Chapter Forty-Eight: Seeking the Role and the Long-Awaited Celestial Maiden

At noon, just as Yu Dong had said, they had a working lunch downstairs at Bona.

In the afternoon, they met with the bald-headed Lin Chaoxian. Zhang Qianjun didn’t put on airs; he simply started taking off his clothes right there in the conference room. If the tabloids got wind of this, who knew what headlines would appear.

Looking at Zhang Qianjun’s clearly defined six-pack abs, the prominent trapezius muscles bulging on his back, his well-developed latissimus dorsi, and the sharply contoured serratus anterior muscles, not only was Yu Dong greatly impressed, but the director also clicked his tongue in admiration.

“Handsome guy, do you work out all the time when you’re not filming?” the director asked.

Then he turned to Yu Dong and said, “Mr. Yu, his condition is excellent. Just a bit of fat reduction and he’s ready to start shooting.”

Seeing no issues, Yu Dong immediately instructed the assistants from both sides to proceed with signing the contract.

Zhang Qianjun also got to see the official detailed script. They had removed the part where the apprentice fights on behalf of the defeated master. Instead, it was changed to show the apprentice, after failing, overcoming injury with the master’s help, returning to the ring, and ultimately winning the championship. The apprentice’s role was thus expanded; the rest was largely unchanged.

Then they roughly discussed the casting. There was no comment about the minor role, but Zhang Qianjun had some objections regarding the main antagonist, An Zhijie.

“Director Lin, An Zhijie is very dedicated and skilled, but if he’s playing my opponent, he’ll need to gain weight—at least 10 kilos. Compared to me, he’s a bit short. On stage, if we’re to face off, we need to look roughly the same size so the audience won’t be distracted.”

After communicating some details, Zhang Qianjun suddenly remembered something.

“Director Lin, has the female lead been decided?”

Director Lin was momentarily taken aback, as if realizing something was amiss.

“Mr. Yu, originally, the story was to follow the master’s line, with Mei Ting as the female lead. But now that Qianjun plays the apprentice, that no longer fits.”

Yu Dong frowned.

“In a male-centered film, the female lead is just a plot device. We can adjust the weight of the two female roles accordingly.”

Then he seemed to understand.

“Qianjun, any plans for your role?”

Zhang Qianjun grinned, baring his teeth.

“I recently found a new girlfriend, a young actress from China Film Group. She’s bored at home, so I thought I could bring her along. Mr. Yu, her fee will come out of my pay.”

Yu Dong chuckled inwardly. As long as he had a hobby, that was good. He just feared Qianjun would be lonely.

“You’re underestimating me, aren’t you? It’s just a couple of centimeters difference in height? Let the juniors handle it.”

After further discussion on related matters, Zhang Qianjun thanked Yu Dong and took his leave.

Sitting in the backseat of his Audi, he pondered the upcoming schedule.

According to Lin Chaoxian, this film would feature him heavily. His scenes would be shot in three locations: Shanghai, Yunnan, and Macau, with a shooting period of roughly three to four months.

This could very well affect the promotion of "To Youth."

Ah well, no matter. He hadn’t planned to invest much in the promotion of "To Youth" anyway; attending the premiere would suffice to fulfill his duties.

He had originally planned to delay his company’s own film until after "The Final Fight" was mostly completed.

Meanwhile, Jian Nan from China Film’s management was utterly confused. Bona’s 150 million RMB big-budget production was casting one of their lesser-known artists as the female lead?

Was this reality or some bizarre joke?

At the same time, they had just taken on the female supporting role for "Tai Chi Hero." Although Jian Nan was inclined to shelve "Tai Chi Hero"—Keanu Reeves was no longer bankable—he still had to consult Ye Qing.

Jian Nan sneaked into the office, pulling Ye Qing aside like a thief. He was about to speak but hesitated, unsure if his artist’s status had changed. After organizing his thoughts for a long time, he still couldn’t say a word.

Ye Qing found his behavior inexplicably strange.

“What are you acting like a thief for?”

After much consideration, Jian Nan cautiously spoke.

“Ye Zi, since I became your agent, haven’t I treated you well? Although I haven’t brought you many resources, I’ve done my best to look after you. I haven’t said anything to you, right?”

Ye Qing grew more puzzled.

“What exactly do you want to say?”

Jian Nan steeled himself, thinking she was the one who’d made him speak so bluntly.

“Ye Zi, have you gotten cozy with a big shot? Bona just called me directly, saying you’re cast as the female lead in Bona’s new film ‘The Final Fight’—a 150 million RMB production. It’s already the talk of the upper floors.”

Just as Ye Qing was about to ask what nonsense this was, she suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu.

“Who’s the male lead?”

Jian Nan hurried to inquire and soon returned.

“Zhang Qianjun.”

