Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

The Golden Armor crew the next day,

I don't know what agreement Zhang Yimou and Zhang Dapao reached, but things are surprisingly calm.

"I've read the script, and it's really well-written!"

Zhang Yimou's eyes shone with light, and he was full of energy, as if he had been freed from all shackles and had seen the truth clearly.

"Alright, I'll go back to Beijing and assemble a team for you. With those big shots involved, this film will be ready in half a month at most. Plus, with my editing speed, I'll give you a back door. I'm the chairman of Cannes, so the right to interpret the nomination is in our hands."

"Is he really going for the Palme d'Or?" Zhang Yimou was still somewhat incredulous.

"Absolutely! I made this plate of dumplings specifically for this dish of vinegar!"

Zhuang Huai'an smiled and reminded him, "Remember, the screenwriter is Zhang San, it has nothing to do with me."

"I know what I'm doing," Zhang Yimou nodded, much like a second brother being led astray by his elder brother.

I must say, this feeling is a long-lost thrill!

Zhuang Huai'an: That's pretty exciting. You signed a contract to sell yourself and still want to make your own movies? Say goodbye to your lousy films!

After saying goodbye to the "Curse of the Golden Flower" crew, Zhuang Huai'an and his group returned to Beijing. Instead of going back to his company, he went to the Beijing People's Art Theatre first, where he needed to call in more people!

Feng Yuanzhen was already waiting at the back door.

"Director Zhuang, why did you rush here so urgently? What can I do for you?"

"Teacher Feng, this time I'm doing this on someone else's behalf."

Zhuang Huai'an shook hands with him, and they chatted as they walked.

Upon entering the backstage area, Zhuang Huai'an exchanged pleasantries with everyone. Only after Pu Cunxi stepped off the stage to rest did he explain his purpose.

"Dear teachers, I've come here today to invite Professor Zheng Rong and Professor Zhu Lin to return to their posts."

These words moved everyone present.

Pu Cunxi asked, "Huai'an, may I ask first, who are these two seniors you invited?"

"I've brought the script with me to play the male and female leads in director Zhang Yimou's new film. You can take a look."

Zhuang Huai'an gestured to Liu Yifei to distribute the scripts; he had printed out more than a dozen copies at his home before coming.

"Thank you, Sisi," Song Changying patted Liu Yifei's arm with a smile and buried her head in her books.

You can usually tell the quality of an art film by looking at the plot of the script. After a short while, everyone looked up, their eyes full of appreciation.

"If it's a notebook of this quality, the two seniors will certainly not refuse. Huai'an, please have a seat for a while. Dandan and I will go to the family quarters to invite the two seniors over."

Upon hearing Pu Cunxi's words, Zhuang Huai'an immediately stood up. "How can I do this? I should be the one paying a visit, Teacher Pu. Please take me with you."

"Huai'an, you're overthinking it."

Pu Cunxi laughed and said, "This is a tradition of the Beijing People's Art Theatre. Whenever a director invites an actor, the actors will come to the theatre for a meeting. The old man and his colleagues are no exception."

"Oh, I see. Then I'll trouble you and Sister Dandan."

Zhuang Huai'an secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and his respect for the professional ethics of these senior artists grew even stronger.

While chatting, Pu Cunxi soon invited the two senior figures over.

Mr. Zheng Rong was one of the first generation of veterans of the Beijing People's Art Theatre. He played well-known roles such as Master Chang in "Teahouse" and Laozi in "Journey to the West".

Another senior actress, Mr. Zhu Lin, is a highly respected figure in the industry. She is one of the most outstanding female drama actresses in China and a leading lady of the first generation, specializing in drama.

Both elderly people are 82 years old, yet they continue to shine in their beloved fields.

Zhuang Huai'an originally planned to invite Mr. Lan Tianye, but the gentleman's background was too red, and he was worried that Cannes would deliberately nitpick, just like with "Not One Less".

The old man, due to illness, was unable to…

Therefore, to be on the safe side, Mr. Zheng Rong, one of the three outstanding actors of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, also performed brilliantly.

