Huayu: Traffic is king

Chapter 116 Characters Finalized
"It's directed by Zhu Ruibin, so the quality can't be too bad."

Zhang Yongxin, also a director, was very familiar with his colleagues in the industry. Seeing that Zhang Guohua wasn't quite clear on the details, he briefly explained Zhu Ruibin's resume and that "Ashes of Love" was only halfway through filming. Because the investors had absconded, causing the funding chain to break, the originally cast male lead, Deng Lun, was willing to pay a penalty to terminate his contract with the production team.

Gu Jingyi was appointed to the role of "Xu Feng" in a time of crisis.

"Is that so? Then Jingyi is very loyal."

Zhang Guohua pondered for a moment, and his evaluation of Gu Jingyi rose to a new level.

"The special effects team for 'Ashes of Love' is a well-known team in the industry. From production to makeup and special effects, everything is excellent. Xiao Gu, just focus on filming and don't let the previous controversy affect your mood."

"Ok"

Zhang Guohua only gave this subtle hint and didn't say much more.

"Drink."

When producer Chang Kuo-hua raised his glass, the others also laughed and clinked their glasses together.

The table was filled with elders, and they had known each other for many years. After clinking glasses, they all took only a few sips, but Gu Jingyi was a newcomer and a junior. He couldn't follow suit, so he simply downed his full glass in one gulp.

Seeing Zhang Guohua's gaze fall upon him, Gu Jingyi smiled sincerely, "Brother Hua's advice was invaluable. If you don't know what to do, then I'll..."

He deliberately turned his wine glass upside down to indicate that he had finished drinking, and although he didn't say anything too definitive, everyone present already understood what Gu Jingyi wanted to express.

In China, people who can drink well and are good at socializing will generally do well anywhere. Drinking culture is prevalent in every social circle.

Seeing his posture, Zhang Guohua smiled faintly and nodded slightly. "Jingyi, eat something. Drinking all this time can easily cause stomach aches. Don't upset your stomach and ruin your business for tomorrow and the day after."

"It's okay, I get along well with Brother Guohua."

Gu Jingyi took the opportunity to offer a compliment, though he appeared slightly drunk but his eyes were perfectly clear.

"Haha, you're quite an interesting young man."

Zhang Guohua did not refute it and readily accepted the title "Brother Guohua".

Since Gu Jingyi had just called him "brother," Zhang Guohua got straight to the point and stated the purpose of his trip.

“Brother Jingyi, since you just called me Brother Guohua, I won’t waste any more time with you. There’s a project that’s supposed to start filming around the end of next year. I don’t know if you’re interested, it’s a patriotic project.”

Gu Jingyi feigned a simple and honest smile, "Brother Guohua, since you've put it that way, how could I not be interested? That would be too inconsiderate of me."

That's what he said, but Gu Jingyi knew perfectly well in his heart that the TV series Zhang Guohua mentioned, which was in pre-production, was undoubtedly "The Age of Awakening."

If it weren't for his outstanding performance at the May Fourth Gala and his adeptness at networking, which caught Zou Wei's eye, this kind of mainstream, big-budget production script would never have been delivered to him.

Serious dramas tend to be serious and don't like to use popular celebrities.

It prefers actors with formal training and emerging talents in the theater world.

Zou Wei, who brought Gu Jingyi to the private party, patted Zhu Zhixin on the shoulder and pointed at Gu Jingyi, laughing heartily.

"See? I wasn't wrong. Jingyi is a very clever and shrewd kid."

"Director Zou, even if I were Sun Wukong, I'd still have Brother Guohua to keep me in check, wouldn't I?"

Gu Jingyi smiled and clinked glasses, making a few witty remarks that livened up the atmosphere once again.

Zhang Guohua, who had been very composed since he entered, was also amused by this compliment, which put him in a very good mood.

"Haha, you're such a smooth talker. Gu Jingyi, are you really not from the capital?"

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the exchange of toasts, the relationship at the dinner table was brought closer once again.

Zhang Guohua seemed genuinely interested in getting down to business, directly inquiring about Gu Jingyi's grasp of the history of the past few decades.

After all, to get into the Central Conservatory of Music, one needs a minimum score in the cultural subjects section of the college entrance exam. Gu Jingyi naturally wouldn't make the kind of elementary mistake of failing the exam; his insightful remarks earned frequent nods of approval from Zhang Guohua and Zhu Zhixin.

