Actor: Thank you.

Hengdian is the most famous film and television city in China's entertainment industry.

They claim that "once you come, you can't leave."

This was said in a positive light, referring to the actor.

Because hundreds of film crews of all sizes can work simultaneously in Hengdian at peak times, once you "enter the industry," you can get one role after another.

For several years in a row, they couldn't go home. There were many artists who had just finished work on one side and started work on another.

But even if you act in five dramas, there's no guarantee that one of them will be broadcast.

There are quite a few artists who have more than a dozen dramas that haven't been broadcast yet.

When Zhang Yuan arrived at the location, it was already evening. He first went to take a look at the set that was being built for "Empresses in the Palace" at a cost of tens of millions of yuan.

There's no such thing as a bad deal when you spend money; the setting is quite elaborate.

It was precisely because so much was spent in the early stages that the budget ran out later, resulting in a bunch of hastily made props.

Seeing the commotion in the corner of the set, I ran over to check and found Zheng Xiaolong leading a group of people to try on costumes.

"Director Zheng, let's have dinner together in a bit."

"Never mind, I'm busy."

"I still have six or seven actors here, and dozens of outfits that haven't been tried on yet," Zheng Xiaolong replied.

He was so focused on his work that he was practically exhausted, so he didn't want to bother him.

So he wandered around by himself, looking at everything.

I spotted Sun Li trying on clothes from afar and walked over to her.

"Oh." He squinted and looked at her after walking a dozen steps away.

The head ornaments and earrings are all genuine.

It is real gold and real silver.

"Hello, you're here too." Sun Li forced a smile through her tired face when she saw him.

"Yes, I have a film crew to work on here, you go ahead with your work."

Judging from her drooping shoulders, the carefully made outfit was obviously quite heavy.

Sun Li, who plays Zhen Huan, has more than 70 outfits in the show!
Just trying on costumes was enough to overwhelm her.

He doesn't care about this matter; it's all up to Zheng Xiaolong to control.

He then took the initiative to contact Chen Mingzheng, the film's art director.

This guy is really something else; he only got to be on set because of Zheng Xiaolong's connections.

In 98, she won the Golden Horse Award for makeup artistry for her role in "The Burning of the Epang Palace".

He is now the head of the China Television and Film Makeup Committee.

He was the chief stylist for the opening ceremony of the 08 Beijing Olympics.

They don't usually take on small jobs.

Zhang Yuan went up to them and was very polite. They were senior figures with high expertise, so he didn't put on any airs of an investor.

“These clothes and jewelry were all carefully designed by you; I can tell.”

"That's right, I've gone through so many documents, my hair has turned white."

"If it weren't for Xiaolong, and if it were someone else with such high standards, I would have lost my temper long ago!" he joked.

"Yes, that jewelry is made of real gold and silver, right?"

"Gilded and silver-plated, but all genuine."

"These things are not only expensive, but they must also be very troublesome to make, right?" Zhang Yuan asked casually.

"It's all done by hand, so it's troublesome to make or repair anything."

"Yes, yes." Zhang Yuan nodded repeatedly: "It looks like a good product."

“I can tell, and others can tell it’s real gold and silver.”

"So you have to be careful with it, after all, there are a lot of people and eyes in Hengdian."

"Don't worry about that, we have a dedicated warehouse."

"Is there surveillance?"

"Have."

"Is it without any blind spots?"

"It seems...so," the man mumbled.

I wondered why this investor was so concerned about the safety of the props.

nonsense!

As an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of the Iron Thief Clan, do you think I don't know how thieves steal things?
It looks dangerous at first glance.

It's all my money!
I know all too well how the props on set get lost.

"Come here!" Brother Chen beckoned and called over his underlings.

"Xiao Liu is specifically in charge of the safekeeping of valuable props."

"The production crew sent out a list of items a day in advance, and he prepared in advance and handed it to the makeup artist on the spot in the morning."

"The makeup artists all had to sign off on their work, and then we had to collect the signatures from each of them one by one at night."

"Selected daily to ensure accuracy."

"Oh, you've prepared so well!" Zhang Yuan said with an innocent look in his eyes.

"That's right, we're all professionals, don't worry." The older brother boasted for a while, thinking to himself, "You're still young, little brother."

Even though you're rich, you can't doubt me.

"Oh, I see." Zhang Yuan said, rummaging through his pockets. "So what are these things?"

Chen Mingzheng: ...

The older brother watched as he pulled a necklace, earrings, and a ring from his pocket...

It wasn't just one item, it was ten.

Because this person did everything personally, they immediately recognized that the props were ones they had arranged.

"If I can get it, then the loopholes are still huge."

"Here's what we'll do, I'll find a few bodyguards to assist the crew." Zhang Yuan handed all the jewelry to his older brother's underling, asking him to recount it.

