Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 526 The Spark Ignites

"Sure, sure, let's practice for a while with the three of us. If it goes well, we can add Tang Yan and Tong Liya too." Liu Yifei was already planning for her postpartum recovery. "Then it'll be 'Sugar is Very Sweet,' how about that?"

Lu Kuan laughed and said, "They're all Chinese characters. They can dominate the domestic market, but they can't go beyond Asia."

He was in a hurry, so he took a sip of tea and looked at the posing Lin Yoona and others on the screen: "These people have been practicing together for five or six years. You amateurs need to put in more effort."

Da Tian Tian exclaimed excitedly, "We've been practicing dance for many years, and we even have Aunt Liu's guidance, so why can't we do it?"

Don't believe me? I'll show you! Any kind of dance will do!

Xiao Liu has already made up his mind: "The training room at home has never been used, so it will be our training base from now on."

She looked at her husband with a teasing expression: "How about we ask Director Lu to be in the audience? Look how you've captivated Girls' Generation, I almost thought it was Young Women's Generation!"

"Teacher Lu, your wife is jealous." Jing Tian covered her mouth and giggled, "She was stubborn at first, but the more she listened, the more suspicious she seemed."

Lu Kuan smiled and put his arm around his wife's shoulder: "Oh! I was wondering why we suddenly switched from hitting the sandbag to dancing. Turns out, it's because we're having a competition."

"Alright then, I guess I'll have to reluctantly be your unpaid audience member!"

With Liu Xiaoli present, Liu Yifei obviously didn't dare to speak too recklessly, and didn't extend his "getting the benefit and then acting innocent" to explain it as the biological behavior of the washing machine.

What's wrong with letting him dance? We can't be too strict; we need to be flexible and allow him to be independent.

Men are like children who never grow up; occasionally, give them some benefits that don't cost you anything.

Thus, the timeline shifted once again, and from then on, the sections of gossip and rumors about the wealthy in numerous marketing accounts would likely follow this pattern:

The first private song and dance troupe owned by one of China's top billionaires with verifiable records is the "Sugar is Very Sweet" group from a washing machine company that held the title of the richest person in China for several consecutive years starting in 06.

Organized primarily by his wife Liu Yifei and Su Chang, wife of Zhuang Xu, vice president of Wenjie, the event gathered top domestic actresses for his enjoyment, and featured frequent sensual and graceful dance performances at his private estate.

After the event, apart from Su Chang, who is worth billions, there were rumors that the other actresses stayed overnight for extended periods. In particular, a certain top actress, Jing Tian, ​​was reportedly found to have stayed overnight quite frequently and for a considerable number of days, according to paparazzi who were staking out the event, which has fueled much speculation.

Besides that, there's the Evergrande Dance Troupe from a real estate developer in Guangdong Province, but it certainly can't compare to the top-tier private dance troupe of the aforementioned washing machine company.

Then there are all sorts of comments from netizens, such as "Another day of envying the washing machine" and "The entertainment industry is so messy".

……

It was not yet six o'clock after dinner. The setting sun climbed over the courtyard wall and slanted onto the window frame of the east wing, where it was cut into shimmering spots by the shadows of the climbing vines.

In the twilight of the courtyard house, tinged with the color of rock candy, the last warmth of the setting sun flowed across the surface of the fish tank, turning the scales of several koi carp into flowing gold.

Lu Kuan sat in a rattan chair, drinking tea and reading the script.

Because the "boy who cried wolf" tantrums these past few days were so terrifying, he gave the crew a week off. With the due date approaching, even though he couldn't predict when the two little ones would hatch, Boss Lu no longer had the energy to work.

Tomorrow is the last scene for the character Chiang Ching-kuo. After filming at the Huairou base, she will go straight home to prepare for childbirth.

Having lived in this world for almost ten years, this is the first time this workaholic realist has felt a lack of desire to make movies.

After the lonely traveler embraces the anchor point and takes deep root, his bloodline will carry the vertical connection, becoming his life coordinate in this space-time.

Even if he leaves or disappears one day, his mark will remain in this world forever, and his descendants will carry on his emotions, education, and character.

