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

Chapter 270, Wang Fengsheng: It's just a sacrifice for a teacher.
"Thanks for reminding me."

At this moment, Li Xuan also nodded slightly.

Kung Fu is a significant advantage.

Compared to other skills, this skill requires years of honing and practice to achieve results; it is not a skill that can be mastered overnight.

Actions forged through perseverance, willpower, and hard work.

This advantage cannot be surpassed overnight. In the entertainment industry, people with martial arts skills also receive preferential treatment. Back then, Wang Baoqiang, despite not being particularly good-looking, used his kung fu skills to give him many advantages in project planning.

This is a reward for those who work hard.

Of course, what Wu Jing didn't know was that her ability, in a sense, had indeed consumed a lot of time, but this time, in a sense, was not a real thing.

This is an advantage.

Unique advantages.

This is indeed one's strength, and it is something that needs to be cultivated.

Commercialization, artistic expression, actor-oriented approach, idol-oriented approach—all these combined create a bright star, something called a celebrity.

Li Xuan is not confused about his future career path and film choices.

Artistic works that are purely for winning awards.

A well-rounded work with box office and award potential.

Works that aim to please the audience and push sensory stimulation to the extreme are simply targeting your wallet.

But actually, the real blockbuster is...

That is, to stimulate both the senses and the mind, is what Du Qifeng was pursuing.

It was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

I met Wu Jing by chance, chatted for a while, and then we parted ways to go about our business. But this "Wolf Warrior" brother had already made arrangements.

If there's a chance in the future, we definitely want to play another match.

Fighting in the theater.

It's about seeing who can put on a better show, whose punches are stronger, and whose fights are more meaningful.

we have a deal.

Li Xuan's appearance didn't really affect Wu Jing's mindset much; at most, it only made her feel a little emotional.

It evokes a sense of profound change and transformation.

A scholar who has been away for three days should be viewed with new eyes.
It may not seem scary at first glance; many people become famous overnight and go on to become near-top-tier stars. But only those in the industry know that Li Xuan's solid foundation, wide range of expertise, and ability to handle ever-changing topics are truly remarkable.

This is the most amazing part.

"What was it like working with him?"

"I admire you," Lin Jiadong said with a slightly complicated expression. "I'm completely convinced."

After collaborating once.

Lin Jiadong was somewhat convinced of Li Xuan's abilities, something he had already noticed during their collaboration.

But until this time at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

His anxiety finally subsided.

This is Li Xuan.

He truly did it, using his own strength to earn the honor of one of the most prestigious awards in the Chinese entertainment industry of this era—although it was just a nomination. But many people never even get a nomination in their entire lives.

Don't treat nominations like awards!

Those big shots are naturally aiming for the Grand Slam.

But Li Xuan is just a student.

He naturally entered into the topics the big shots were discussing.

No one will feel that it's out of place.

Because in their eyes, Li Xuan is a mature enough actor who is already at their table.

The gap between people is truly terrifying.

Lin Jiadong briefly recalled his acting history and suddenly felt a mix of laughter and tears. He felt that all his years of acting experience had been wasted on playing dog heads. Compared to Li Xuan, he was like a firefly compared to the bright moon.

Sometimes he even had a dark thought that whether it was Andy Lau or Li Xuan, they were just people with better luck. But now that he thinks about it, such a thought is indeed shallow, pathetic, and laughable.

How could I have such shallow thoughts, believing that other people's success was simply due to better timing and opportunity?
Indeed, the gap between people is quite large.

At this time, Andy Lau also had this thought.

However, the person we admire most is that Kung Fu Emperor.

The conclusion was drawn after knowing the difference in pay between the two.

In today's market, investors are the dominant force, and prices are generally set from their perspective. Occasionally, there may be special circumstances where premiums occur, but the premiums will not result in losses.

In other words, since everyone is trying to make money, their prices will inevitably be as close to the reasonable level as possible.

Li Lianjie's salary was calculated by the investors – that's exactly what he's worth.

After climbing over high mountains, there are still higher mountains to climb.

Old Street Tea Restaurant, Kowloon District.

At this point, Li Xuan's last stop in Hong Kong was Derek Yee's side. This time, he was invited to play a major drug lord in "Protégé," sharing the same lead role as Wu Yanzu.

The power dynamic between the two leaders, one in black and one in white, is like that of Lau Kin-ming and Chan Wing-yan; it's hard to say who is the number one figure.
Hong Kong's art-house films are usually like this: there are generally two leads, one for the white side and one for the black side. It's just that more screen time is given to the white side, but their character development is definitely not lacking.

"good."

Looking at Li Xuan in person, Derek Yee also felt quite appreciative. His appearance was definitely on par with any of the original Four Heavenly Kings, although he lacked a bit of charisma. The gentlemanly Andy Lau, the heartthrob Lai Ming, the trendy young man Aaron Kwok, and the singing god Jacky Cheung—these were all qualities and characteristics. The Four Heavenly Kings were not only perfect in their professional skills, but also in their looks and charisma.