Hearing this, Ye Qing immediately understood the situation, feeling both moved and annoyed.

At that moment, the agent’s phone rang. Jian Nan answered it casually.

“Hello, Jian Nan?”

A man’s loud voice came from the other end.

“Yes, this is he. Who is this?”

Before Jian Nan could finish, an agitated voice interrupted.

“I’m Zhang Qianjun. What’s going on with you? Bona says there’s a scheduling conflict? What resources could Ye Qing have? Scheduling conflict?”

Jian Nan’s head buzzed from the loud voice, but he hurried to explain.

“Hello, Mr. Zhang. It’s the China Film and Keanu Reeves project ‘Tai Chi Hero,’ it’s—”

“Canceled!”

“Ah?”

“I said ‘Tai Chi Hero’ is canceled. Can’t you understand? Even the title sounds like a flop!”

Jian Nan was at a loss.

“But the contract’s signed, Mr. Zhang. I know ‘The Final Fight’ is better, but—”

An unmistakable tone came through the phone.

“If you can’t handle this, I’ll find someone who can. Zhao Haicheng can’t manage this? Should I go higher up?”

Jian Nan quickly intervened.

“No, no, Mr. Zhao and we’re not in the same system. You don’t need to contact him. I can handle it.”

At this point, Ye Qing, who had been listening quietly, could no longer contain herself. She snatched the phone.

“Zhang Qianjun, I’m glad you’re thinking of me and trying to get me resources. I appreciate it. But liking me isn’t a reason for you to control my life!”

From the phone came a “Hmm?” followed by:

“Oh, you’re here too. Saves me a call. What’s with your Weibo name, ‘Ye Qing Julia’? People might think you’re in the film industry. Change it immediately—why add English to your name?”

Ye Qing’s face flushed with anger.

“It’s my freedom to choose my name! You can’t—”

Zhang Qianjun didn’t let her finish complaining.

“You’re really childish. You’re only good when you’re flirting with me. Jian Nan! Come take the call.”

Having been spectating, Jian Nan quickly took the phone.

“Yes, Mr. Zhang.”

“Right now, go sign the contract with Bona and cancel ‘Tai Chi Hero.’ Ye Qing, remove the English from your Weibo name. And you, what’s with that ridiculous name, ‘Cheap Guy’? Change it to something normal—I don’t want to call you that anymore.”

Jian Nan nodded repeatedly, turning his back to prevent Ye Qing from snatching the phone.

“Yes, Mr. Zhang, I’ll take care of it immediately.”

Click. The call ended, leaving Jian Nan and Ye Qing staring at each other.

After a few seconds of silence, Jian Nan said he had to go handle matters and hurried out.

Ye Qing was left alone, sulking.

Before long, news of young actress Ye Qing starring as the female lead in a 150 million RMB production spread throughout the China Film TV building.

Regardless of the rumors swirling behind her back, the prospect of such a role sparked many ambitions.

At Xinbaoyuan Company, Liu Hongmei, Yao Di’s agent, quickly investigated and learned it was a supporting female lead role. She was certain this was perfect for Yao Di.

Big stars wouldn’t touch it; rising stars couldn’t reach it. It was just right for Yao Di. Besides, many at Bona had close ties with Mr. Yu, so it was worth trying.

As for Ye Qing, Liu Hongmei didn’t even take her seriously. What was China Film? Their deputy general manager Zhang Cheng was from the Capital TV Station anyway.

When she inquired further, she learned Bona had already stated that the female lead was reserved for Zhang Qianjun’s company, Solar System Films.

Liu Hongmei was stuck. She had no contact with this person at all.

First, Zhang Qianjun had debuted less than two years ago with only two films released. Although they did well at the box office, he was still a junior.

Second, he didn’t do ads, variety shows, or attend parties. For many in the industry, Zhang Qianjun was a mysterious figure.

Most only knew he was a rich second-generation from Qiantang and a sophomore at Beijing Film Academy. Even people at the school had rarely seen him because he almost never attended class.

After much effort, Liu Hongmei finally got Zhang Qianjun’s number. She told Yao Di: “You’ve been eager to break into film, right? Here’s a good opportunity.”

Yao Di thought it over and decided to give it a shot—nothing to lose.

But when she called, the line was always busy, much to her frustration.

Meanwhile, Tian Xian’er, who hadn’t contacted him in a long time, suddenly called.

Zhang Qianjun answered, surprised. Why was Tian Xian’er calling?

“Oh, rare! Tian Xian’er has descended and learned how to use a phone in the mortal world?”

Liu Yifei felt her temper flare. Couldn’t he just speak normally?

“Zhang Qianjun, stop joking. I have serious business.”

Zhang Qianjun was scrolling through emails and replied casually.

“Spit it out, I’m busy.”

