This actor has something

Chapter 338 Choosing Roles

Stab it!

Zhou Huimin pulled open the curtains.

The not-so-bright light shone into the projection room, and it wasn't much brighter than before, because the overhead lights were high-wattage and would be noticeable even during the day, let alone now that it was a hazy, overcast day outside.

He Daqi looked up at the window, which was no longer obstructed. The sandstorm outside had stopped, and it was no different from an ordinary cloudy day. At least his vision was no longer blocked.

A thick stack of actor information was laid out in front of him; Liu Ying had just retrieved it from next door.

These are all materials submitted to Yonghui Qiming by actors with dreams, hoping to be selected by their production team.

When others were choosing people, He Daqi could offer a few more words and express his opinions. But when it came to choosing people himself, He Daqi suddenly realized that he seemed to be doing this job rather clumsily.

He Daqi is probably under some pressure. Looking at this information, he feels like he has a decision-making problem.

The reason for this is that he rejected all the candidates recommended by the people around him. He felt that if he chose someone who was not as good as the others had recommended, he would appear to be a bit autocratic.

Why is it that when someone else's recommendation is better than your own choice, you reject them all and end up choosing one that's mediocre in every way?
He turned his gaze away from the window, rested his chin on his hand, and kept thinking about the various characters from the movies and TV shows he had watched, trying to find the perfect candidate.

This is absolutely ridiculous! It's just a minor character, why is it so difficult to find him?
His worried look made the people around him murmur among themselves.

Especially Wang Jinghua, who had just recommended a lot of people, thought that He Daqi didn't want to use the artists under her management. Now, looking at He Daqi's appearance, she guessed that He Daqi might not have clearly expressed his specific requirements just now, so she tried to find another type of candidate.

What do you think of Yu Rongguang?

"Yu Rongguang? Who is that?" He Daqi blinked, unable to recall who it was.

"This." Wang Jinghua searched on her phone and handed it to He Daqi.

"...Sister Hua, I meant someone with an upright and righteous look." Looking at the arrogant and domineering face on the phone screen, He Daqi was speechless.

Okay, that's confirmed. He Daqi did make himself clear earlier; he really wanted to find someone who looked like a decent person.

Wang Jinghua took back her phone, nodded, and began to think seriously. Her artists had all been rejected, so she started selecting from well-known actors in mainland China.

After a moment, Wang Jinghua suddenly clapped her hands and said happily, "I remembered one! Wait a minute, Daqi, I'll help you find his photo."

As she spoke, she searched for photos on her phone again, and after a while, she put the phone in front of He Daqi again.

"How about this one? He looks like a decent person."

He Daqi's eyes grew brighter and brighter. He stared at the picture on his phone for a long time, then gave Wang Jinghua a thumbs up: "I must say, Sister Hua, your recommendation this time is really good. You deserve to be a well-regarded agent in the industry. Is this one of your artists?"

“No, that’s not it. This person’s name is Zhao Wenzhuo. His management contract is currently in Hong Kong. Xiao Liu and Xiao Wu should know him. He was very popular a few years ago, but unfortunately, his career started to decline after his management contract with Xu Ke ended. Oh, by the way, did you see the very popular TV series ‘The Great Storm’ from 02? He played Nie Feng in it,” Wang Jinghua explained.

02? He Daqi clicked his tongue. It would be a miracle if he had even seen that year; he had just transmigrated in 02.

Seeing that He Daqi didn't speak, Liu Ying added, "His current management contract should be with Jiang Zhiqiang, but... Zhao Wenzhuo's reputation isn't good. It's said that he's arrogant and difficult to work with. If you're going to use him, Daqi, you should be prepared."

Hey! Acting like a big shot? Are you one of us?

He Daqi asked with great interest, "His reputation is even worse than mine?"

How could anyone respond to him directly? Liu Ying and Wu Nannan both covered their mouths and laughed, while Wang Jinghua shook her head with a smile.

"Daqi, I always thought you didn't read entertainment news. So you know how those reporters write about you?" Xing Aina asked in surprise.

"...With fame comes trouble." He Daqi chuckled, then turned to Liu Ying and said, "Sister Liu, go ask about... um, Zhao Wenzhuo's schedule. See if he has half a month free in February or March next year. If he does, then we'll use him for the role of Zhao Jingzhong."

"Okay." Liu Ying nodded.