"Zhixin, which role do you think Jingyi is more suitable for?"

"Chen Yannian, right? Didn't Jingyi mention at the May Fourth Gala tonight that during his middle school years, his school organized a trip to Longhua Cemetery to learn about that period of history?"

Gu Jingyi smiled and nodded, "Yes, that was a study tour organized by our school."

Zhang Guohua put down his wine glass and tapped his index finger lightly on the table. Suddenly becoming serious, he posed a question to Gu Jingyi: "Do you know why Chen Duxiu's two sons were named Yannian and Qiaonian?"

Gu Jingyi put down his chopsticks and calmly replied, "Yannian comes from Xunzi's 'The way to secure the country is to rely on the land. When the land fulfills its role, success will be achieved, and success will extend life'; while Qiaonian comes from the Book of Songs, Zhou Nan, 'There are tall trees in the south, but one cannot rest there.' Chen Duxiu hoped that his son could both save the country in a down-to-earth manner and have lofty aspirations."

When Zou Wei tried to say something, Zhu Zhixin shook his head to stop him.

Old friend Zhang Guohua has started to exhibit his "occupational hazard" again, switching into work mode. What was originally a harmonious dinner party has turned into a private audition.

Zou Wei nodded without saying anything. He quickly searched for the answer Zhang Guohua had just given on his phone, and sure enough, it matched Gu Jingyi's answer. After showing it to Zhu Zhixin, the latter silently gave him a thumbs up.

"When you visited Longhua Cemetery, which inscription impressed you the most?"

Zhang Guohua didn't give Gu Jingyi a moment to breathe, as the second question immediately followed.

Gu Jingyi remained calm and showed no sign of panic. His eyes darkened slightly, as if he were lost in the emotions within them.

When he looked up again, a genuine look of pain appeared in his eyes.

"It's a copperplate print in the third exhibition hall, where Chen Yannian's words before his execution are engraved: 'Revolutionaries are upright and fearless in the face of death. They will die standing, never kneeling.' I remember my history teacher telling us that this quote originated from Chen Yannian."

"The executioner forced him to kneel, and he leaped into the deep pit filled with daggers in the execution ground..."

The entire private room was unusually quiet. The three middle-aged men, who had been deeply involved in mainstream propaganda for a long time, were all very satisfied with Gu Jingyi's performance.

"Gu Jingyi, if I asked you to act out the scene of Chen Yannian's execution right now, how long would it take you to get into character?"

Zhang Guohua looked at him with a very solemn expression.

Actually, he came to this gathering because of the song "A Century-Long Journey".

Both the lyrics and the imagery perfectly match the theme and historical context of "The Age of Awakening".

Unexpectedly, he hit it off with Gu Jingyi at first sight. This young man was courageous, had principles, and knew how to conduct himself.

Zhang Guohua genuinely developed a fondness for talent, and he began to consider the suitability of the roles of Gu Jingyi and Chen Yannian.

Perhaps due to a stereotype of "traffic stars," he felt that among the two young characters "Chen Yannian" and "Deng Zhongxia" in "The Awakening Age," the role of "Deng Zhongxia" was most suitable for Gu Jingyi. Gu Jingyi, who is also from Hunan Province, could avoid the need for Hunan dialect training if he took on the role.

As a leader of the student movement, Deng Zhongxia's eloquence is similar to Gu Jingyi's quick thinking at the dinner table.

His character's trajectory is also relatively simple; there aren't any scenes in the entire series where Deng Zhongxia's acting skills are particularly demanding. Gu Jingyi, on the other hand, can simply play himself without needing particularly demanding acting skills.

However, Gu Jingyi was particularly interested in the role of "Chen Yannian." After his performance at the May Fourth Gala, during an interview, he passionately declared, "There is no such thing as a peaceful life; it's just that someone is bearing the burden for us." This made Zhang Guohua think that Gu Jingyi could also give "Chen Yannian" a try.

Having just passed the test, Gu Jingyi truly knew Chen Yannian's experiences like the back of his hand. The "Longhua Mausoleum Study Tour" didn't seem like a persona contrived to gain favor.

However, the role of Chen Yannian is the one that puts the greatest challenge to acting skills among the three young characters in "The Age of Awakening".

Chen Yannian is an idealist martyr, with a highlight scene in the drama where he is executed. He also undergoes a rich transformation in his inner world, and Gu Jingyi, who is known for his popularity, may not be able to fully understand this character.

