Actor: Thank you.

"Huh, what, what?"

"What are all these things?!"

On set, Baoqiang, dressed in a dairy factory employee uniform, was rehearsing his lines while holding an IOU.

Xu Zheng watched with amusement.

Niu Geng is a lowly person from the bottom of society with a very low level of education; he can't even understand half of the words on the IOU.

Yet they are extremely loving and possess the noblest human enthusiasm.

However, he always "does good deeds but ends up doing bad things." Simply put, he is a good person who is not very smart.

Xu Zheng's character is a shrewd businessman who mistreats his subordinates, is intelligent but still has a conscience.

This classic combination of a cunning man and a fool has been a timeless and incredibly useful element in literary works.

Baoqiang is still too authoritative when playing such lowly characters.

Just sitting there, without saying a word, his eyes reveal the look of someone from the lower class.

What's remarkable is that, even though he's no longer a person from the bottom of society but a big star earning tens of millions a year, he can still easily find that state of mind of an ordinary person.

It's somewhat similar to Zhao Benshan.

Xu Zheng is particularly adept at portraying shrewd characters, which can be considered a near-natural performance.

It was this drama that launched Xu Zheng's path to becoming a "top-tier" actor.

In the film, Baoqiang's character Niu Geng calls himself a "lucky general," which is quite accurate for Xu Zheng.

In addition, this play was also very "ahead of its time".

In the scenes at the airport and on the plane, Niu Geng first asked the staff whether his ticket was a seat or a standing ticket.

The audience, of course, just laughed it off.

But who would have thought that Spring Airlines would actually design a "standing ticket" solution and even make backrest chairs for standing tickets.

But the air traffic control bureau scolded them and sent them away.

You can personify someone, but you can't be completely devoid of humanity.

Standing for 6 or 7 hours while flying can easily make the elderly and children dizzy.

This shows the extent to which businesses and capital will go for profits if there are no restrictions.

Another thing is that Niu Geng asked the flight attendant to open the window, saying that the cabin was too stuffy.

Later, a plane in North America lost its cabin door and flew for more than an hour, which allowed it to breathe.

And it's a Boeing model.

It's the installation factory that smells like hemp leaves the moment you walk in.

Even knowing what the content was, Zhang Yuan could still laugh out loud while watching them perform.

The atmosphere at the scene was quite joyful.

A short while later, the film crew arrived in a Dongfeng Xiaokang.

Airplanes, trains, cars—this is a car.

A Dongfeng Xiaokang minivan with tires only slightly wider than an electric vehicle.

This section is also copied directly from the original work.

Niu Geng fell asleep at the wheel and eventually crashed his car.

Dongfeng Xiaokang was later renamed Seres.

Seres is the manufacturer that produces smart electric vehicles for Huawei.

Therefore, Wang Baoqiang driving with his eyes closed is roughly equivalent to early-stage autonomous driving...

This part, involving driving and car crashes, was later incorporated into the movie "Lost in Thailand".

Not only here, but the scene of accidentally entering the wrong room in a small hotel and hiding from someone was also used in the hotel scene of "Lost in Thailand".

Anyway, all writing in the world is plagiarism.

"Brother, your arrival has only caused us trouble."

Not long after, Baoqiang stepped forward with a sly smile.

"Yes, originally no one in our crew watched our show."

"Look at you as soon as you arrive!"

Xu Zheng also complained with a laugh, still smelling slightly of alcohol on him.

Last night he drank a mix of baijiu, huangjiu, and foreign liquor.

In this circle, being able to drink is definitely a big advantage.

Although many young artists later stopped drinking and were very averse to drinking parties.

But there are some circles you really can't get into without drinking.

Zhang Yuan turned around and took a look.

A large group of fans and onlookers were blocking the way outside the film set; they were all there to see him.

Baoqiang doesn't have many die-hard fans, and Xu Zheng isn't exactly a top celebrity right now, so he can only be the one who came to him.

"Zhang Yuan, I love you!"

"Hey, I love you too."

"what!"

One of them clutched his chest and fainted.

It terrified him.

The autograph session and photo opportunity caused quite a stir.

They weren't satisfied, so they couldn't even start work; the noise was so bad that they couldn't record any sound on site.

While Zhang Yuan was signing autographs, he also saw someone holding up a poster for "G.I. Joe".

The show has finally aired overseas; it will be a while before it's shown domestically.

Hollywood blockbusters are still popular, and they are being released in more than 50 countries around the world!

It is very helpful in expanding one's overseas influence.

It's a good thing to become a familiar face.

