The literary era since 1979

The next day, just as Du Qifeng was directing the crew to prepare for filming, Wang Jing and Gong Xing called Zhou Xingchi into the office alone.

For a moment, the entire crew was talking and whispering.

"Hey, why did you say he was called in?"

"Why? Just based on his behavior yesterday, he must be warned not to act recklessly again."

"That's not right. I heard that the director is planning to replace him?"

"real or fake?"

"More real than real gold. Originally the director's first choice was not him, but Chen Baixiang. It was just that Fang Sheng mentioned his name."

"No wonder I saw the director and Mr. Fang chatting in the tea restaurant when I got off work. They were probably discussing changing roles."

"........."

Everyone guessed that Wang Jing was going to take real action this time, but almost no one sympathized with Zhou Xingchi.

After all, this guy doesn't have a good relationship with others, and no one will stand up to speak for him at this time.

So much so that some people started betting on whether Zhou Xingchi would be replaced, and more and more people were attracted to place bets.

Wu Mengda arrived a little later and saw a group of people gathered together. He couldn't help but ask the workers standing outside:

"Why is it so lively today? So many people gathered together. Is there something good going on?"

"There's nothing good, but there is one thing that's fun."

The stagehand knew that he had a good relationship with Zhou Xingchi, so he quietly told him about Zhou Xingchi being called away by the director.

Wu Mengda exclaimed, stunned.

The stagehand patted him on the shoulder and reminded him, "Brother Da, I advise you not to get involved in this matter. I guess the director is really determined to deal with this guy this time. If you go, you will only be asking for trouble. Besides, you usually speak up for that guy, but how many times has he really appreciated your kindness?"

Wu Mengda suddenly became conflicted. Should he continue to plead for Zhou Xingchi?

I have been thinking about this question for a long time, but I just can't make up my mind.

If I don't go, it would seem like I'm not being loyal enough. Besides, I really think this guy is an acting genius, but his shortcoming is that he doesn't understand the ways of the world.

But I was afraid that if I went, not only would I not be able to speak up for Zhou Xingchi, but it might bring disaster upon myself and I would suffer as well.

"Brother Da, stop looking. Do you want to place a bet?"

The field worker asked kindly.

"Bet? What are you betting on?"

While Wu Mengda was hesitating, Zhou Xingchi was already standing in front of Gong Xing and Wang Jing.

On the way here, I had heard some rumors and knew that this time it would be dangerous, but I soon figured it out.

The worst outcome would be to go back to hosting children's programs and continue to be a supporting actor. He just didn't believe that he would never have a chance to make a breakthrough.

But surprisingly, Gong Xing treated him very friendly and politely, and even prepared a folding chair for him to sit on.

Zhou Xingchi secretly glanced at Wang Jing in front of him, and saw that he had his hands on the armrests, his legs apart, very much like a gangster boss in the movies. He was staring at him hungrily, his heart pounding, like a death row prisoner being executed, waiting for Wang Jing to sentence him to "death".

"What are you still standing for?"

Wang Jing frowned, "Miss Gong asked you to sit down, so just sit down."

Zhou Xingchi was stunned for a moment, and with the encouragement from Gong Xing's eyes, he sat down reluctantly, but he only dared to sit halfway on the chair.

"Director Wang, Miss Gong, do you want to talk to me about something?"

"Regarding your performance yesterday and the nonsense you said, I discussed it with Director Wang, Director Du, and my husband."

Gong Xue smiled and said, "We think you have some ideas, so we want to learn more about your opinion on your role."

"what?!"

Zhou Xingchi couldn't believe his ears. He had already prepared for the worst, but the result was far beyond his expectations.

"Ah what? Tell us, we want to hear your opinion."

Wang Jing rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Zhou Xingchi looked at their expressions and listened to their tone, and it seemed that they were not joking, so he immediately swallowed his saliva.

Especially when I learned from Gong Xing that even Fang Yan knew that I had tampered with the script without permission, but he was not angry or blamed me at all.