Liu Yifei clenched her fist, recalling her mother’s advice, and held back her frustration.

“When we joined the ‘Brotherhood of Blades’ set last year, you told us several feasible film investment ideas. My mom did her research and invested 15 million RMB in a small comedy, which is set to release in April. But after watching the rough cut, we’re uneasy and want to ask you about it.”

Zhang Qianjun was surprised. They actually believed his casual talk?

“Give me the movie name, lead actors, and production company. But a 15 million RMB comedy isn’t cheap.”

There was a pause on the line, and the sound of something rustling, as if she was searching.

“The movie’s called ‘Car Trouble,’ starring Guo Degang, Xu Shaoyang, Zhang Xinyu. Produced by Capital Mandarin Cultural Enterprises.”

Zhang Qianjun thought for a moment.

“Tian Xian’er, it’s likely a loss. This budget needs at least 50 million RMB at the box office to break even. And those leads—what kind of joke is this? None of them are serious actors, and I’ve never heard of the production company. Most likely a flop.”

Liu Yifei immediately felt uneasy.

“Huh? Didn’t you say small-budget comedies are safe? And isn’t Guo Degang famous?”

Zhang Qianjun found an interesting email and opened it, mocking her.

“Sis, a 15 million RMB comedy is not exactly low budget. And would you pay to see Guo Degang in a theater? You can listen to his crosstalk online for free. By the way, how much did you invest?”

Liu Yifei was a bit frustrated.

“Four million.”

Zhang Qianjun laughed like a pig squealing.

“Ha ha ha, Tian Xian’er, don’t get mad. Just think of it as paying for a lesson.”

On the other end, Tian Xian’er gritted her teeth. Suddenly she remembered something else.

“Didn’t you say that the leads in two consecutive films shouldn’t be paired again? Why is Kan Qingzi in ‘The Final Fight’?”

Zhang Qianjun was surprised.

“Who said Kan Qingzi’s in ‘The Final Fight’?”

Liu Yifei was stunned. Wasn’t the female lead promised to Zhang Qianjun? Could it be… he was saving her for me?

Thinking this, she felt a bit joyful and casually asked,

“Then who do you want for the female lead in ‘The Final Fight’?”

“An unknown young actress. You probably don’t know her.”

Hearing this, Tian Xian’er’s heart sank. But a woman’s intuition sparked a thought: an unknown actress as female lead in a big production—could it be...

“Zhang Qianjun, have you broken up with Kan Qingzi?”

No response.

“Zhang Qianjun, are you playing both sides, being a scumbag?”

This time, he spoke.

“Qingzi and I haven’t communicated for a long time. I’m waiting for her to come back to Beijing so we can talk face to face.”

Liu Yifei’s mind raced with countless thoughts, but they all turned into fury.

“Zhang Qianjun, you scumbag, shameless cheater! I thought you were different. How could you do that to Qingzi? Scumbag, go to hell!”

Zhang Qianjun shrugged as he heard the call disconnect and returned to reading the email.

“Dear Mercury Investment Company,

POP MART is a trendy toy company currently seeking financing. Attached is our business plan for your review.

Please trust me, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to the trendy toy industry, which holds extraordinary appeal for young people.

If you are interested in further discussion, please reply or contact Wang Ning at 139123xxxxx.

I promise not to disappoint you.”

Zhang Qianjun’s interest was piqued.

This could work.

Although he planned to invest after 2020, it promised huge returns, and the financing process seemed something he could handle.

Just as he was about to reply to Wang Ning, another unknown call came in.

Who could it be, interrupting me when I’m busy? Zhang Qianjun was annoyed but answered.

“Hello, Mr. Zhang. I’m Yao Di, an actress from Xinbaoyuan. Sorry to bother you. I want to briefly introduce myself.

I starred as the female lead in ‘Naked Marriage Era,’ which topped ratings on provincial satellite channels, and I—”

Zhang Qianjun grew impatient.

“I don’t watch TV dramas.”

Yao Di was stunned but quickly recovered.

“I’m calling to seek cooperation. I heard—”

Zhang Qianjun cut her off again.

“I don’t do TV dramas.”

Yao Di hurried to explain.

“Please, Mr. Zhang, hear me out. I—”

Beep beep beep. The call ended, leaving Liu Hongmei and Yao Di staring at each other.

Zhang Qianjun hung up casually, thinking how annoying these telemarketers were, and returned to writing emails.

Elsewhere, Liu Xiaoli found Liu Yifei silently stroking a cat on the sofa.

“Qianqian, have you called Zhang Qianjun? What did he say about the film investment? And what about the female lead in his new movie?”

Unexpectedly, Tian Xian’er’s fur bristled as she snapped.

“Don’t mention that scumbag. From now on, you make the calls yourself.

You said he was reliable? Did you know he cheated?”

The conversation ended there.