Huayu, my cheat code is a bit strange.

Chapter 30: Farewell (Please read on, please recommend, please do everything!)

In 2002, the operating model of the mainland film and television industry was significantly different from that of later years.

In today's underdeveloped internet and relatively limited information, production teams release information about all aspects of a production's progress as soon as possible, from the very beginning of preparation, in order to select suitable roles and increase buzz.

It's no secret in the industry that the "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" project was initiated. Although the script adaptation is not yet complete, everyone knows that Qiao Feng, Xu Zhu, and Duan Yu are the absolute protagonists in the original novel.

With martial arts dramas currently all the rage, every actor knows that if they land any one of these three roles, they could rise to stardom overnight.

Major talent agencies are gearing up, and some of their well-known artists have already begun studying the original work and analyzing the characters, just waiting for the script to be finalized and the audition notices to arrive so they can put up a good fight.

But to everyone's surprise, before the cake was even officially served, the largest piece was quietly cut off!
The news initially circulated within the Beijing Film Academy, carrying a somewhat unbelievable tone—director Zhou Xiaowen participated in the third round of auditions and personally selected an art student on-site, favoring him for the role of Duan Yu.

At first, people just thought it was a joke or a misconception.

How is it possible for an art student to have no portfolio and no systematic performance training?

However, as more and more details were revealed, especially with the tacit approval from insiders at the Beijing Film Academy, the joke gradually turned into astonishment, and the astonishment quickly escalated into dissatisfaction and anger.

Zhou Xiaowen has been almost driven crazy by phone calls these past few days.

His cell phone and landline rang almost from morning till night.

Initially, it was a familiar agent who spoke in a relatively restrained tone, subtly inquiring about the veracity of the news and tactfully expressing the expectations of their artist.

Later, some influential TV station executives called in person, and their tone became less polite, expressing doubt, dissatisfaction, and even a hint of accusation.

However, when it comes to anger, none of these people can compare to Zhang Jizhong with his big beard.

"Old Zhou, what are you up to? The outline for the 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' script isn't even finalized yet, and you've already decided on Duan Yu?!"

The award-winning producer, who had just achieved legendary status with "Swordsman," shouted into the phone with a grim face:
"A freshman at the Beijing Film Academy who's never acted before?! Are you kidding me?!"

Fortunately, the person opposite him was Zhou Xiaowen, who had directed well-known films such as "The Price of Madness", "Youth Without Regret" and "The Emperor's Shadow".

If it were a typical director, he would have already started yelling at people by now.

Zhou Xiaowen was well aware of Zhang Jizhong's importance, so he explained:

"You know how important Duan Yu is. He has too many romantic relationships. The sooner we settle on him, the sooner we can arrange auditions for other actresses."

"Of course I know, that's precisely why I can't just make a decision so casually!"

Zhang Jizhong, suppressing his anger, said, "The Hong Kong version of Duan Yu is played by Chen Haoming. Can you really put a freshman from the Beijing Film Academy to his level?"

"It can be controlled!"

Zhou Xiaowen said confidently, "Don't even mention Chen Haoming, even if you called Li Yapeng here, I dare say he could keep him in check!"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone. When Zhang Jizhong spoke again, his tone was full of absurdity:
"Old Zhou, are you out of your mind? You've only seen a few minutes of an art student's performance, and you're already making such a guarantee?"

Zhou Xiaowen held the receiver and leaned back in her chair.

The room was filled with smoke. His gaze swept over the scattered copies of the original novel "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" and several character biographies on his desk. He said in a steady tone:

"Old Zhang, I've been in this business for years. I can tell whether someone has a knack for being on camera or not just by looking at them."

The image of the relaxed and arrogant boy in the examination hall flashed through his mind, and he grinned:
"If you have other candidates, feel free to come and compete; I won't stop you."

Zhang Jizhong was speechless for a moment.

Having said all that, what else could he say but, "Let's set a time to meet him."

Zhou Xiaowen smiled, knowing that the matter was half accomplished.

He's already given the opportunity; whether the kid can seize it depends on his own abilities.

……

……

Xizhimen, Landao Western Restaurant.

Sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting dappled patterns on the pristine white tablecloth.

Gu Xiao, who was sitting by the window, hung up the phone, a hint of annoyance flashing in her eyes. "Is something wrong?"

Sitting opposite her, Liu Yifei scooped up a spoonful of mashed potatoes and put it in her mouth, looking completely satisfied.

She wore a pale yellow sweater today, which looked particularly bright in the sunlight.

Gu Xiao put her phone back in her pocket, sighed, and said, "Director Zhou said that Producer Zhang wants to see me and asked me to get ready."

"Producer Zhang? Is that Mr. Zhang Jizhong?"

After a brief moment of surprise, Liu Yifei felt a pang of jealousy mixed with worry: "Is everything alright?"

As Gu Xiao cut her steak, she said, "It's nothing important."

Liu Yifei said angrily, "You're just giving me the runaround again!"

Gu Xiao said helplessly, "It really isn't important."

He said, "The crew's main focus right now is on writing the script and scouting locations. If they want to see me, it will be at least May or June."

Gu Xiao wasn't so narcissistic as to think that the famous bearded producer would go to great lengths to come to the capital for an unknown nobody like him.

The previous version of "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" started filming at the end of August, and now there's not even a script yet, which shows how rushed the process is.

The reason Zhou Xiaowen immediately decided to cast him as Duan Yu was not only because he was cheap enough, but more importantly because he had plenty of time and was a local student who could be available whenever needed, fully cooperating with the crew through the long and tedious makeup tests, screen tests, and pre-production preparations.

Thinking from a darker perspective, there might be a manipulative mindset—giving a role is a reward, and kicking it out wouldn't cause any psychological burden or trouble.

"Alright, best of luck."

Liu Yifei said, her voice a few decibels lower than usual.

Gu Xiao hummed in agreement and focused on the steak and pasta on her plate.

Although he was puzzled as to why the mother and daughter insisted on inviting him to this meal, he figured he'd be a fool not to take advantage of the situation.

Western food isn't cheap these days.

The atmosphere at the table grew quiet, with only the crisp sound of knives and forks clattering against plates and the almost inaudible sound of chewing.

After an unknown amount of time, Liu Xiaoli, who had been silently observing, gently nudged her daughter's arm, then stood up, whispered, "I'm going to the restroom," and left her seat.

Gu Xiao blinked, keenly sensing that something was amiss.

Seeing Liu Yifei with her head bowed low and her expression full of desolation, he felt somewhat at a loss. He put down his knife and fork and tentatively asked:

"what happened?"

Liu Yifei didn't look up, but silently picked up the glass in front of her and took a big gulp of orange juice.

Gu Xiao frowned slightly. "What exactly happened?"

Liu Yifei opened her mouth, her lips moved a few times, but it was as if something was blocking her throat, and she couldn't say anything.

"Hey, hey, hey, this atmosphere is a bit scary." Gu Xiao unconsciously straightened her back and said softly:
Is there anything I can help you with?

Under his persistent questioning, Liu Yifei finally raised her head, her eyelashes trembling and her eyes slightly red.

She whispered in an almost inaudible voice:

"I'm leaving."

Gu Xiao was taken aback, and subconsciously said:

"Where are you going?"

Liu Yifei looked into his confused eyes, sniffed, and her voice trembled slightly with a barely perceptible sob:

"I'm going back to New York."

(End of this chapter)