Rebirth of Chinese Entertainment, the Diary of a 95 Flower

Gulnazar took a sip of tea and continued, "Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and suddenly think, if my mother were gone one day, would those who criticize me even spare her at her funeral?"

He suddenly choked on water while talking about the funeral.

Use coughing to cover up the choking.

His gaze was unfocused as he stared out the window, imagining the scene.

"Nazha, don't overthink it."

"I know what netizens want: either I deliver a phenomenal performance to prove them wrong, or I remain a beautiful mute forever."

Gulnazar smiled wryly and said, "I choose the first option."

"As long as you can figure it out."

Li Xue could clearly sense that Nazha's current state was not quite right.

What did Nazha go through during the time she was away?

Did you have a fight with Zhang Han?

Gulnazar's smile gradually faded.

Improving acting skills can change netizens' negative opinions of you.

It's not just for myself, but also for my family.

For survival.

My mother loves herself very much, and she only knows how to clumsily fight against cyberbullying in ways that they don't understand at all.

If you can't change netizens, you can only go with the flow of the times and be changed by them.

They told themselves to go back to Xingjiang, but the snow in Urumqi is cleaner than the keyboards of these people.

I've experienced being loved clumsily by my parents, maintaining a respectable image in the entertainment industry, and being hurt by strangers without being able to refute them.

I've been running away.

It's time to face it.

Jiang Yang can bring me opportunities.

"If my senior sister doesn't renew her contract, I will work hard to show President Cai what I can do, starting with this drama, 'Fighter of the Destiny'."

If Liu Shishi's solo flight was wings, then my rise to power was picking up the shell she shed.

Gulnazar's eyes shone as she imitated the demeanor of Liu Shishi, Tangren's current top female star, with her shoulders straight, chin slightly tucked, taking a deep breath, and tears welling up in her eyes: "I want to be Tangren's top female star."

After saying that, he picked up his teacup and drank some water.

He tried to hide his trembling hands from excitement.

It's easy to say, but when you actually do it, you immediately feel the invisible pressure.

Let's chat for a bit with Gulnazar.

Li Xue took out her phone and dialed Cai Yinong's number: "President Cai, Nazha is thinking of becoming the number one female star."

Cai Yinong's calm tone came through the receiver: "It's good to have ideas, but her acting skills are a problem. With her current acting skills, it's difficult for her to play the lead role in a self-produced drama."

“There is hope.” Li Xue reported on today’s events: “Xu Xiaoou introduced Nazha to an acting teacher, who should be able to help Nazha.”

"Introduced by General Manager Xu? He must be someone very influential."

"Yes, he's an art student."

"What?"

……

Jiang Yang and Xu Xiaoou have successively signed four role contracts.

The final contract for the production's acting coach is still under negotiation.

A quick glance at the contract revealed a host of traps in the one Xu Xiaou had made him sign.

For example, it's unclear whether it includes preliminary script analysis, character development guidance, and rehearsal planning.

The instructions provided on set, such as one-on-one guidance, group training, or demonstrations in front of the camera, as well as whether or not the filming involved post-production dubbing, reshoots, and other procedures, were all vaguely described.

If you sign the contract without really understanding what's going on, he might end up directing all the actors in the entire crew as soon as filming starts.

Trying to get the best value for your money with the least amount of effort? No way!

He's always the one taking advantage of others.

Jiang Yang was very confident when discussing contract details with Xu Xiaou.

He knew clearly that Xu Xiaoou needed him very much, and he understood that the compensation he received was worthwhile because it would save the production team a lot of money.

Holding the newly printed, still-warm contract, Jiang Yang looked up at Xu Xiaou's office.

Open design.

It is separated from the small meeting room by a glass partition.

The desk is made of imported solid wood from an Italian brand, the sofa for guests is made entirely of leather, and there is a dual-screen monitor.

On the right wall cabinet is a pile of project storyboard manuscripts, and on the left is a wall of autographed photos of the co-stars.

Closest to Jiang Yang is a signed photo of Jiang Shuying and Xu Xiaoou.

This photo was taken by Jiang Shuying when she was the producer of "Growing Up" a couple of years ago.

Below was a line written by Jiang Shuying: "Thank you, President Xu, for not scolding me."

"Alright, the details are almost finalized. Xiao Jiang, let's talk about the price." Xu Xiao'ou suddenly said, "How about hiring you as the performance director for 'Fighter of the Destiny'? A salary of 50 yuan, no installments, a package deal?"

"That's too high, how about 5? Mr. Xu, you've been kind to me."

"5?"

Xu Xiaoou sat on the sofa, slightly taken aback.

Put your crossed legs down.

The quoted price of 50 was actually a way to lower the price, waiting for Jiang Yang to raise it.

Because Jiang Yang was in charge of the acting, the entire production team saved several times more money than that figure.

The pressure of overall planning and supervision will be greatly reduced.

