Bonus Kofi chapter
Edit: A big thank you to Miaunian for pointing out the errors.
Wang Lele’s face was filled with a dream-like expression as he listened intently to the three conversing, completely at a loss for words to describe his current feelings.
So this is what it felt like to be friends with a big boss? Ah! It’s truly exquisite, yet it also made him all the more anxious!
It’s like soaring through the sky!
At that moment, noticing that he had remained silent, Jing Li suddenly turned his head towards him and smiled, “By the way, about that.”
“Take the script back and familiarize yourself with it first. That way, you’ll be better prepared.”
Wang Lele’s heart trembled as he twisted his head to look at him: “……”
“If you don’t like the role of the third male lead, you can choose another role. Apart from the first and second male leads, the other roles haven’t been finalized yet.”
Wang Lele’s heart trembled even more: “……”
However, Jing Li didn’t elaborate further and changed the subject.
The other two didn’t seem to think it was a big deal either, chiming in with laughter and chatter as if the monumental statements they had made during this outdoor barbecue were merely entertaining conversation topics, far less attractive than the skewers in their hands.
Wang Lele truly felt like he had entered a realm of fantasy.
He had a surreal sensation of leaning on this big boss as if he were about to achieve enlightenment and ascend to heaven.
He must have accumulated merits over eight lifetimes to encounter such a wonderful person like Jing Li and become his friend.
With this thought, he looked at Jing Li again, his gaze gradually becoming resolute.
He decided that from now on, he would wholeheartedly devote himself to Jing Li and would never harbor any thoughts of betrayal.
He would strive to become stronger, reaching the pinnacle of power, never letting Jing Li be tarnished or subjected to scrutiny because of their friendship.
The gathering came to a perfect conclusion, with Wang Lele continuously trembling and the other three enjoying their meal in delight. Even after returning home, Wang Lele still couldn’t shake off the shock from Jing Li’s house.
As he gazed absentmindedly out the window, his phone suddenly rang on the table. Seeing that it was his manager calling, he didn’t think much of it and picked it up, answering with a simple greeting before hearing the other person’s excited voice through the receiver.
“Lele! Lele! This time, we’re really going to make it big!” His manager and friend, Wang Yuan, exclaimed excitedly. “You know Director Wen Zheng, right?”
At first, Wang Lele was taken aback by his frantic tone, but as soon as he mentioned Wen Zheng, he immediately understood. With a calm expression, he replied, “Yeah, I know. The only director in our country who has achieved international recognition, right? What about him?”
“What do you mean, ‘what about him’?” Wang Yuan rolled his eyes at Wang Lele’s nonchalant tone before continuing excitedly, “He’s directing a new drama! And he’s invited you to audition for a role! He said you can choose any role except for the first and second male leads! Hahaha……” He laughed boisterously. “Aren’t we going to make it big? Hahaha……”
“Yeah, we’re going to make it big.” Wang Lele’s expression remained increasingly calm.
“Wang Lele, are you alright? You heard that Director Wen invited you, yet you’re so nonchalant about it!” Detecting his indifferent tone, Wang Yuan became dissatisfied, but then he considered another possibility. “Or are you just too excited to react? Hahaha, I had the same reaction when I received the call. I even thought it was a scam at first!”
Wang Lele’s heart remained unperturbed: Oh, really?
“Alright, enough chitchat. Although we’ve been chosen, we still haven’t passed the audition, so don’t get too excited too soon.” Wang Yuan’s expression turned serious. “I’ll send you the script shortly. Make sure to study it carefully and act seriously during the audition…”
“No need, I already have the script.” Wang Lele, who had remained relatively unresponsive, finally spoke up, feeling an odd sense of satisfaction, as if someone finally understood his previous state of mind.
Wang Lele! You’ve really become corrupted!
Wang Lele silently scolded himself but couldn’t help smiling slightly as he continued, “Alright, if there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now.”
With that, he mercilessly ended the call, leaving Wang Yuan staring dumbfounded at the script in his hands.
What? But the script is still with me. How do you already have it?
After receiving the call from his manager, Wang Lele didn’t want to delay any further. He quickly took out the script and began studying it, determined to perform well and not let Jing Li down.
At the same time, Jing Li had finished washing up and was lying in bed, also studying the script for “The Last Remnant.”
Although the crew had his investment this time, he still needed to maintain his professionalism. Moreover, to improve his acting skills, he had once again sought guidance from his previous team and was studying diligently.
Fortunately, during his time training with his senior brother, he had played various roles, so learning came relatively quickly. Of course, the most crucial aspect was controlling his camera presence.
A few days passed, and Wang Lele called to say that he had passed the audition and secured the role of the third male lead. He had also signed a contract with the production team.
“Congratulations.” Jing Li could hear the barely contained excitement and elation in his voice, and he couldn’t help but laugh. “In that case, I’ll have to treat you to a feast when the filming wraps up.”
“Sure. Then we’ll go to the Green Forest again. Last time, we were in a rush and didn’t get to see the scenery in the back mountains. This time, I’ll definitely take you there for a proper look!”