At this moment, he felt like he was on a roller coaster. He had just fallen to the bottom and now he was rising into the clouds, making him feel a little dazed.

"Cough cough!"

Seeing his silly look, Wang Jing coughed vigorously a few times.

Zhou Xingchi was startled, and then he said as if he had just woken up from a dream: "My opinion?"

"Yeah, don't you have some ideas about your comedy performance?"

Gong Xing handed him a bottle of mineral water and encouraged him to speak his mind.

Zhou Xingchi realized that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After calming down a little, he expressed his understanding of this stupid thief.

At first, Wang Jing and Gong Xing just nodded when Zhou Xingchi paused to show that they were listening, but as Zhou Xingchi spoke more and more excitedly, he told all the funny plots, actions and lines that he and Wu Mengda had designed privately, and he knew everything.

Wang Jing would occasionally interject a word or two, and in fact he was beginning to develop an interest in Zhou Xingchi's nonsensical comedy.

Watching the two people talking more and more deeply, Gong Xing's mouth curled up slightly. Sure enough, everything was just as Fang Yan had expected.

Wang Jing and Zhou Xingchi do have an inexplicable tacit understanding in comedy. Although they cannot be said to be a perfect match, the collision of their ideas has created many very interesting sparks. If they were added to "Baby Smart Stars", it might add a lot of color.

"I think we can give what you said a try."

Wang Jing's words made Zhou Xingchi overjoyed.

"But!"

Gong Xing promptly supplemented the requirements of the dialect, trying to create laughs in terms of behavior and expression, and reducing changes in the language of the lines.

"Yes, yes, that's it!"

Wang Jing said with a straight face: "If you and Wu Mengda can do it, we can let you play freely."

"Thank you Miss Gong for your appreciation! Thank you Director for your cultivation!"

Zhou Xingchi was so excited that he stood up from his chair. However, since he was not good at speaking and didn't know how to flatter, he just kept thanking Gong Xing and Wang Jing.

"The person you should thank the most is Mr. Fang. Without his nod, you wouldn't have gotten this opportunity at all."

Wang Jing said: "So I'll be frank with you and let you perform freely, but if you mess up, you know the consequences."

Zhou Xingchi's whole body trembled violently, "It's... it's Fang Sheng!"

Gong Xing told the truth, and then said earnestly: "You must not let him down."

When Zhou Xingchi heard that there was actually an arrangement by Fangyan behind all this, including specifically asking him to star in "Baby Smart Star", which would decide the life and death of Shaw Brothers Films, he felt like he was struck by lightning, his head was buzzing, and suddenly everything went blank.

"Okay, okay, let's get ready!"

Wang Jing waved his hand impatiently and told him to go put on makeup and film.

At this time, Zhou Xingchi was still immersed in the shock of being valued by Fangyan. As soon as he walked out of the office, he bumped into Wu Mengda head-on.

The other people in the crew who were participating in the gambling also turned their eyes to them.

Wu Mengda asked anxiously: "How is it, how is it?"

"What's going on?" Zhou Xingchi came back to his senses.

"What on earth do Jingzi and Miss Gong want to see you for?"

Wu Mengda seemed to be hesitant to speak, but he never asked whether there was any role change.

Zhou Xingchi grinned and said that Wang Jing and Gong Xing agreed with their ideas.

Wu Mengda was startled at first, then he touched his forehead, and then touched his own forehead:
"You don't have a fever, why are you talking nonsense?"

"You are the one who has a fever. What I said is true!"

"You really didn't lie to me?" "Is this necessary?"

Zhou Xingchi laughed out loud, "Brother Da, now we can give full play to our abilities!"

"great!"

Wu Mengda suddenly jumped up excitedly and high-fived him to celebrate, "You really scared me to death, I thought you were going to be..."

Zhou Xingchi blinked: "By what?"