Judging from his appearance, Li Xuan is indeed very strong, although it doesn't reveal much about his temperament. What makes people even more curious is whether the ruthless Jimmy in "Hey Society" was actually played.

really not bad.

At this moment, I'm looking at the script.

[Lin Kun: Fasting blood sugar 12, body aches doubled, constitution -10]

Li Xuan: “.”

I have encountered characters with specific attribute requirements.

However, this is the first time I've seen a character with reduced attribute requirements.

No way, system.

I'll make movies to improve my health.

You want me to sacrifice my health? Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?

Fortunately, the system thoughtfully provided a hint later on – this system can temporarily help with these tasks.

"Director Er, I understand." Li Xuan nodded: "I should be fine with this role."

"Um"

Derek Yee nodded and took back the script: "It's okay, just follow Jimmy's feeling."

Li Xuan nodded in response.

Jimmy? That's probably why Ersheng thinks Li Xuan can play the role.

In any case, he's adapted well to the role of the 'boss'.
There's always a limit to how low you can go in acting.

Compared to Andy Lau, Li Xuan's costs were also lower—he not only asked Andy Lau for a salary, but also for a share of the profits.

For someone like Li Xuan, there's no need for that. The agreed-upon fee was 700,000. Generally speaking, the fee for a near-top-tier new generation actor is around 500,000, but a Hong Kong Film Awards nomination can increase one's value, so the fee was increased by 200,000.

In terms of star power, thanks to "The Myth", "Election" and "Easy Love", he has indeed made some achievements in Hong Kong and can be considered a near-first-tier film star in Hong Kong. As a new generation, he should be in a similar position to Xie Jinfeng, close to Wu Yanzu, but still some distance away.
In this power struggle between the two heroes, Lin Kun and Ali, the disciples, should be ranked 1.5 and 1st respectively.
"Cherish this opportunity, it's one that Andy Lau gave to you."

Derek Yee emphasized that it was Andy Lau who gave him this favor. Andy Lau might not have spoken up about it himself, but Derek Yee had to speak up for this gentleman. It can be seen that Andy Lau really likes the script of "Protégé".

There wasn't a significant scheduling conflict between "Protégé" and "The Warlords." If you insist on saying that you can't act in that film because you're in one, that's just an excuse. The real reason is to give this opportunity to the young Li Xuan.

Li Xuan nodded as well.

"I understand." "Yes, I hope you won't let him down. Good luck!"

After signing the contract, Li Xuan went to Yingyi Entertainment to find Andy Lau. He originally intended to go to the office to thank him, but found that he was reading the script of "The Warlords".

Li Xuan thought about it and decided not to disturb him.

Just like director Derek Yee said, if I want to thank him, the most important thing is to play the role well and express the character well, rather than empty words of thanks, which would be too pretentious.

If one day I truly surpass him, if I, the junior who has been looked after, surpass him, how would he feel?
Li Xuan didn't think much of it; to hesitate because of this would be the greatest disrespect to him.

"It's graduation season, and this is the last time I'll be here."

At this moment, Wang Fengsheng looked at the Beijing Film Academy campus in front of him with some emotion.

Graduation season is approaching, and schools such as Beijing Film Academy, Shanghai Theatre Academy, and Central Academy of Drama are preparing their annual graduation projects, including graduation plays for directing and acting departments.

While it's called a graduation play, in reality, most of the time it's just a theatrical performance put on by the class as a unit. In fact, these plays are all just dramas, with some outstanding innovative plays and original works.

These people are all top-notch talents. Their directing and class cohesion are limitless. The graduation play of the 96 class of Beijing Film Academy was the original drama "Qing Shi".

There's no such thing as being slightly weaker; they've all mastered the art of "Hamlet" and "Farewell My Concubine" to perfection.

If we're really going to talk about it, then anyone who can graduate from the Beijing Film Academy—at least right now—is definitely a strong candidate.

In the world of drama and theater, one person emerged who wanted to lead the entire class in making a real 'play'.

It's a grand drama of our time, shown on the screen.

"The teacher said that I was also a little shocked at the time. I didn't expect that your students could actually do such a high-level job."

Xu Xiang, who was standing next to him, was somewhat moved.

The retired rivals still felt a certain mutual respect at this point.

The Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama have always been in fierce competition, but it is all healthy competition, and their essence is to contribute more talent to the Chinese entertainment industry.

While raising gu (a type of insect) is cruel, it can indeed produce top-tier individuals.

"Now that 'The Young Students' has successfully finished filming, as long as it can be edited and submitted for review and released, it will already be a success in a general sense."

At this moment, Xu Xiang said.

"It's already a success."

A group of senior college students successfully filmed a television production, and they succeeded. That in itself is a success, because they clearly accomplished something beyond their capabilities.

Actions and behaviors that completely exceed one's expected capabilities. Even if the results are poor, the ability to accomplish such a feat deserves recognition.

but.
But you lost.

Xu Xiang sighed beside him.

Wang Fengsheng could neither confirm nor deny this.