He drifted away amidst Brother Chen's dazed gaze.

We need to wind them up; what we fear most is their certainty.

I went around to the outside and took a side path, intending to take one more look around before leaving.

Many areas are still under construction.

This construction site gave him a feeling of coming home.

Civil engineering dogs are like this.

Snapped!
As I was walking, I heard a crisp sound coming from the alley not far away.

The sound was familiar to Zhang Yuan; it resembled the sound of a slap.

He then secretly peeked out and observed from the shadows.

Then I saw a man standing in front of a young woman, with his arm raised.

The girl covered her face and lowered her head.

Clearly, that commotion was caused by a slap in the face.

A grown man slapped a girl across the face.

"Wrong or not!"

"Say!"

Not only did they hit him, but they also questioned him fiercely.

"Brother Zhang Yuan..." His assistant, who was standing next to him acting suspiciously, had already started rolling up his sleeves.

Born in Lu and having attended school in Yuncheng, she naturally possesses a spirit of "speaking out against injustice."

"Wait." But Zhang Yuan reached out to stop him.

"It's their family matter."

“Domestic violence is unacceptable,” Zhao Dandan retorted. “How can a man hit a woman?”

"Unless it's the kind of fight you did to that big-breasted lady from the 'Let the Bullets Fly' crew last time."

Zhang Yuan: …

"First of all, don't speak so directly. Although the description is accurate, it's a bit vulgar."

"And... who the hell told you to eavesdrop!"

Zhang Yuan flicked her on the head.

Is that what you call hitting?

That's called having fun; people like that kind of thing...

Their argument was overheard by the two people over there.

"Oh!" the girl exclaimed softly.

"Who?" The man immediately turned around and stood in front of the woman.

"Hi." It's pointless to keep hiding now.

Zhang Yuan exited the Viet Cong spy mode and darted forward.

"Hello, I'm Zhang Yuan."

"Oh... hello." The man stepped forward and shook hands with him.

Very politely, he nodded steadily and introduced himself.

This man is named Zhang Xiaolong, and he shares the same first name as the director, differing only in his last name.

"Nice to meet you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I know you invested in Director Zheng's film." The man immediately acknowledged his knowledge and turned around.

"Say hello quickly."

The girl lowered her hands from her face, blinked, and nodded in greeting.

This Zhang Xiaolong is the same person who played the Imperial Physician Wen Shichu in "Empresses in the Palace," who cheated on his wife with "Big Orange."

He also served as the etiquette consultant for the film crew.

It wasn't that Zheng Xiaolong wanted to save money by having him play both roles.

Instead, this person was originally approached as an etiquette director, and then auditioned. After being deemed suitable, a role was assigned to him.

All the men and women in the film, from the emperor to the empress, from the imperial concubine to the concubine, from the eunuch to the minister.

He trained all the actors in walking, kneeling, speaking, eating, and all their movements.

The fact that Zhang Xiaolong was chosen to train the actors is proof of Zheng Xiaolong's serious work ethic, which is why "Empresses in the Palace" became a classic.

Because there are very few people on the market who are more knowledgeable about Qing Dynasty court etiquette than him.

This person is a graduate of the Beijing Dance Academy, but feels that dancing alone is not enough.

He happened to see that the Central Academy of Drama was looking for a physical education teacher, so he wrote to apply for the job.

As a result, I wrote 11 emails but received no reply.

The guy mustered up his courage and went directly to the door, where he happened to run into the head of the performing arts department.

He majored in dance, but they wanted someone majoring in traditional Chinese opera to teach him body movements.

He gave the director a performance on the spot and finally got the job, thus establishing a connection with the film and television industry.

His goal was simple: to make money!

You can earn money dancing, several thousand a month.

But after he became a teacher at the Central Academy of Drama, thanks to the school's connections, the first role he got earned him 8000 yuan per episode!
So many people are desperate to get into this industry, just for this.

This person is quite capable; they didn't work for nothing.

He quickly found his direction. Because Qing Dynasty dramas were popular at the beginning of the century, he went to Northeast Normal University to study ancient history to enhance his theoretical knowledge.

I then found another renowned teacher to learn practical knowledge.

This "famous teacher" is named Guo Buluo Runqi.

His elder sister was named Wanrong, his brother-in-law was Puyi, and his wife was Puyi's younger sister, Yunying.

This old gentleman is the last imperial son-in-law in China's five-thousand-year history, and we can absolutely say that with open arms.

"No one knows Qing Dynasty etiquette better than me."

Zhang Xiaolong followed his example and successfully integrated into the entertainment industry.

Once you're in this industry, it's easier to get roles. Back then, Mr. Liu Heping… was the head screenwriter of "Da Ming Dynasty 1566".

