Entertainment to the death, make a tokusatsu film that will crush the entire internet.

The Second Master mentioned by Yang Qian is actually named Lu Shuming.

This name, too, represents a legend in this world.

He played Guan Yu (Guan Yunchang) in the old version of the TV series "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

With phoenix eyes, silkworm eyebrows, a face as red as a jujube, a long beard reaching his chest, and a Green Dragon Crescent Blade in his hand, he exudes an imposing aura without anger.

The image of Guan Yu that he portrayed has long been deeply ingrained in people's minds.

In that drama, the sworn brotherhood between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, formed in the Peach Garden, was deeply moving.

This friendship extended from the screen to real life.

The actors, Sun Yanjun, Lu Shuming, and Li Jingfei, became friends through the film.

They became like brothers in real life, sharing the same blood and loyalty.

In Yang Qian's original memory, the aftermath of these three veteran artists was a tragic tale that evoked deep regret.

Years later, Li Jingfei, the actor who played Zhang Fei, fell seriously ill, and the medical expenses were exorbitant.

Upon learning this, Lu Shuming, the actor who played Guan Yu, resolutely humbled himself and traveled around taking on numerous low-end commercial performances and gigs.

Even cameos in some poorly made web dramas.

She did this all to earn more money to treat her third brother's illness.

While he worked hard to earn money, he also had to find time to take care of Li Jingfei at the hospital.

Long-term fatigue and immense psychological pressure eventually broke this tough guy on screen.

Lu Shuming passed away suddenly due to a heart attack.

When Li Jingfei, who was lying in the hospital bed, learned that his second brother had worked himself to death to earn money for his medical expenses, he was devastated. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he soon followed his brother in death.

What's even more poignant is that the time interval between their deaths subtly mirrors the chronological order in the original Romance of the Three Kingdoms, where Guan Yu is defeated at Maicheng and Zhang Fei is stabbed to death in a fit of rage upon hearing the news.

It seems as if fate has its own design, making one sigh at the cruel twists of destiny.

Some might ask, what about Liu Bei's army under Sun Yan?

Why didn't he offer help at the time?

In fact, Sun Yanjun was already in dire straits at that time.

The private performing arts college he co-founded with friends suffered a complete financial collapse when the main investor suddenly absconded with the funds.

Faculty and staff salaries could not be paid, maintenance of teaching facilities had stalled, and the school was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Seeing that things were not going well, the other partners and teachers all left.

Sun Yanjun could have simply left, but looking at the students in the school...

He resolutely took on this mess.

While personally teaching students, he tried every means to raise funds to keep the school running.

I hope to give the students an explanation and leave a spark for arts education.

While Lu Shuming was working hard to earn money, Sun Yanjun would take his place at the hospital to take care of Li Jingfei.

The two elderly people, one struggling for money, the other upholding his responsibilities.

They are all doing their part to protect their brother on his sickbed and uphold their beliefs.

According to Yang Qian's memory of the timeline.

At this point, Lu Shuming should have already passed away due to overwork.

This is precisely why he was so shocked when he saw that the game was over.

Lu Shuming is still alive?!

And he seems to be in pretty good spirits, so how come he can still take on this kind of game?

Could it be that some subtle changes have occurred in this parallel world?

"Xiaoran."

Yang Qian looked up and asked, "Do you know this teacher, Lu Shuming?"

Su Xiaoran leaned closer for a look and nodded.

"Yes, I know him. He's Lu Shuming, the actor who played Guan Yu in the old version of 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms,' a classic among classics."

"Director Yang, you don't know?"

She was a little surprised.

Given Director Yang's broad knowledge of various cultural works, he should know this well-known veteran artist.

"Forehead……"

Yang Qian was speechless for a moment. She couldn't very well say that she knew he should have already passed away, could she?

"I'm just a little curious, why is a veteran artist like Teacher Lu still taking on this type of work?"

Su Xiaoran explained in a rather tactful tone.

"Teacher Lu seems to be quite active; perhaps she enjoys acting and can't stay still?"

She couldn't very well say that she had to take on some gigs and commercial performances in order to make a living and help her friends, could she?

That's incredibly disrespectful.

Yang Qian understood.

It seems that Lu Shuming in this world may also be facing a similar predicament.

It's just that the timeline may have been delayed, or for some reason, the most difficult moment hasn't arrived yet.

But in any case, now that he has encountered it and has the ability to do so...

We must not allow the tragedy of our memories to repeat itself.

