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

Chapter 403, The God of Medicine, released around the same time as Let the Bullets Fly
"They want 15% of the share?"

"Yes, we've received news from Hong Kong." Zheng Long said with a somewhat strange expression, "What do you think of the 15% investment share?"

Wang Su did not speak.

Since ancient times, attracting investment has been a very difficult task. Even this time, before Liang Xiaosheng had finished writing "The World," Wang Shuo pulled him into the project and collaborated with CCTV to produce this work.

They were even launched quickly without being tested by the market.

The goal is very simple.

Let's compare it to Li Xuan's work—didn't he make a film called "The Age of Awakening"? It's the same type of work as his previous film "The Young Pioneers".

We need to use the theme of 'competition on equal footing' to prevent him from winning the award.

"The World" seems quite good. From the perspective of content, it is more down-to-earth and has more advantages.

People may not understand 'awakening'.

But they probably understand 'human nature'.

However, adaptations of original works that have not been tested by the market are easily hampered by investors. But for the Beijing entertainment circle, this is not a big deal. Some things are done "at all costs".

Investing 15% of the money is not a good idea. Does he want to 'divide up the profits'?
Could it be that the Hong Kong entertainment circle, which is still not dead, is stirring up trouble?

This—the half-dead circle that was revived by "The New World" and "Parasite"?

"Let me take a look at the rough draft of the script he sent me."

Wang Suo neither immediately agreed nor immediately denied, but instead opened the email to look at the 'rough draft' he had sent before making a decision.

"If it were you in the past, you would definitely have refused."

"But now, we do need a new generation of talent, you know how important that is, Zheng Long."

Zheng Long wholeheartedly agreed with this.

I definitely didn't catch a cold before.

But now, there's that kid Li Xuan around.
After reading the rough draft of the script.

One minute.

five minutes.

ten minutes.

There was silence for a long time.

"Promise him"

"So impressive? This 'Shengchang'?" Zheng Long was somewhat shocked, but he didn't doubt Wang Shuo's judgment.

As the person who single-handedly brought the literary and film circles of Beiping to their current status, he is the most professional when it comes to content creation.

"Yeah, he's really impressive. He gives me the feeling of having watched the TV series 'The World'."

"Besides, if we can really bind this talent to our cause, once we're deeply integrated, he'll be completely at our mercy. We won't have to take things slowly." Wang Su looked at the script with some excitement: "If we can bind this person, whose talent is no less than Li Xuan's, to our cause and have him write a script for Lu Chuan, I can't even imagine how we could lose!"

"One in the open, one in the shadows. With their combined strength, how could they possibly lose? How could they possibly lose to Li Xuan, who only fights one person at a time?"

"They agreed, giving you a 15% share, and even giving you a lot of say, like arranging actors," Wei Ming said to Li Xuan, his expression somewhat strange.

The Beijing elites seemed a bit too 'generous,' making him somewhat unaccustomed to this pace.

Li Xuan chuckled as he listened.

"They're spending a fortune to buy horse bones over there? Isn't this a good idea?"

"Hmm, it's pretty good."

"Let Andy Lau and Mr. Heung see if there are any 'suitable' actors in Hong Kong. But I think it would be better to ask Principal Wong and the others; it's not easy for students to get a chance to shine."

"Um"

At this moment, Li Xuan and Wei Ming were thinking about how to arrange the actors.
Today, Gao Yuanyuan, who came to visit Li Xuan, felt somewhat dazed. She was one of the people who knew Li Xuan's identity as Shengchang.

This time, Li Xuan has a great opportunity to cause trouble, whether it's infiltrating his own people or doing something else; it's convenient, and at this moment...

Li Xuan only said to send the 'suitable' person.
When it comes to his work, he's willing to abandon any stance.
At this moment, Gao Yuanyuan looked at Li Xuan and said softly.

"You will become a grandmaster someday."

"Hehe, thanks for the compliment. Speaking of which, the role of Zhou Rong is quite suitable for you. Why don't you give it a try?"

"Why don't you play Feng Huacheng?" Gao Yuanyuan teased with a smile.

"I'm not suitable."

There is no role that is not suitable for you.

Li Xuan sighed.

"some."

Gao Yuanyuan didn't dwell on it any longer, simply turning her head slightly and saying, "Alright, it is indeed a good script, I'll give it a try."

