.

As the underlying tone of the character.

But for the sake of one's future, for one's prospects and for a bright future, all of that can be analyzed.

mere wound
This kind of sacrifice.

At this moment, he looked at Li Xuan next to him. Gu Tianle knew Li Xuan and was aware of this mainland figure, who became the biggest winner among the younger generation during the Spring Festival season.

Besides offending capital.
To be honest, that's why Gu Tianle paid so much attention to Li Xuan—he was a little envious of Li Xuan.

As one of TVB's former pillars, he has a deep understanding of capital contracts, and even now he is considered a free agent, without a management company.

TVB is really despicable.

That's really smart. They didn't sign those big-capital contracts in the first place, and yet they've gotten to where they are now.

A bright and talented young actor.

Gu Tianle felt that after defeating him this time, he should probably treat him to a drink.

As fellow 'grassroots' individuals, we should have a lot in common.

but now.

We are rivals.

I am an opponent you cannot defeat!

After Gu Tianle demonstrated his understanding of the character, Du Qifeng felt that it perfectly matched his own preferences.

This is his ideal image of a gangster.
No one understands the image of the underworld better than him. He doesn't have the overly bossy feel of Simon Yam or Leung Ka-fai—even if you asked them to play gangsters, they wouldn't be able to pull it off. He just stands there and exudes the aura of a boss.

"Actually, this result is normal. After all, Gu Tianle is a native of Hong Kong. He has truly experienced this era and that era. No matter what, the feeling that a person portrays is different from that of someone who has not experienced it."

At this moment, Xiang Huaqiang also spoke.
I'd give it an 8 out of 10.

"Eight points, where are the other two points deducted?"

"Well, how should I put it? I feel like I should deduct two points." Xiang Huaqiang paused for a moment, "But it's not a big deal."

It is indeed harmless, because from various perspectives...

Even Li Xuan couldn't get this score.
no way.
at this time.

Li Xuan had also finished reading the script. He had a minute to prepare, and then, just like Gu Tianle, he came out of the restroom with a cup of milk tea and a pineapple bun in his hand. He looked just like the character Gu Tianle wanted to portray.

Du Qifeng subconsciously felt that this was the end of the world. How could you possibly express yourself better than Gu Tianle in the same way?

He's a legitimate gangster, he has a certain air about him, you're just a normal person.
Um.
But something seems off.

Just as Du Qifeng was about to say something, Xiang Huaqiang, who was standing next to him, stared intently at Li Xuan as he walked out.

Similarly, he was cowardly and timid. As a fish ball vendor, in the social atmosphere of the time, if he didn't become a gangster, he probably wouldn't even be able to afford to eat. Is it true that when you're in the underworld, you can't help yourself?
At first, Du Qifeng thought that Li Xuan wanted to express the feeling that people in the martial arts world are not free to do as they please, and that they are forced to join the gang.

but..
Beneath the cowardice, timidity, and emotions expressed by Gu Tianle lies another emotion.

That was a gaze exchanged with Xiang Qiang.

This is a play that Gu Tianle didn't do.

It's that gaze that's projected.

Li Xuan stared at Xiang Qiang, giving him an extra look compared to Gu Tianle.

That look in her eyes was filled with longing—

You, Mr. Xiang, are really impressive.

It was a longing, and also a subtle, hidden desire deep within feelings of inferiority and timidity.

Xiang Huaqiang saw and caught that look in his eyes.

Then, Mr. Xiang smiled.

"Damn it, that's really something."

While laughing.

He was cursing at the same time.

Du Qifeng was puzzled as to why President Xiang, who usually had a stable temperament, was suddenly swearing.

result.

Xiang Huaqiang.

The insult wasn't directed at Li Xuan.
What a naughty child! He precisely tore this thing open, exposing it to everyone's view.

There's no such thing as someone in the martial world who has no choice in what they do.

Making this choice was not something I had no choice in.

In this age of people eating each other, I want to be the one who is truly human.
"Very good. Louis Koo's acting is spot on."

(End of this chapter)