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

Chapter 259, Huang Xiaoming, you must always be in Li Xuan's superior position!
That kind of status became blatantly obvious before our eyes.

On set and at the dinner table, this amiable and handsome older man held a very high position.

Seeing that kind of status with his own eyes made Li Xuan realize it clearly.

This time, knowing it for myself and seeing it with my own eyes, the feeling is absolutely different.

"Alright, let's go. Let me tell you, don't be fooled by Brother Long's current success. He used to have his hands held by guns while filming."

Tang Jili was also somewhat worried that Li Xuan might waver when he saw this scene.

It's not that just because we filmed and collaborated on a movie, we're on the same level. Our status is determined outside of the film crew.

Tang Jili wasn't trying to undermine Li Xuan's confidence; it's just that Li Xuan was too arrogant.

In this circle, being too tough or too soft will easily lead to losses.

Based on what I've heard so far, Li Xuan is talented enough, but he's too stubborn. He's also heard about the recent "Young Pioneers" incident.

I admire the drive of today's young people; they really do what they say they'll do.

But it's still too rigid. If this work and the companies in the Beijing entertainment circle had a reason to invest, share a percentage of the profits, and let them put in some people they wanted to promote, they could probably really make a fortune.

Now, it's like they're stealing food from their 'stall'.

If you steal people and food, others will definitely come after you.

Since the birth of the acting profession, it has been unequal from the beginning. Jackie Chan was no exception. Back when Shaw Brothers had a gangster background, there were cases where they would force you to make movies at gunpoint. Now it's just a small amount of exploitation. It's already a privilege of peacetime.

Always.

It has always been this way.

Look, even Brother Long was exploited back then, but look how successful he is now!
Tang Jili had originally hoped to see Li Xuan's emotions restrained, but that wasn't the case. Instead, Li Xuan was looking at Cheng Shilong with burning emotions in his eyes.

It is longing.

It seems they really haven't restrained themselves at all.

Not at all; on the contrary, they seemed quite interested.

Goodness, really goodness, they don't look upset at all.

On the contrary, there is a strange kind of confidence.

Is it because of his 'script comprehension' and 'talent'?

Along the way, Tang Jili had met many talented people.
Are you really that confident?

So arrogant?

At this time, Huang Xiaoming, who was at home in Beijing, was preparing to film "The Banquet," which would be his first film in the market.

He was very nervous, extremely nervous.
"Take a deep breath, you can do it. It's just a movie. This is a project I got because of my godfather. Paying this price requires resources."

Huang Xiaoming cherishes this opportunity—or rather, he cherishes every opportunity, every opportunity in the television and film industry.

He had a strong desire to climb the social ladder.

They wanted to stand out from the crowd, they wanted dignity.

He could never forget the evaluation of him in the industry. The "Three Musketeers" were called that because he had known the other two for a long time. Otherwise, they could have been called the "Two Musketeers".

He remembered this incident very, very deeply. It became his obsession.

Huang Xiaoming is not weak; in fact, he is an outstanding figure among his peers and one of the contemporary "Four Little Fresh Meat" (young male stars).

But for him, this was a limbo, not as good as Chen Kun and Zhao Yanzi, but often referred to as the "Three Musketeers".

that's it.

Exposed in front of others, the shame constantly assaulted him, and he was constantly being compared to others.

It has become a mental demon.

And now, there's another person, someone who always appears in his field of vision, and every time he appears, he gets depressed.

No, it's not exactly a demon, more like a knot in the heart.
Now that he knows that Huang Xiaoming is going to get the whole class to film a TV series, unlike others who say it is arrogant and foolish, he feels that this courage and ambition is indeed something that makes him a thorn in his side, and his impression of him has improved a lot.

But no matter what, Li Xuan was someone who made Huang Xiaoming feel uncomfortable and upset.

"How about it, have you thought about it?"

At this moment, standing in front of Huang Xiaoming was Wang Haiyang, a member of Huayi Brothers' talent agency department.
"I will consider you after I terminate my contract with Beiping Elements Company."

"No rush, this matter."

Wang Haiyang smiled. He was also very tolerant of companies within the same industry and didn't make demands.

Huang Xiaoming knew, of course, why they were so 'lenient'—it meant that he was still subject to the rules and wouldn't react like Li Xuan, who would react negatively if he didn't join.

Of course, these companies in the Beijing circle all hold shares in each other on behalf of others. That's why they are 'united'.

"This time, 'The Banquet' and 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' are based on the foundation of our Beijing film circle, and we will promote you well."