Wu Mengda spoke with some reservations about the gambling game set up by the crew:

"Among so many people, I'm the only one who will be fine if I bet on you. I'm going to make a fortune this time!"

"That's not right, brother Da, I remember you said you would never gamble again."

Zhou Xingchi looked at the guy unhappily.

Wu Mengda patted his shoulder and said, "It's just a little gambling to cheer you up. Don't worry, I only bet two hundred dollars!"

"Then why don't you bet more?"

Zhou Xingchi pushed away the hand he placed on his shoulder, "You still say we are good friends, but it's clear that you don't have confidence in me!"

Wu Mengda snorted twice, "Who knew that you would suddenly get so lucky? Now everyone else in the crew will be disappointed."

"It's not just some shitty luck, it's Fang Sheng, it's Fang Sheng!"

Zhou Xingchi was so excited that he was incoherent.

Wu Mengda listened for a long time before he figured it out: "Oh, I thought you were just a host of a children's program, and you were just a bit player before, how come you were chosen to act in a movie all of a sudden? It turns out that someone is helping you!"

"I knew that gold would always shine, and this day I've been waiting for has finally come!"

Zhou Xingchi clenched his fists tightly.

"You are going to be successful if Fang Sheng values ​​you. When you become famous, don't forget me."

Wu Mengda's face was full of joy, and he looked even happier than Zhou Xingchi, and he said a lot of congratulations.

"Brother Da, we are acting in the same movie now. If I become rich, you will definitely become rich too."

Zhou Xingchi's tone was filled with excitement.

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, you have to perform well next time. Especially you, kid, be alert and don't lose points."

Wu Meng replied: "You must not let Fang Sheng down."

"Needless to say!"

Zhou Xingchi felt a kind of joy in his heart, as if a talented horse had been discovered by a good horse trainer.

If Mr. Fang hadn't personally chosen me, I might still be the host of "430 Shuttle". Of course, there's nothing wrong with performing for children, but the film industry is a much broader world for me! "Baby Smart Star" will be a key step for me to take!
………………

After a day of shooting, Gong Xing returned home in the dark.

I saw Fangyan sitting at the table in the living room, writing "Hunting" as usual.

As for the sequel of the "Crime Squad" series, before coming to Hong Kong, it was fully handed over to Lu Haiyan to write, just like when Jin Yong went abroad, he gave "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" to Ni Xun to write. The result was that he completely let himself go and wrote Azhu to death and A Zi blind.

In order to prevent "Criminal Investigation Team", which focuses on criminal investigation and solving cases, from being written by Lu Haiyan into a police and gangster romance drama like "Never Forget You", "Jade Guanyin" and "A Romantic Affair", the story outline and ideas for solving the case were prepared in advance, and Shi Tiesheng was instructed to review them strictly.

"call."

Gong Xing put his bag on the sofa and exhaled softly, "Have you eaten?"

Fang Yan shook his slightly sour wrist and said, "I ate it. How about you?"

"I've eaten too. I had a box lunch on the set."

Gong Xing excitedly described what he saw and heard on the crew today.

Ever since the restrictions on Stephen Chow's performances were relaxed, he and Ng Man-tat immediately felt like fish in water when filming.

Even Wang Jing and Du Qifeng had to admit that if they performed like this, the comedy effect would be even more outstanding.

"So he has great potential in comedy, then?"

Fangyan stood up and stretched.

Gong Xing nodded and said that Wang Jing, Du Qifeng and others all believed that he had the opportunity to inherit the mantle of "cold-faced comedian" Xu Guanwen.

He smiled in dialect but said nothing. After all, Stephen Chow is the comedy king of Chinese films. Maybe there is a slight gap between him and his great master Charlie Chaplin, but he is not inferior to Mr. Bean, Jim Carrey, Louis Funes and other comedy masters from different countries.

Because comedy has no high or low, good or bad, it only varies in taste. Every comedy master has his own unique comedy style and charm.

Just like "The Mask" was originally a horror movie, but under Jim Carrey's interpretation, it was turned into a comedy.

