Huayu96: My Thirty Years of a Prodigal Son

The office was filled with smoke.

Zhang Zhaolin and Zhang Jizhong, each with their own heavy smoking pipes, leaned back on the sofa, smoking one cigarette after another.

Wang Guanghui sat opposite him with his legs together, looking as aggrieved as a little wife.

"Director Zhang, when the roles were being decided last year, the role of Yan Qing was one that you personally promised to me."

I had to turn down several other projects to free up my schedule for this.

"Now that they've suddenly changed the person, I... wasn't prepared at all!"

As Wang Guanghui spoke to Zhang Jizhong, he glanced somewhat guiltily at Zhang Zhaolin beside him.

He knew that coming here this time must have offended director Zhang Zhaolin.

But there's nothing I can do!

This is the Water Margin!

It's going to be featured on CCTV's "Water Margin"!

Even if it offends the director, he doesn't want to miss this opportunity!

That's why, after Zhang Zhaolin declined his offer, he sought out Zhang Jizhong's connections.

Zhang Zhaolin's expression was not good at the moment.

He had already spoken with Wang Guanghui about the change of roles a few days ago.

He explained it clearly and politely.

Unexpectedly, the other party readily agreed on the phone, saying it was no problem and that they would cooperate again next time.

Then he turned around and went to Zhang Jizhong to argue with him on set.

What does this mean?

This person feels that the production manager's words carry more weight than his own as the director!

Zhang Jizhong held his teacup, glanced at Zhang Zhaolin beside him whose face was gloomy, and smiled calmly.

He didn't really take Wang Guanghui's request to heart.

In the miniature world of film crews, the director is in charge of casting and creative aspects, while the production manager is in charge of logistics and budget.

The two have different responsibilities.

Of course, having more seniority gives me a slight advantage.

There will be some interference in the casting process.

However, most of the time, I will respect Zhang Zhaolin's choices.

However, recently, after the crew officially started filming, Zhang Zhaolin has obviously become a bit unruly.

Several of the originally selected roles have already been changed.

This made him somewhat dissatisfied.

So he took this opportunity to give the other party a warning.

Of course, it was just a tap.

The game he played his whole life was to outmaneuver the director without ever breaking down his rival.

If things really escalate, it won't benefit anyone.

Only a veteran like him in the entertainment industry could grasp the nuances of this.

Soon, Qin Sheng arrived, followed by Zang Jinsheng.

Wang Guanghui and Zhang Jizhong were both taken aback when they saw Qin Sheng enter.

This was the first time they had ever met Qin Sheng.

It must be said, this child is indeed exceptionally good-looking.

With sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, fair skin and red lips, she was tall and slender but not thin.

Just by standing there, you can feel the aura of a handsome young man.

Zhang Jizhong narrowed his eyes and nodded silently to himself.

He has a habit when casting roles: acting skills are secondary; the most important thing is that the actor must have an outstanding appearance and temperament.

The young man in front of him had a look and demeanor that suited his taste perfectly.

After meeting, Zang Jinsheng stepped forward first, wanting to introduce Qin Sheng.

However, Zhang Jizhong waved his hand, signaling Zang Jinsheng to be quiet.

Helpless, Zang Jinsheng had no choice but to step aside.

Then, Zhang Jizhong looked at Qin Sheng and spoke gently.

"You're Qin Sheng?"

"Hello, Director Zhang," Qin Sheng greeted him readily.

How old are you?

"eighteen."

Several more questions were asked, and Qin Sheng answered them all cleanly, efficiently, and with neither arrogance nor servility.

Zhang Jizhong had already made up his mind about 80%.

I've already decided to give the role of Yan Qing to Qin Sheng.

However, the need for continued criticism and guidance remains.

Without making a sound, Zhang Jizhong said, "Zhaolin and I have already discussed your matter."

Okay, enough with the verbal sparring. You two change into your costumes. First, let's check out the styling, and second, try out a scene to see how your acting goes.

Wang Guanghui frowned, somewhat reluctant.

He knew his image was definitely not as good as Qin Sheng's.

But Zhang Jizhong had already spoken, and he dared not object. He could only give a dry laugh and say, "I have no objection."

Qin Sheng had the confidence to be reborn, so naturally he had no objections.

So they went to change into their costumes.

A moment later, the two came out together.

Zhang Jizhong looked at Wang Guanghui first.

Wearing a white long gown, a jade belt around his waist, and a headscarf, he looked quite neat and dashing.

