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

Chapter 275, Chen Kexing: "Disciple" is the backup plan, "The Warlords" is the main wife!
On the set of "The Warlords," Chen Kexing was filming nearby.

This year, Chen Kexing produced two works: "The Warlords" and "Protégé".

The top contender, needless to say, is "The Warlords," a co-production of China Film Group, comparable to "The Myth." It boasts a top-tier cast and crew, is ambitious, and aims to expand overseas. It also carries a cultural and political propaganda element.

These two.

Two of Hong Kong's top productions this year.

The Warlords and Lust, Caution.

Although "Protégé" was also produced by him, it was something he did casually and was a collaboration with Derek Yee.

"I heard you turned down director Derek Yee's project, which is also another project we've produced." At this moment, the handsome Takeshi Kaneshiro looked at Andy Lau with a hint of curiosity and said, "I heard it's quite good too."

"I need to focus my energy on 'dealing with' my older brother."

At this moment, Andy Lau smiled slightly, looking at Jet Li who was reading the script. During this period of filming, he finally understood everything.

What defines an international superstar? This is certainly impressive.

Moreover, the difference is truly evident in their action scenes.

The number of front-facing shots that the 'Kung Fu Emperor' gets is almost desperately high.

Andy Lau, on the other hand, only got more quick flash shots.

After all, "The Warlords" also has a lot of action scenes.

The advantage is too great, which has broken the previous perception of Andy Lau.

In the past, he believed that the advantages of an actor were nothing more than acting skills and attractiveness. Achieving these two things would make one a bright and dazzling star, a celebrity. But acting skills have an upper limit, or rather, it is very difficult to simply remove the upper limit. In that case, other skills become more obvious.

For example, singing, dancing, and kung fu.

That's what the 'Kung Fu Emperor' is like.

"The Warlords" is considered a top contender for Chinese-language films next year, not just in the Hong Kong market, but in the entire Chinese-language market.

The high quality of the project was personally overseen by Han Ping of China Film Group.
"Protégé" can only be considered a second-tier production by Chen Kexing.

"You know, Chen Kexing is pretty good, he should be one of the top three directors in Hong Kong, right?" Jin Chengwu said from the side, "What else does he want?"

"He is pursuing a grand slam, and in recent years, he has also been gaining experience and laying the groundwork for his next 'all-star' film. Based on my understanding of Director Chen, all the films he has made in recent years have been to provide experience and financial support for that film called 'Bodyguards and Assassins'."

"So he doesn't want to lose this time in 'The Warlords'."

At this moment, Andy Lau said calmly.

"We can't lose."

With its cast, script, and appeal, Andy Lau felt that it was a complete success. Although he also produced "Protégé," Chan Ho-sing never even inquired about "Protégé," and it was basically his assistant who was involved.

Next year's dragon and tiger.

The Warlords and Lust, Caution.

There was no one else; everyone else was just there to make up the numbers, of course, this only applies to Chinese-language works.

On the other hand, there's another reason why Chen Kexing isn't very interested in "Protégé".

Andy Lau did not participate in the filming.

Although he couldn't say it to his face, without Andy Lau's acting skills, Daniel Wu was left to carry the show alone.

He is alone, and there is also a potential newcomer, a potential newcomer to replace Andy Lau in the role.

If it weren't for the fact that there would be a clash of titans next year, Chen Kexing would have been really interested in taking a look. But now that Andy Lau isn't there, he's not very interested.

It would be better to bet everything on "The Warlords".

This film is a collaboration with China Film Group and even has the potential to be released overseas.

That is the right path.

[Gained: Sickly temperament]

You can simulate pathological weakness.

[Edge-shaping and delicate character portrayal: During my time working with director Derek Yee, I gained insights into his unique cinematic narrative style and characteristics, which is his unique ability to explore the sense of the margins.]

We stole it!
Er Dongsheng's abilities.

From "The Lunatics" to "Lost in Time".

