Brother, just how powerful is our family?

"In the past, when we attracted investment, companies would come and only care about their own small plot of land," the county head of Huai County remarked at a meeting. "Huanyu Group is different; it drives the development of the entire region. Workers have income, businesses have sales, the government has tax revenue, and the people have hope. This is true win-win."

While the three major construction sites were bustling with activity, another task was also underway – the open casting call for roles in the mythological era of "The Legend of Huaxia".

On October 25, Huanyu Group's official website and Qin Yao's live stream simultaneously released the "Character Recruitment Announcement".

The announcement clearly stated the casting principles at the outset:

"The epic tale of China aims to recreate the magnificent grandeur of ancient Chinese mythology. The selected actors must embody the characters' temperaments—male roles must be heroic and masculine, with imposing physiques, showcasing the martial spirit of the Chinese nation since ancient times; female roles must be dignified and elegant, possessing both gentleness and strength. We reject all 'pretty boy' and 'pale, thin' aesthetics, and we reject any morbid, effeminate, or affected styles."

The announcement listed the main characters for the first season of Age of Mythology:

Pangu—the ancestor who created the world—must demonstrate a spirit that stands tall and upright, capable of uprooting mountains and rivers.

Hongjun—the Dao Ancestor—must possess an ethereal and majestic demeanor, exuding profound authority.

Rahu – the Demon Ancestor, must be wicked, arrogant, and domineering.

Nuwa—the mother of humankind, must be compassionate, holy, and a model of virtue for all under heaven.

Fuxi—the progenitor of Chinese civilization—needs to be wise, refined, and have a heart that embraces the world.

Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi are the Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Clan, possessing imperial majesty and an overwhelming aura.

The Twelve Ancestral Witches – each with their own unique characteristics – must showcase the wildness, mystery, and power of the Witch Clan.

The Three Pure Ones, the Two Sages of the West, the Ten Demon Saints of the Demon Race, the Great Witch of the Witch Clan...

Each character comes with a detailed biography and historical/mythological background.

The announcement concluded: "Professional actors are welcome to submit their applications, and amateurs are also welcome to recommend themselves. We will organize a judging panel composed of historians, mythologists, costume designers, martial arts instructors, etc., to comprehensively consider factors such as appearance, temperament, acting skills, and martial arts prowess, and select the best candidates."

The announcement caused an uproar across the internet.

"The day has finally come!"

"Boycott 'pretty boy' idols! Support masculine aesthetics!"

"Pangu! We absolutely must find a strong man over two meters tall to play him!"

"The goddess Nuwa must possess that regal, empress-like aura!"

"Please, please stop casting those skinny male actors who are as thin as bamboo poles to play the God of War!"

In Qin Yao's live stream, she further explained her casting strategy.

"My darlings," Qin Yao said earnestly, "my brother often says that a nation's aesthetic reflects its spirit. Why did the Tang Dynasty value plumpness as beauty? Because the country was powerful and its people were confident. Now we want to showcase ancient mythology, which represents the pinnacle of human imagination and the beginning of civilization. Those deities are the ancient Chinese people's worship of strength, wisdom, and courage. How could they possibly be thin and effeminate?"

She pulled up some historical materials: "Look at the murals of the Han Dynasty, the pottery figurines of the Tang Dynasty, and the portraits of the Song Dynasty. Which of the men in them is not burly and strong? In ancient times, there were also standards for selecting officials, such as 'body, speech, writing, and judgment.' The first-ranking official was required to have 'a magnificent appearance.' Our ancestors have always admired masculine beauty."

The comments section was filled with agreement:

"Yaoyao is right!"

"Look at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei in ancient paintings, that's what a fierce general should look like."

"In current fantasy dramas, the immortals are all so thin they look malnourished, as if a gust of wind could blow them over."

"Hopefully, 'The Song of China' can reverse this unhealthy trend."

Once the casting process began, applications poured in like snowflakes.

As for professional actors, many established actors known for their tough-guy image submitted their applications.

Some actors who were previously limited in their roles because they were "not handsome enough" or "not thin enough" have seen an opportunity.

