Volume 3: Taking Roots 2016 Chapter 604: Using Public Power for Personal Purposes
It’s the old place in Yangcheng, still that private box. This box is just right to receive this rare guest.
Opposite Zhou Dongsheng sat a middle-aged man with dark skin and a righteous look. This face might not be very recognizable nowadays.
But after the next movie is released, this face will directly become a national representative and will become a unique presence on the screen from then on.
This rare guest was naturally Wu Jing.
It is this black sportswear that makes Zhou Dongsheng look a little bit boring. If he had the national-level skin color - green sportswear, it would be more suitable.
After all, Zhou Dongsheng has used this set of national-level dressing emoticons many times, and everyone who has used it says it’s good!
"Isn't Brother Jing still preparing to shoot a movie? How come you have time to come to Guangzhou?" Zhou Dongsheng was a little surprised when he received Wu Jing's call.
However, in Yangcheng, as an investor, it was only natural for Zhou Dongsheng to play the role of a host and welcome Wu Jing.
"Aren't you here to help with the preparations for the movie? I happened to be in this area, so I thought I'd stop by and have a meal with you, brother." Wu Jing said cheerfully.
Putting aside the fact that the two of them are fairly familiar with each other, Wu Jing would not be unfamiliar with Zhou Dongsheng because he is one of the film's investors.
What's more, Wu Jing was hoping that Zhou Dongsheng could make a cameo appearance in the movie.
"Oh~ I thought the filming was about to start, and they wanted me, a guest actor, to return to the crew as soon as possible. But after all, I have never acted in a movie before. It's okay for fun, but if I really take it seriously, I'm afraid I won't be able to shoot it well..."
Zhou Dongsheng joked with a smile that although the role of the rich second generation is just a small adjustment to the whole movie, it is at least one of the main characters.
If Zhou Dongsheng really messes up his performance and becomes the unscrupulous side of the movie, it would be a loss. After all, if something goes wrong, the 5 billion yuan movie star will die, and that would be a big deal.
"Well, just have some fun. This role is all about having some fun. Besides, the main scenes will be filmed at domestic film and television bases. There's no need to go to Africa. Don't worry about that, brother..."
Wu Jing was determined to have Zhou Dongsheng guest-star in this role. After all, from the director's perspective, Zhou Dongsheng was quite suitable for the role of the rich second generation.
Whether it is youth, handsomeness, or the role of a "naughty kid", there is room for Zhou Dongsheng to play his role, and the gimmick can also add a selling point to the movie.
Just as this role is the icing on the cake for the movie, having a young talent like Zhou Dongsheng play the role may bring unexpected results.
Otherwise, Wu Jing wouldn't have set his sights on Principal Wang. Unfortunately, Principal Wang would rather make a guest appearance in "Love O2O" than try this role.
Therefore, Wu Jing could only settle for the second best.
"Okay, then I'll give it a try. I'll leave my screen debut to Director Wu..." Before Zhou Dongsheng could finish his words, Wu Jing's phone rang at an inopportune time.
"Sorry, I have to take a call." Wu Jing smiled apologetically, and Zhou Dongsheng waved his hand indifferently.
Wu Jing had no intention of avoiding suspicion and answered the call directly. Without saying a few words, a layer of dark cloud covered Wu Jing's already dark face.
"Is this what Xiao Xu meant? You mean you have the final say, right? Filming is hard work, and if you guys raise the price halfway through, will we still be able to film the movie?"
"You don't care? With your attitude, there's nothing to talk about. I don't believe that if I change the heroine, I won't be able to shoot this movie!"
Wu Jing also had a bad temper. After a few words of disagreement, he hung up the phone and angrily slammed the phone on the table.
"What kind of atmosphere is this in the film industry? I don't know what they are relying on, but they dare to ask for more pay before the film has even been shot!"
Zhou Dongsheng's heart moved, and he suddenly remembered a piece of news about "Wolf Warrior 2". It was rumored that the original heroine of this movie was replaced because of inflated pay.
Later, Wu Jingcai, due to lack of suitable candidates, asked his good friend to make a guest appearance. Unexpectedly, he got the title of 5 billion heroine for free, which brought his career to a new level.
Zhou Dongsheng originally thought that this incident was just one of the topics used for movie marketing, and he didn't take it seriously. But now it is happening before his eyes, it seems to be true?