Zhang Guohua and Zhu Zhixin initially planned to find the role of "Chen Yannian" among stage actors, as this role required a strong emotional outburst and expressive power.

Among the younger generation, very few have this level of skill.

Anyway, "The Age of Awakening" is only in the initial stage now, and there are still one or two years before the public announcement period.

Zhang Guohua is not in a hurry to publicly recruit for the role of "Chen Yannian" from various universities and theaters.

Seeing that Gu Jingyi was interested, he was willing to give this newly acquainted "little brother" a chance.

Give it a try; sometimes you won't turn back until you hit a wall.

Is there a specific script?

Gu Jingyi asked.

"No, feel free to improvise. Brother Jingyi, start once you're ready."

Gu Jingyi didn't speak; he closed his eyes and his mind raced.

ten minutes later
After adjusting his state, Gu Jingyi—or should he be called Chen Yannian—sat on the ground with his knees drawn up to his chest, counting the wild jasmine blossoms sprouting from the cracks in the blue bricks.

This is the little flower he kept in prison after he was imprisoned; the edges of its petals are a sallow, malnourished yellow. It looks just like the bookmark his younger sister, Qiao Nian, secretly put in his book.

Zhang Guohua was increasingly satisfied with how quickly Gu Jingyi got into character.

As the director, Zhu Zhixin was able to guess which scene Gu Jingyi wanted to act based on his performance.

He also stood up, his leather shoes clicking as he approached. The clinking of the keys hanging from his belt became more rapid than before, as if foreshadowing his rapidly deteriorating situation.

Sitting on the ground, "Chen Yannian" remained unmoved, even though he knew it was the executioner deliberately adjusting the bolt before doing so. A series of small movements created a sense of anxiety, inflicting maximum mental torture on the detainee.

Zhu Zhixin glanced at Gu Jingyi's expression, which was full of fearlessness.

He was even more impressed; Gu Jingyi had grasped the emotions perfectly. To think of these things in such a short time truly made him a player of exceptional talent.

"Mr. Chen, would you like a bowl of sweet rice wine with egg before you set off?"

Zhu Zhixin was also drawn into the role by Gu Jingyi and began to cooperate with his performance.

Seeing that "Chen Yannian" remained unmoved, the smile on his face vanished. His words also became harsh and unpleasant, "After all, once you're on the torture cart, you won't have a chance to eat anymore."

Chen Yannian ignored him and slowly buttoned up his clothes. From bottom to top, even the top button of his coarse cloth prison uniform was fastened tightly.

He had absolutely no interest in the extravagant "desserts" of that era, even when the other person shoved a rough porcelain bowl into his face. Gu Jingyi simply pushed the bowl away with two fingers, sparks flying as the shackles on his wrists dragged across the blue brick floor.

He spoke calmly and indifferently: "Let's save it for your commander's victory celebration. He should have some more sugar—after all, the achievement of strangling a scholar is more mentally taxing than annihilating an enemy army."

"You!" Zhu Zhixin was so angry that he made a gesture of smashing a bowl at Gu Jingyi.

Chen Yannian's expression was calm to the point of indifference, unmoved by any emotion. He had always been this kind of person, loyal only to his own ideals. He would never fawn over those above for the sake of safety.

Producer Chang Kuo-hua, sitting to the side, had an even stronger sense of amusement in his eyes.

Gu Jingyi understood the emotions correctly, and he couldn't wait to see how this young man would act out the scene of "dying on the execution ground".

If that scene had been filmed with such a nonchalant expression, the effect would have been greatly diminished.

This wasn't a formal filming location, so there weren't many props. Gu Jingyi simply assumed he was standing on a prison cart on his way to execution; his tall frame made it look a bit cramped.

Gu Jingyi held his head high, showing no fear, only a sense of relief that his ideal would be realized.

Zou Wei, who was sitting to the side, nodded frequently and gave Gu Jingyi a thumbs up.

This is the kind of young person who could shout "Let us create a youthful nation with our youthful selves" in the auditorium of the Imperial University. His vision blurred, and Gu Jingyi's figure overlapped with that of a patriotic youth from a hundred years ago. Zou Wei saw in Gu Jingyi the brilliance of Chen Yannian.