Zhang Ziyi just went to Hollywood for a while and was immediately given the title of "International Zhang".

He specially signed the poster and took a separate photo with the fan.

Although the film was later nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award, he still made a lot of money from the film's salary and profit sharing.

I'll receive checks every year from now on, what more could I ask for?

You can't have all the good things to yourself.

"Brother, you're famous overseas now, so why don't we see you always abroad?" After finishing his work, Zhang Yuan asked his assistant to buy milk tea to treat his fans, and then took a break.

Baoqiang then stepped forward to ask a question.

He observed that most of the actors from China who could make it in Hollywood were unwilling to return.

Moreover, even if they come back, they will act arrogantly towards domestic artists who have never been overseas, just like those relatives who rarely go abroad or have finally immigrated.

They thought that sleeping in a foreigner's bed was a very impressive thing.

Zhang Ziyi is a typical example.

“Entertainers should serve the people.” Zhang Yuan put his arm around his shoulder: “But the premise is that we must figure out which country’s people we are serving.”

"If you can make sure you can eat well in China, that's a great success."

"Then why do you still go abroad to film movies?"

“Because I need to make money,” he said in a low voice.

I can only say it secretly; I can't just say things like Jang Nara, "If you're short of money, come to China."

Can you tell the truth?

"If I weren't making money, what would you be filming now?" Zhang Yuan shoved the guy, urging him to hurry up and prepare for his scene.

The role Xu Zheng gave him was named "Dawei," but whether he had a name or not was completely irrelevant.

He was just a nobody I met on my journey.

The requirements are good looks and temperament; you have to be handsome.

The purpose is to highlight Xu Zheng's greasy and unpopular character with girls by contrasting him on trains and long-distance buses.

They originally planned to cast the "Snow Wolf Warrior" from "Armor Hero" in the role.

But with him around, it's definitely more effective than having a minor celebrity; he can bring in some box office revenue.

First, I found a long-distance minibus.

What makes this play relatable is that it reflects many things that happen in real life.

For example, Xu Zheng's character buys a fake train ticket.

For example, at long-distance bus stops, there will always be older women holding small cards offering you accommodation.

They also said there were some great programs.

Back then, having hot water available for showering 24 hours a day was a selling point for accommodations.

Furthermore, the film was shot with restraint; scenes of highway robbers and bandits, like those in Uncle Benshan's "Falling Leaves Return to Their Roots," were not included.

Back then, many long-distance buses were privately owned.

Not to mention that some villages and towns along the way will ask for "tolls".

Many of these buses and the people "watching" them are actually thugs.

After you buy your ticket on the bus, the back door closes, and once you're on the highway, they start harassing you by demanding extra money.

Each person will have to pay an extra few dozen yuan, otherwise we'll throw you off on the highway or national road.

Even if you pay, he might not take you to your destination. To save on fuel and to prevent you from complaining at the long-distance bus station, he might just kick you off at some remote village with public transportation when you're almost there.

Such things were common in the past.

Even if you're lucky enough to get on a regular bus, you'll still hear snoring, smell feet, body odor, and even the smell of poultry brought on board.

Go ahead and take the train. It takes more than ten hours for a single trip. You'll suffer.

And many people don't know that not only trains, but also buses have "sleeper berths".

However, the government later banned its production, making it even rarer.

Just like the color tone of the movie "Lost in Thailand", it is gray and dirty, with a noisy and bustling atmosphere everywhere.

This is the real world of the underprivileged.

However, such works became increasingly rare over time.

Essentially, this play is a dialogue and clash between two classes, and that's what makes it so interesting.

However, the working class and peasantry no longer appeared in many later plays, and this kind of conflict gradually disappeared.

Although the worker-peasant Niu Geng was poor and lacked romantic understanding, he was of high moral character.

Although Li Chenggong, a self-made man, is wealthy, his life and career are not as glamorous as they seem.

Ultimately, Niu Geng, a member of the working class, spiritually saved Li Chenggong, a member of the petty bourgeoisie, making him realize the value of family, life, and kindness.

It is the poor who redeemed the rich, not the rich who redeemed the poor.

By dissecting the underlying logic of this play, we can understand why plays from earlier times were so enjoyable, while some later plays become increasingly awkward to watch.

The problem lies in which social class the story ultimately falls into.

This is why everyone praises "The Long Season," while most people are indifferent to the beautiful visuals of "Blossoms."

Zhang Yuan's scenes were basically easy and quite relaxed.

He just sat there, smiled, and tried to look cool.

Similar to those exceptionally good-looking, artistic young men in college, with a touch of melancholy that young girls adore.