Watching the pomegranate tree cast long, thin shadows, and Liu Yifei walking with Jing Tian through the dappled light, perhaps this is the meaning of the inheritance of life.

The expectant mother gently stroked the plump, green and red flower buds with her fingers, and a gentle fetal movement came from her belly, as if the two little ones were also enjoying the tranquility of the twilight.

"Don't go back tonight. Take care of your Aunt Liu so I don't get scolded." Little Liu looked at Da Tian Tian, ​​whose face instantly lit up with joy: "Am I considerate? Don't call me a bad woman later."

"Then why did you call me a green tea b*tch!"

Jing Tian tried her best to suppress her overwhelming joy. She had come to visit early in the morning and lingered in the Ice Cellar Prince's Mansion until the afternoon. Seeing that no one was chasing her away, she even managed to freeload dinner.

Taking advantage of the hostess's invitation, he readily agreed: "I stayed mainly at Teacher Lu's request to observe the characters. You are excellent material for observing the character of Lin Yun's mother!"

Liu Yifei was too lazy to expose her: "If you say so, then so be it. You can only observe people up to their mothers. You're a young woman, so don't try to observe how other people's wives do things."

"Tch! What are you so smug about? Who cares!"

In the past two years, Da Tian Tian has become much more shameless and daring after hanging out with this couple. Coupled with being bullied so much by various nude and childish incidents, she doesn't act like an outsider at all.

"Auntie, let me do it!"

Seeing Liu Xiaoli come out with a showerhead, Xiao Liu speechlessly watched as Da Tiantian, who was gradually being forced into becoming a top-tier green tea, went to greet her.

It can only be said that everyone has their own way of surviving.

……

Early on the morning of the 10th, Lu Kuan tiptoed out of bed, being careful not to disturb his wife who had just fallen asleep in the middle of the night.

Even though Liu Yifei has an excellent constitution and abundant blood and energy, the physical pressure she is under in late pregnancy is still immense. Now, even turning over in bed every day is extremely painful.

She lay on her side in bed, her long hair spread out on the pillow, her breathing even and deep, her swollen pregnant belly rising and falling slightly with each breath.

As dawn broke and the thin mist lingered, Jing Tian, ​​having just finished her morning exercise, stretched her legs under the pomegranate tree. The girl's figure appeared exceptionally slender and tall in the hazy light.

She had one leg draped over the stone bench, leaning forward, her supple waist curving into a graceful arc. Hearing the noise, her almond-shaped eyes instantly lit up...

Lu Kuan quickly raised his index finger: "Shh..."

Only when he got closer did he instruct, "Be alert these next few days. If anything happens, your Aunt Liu will call Peking Union Medical College Hospital immediately. Remember to let me know right away."

Da Tiantian's expression turned interesting as if she had been given a mission that required her to risk her life. She solemnly replied, "Yes," and then reluctantly watched him leave alone.

Even though she hadn't spoken more than two words to him since yesterday, and even though this last sentence was just about caring for Liu Yifei, Jing Tian felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey.

Unlike Bingbing, she doesn't have a strong possessive personality, and she knows that it's not appropriate for her to stubbornly stay here.

However, the couple attracted her in a way that was both attractive and had a good personality. For no apparent reason, the young girl wanted to get closer to them, just like how she was overjoyed to receive a mission.

Even if there were conditions to get her to take that step, she might not be afraid or unwilling.

Jing Tian watched the man push open the door and leave. His cheeks were flushed from his morning exercise, but his eyes were bright and sparkling, as if they held stars.

A sense of responsibility and belonging welled up inside me for no apparent reason.

Before 9 a.m., the "Founding of a Republic" film crew at the Huairou Film and Television Base was already fully operational. Other film crews could drag their feet and be disorganized, but "Founding of a Republic" was essentially getting free access to various superstars, so of course the filming schedule had to be very tight to ensure that they could come for a charity performance and then quickly return home.

Someone of Boss Lu's stature shouldn't have to come a second time. However, he was delayed for a whole morning last time because Cai Fuchao conscripted him. In addition, Wenjie is one of the investors in this sure-fire deal, so he had no choice but to make a sacrifice.