This is a formidable director who excels in both commercial appeal and nuanced emotional expression.
Du Qifeng's position.

Derek Yee's delicate portrayal and nuanced character development.

Photographs by Liu Weiqiang.

"I feel like I've lost something." Derek Yee squinted at this moment.

Li Xuan raised his head and met Er Dongsheng's gaze directly.

Can something done by the system be called stealing?
"Hmm, I think I know what I've lost."

Er Dongsheng looked at Li Xuan with some emotion: "What I've lost is some of my pride."

Actually, it's not just about arrogance.

Seriously, you can be a little bolder.

"You've taken on part of my role as director in 'Protégé,' and I won't treat you unfairly. Although the contract for your salary has already been signed, I certainly can't give you any extra compensation—that's the rule. I can't decide what the investors want."

"I didn't help out for the money; it was to help the work perform better. This work is just as important to me."

At this moment, Li Xuan also spoke earnestly.

This work also holds significance for me personally.
For top-tier works, the billing order is extremely important.

The significance of sprinting to the finish line for oneself.
Significant degree of importance.

The works and billing order that can be obtained always spiral upwards.

The significance of wanting to access awards and obtain high-level rewards from the system.

"The Disciples" can be considered a stepping stone to success.

Or perhaps each work is a stepping stone.

They are all stepping stones to winning awards and creating works at a higher level.

A stepping stone to higher-level resources.

The acquisition of resources is for the ultimate goal.

These are the stepping stones I've prepared to win awards and advance my career.

Li Xuan was very clear about what he wanted.

“You’re very clear-headed. I’m very impressed with you.” Er Dongsheng found it incredible.

Li Xuan didn't have the confusion typical of young people.

There was no confusion in his eyes.

He's not just outstanding. Derek Yee realized that he had seen it all, whether it was the Four Heavenly Kings or anyone else. Even when he was young, he had experienced confusion.

But in the young man named Li Xuan in front of me.

He would not be able to see the quality called confusion.

Young people, whether talented, capable, or gifted, are like a flock of officials crossing the river.

But very few people lose their sense of confusion.

I have never seen anything like it before.

Li Xuan was not confused, not even a little bit confused.

From beginning to end, I knew exactly what I should do and what I wanted.

Know what your purpose is.

Derek Yee suddenly understood why Andy Lau liked him so much.

These rare young people who overcome their confusion possess a unique charm.

It did not stem from his ability.

It was his unwavering spirit that truly set him apart.

"Although I can't increase your salary this time, I will add your name as the assistant director. In fact, you are the assistant director of the film Protégé."

At this point, Derek Yee joked, "I can still give you a title."

"Thank you, Director."

Li Xuan was somewhat surprised.

This is equivalent to relinquishing the honor that one has monopolized.

People are selfish.
This resume is truly solid.

“No need. It’s just an assistant director position. I’m not that petty,” Derek Yee said. “However, don’t have too high expectations. Don’t expect this title or our ‘Protégé’ crew to bring you anything transformative. Although I’m aiming for critical and commercial success with this film, in reality, the only film I think has the potential to be both critically and commercially successful this year is ‘The Warlords,’ produced by Chen Kexing.”

"The Warlords," a masterpiece adapted from the assassination of Ma Ying-jeou, features the kung fu emperor who returned from Hollywood.

According to Derek Yee, the Kung Fu Emperor brought back more than just kung fu and fame—he also brought back the way Hollywood films are made.

That's why his salary is so exorbitant.
"Protégé" is still a level below "The Warlords".

"Actually, that's fine too. Thank you, Director Er, for the spot."

"It doesn't matter."

At this moment, Derek Yee smiled slightly and said, "Perhaps we will have more and deeper opportunities for cooperation in the future, or even opportunities for cooperation at the same level."

Derek Yee's words implied that he actually agreed with the assessment.

Li Xuan's talent.

It's not just his talent as an actor.