I don't know what I'm depressed about, I'm just depressed.

All they had to do was lean back in their seats with a guitar on their backs; it was all Baoqiang and Xu Zheng acting.

The young actresses playing supporting roles don't need to act either.

The feeling of wanting to please and get close to him after seeing him was a completely genuine expression of emotion.

They took a break after filming a few shots.

He received a call shortly afterward.

You've come to Wuhan?

Sisi's curious voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"I saw photos of you on set online."

"You don't just search for me online all the time, do you?" Zhang Yuan asked, stroking his chin.

"I didn't," the man replied immediately, though his tone carried a hint of guilt.

"I'm in Wuhan too."

Zhang Yuan probably went to see his grandmother again.

"What, you want me to come over and meet the old man?" "Who asked you to meet him? It's just that you're free and we can have a meal together," she immediately corrected.

"Is your mother involved?"

"Do you want my mom involved, or not?"

Damn, they're getting smarter and smarter now, they even know how to throw the problem back at us.

"That depends on whether you want to be alone with me or have a group gathering."

"So, do you want to be alone with me, or..."

"Stop, stop, stop." Zhang Yuan said abruptly, "This is never going to end."

"It's just the two of us. You find a restaurant you like, tell me the time and place, and we'll go separately."

"I need to be careful not to get photographed. There are too many people here."

"Okay, I'll go prepare."

He then went to instruct Brother Long to do a good job in counter-surveillance and security.

A short while later, Brother Qian called him again.

"The movie viewing experience at your little theater last time was quite good."

"Just tell me, what kind of show would you like to see?" he asked directly.

Have you heard of the new Category III film from Hong Kong?

Zhang Yuan: …

You're treating my house like an old-fashioned underground video arcade!

"I want to ask you, where do you hear all this news all the time?"

"I have some friends."

"You could just say you found it yourself... never mind." Zhang Yuan rubbed his temples vigorously.

The last time he watched the show went well, and now his relationship with these people in the Beijing music scene is clearly much closer.

Wang Fei will resume his concert tour in the second half of the year.

Not only her, but also Na Ying, Mao Amin, Cui Jian, Fei Yuqing, Alan Tam, Chyi Chin, and Guo Fucheng will be performing.

He wanted to use this to get involved in the performance market.

The problem is that there isn't a suitable person to help me with these things right now.

"Tell me, and I'll help you find the film."

"Alright, the movie is called 'Love in a Puff'." Brother Qian announced the name.

Zhang Yuan was completely dumbfounded.

Is this a Category III film?
Isn't it a romantic drama?

"That can't be right. I know this play. You must have misheard me."

"The film stars Shawn Yue and Miriam Yeung."

"They're in that movie too?" Brother Qian asked in surprise.

Zhang Yuan: …

"Wait a minute, I'll go ask."

Zhang Yuan then called the people at Media Asia, because Boss Lin had invested in this film.

The director is Pang Ho-sheung, and this isn't the first time Media Asia has invested in his films.

It turns out that this movie really is an adult film!
But it wasn't because of violence or nudity that it was classified at this level.

It's because of the unique features of this film.

It contains numerous scenes of smoking and is filled with Cantonese profanity.

In addition, one of the unique features of this film is that it opens with a horror scene, and this is also the case in the later installments.

Taking all these factors into account, it was placed at level three.

He was completely baffled.

This is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing.

Moreover, this film will be released in mainland China later.

Because after dubbing the dialogue in Mandarin, the profanities were changed to be more polite, so it passed the censorship easily.

The censorship process is interesting; a single film can have two completely different ratings.

Furthermore, after its release, this film was hailed by many mainland Chinese viewers as a "masterpiece of art-house romance".

Artsy types love this kind of thing.

The film's depiction of struggle, inner conflict, and awkwardness, along with its delicate emotional portrayal and distinctly Hong Kong flavor, resonated deeply with many viewers.

Later, a film in Shanghai dialect was produced in Shanghai, and "The Myth of Love," starring Xu Zheng and others, was in a similar style. It was niche but popular.

The most important point is that in this drama, and in several later works, the male and female leads are never "pure".

He's always cheating on his current partner.

This lovelorn couple's constant breakups and reconciliations have brought misfortune to those around them.

This may be why literary youth like it: it's not grand and sweeping, but its descriptions of the thoughts between men and women are very explicit.

Zhang Yuan confirmed that this play was not the kind of play that Brother Qian had imagined.

I was going to call him to tell him.

But after thinking about it again, he changed his tone.

"Hey, Brother Qian, I've arranged everything."

