Before Chi Feiran could say anything else, Li Yuan began to talk to him about the current state of the entertainment industry like a rapid-fire barrage.
Although the entertainment industry in Huaguo is thriving, the development of the entire Chinese music industry is not as impressive.
Due to the widespread use of the internet, physical album sales have become increasingly sluggish.
While digital albums can be sold, the serious issue of piracy still leaves many albums in the predicament of being unable to break even after production.
How do singers make money?
The answer is through concerts and various commercial performance events.
However, the entertainment industry has changed. Singers no longer just need to sing well and focus on music to gather popularity for concerts.
The evolution of the times has led to a more diversified range of entertainment means. To gain popularity, one needs topics, heat, and extensive promotion.
As a result, more and more singers, after gaining fame, start to transition to acting.
Some may continue to release albums periodically, while others make a complete switch.
After Li Yuan finished speaking, he suddenly felt that something was wrong. Looking at Chi Feiran’s face, he thought he might have been naive.
The person in front of him is a young prince. Not to mention the possibility of losing money for publicity; even if he were to spend a lot of money to gain attention, the higher-ups would probably support it without batting an eye.
Li Yuan cleared his throat, “Um… Feiran, of course, if you insist on only pursuing a career in music, that’s also…”
After hearing Li Yuan say so much, Chi Feiran understood perfectly. He shook his head, “No, I don’t necessarily want to only sing.”
He himself doesn’t have a clear direction. When his dad asked him what he wanted to do, he casually mentioned becoming a singer because of his music background.
Little did he know, being a singer might mean continually spending his father’s money…
Chi Feiran pursed his lips and said, “If I can act… then I’ll act.”
Of course, just saying it is not enough; there is a requirement from Director Jin to audition first.
Chi Feiran was relieved to hear about the audition. Honestly, he was afraid that if he expressed his intentions, he might force others out.
When Li Yuan heard him cautiously ask if there were any previous candidates for the role, he was initially stunned. But after understanding, the feeling in his heart can’t be described.
Li Yuan couldn’t control his hands and rubbed Chi Feiran’s head again, sighing with emotion, “You, you’re quite…”
No wonder this kid is so likable. Some people with strong backgrounds wouldn’t care about pushing a couple of people aside. However, Chi Feiran is different; he never takes such things for granted.
After spending so much time with Chi Feiran, Li Yuan understands his thoughts. This kid doesn’t reject the support from his family. He doesn’t find it shameful. However, he is not willing to step on others to climb up.
Li Yuan, who has been hanging out with this young prince, feels like he’s become a bit silly and sweet.
However, Li Yuan knows that this young man has the qualifications to be naive, and he doesn’t want the complexities of the industry to harm this innocence.
Li Yuan said, “Feiran, no one was cast for this role before you. ‘Sword and Bone’ has been filming for two months, and the script has been revised countless times. I inquired, and if we can’t find a suitable candidate soon, this role might be cut from the script.”
He looked at Chi Feiran and continued, “So, you don’t need to feel any psychological burden. I will talk to the big boss, and if you want to give it a try, I’ll support you.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed by Li Yuan’s serious tone, Chi Feiran replied softly, “Okay.”
Afraid that Chi Feiran might still feel burdened in the future, Li Yuan added, “I know how you think. If there’s such an opportunity in the future, I’ll help you fight for it. But it’s just a ticket to enter; whether it works or not depends on you. Is that okay?”
Chi Feiran nodded with delight; that’s exactly what he wanted!
He knows too little about the entertainment industry in Huaguo; he has heard some songs, but he has hardly watched any Chinese TV shows or movies.
Chi Feiran understands that if he wants to stay in this industry, he can’t always encounter roles that can’t find suitable candidates and are at risk of being cut.
Unless he doesn’t want to continue developing or only wants to write songs and release albums by himself, competition is inevitable.
In that case, Chi Feiran hopes that everything can be as fair and just as possible.
Li Yuan couldn’t help but laugh, thinking that he’s dealing with a child after all. The kid is so happy about such a small matter.
Before Chi Feiran’s own songs are officially released, he’s already on a helicopter heading to the set of “Sword and Bone.”
Yes, a helicopter.
Usually, when a crew goes to remote areas for shooting, they use tractors, motorcycles, and even livestock to transport equipment.