"As for the other roles... Could you ask Mr. Li Xuejian about the role of Wei Zhongxian for me? I'll make a call later to decide on the role of Chongzhen. I've promised Ding Xiu to Deng Chao. Oh, and Sister Hua, Deng Chao's contract is about to expire. You can talk to him and see if he wants to sign with you. Um... As for the three main characters... I'll take one, and the other two... it doesn't really matter. The supporting characters in this movie are great, but the main characters don't have much room to perform. You guys discuss it, just don't be too out of character. I'll go make a call to confirm the role of Chongzhen."

After finishing his sentence, He Daqi got up and left, leaving everyone in the screening room looking at each other in bewilderment, wondering who it was that required He Daqi to make a phone call in secret.

In fact, He Daqi didn't have to go out to make this call, but he was afraid that if he made it in front of everyone, it would be embarrassing to be rejected. After all, he had just rejected a lot of Wang Jinghua's candidates, and if he was rejected and then had to choose Chen Daoming from Wang Jinghua's company, it would be a bit awkward.

Stepping out to the end of the corridor, there stood a Monstera deliciosa plant. While dialing a number, He Daqi cheekily plucked at the leaves of the Monstera deliciosa, clearly having too much free time.

"Hey bro, busy?"

"Qi Zai, have you decided to do a cameo role in my Hollywood film crew next year? I knew you wouldn't disrespect your big brother, hahaha." Jackie Chan's hearty laughter came from the phone.

"Ahem... Well, big brother, I've thought about it and it's not impossible. But if you help me, I'll help you, and it's all easy to talk about. Are you free in the first half of next year? I have a role that I need you to play. It won't take too long, probably only a week."

At this moment, Jackie Chan was at home in Hong Kong, leisurely drinking tea. He had just taken a sip when he heard He Daqi's response and almost spat it out. He barely managed to suppress his laughter, feeling somewhat absurd.

He swallowed his tea, picked up his phone, and asked with a wry smile, "Qizai, you only come here when you need something? Let me think... the first half of next year... it's not impossible. How about this, let's make a gentleman's agreement, like you just said, you help me, I help you, and neither of us asks for payment. How about we have a nice drink together afterwards?"

"It's a deal?"

“It’s a deal!” Cheng Long agreed with a smile.

"Okay, you go ahead and get busy, I'm busy finalizing the roles, we can talk again when we have time."

“…Okay.” Hearing the dial tone on the phone, Cheng Long was somewhat amused and exasperated. Meanwhile, He Daqi frowned after hanging up.

Something's not right. Isn't this a Hollywood production? How come Jackie Chan offset both parties' salaries? Does that mean the production he's referring to is one he financed himself?
However, He Daqi didn't have time to check the film library to see what movies Jackie Chan was making next year; he had to go back to the screening room first to deliver the news.

As soon as He Daqi pushed open the door, he heard Wang Jinghua say to him, "Daqi, we were just thinking about it, and we're wondering if we should cast a Hong Kong or Taiwanese actor among the three main characters, since..."

"No need. The actor for Chongzhen has been chosen. Brother Cheng Long will play the role. I just spoke to him about it, so the other actors don't need to worry about their household registration."

He Daqi's news shocked Wong Jing, who stared at him for a long time before asking again, somewhat uncertainly, "Jackie Chan is playing Emperor Chongzhen?"

"Correct."

Seeing He Daqi nod at her, Wang Jinghua thought to herself: You've really gone all out to hit Zhang Yimou!

Wang Jinghua had considered all sorts of possibilities, even the absurd one of He Daqi asking Han Shanping to play Chongzhen, but she never expected this kind of possibility.

Honestly, who would have thought that Ho Tai-kai would cast Jackie Chan as Emperor Chongzhen? It's completely unrelated! How did Jackie Chan agree to that role?
Once she came to her senses, Wang Jinghua immediately became excited.

This project seems to be taking off!

No, we have to cramm people in here quickly!

"Daqi, aren't we still missing two other main characters? Why don't we send Sun Honglei and your classmate Jia Nailiang? We can promote the original team of Crazy Stone as they set sail again. While promoting Crazy Stone, we can also give the new project some buzz. However, we can't use the name 'Palace Mayhem'. We need to choose a new name."

“Sister Hua, you really know how to seize every opportunity. Hmm… I actually have a backup name for the project, something like ‘When My Flower Blooms, All Other Flowers Wither.’ If the box office is good, we’ll make it the first film, and then we can make a sequel.” He Daqi shared his thoughts.