Making money is nothing to be ashamed of, as long as it doesn't take him outside of Beiping and he can get back to the city at any time.

Huang Jianxin was directing the filming on set when he saw Lu arrive. He smiled and came over to greet him, saying, "Director Lu, I guarantee you'll wrap up filming before 4 p.m. today. But if President Han insists on having you give us your feedback and guidance on our filming, I can't stop him."

"He's coming again? Then hurry up, I'll finish filming and run."

The guy with the buzz cut is shrewd. He tried to persuade Lu Kuan to direct "Under the Hawthorn Tree" but failed. Now he's bringing up the investment amount again and insisting that Lu Kuan give him some off-screen guidance.

First, this is disrespectful to Huang Jianxin, even if the latter has no objection and is actually very welcoming of it;
Secondly, making money from this movie is one thing, but its quality and reputation are another. We can't let Xiaopingtou (a nickname for a male celebrity) be tied to the chariot too tightly, only to "tarnish" his own reputation later.

Huang Jianxin is not young, and he is also a close friend of Han Shanping. He has always been good at mainstream narratives and films about great people's biographies.

Even so, during these interactions, he never sensed any arrogance from this already accomplished director; the latter simply adhered to the duties of an actor.

For example, in today's scene, even though his role wasn't large, his script was already densely covered with notes.

Today's scene is the highlight: Chiang Ching-kuo's trip to Shanghai to "fight tigers"—

In 1948, the Nationalist government's economy collapsed. Chiang Ching-kuo, on the orders of Chiang Kai-shek, went to Shanghai to promote "currency reform" and "anti-corruption campaign," attempting to rectify the financial order and crack down on unscrupulous merchants who engaged in speculation and profiteering.

Feng Xiaogang plays Du Yuesheng, the leader of the Shanghai Green Gang, who was one of the most important forces controlling the underground economy at the time. The two are directly opposed in their positions and will have a scene together.

The makeup artist styled Mr. Lu's hair into a neat slicked-back style, and then changed him into a sharp dark Zhongshan suit. In the mirror, his eyes were sharp and his temperament was calm, just like that "prince" who tried to turn the tide but ultimately had no choice.

Feng Xiaogang, with his sharp eyes and quick wit, came over with a smile to greet him.

Although he couldn't match Du Yuesheng's subservience to the prince back then, for Kuzi, who rose from humble beginnings, although there had been frictions at Huayi, over the years there had only been occasional conflicts and each had their own stance, so there was no real enmity between them.

Even though Mr. Lu's identity is still that of a director, who can simply think that way?

"Mr. Lu, are you putting on makeup?"

"Oh, all done with makeup. Director Feng, you look quite convincing in this role." Lu Kuan, seeing him shamelessly come over to chat, simply pretended that their previous disagreement didn't exist and casually dealt with him perfunctorily.

This is the magnanimity that those in power and those in positions of authority should have. There's no need to be so vindictive as to crush even the smallest insect you don't like. That's the attitude of a nouveau riche who has never tasted the sweetness of power and wealth.

Moreover, Feng Xiaogang has accumulated a lot of resources in Beijing's entertainment circle over the years, and he has a group of supporters and friends who advocate for him. He is still the top director at Wanda Media, and he is far from being down on his luck.

The only thing that makes Kuzi feel frustrated and pained is that after so many years of sticking with Huayi, he never expected that by the time the company went public and became a legend, he would have already become a ghost.

Feng Xiaogang grinned, showing his big teeth, and said, "President Lu, today is media open day. President Han is bringing a group of reporters to conduct on-site interviews and promote the film."

"We'll have a scene together later, so please go easy on me, you Berlin Film Festival Best Actor. Don't make me feel too bad, haha."

Boss Lu waved his hand, then carefully looked the pants up and down: "No, we're all extras in this movie, we'll just act according to the script."

"Putting everything else aside, your classic gangster image—a black Chinese-style short shirt, round sunglasses, and a cane in hand—is already quite striking."

Feng Xiaogang had come up to him with a thick skin, after all, he was now the leading director of Wenjie's competitor in theatrical and online ticketing markets. He didn't expect the usually domineering young director to be so easy to talk to.

"Oh, not at all, I just benefited from being ugly."