Director Jin is doing things differently; he’s using helicopters for everything.
In his words, the investor is footing the bill anyway.
This time, Chen Mengyang accompanied Chi Feiran and Li Yuan. If the audition goes well, Chi Feiran will stay and start shooting.
Chen Mengyang, the personal assistant, finally has a chance to formally start work.
Chi Feiran’s mini-album has been postponed a bit for filming. Fortunately, he only plays a supporting role with few scenes, and the filming schedule is condensed due to difficulty in finding actors. Otherwise, the shooting schedule could have clashed with the awkward timing of Chi Feiran’s album release.
During this filming break, they can gradually release the MVs recorded earlier to maintain the momentum for the upcoming music festival.
Once the filming is complete, Chi Feiran can return and coincide with the release of his album, starting the promotional activities.
Sitting in the helicopter and looking down, Chi Feiran sees a relatively flat area amidst the dense and tall trees. There are numerous tents scattered around, with people coming and going. As the helicopter descends, Chi Feiran sees the people more clearly. Ancient and modern costumes are mixed together, giving a feeling of a temporal disorder.
After getting off the helicopter, someone led them to Director Jin’s tent.
On the way, a female actress about to start filming greeted Li Yuan. After she left, Li Yuan whispered to Chi Feiran, “Pang Wen, the female lead in ‘Sword and Bone,’ she won the Flying Award for Best Actress.”
Chi Feiran nodded, indicating that he knew.
Inside Director Jin’s tent were not only Director Jin but also several assistant directors, the main screenwriter, and…
Unexpectedly, Chi Feiran’s gaze collided with Rong Jin’s. This time, Rong Jin wasn’t wearing sunglasses, and his exceptionally attractive eyes were fixed on him.
Chi Feiran was caught off guard, but his mood was different from the last time. After a moment of astonishment, he inexplicably recalled Rong Jin’s light laughter from before.
For a moment, he didn’t feel guilty, only a sense of embarrassment.
Feeling a bit awkward, Chi Feiran shifted his gaze and looked at Director Jin.
Director Jin was also looking at him, thoroughly examining him, almost wanting him to turn around twice.
Li Yuan had just thought of introducing the two of them, but Director Jin waved his hand, indicating for him to stand aside.
Chi Feiran didn’t know if he should introduce himself, so he just stood there, letting Director Jin observe him.
However, whether it was his imagination or not, he always felt a gaze beside him, more intense than Director Jin’s scrutiny.
Before Chi Feiran could find a precise word to describe it, Director Jin asked, “Sword and Bone, what comes to your mind when you think about it?”
Chi Feiran was a bit confused, not sure what Director Jin meant by this question and what aspect of the answer he wanted.
After hesitating for a moment, he gave his initial reaction, “Uh… tenderness?”
Director Jin slapped the table, “Exactly!”
Chi Feiran was startled, and then Director Jin said, “There must be tenderness with the spirit of a swordsman!”
Thinking of the female lead he saw earlier, Chi Feiran felt she seemed quite tender. However, Director Jin said, “Chu Bai is that tenderness!”
Chi Feiran: “…”
Chi Feiran felt he might have misheard something. Due to confidentiality, Li Yuan couldn’t access detailed scripts, but he could still know some information about the character Chu Bai.
Isn’t Chu Bai the disciple of the male lead? Why does he embody tenderness?
Just as Chi Feiran was trying to figure it out, Director Jin enthusiastically explained Chu Bai’s character and how he represented the true feelings of Chu Heng, embodying tenderness.
Director Jin spoke excitedly, but Chi Feiran felt like he had just heard a fake script. Was it his problem, or was there an issue with the script?
Why does it feel strange…
Director Jin pointed at Rong Jin, “Come! Look at your senior brother!”
Chi Feiran couldn’t help but glance at Rong Jin. In those light-colored eyes, there was a hint of a smile.
Chi Feiran involuntarily swallowed and stiffly said to Director Jin, “Director Jin… I… I haven’t acted in a play before…”
Didn’t they say there would be an audition first? Why are they looking at senior brother now???
Director Jin patted his shoulder casually, and with a strong force, Chi Feiran staggered a bit, “This image of yours is good enough!”
Chi Feiran: “…”
So, it’s just about appearance???
