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

Chapter 397, Reunion with Zhou Xun, Chen Kun's Fear—The Fear of Copying Death

In fact, Li Xuan had given this film a lot of thought and consideration.
The primary motivation was the desire to film; this goes without saying and was the most direct driving force.

This is a driving force that cannot be ignored at any time.
Box office success, fame and fortune, the desire for self-expression, and what one can gain from a gamble.
Li Xuan saw it very clearly.

A rational analysis is the perspective from which the market gap exists.

Emotional analysis—this is the kind of expression the market 'lacks' in.
Just like now—the title of "Godfather of Chinese Science Fiction" is largely due to the fact that Chinese science fiction lacked works in this area, so he made a similar work, and the title of "Godfather" came about.

The system reward from the godfather of Chinese science fiction.
In a sense, the system also supports itself in making this kind of 'innovation'.

It wasn't that the system supported it, but rather that my own thoughts happened to align with what the system encouraged.
In a sense, the system is the one who knows itself best.

“I’m going to make this movie. Believe me, Mr. Han, he can make it a box office success.” Li Xuan smiled slightly.

"In short, I support you in this matter. Whatever resources you need, I can provide them." Han Ping paused and then said, "Just go for it!"

At this moment, Han Ping was thinking that if Li Xuan really "unfortunately" lost the bet, then Han Ping would risk his reputation to ensure that Li Xuan maintained the greatest autonomy in Huayi.

Maintaining creative autonomy is the bottom line.
"Huayi" has made a bet with Li Xuan. Interesting. Last time, they lost the bet with Li Xuan and it directly ruined their IPO. This time, they've bypassed the board of directors and the powerful family capital behind them to make another bet with Li Xuan on this matter."

Wang Su was at home reading these messages, his eyes slightly narrowed.
Wang Lei and Huayi Brothers, this behemoth, have already aroused dissatisfaction after their failed IPO. Now, with this latest move, the dissatisfaction with him in the industry is about to reach its peak.
Regardless of whether he wins or loses this time, Wang Lei will be attacked.

A rather suicidal act.

Even 'stupid'.

"Wang Lei has been made foolish by Li Xuan. Doing this will only encourage more people to throw their bets at Guangying Media."

"In the torrent of the times, who can lead and who will fall behind, who the hell can really see clearly about such things?" Zheng Long, who was standing next to him, pondered.

This time, the godfather of Chinese science fiction can be said to have 'severely injured' Zheng Long.
Using his own resources but failing to achieve his goal, Li Xuan actually succeeded.

Logically speaking, the bet between Li Xuan and Huayi was an opportunity.
Even now, Zheng Long, who has already spent a lot of resources and money, still feels hurt and hesitant—Wang Shuo noticed this as well.

"This time, we won't lose. Whether Li Xuan wins or loses the bet, or Wang Lei and Huayi fall into ruin, it won't hurt us. Letting this unruly capital fall into ruin isn't a bad thing in itself."

"makes sense."

"Huayi has now allocated half of its resources to other projects, and the other half is being used to make 'Man of Tai Chi.' Hmph, they've allocated half their resources to making a blockbuster? Do they think they can pull it off?"

“Wang Lei and his men are no longer of one mind.”

It was a month and a half after the release of Avatar.

"After Avatar ended its theatrical run, all sorts of movies sprang up like mushrooms after rain."

"Of course."

Li Xuan looked at the upcoming release schedule—when Avatar ended, heroes from all walks of life began to gather again, and the Chinese entertainment newspapers started talking about the 'battle of the titans,' as if Avatar's crushing box office success didn't exist.

There seems to be a consensus in the entertainment industry that even if there is infighting, it is still internal strife.

The scriptures chanted by outside monks do not count
"It looks a bit like an ostrich." Liu Yifei, who was next to Li Xuan, muttered to herself, leaning against him with her head resting on his chin, while also looking at the computer.
After reading the script for "Dying to Survive," Liu Yifei will probably play Li Xuan's 'ex-wife'.
If it's the actual female lead, she can't convey the feeling.
When faced with the choice between the 'willfulness' of the female lead in Li Xuan's films and the 'movie effect,' Liu Yifei would unhesitatingly choose the movie effect and respect the script and the work.

Li Xuan will also respect Liu Yifei's actions.

At this moment, Wei Ming also sent a message.

"The casting is complete. They've agreed."

"Okay, I'll get in touch with them and get things ready to go live."

The casting has been completed.

Cheng Yong was played by himself, Liu Sihui by Zhou Xun, and Lü Shouyi by Chen Kun.

Zhang Changlin was played by Fan Wei, the pastor by Wang Qianyuan, and the blond-haired man by Zhu Yawen.
The other side has agreed to these fixed angles.
"We have to thank Huayi; otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to get these resources."

Li Xuan thought for a while. Zhou Xun.

It's been a long time since we last met.
Beiping, early spring.

