Huayu: This celebrity doesn't follow the rules.

Chapter 84: The Male Lead's Selection and the Official Announcement of Filming Start (5000-word long chapter)
The online farce didn't last long.

#Zheng Shuang and Hu Yanbin's relationship#, #Zheng Shuang's public image collapses#, #Meng Ziyi innocently cyberbullied#...

These trending topics exploded on Weibo all day, but mysteriously disappeared from the platform the following morning.

It's possible to pay money to suppress trending topics on Weibo.

The network of interests behind Zheng Shuang is far more complex than it appears on the surface.

Jiang Ye first received a call from Lin Jidong.

“Xiao Jiang,” the senior acting teacher at Beijing Film Academy, Zheng Shuang’s former teacher, said gently on the other end of the phone, “Zheng Shuang is a bit impatient, but in the end, he’s still one of our own…”

Jiang Ye tapped his fingertips on the table, but didn't reply.

Lin Jidong sighed: "She still has three dramas waiting to be broadcast, and 'Divas Hit the Road 2' is going to be filmed next month. If this really blows up, the platform will suffer a lot of losses."

"They want this to end!"

The production manager from Hunan TV also called.

"Mr. Jiang, 'Divas Hit the Road 2' is missing a regular guest. Would you be interested in talking to him?"

This is like giving someone a slap and then a treat!
But he still replied, "It would be my honor!"

Although he was somewhat unwilling, this was all he could do, and he had to stop!
He's not strong enough right now, but he can't do nothing either, or others will think he's easy to bully.

After this incident, Zheng Shuang's image as a genuine person has been completely destroyed. If he goes crazy again, it won't be so easy to defend him!

Of course, this doesn't mean Jiang Ye will just let it go!

He's not a generous person, especially when it comes to things like this.

Zheng Shuang is already on his blacklist. This girl is really good at causing trouble, and she'll eventually ruin herself.

Jiang Ye will definitely help her retire early if he finds an opportunity...

Three days later, Zheng Shuang's studio released a statement saying "we will not respond to the artist's private matters," while also liking a public service Weibo post against cyberbullying.

On Meng Ziyi's side, Jiang Ye had his team release behind-the-scenes footage of her filming while ill, and the hashtag #DedicatedMengZiyi# trended on social media, leading to a slight improvement in her public image.

On the surface, the storm has subsided.

……

Flower Capital Base, Guangdong Province
Filming location for the advertisement "Car Dream, Chinese Dream"

Under the scorching sun, a silver-gray Dongfeng Nissan sped past, its tires screeching against the ground.

The camera shifts to the driver's seat, where Li Xian grips the steering wheel tightly with both hands, his eyes focused and sharp, a bead of sweat appearing on his forehead.

"Cut! Perfect!"

The director took off his headphones, waved his hand with satisfaction, and said, "That take is a wrap!"

After filming wrapped, Li Xian breathed a sigh of relief, unbuckled his seatbelt, and got out of the car.

He strode over to the production manager on the sidelines, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Director Wang, when will the advertising fees for this project be settled?"

Director Wang looked up at him and said in a flat tone, "According to industry procedures, it should be within a month after filming is completed, but it depends on the client's payment schedule."

Li Xian nodded and forced a smile: "Okay, thank you."

As he turned to leave, his fingers unconsciously tightened around his phone.

The bank card balance SMS message is still displayed on the screen as 40.27 yuan.

The rent is due the day after tomorrow, and the landlord has already urged me twice. This time, the advertising fee is 8000 yuan. If I don't make it in time, I'll have to find a way to borrow money from my friends.

He graduated from the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy in 2014, but his career is not going very well.

In 12, while still in school, he made his film debut in "A Thousand Arrows Piercing the Heart," but it only grossed 249.1 million at the box office.

In 13, she participated in the film "First Love Is Not Full", a "Asian New Director Project" produced by Lau Tak-wah, in which she collaborated with Zhang Hanyun and Ran Xu. The film grossed 225 million yuan.

He also starred in a movie called "Love Trial" (originally titled "China's Best Groom"), which has not yet been released and has a box office of 11.2.

It can be said that every film he acted in flopped, and that was the end of it.

No agency was interested in signing him, and he couldn't secure any good roles.

In order to stay in Yanjing, he filmed 10 commercials and short films over 14 years, barely making ends meet.

This is the current situation for most students at Beijing Film Academy.

Being able to stay in the industry through acting-related work several years after graduation is actually considered lucky.

Many more people may never even get a chance to appear in commercials or short films, and long ago they returned to their small hometowns with their unspoken lines.

My phone suddenly vibrated, and Yang Zi's name popped up on the screen.

"Hey? Old classmate, what brings you back to me?" Li Xian adjusted his tone, pretending to be relaxed.

