I really don't want to be the top streamer anymore

Our CEO Zhu is completely exhausted from trying to protect Changyun Film and Television and its so-called future.

After a shareholders' meeting, it feels like you've aged decades in an instant.

Meanwhile, some of the artists under Changyun Film and Television were indeed feeling uneasy.

"I don't even want to complain!"

"I originally thought my new drama would be a huge hit, especially since it's airing during the summer season."

"Who knows, judging from the current situation, we're likely to be targeted by Feng Ge's side again."

……

The person currently complaining is a young actress from Changyun Film and Television.

Although he is young, he has been in the industry for a long time. At the age of 24 or 25, he already has several hit dramas that he can be proud of.

Back when she was working at Fengge, she was considered one of the most promising young actresses.

However, he later joined Zhu Changyun as a so-called rogue ninja.

I've been with Changyun Film and Television for over a year and have filmed several dramas.

However, the roles she got in the previous few films were all obtained through her personal connections and resources.

Unsurprisingly, the broadcast received a lukewarm reception.

The investment was mediocre, the script was average, and I never expected it to be a big hit.

I only accepted the role because the pay was quite good.

This youth campus drama produced by Changyun Film and Television was originally within their comfort zone.

In addition, they were optimistic about the script, and the company itself invested in and produced the film.

She didn't even accept more money than she was owed, and even agreed to a relatively low fee.

My goal is to become popular again through this drama.

Who would have thought that the show hasn't even secured a broadcasting platform yet, and the copyright negotiations haven't been finalized.

The thought of competing with Feng Ge's new drama made me feel like my chances of success had already been dashed.

It's really not worth wasting so much time and energy on it.

If I had known this earlier, I wouldn't have taken on the project that the company itself invested in.

They forgot that Changyun Film and Television is still being targeted by Feng Ge.

……

"Sister Li, I think you're bound to lose."

"Feng Ge's dramas aren't that scary, are they..."

Mu Mian offered a word of comfort.

Actually, if we consider age, she is actually half a year older than Liang Jiali.

But given their seniority and status, it was natural for them to address each other as "sister."

"What do you know!"

"Once you reach my position, you'll understand how terrifying Xu Kong and Feng Ge are..."

Liang Jiali retorted with utter disdain.

Of course, Mu Mian was not alone in this situation; the young actors from Changyun Film and Television who were chatting on set were already used to it.

……

"What's the air about?"

"Isn't it just because he's had a bit of good luck that he's able to gain some fans and popularity?"

"You wouldn't understand, you keep saying that."

"Once I become more famous than her, I'll definitely get my revenge!"

Once the crowd had dispersed, Mu Mian couldn't help but complain.

She was well aware of Xu Kong and Feng Ge's dominance.

Even now, as an actress at Changyun Film and Television, Mu Mian is still thinking about how to join Feng Ge.

She knows Xu Kong's works and the films and television dramas in which he participated like the back of her hand.

So he cursed in annoyance.

However, she still didn't dare to scold Liang Jiali in front of her.

After all, there is still a significant gap in their status and popularity.

If a conflict were to actually break out, it would be clearly irrational for a lowly actress like her who is still at the bottom of the company.

……

"Xiao Mian, you can't say that in front of Liang Jiali."

Huang Zexuan couldn't help but offer a reminder.

This earned him a big eye roll from Mu Mian.

"How could I not know?"

Then, looking at his only close friend at the company, he couldn't help but yell:

"You're just too weak!"

"Look, that role we had before got snatched away again, didn't it?"

"Seriously, how could I have such a terrible teammate!"

Huang Zexuan only responded quietly:
"That role was never right for me..."

……

"By the way, I heard that the auditions for Chinese Paladin 2 are open now. Let's sign up and participate together!"

Mu Mian suddenly spoke up, her eyes shining as she offered her suggestion.

Huang Zexuan was stunned for a moment.

He did know that Xu Kong's Legend of Sword and Fairy 2 was apparently holding public auditions to find actors.

Mu Mian and his age and other aspects all meet the requirements for registration.

But similarly, wouldn't it be inappropriate for them, who are now artists under Changyun Film and Television, to participate in the audition for Xu Kong's new drama?
Most importantly, even if they did go, Feng Ge would definitely not agree once she found out that their agency was Changyun Film and Television.