In a sense, the principal did lose out, because allocating resources to support the production and wasting costs on something that was bound to lose money is definitely a stain on Wang Fengsheng's clean record and will be a disgrace to his retirement.

They would be labeled as using public office for private gain.
From Xu Xiang's perspective, Wang Fengsheng's life, from his graduation and when he filmed many model operas and revolutionary dramas, showed that he was a very 'conscious' person.

He has a deep love for literature and drama and hopes that more people can experience the beauty of theatrical performances. Therefore, he strongly supports the Beijing Film Academy's strategy of cultivating and nurturing talented actors.

His perspective is that of the 'audience'.

At the Central Academy of Drama, the curriculum is more geared towards the professionals, aiming to help them find better employment. That's why students are assigned roles like Sheng, Dan, Jing, Wei, and Chou upon enrollment.

Wang Fengsheng, who has always considered the audience's needs throughout his life, has now acted "selfishly" this time, making a sacrifice from the perspective of his students.

Everyone knows that it will be extremely difficult for this work to achieve success.

But he still did it with Li Xuan.

"You truly are my old rival; you understand my thoughts perfectly."

“Otherwise, how can you be both my opponent and my friend?” Xu Xiang said. “You just want to use the last bit of your influence and your lifelong reputation to make these students shine.”

These students?

wrong.

It's mainly Li Xuan, isn't it?

That student you're so proud of.

“When it comes to teaching and nurturing students, sometimes I feel like they are seedlings and we are gardeners. I feel a great sense of pride in cultivating them into beautiful flowers.”

Wang Fengsheng said softly, "To me, they are sometimes like my children."

It's like a child I personally taught.

This feeling is truly different.
"Just think of it as my impulsiveness, and a gift I gave to my students before I retired. From birth to death, falling in love, getting married, having children, looking back, most of life's impulses end in failure, but in that moment of impulse, I truly have no regrets."

Wang Fengsheng smiled.

"Don't think too much about it. Go and enjoy this 'graduation show.' Even if it's fireworks, it should be dazzling and beautiful."

"Yes, I'll say some nice things to you then."

Xu Xiang understood Wang Fengsheng's situation and had decided that he would say some good things about his old friend when the time came.

This old rival, he deserves it.

It's absolutely worth it.

After discussing "The Young Pioneers," there was another topic worth mentioning for them: watching their next film.

A love for the performing arts industry is a prerequisite for a love for performing arts works.

Both are avid fans of movies and TV series—Xu Xiang even feels that there is an upcoming animated film that will greatly interest him.

The animated series seems to be called "Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit: The Seven Swordsmen".

Not for any other reason than the name of the literary consultant, Yu Hua. Just by having that name, you can tell what kind of work this is. He may not be the most outstanding literary writer in China, but he is definitely the 'happiest' one among the most outstanding literary writers. He always has a smiling face when he appears on TV programs.
Unlike his joy, his works often bring pain to people.

Yet it is so captivating that it is impossible to put down—that is the charm of literature.

Xu Xiang had read "To Live" many times, even more than ten times.

"To Live" can be considered a bond that established the friendship between Xu Xiang and Wang Fengsheng in their early years. Because most people cannot see the meaning of the work itself, but Wang Fengsheng can understand it. This understanding and resonance became a bond that created their friendship and a sense of resonance with art.

It can help them understand the existence of this friendship.

Xu Xiang even dared to say that the film version of "To Live" back then was the same; it failed to truly understand Yu Hua and the work itself.

Yu Hua did not really intend to hurt the readers.

Unfortunately, too many people can't understand it.

However, it is precisely because few people understand it that Xu Xiang feels he is so well-matched with his opponent, Wang Fengsheng.
"I will definitely watch the TV series 'To Live'. After all, my favorite students are in this work, so how could I not watch it?"

Wang Fengsheng smiled slightly.

Xu Xiang smiled as well.

"It's bound to be a 'good' piece."

From Xu Xiang's perspective, "To Live" really can't flop. This time, the investment in generating buzz for "To Live" is by no means low. It's clear that the production team's expectations for the work are focused on its commercial success, and in terms of publicity, they are constantly trying to ride on the coattails of the film version of "To Live".

Various classic shots are basically 'paying homage' to the film version of "To Live".

It's practically like they're saying they didn't get enough of the movie version of "To Live"?

Then come to our TV series version, it will definitely give you the most complete viewing experience. Absolutely "authentic".

Based on experience, the pacing and acting style of the plot should be a continuation of the film version of "To Live".

That's not wrong. After all, the film version of "To Live" has already proven its strength. It has received high scores and high praise on various forums. Even many professional film critics on Sina Blog occasionally bring up this excellent work by Zhang Yimou for their appreciation and commentary.

I've explained everything to you in detail.

If we're talking about acting, storyboarding, color, and artistic expression, that's fine, but if we're talking about praising the script itself, or the expression itself...

Xu Xiang would even just laugh it off.

Ha ha.

It can only be said that this is a time when fans, seeing their favorite works adapted into films or TV series, are willing to offer some support as long as it's not too bad.

(End of this chapter)