"Don't give me that," Yang Zi said with a laugh. "There's an audition opportunity, are you in or not?"

Li Xian paused, "What show?"

"《Sito》, a big production! It's a drama produced by our school's juniors, and it's directed by Jiang Ye, who also directed 《Princess Promotion》."

Yang Zi lowered her voice, "The male lead hasn't been decided yet."

"The male lead?" Li Xian's heart suddenly raced, and his throat tightened. "Do I... have a chance?"

"Why not give it a try!" Yang Zi said cheerfully. "I heard from my teacher that Zhang Binbin from Jiaxing Media had a very good chance, but our junior prefers to use his own artists. You haven't signed with a company yet, right? This is a rare opportunity."

Li Xian took a deep breath, his fingertips trembling slightly: "Okay, I'll go! If it works out... I'll treat you to dinner."

"Come on, keep the money for your rent, don't ask me for money again!" Yang Zi laughed and hung up the phone.

Li Xian stared at the darkened screen and clenched his fist.

In the distance, the setting sun bathed the outline of the advertising vehicle in gold, making it appear as if it were on fire.

……

The next morning, Li Xian hurriedly walked out of Yanjing West Railway Station with his suitcase, and took a taxi directly to Jiangying Media without even going home.

He barely slept last night, repeatedly flipping through the original novel of "Sito" and excerpts from "Princess Promotion," trying to figure out Jiang Ye's directing style.

However, he was stunned when he stood in front of Jiangye Media's company.

He had thought it was just a small studio, but the entire floor of the office building in front of him belonged to this company.

The space is divided into staggered sections by glass partitions, and the metal logo of "Jiangye Media" at the entrance is simple and eye-catching under the illumination of the overhead lights.

The office area was bustling with people. Employees in business attire hurried by, and the electronic screen at the end of the corridor scrolled through promotional videos of the company's recent projects, exuding a busy yet professional atmosphere.

Is this... really a company founded by a freshman in college?
Li Xian was shocked and couldn't help but confirm the address again.

He took a deep breath and walked to the front desk: "Hello, I am Li Xian, here to audition for 'Si Teng'."

The receptionist looked up and smiled: "Mr. Li Xian, is that right? Director Jiang has already given instructions. Please come with me."

Walking through the open-plan office area, you can see many people discussing scripts in front of computer screens. The doors of several private meeting rooms are ajar, and you can faintly hear conversations about storyboarding and location scouting.

He was led to one of the spacious meeting rooms, where sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the dark gray carpet.

Several scripts and storyboards for "Sito" were laid out on the conference table, and the walls were covered with character designs and scene concept art, all showing the dedication to the project.

"Please wait a moment, Mr. Jiang will be here shortly." The receptionist poured him a glass of water, then gently closed the door and left.

Li Xian sat upright, his fingers unconsciously tapping his knees.

He picked up the script on the table and flipped through it, finding it covered with dense annotations in sharp handwriting, clearly showing that Jiang Ye was extremely serious about the play.

Less than ten minutes later, the meeting room door was pushed open.

A man and a woman walked in.

The boy was tall and slender, wearing a simple black T-shirt and jeans. He had a youthful air about him, but his eyes were calm and sharp.

The girl next to him had a high ponytail, delicate features, and a bright smile.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Jiang Ye smiled and extended his hand. "Li Xian, right? I'm Jiang Ye, and this is Bai Lu, my assistant, who also plays the second female lead, Shen Yindeng!"

Li Xian quickly stood up and shook hands: "Hello Director Jiang, hello Teacher Bai Lu."

Bai Lu blushed. She hadn't expected to be called "teacher" by her senior so soon. It really makes a difference to have a powerful backer!
She couldn't help but steal a glance at Jiang Ye, deciding to put more effort into making him coffee starting today.

Last time, I don't know why, I massaged his shoulders for a long time until my hands were so sore, and in the end, he even complained about her poor technique and scolded her!
Can this be tolerated?
So, recently, the egret has been spitting into the coffee he makes every day...

Jiang Ye looked him over, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

The male lead he'd been waiting for has finally arrived!
The people mentioned earlier, like Zhang Binbin and Deng Lun, were just a smokescreen to generate some buzz.

With Jaywalk Studio and H&R Century Pictures both involved, how could he possibly train artists for someone else? His top choice for the male lead is Li Xian!

But he didn't show it on his face, and simply sat down opposite him casually: "Don't be nervous, senior, let me introduce myself briefly first?"

Li Xian nodded, his voice steady: "I am Li Xian, a 2010 graduate of the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy. I am 185 cm tall and weigh about 70 kg."