"Mr. Qin, this is actor Zhao Gang." A phone call came into Qin Feng's office. "I am 1.88 meters tall, weigh 100 kilograms, and have practiced Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) for ten years. I would like to audition for the role of the Great Shaman of the Witch Clan."

Qin Feng asked his assistant to retrieve the information. Zhao Gang, thirty-five years old, graduated from drama school, but because of his "rough" appearance, he could only play supporting roles and villains. However, he had solid acting skills and good martial arts skills.

"Arrange an interview," Qin Feng instructed.

What's even more touching is that ordinary people signed up.

A wrestler from Inner Mongolia sent a video: he's 1.95 meters tall, weighs 120 kilograms, and has a muscular physique. In the video, he speaks in broken Mandarin: "My name is Batel, I'm Mongolian. I might not be good at acting, but I'm strong. If the production team needs me, I can play a shaman warrior."

A martial arts school instructor sent me his profile: 42 years old, proficient in swords, spears, and halberds, capable of wielding a 30-pound Green Dragon Crescent Blade. "I've taught martial arts for 20 years, and what pains me most is that kids these days are all learning street dance and K-pop. If 'The Long Song of China' needs a martial arts instructor or character actors, I'm ready to go anytime."

An archaeology graduate student sent a lengthy self-recommendation letter: "I have studied ancient mythology for five years, researching the image, clothing, and ritual implements of each deity. I am willing to forgo payment, only asking to participate in this project so that the mythology can be presented in its most authentic form."

Qin Feng carefully read every document.

He knew that these people were signing up not just for a job, but also for a passion.

As one applicant wrote in their letter: "President Qin, I don't care what role I play, even if it's just a lowly soldier without any lines. I just want to tell everyone in my own way: Chinese men should be this strong; Chinese gods should be this majestic."

A scholar who studies ancient costumes wrote a lengthy analysis: "From the Taotie pattern on Shang and Zhou bronzes to the broad-shouldered and burly warriors in Han Dynasty murals, and then to the robust Hu people in Tang Dynasty terracotta figurines—Chinese civilization has always admired strength, power, and majesty. The description of fierce generals as having 'swallow-like chins, tiger-like beards, leopard-like heads, and piercing eyes' is by no means a literary exaggeration, but rather a true understanding of male beauty in that era."

Another history blogger pointed out sharply: "The 'feminization' trend in film and television dramas in recent years is essentially a manifestation of cultural insecurity. When we weaken our own robust side, we are actually castrating the masculine spirit of our civilization. The casting standards of 'The Long Ballad of China' are a direct counterattack against this distorted aesthetic."

What's most touching are the comments from many ordinary people. One veteran wrote: "I'm 1.85 meters tall and weigh 90 kilograms. I served in the military for eight years. After my discharge, I went to a film studio to try and become a stuntman, but they said I was 'too muscular and wouldn't look good on camera.' Is the image of soldiers who protect our country really less important than those so-called idols who are all made up?"

A martial arts coach shared a training video of his students: "These kids train hard for six hours every day, they can break bricks with their bare hands, and wield a 20-pound broadsword with impressive skill. Yet the 'heroes' in TV dramas are so weak and frail. The true spirit of martial arts should be seen!"

As the discussion deepened, more and more people began to reflect: What kind of image of China do we want to present to the world? Is it a weak and delicate illusion, or a strong and powerful true heritage?

Qin Feng put it more directly at an internal meeting: "What we want to create are Pangu, who can shoulder the weight of heaven and earth; the ancestral witches who conquer the primordial world; and Dijun, who rules over all demons—not just decorative figures for people to admire. Every character must have backbone, blood, and soul. We want the audience to genuinely exclaim after watching: 'These are our gods, these are our ancestors!'"

This discussion has long transcended the scope of film and television casting, becoming a nationwide debate about cultural confidence, national spirit, and aesthetic preferences.

Every application received by the production team of "The Long Song of China" was like a weighty promise—a promise to jointly protect the magnificent and robust spirit of China that flows in our blood.