Jing Li and Wen Zheng agreed to meet the next afternoon at a café not far from the studio. The owner, a star who had retired from the limelight years ago, was adept at maintaining confidentiality, making it a convenient spot for discussions.
Jing Li arrived half an hour early and waited a few minutes before Wen Zheng appeared, accompanied by a young man who seemed a few years older than Jing Li.
“Sorry, we were delayed by traffic,” Wen Zheng apologized with a smile as he entered. “Did you wait long?”
“No, I just got here,” Jing Li stood and greeted them politely, then turned to the young man. “And this is…?”
“Oh, let me introduce you. This is Wen Yu, the scriptwriter for the project I wanted to discuss with you.” Wen Zheng made the introductions before addressing the young man. “This is Jing Li. He is the Best Newcomer Award winner I mentioned.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Jing.” Wen Yu nodded politely, maintaining a comfortable social distance without being overly enthusiastic or cold.
“Hello,” Jing Li greeted him with a courteous smile and invited them to be seated.
Once seated, Jing Li ordered coffee for them. As the server left, Wen Zheng wasted no time getting to the point.
“Since we’re not strangers, I’ll cut to the chase.” He took a stack of bound A4 papers from his briefcase and placed them before Jing Li. “This is the new script I mentioned. Don’t let me influence you; take a look first, and if you’re interested, we can discuss further details.”
“Sure.” Jing Li glanced at him, nodded, and picked up the script, beginning to read.
Titled ‘Absolute Marksman,’ the story depicted the eventual unification of warlords during the Republican era to repel foreign invaders.
The script unfolded through the eyes of a young major general, one of the three leading warlords. After his father’s life was claimed by a rival’s scheme, he took over the family business in grief, intent on avenging his father.
However, as he sought vengeance, he grew weary of the endless strife and was deeply pained by the plight of the common people. When foreign aggressors invaded, he joined forces with a democratic party called the ‘Red Star’ to drive them out, ultimately being persuaded to collaborate with them to save the nation and its people.
The compelling script immediately drew Jing Li in; he became so engrossed that he hardly noticed the server delivering their coffee until the two men across from him spoke. “Pardon me, the script is so well-written that I got carried away.” Jing Li smiled at them. “Director Wen’s eye for quality is as sharp as ever. But what did you have in mind for our collaboration this time?”
“Hahaha, didn’t I tell you Jing Li has a keen eye for talent?” Wen Zheng laughed, glancing at Wen Yu for affirmation, who simply smiled without commenting.
Undeterred, Wen Zheng turned back to Jing Li. “To be honest, I stumbled upon this script by chance. You know our industry favors established, renowned writers over newcomers, especially the young ones.”
“But this script is truly outstanding. The concept is fresh, and the plot is tight. If we film it, I guarantee it will be a massive hit.” After briefly praising it, Wen Zheng continued, “I plan to invest in this project myself, but I’m a bit short on funds. So, I wanted to ask if you’d be interested in a joint investment and collaborating?”
“Of course, it’s not just about investing. I also want to invite you to audition for the male lead role,” he said, using the word “audition” rather than “cast.”
It was clear he held Jing Li in high regard but was only offering an opportunity, not guaranteeing the role.
Jing Li raised an eyebrow at the proposal but wasn’t displeased, knowing this was typical of Wen Zheng’s approach. “Investment is fine, but I have one condition—all roles must prioritize consideration for artists from my studio.”
“Of course, I’m only giving them an audition opportunity. The final outcome depends on their performance. But if all else is equal, I hope you’ll give priority to the artists under my management.”
Jing Li looked at the two men across from him. “This request isn’t too much, is it?”
“Of course not.” Wen Zheng glanced at Wen Yu, who nodded, before replying with a smile, “To be honest, this is the best outcome I’d hoped for before coming here.”
“However, there are some things I need to clarify with you,” Wen Zheng said seriously. “Although I’m taking the lead on this project, as the scriptwriter, Wen Yu also has a say regarding the script. Per his requirements, the production must ensure a faithful adaptation. Therefore, he’ll join the crew to oversee the filming and participate in casting to select actors who match his envisioned characters.”
“If you have any objections, feel free to discuss them. If not, we can proceed with signing contracts and beginning production.”
Authors place great importance on their characters, so this request wasn’t unreasonable. Jing Li readily agreed.
With everyone in good spirits after the pleasant discussion and setting a time to sign contracts the next day, they parted ways.
Back at his studio, Jing Li informed his team about the project, and they were equally excited, especially the two newly signed talents who would have a rare opportunity to meet the renowned Director Wen Zheng, even if only for an audition.