He paused for a moment, then said, "During my school years, I acted in the movie 'A Thousand Arrows Piercing the Heart,' playing the role of Ma Xiaobao. In 2013, I participated in 'First Love Is Not Full,' produced by Andy Lau, playing Dawei, one of the four members of the Hanhan group. Last year, I filmed the Youku anthology series 'The Wonderful Century,' playing the role of insurance agent A Liang in the longest 25-meter segment, and also made a guest appearance in the second season of 'Lady of the House.'"

"I also take on some advertising and short film projects, such as the 10th anniversary short film for Dongfeng Nissan and '12 Years, Just Like the First Time'. I haven't officially signed with a talent agency yet."

Jiang Ye hummed in agreement and casually flipped open the script: "How about trying a scene? Qin Fang's reaction when he first met Si Teng, she fell off a cliff, landed in front of your car, and then came back to life."

"Xiao Bai, go and help your senior brother with his acting!"

"Ok!"

Bai Lu trotted to an empty space in the conference room, took a deep breath, and suddenly fell straight forward, mimicking the state of Si Teng's body after falling off a cliff.

Li Xian was slightly taken aback as he looked at the somewhat awkward performance in front of him.

The egret's movements were still somewhat stiff, and its falling posture was not very natural. It didn't look like a dead person at all, but rather like it was playing a game of "Red Light, Green Light".

But he quickly composed himself and closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, his gaze had completely changed.

"boom!"

The egret fell heavily to the ground. Regardless of her acting skills, this girl is certainly dedicated enough.

Li Xian suddenly took two steps back, his pupils contracted sharply, and the color drained from his face instantly.

His Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice trembled: "Are you a human or a ghost?"

Bai Lu suddenly sat up as if she had risen from the dead, and as required by the script, she showed a strange smile.

But her performance was clearly overdone; her smile was somewhat distorted, more like she was making a face.

Lee Heon's performance was not affected at all.

His eyes quickly shifted from fear to alertness, and he leaned forward slightly, as if ready to flee or fight at any moment: "What exactly do you want?"

Jiang Ye rested his chin on his hand, his gaze shifting back and forth between the two.

Bai Lu's performance is still quite immature, and there is still a considerable gap compared to professional actors like Li Xian.

Li Xian's performance was commendable. It wasn't outstanding, but he did have some acting skills. It was more than enough for him to act in web dramas and urban idol dramas.

"Stop." Jiang Ye closed the script. "Xiao Bai, you can go out for a bit!"

"okay!"

Bai Lu retreated with light steps, a hint of joy on her face. She felt she had performed quite well in the audition.

Who knows, I might actually be able to use these skills to try my luck in other film crews and land a role on my own!
When the time comes, she'll make sure that boss who always bullies her sees her in awe, his jaw drops, and then he'll earnestly praise her: "Bai Mengyan, a fairy descended to earth!"

The more she thought about it, the happier she became, and her gums unconsciously showed.

Jiang Ye tapped his fingertips on the table, his gaze falling on Li Xian. His tone was more relaxed than during the audition, and it carried a hint of frankness: "Senior, I can give you the male lead role!"

Li Xian was slightly taken aback. Before he could respond, Jiang Ye continued, "But there's a condition: the male lead of 'Si Teng' has to sign with me."

He looked up and met Li Xian's gaze, then bluntly stated, "Jiangying Media is just starting out and lacks a capable leader!"

“Senior, you have acting skills and potential, but you lack a platform that can provide you with solid resources. We complement each other.”

As he spoke, he took out two draft contracts from the drawer and pushed one over: "To be frank, the conditions may be a bit harsh. The contract period is ten years."

Seeing Li Xian's brows furrow slightly, Jiang Ye didn't rush to explain. Instead, he smiled and said, "Senior brother, don't be so quick to refuse. Look at the other one. This is for other auditioning actors. It's for a maximum of five years, split 70/30 for the first three years, and then adjusted year by year."

He pointed to the contract in front of Li Xian: "Yours is different. For the first three years, it's 80/20 split, with the company getting 80% and you getting 20%. It sounds like a loss, but I'll cover for you. You'll get at least one leading role in a drama every year. You can choose the genre, and I'll provide you with the best team. Styling, promotion, script selection—it'll all be done to A-list standards."

"For the next seven years, the percentage will decrease by five percentage points each year. By the fifth year, the percentage will be 50/50. In the last two years, the percentage will be 60% for you and 40% for me."

Jiang Ye leaned forward slightly and said seriously, "Why sign a ten-year contract? Because I want to promote you for the long term. One 'Si Teng' is not enough. I want you to be able to handle serious dramas, carry movies, establish yourself in two years, and become a top star among the new generation in five years."

“These things all require time, resources, and polishing. For anyone else, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to recoup the costs in five years, so I wouldn't dare to take the gamble. But you're different, senior. I'm willing to bet that you can reach even greater heights!”