"Um"

Even this time, Gao Yuanyuan was on the recommendation list for "The World". Despite having an ambiguous and close relationship with Li Xuan, but never having said that she was tied to Li Xuan's circle, Gao Yuanyuan was recommended and was not rejected.

Anyway, they need to do an audition there too.

The filming process is very short, estimated to be only three months. This production team is definitely a 'big production', with a large scope and many episodes.

Li Xuan could only say that the powerful coordination capabilities brought about by the cooperation between CCTV and the financial sector enabled even large-scale productions to be completed in such a short time.
Resource scheduling is just that amazing.
Li Xuan wasn't envious. He had his own advantages, and the established resources in the Beijing circle had their own advantages.

Although I currently lack this element, it doesn't mean I can't play the game—it's just that works like Interstellar do require significant financial resources to produce.

Undeniably
After handing over the manuscript of "The Human World".

The next thing to do is wait for "The World" to finish filming, and then for "The Age of Awakening" and "Dying to Survive" to be released. As for miscellaneous things like the adaptation of "Parasite", I don't need to handle them myself; my uncle can take care of them.

Next, we simply wait quietly for the film to be released.

After the film is released, it's time to win awards.

This time
In autumn, Beiping is blessed with clear skies and a refreshing coolness in the air.

Outside the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City, crowds surged.

Li Xuan and Liu Yifei were both wearing hats and masks, blending into the crowd like two drops of water flowing into the ocean, completely inconspicuous.

"To be honest, after living in Beiping for so many years, this is the first time I've actually come in for a proper visit." Li Xuan exhaled a puff of white breath, looking at the majestic red palace walls with some emotion.

In 2002, he set foot on this land for the first time, carrying a bag.

Back then, the Third Ring Road in Beiping was still somewhat desolate, and the streets were full of yellow minibuses and old Santana cars.

At that time, he was a penniless young man.

A group actor.

I have many thoughts in my mind.

They have a strong desire for fame and fortune.

And there's this overwhelming sense of urgency.

After all, the existence of the system makes all possibilities possible for one's actions.

Only then did I have all the possibilities that I could gain.

Now, all things considered...

Eight years have passed.

The tourists around them were no longer holding Nokia or Motorola phones from back then, but rather the newly emerging, futuristic-looking iPhone 4 or various Android smartphones.
People take photos, upload them, and share them.

The internet revolution has completely changed our lives.

On the streets, the old "three classic cars" have long since disappeared, replaced by modern cars of various brands, their streamlined bodies gleaming in the sunlight.

The hairstyles of young people on the street have changed from the popular "emo" and "ionic perm" styles of the past to a more refreshing and neat look.

Times have truly changed.

It's as if I myself have changed.

From that young, naive boy back then.

To its current status and position.

Such a change.

Such an impact.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" Li Xuan's voice was very soft.

"I remember, I even gave you candy back then as a bribe so you wouldn't tell my mother I stole it." Liu Yifei smiled, her eyes narrowing. "And do you remember that huge, ugly backpack you were carrying?"

"Because we're poor. You know how hard it is to get started in extras, and how high the cost of making a living is."

“I didn’t know before, but I do now.”

She knew he wasn't complaining.

He was looking back.

Looking back on my journey.

From a marginalized person who needed to play Murong Fu to understand the character's inner world and find self-liberation.

Until now.

They are someone who can compete with the entire Beijing entertainment circle and those bigwigs who have been at the top of the industry for decades.

These eight years have felt like a dream.

The two followed the flow of people, crossed the Jinshui Bridge, and passed through the Taihe Gate.

The vast square opened up before us, and the Hall of Supreme Harmony stood quietly on its white marble base, solemn and dignified, exuding an aura of overwhelming power.

Countless tourists exclaim in amazement here.

Wow… “It’s spectacular…”

Li Xuan stopped and simply watched quietly.

He could almost see, hundreds of years ago, civil and military officials bowing their heads and kneeling here, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"

What was the emperor thinking when he stood on the terrace in front of the palace, looking at the dark mass of people below?
Is it the heroic sentiment of "Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king"?

Or is it the loneliness of "the higher you climb, the colder it gets"?

"Do you think Wang Shuo and the others also consider themselves the 'emperors' of the film and television industry?" Li Xuan suddenly asked, as if he were asking Liu Yifei, or perhaps himself.

Liu Yifei turned her head and looked at the eyes that were visible above the edge of his mask.