This time he really put in a lot of effort. His old partner Zhang Guohua had been having a headache over casting Chen Yannian ever since the project "Awakening Age" was launched.

No one would have thought that such acting skills could be seen in a "top idol" and "boy band member".

Old Zhang was now indebted to someone. Zou Wei was about to pat Zhang Guohua on the shoulder and whisper something when the other man abruptly removed his hand from Zhang's shoulder.

"Just watch the performance carefully, isn't that enough to shut you up?"

Zhang Guohua didn't even lift his eyelids, staring intently at Gu Jingyi. He didn't want to miss a single subtle expression on Gu Jingyi's face, completely immersed in his performance.

Zou Wei pursed his lips, picked up his camera, and started recording in Gu Jingyi's direction.

This will serve as footage from a "non-public audition," which will allow the higher-ups to review and finalize the casting of Gu Jingyi.

There's no need for Gu Jingyi to go through the trouble of making another trip just to leave an audition video record. He can convince everyone with his acting skills in front of the entire future cast.

Zou Wei simply showed this video to the team, which dispelled all doubts about Gu Jingyi's acting skills.

"Chen Yannian! Final statement!"

Zhu Zhixin waved the judgment forcefully, spitting all over Gu Jingyi's face.

"I have nothing to say."

The young man raised his head, and a chilling wind blew into the tattered prison clothes.

Gu Jingyi's gaze swept across the faces of the onlookers, who all stared blankly at the execution ground.

"However, I must remind you all—each bullet you use to kill me costs enough to buy thirty catties of rice. Today, there are five hundred laborers at the Shanghai docks carrying foreign goods on empty stomachs; their lives matter too."

Gu Jingyi did not plead his case; instead, he looked at the common people with a sense of pity. Every face bore an indifferent expression of detachment, yet their clothes were tattered.

Zhu Zhixin sneered and made a feint of loading a gun.

Making hand gestures, *bang*

Gu Jingyi's left shoulder was pierced by a rapidly approaching bullet, and he controlled his muscles to make his left shoulder tremble.

The young man did not back down; he raised his right arm high.
"The Chinese Revolution..."

"boom"

The second shot hit again, interrupting Chen Yannian's last words, which he had been preparing for half a year since his imprisonment.

A warm, metallic taste surged in his throat, and Gu Jingyi's veins bulged.

"unnecessary…"

The third attack from Zi Dan arrived as scheduled, shattering all his unspoken words.

This time, Chen Yannian was hit in the knee, and he couldn't stand up and fell heavily to the ground.

The fourth shot came again, hitting "Chen Yannian" in the throat.

He could no longer speak, and the light in his eyes was about to disappear.

But filled with hope, they looked to the southwest.

There, countless colleagues, just like him, are striving for the same dream.

Aren't you going to clap?

Zhang Guohua glanced at Zou Wei, who was still fiddling with the camera, and complained with some disdain.

Then, he led the applause.

Applause erupted from different directions, deafeningly loud.

"Jingyi, your acting skills have exceeded my expectations."

Zhu Zhixin just acted opposite Gu Jingyi and has a genuine understanding of this young top star's acting skills.

With acting skills like that, she could easily star in serious dramas.

"Well done. Once the script enters the casting process, the letter of intent for the roles will be sent to Huace on schedule."

Seeing that Gu Jingyi had given a direct answer, Zhang Guohua stopped putting on airs.

The evening's gathering for dinner with the dockworkers came to an end, and after he paid the bill, everyone dispersed.

Gu Jingyi didn't rush to pay the bill, after all, Zhang Guohua was an elder. And since it was their first gathering, rushing to pay might not be seen as a good thing by the other party.

Why not just leave it at that and wait for the next opportunity to use the guise of "returning the favor" to invite people to a gathering?

Relationships only get better with constant interaction.

Zhang Guohua, as a senior producer, has many years of experience working in mainstream films and television dramas. He, along with Teacher Hou and Teacher Kong from Zhengwu Sunshine, belong to the "national team," and entering Zhang Guohua's field of vision is equivalent to having one foot in Zhengwu Sunshine's field of vision.

Before leaving, Zhang Guohua treated him well, even kindly.

Before leaving, he smiled and patted him on the shoulder, clearly showing his appreciation.

Zhu Zhixin left too, he left with Zou Wei. Before leaving, he waved to him and said something to him.

"Jingyi, remember to reserve your schedule at the end of 2019."