After this person finished writing the script for "Yongzheng Dynasty" and the series was filmed and broadcast as a huge hit.

A group of old-timers from the capital city set up six or seven tables specifically to invite him to dinner.

Inviting someone to dinner is to express gratitude, but what are we thanking them for?
Liu Heping didn't go; he didn't want to have too much contact with these people.

Anyway, there's a circle in Beijing that controls a lot of resources for Qing Dynasty dramas.

Zhang Xiaolong is considered an outsider in this industry, so when Zheng Xiaolong wanted to make a Qing Dynasty-themed work, someone immediately introduced him to this guy.

Why is "Empresses in the Palace" a classic? Every character is so convincing.

Zhang Xiaolong's guidance was indispensable.

Every actor's gaze and movements are governed by rules and regulations; they are not done haphazardly or according to personal whims.

The contrast with "The Legend of Da Ru" makes it very clear that Xun Ge (Zhou Xun) completely disregarded court etiquette.

The girl next to Zhang Xiaolong is the one who got slapped.

She wasn't his girlfriend.

His girlfriend is Zhang Yameng, the actress who played Li Jingyan, the birth mother of Hongshi, in the TV series "Empresses in the Palace".

If he really hit his girlfriend, Zhang Yuan would have stood up for her long ago.

Not only should we stop him, we should also get Director Zheng to fire him.

But the reality is completely different.

The man who got beaten is named Zhang Jianing.

She's a pretty girl, tall and slim, with a good temperament.

More importantly, although the man and woman look to be of similar age, Zhang Xiaolong is actually Zhang Jianing's maternal uncle.

Blood relatives, not adopted or adopted children.

It was this uncle who brought her into the industry and taught her step by step, which helped her get into the Central Academy of Drama... After all, her uncle was a teacher at the Central Academy of Drama.

They also sought resources for her debut.

Hitting her just now was not an accident.

This girl gets beaten up all the time.

It wasn't that she did anything outrageous, it's just that her uncle had extremely high expectations of her.

I accompanied her to auditions every day, reading the script and memorizing her lines.

She was required to memorize the entire script before joining the film crew.

I just failed to memorize it, and my uncle slapped me.

Therefore, Zhang Yuan said this was a "family matter".

Although he does not advocate the teaching method of "spare the rod and spoil the child".

But this is still much better than being ignorant and incompetent.

Both Hung Kam-po and Chen Lung were trained by their master, Yu Zhan-yuan.

They fought until they had to run away all the time.

This is still the older generation.

The younger generation, let's talk about the Deyuan Society.

Zhang Yunlei, as Wang Hui's cousin, calls Guo Degang "brother-in-law".

I started learning Taiping lyrics when I was six or seven years old.

Teacher Guo copied the words onto a piece of paper, and tore it up after reading it.

Then they'll make you recite it, make you sing it.

If you mispronounce a single word, you'll get a slap on the face or a slap on the hand. If you sing the wrong rhythm, you'll also get a beating.

He was cornered and beaten every day until all the children in the Quandeyuan Society had to listen to Zhang Yunlei's recordings when learning Taiping lyrics.

Although Zhang Jianing didn't become a huge star in the future, she remained quite stable, thanks to her uncle's strict requirements.

Being "bullied" by one's own people is better than being bullied by others.

He gets slapped in the face behind people's backs, but he doesn't get scolded by directors when he goes out to act.

The uncle and nephew are very close; one treats the other like his own child, and the other like a second father.

"You guys...you should go easy on me next time."

"It won't look good if it gets swollen," Zhang Yuan casually advised.

"I know, but there's nothing I can do. If you're not smart enough, you can only use the stupid method," Zhang Xiaolong said, trying to save face.

"Okay, you guys go ahead with your work..." Zhang Yuan was about to leave, but quickly turned back.

Didn't you bring her to the film set?

"No."

"Is it that you didn't get selected, or that you weren't chosen?" Zhang Yuan asked bluntly.

"Hahaha... I wasn't selected." Zhang Xiaolong scratched his head.

How could they not bring their relatives along? In this circle, they'll use any connections they have.

With the help of her uncle, this girl has filmed more than a dozen movies and TV series since graduating from the Central Academy of Drama, and has even bought a house in Beijing.

Because Miss Zhang's background is quite tragic.

His biological father ran away when he was three years old.

The reason is similar to that on Teacher Jia's side: male chauvinism.

And in order to remarry and have a son, they kicked her and her mother out of their home.

You're not close to your uncle, you treat him like your father.

I've been renting since I was a child, and the first thing I did when I started earning money was to buy a house.

Seeing her reminded Zhang Yuan of Shu Chang.

She's fair-skinned and clean-cut, and seems quite obedient.