Jing Li was also swayed by his suggestion. He wondered about the current state of the Chrysanthemum Spirit and the Tree of Life after their last visit and thought it would be a good opportunity to check on them.
With this in mind, he readily agreed.
The two chatted for a bit more before hanging up.
*
Half a month flew by in the blink of an eye. During this time, Jing Li continued studying acting techniques while analyzing the script, familiarizing himself with his character. Meanwhile, the production team had finally completed their preparations, officially announcing the cast for the entire drama. Now, they were just waiting to start filming.
With the hype of an internationally renowned director like Wen Zheng directing the project and all the nominated actors sharing the official announcement on their social media to amplify the promotion, it was no surprise that a huge buzz erupted online.
“Huh? Wen Zheng is directing? I thought he doesn’t easily direct TV dramas these days?”
“Holy sh*t! A TV drama directed by Wen Zheng, this one’s gonna be worth watching!”
“Wuwuwu, I’ve finally waited for Yan-ge’s new drama! What a great surprise!!”
“Ahhhhh! Could the new drama that Jing Shao mentioned before be directed by Wen? Jing Shao is amazing!”
“Ahhhhh!! The Young Master and his junior brother are reunited on screen! I must watch this drama!!”
……
While some were drawn by Wen Zheng’s directorial involvement, others were interested because of the actors. However, it didn’t take long for some to notice something unusual and voice their doubts.
“‘The Last Remnant’? Why does this title sound so familiar?!”
“‘The Last Remnant’? Isn’t this the name of the new drama that Director Yu Xing had announced he was preparing recently? He even said he had already found the main leads, so how did it suddenly become directed by Wen Zheng? And I don’t see Yu Xing’s name in the new production team either?”
“Holy crap! I browsed through Yu Xing’s social media, and this was indeed the new drama he had previously announced. I suddenly smell a juicy entertainment scandal!”
“Maybe it’s just a case of the same title?”
……
Netizens debated fiercely, with many flocking to the social media accounts of Directors Wen and Yu to inquire about the truth. The matter gradually escalated, even becoming a hot search topic.
However, no one came forward to provide an explanation, leaving this mystery to plague countless netizens and media outlets until the drama press conference, where someone finally seized the opportunity to ask about it in person.
“A great script will undoubtedly be popular, but it’s not easy to decide who directs it,” Director Wen replied with a smile to the reporter’s question. “Even I had to fight hard for a long time to have the honor of directing it. So, everyone should focus more on the content of our new drama. I guarantee it won’t disappoint the audience.”
His ambiguous response elevated the script’s status, piquing everyone’s curiosity about how good it must be for the internationally renowned Wen Zheng to personally fight for the directing opportunity.
However, when faced with such questioning, Wen Zheng instantly reverted to his seasoned, evasive nature, deflecting and focusing solely on promoting the new drama.
No matter how much the reporters probed, they couldn’t extract any useful information.
In the end, they could only extensively report on “The Last Remnant,” Wen Zheng, and the star-studded cast, inadvertently providing more free publicity for the production.
*
A few days after the press conference, all members of the crew officially began work.
Due to Wen Zheng’s reputation, the cast was quite diverse, featuring not only Fu Yan but also many other famous actors.
As the second male lead and an investor in the production, everyone in the crew treated Jing Li with courtesy, making him feel more at ease compared to the previous drama.
“Come back to your senses. You spaced out during the ceremonial rite,” Wang Lele nudged Jing Li, reminding him to stay focused.
Jing Li snapped out of his trance, glanced at Wang Lele, then looked around at the bustling crew members before regaining his composure, remembering the current situation.
However, the preparations were almost complete by then.
This was Jing Li’s first time participating in such a ceremonial rite. Seeing the solemn or respectful expressions on everyone’s faces, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of curiosity and novelty as he discreetly glanced at the offerings on the altar.
Previously, as a high-ranking immortal, he had been the recipient of offerings from worshipers. This was his first time being on the other side, making offerings to others.
However…
Jing Li secretly examined the incense table in front, watching the white smoke gently wafting from the golden burner. He glanced at Director Wen, who was fervently kowtowing but couldn’t bring himself to reveal that it was merely an ordinary copper tripod with not a shred of spiritual power, let alone belonging to a god.
But as Wang Lele explained, such ceremonial rites were generally not about truly seeking blessings from deities but rather for personal peace of mind.
So Jing Li didn’t think much of it and went along with the motions. The ceremony soon concluded.
To seek an auspicious start, the first scene is typically opened by the main lead after an opening ceremony.
After the camera was ready, Fu Yan also started his performance with everyone watching.
Jing Li, having previously worked with this acclaimed actor, certainly wouldn’t miss the opportunity to observe his acting.
However, he had barely begun watching when he felt someone gently tugging at his sleeve.
He glanced down and was taken aback by the person’s aura.
Before he could speak, the person leaned in, their expression a mix of secrecy and excitement, and whispered, “Are you the Koi Fish Immortal?!”
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