Seemingly sensing Huang Zexuan's concerns, Mu Mian spoke directly:
"According to company regulations, does that mean we can accept roles even if they are from other companies?"

Huang Zexuan nodded.

"Similarly, did Feng Ge also say during the auditions for the actors in Legend of Sword and Fairy 2 that actors from any company could participate as long as they felt they were suitable?"

Faced with this question, he could only nod again.

But I still couldn't help but want to speak: "But..."

Before he could finish speaking, Mu Mian interrupted him.

"Alright, stop with the 'but' nonsense!"

"Anyway, you can just come with me."

"If we get selected, we'll find a way to leave Changyun Film and Television and join Fengge!"

Mu Mian remains the same as before, maintaining her so-called original aspiration.

I just want to join Fengge.

……

Two young actors from Changyun Film and Television boarded a flight to Beijing to audition for the second season of Chinese Paladin.

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of Fengge in Beijing.

Xu Kong was indeed somewhat worried.

Currently, he has definitely been confirmed to play the male lead, and Song Youyou and Shang Yuxin are naturally the female lead and second female lead, respectively.

But the current problem is still about choosing the actor for the second male lead, Xu Changqing.

And there's still no suitable candidate for the role of Zi Xuan, another female character with a lot of screen time.

Although Fengge currently has a considerable number of new employees within the company.

However, Xu Kong's requirements for casting this time are indeed somewhat special.

These two roles do require some acting skills, but not that high.

More importantly, they must meet Xu Kong's requirements in terms of appearance.

Ultimately, with no other option, they had to initiate a public audition process for actors.

There's definitely someone suitable in the entire entertainment industry.

However, another scene unfolded that Xu Kong did not want to see.

That is, too much time is wasted on casting and pre-production.

Otherwise, according to the original plan, filming should have already officially started by now.

……

"Manager Yan?"

Xu Kong was also taken aback when he saw Yan Rui.

As the director, Xu Kong naturally needed to personally oversee the auditions for the actors.

Yan Rui, the manager of a company's film and television department, unexpectedly joined in the fun.

"I've come to take a look..."

Yan Rui smiled somewhat awkwardly.

In fact, the reason he paid so much attention was...

Besides the fact that this drama is quite important.

In fact, given my trust in Xu Kong, there was no need for me to come here.

But after reading the script for Chinese Paladin 2, while praising Xu Kong for being inhuman, he also wanted to see the specific casting choices.

See if the character he envisioned when reading the script matches his own.

He quite liked the first installment of the Legend of Sword and Fairy series, so naturally, he found it hard to suppress his curiosity about the second.

"This Huang Zexuan, I feel like I recognize him somewhere before?"

Xu Kong looked at the actor information in his hand and couldn't help but mutter to himself.

"I'll take a look."

Yan Rui also glanced at it.

He then began reminiscing, and soon couldn't help but slap his thigh.

"I remembered!"

“He had been to Fengge before, and Manager Zhu Yu was originally planning to sign him, but he didn’t sign later.”

"More importantly, the person also went to Changyun Film and Television."

The reason I remember it is, of course, because it involves Changyun Film and Television.

By the time the other party arrived, Feng Ge had already completely stabilized.

Several hit dramas have already proven Xu Kong's abilities.

For many actors, Feng Ge is naturally the best choice.

It's truly baffling that they didn't come here but instead went to Changyun Film and Television.

However, Huang Zexuan did not give them a specific reason at the time.

They simply declined to sign the contract.

……

"I remember now."

Xu Kong gradually formed an impression.

I think I saw the other person's information in Sister Yu's office sometime before.

I also heard Zhu Yu mention it.

Xu Kong didn't pay any attention to it at the time.

But upon seeing Huang Zexuan, Xu Kong's first impression was that Huang Zexuan's appearance was indeed quite suitable for the role of Xu Changqing.

Xu Kong then began searching through some of Huang Zexuan's previous works.

There's a period costume style, and the look is quite good.

Being handsome is just a basic requirement, but also requires attention to temperament and demeanor.

That feeling was exactly what Xu Kong needed.

……

"Pay special attention to this guy named Huang Zexuan at tomorrow's audition."

Xu Kong made a mark on the other party's information and then spoke to the two casting assistant directors beside him.