Do you have availability?

What time slot?

"What I mean is, when we start filming 'Empresses in the Palace', will she be available?"

"Hey...yes, of course!" Zhang Xiaolong immediately realized.

This means a sugar daddy has taken a liking to my niece.

"Okay," Zhang Yuan replied with just one word before saying goodbye.

Zhang Xiaolong kicked his niece again.

"Silly girl, hurry up and thank them."

"Oh!" The girl then jogged forward and bowed respectfully to him to express her gratitude.

Zhang Yuan thought that constantly beating people like this wasn't a good idea, or it might foster some strange kind of XP.

But after thinking about it, I didn't say much.

I took another stroll around the filming locations of "Reign of Assassins".

Around 9 o'clock, I called Zheng Xiaolong to talk about the role.

But this person is still on set.

The costume fitting wasn't finished yet.

He strolled over there, and when he arrived, he saw Zheng Xiaolong taking a small glass bottle from his wife.

After pouring half a bottle into my mouth, I swallowed it with a sip of water.

I'm taking nitroglycerin tablets right now!
I'm so exhausted, my heart can't take it anymore.

Otherwise, he'd be a famous director; he's really dedicated.

Sun Li, who tried on dozens of costumes in one day, also felt uncomfortable.

Zhang Yuan just watched them work since he had nothing else to do.

They start work at 8 a.m. and don't finish until 10 p.m.

After taking off her last costume, Sun Li went outside and vomited all over the floor while leaning against the wall.

I was so exhausted I threw up.

That's why he's a famous actor; he works even harder than the director.

"Director Zheng, I need to discuss something with you."

Zhang Yuan squatted down and spoke softly.

He didn't dare to raise his voice, afraid of scaring Zheng Xiaolong again.

"what?"

“I took a look at one of the casting choices, and I wasn’t very satisfied.”

"How so?" The man immediately turned around, looking exhausted.

"Among Consort Hua's henchmen, there is a character named Yu Ying'er."

"It's based on Yun Hui, the one Yun agreed to."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xiaolong perked up.

Although Zhang Yuan doesn't act, he knows the character inside and out, and even knows the real person behind him.

It seems you did your homework carefully.

Director Zheng was not happy when he mentioned having opinions about the casting.

I'm already trying on costumes, exhausting myself to the point of near death, and you're just making things worse.

But this time, upon hearing that he was an expert, he calmed down.

"Can we change the actor for this role?"

"what happened?"

What else... Zhang Yuan thought, pursing his lips.

Pure idiot!
This woman is the same one who, in a later live stream, boasted that during the filming of "Empresses in the Palace," she drove without a license and under the influence of alcohol in Hengdian, crashed into someone's car, and fled the scene.

He even claimed that he returned to the scene the next day and was relieved to find that there was no surveillance footage.

Then the Dongyang police in Hengdian came to her door and detained her.

Donning a yellow vest and sitting on a confessional chair, this person immediately admitted that he had fabricated the story for the sake of the live stream...

Whether it's made up or not, this thing almost caused "Empresses in the Palace" to be taken down from all online platforms.

The final production underwent revisions, and her scenes were removed before it could continue to be broadcast online and on television.

He had completely forgotten about it, but seeing Zhang Jianing evoked feelings of pity and brought it back to his memory.

"I don't like this person."

This reason is inexplicable, but from the perspective of a major investor, it is quite sufficient.

"She acted in 'Lurking' before, and you invested in that show, right?" Zheng Xiaolong squinted, recalling.

"Yes."

Is it the person who's bad, or the acting?

"He's a bad person."

“I just ran into Zhang Xiaolong. His niece is quite nice; she’s good-looking and has a well-behaved personality,” Zhang Yuan said directly.

"I've seen this girl before. You and her?" Director Zheng asked, tilting his head.

"This is the first time we've met." Zhang Yuan was too lazy to complain about the old guy suspecting that he was trying to pick up girls.

"But this character's nickname is 'Lady of Wonderful Sounds,' and she can sing Kunqu Opera."

"That's why we found this actress; she studied traditional opera."

"As far as I know, Zhang Xiaolong's niece doesn't seem to have that ability."

“There are still several months before filming starts, let her go and learn,” Zhang Yuan replied without hesitation.

Even someone like her uncle, who gets beaten for not memorizing words, can learn anything well.

If one slap isn't enough, try two...

Seeing his determination, Zheng Xiaolong thought to himself that although he had spent so much money, he had not interfered too much with the casting process.

This is the first time we've seen such a strong response.

It seems that woman really has a problem.

"I understand. I'll talk to her when I have time." Zheng Xiaolong was afraid she might know some inside information he didn't, but for the sake of his work, he agreed. (End of Chapter)