Jiangyang didn't raise the price; in fact, he lowered it.

Hiring a performance coach of Jiang Yang's caliber for 5 yuan is definitely the most successful deal.

"Really? 5?" Xu Xiaoou forced a smile. "Xiao Jiang, you're not kidding me, are you?"

"You were the one who started the joke."

Jiang Yang had just finished speaking.

The cell phone ringtone suddenly rang.

It was Huang Lei who hit it.

Jiang Yang answered the phone, and Huang Lei's voice came through the receiver: "Xiao Jiang, the preliminary exam for Beijing Film Academy is over, where are you?"

Jiang Yang replied, "I'm having tea with someone."

"In Beiping, right?"

"Here I am."

Huang Lei urged, "Hurry up and come. Who you're having tea with is more important than coming to my exam room?"

"Mr. Xu."

"Which Mr. Xu? Xu Xiaoou?"

"Yes, Mr. Xu was just joking with me."

"No rush. Please give my regards to Mr. Xu and be polite to him. I'll cook for him myself when I have time."

During the break, Huang Lei chatted with Jiang Yang for a while, then hung up the phone, returned to the examination room, and sat in the invigilator's seat.

The exam was held in the Beijing Film Academy's Black Box rehearsal hall, with four walls painted matte black and the floor covered with dark gray dance flooring.

The center is the performance area, with the boundary lines marked with yellow tape.

The examiners' seats are located three meters directly in front of the performance area.

A folding table and three wooden chairs.

Huang Lei sat alone in the middle.

There were performance props piled up in the corner, including old leather suitcases, artificial flowers, and hemp ropes. Candidates could choose whichever they wanted when performing a scene.

On the wooden table in front of him were a stopwatch, a thermos, and a scoring sheet. More than a dozen candidates had already passed the preliminary rounds, but none had performed up to Jiang Yang's level.

Huang Lei had been looking at the list of candidates handed to him by the staff.

Glance at the names of the candidates waiting to take the stage.

I didn't see Jiang Yang's name.

I only found out after making a phone call that Jiang Yang had been invited for tea.

After another group of candidates finished their preliminary exams, it was time for a break. Huang Lei went outside, and his phone vibrated. He received a message from Duo Duo: "[Dad, what are you doing?]"
Huang Lei's tense expression relaxed.

Push the glasses that had slipped off the bridge of my nose with my finger.

With a smile playing on her lips, she typed a reply: ["I'm proctoring an exam. I'm on break now, so I can reply to you now, but I won't be able to in a bit."]
[“Was proctoring fun? Dad, you're amazing!”]
"That's fun! If you study hard and read diligently, you'll be even better than Dad in the future."
In Napa Valley, Shunyi District, Beiping, Huang Yici sat on her dark brown leather sofa, looking at the message sent by Huang Lei.

Wearing light pink coral fleece loungewear.

The cuffs had Hello Kitty patches that she had sewn herself.

She wore gray cotton wide-leg pants with the cuffs rolled up twice to reveal her ankles.

The socks were yellow and white striped mid-calf socks.

The left shoe is on the wrong foot, and the label is sticking out.

Her hair was half-tied up in a princess style, with her bangs secured with a cartoon frog headband, and two wisps of hair sticking up in front of her forehead.

Looking up, you can see Huang Lei's own film landscape photos hanging on the wall.

These are travel photos taken in Yunnan, in the selenium-rich Tibetan region.

The bookshelf area has a special section for "Huang Xiaochu's" recipes, with labels categorized by Huang Lei's handwriting.

The coffee table is made of a single piece of black walnut wood, hand-carved. It was custom-made by Huang Lei in Yunnan years ago, and the edges and corners are rounded to prevent bumps and knocks.

A rattan hanging basket is placed next to the floor-to-ceiling window.

Huang Yici often stays inside reading original English books.

On the TV screen in front of me, the animated film Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf was playing.

Winter break has already started.

Huang Yici's little feet dangled back and forth, and she was in a wonderful mood.

For some reason, at this time of year, my dad would usually arrange all sorts of training sessions for me.

Piano, calligraphy, and academic subjects.

Life was more oppressive than going to class.

Actually, I really enjoy going to school, but I just don't like attending classes.

Lately, I don't know why, I haven't been forcing myself to learn this or that. I don't know if it's just my imagination, but my dad seems to have changed.

When did it start?
It probably started when we had guests over last time.

There is an older brother named Jiang Yang, and three very beautiful older sisters.

Hao Chun always has a smile on her face, Xi Wei is very awkward and broke a bowl at home, and Chao Yue is very polite.

I remember back then, my sister Chaoyue asked me, "Why is my nickname Duoduo when my given name is Yici?"
I told my sister Chaoyue that my parents named me Yici because they hoped I would have many blessings and a long life. Since there are two "mores" in my name, my nickname is Duoduo.

Huang Yici, at ten years old, has no idea whether her father has really changed recently.