"Just bring a copy and come to my house to see it."

"Okay, let's invite some more friends!"

Brother Qian was very happy.

Zhang Yuan imagined the disappointed expressions on his and his friends' faces after watching the whole movie, and he was also happy.

As darkness fell, he boarded the van that had been prepared beforehand.

After navigating Wuhan's already complicated traffic situation several times, I finally arrived at my destination.

"Coming."

Pushing open the door to the private room, Xiaolongnu, dressed in casual clothes, came into view.

"What are you looking for?" the other person asked, noticing him looking around as soon as he came in.

"Check if your mom is hiding by the door."

"Don't talk nonsense about my mother." She smiled and pointed at him.

“Haha, your mom’s not here, so…” Zhang Yuan raised his hand as if to grab it.

Behave properly when you're out in public.

"Alright, let's eat." Zhang Yuan composed himself, knowing she didn't like it.

She's very honest; she only ordered what she likes to eat.

She said she wanted to share the things she liked with him.

That's good too; it can promote mutual understanding.

"Has filming for 'Love Announcement' finished?"

"The filming is over."

What do you think of this play?

"This is Leehom's first time directing, so please be more understanding."

"Besides, I've just started working again, so I'm already very grateful that someone is willing to hire me."

Zhang Yuan smiled but didn't say anything.

It seems she's not completely clueless; she knows it's all just acting.

But whether a play is good or not, and whether it becomes popular, is not something an actor can decide.

It's all about timing, luck, and fate. Most actors' sudden rise to fame is an accident; they themselves don't even know that a show can become so popular.

"Your problem now is..."

"You have a great audience appeal and influence in the TV drama industry."

"But you don't want to film TV dramas."

"But in the film industry, you can't get access to resources from the imperial circle."

"And your commercial value in the film industry isn't top-tier; it's just average."

"If you were to take the lead alone, you wouldn't be able to make much money."

Sisi frowned.

I felt that what he said was too blunt and unpleasant to hear.

But I also know that he was telling the truth.

Ultimately, her problem was the exact opposite of Yang Mi's.

Yang Mi will take any role as long as she gets paid.

Sisi, on the other hand, was aiming to become a "veteran artist".

Her abilities and goals are misaligned.

Her advantages lie in her appearance and family background, which are particularly suitable for a "short-term burst" of success, allowing her to make a lot of money in a very short time.

But she wants to pursue a long-term business model, which makes things difficult.

Because if female stars want to have a long career, they either need to get involved behind the scenes and become their own bosses.

Alternatively, one can always maintain top-tier value, ensuring their star shines brightly at all times, and participate in every activity they can.

Fan Bingbing and Yang Mi both did this.

But she's much more of a homebody than the other two; she likes to relax on the sofa when she has nothing to do.

The boss doesn't have the ambition or ability to work behind the scenes.

So her problem stems from her personality.

The foundation of a popular celebrity clashes with the aspirations of a veteran artist; there is an internal and external conflict.

Moreover, she is selective about the roles she plays, especially the stereotypical, brainless, traditional female character who is submissive and dependent on others.

Especially now that she has completely taken control of her acting career.

Despite having a youthful face, she always wants to play roles that are outwardly gentle but inwardly strong.

This is yet another conflict: the conflict between market expectations and her own expectations.

Zhang Yuan was helpless in this situation.

External pressure and attacks are easy to deal with, but it's hard to change one's nature.

"It's rare for us to meet, and you don't even say anything nice about me," she complained, pouting.

"Okay, if you have any roles or projects that interest you, you can tell me."

"If I participate in the investment, it will give you some leverage in negotiations."

"Does that mean I'm essentially bringing my own investment to the production?"

"Isn't this exactly the area you're familiar with?"

Liu Qianqian: ...

"I was just joking."

“I know this is because you care about me, and I accept it.” She nodded and raised her glass.

"I am very lucky to have people who are always willing to help me."

"You too."

"But I can't let you lose money, especially since last time you already lost a lot of future profits."

She hasn't gotten over the Tudou.com incident yet.

“I have also benefited a lot by helping you, so there is no need to blame myself.”

"But if you feel really guilty and want to repay the debt, you can also repay it with your body..."

She ignored his joke and continued eating.

A short while later, while she was in the restroom, Zhang Yuan received another phone call.

"Hey, Sister Jingwen, long time no see."

"It's been about a year since we last spoke."

His tone was cheerful, because he was in a good mood.

But the person on the other end of the phone was the complete opposite of him.

"Hey."

She had barely uttered a single word when she began to sob uncontrollably… (End of Chapter)