However, his face, at twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, clearly lacked the charm of a young man.

Zhang Jizhong himself wouldn't believe that his appearance could seduce Li Shishi into eloping with him!

Turning his gaze, Zhang Jizhong looked at Qin Sheng again.

Then, his eyes lit up.

His white clothes, as white as snow, accentuated the boy's rosy lips and white teeth.

His eyebrows and eyes were delicate, carrying the unique heroic spirit of a young man.

His upright posture exudes youthful vigor.

This is the handsome young man who could seduce the famous courtesan Li Shishi so much that she eloped with him!

Zhang Jizhong was extremely satisfied!

He Qing was sitting to the side, waiting to act alongside the two.

Upon seeing Qin Sheng's appearance, I almost dropped the thermos in my hand.

She turned to the makeup artist beside her and whispered, "What's the point of comparing these? The difference is just too big!"

The makeup artist nodded frantically, her eyes sparkling.

Even Zang Jinsheng, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but reveal a reserved yet smug smile.

Seeing the atmosphere at the scene, Wang Guanghui's face darkened.

But they quickly adjusted.

He admitted that his appearance was inferior.

But when it comes to acting skills, he doesn't believe he can lose to an eighteen-year-old.

The audition begins.

The scene chosen was the one where Yan Qing first met Li Shishi.

Wang Guanghui went first.

After He Qing stood still, Wang Guanghui's gaze fell on her. He clasped his hands slightly and said in a gentle yet respectful tone, "Prodigal Yan Qing greets elder sister."

He Qing smiled and cooperated with the performance.

Soon, a scene was finished.

He Qing took two steps back and shook his head secretly.

The performance was decent, nothing major, but nothing particularly outstanding either.

Having grown accustomed to Qin Sheng's dashing good looks these past few days, Wang Guanghui now seems utterly ordinary, and I almost couldn't get into the story!

It was Qin Sheng's turn.

Qin Sheng, dressed in theatrical costume, stood facing He Qing.

He first bowed slightly, then raised his hands in a fist salute: "Prodigal Yan Qing greets elder sister."

His tone was respectful yet not servile, witty yet not frivolous; with just one line, he instantly brought the character to life.

He Qing's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously took two steps forward: "I have long heard of the great name of the prodigal son Yan Qing. Seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved."

Qin Sheng raised his eyes, his smile faint and natural: "Sister, you flatter me. Yan Qing is just a commoner in the martial world. It is already an honor to be seen by you."

As he finished speaking, he turned slightly to the side, maintaining an elegant and respectful distance from He Qing.

He Qing saw Qin Sheng's actions and a hint of resentment appeared in her eyes.

Qin Sheng responded to the other party with just the right amount of eye contact.

A moment later, the two finished their performance.

He Qing put down his fan and let out a long breath.

He then turned to look at Zhang Jizhong and Zhang Zhaolin, his expression conveying the message: "If we don't choose him, who else should we choose?"

Wang Guanghui stood to the side, his lips moved, but in the end he didn't say anything.

Director Zhang Zhaolin, sitting on the sofa, didn't even wait for Zhang Jizhong's comments before praising him, saying, "Well done! This is the Yan Qing I envisioned!"

Zhang Jizhong glanced at Zhang Zhaolin.

He was also very satisfied with Qin Sheng's performance.

but!

If I agree too easily, wouldn't that fail to serve as a warning?

There will definitely be some more twists and turns along the way.

Clearing his throat, Zhang Jizhong said, "Qin Sheng's performance was good, but Guang Hui's performance also had its merits!"

The role of Yan Qing..."

At this point, Zhang Jizhong deliberately paused for a moment.

Seeing Zhang Jizhong's performance, Qin Sheng frowned.

My audition was, in every respect, better than Wang Guanghui's.

Logically, the winner should have been the one without any controversy.

But casting isn't like taking a civil service exam; how can there be absolute fairness and impartiality?

Zhang Jizhong's wavering attitude made Qin Sheng feel somewhat uncertain.

After hesitating for a moment, Qin Sheng decided not to gamble on the other party's uncertain mindset.

Let's bring out our trump card.

"Director Zhang, Director Zhang."

The room fell silent until Qin Sheng suddenly spoke.

Everyone looked at him.

Qin Sheng smiled shyly and said, "I heard that our production team hasn't decided on a theme song yet. I happened to have some free time these past few days, so I wrote one. Would you two like to listen to it and see if it suits you?"