I can just sense that my dad loves me more now.

She is also more willing to stick close to her father and tell him her innermost thoughts, and her father is willing to listen.

The green beans my dad cooked were as awful as ever.

For some reason, I suddenly miss my dad.

She sent Huang Lei a voice message: ["Dad, will I be able to be better than you in the future?"]
A short while later, I received a 20-second voice message reply from Huang Lei.

Click to open.

Huang Lei's voice rang out:
"Duoduo, you'll definitely be more successful than Daddy someday. Daddy has been paving the way for your future for a long time. Daddy worked his way up from the bottom and doesn't want you to have to go through the same hardship. Daddy will protect you and Mommy very well. Daddy's methods of raising you before might have been wrong, and Daddy is trying to correct them. I hope that when you grow up and look back on this experience, you can forgive Daddy. By then, Daddy will probably be old. You might not understand these words now, but you will when you grow up. From the day you were born, Daddy has been the first stepping stone under your feet."
Listen to the entire audio recording.

Huang Lei's voice was soft and gentle, a stark contrast to his deep and solemn tone when he gave the candidates their first test.

Huang Yici tilted her head.

He twirled his fingers around the ends of his hair, a habitual gesture when he was thinking.

I listened to it several times, but I still didn't understand.

What is paving a road? Does Dad work on road repairs outside?

What is the ground floor? The floor in the elevator?

Why did Dad say he was wrong, and what was wrong with him?

What are stepping stones for? Are they for keeping out dust?

She sent a voice message: ["Dad, you said such a long thing, I don't understand. What is a stepping stone?"]
Huang Lei replied to the voice message: [“The stepping stone means... Dad will always stand behind you, letting you step on me to climb up. When you grow up, wherever you want to go, Dad will be there for you, as long as Dad isn't old yet.”]
I still don't quite understand.

I don't understand what growing up means.

They don't even understand what old age is.

Huang Yici sent a voice message asking, "Dad, will you die when you get old?"
Huang Lei replied: ["Yes, but that's a long time from now. By then you'll be a grown woman, maybe even have a baby."]
Huang Yici suddenly realized something.

I looked up at the TV screen.

Grey Wolf will never die, but Dad isn't Grey Wolf.

I never saw what my father looked like when he was young.

But I could sense that my dad's wrinkles seemed a little deeper than when he took me on "Where Are We Going, Dad?" last time.

People will grow old.

Will die too.

No trace will remain; even the bones will turn to ash.

She pouted and sent Huang Lei a voice message: ["Daddy, I don't want a baby, I want you to live forever."]
[“Then I'll become an immortal old man? Hahaha.”]
Huang Lei sent the message, then held the phone to his ear and listened to the message Duo Duo had just sent several times.

His Adam's apple bobbed several times as he suppressed a sob, and his glasses slipped off his nose again.

He had a smile on his face.

Duoduo will consider his needs.

It's worth more than anything else.

I will no longer force Duoduo to play the piano or practice calligraphy.

Giving Duo Duo a happy childhood might heal her for the rest of her life.

I will grow old someday and won't be able to protect Duoduo forever.

His fingertips trembled as he wiped his eyes and sent a voice message: ["Daddy's back. I'm buying you an Ultraman Tiga. Do you understand that?"]
[“I understand, Dad. I get it now, hehehe... By the way, I don’t want Tiga, I like Zero.”]
[“Are there separate Ultraman characters like Tiga and Zero? I thought all Ultraman were called Tiga.”]
"Dad, you don't know anything."
Huang Lei put away his phone and stopped chatting with his daughter.

I need to continue proctoring the exam.

Back in the examination room, a candidate knocked on the door. Huang Lei suddenly cleared his throat and called out, "Come in." He then saw a tall art student step in.

It's a boy.

With his hands hanging naturally at his sides, not deliberately touching his trouser seams, he bowed to the three proctors and said, "Hello, teachers. I am candidate number 076, Wang Anyu, from Ningbo City, Zejiang Province. I have had a strong interest in acting since I was a child. I once served as the head of the school's broadcasting station. I hope to improve myself through the learning system of Beijing Film Academy and become a creative actor."

Huang Lei watched silently.

He transformed from a gentle, loving father to a serious face when facing exams.

After watching Wang Anyu's performance, Huang Lei felt no emotion.

As the art students were screened one by one, Huang Lei did not show much expression.

The highest score given by the average score is 90.

I do not favor anyone.

fair and just.

I had hoped that one of the test takers today would score over 90 points.

But that kid went to the Beijing Dance Academy's second round of auditions, and afterwards he even went for tea.

Another day of being stood up.

During his break, he messaged Jiang Yang: [“Xiao Jiang, all the other teachers at the Beijing Film Academy know I have a star student who will be taking the preliminary exam tomorrow. Don’t stand me up, or I’ll really lose face.”] (End of Chapter)