The wind was like a knife, stinging my face.

The film crew's vehicles and equipment completely blocked the entrance to a dilapidated hospital.

Staff members wearing thick cotton-padded coats ran around, moving tracks and adjusting lights. The sounds of people and machines mingled together in a chaotic mess—that's what a film set looks like.

Li Xuan got out of the car, wrapped his coat tighter around himself, and instead of rushing into the crowd, he stood there watching. This was where the crew of "Dying to Survive" had gathered, and also where he had met with some old friends.

Not far away, Zhou Xun leaned against the wall of the hospital with peeling paint, a thin cigarette between her fingers, the smoke obscuring her face.

She must have been here for a while, ignoring everyone and quietly staying by herself, blending into the desolate scene.

Li Xuan walked over.

She looked up at the noise, her bright eyes sweeping over. Seeing it was Li Xuan, her fingers holding the cigarette paused, then she smiled and stubbed it out on the nearby trash can.

"Director Li, quite a scene indeed." Her voice was still hoarse and husky, with a hint of sarcasm.

Li Xuan grinned as well.

"Sister, it's been a long time."

The word "sister" made Zhou Xun's smile seem more genuine.

She glanced at Li Xuan from head to toe a few times.

The kid who used to sing with a guitar in a bar, his eyes filled with a mix of confusion and fierce determination, is now a completely different person. Wearing a crisp overcoat, his back is ramrod straight, the youthful naiveté in his eyes is gone, replaced by a confident and self-assured air. This is the man he is today—the godfather of Chinese science fiction.

The bar is still there, but Li Xuan no longer goes there.

After all, he's really busy right now, relentlessly pursuing his own career.

“Things are different now.” Zhou Xun remarked abruptly, but Li Xuan understood.

"People always change," Li Xuan replied crisply.

Back then, she was a movie queen, a "sister" who was willing to lend a hand, and she would think long and hard before saying anything.

Now, I am the director of this play, the center, and the one who has to tell her the lines.

But this doesn't mean Li Xuan should 'stand on high' and command Young Master Zhou. That's not the case.
She remains a Best Actress winner, one of the most powerful and accomplished actresses in China, with exceptional talent and undeniable strength. She is Zhou Xun, the most awarded actress in China.
"I heard you made a bet with Huayi?" Zhou Xun didn't bring up those old stories and just smiled.

"Well, we couldn't refuse their offer."

"You've got some nerve." Zhou Xun lit another cigarette. "But you actually did this. Ten years of your future, your ten years are worth a lot now."

"Um"

As they were talking, another nanny van stopped by the roadside.
As soon as the car door opened, Chen Kun stepped out. Dressed casually and wearing sunglasses, he was still as handsome as ever, flawless.

He saw Li Xuan and Zhou Xun chatting together and slowed his pace.

He took off his sunglasses, and a perfectly timed look of surprise flashed across his face.

"Xun, you're here so early."

He greeted Zhou Xun first before turning his gaze to Li Xuan.

Back then, Li Xuan, whom Chen Kun regarded as a "late bloomer," relentlessly pursued him in the acting field.

I originally thought that after defeating Huang Xiaoming, he would threaten my position.

As a result, he directly pursued both directing and acting careers simultaneously.
It wasn't until the release of "Source Code" and the title of "Godfather of Chinese Science Fiction" was bestowed upon Chen Kun that he realized the young man who once needed a Best Actress award to help him had risen to a position where he had to look up to him.
Now, this kid is his director.
One of them is Li Xuan, who can negotiate terms with Huayi.

His ten years of hard work have earned him such 'luxurious' actor resources, both Zhou Xun and himself, who are among the top performers of this generation of actors.

Time flies by, and Li Xuan has finally grown to an incredible level.
Quite incredible.

"Director Li," Chen Kun addressed him formally.

"Brother Kun, welcome." Li Xuan extended his hand and shook hands with him.

The three of them stood together, and the atmosphere was somewhat ambiguous.

Previously, Zhou Xun and Chen Kun were the center of attention, while Li Xuan was just a background character; getting even a spot on the sidelines depended on luck. Now, he stands here, having become one of the starters.

The young people in the surrounding film crews thought it was pretty normal; a famous director like Li Xuan paired with Zhou Xun and Chen Kun was a perfect match.

Li Xuan felt as if he had returned to the time when he was filming "The Little Carpenter of Bazahei," when he was an unknown villager.
It's different now.

Whether it's facing Sister Zhou.

It's still facing Chen Kun, whom we once looked up to.
Everything is different.

"What are you talking about?" Liu Yifei also came over. She came to visit the set and get familiar with the environment.

She casually linked arms with Li Xuan and smiled at Zhou Xun and Chen Kun: "Sister Xun, Brother Kun."

When Zhou Xun saw her, his expression softened, and he reached out and pinched her cheek.

"You little rascal, you're keeping a really close eye on him."