Gu Jingyi understood the implication and nodded vigorously.

Although it has not been officially announced, the move has been finalized.

After seeing the three off, Gu Jingyi breathed a sigh of relief. He then picked up the barely touched dishes on the table and began to devour them.

After he had almost finished eating, he picked up his coat from the back of the chair, carried it in his hand, and went outside.

The pavilions and waterside terraces here offer stunning scenery.

Gu Jingyi nodded; the future date scenarios could be locked in in advance.

As he stepped outside, he saw the nanny van not far away.

As soon as I opened the car door, I saw Lin Ze sitting in the driver's seat, waiting patiently for a long time.

"How was your time with them? Did you enjoy it?"

Lin Ze looked at Gu Jingyi with some concern; this was recognition from the mainstream circle.

Before this, no young top star had ever succeeded.

Even the Crown Prince only entered the mainstream spotlight later on thanks to his acting skills in "The Longest Day in Chang'an".

In 2018, Gu Jingyi was still one of the most prominent young artists.

"Of course I'm happy, I've landed a highlight role in the main drama."

Gu Jingyi fastened his seatbelt before slowly and deliberately giving his answer.

"What?" Lin Ze was a little flustered.

"Did you gain Zhengwu Sunshine's approval, or...?"

Gu Jingyi guessed it from Lin Ze's expression, "Don't even think about it. Zhengwu Sunshine usually uses their own actors, like Hu Jiao and Wang Kai. How could I, who's only been in the industry for a short time, possibly catch Zhengwu Sunshine's eye?"

"It's not the midday sun, so it's alright then."

Lin Ze suddenly realized something, "What did you say? If it's not noon, then what is it?"

“It’s from CTV. I’ve landed the role of Chen Yannian. Brother Ze, let’s not rush to take on any dramas in the late 19 and early 20 period.”

"Okay, I know what I'm doing."

Lin Ze nodded and drove Gu Jingyi to the hotel.

Back in the suite, Gu Jingyi picked up his phone and started looking at the messages.

As expected, he has already taken over the trending topics on Weibo.

The Weibo hashtag #GuJingyiStarsAndSea# has surpassed 12 billion views, with Gu Jingyi receiving acclaim for his best May Fourth performance.

It has also been mentioned repeatedly.

"Longhua Cemetery" and "There is no such thing as a peaceful life; it's just that someone is bearing the burden for you" are trending topics with the word "hot".

Of the top ten trending topics, seven are related to Gu Jingyi.

Moreover, mainstream voices collectively endorsed it.

People's Daily posted on Weibo: "@Gu Jingyi uses youth to talk to youth, #ThisIsWhatAnIdolShouldBeLike#"

A certain group reposted Gu Jingyi's post from the May Fourth Gala: "A century of torches passed down, today still #theseaofstars#".

In short, Gu Jingyi became a sensation, and a sensation that transcended his original niche.

When people mention "youth idols" now, he is always the first one that comes to mind.

Gu Jingyi checked the super topic again, and the fans were even more excited.

[Great, I knew Jingyi was the best.]
Where are the people who insulted my brother? Come out and speak up!
[Great, absolutely amazing! Gu Jingyi actually sang a newly written version of "A Century-Long Journey" with such a face!]
[Jingyi once said that "The Sea of ​​Stars" is a gift for all her fans. So, "A Century of Journey" appearing on the May Fourth Gala is practically equivalent to Jingyi's fans also being on stage.]
Of course, not all comments are positive.

For example, after Zhang Yixing and Chris finished their shows, their fans each bought press releases for themselves. One boasted about his "stage presence and impeccable background," while the other touted his own stage presence and how he outshone everyone at the gala.

Chris's press release was immediately ridiculed by passersby: "This kind of gala isn't about beauty; instead of being jealous of Jingyi, he should focus on improving his skills."

There's no way around it, Gu Jingyi's public image is much better than Chris's, who has repeatedly made headlines for his casual dates.

The press release that Huace bought for Gu Jingyi was just released, and many passersby are already verifying it.

"Gu Jingyi is a beacon of youth."

"In Gu Jingyi, we see the collision between the mainstream ideology and the top influencer. He truly deserves to be called the nation's center. He is a concrete manifestation of the people's election defeating capital, which is commendable."

While Gu Jingyi was still fast asleep, a Weibo post by the famous music critic Erdi once again put him in the spotlight.

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(End of this chapter)