What do I need to give in return?

"Just focus on making good films and producing great works, and become the pride of the company."

Firstly, Huang Xiaoming does indeed have potential.

Secondly, he was seen as Li Xuan's 'promoter'.

Then, in the minds of the audience, there will be the feeling that Li Xuan is a low-budget version of Huang Xiaoming.

Once a stereotype is formed, one will only live in the shadow of that person.
Wang Haiyang's goal was to 'shape' Li Xuan into someone subordinate to Huang Xiaoming, thus establishing this preconceived notion.

Once these impressions are formed
It can be said that even if "The Young Pioneers" is successfully filmed and broadcast, if the impression of Huang Xiaoming as a low-budget actor is formed, the shadow it casts on his acting career will be an immeasurable mountain.

The plan is comprehensive and logically sound, and the goal is very simple: to deal with him and prevent him from getting up again from any angle.

We need to completely shut him down!
Huang Xiaoming is a perfect fit, being a head taller than him. He has the TV series "The Return of the Condor Heroes," which rivals his Gu Long drama "Chu Liuxiang," as well as "Lu Pan of Liaozhai," "The Story of A Bao," and his biggest trump card, the final installment of "The Emperor of Han Dynasty," a story of iron-blooded heroism.

It can be said that Huang Xiaoming's rise to fame all stemmed from "The Emperor of Han Dynasty," which can be considered his foundation, the basic nature of his roles, and his fundamental character.

Even his entire acting style originated from 'The Emperor of Han Dynasty'.

It was destined to be a big year for him.

How to lose?
Can't lose.

Huang Xiaoming did not object to this, allowing him to become his 'shadow'.

If you have to blame someone, blame your stubbornness and prejudice.

If we were classmates, we might have been the Four Musketeers!

But the cruel thing about this world is that there are no "what ifs".

At this time, Li Xuan, who was on the peninsula, was already preparing to go to Busan with Tang Jili and Cheng Shilong.

There was no trace of Cheng Shilong being the same person who had been so at ease at the dinner table last night, chatting and laughing with the bigwigs. Instead, he seemed more like a tourist just passing through, without any airs. At least, he had no airs towards Li Xuan.

"I was itching to spar with his bodyguard last night, but he politely declined. Do you know why? Oh no, no, no, I won't fight Cheng Shilong in a place with so much furniture. It would be too much of a loss for me."

"Hahahaha! You're invincible wherever there's furniture, Brother Long."

"That's ridiculously spicy."

"By the way, Li Xuan, after we go downstairs, the two of us will go and make preparations first. You can have some fun in Busan by yourself." Cheng Shilong looked at Li Xuan with great interest.

Li Xuan: Me? Busan?
I'm completely unfamiliar with this place!
"Don't worry, the tour guide has made all the arrangements for you. Or rather, the tour guide arranged himself for you, hahaha!"

Li Xuan was puzzled.

We joked and laughed all the way to Busan. After changing trains and getting off, we parted ways for the time being.

At this moment, Li Xuan also knew who the tour guide was: a person wearing a plain white dress, sunglasses, and a hat, whose face could be seen even through a mask.

"Xuan, I've been waiting for you for so long~"

The somewhat awkward Chinese was that Kim Sun-hee was Princess Ok-soo.

"Last time, you took me to visit the Terracotta Army; today, I'll take you to visit Busan."

"Your Chinese has become so good!"

Li Xuan was surprised that the tour guide was Kim Sun-hee, and that her Chinese had become incredibly fluent. Although she still had a regional accent, it was still impressive that she had mastered the language in such a short time.

At the very least, they are seriously studying Chinese culture.

"Hmm," Kim Sun-hee took off her hat and sunglasses and looked at the person in front of her.

The general's and the man's figures seemed to overlap somewhat.

It seemed to leave her a little stunned.

"Alright, I have some time anyway, so I'll just take a look around." Li Xuan cherished this peaceful time. In essence, he was here to broaden his horizons.

At this time, Kim Sun-hee accompanied Lee Heon, eating and drinking at the Jagachi Market and BIFF Plaza.
It was basically just eating—army stew and kimchi. Li Xuan had to maintain his composure to avoid throwing up.
"Why don't you take me to places with cultural heritage?"

“Our culture is derived from Chinese culture. There’s no point in taking you to places with those cultures,” Kim Sun-hee said with a smile. “It would be better to show you some of our local delicacies.”

The food here isn't very appealing either.