Zhou Dongsheng was amazed and asked, "What's going on, Brother Jing? Is the original lead actress of this movie going to get a pay raise?"
"That's right, I don't know where this bad habit came from, I thought she was some movie queen. I won't encourage this kind of evil trend, at worst I can just change her!"
Wu Jing looked very disappointed with his friend and was obviously very dissatisfied with some phenomena in the circle.
"It's not a big deal. It's not worth it. At worst, we can just find another one. We have enough funds for the project. Are you worried that we can't find an actor? If necessary, I will add some investment. We can hire a film director..."
Zhou Dongsheng said calmly that he had enough money now and it might as well be left there. If he could get a larger share, Zhou Dongsheng wouldn't mind.
"You are so kind, brother! This glass of wine is for you!" Wu Jing drank the glass without saying a word.
"But I appreciate your kindness. I am not short of money now, but the female lead is available. Does your brother have any recommendation?" Wu Jingshun said politely.
Zhou Dongsheng didn't take this kind of polite talk seriously, as it was just to save face. After all, he was a media celebrity, and although he had many beauties, he was still a little short of being on the big screen...
At this moment, a beautiful figure flashed through Zhou Dongsheng's mind, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement in his heart. If this matchmaking was successful, wouldn't it increase a lot of favorability?
Although the grass around the house is growing lush and green now, things that are easily accessible are always boring. Sometimes you have to have some fun in life...
"I wouldn't have thought of it if you hadn't mentioned it, brother. Now that you mentioned it, I thought of someone. I don't know if he is suitable ..." Zhou Dongsheng continued.
"Oh? Just tell me, brother. We'll know if it's suitable when we try the play!" Wu Jing didn't seem to expect that Zhou Dongsheng really had this idea.
However, we still have to give the face that is due. Although recommendation is only a recommendation, whether it can be successful in the end depends on whether it is suitable or not.
After all, in the final analysis, everyone, including him, is serving this film, and this project is of great importance and he cannot take it lightly.
"It's Ni Ni. We met and chatted at Huang Xiaoming's wedding last time, and we even exchanged contact information. I was deeply impressed by her acting in The Flowers of War..."
"And this role is similar to the one in our movie. I believe her acting skills are good enough for it..."
Wu Jing couldn't help but ponder for a moment when he heard this. This recommendation was quite reliable, although the heroine in the script was set to be mixed-race, Chinese American, etc.
However, these insignificant settings do not have to remain unchanged, especially for an actress of Ni Ni's status, who is more than qualified to play this role.
After all, she is one of the new four little beauties, and she debuted as a "Mou Girl". Now, both her seniority in the circle and her popularity with the audience are definitely at the top level.
This salary is naturally comparable to first-tier movies... This is a bit beyond Wu Jing's psychological expectations. After all, in such a movie with a male lead...
The heroine is simply the conventional combination .
But since Zhou Dongsheng has already spoken, we should still give him the chance. What if he doesn’t have time?
In the end, if it is really not suitable, just reject it. After all, he is the director.
"Brother, your recommendation is reliable. I didn't expect that you would know this person. Since you have come forward, why don't you do this favor and make the call yourself..."
Wu Jing chuckled. Although he looked righteous, he knew Zhou Dongsheng's little thoughts in his heart.
There were so many female stars at Huang Xiaoming's wedding, so why did Zhou Dongsheng only recommend this one? Was it just out of admiration for her?
Of course this possibility cannot be ruled out, but having been in the entertainment industry for so many years, Wu Jing must have some good eyesight.
Although there is a Bole, it is not something that a young and energetic talent like Zhou Dongsheng should do. It is more appropriate to describe it as being tempted by beauty.
Therefore, Wu Jing naturally gave this favor to Zhou Dongsheng.
"Okay, then I'll make a phone call and ask..." Zhou Dongsheng naturally didn't know that his underwear had been seen through, and since he had this intention, he naturally didn't refuse.
A phone call came, and maybe because I happened to be free at that moment, the phone was connected after ringing for a while, and a very distinct voice came from the other end.
"Hello, Mr. Zhou, such a busy man, how come you have time to call me?" The deep and magnetic voice is memorable.
"I'm the type who won't come to you unless there's something important to do. I'm here to bother you because I have something good to say. I've invested in a movie and I'm in need of a female lead. I'd like to trouble you to come, but I don't know if you can..."
Zhou Dongsheng said sarcastically.