At this moment, Wu Nannan asked, "Daqi, what about the female roles? The Empress's role is quite important, and there are two other female roles as well. I estimate that after our crew announces the roles, we will definitely receive a lot of audition requests from actors, especially actresses. They know that you and Jackie Chan are in this movie, so they will definitely be scrambling to get roles. Also, Zhang Yimou's side is using Gong Li, so who should we use?"

Wu Nannan's words make sense. When the "Number One Under Heaven" project was in Yonghui Qiming's hands, Gao Yuanyuan was able to use her connections at the school to ask He Daqi for help. Let alone the project they have now, with the current setup, it's no wonder those actresses are going crazy.

Thinking of this, He Daqi glanced at Zhou Huimin, who was standing by the window holding a cat.

Okay, let's eliminate one wrong option first. Looking at Vivian Chow holding her cat and looking so peaceful, forget about getting her to act in a movie. She probably wouldn't even bother with a cameo.

"You guys discuss it. I think either way is fine. Oh, and don't forget our artists. Three members of the Yonghui Qiming girl group have come of age. Although they can't play the Empress, they can still take on other roles. And what about Yang Rong and Cui Bo? Are they available next year?"

"Forget about them, their schedules are full next year. Yaya, Reyizha, and Tiantian could do cameo roles, though. I'll go ask them and see what they say," Liu Ying replied.

He Daqi hummed in agreement, and after thinking for a moment and finding nothing else to say, he said, "Senior brother, you can start preparing for the film crew now. First, find a suitable location. We'll start filming next February, which will basically be right after Crazy Stone finishes its run in theaters. Plus, there's the Chinese New Year in between, so the timeframe is quite tight. You have a tough task ahead of you."

"Understood." Ning Hao nodded.

Seeing that Ning Hao agreed, He Daqi continued, "You can discuss the rest. That's all for today. I have some other things to do this afternoon, so I have to go now."

As soon as He Daqi uttered the word "walk," Zhou Huimin, as if selectively receiving information, smiled and walked over while holding the cat.

Clearly, she had had enough of staying there and was just waiting for He Daqi to say he was leaving.

The world changes so fast. When Yonghui Qiming was first established, Zhou Huimin seemed ready to make a big splash, but in just a few years, she is now as leisurely as a salted fish lying flat.

The two greeted each other and left the screening room. As soon as they stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the underground parking garage, Zhou Huimin asked He Daqi with great interest, "What should we eat for lunch today?"

He Daqi thought for a while, and after the elevator doors opened again, he said, "Didn't you think Sichuan cuisine was good when you were in Sichuan last time? Today I'll take you to try the Sichuan cuisine here, which is a well-established brand."

"What is Sichuan cuisine here?"

"It's Sichuan cuisine that's been modified based on the tastes of people in Beijing and those who come to entertain foreign guests. You'll see once you try it. The appearance is pretty much the same, but the taste is a bit different."

The two chatted as they got into the car one after the other.

"Sister Bai, do you know where the Emei Restaurant is?" He Daqi asked his driver, Bai Wei.

"Daqi, I remember you pointed me to a place to buy groceries once before, right? That Sichuan restaurant?" Bai Wei turned around to confirm.

"Yes, it's eleven o'clock now. Let's go straight there. It's a weekday today, so I reckon there should be seats available when we get there."

"Okay," Bai Wei replied and turned around.

At this moment, Vivian Chow seemed to have no bones, hugging the cat and leaning over, pressing her face against Ho Tai-kei's arm.

"Daqi, how's the construction of our house going? Two months have passed, and when I was in Hong Kong, I called the construction site and they said the main structure was complete."

"We'll find out after we finish eating. Remember to contact the construction site before we go so we can take a good look. We have plenty of time this afternoon, no rush."

At this point, He Daqi opened a storage compartment on one side, took out the blueprints, and prepared to take a look.

Zhou Huimin was willing to do this. She smiled and moved closer to He Daqi, then had He Daqi put the blueprints on their laps so they could look at them together.

While looking at the decorations, Zhou Huimin explained her ideas to He Daqi. It was clear that she had no design plan at all, and sometimes she would contradict herself as she talked.

He Daqi just watched Zhou Huimin talking to herself with a smile. Only when Zhou Huimin nudged him a couple of times and asked him to make a decision would he smile and give a perfunctory reply.

(End of this chapter)