Yan Rui couldn't help but remind him:
“But he is an artist under Changyun Film and Television.”

Xu Kong looked up: "So what?"

"Anyway, I just checked and he doesn't seem to have much popularity. I guess Changyun Film and Television doesn't value him either."

"We can just buy the contract when the time comes."

Yan Rui remained silent.

I think what Xu Kong said makes a lot of sense.

In terms of financial strength, Fengge could easily poach one or two artists now, and even cover the breach of contract penalties.

Moreover, this is something that some well-known actors are willing to pay for.

People like Huang Zexuan, who have absolutely no popularity, are even simpler to deal with.

……

"But he rejected us before, and he probably won't agree this time either."

Yan Rui spoke.

Xu Kong also fell into deep thought.

"Logically speaking, since he came to Fengge, it proves that he also wanted to sign a contract with us."

"It's the same this time. Since we've come to audition, it's impossible for us to say we don't want to act."

"It's just that they haven't told us some information. We can ask them when the time comes. As for their requests, as long as they're not too outrageous, we'll agree to them."

Xu Kong's criteria for these new actors are generally based on their potential and whether they are needed.

As for how things develop after you join the company, that's entirely up to you.

Xu Kong doesn't have that kind of saintly complex; his main theme is putting aside personal feelings to help others and respecting their fate.

It's more about role fit, so if possible, Kendi should give it a try.

Paying a small penalty for breach of contract is a minor matter.

Feng Ge currently boasts arguably the most abundant cash flow among all domestic film and television companies.

They haven't even received a share of the profits from "Infernal Affairs" yet.

Therefore, Xu Kong doesn't feel bad about spending money; he's more concerned about efficiency.

……

"Don't be nervous. Even though it's Teacher Xu Kong's audition, just do your best."

The next day, Mu Mian was giving Huang Zexuan some advice as the two young people who had just arrived at Fengge's headquarters.

In reality, she herself wasn't much better off; whether from excitement or nervousness, her hands were shaking uncontrollably.

"Well, come on!"

Huang Zexuan replied.

In fact, he wasn't nervous at all.

The main reason was that I wasn't really expecting to pass the audition.

He spent most of his time with Mu Mian.

In addition, Feng Ge had originally planned to sign him, but Mu Mian did not receive a management contract, so Huang Zexuan had no choice but to give up.

I wonder if this approach will offend Feng Ge's people.

Now he's come to audition for Xu Kong's new drama. Anyone who didn't know better would think he's deliberately messing with people.

Huang Zexuan was also prepared to be kicked out.

……

"How about it?"

Mu Mian came out after the audition, and Huang Zexuan quickly went to greet her.

In fact, he could roughly guess the outcome just by looking at the other person's expression.

The main reason is that when the two of them arrived today, they discovered that there were just too many actors auditioning for the second season of Chinese Paladin.

Moreover, many of them are already somewhat famous and successful actors with a number of works to their name.

Compared to them, these two newcomers really don't have much of a competitive edge.

As he expected, Mu Mian shook her head sadly.

He said with a sob in his voice:

"I made a mistake..."

"I was so nervous when I saw Teacher Xu Kong."

……

Seeing this, Huang Zexuan comforted him, "It's okay, it's just an audition, there will be other opportunities in the future."

"Let's go."

Mu Mian simply nodded.

However, they quickly realized what was happening.

"Wait, you haven't auditioned yet."

Huang Zexuan shook his head.

"Forget it, if you can't get elected, what chance do I have?"

Mu Mian immediately became serious and began to lecture:

"Why are you losing confidence again!"

"No, since we're already here, we have to give it a try no matter what."

"You can't leave. You have to go and finish my audition no matter what."

Seeing that the other party was so determined, Huang Zexuan had no choice but to agree.

……

"Next batch: Huang Zexuan, Feng Tingnan, Di Rui..."

As the staff called his name, Huang Zexuan followed them inside.

He glanced back and saw Mu Mian making encouraging gestures for him.

He returned the thumbs-up.

The audition began in the room.

In comparison, everyone else seemed more or less nervous.

One of them even made a very basic mistake.

On the contrary, Huang Zexuan, who didn't have high hopes, performed exceptionally well.

The performance was quite natural.

...(End of chapter)