“Of course,” he said, his tone becoming more relaxed, “If you think ten years is too long, we can add a supplementary agreement. If in the third year, I don’t deliver on my promise of the male lead role, or your work doesn’t reach the expected popularity, you can leave at any time, and I won’t ask for a single penny in breach of contract.”

He leaned back in his chair and looked at Li Xian: "To put it bluntly, what I want is someone who can grow with the company. Others sign a five-year contract, which is a collaboration, but signing a ten-year contract with my senior is because I think you're worth it!"

Li Xian was stunned by Jiang Ye's overbearing promise...

……

March 1, 8:3 AM, Weibo platform.

Jiangying Media has released the latest news!
#OfficialAnnouncementOfTVSeriesSiTeng##TheCastingOfSiTengIsAmazing
Vines climb, a cycle of destiny.

A wondrous adventure that transcends time and space is about to begin!
Leading actors:

@Jing Tian Shisi Teng

A powerful demon from the Kagyu clan, who has slumbered for decades, awakens in a modern city. Cold and aloof, she carries a mysterious past and immense power.

The Queen has arrived, all beings must make way!
@Li Xian as Qin Fang

A passionate and sincere designer, drawn by fate, encounters "her" and is drawn into a fantastical journey that subverts conventional understanding.

He is both a guardian and a redeemer.

@白鹭my as Shen Yindeng
His identity remains a mystery, his stance ambiguous, neither righteous nor evil. Is he an old acquaintance of Si Teng? Or a rival with hidden strength?
Her arrival will stir up a storm!
Director: @Jiangye
Screenwriter: @TailFish
Lead actors: @JingTian @LiXian @BaiLuMy
Special appearance: @Zhang Yichi as Yan Furui

Starring:

@Jin Zehao as Shan Zhigang

@Pan Yiwei as An Man
@Li Yixiao plays Bai Ying
……

Character poster set, nine-square grid
Absolutely the center of attention: Jing Tian plays Si Teng, wearing a white pearl cheongsam, turning her head to the side, her eyes distant and aloof, with vines entwined in the background.

Li Xian plays Qin Fang, dressed in modern clothes, with a determined yet confused look in his eyes, against a backdrop where the city meets the forest.

Bai Lu plays Shen Yindeng, dressed in ethnic minority style clothing, with deep and unfathomable eyes against a backdrop of interplaying light and shadow.

Other images: Posters of other main supporting characters.

Minutes after the official announcement, the four major investors reposted it in unison.

@Guangxian Media reposted:
A fantastical epic is about to begin! A dedicated team and a stellar casting have come together to weave an oriental romance! #TVSeriesSiteng# Stay tuned!

@Tencent Video reposted:

A love story intertwined with vines, breaking boundaries to create something special! This S+ level blockbuster project is coming to Tencent Video, so stay tuned for the exclusive viewing experience! #SiTengPremieresOnTencent#

@StarrySkyFilm reposted:

Welcome Queen Siteng! @JingTian delivers a groundbreaking new interpretation of the Kaguya tribe legend, #JingTianSiteng# makes a revolutionary debut!

@DramaMedia reposted:

Worldview architect @Jiangye leads the way, with a top-notch team at the helm! "Si Teng" redefines fantasy aesthetics with cinematic production! #SiTengAestheticStorm#

The topic continued to gain traction, and #SitoInvestmentLineup# suddenly became a trending topic.

The total interaction volume of the four major investors' reposts on Weibo exceeded one million in half an hour.

Netizens are discussing:

"With Tencent Video, an S-level production, and film star Jing Tian, ​​this show is definitely a blockbuster!"

"Who is Jiang Ye?"

"Did the internet just come on upstairs? Haven't you seen 'Princess Promotion'?"

"Nan Yihuan, Bei Jingtian, and Zhuang Xinyan, who can't become famous, this drama is going to flop!"

"Who is Li Xian? He's quite handsome!"

"White Egret? Is she the one who sang 'Cool'? Isn't she a singer?"

"It's both fantasy and suspenseful. As a fan of the original work, I hope there won't be any drastic changes. Wei Yu, please do your best!"

"Jing Tian is playing a leading lady again? She gets big-budget productions every year, but her acting hasn't improved at all; she always has the same expression."

"She's definitely got connections. Anyone with that kind of background would be halfway to fame. The only problem is she might not be able to pull off Si Teng's charisma and end up looking like a wooden beauty again."

Regardless of external opinions, the production team of "Si Teng" has already started working quickly.

Their first stop for filming was the Xishuangbanna rainforest!
(P.S.: Two chapters totaling 9000 words, bonus chapter for monthly votes complete! Thank you all for your support, I'm so grateful!)
(End of this chapter)