There was neither awe nor fear in those eyes.

There is only one...

eager.

“It was true before, and it is true now,” Liu Yifei said softly, “but the future is uncertain.”

Li Xuan smiled.

Yes.

future.

Starting with "Source Code," he kicked open the seemingly indestructible "future."

Today's films like "Dying to Survive" and "The Age of Awakening"...

In addition, all the works that have been screened before.

These things, these elements.

They all exist here.

Let's see if we're stronger now or stronger in the future.

"Let's go see the Emperor's back garden." Li Xuan took Liu Yifei's hand.

Her hands were slightly cool, but very soft.

The two passed through the Qianqing Palace, the Jiaotai Hall, and the Kunning Palace, and entered the Imperial Garden.

The pavilions, towers, and strangely shaped rocks here offer a completely different kind of scenery.

It has lost the majesty of the previous dynasty and gained more of the warmth and everyday life of the time.

Li Xuan's mood completely relaxed.

He was indeed quite tense during this period.

From finishing filming "Dying to Survive" to working on the script for "Human World" and keeping a close eye on every development in the industry.

Wang Lei of Huayi Brothers, Wang Su of the Beijing film circle, and the attitude of China Film Group...

Everyone is waiting.

Everyone's watching.

Everyone is paying attention to the outstanding works in their own circle.

They pulled out their trump card.

This quarter is the final deadline.

Films released during this period are eligible to compete for awards.

Up to this point
Friends in the circle are also waiting.

I'm waiting to see how my film "Dying to Survive," which focuses on "ordinary people," will collide with "The Last Supper," an "epic production" that Beijing's film industry is fully committed to creating.

Let's wait and see if this so-called "godfather of science fiction" will fall from grace after leaving the science fiction genre.

The storm brewing outside is already palpable.

But Li Xuan, who was in the eye of the storm, was enjoying a rare moment of leisure here.

It's not that I don't care.

But...

calm.

trust.

Li Xuan actually felt that he should be nervous, which is why he went to the Forbidden City with his girlfriend.

But that's just my own opinion.

Now, let's relax.

On the contrary, there was no sense of tension.

Why should I be nervous?

I trust my own works the most.

Why are you nervous?

"What are you thinking about?" Liu Yifei asked, noticing that he had fallen into deep thought again.

“I’m thinking, it hasn’t been easy for us to get to where we are today,” Li Xuan said, looking at her.

It all started with that fleeting glimpse at the school gate.

Then came the guidance for "The Story of a Noble Family".

Then there's Chinese Paladin.

We've come a long way, through thick and thin.

This girl was always by his side.

"Mmm." Liu Yifei responded softly, squeezing his hand tighter.

A thousand words are contained in this one word, this one action.

The two walked and stopped frequently, and before they knew it, the sun was setting.

The golden afterglow spilled onto the red walls and yellow tiles, giving this ancient palace a gentle glow.

The tourists gradually dispersed.

The Forbidden City has returned to its original tranquility.

"How are you feeling?" Liu Yifei asked.

“I feel…” Li Xuan paused, looking at the sun gradually sinking below the horizon in the distance.

"The land is so beautiful."

He thought of himself.

From 2002 to 2010.

From an unknown student to now, standing in the center of this stage, competing with everyone.

This empire he conquered with his own hands...

Indeed, how beautiful.

"Next up is awards season," Liu Yifei reminded them.

"Ah."

Li Xuan nodded.

Golden Rooster, Golden Horse, Golden Statue...

Leaving aside international awards like Berlin, Cannes, and Venice, domestic awards have reached their most prestigious level.

"The Age of Awakening" and "Dying to Survive".

These two works.

He wants more than just box office success.

What he wants is fame and fortune.

is victory.

It was enough to allow him to gain a firm foothold, making it impossible for anyone to shake his position with external force... the highest honor.

"It's getting a bit cold, let's go back."

"it is good."

The two turned and walked towards the Shenwu Gate.

His silhouette stretched long and thin in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Just then, Li Xuan's phone vibrated.

He took it out and looked at it.

It was a text message from Wei Ming.

The text message was very simple.

"The Last Supper has been scheduled for release, on the same day as yours. Besides that, you have another competitor."

"Who?"

"Jiang Wen."

"His 'Let the Bullets Fly' is also scheduled for release in the same period as yours."

(End of this chapter)