HuaYu97: Starting as a Singer

Chapter 98 [098] From Running Away to Being Run Away: Zhang Dahuzi

Zhang Jizhong naturally wanted to ask Qi Yuan for help.

"The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" marked the beginning of his career as a producer, and was the first project in which he took control of the production team as a producer.

He wanted "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" to be a success more than anyone else.

After returning to the mainland from Hong Kong, he had someone contact Qi Yuan's agent, Zhang Hao.

Zhang Hao's answer was that Warner Music did not have Qi Yuan's talent agency contract, and could only pass on the message to Qi Yuan.

And then... nothing more, nothing more. Qi Yuan's agent didn't respond at all.

He also hinted to the public several times that Qi Yuan was the best candidate for Linghu Chong.

Qi Yuan has encountered numerous questions from reporters when attending public events, and Zhang Dahuzi has taken note of the related reports.

The most classic example is Chi Yuan's response at the Golden Melody Awards ceremony: "I don't know about this, please don't spread rumors."

Now it was Zhang Dahuzi's turn to have his self-esteem trampled on.

Spreading misinformation? It's only when an incorrect thing is spread incorrectly that it's considered spreading misinformation.

Didn't he have someone contact Qi Yuan's agent?
Did Qi Yuan's agent not tell Qi Yuan?
How could Qi Yuan say he didn't know?

Zhang Dahuzi realized that his relationship with Qi Yuan was somewhat like that of a goddess and her devoted admirer.

He flirted with Qi Yuan several times, but Qi Yuan never responded.

Actually, Zhang Hao relayed the message to Qi Yuan.

The blame lies with Zhang Dahuzi for making too many fools of himself, which caused his credit score to drop to zero.

He was afraid that if he responded with "I am indeed willing," Zhang Da Hu Zi would use his words to create hype, and in the end, another actor would be chosen, leaving him as the biggest victim.

"Never mind, I'll go and invite him myself."

Zhang Dahuzi made a decision.

His former superiors had made it clear to him that the station hoped Qi Yuan would play Linghu Chong.

This seasoned veteran of the workplace would never go against his boss.

Although he, as a senior figure, was somewhat reluctant to personally invite Qi Yuan, a young man, all the sacrifices were worthwhile for the success of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer".

Zhang Dahuzi secretly made up his mind that he must make the best version of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer".

Once he succeeds, actors will all have to fawn over him, instead of him being the fawn over the actors.

……

Zhang Hao, who had just gotten off the plane in Beijing, received a phone call and told Qi Yuan, "Zhang Jizhong called personally, saying he wants to meet with you to discuss the specifics of casting you as Linghu Chong. He usually has someone contact me, but this time he called in person, so he must really want you to play the role."

Qi Yuan's trust in Zhang Jizhong increased from 0 to 30.

"Let's find some time to meet him," Qi Yuan replied after a moment's hesitation.

He thought about it carefully and realized that Zhang Dahuzi was still inexperienced and not as successful as he would later become.

He's a top celebrity in mainland China; Zhang Dahuzi probably wouldn't dare to mess with him.

In fact, whether Zhang Dahuzi is extorting money or engaging in marketing, he is always aiming for one goal—maximizing his own interests.

Later, in the competition between Nie Yuan and Huang Xiaoming for Yang Guo, and between Tianxian and Zhou Xun for Xiaolongnu, Huang Xiaoming and Tianxian offered enough benefits, so Zhang Dahuzi chose them.

Needless to say, Tianxian's godfather opened a business called Hongxingwu and gave 10% of the shares to Zhang Dahuzi.

Huang Xiaoming doesn't have a powerful godfather; he's ruthless to himself.

According to rumors, Huang Xiaoming did not receive a single penny in payment for playing Yang Guo.

"Not asking for a single penny" doesn't mean acting for free; it means Huang Xiaoming gave his salary to Zhang Dahuzi, and even Nie Yuan's bone-shaving surgery couldn't save him.