"Okay, Xiao Ran, could you contact Mr. Lu Shuming for me?"

Yang Qian said decisively.

"In the name of the Land of Light, we will say that we greatly admire his artistic achievements and would like to discuss cooperation with him."

"Okay, Director Yang."

Su Xiaoran was somewhat puzzled.

But trusting Yang Qian, she immediately agreed and went to do it.

Yang Qian opened Weibo and searched for Lu Shuming.

Sure enough, we found his verified personal account.

The account is always kept updated.

Sometimes I share my insights on life, and sometimes I forward positive content.

Occasionally, they will also help promote the activities or works they participate in.

He then searched for Li Jingfei, and the account also existed.

However, the update frequency is extremely low, with the latest post dating back six months.

The content was a reminder to pay attention to physical health, and many fans in the comments section inquired about his recent situation.

Search for Sun Yanjun again.

The account primarily contains information about the New Star Performing Arts Vocational Academy he founded.

However, in the last six months, the frequency of updates has also decreased significantly.

Yang Qian's suspicions were largely confirmed.

If possible, Yang Qian still hopes that these two can live longer.

……

In an old residential building on the outskirts of City C.

"Third brother, I've come to see you again."

Sun Yanjun carried some fruit and nutritional supplements and pushed open the door.

When Li Jingfei, who was lying in bed, saw the person who came, his eyes lit up.

"Big brother? What brings you here? Is everything alright at school?"

He struggled to sit up.

"Lie down, don't move."

Sun Yanjun quickly stepped forward to hold him down, put the things on the bedside table, and sat down on the chair next to the bed.

"It's nothing special, at least we're still alive."

"We have to be responsible for the students; we can't let them be without a school to attend."

In front of his own brothers, Sun Yanjun shed the dignity of a principal he maintained in front of outsiders, revealing his most authentic self.

"Third brother, how have you been lately? You look better than last time."

Li Jingfei smiled.

"I'm getting old, my parts are all rusty, I'm not as brave as I was back in Changbanpo."

He made a joke in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"Brother, your hair has turned quite a bit whiter too."

Sun Yanjun sighed.

"Yes, you're getting old. Take good care of yourself. I'm looking forward to inviting you to be a visiting professor at our school in the future."

"OK!"

Li Jingfei's eyes lit up even more.

"Then we should invite Second Brother too. The three of us brothers can go back to the school and swear brotherhood again, mentor some students, and make something of ourselves!"

He spoke with some emotion and coughed twice.

Sun Yanjun quickly patted him on the back, a hint of anticipation appearing in his eyes.

"What are you talking about, all this commotion?"

A loud voice came from the doorway.

Lu Shuming walked in looking travel-worn, carrying a thermal lunchbox.

"Second brother/Second elder brother!"

Sun Yanjun and Li Jingfei shouted at the same time.

"Second brother, you're back from your commercial performance?"

Li Jingfei asked.

"Yeah, it's just shooting a promotional video for the game, striking a few poses, reciting a couple of lines, it won't take long."

Lu Shuming placed the lunchbox on the table, walked to Li Jingfei's bedside, and carefully examined his complexion.

"You look alright."

"I brought you some porridge, it's from Old Wang's shop at the street corner, it's good for your stomach."

"I was just talking to my older brother about this."

Li Jingfei laughed.

"Once I've recovered, I'll become a teacher at my older brother's school, and then I'll bring you along too."

Lu Shuming quipped as he unscrewed the lid of the lunchbox.

"What, you're going on a northern expedition? And you've dragged this old general into it?"

"Then we'll have to ask the strategist to come over."

Li Jingfei continued.

The three of them laughed and joked, as if they had returned to the set of the Three Kingdoms drama.

"Second brother." (Laughs)

Afterwards, Sun Yanjun couldn't help but offer some advice.

"Take more rest in your spare time and only take on jobs that you are capable of."

He was fully aware of Lu Shuming's hardships.

Lu Shuming waved his hand.

"Brother, this is nothing. Back in the day, when we were filming, we worked 24/7, riding horses and fighting battles, and even going into the water in the dead of winter. That was what you call exhausting."

"What's this little bit of money?"

"That's different."

Sun Yanjun shook his head.

"We're all getting old."

These few simple words conveyed endless heartache and helplessness.

As the tides of time roll ever onward, those who once stood at the forefront, creating classics, are now cast ashore and gradually forgotten.

Their glorious era has passed.

However, the pressures of aging, disease, and economic hardship follow one after another.