He also has talent as a director.

Li Xuan also received a portion of his salary; of the 700,000 yuan, 70% was deducted from taxes, and the remaining 30% would be received during the broadcast.
Looking at the hundreds of thousands of yuan in pay in front of him.

Li Xuan was still somewhat dazed.

This was probably the first time I'd received a high-priced actor's fee in the money-driven industry—though it was nothing compared to the ten million or one hundred million fees offered by other actors.

But the several hundred thousand yuan in film remuneration already made Li Xuan feel that he should go back and celebrate big with his uncle. However, money was secondary.

The main thing is the amount of the actor's salary, which represents something.

This means that I have made some progress in the acting industry and entered the realm of 'relatively good' pay.

It seems like it took a very long time.

Of course, Li Xuan couldn't just say that carelessly—after all, to most people, Li Xuan was a college student who hadn't graduated yet.

At this age, this salary.

The Chosen Ones
He didn't sign any contracts with any investors or receive any assistance; he climbed up step by step, and he's not someone who rose to fame through sheer hard work and connections.

Actually, it's terrifying for people in the industry; Anita Yuen is one example.

Especially after the collaboration, and after taking a closer look, I realized that his progress and resume, at first glance, didn't seem to be much faster than those excellent actors back then.

But he took the path of becoming a 'star', rather than becoming an idol and then honing his acting skills.

"His future achievements"

Li Xuan's path to success seems to foreshadow the rise of two people who now stand at the pinnacle—Sheng Shilong and Zhou Xingxing—true superstars.

Of course, some people were curious and concerned about Li Xuan's amazing achievements and growth, while others were not interested in that. For example, He Meitian, especially after Wu Yanzu asked Li Xuan for his phone number and QQ number, suddenly burst into a pig-like laugh that had no meaning.

"you are excellent."

Wu Yanzu then looked at Li Xuan and said, "I have a lot to learn from you."

"Well, if there's a chance."

"Ah."

At this moment, watching Li Xuan's departing figure from the film crew.

Wu Yanzu suddenly saw that Li Xuan and Lin Kun's figures overlapped.

Like.

Like an older brother.

After this round ended, Li Xuan returned to Beiping.

As a character who was very close to being the lead, he was also credited as the assistant director of "Protégé".

"Director Chan Ho-sing, one of the top directors in Hong Kong, actually produced 'Protégé'."

To be honest, I really want to complain about this about Li Xuan.
Although he is called the producer, this producer seems to be very secretive and has never appeared on the set of "Protégé" even once. It's really like he's just a figurehead.

The production was done offline.

His "first wife" should be the film "The Warlords" next year. When he left, Derek Yee also "complained" that the producer's care for his first wife was too great.

With China Film Group, director Chen Kexing, and a star-studded cast, this film, along with internationally renowned director Li An's "Lust, Caution," is a major production for next year.

The second wife should be the one in "Protégé". She was truly unloved by her parents. It was a resource she was given out of friendship, and Derek Yee was put in charge of it.

"There should be another film, 'Buried,' being released next year, right?"

There's still a lot to do.

The films that should be released next year are "Protégé" and "Buried Alive".

This year, there's the second half of "To Live," as well as "Chu Liuxiang" and "The Young Students."

A top-tier star, leading man, and not an 'idol' or 'actor', but a 'star'.

My goal should be, as Du Qifeng said, to dream of achieving a 'Grand Slam'.
After all, I have reasons that compel me to move forward.
Whether it's the allure of system rewards, glory, or anything else, the most sincere desire for honor and the profession itself drives one to move in that direction.

Lost in thought, I returned to Beiping. The filming time was not very long. As a Hong Kong project, "Protégé" was filmed and wrapped up very quickly.

I'll go back to school a bit, since I'm a senior now.
That being said, I haven't spent many days at school over the years.

But I do have quite a few friends. My two good brothers from my dorm.