With just one sentence, the slightly awkward atmosphere was dispelled.

Chen Kun smiled as well.

He glanced at the way Li Xuan and Liu Yifei were being all lovey-dovey, and the awkwardness he felt dissipated.

He thought to himself, "Times have really changed."

This kid in front of me doesn't need anyone to pull him up to stand on his own two feet; he's the dock himself.

He is indeed still a 'challenger'.

But the level of challenge was even higher, higher than Chen Kun could not comprehend or imagine.

"Alright, everyone's almost here." Li Xuan patted Liu Yifei's hand, then turned to Zhou Xun and Chen Kun. The casual look on his face vanished instantly, replaced by the seriousness befitting a director.

His temperament changed abruptly.

At this moment, it was Director Li.

"We prioritize the performance. We'll be playing patients, and we'll be simulating their behavior. We're filming in the hospital to observe and learn from them."

"This is what I do at the hospital."

Li Xuan's voice wasn't loud, but in the chaotic scene, every word was clearly heard by Zhou Xun and Chen Kun.

Entering the hospital.

Leukemia ward.

Completely different from what you see in TV dramas, there are no clean and bright windows, and the air is full of disinfectant and the indescribable smell of patients, making it hard to breathe.

People coming and going in the corridor, whether patients or their families, all had the same expression on their faces—numbness.

It's not sadness; sadness fades over time. It's a lifeless, listless feeling that comes from being tormented by illness for so long.

Chen Kun frowned.

He considers himself a good actor and knows how to empathize.

Impersonating patients wasn't entirely without his expectations; having a 'good template' to use to play a role well was a common occurrence. So this was already part of his plan.

He began to look around.

An old man pushed an IV stand, inching forward step by step, his feet feeling weightless and unsteady.

A young man sat in a wheelchair, his eyes staring blankly into his sockets, his face as yellow as wax.

Chen Kun mentally imitated their behavior.

He tried to relax all the muscles in his body, to experience the feeling of being weak all over, and to slow down and lighten his breathing.

He also secretly glanced at Li Xuan.
Let's see who can better portray the character. Even though Li Xuan's status in the entertainment industry is vastly different now, Chen Kun is a star and an actor. Let's see how I, as an actor skilled in this field, compare to you, who are currently distracted.

Zhou Xun did not see any patients.

Her gaze was fixed on the family members.

A woman was squatting in the corner, covering her face tightly with her hands, her shoulders trembling.

A father forced a smile and told jokes to his child in bed, but his eyes grew redder and redder.

She plays Liu Sihui, a mother who would do pole dancing to save her daughter.

What she was looking for was that kind of desperate and ruthless spirit that would risk everything for her child.

This is much harder than simply playing a patient.

Without saying a word, Li Xuan led the two of them through the corridor.

He didn't teach them how to act; he just let them watch and experience it for themselves.

The two followed Li Xuan and stopped in front of a hospital room.

It was very quiet inside.

Lying on the bed was a boy in his early twenties, so thin he was just skin and bones, with unusually large eyes staring straight at the ceiling.

His mother sat by the bed, feeding him porridge spoonful by spoonful.

The boy wasn't eating; he was swallowing, each bite requiring all his strength.

His mother moved very gently, her face expressionless, and fed him little by little.

The boy coughed violently, spitting a mouthful of bloody mucus onto the white sheet; the red spot was particularly conspicuous.

His mother froze, not looking at the blanket or her son, but staring blankly at the spoon in her hand.

A few seconds later, she came to her senses, put down the bowl, and hurriedly grabbed a tissue to pat her son's back.

"It's okay, it's okay, baby. You'll feel better once you've thrown up..."

Her voice was trembling violently, but she was still trying to hold on.

The boy coughed even more violently, curled up into a ball, and convulsed in pain.

Chen Kun, standing at the door, watched this scene unfold, and his breathing became rapid.

I had already anticipated this.

Even though I had some expectations, I was still shocked when I saw this scene.

All those acting techniques he had been working on—the sense of weakness, the expression of pain—were utterly meaningless and utterly laughable in the face of this vivid scene before him.

This is not acting.

This is life slowly slipping away from a young body.

fear.

The fear of life and death assailed Chen Kun—it seems I don't have that high an acceptance level!

He didn't even dare to look anymore, and instinctively wanted to turn his head away.
Zhou Xun's eyes also reddened.

She saw the role she was meant to play in that mother.

Watching your child suffer helplessly, unable to do anything but offer clumsy comfort, is like having your heart cut with a dull knife.

The difficulty of copying the portraits of terminally ill patients is higher than imagined.

It was a very challenging task for Chen Kun, who was born in 96, and Zhou Xun, the actress known for her versatility.

This is not a matter of 'difficulty' in terms of acting skills.

Rather, it is the instinctive fear that arises when facing the passing of life as a 'living being'.

Playing this kind of role itself brings fear and pressure to the actor!
(End of this chapter)