"How about you take me to a temple? There will be fewer people there."

"Hmm."

The main problem is that this stuff is really hard to eat.

Moreover, Kim Sun-hee is often recognized, after all, she is the number one beauty on the peninsula. This time, "The Myth" has directly created a peninsula goddess. In their home country, she is the biggest beneficiary this time.

She gained this level of popularity simply because of her 'beauty'.

Li Xuan was also recognized.

Terracotta Warriors, General Meng!
After arriving at the peninsula, I was even able to get autographs from female university students there.
Upon arriving at the ancient temple of Fanyu Temple, people calmed down considerably. Even when they recognized celebrities, they simply smiled slightly and made no further moves.

The combination of red leaves and cherry blossoms brings a sense of peace, and even Li Xuan was affected. He clasped his hands together, not in prayer, but perhaps for a feeling of tranquility.

That kind of calm, positive influence.

Sunset and dusk.

Kim Sun-hee was standing nearby, watching Lee Heon.

Looking at his profile.

Handsome, good-looking, and possessing a calmness completely different from that of General Meng, more like the one who took her to visit the Terracotta Army.

Bathed in moonlight, streetlights, red leaves, cherry blossoms, temples, and a gentle breeze.

Then Kim Sun-hee whispered something, but it was drowned out by the slight breeze and the sound of the temple bells.

Li Xuan: "I didn't hear what you said."

Kim Sun-hee smiled and gave the boy, who was younger than her, a playful smile.

"We speak a dialect from the peninsula—you wouldn't understand it."

"All right."

The next day, Li Xuan arrived at the Busan International Film Festival.

Category B film festivals, and among Asian film festivals, the Tokyo International Film Festival is the highest-ranking, with the Busan International Film Festival following closely behind. Both are considered high-profile and prestigious film festivals in Asia. 'International Film Festivals'

The word "international".
At this moment, Li Xuan was looking at the Eurasian faces presenting awards, among whom was Tang Jili. His film "The Myth" was not only nominated, but he himself, as the director, also received a film award in the "A Window on Asian Cinema" section.

Tang Jili was filmed and broadcast by various television stations on the Al Jazeera while he was on the podium.

When this award came into being and he received it, it meant that Tang Jili, as a director, had reached an international level.

International big shot.

What a wonderful title! For him, and for a director's career, it was an absolute milestone.

Every director has had this dream.

They have won over audiences both at home and abroad, creating works that are both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

This is also what directors of Zhang Yimou's caliber are pursuing today; they are not simply satisfied with being "number one in China".

It is a much broader market.

Ambitious.

Li Xuan knew this at that moment.

This is what that group of people were looking for, but it wasn't the Tokyo or Busan International Film Festivals they were after.

It's not Cannes, it's not the Oscars, it's the North American box office rankings.

For Li Xuan, this film festival was nothing more than a passing experience.

They might even be just there for the ride.

There were no awards, I was mentioned, and I wasn't featured on camera, but the significance was absolutely extraordinary. This time, my main purpose was truly to broaden my horizons.

I gained a lot of knowledge and witnessed the true status of 'international stars' and the status of top international stars.

It is indeed a bit beyond imagination. Although Chengshilong is an exception, it is enough to illustrate some things.

Tang Jili hasn't even finished claiming all the international and domestic honors he's achieved yet. As for things like cultural export and foreign exchange earnings, those are matters for him and his company to handle.

However, the Busan International Film Festival's 'international stage' didn't make Li Xuan lose his way. Even if he was lucky enough to see some top-notch scenery, it belonged to other people and had little to do with him. Li Xuan understood this clearly.

I won't act like some sales clerk who thinks she's rich just because she sees a wealthy person—wake up! That's someone else! It has nothing to do with you!

Before leaving, Kim Sun-hee even gave him an umbrella.
"You gave me an umbrella back then, so I'll give you one in return."

"Thank you."

He watched Li Xuan enter the boarding gate.

Kim Sun-hee hadn't left yet; she only looked up at the blue sky after the plane had taken off, a gentle breeze ruffling her skirt.
I put my sunglasses back on.

Next time, will you come to the peninsula, or will I go to China?

"We'll meet again, Meng Lixuan."

After returning to Beiping, the focus shifted to arranging the filming of "The Young Students," which was to be filmed in Hunan.

They even wanted to film at Hunan First Normal University, Yuelu College, and the former residence of Cai Sen. These places are not easy to apply for, so it was best to have the Beijing Film Academy negotiate. But the result was surprisingly unexpected.