Moreover, both gentlemen are disciples of the "Jiao Juyin" master, a school of life experience that advocates being rooted in life, hiding skills invisibly, and emphasizing the realm of returning to simplicity.

The most suitable performance for the movie "Love".

"Mr. Zheng, Mr. Zhu, I apologize for disturbing you both." Zhuang Huai'an pulled Liu Yifei forward and gave her a respectful but courteous half-bow.

"Director Huai'an, there's no need for that. I've seen several of your films; they're all excellent!"

Mr. Zheng Rong's voice is deep and resonant, like the sound of metal, demonstrating his solid theatrical skills and proving that he is still a master at his craft.

"It's really good. I heard they want us two old guys to be the leads this time?" Mr. Zhu Lin's voice was magnanimous, both friendly and elegant.

"Yes, gentlemen, once this document is completed, you two will be my first choices. Please review it before making a decision."

"it is good."

Pu Cunxi, who was standing nearby, handed over the script at the right moment. The two elderly people smiled and nodded, then put on their reading glasses and began to read it.

Seeing this, the people from the Beijing People's Art Theatre didn't want to disturb them. After giving Zhuang Huai'an a wink, they left the room. Liu Yifei, curious about the play rehearsal, followed them out.

Only three people remained in the room, accompanied by the soft sound of pages turning.

"Sigh...this notebook is great."

Grandpa Zheng took off his reading glasses and turned to look at Grandma Zhu, who was closing her script beside him. "Senior Sister, shall we collaborate again this time?"

"Of course, I like this notebook very much too."

Mr. Zhu Lin wiped the moisture from the corner of his eyes. Women are always more sensitive to this kind of emotional work.

"That's wonderful!" Zhuang Huai'an said happily. "With the two of you involved, this movie is practically guaranteed to be a success!"

"I wouldn't dare say that. The success of the work is inseparable from the efforts of everyone in the crew," the old man said with a humble smile.

"Gentlemen, I didn't explain clearly. The director of this film is actually Zhang Yimou. Director Zhang is busy wrapping up in Hengdian and can't come back in time, so he specially entrusted me to talk to you two first. He will personally apologize to you two after he returns to Beijing."

Zhuang Huai'an looked apologetic and explained, "Because he's aiming for Cannes with this movie, hoping to achieve a triple crown of Oscars, he's been in a bit of a rush..."

"That doesn't matter; we value the script more."

Mr. Zhu Lin has a gentle face. "Actors only need to focus on acting well; everything else is not the main issue."

"You're right, senior sister, but I'm still a little curious, why is it so important to compete in this year's film festival?"

Faced with the old man's doubts, Zhuang Huai'an still decided to reveal the truth and say what he could.

"To be honest, since I'm the jury president for this year's Cannes Film Festival, so..."

The two elderly people exchanged a glance and nodded in unison, without saying anything more. They were just old and not ignorant of the intricacies of the matter.

Even when they were young, they paid more attention to interpersonal relationships and social etiquette.

Throughout their lives, the two elderly people always adhered to the words of their mentor, Master Jiao Juyin: "An actor's job is simply to act well; nothing else matters."

"Director Huai'an, we've taken this script. Please rest assured, Director Zhang, we'll start rehearsals today and we definitely won't hold you back."

"With your assurances, I am naturally at ease. However, please take care of yourselves while rehearsing and don't forget to rest."

The two gentlemen are both over 80 years old, and Zhuang Huai'an still had to give them some advice. It's not a big deal if they can't film, but it would be a big mistake if they damage their health.

"We know what we're doing."

"Then I'll take my leave now."

On the way back, Liu Yifei was very excited.

"Brother, Sister Dandan and the others are really amazing!"

"That's the result of decades of dedicated practice."

Zhuang Huai'an laughed and said, "His willpower is something you, a little lazybones, can't compare to."

"snort!"

The little girl clenched her fist and declared confidently, "One day, I'll become an actress like that!"

"Then you'd better keep it up."