"Mr. Zhou also said that he is my fan. Isn't that just flattering me? I think you are more like a black fan!" Ni Ni joked in a straightforward tone.
“How can a black fan find resources for you? If I have to categorize myself, then I have to be considered a career fan. This is the first movie I invested in. Just decide whether you appreciate it or not!” Zhou Dongsheng said without any hesitation.
"Of course I have to give face to President Zhou, even if it means rejecting the movie I have. But you have to tell me what movie it is, right?" Ni Ni asked curiously.
"I am very optimistic about the movie Wolf Warrior 2, which is directed and starred by Wu Jing. Not only am I investing in it, I am even willing to sacrifice my screen debut to bet on it. Now that the opportunity has been given to you, it depends on whether you can seize it!" Zhou Dongsheng continued to tease.
"That means I can have the chance to work with Mr. Zhou on this movie. I can't miss this opportunity!" Ni Ni said readily.
"You agreed so quickly?" Zhou Dongsheng asked in surprise.
"What else? Do you really think I'm some big shot? It's always been the investors and directors who choose the actors. How can an actor like me choose the roles?"
"Besides, Mr. Zhou has given me so much face, how can I refuse?" Ni Ni said as a matter of course.
Although debuting as a "Mou Girl" is a very high starting point, Ni Ni has no shortage of resources and has always been active in the circle, with her own place in terms of fame and popularity.
But it has not yet reached the point where it can override capital.
Although Zhou Dongsheng is not a big shot in the circle who can do whatever he wants, he has reached such a height at such a young age, so his future is even more uncertain.
It is not enough to curry favor with such a potential stock, let alone offend him.
Ever since they met at Huang Xiaoming's wedding, Ni Ni has seen many things Zhou Dongsheng has done on the Internet, and she is somewhat curious about it.
After all, grassroots people who start from scratch are as rare as movie stars who rise from extras in the entertainment industry, or even rarer.
"Okay, then it's settled. However, I am only responsible for the introduction. Director Wu will make the final decision. If I don't get Director Wu's approval, it will be useless even if I am an investor..."
Zhou Dongsheng said with a smile, and at the same time he was looking forward to it in his heart. If this really happened, when the dust settled on the 5 billion heroine, how would Ni Ni react?
After all, since this guy reached the peak of his career upon his debut, it seems that there are few other film works that can be compared with his famous works.
There are even fewer that can be considered representative works.
After all, a good script for an actor is like a good horse to a good horse, it is something that can only be encountered by chance.
"Then I will definitely show my full strength at that time and will not embarrass President Zhou!" Ni Ni promised generously.
"Okay, I'll wait for your good news." After saying that, he hung up the phone and sent Wu Jing's contact information.
Zhou Dongsheng then looked at Wu Jing who was smiling and said, "I've got Director Wu. You can give it a try when the time comes. If you pass, that would be great. If not, don't worry about my face..."
"Everything is for the movie, including me!" Zhou Dongsheng said with a smile while holding up the teacup.
"Okay, let's drink to your words!" Wu Jing was not shy and drank the whole glass in one gulp.
"Okay, that's all for today. There's still a lot of things to do in preparation for the filming, so I have to get busy. See you at the crew then!" After a few drinks, Wu Jing stood up and said goodbye without changing his expression.
"Then I won't keep you here. Brother Jing, just go do your thing!" Zhou Dongsheng agreed readily and was full of anticipation for this movie.
After all, in a sense, this movie, with the right time, place and people, has undoubtedly opened a new chapter in Chinese films.
It doesn’t matter whether there is money or not. Just participating in this kind of project is enough to make Zhou Dongsheng excited.
Of course, it would be better if you could earn money while standing.
When thinking about movies, Zhou Dongsheng couldn't help but think of a few very representative movies in the next few years. If he had the chance, he would invest in all of them.
There is even one film for which Zhou Dongsheng felt he could even hire professionals to polish the script, after all, it was adapted from real events.
As Zhou Dongsheng still remembers the scene vividly, there will be no problem in restoring it to 99% of its original state.
If you organize a party like this by yourself, it would be a very fulfilling thing, right?
He did what he said. With a passion that he had nowhere to vent, Zhou Dongsheng laughed out loud and walked out. How could we be ordinary people?
Chen Yuhang was left cursing, "Damn it, you didn't even pay, but you're still smiling so arrogantly!"