Zhu Yawen and those two bastards, Luo Jin
I went back to the dorm to find them and found that the dorm had already been cleaned up.

graduation.

Huang Bo moved out a long time ago. Originally, only Luo Jin and Zhu Yawen lived in the dormitory, but now that they have both left, it can be said that the dormitory is truly empty.

Needless to say, I've hardly ever lived in the dorm.

But that feeling of nostalgia for leaving campus still carries a heart-wrenching pain.
Youth is about to end.

At this moment, Li Xuan simply wiped the dust off the blue iron bed and then disappeared.

Arriving outside the dormitory
I took a deep breath
"Boss!"

At this moment, Li Xuan felt that he was hallucinating.

"Boss!!"

Looking back, he was surprised to find that it was Luo Jin and Zhu Yawen.

What are you doing here?

"Why leave when you haven't even graduated yet? Why stay in Beiping? You have a dormitory to live in, why go anywhere else?"

"Those bedding and stuff."

"Well, I'll wash and dry them. The weather's nice anyway," Luo Jin said, his eyes gleaming. "If I don't wash them soon, they'll clump together."

Li Xuan:
Okay, that's enough.

Stop!

"I didn't expect you guys were still here."

“Hey, Zhu Yawen was even placed on probation at school.”

"Huh?" Li Xuan was somewhat taken aback. How did he suddenly break the rules?

Luo Jin's words left Li Xuan somewhat silent.

He got into a fight and beat up Liu Wenhao, a junior in the performing arts department.

Basically, I was just being mocked.
My junior mocked me to my face, saying, "The 2002 class of the Performing Arts Department is the most dreamy department, and probably also the most shameful."

After all, it was a department whose graduation performance was destined to be a 'failure'.

It was destined to fail; it was too crazy.

This is by no means an uncommon statement within the industry.

Whether it's the campus network of Beijing Film Academy, or the campus networks of Shanghai Theatre Academy and Central Academy of Drama, most of them share this attitude, even jokingly saying that this time, the 2002 class of Central Academy of Drama should win by default, because the 2002 class of Beijing Film Academy's acting department will probably have some difficulty graduating.

If it looks like that.

The healthy competition between Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama over the years.

Those graduating this year should have the answer.

The answer is obvious: the Central Academy of Drama won by default.

Winning was so simple.

Because these stars from Beijing Film Academy are unable to graduate smoothly.

The sound of ridicule was incessant.

Both Luo Jin and Zhu Yawen are psychologically capable of handling this, having been used to being ridiculed.

"The first person to try something new will be laughed at."

At this moment, Li Xuan looked at Zhu Yawen and said, "You didn't fight with your junior for this reason, did you? That shouldn't be the case."

"Tch, I wouldn't stoop to fighting with a guy who joins outsiders in mocking my senior."

"What's the reason for that?"

"That guy actually dared to say that we were all used by you, and that we were just stepping stones for you to gain fame and fortune."

Zhu Yawen is not afraid of those rumors and gossip.

Those words only made him more disdainful.

It's not so easy to influence him.

But there are some things I just can't stand.

That sentence hit a nerve.

He kicked the dog on the head right then and there.

Of course, Luo Jin eventually stopped him. After all, how could that guy who clearly preferred the idol route be a match for the muscular Zhu Yawen?

I'm afraid Zhu Yawen will continue to fight.

That kid will have to call her "Mom."
They made a complete fool of themselves.

The two men were standing nearby, describing the guy's ugly behavior.

It sounds like a very casual remark.

They didn't take the incident of being punished for fighting to the slightest.

Although this is a university, it is also a performing arts college. Everything that happens here, good or bad, will become a label in the future news.

It will follow your acting career.

It can even affect one's future.

But Li Xuan didn't ask whether it was worth it.

They certainly wouldn't ask such a stupid question.

I will just keep this in my heart.

It's all just empty talk about friendship.

Keep it in your heart.

Remember that.

Keep it in mind.

(End of this chapter)