In "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer", Zhang Da Hu Zi was only replaced by Shao Bing.

Aside from replacing Shao Bing with Li Erpeng shortly after filming began, Zhang Dahuzi didn't pull any other crazy moves. Perhaps he was being too sensitive? Qi Yuan thought to himself.

In short, let's meet with Zhang the Bearded Man first and see what he has to say.

Since he excels in singing, he is open to acting, especially since "Swordsman" is a nationally renowned IP and a CCTV production, which will surely help him gain wider recognition.

He sings and releases records, but his influence is mainly among young people and students.

Acting in a big IP like "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" can help him get to know older people who don't like pop music.

By the way, he could smuggle his own woman into the production of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" to promote her.

Zhang Da Hu Zi would definitely give face to some of the supporting actors.

……

"Ah Yuan, I'm so glad to finally see you."

When Zhang Dahuzi saw Qi Yuan, he gave her a bright smile.

"Didn't your agent tell you that I wanted to cast you as Linghu Chong when I had someone contact you before?

Zhang Hao wasn't there, which is why Zhang Dahuzi asked that question.

“He told me that I felt that responding over the phone wasn’t sincere enough, and that I was thinking of responding to Producer Zhang in person when I returned to the mainland. So here I am today.”

After Qi Yuan took off his sunglasses, he shook hands with Zhang Da Hu Zi.

Zhang Dahuzi patted Qi Yuan's forearm, thinking to himself, "I don't believe you for a second."

You've been back in mainland China for so many days now, either filming a music video in Shenzhen, Guangdong, or hanging out with Chen Kaige in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.

If I hadn't personally called your agent, would you have even remembered that I, Lao Zhang, exist?
Despite his inner complaints, Zhang Dahuzi still had a very good first impression of Qi Yuan.

He knew that Qi Yuan's words were most likely false, but they still sounded comforting.

A face-to-face response sounds much better, it gives Old Zhang face.

That kid is really cunning.

After contacting Qi Yuan's agent last night, Zhang Dahuzi was determined to persuade Qi Yuan to return and play Linghu Chong, no matter how much he pleaded.

He discovered that there was truly no one more suitable than Qi Yuan in mainland China.

Qi Yuan is famous and popular.

With Qi Yuan joining the cast, the show is already halfway to success.

Qi Yuan's second album will be released soon, and he will become even more popular then.

Yesterday, when the leader talked to him, he mentioned that if Ren Xianqi was invited to the 1999 Spring Festival Gala, there was a high probability that Qi Yuan would also be invited.

Liu Huan had already recommended Qi Yuan for this year's Spring Festival Gala, and he almost sang "Meet in 1998" with the princess.

However, time was running out, so the production team had to give up inviting Qi Yuan.

We must acquire this kid as soon as possible, otherwise his price will go up again.

"Ah Yuan, you must have heard about Mr. Jin Yong's comments on you, right? I'm formally inviting you to play the role of Linghu Chong in 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer' right now in front of you. As long as you agree, we can sign a contract anytime." Zhang Dahuzi looked into Qi Yuan's eyes, his voice very sincere.

Qi Yuan's trust in Zhang Dahuzi increased from 30 points to 70 points.

After chatting for a while, and confirming Zhang Dahuzi's determination, he laughed heartily and said, "I also really like Mr. Jin Yong's works. I often read his novels when I was a child."

Tsui Hark's "Swordsman II" is one of my favorite movies; Li Lianjie's action scenes in it are really dashing.

Producer Zhang was involved in the production of both "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and "Water Margin," so I believe he will definitely be able to make "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" a classic.

“We have the most professional martial arts instructors. If you play Linghu Chong, your movements can be as graceful as Li Lianjie’s. And you’re so handsome, you’ll definitely be the most handsome Linghu Chong.”

Zhang Dahuzi and Qi Yuan started a mutual flattery session.

(End of this chapter)