The same goes for Zhou Xingchi. As soon as he starts performing, others will automatically become supporting roles and completely follow their rhythm.

In "God of Gamblers 2000", Liang Jiahui, the man who said "If you are a brother, come and chop me up", was obviously the protagonist, but he was overshadowed by Zhou Xingchi, a supporting actor who only appeared for a short time. In "God of Gamblers", Liu Dehua was almost suppressed to a supporting role and the movie became "God of Gamblers: The Legend of the Conman".

At this time, Zhou Xingchi had already begun to gradually develop in this direction.

In the play "Baby Smart Star", Wu Mengda is the leader of a duo, and Zhou Xingchi plays a follower. However, with the tacit approval of Fang Yan, Wang Jing and others, Zhou Xingchi, who is not limited to the script, makes Wu Mengda, who acts honestly, become a foil and a supporting role instead.

If it were someone else, they would definitely be dissatisfied if Zhou Xingchi always stole the spotlight.

However, Wu Mengda is very open-minded. When he was trapped in the quagmire of gambling debts, he had already experienced the fickleness of human nature and no longer cared about whether he was a supporting role or a leading role. He always believed that even if he was a supporting role, as long as he performed well, he could still have a bright future.

"It would be amazing if this pair could develop a rapport!"

There was a hint of surprise in Gong Xing's tone.

Fang Yan said happily: "Is it like Chen Peisi and Zhu Shimao?"

"Yes, Wu Mengda is willing to be a supporting actor like Lao Mao, and Zhou Xingchi is very talented like Chen Peisi."

Gong Xing said that Wang Jing, Du Qifeng and other people in the crew were all impressed by him and admired his unique and experienced vision.

After being in the industry for so long, this is the easiest time for them to be a director. They don’t have to use their brains at all on the set. They just throw the script to the actors, and then tell the photography, lighting, art, etc. how to shoot. Then they can sit behind the monitor and leisurely drink Yuanyang milk tea.

"Is there really no problem at all?"

Fangyan raised his eyebrows.

"There are no major problems for now, but there are quite a few minor ones."

Gong Xing said that at most Nicholas Tse would occasionally act like a child and refuse to cooperate with the acting. Apart from that, the biggest headache was how to shoot the snow scenes.

"Well, there are expensive ways and stupid ways."

Fang Yan said, "The most expensive way is to go abroad like Hollywood does, and shoot in places with snow. The second most expensive way is to get a few snow-making machines." Then he paused, "The dumbest way is to use chemical fertilizers. Although they smell a bit bad, they save money. If that doesn't work, just use salt."

Gong Xing couldn't help but sigh: "This is quite different from the way we shoot in the mainland."

"That's certainly different."

According to Fangyan, the film studio is a planned system, and everything has to be planned, including when and what to shoot. For example, scenes with snow scenes are scheduled in winter and spring.

Through participating in the production of "Baby Smart Star", Gong Xing felt the huge difference between the mainland and Hong Kong, from small things like machinery and equipment to big things like acting techniques, especially in the filming progress. If it weren't for the critical issue of snow scenes, it would probably have been completed in about a month.

"This is commercial filming, time is precious."

Fang Yan said, "Look, Xu Ke and his team called us and wanted to discuss with us when to film Once Upon a Time in China 2."

"This one hasn't even finished showing yet, and you're already thinking about the second one?"

Gong Xing was very surprised.

"Even if they don't make a movie with a box office of over 2000 million, Cinema City and the Golden Princess behind it will urge them to make it quickly."

Fang Yan smiled and said, "I'm afraid even your mother's family, the Shanghai Film Studio, doesn't want to miss this great opportunity to strike while the iron is hot."

"go with!"

Gong Xing rolled his eyes, "Then when are we going to look for Director Xu and Nan Sheng?"

Fang Yan shrugged and said, "Wait a few days. I'll attend the opening ceremony of Police Story first." (End of this chapter)