They agreed very readily.

Yes.

The agreement was agreed to so readily that even the Beijing Film Academy was somewhat surprised by the decisiveness.

How could they agree so readily?

Is it because Beijing Film Academy has too much of a reputation?
Of course not. The reason given was actually because of Li Xuan, because Li Xuan's work for Xi'an's cultural tourism in this round of "The Myth" was seen by everyone.

This publicity campaign had an explosive effect.

From the official perspective, this is quite ingenious.

This is also a very delicate situation for Nortel.

This is very interesting.

Audiences and capital are the two main voices currently heard in the market.

At this moment, there is a third-party perspective: the official stance. What is the official attitude towards Li Xuan and the Beijing Film Academy's initiative to organize this "Young Students' Day" event?

It's even encouragement.

"There's no need to worry about the review process. The fact that they lent you the venue so readily means they approve of your film about the teenagers. It seems the authorities think highly of you."

Even Wang Fengsheng was somewhat surprised by this.

Li Xuan's reputation with the authorities is surprisingly good.

That is indeed quite interesting.

It's just the simplest form of appreciation.

And next.

That is, when preparing to shoot.

At this time, Li Xuan first arrived at the First Normal School.

Nearly a hundred years ago.

It once nurtured the first generation of people who saved the country from peril.

A person who truly acts with a pure heart and a sense of righteousness to save the country.

Walk through the places they walked, and feel their souls.

Although I had read quite a few of their books before coming here and thought I had some understanding of them, I dare not say that I could completely empathize with them.

With the foundation of "The Plot," Li Xuan was somewhat mentally prepared, at least knowing what he was going to face.

At least I know what enlightenment is.

[Young Students: Willpower 6. Do not force yourself to accept this without being prepared; it is much more difficult than "Buried Alive" and "The Message".]
Are you aware of this?
It is nothing more than the awareness to shoulder the rise and fall of the entire country and the entire nation.

Such a great person, worthy of respect and admiration.
That's just the kind of people they are.

In the library.

This is the place they spend the most time in.

This place is filled with their stories, their more complete stories.

Some information that cannot be found elsewhere is available here, more complete and detailed, describing the history that happened in the past, describing this real past.

These are the most authentic historical accounts, including that history of blood and tears.

As Li Xuan was reading, he heard a buzzing sound in his ears—the sound of roaring war and gushing blood.

However, instead of arriving in 1913, the era in which "The Young Students" began, they arrived in another era, one filled with the flames of war.

I lived through the late Qing Dynasty, the reign of Emperor Puyi, the era of Yuan Shikai's attempt to become emperor, and the War of Resistance against Japan.

I have witnessed three eras.

Three painful eras.

Late Qing Dynasty.

Opium was rampant, yet the corrupt nobles and emperors continued to play their instruments.
They're still dancing.

With the sound of Xin's gunshot.

I was affected.

The word 'innovation' has deeply entered my mind.

Bringing the royal family down from power and bringing the feudal era to a complete end!

With guns, this land was ushered into a new era. From then on, the first Grand General was born.

Expel the Tartars, revitalize China, and the Republic of China—moved towards common prosperity.

That's when it's all put together.

Only when I was there in person could I truly appreciate how magnificent this event was.

Looking at the towering figure before me.
The Qing Dynasty and the foreign devils both hoped that this giant dragon would continue to slumber in the old era.

But he changed the entire era.

But in the end, he stayed.

Not yet successful.

Comrades still need to work hard.

The fire that once ignited China and carried the weight of the nation's fate has been extinguished.
But this fire is still burning.
Because someone has taken up this torch.

This ball of 'fire' is now manifested before 'me'.

Above is blood, tears, and the fire passed down through generations.

Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao. The Hundred Days' Reform, the Reformists
A deeper, more distant 'fire'—the October Revolution in a foreign land.

They are all the kindling for this fire.

Only then did I understand.

The founding father, he was also the one whose legacy was passed down.

He, once a 'young man,' inherited these flames, and now, as he faces death, he passes these flames on.

It was passed on to 'me'.

No, it's not 'me'.

Li Xuan woke up.

He realized that the fire wasn't meant for any one person.

Instead, it refers to 'young people'.

Including that great man.

I am dead.

I am alive.

Li Xuan discovered it.

You really don't need to be so concerned about whether your performance is similar to his or not, and you don't need to pursue an excessive resemblance.

Young people determined to save their country.

It is 'me'.

They are all 'us'.

(End of this chapter)