Lu Kuan chuckled and said, "Hey! You can't say that. I just saw Du Yuesheng's descendants being interviewed at the door. Aren't you just insulting your ancestor to their faces?"

"Haha! I misspoke, I misspoke!" Little Cannon laughed heartily, somewhat regretting that he had gone too far with his attitude as a nobody, and how he couldn't help but mock and belittle himself like that.

The main reason I'm nervous is because of his methods.

Especially since his affair with Shen Xing was recently photographed by paparazzi, he secretly asked Wang Jianlin to use his connections in Shanghai to resolve the matter. Right now, Kuzi is still feeling a bit guilty.

"Alright, everyone, please wait a moment. After we finish filming this scene, we'll ask Director Lu to chat with you all."

Han Shanping's laughter came from not far away; he had truly been riding high these past two years.

When Xiaopingtou saw Lu Kuan and Feng Xiaogang chatting and laughing together, he pretended not to know anything and walked over. After all, Kuzi was the former hero who helped him send off his fans and open the Lunar New Year film season.

It's true that Boss Lu is a close friend and a staunch ally of interests, but in a society like China where personal relationships matter, people still have to give each other face. You can't just suddenly turn against each other because of differences in relationships or positions.

"Xiao Gang, you're under a lot of pressure today, having to act opposite Director Lu." Han Shanping patted Feng Xiaogang's shoulder affectionately. Just from the way he addressed him, it was clear who held a higher position.

He then turned to Lu Kuan with a smile: "Just now, a bunch of reporters were chasing after me asking all sorts of questions, like Yi Fei giving birth, and how the closed filming location for your 'Ball Lightning' is going!"

"Anyway, you'll have to deal with today's media open day on your own!"

Mr. Lu said helplessly, "He who eats another's food is bound to him, and he who takes another's money is bound to him. Just look how much I've been exploited in order to get this piece of the 'Founding of a Republic' from China Film Group."

Everyone smiled apologetically, and Feng Xiaogang, playing the straight man, said, "Director Lu, we're all the same. Today, President Han even arranged for Du Yuesheng's daughter, Du Meiru, to visit the set. He's determined to link me with this former Green Gang boss for publicity."

The crew-cut man was quite pleased with his marketing strategy. Just like in his previous life, he specially invited Du Meiru and Du Yuesheng's son, Du Weishan, to visit the set today.

As a historian and representative of the Du family, Du Weishan has repeatedly emphasized publicly that Feng Xiaogang is "the actor who is closest to the father in portraying him," especially affirming his temperament that combines elegance and ruthlessness.

Du Meiru even had her 60-year-old son address Feng Xiaogang as "Grandpa" on the spot, creating a sensational news story.

After Huang Jianxin finished communicating the setup on-site via walkie-talkie, Lao Han clapped his hands with a smile: "Don't feel wronged, you two great directors. When celebrating the birthday of our motherland, we should still show our manners!"

"Come on, get ready to enjoy your performance."

The track car moved slowly along the paved streets of the Republic of China era. The cinematographer half-squatted to adjust the focus, and the script supervisor held up the clapperboard: "Scene 37, Shot 3 of 'The Founding of a Republic,' Action!"

Outside the film set, Du Meiru and her brother Du Weishan stood at the front of the press area, with media personnel holding long lenses and microphones behind them.

Reporters held their breath, their cameras all pointed at the center of the Republican-era street scene—

Feng Xiaogang, who plays Du Yuesheng, walks slowly towards Lu Kuan, who plays Chiang Ching-kuo, leaning on his cane. The hem of his long gown sways gently with each step, making him look exactly like a gangster boss who stepped out of an old photograph.

This scene was allowed to be filmed.

Huang Jianxin stared at the monitor and nodded slightly. He and Lao Han looked at their marketing plan for the day with satisfaction, which was sure to generate some buzz.

No one knew that the fuse, secretly lit a few days ago, had quietly spread to the film set and would soon be captured by well-informed reporters, thus disappointing Lao Han and occupying the headlines for the next week.

A drama even more extraordinary than Chiang Ching-kuo's denunciation of the Green Gang boss is about to unfold.

(End of this chapter)