Lu Shuming paused for a moment.

"Yes... I'm getting old."

Now, the combined price of ten of his commercial performances doesn't even compare to the price of a single appearance by a young male celebrity in the Chinese entertainment industry.

The atmosphere in the room became somewhat somber for a moment.

Just then, Lu Shuming's phone rang.

Upon closer inspection, it was an unfamiliar phone number.

Not many people know his number, and it doesn't look like a typical telemarketing or scam call.

"I'm taking this call."

He gestured to his two brothers and took a few steps outside.

Five minutes later, Lu Shuming returned with a complicated expression.

"What's wrong, second brother?"

Sun Yanjun noticed that his expression was off.

"Are those shady commercial performance agencies again?"

Lu Shuming shook his head.

"Big brother, third brother, do you know about the Land of Light?"

"The Land of Light?"

Sun Yanjun tried hard to recall.

"I think it's an animation company? They're quite popular lately; I think I've heard students at school mention them."

"I know!"

Li Jingfei, however, immediately perked up on the bed.

"It's about filming 'Ultraman Tiga,' 'Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit Seven Swordsmen,' 'Kamen Rider Kuuga'... oh, and the really cute 'Cardcaptor Sakura' recently."

He was bedridden, and television and the internet were his main forms of entertainment.

He can't get into the TV dramas these days, but he's deeply attracted to the imaginative works of Land of Light.

"Their animation is really well-made; it has chivalry, passion, and tenderness. I've been watching it lately!"

Lu Shuming nodded.

"That was a call from the Land of Light."

"They said they wanted the three of us to be the spokespeople for their upcoming animated film."

"It's said to be about promoting traditional culture and brotherhood..."

He paused for a moment, then gave a number.

"The price is this amount."

Even if you average it out on each person, it still far exceeds any commercial performance Lu Shuming has ever done before.

Sun Yanjun and Li Jingfei were both stunned.

This price is astronomical for them in their current situation.

And, is it inviting all three of them together?

"The Land of Light, how did they find us?"

Sun Yanjun found it hard to believe.

"Do you want the three of us to come together?"

Li Jingfei, on the other hand, was more concerned with the content.

"What animation? What's it about? What do we need to do?"

Lu Shuming shook his head.

"They didn't go into much detail over the phone, only saying it was a very important project and they hoped to meet with us in person."

"They were very sincere, saying that Teacher A-Guang personally instructed them to contact us."

"Teacher Hikaru? Is that Hikaru, the founder of the Land of Light, the genius director?"

"He wants to see us?"

Sun Yanjun was also moved.

He wasn't completely isolated from the world; he was aware of the Land of Light's current status and reputation in the entertainment industry.

Why would such a thriving company invite these three washed-up old men with such respect and at such a high price?

What does this mean?

……

Office of the Land of Light.

"Director Yang, Professor Lu Shuming has tentatively agreed."

"He expressed his willingness to come to our company for a face-to-face meeting with teachers Sun Yanjun and Li Jingfei."

Su Xiaoran reported the results of the contact.

"Director Yang, are you really going to invite these three veteran artists to be our spokespeople? Do we have any related projects planned?"

"It's good that you agreed."

Yang Qian nodded, a weight lifted from his heart.

He has a chance to get involved as long as these three are willing to make contact.

At least through reasonable business cooperation, their current economic situation can be improved, and the tragedy can be avoided.

As for the project...

"The project will be there."

Yang Qian smiled and looked at the mountain of project plans piled up on his desk.

"The 2D team might have to work overtime again."

"By the way, Xiao Ran."

Yang Qian remembered something else.

"How did the talks go with those fanfiction authors I asked you to contact? Are any of them willing to come over?"

"Oh, that's exactly what I was going to report to you."

Su Xiaoran glanced at the tablet in her hand.

"One fanfiction author has already expressed his willingness to come and intern here."

"It's the boy who drew your picture at the last fan convention."

"He is a first-year art and design student, so his schedule is relatively flexible."

Yang Qian remembers that boy.

"Very good. Where are the others?"

"Several others have expressed great interest, but they need to discuss it with their families or finish their current work or studies."

"I've added them on WeChat to keep in touch."

Su Xiaoran answered.

"That's normal, after all, it involves a change in one's life trajectory."

"Keep in touch, be sincere, we're not in a hurry."

Yang Qian expressed her understanding.

"What's the name of that fanfiction author?"

"Wood, this is his CN."

wood……

I feel like I've heard this name before.