Huayu Entertainment: Starting with Exorcising Evil from a Film Queen

[Cultivation Level: Refining Essence into Qi (16/100)]

Then Zhang Ze felt a surge of pure energy flowing into his body from the top of his head, spreading throughout his limbs and bones.

My mind was completely clear, and my body felt light as a feather, as if I could fly away with just a lift of my foot.

That's exactly what that saying means.

To live apart from the world and ascend to immortality.

This unique sensation only disappeared when the pure energy slowly dissipated within the body, leaving only a barely perceptible wisp that flowed into the dantian.

Feeling the enhancement in his body, Zhang Ze smiled.

Next time, I'll definitely make Zhao Liying kneel down and call me "Dad"!

On the way back, Zhang Ze called Yang Mi.

"Hey, big star, still not awake?"

"Get lost! I was filming last night and just finished! It's only morning, not even lunchtime yet, why are you calling me?" Yang Mi's voice was a little tired, but still clear.

"I'm going to Shanghai on business, so I'm calling to ask you how things are going with the 'Chinese Paladin 3' character I asked you to inquire about," Zhang Ze said directly.

Yang Mi laughed, "I was just about to call you these past two days. I talked to the director about you, and the director's opinion was that he didn't want you, but he didn't want to offend you either, so he passed the matter on to Mr. Cai of Tang Ren."

"I've already spoken with Ms. Cai from Tangren. She's very interested in you and would like to meet with you to discuss things further."

A hint of joy appeared on Zhang Ze's face.

For Zhang Ze, any opportunity is a success.

Moreover, I've heard that Mr. Cai from Tang Ren's company is a narcissist and a looks-obsessed person.

Even without any cultivation level, Zhang Ze's handsome appearance alone gives him a high chance of landing a role.

Thanks.

"Don't thank me yet," Yang Mi lowered her voice and added mysteriously, "I told President Cai that you're incredibly powerful and can predict people's futures."

"You'd better keep an eye on things for me."

Zhang Ze was taken aback, then said with a wry smile, "What you're saying is so exaggerated, it sounds like you're a con artist. Do you think anyone would believe you?"

Yang Mi said proudly, "You don't know this, but companies in Shanghai, especially those of us in the film and television industry, have been influenced by the Hong Kong entertainment circle and believe in this stuff."

"It's common practice to pray to the gods before starting filming and to consult horoscopes when casting actors."

"Even in other places, people will follow suit when turning on their phones. Some don't believe, but to get good luck, everyone is willing to go through this ritual. As the saying goes, it's free, so why not believe a little? Just in case?"

"So your reputation as a metaphysical master is more effective in the south than any movie star recommendation."

"If you were in the Hong Kong entertainment circle, this would be a game-changer!"

Zhang Ze understood instantly.

He was both amused and exasperated; this girl really knew how to cause him trouble.

However, this doesn't seem to be a bad thing.

As for getting involved in Hong Kong entertainment circles, forget it.

The Hong Kong entertainment circle is too chaotic. This year, Edison Chen's photo scandal directly affected most of the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

Moreover, that place has lost its former glory and can only rely on its past reputation to bully others in the north.

But after a few more years, when people lose their fascination with Hong Kong entertainment, that place will completely decline.

"Okay, I understand. Thank you for your help."

"I'll treat you to a big meal when I get back from Shanghai."

"By the time you come back, I'll have already gone back to Beijing to film!"

Yang Mi snorted, "Just put it on the tab! Interest will apply!"

"No problem," Zhang Ze agreed with a smile.

These extra points weren't added for nothing.

After saying goodbye to Yang Mi, Zhao Liying seemed determined to keep the grain until next year that very night.

Unfortunately, after all that trouble, they were easily suppressed by Zhang Ze in the end.

Amid her pleas for mercy, she was revealed to have suffered several defeats.

The next day, Zhang Ze felt refreshed, but Zhao Liying kept yawning.

After seeing the girl with dark circles under her eyes off to the film set, Zhang Ze didn't delay and immediately bought a high-speed train ticket to Shanghai.

As Zhang Ze emerged from the high-speed rail station, surrounded by a throng of people, he immediately spotted a young man holding a sign bearing his name at the exit.

The young man was dressed in a decent casual outfit, looked to be in his mid-twenties, and had a clean and refined demeanor.

"Junior Brother Zhang Ze?" The young man spoke up when he saw Zhang Ze approaching, revealing a gentle smile.

"Senior Brother Su Guanyun?" Zhang Ze asked tentatively.

"It's me." Su Guanyun nodded and warmly took the simple luggage from Zhang Ze's hands. "The abbot asked me to pick you up. You must have had a long journey."

The visitor was Su Guanyun, the chief disciple of Baiyun Temple in Shanghai, who was also the designated next abbot.

Zhang Ze's unreliable old man finally proved to be dependable at a crucial moment.

Knowing that Zhang Ze was going to Shanghai, and worried that he wouldn't have anyone to help him, she contacted her friend, the abbot of Baiyun Temple, in advance to ask him to look after her.

After exchanging a few brief pleasantries, Su Guanyun led Zhang Ze towards the parking lot.

When Zhang Ze saw the gleaming Mercedes-Benz parked in the parking space, he was still stunned for a moment.

"Is being a Taoist priest... really that lucrative?" he couldn't help but mutter to himself.

In his preconceived notion, there were many charlatans in the Taoist profession, and even the genuine practitioners mostly lived in poverty.

Even with subsidies and donations, they still lived a very frugal life.

For example, the small Taoist temple in the mountains where he and his old man lived was not a well-known tourist attraction, and there were very few devout believers and lay Buddhists who came and went. They basically lived on that meager subsidy.

When he was a child, Zhang Ze's life was no different from that of other poor children in the mountains. He even had to climb four miles of mountain road to go to and from school.

Su Guanyun couldn't help but laugh when she heard his words. "It's all thanks to Master's blessing. The temple has a better reputation, and with the protection of the patriarch, Baiyun Temple has a good location and many worshippers, so the income is quite good."

He opened the car door and gestured for Zhang Ze to get in.

"Junior Brother Zhang, is this your first time in Shanghai? Would you like to rest at the temple first? Your room has been prepared."

"Thank you, senior, but let's take care of business first," Zhang Ze declined. "I'd like to register an artist studio first."

Su Guanyun paused as he started the car, turned to look at him, and was somewhat surprised.

"You're an actor?"

When Master sent him to pick up the person, he only said that this person was from the Longhu Mountain lineage. Although it was a branch, he was still a legitimate member of the Zhang family. The key point was that his parents were martyrs, and his grandfather was a highly accomplished Taoist who was said to be registered in the higher authorities.

Even just talking about the background, without mentioning any connections to the highest levels, it's still incredibly prestigious.

Unexpectedly, this person went straight into the entertainment industry!

Only then did he seriously look Zhang Ze up and down, and then sincerely exclaimed, "What a handsome face! A natural dignified bearing, with a clear and radiant appearance. With your looks, even without any acting skills, you could easily succeed in the acting world just by standing still!"

That's so true.

Zhang Ze thought to himself, "Do I look like a gigolo who makes a living off his looks?"

Although he knew he was handsome, he still couldn't handle such a direct compliment and kept being modest.