“Boss Xiao Jing, you’re really my lucky star!”
“I know, I feel like I’m dreaming!”
“Don’t get ahead of yourselves. Whether you seize this chance depends on your own efforts,” Jing Li chided with a smile, unfazed by their flattery. He handed the script to his assistant to make three more copies for Wang Lele and the two newcomers, instructing them to prepare thoroughly and aim to stand out during auditions.
After finalizing the arrangements, Jing Li took the script home to study it himself.
The next day, with contracts signed smoothly, Director Wen began processing the necessary paperwork while Jing Li and his artists continued diligently studying the script.
Half a month flew by, and with all preparations complete, Director Wen publicly announced the upcoming production and commenced casting calls.
With Director Wen Zheng at the helm, there was no shortage of actors auditioning. The casting hall was filled with familiar faces often seen on television. Jing Li and Wang Lele were unfazed, but the two newcomers from Jing Li’s studio felt the pressure instantly.
Jing Li could only encourage them to do their best. Fortunately, despite being nervous, the two newcomers performed steadily during auditions. Ultimately, Jing Li secured the male lead role, and Wang Lele was the second male lead. One newcomer named Zhang Shuo landed a minor supporting role, while the other, Fang Fan, who appeared a bit stiff in comparison to a more seasoned actor, did not make the cut.
“It’s alright, you did very well,” Jing Li consoled, patting Fang Fan’s shoulder and urging him not to lose heart.
Fang Fan mustered a smile, though disappointed. He knew he still lacked the skills compared to the veterans and resolved to continue honing his acting for the next opportunity.
After casting, Director Wen Zheng held a pre-production press conference with the main cast before officially kicking off filming.
The crew chose a film and television city as their location. After a brief rest upon arrival, the crew began preparing for the opening ceremony while the cast checked into their designated hotel rooms.
Jing Li, accompanied by his assistant, went to his assigned room. As the lead actor, he was given a top-floor suite, which his team had already redecorated.
After changing clothes, Jing Li sat on the living room sofa studying the script. Director Wen had scheduled him to shoot the first scene after the opening ceremony. To ensure a smooth start, they chose a simple scene to avoid any mistakes.
Though the scene had only a few lines, Jing Li meticulously studied it to ensure quality.
As he was immersed in the script, the doorbell rang. Seeing his assistant busy in the bedroom, Jing Li answered the door himself.
Standing outside was a young man with a familiar face, Wu Xiaojun, who played the third male lead. Jing Li had seen him at the press conference but hadn’t spoken to him.
Indeed, the visitor cheerfully introduced himself upon seeing Jing Li. “Mr. Jing, I’m Wu Xiaojun playing the third lead. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to working together.” Holding up a small basket of snacks, he sincerely added, “These are some specialties from my hometown that I’ve prepared as a greeting gift for everyone. I hope you’ll accept them.”
Jing Li paused, about to politely decline until hearing Wu mention they were “for everyone.” Noticing his assistant carrying more identical baskets behind him, Jing Li accepted with a nod. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
Taking the basket, he glanced inside, hesitated a moment, then said, “Would you like to come in? I haven’t prepared much, as it was a bit of a rush.”
“You’re too kind, Mr. Jing,” Wu Xiaojun flashed a bright smile. “I just wanted to introduce myself on our first meeting, but you must be busy. I’ll go greet the others.”
Seeing that his attitude did not seem to be hypocritical, Jing Li didn’t insist, politely thanking him again before closing the door and returning to the living room sofa with the basket.
Just as Jing Li set the basket down, his assistant emerged from the bedroom.
“Er Shao, I thought I heard someone talking?” The assistant carried a bundle of freshly changed hotel bedding. Noticing the basket on the coffee table, he asked, “Did someone send something?”
“Yes, it’s from Wu Xiaojun, who plays the third male lead,” Jing Li replied casually, then added, “You should distribute our prepared gifts to everyone later.”
The assistant nodded and took the bedding to the laundry room.
*
Outside, after bidding farewell to Jing Li, Wu Xiaojun continued downstairs.
His assistant looked at him hesitantly before speaking up, “If you want to get close to Jing Li, you could just give gifts to him and his team. Why go through all this trouble of visiting every room?”
Without looking at him, Wu Xiaojun pressed the elevator down button, his expression nonchalant. “You don’t understand. Just do as I say.”
Noting his demeanor, the assistant knew Wu Xiaojun had a plan in mind. Pursing his lips, he nodded silently in acquiescence.
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