Shadow of Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 43 Opportunity to Practice

Compared to the publishing house's enthusiasm for working overtime, Hu Xiaobei was as calm as ever.

I study and write quietly in school every day, oblivious to what is happening outside.

In recent days, the 7 parts and 21 volumes of "Dialogue with Ancient and Modern Classics of China", totaling 210 million words, have been successfully completed under his careful writing.

"Dialogue between the Ancient and Modern Qin Empire", which consists of 4 volumes and 8 books with a total of more than 200 million words, has just come to an end.

As for whether to write anything else, Hu Xiaobei has not yet decided.

This afternoon, Hu Xiaobei did not go with his tutor for practical learning as he did in the past.

He walked slowly to the door of the principal's reception room, raised his hand, and knocked lightly on the door which was not closed.

Looking inside, the sunlight shines through the white gauze curtains and gently falls on the ground, forming patches of mottled light and shadow.

Several dark brown leather sofas are placed around a smooth glass coffee table, with the sofa cushions neatly arranged.

There are several profound landscape paintings hanging on the wall, and a pot of green radish with lush leaves in the corner, showing its vitality.

Inside the room, Principal Zhang was chatting with a middle-aged man with an angular face, a relatively flat head, and a thick beard.

Hu Xiaobei walked a few steps closer and took a closer look. The man was none other than Zhou Xiaowen, the temporary tutor who had taught him an afternoon.

"Xiaobei, come here, sit here." Principal Zhang smiled and pointed to the seat next to Zhou Xiaowen.

Hu Xiaobei first lightly bumped fists with Zhou Xiaowen, and felt the slight vibration of the fists colliding, which was considered a greeting.

Then he asked directly with a hint of curiosity on his face: "Okay, is there anything the principal wants me to do?" He responded in a crisp voice and sat down.

Principal Zhang pointed at Zhou Xiaowen and said with a smile, "Isn't this your old friend here?"

Hu Xiaobei was slightly stunned, with a hint of doubt in his eyes, and he was a little confused.

Although he and Zhou Xiaowen only spent one afternoon together, their relationship was quite good.

The main reason is because of the book "Dialogue between the Ancient and Modern Qin Empire", because Zhou Xiaowen is also a fan of Qin culture.

In 95, Zhou Xiaowen worked hard to shoot a movie "The Emperor's Song", starring Jiang Wen and Ge You.

However, it was banned in mainland China just four days after its release in July 96.

It was later sent to Hong Kong and finally released in Hong Kong Island on October 10.

In order to create this script, Zhou Xiaowen and screenwriter Lu Wei prepared for a full six years, revised the script more than a dozen times, and read no less than 6 million words of Qin Dynasty official and unofficial history.

He had a deep love for Lao Qin culture, so he and Hu Xiaobei hit it off right away.

It can even be said that the reason why he appeared in the position of temporary tutor before was because he read Hu Xiaobei's "Dialogue between the Ancient and Modern Qin Empire".

That's why I couldn't sleep at night and came to urge for the next shift.

As for why he only taught Hu Xiaobei for one afternoon, it was because he was not doing his homework during class. He only wanted to discuss many anecdotes of the Qin Dynasty with Hu Xiaobei.

As a result, he was caught red-handed and kicked out of the ranks of temporary tutors.

When the principal talked to him about this, Zhou Xiaowen could only shrug helplessly with a wry smile on his face.

He also wanted to give Hu Xiaobei lessons and teach him something, but when they started talking about Lao Qin culture, it was so interesting that he couldn't control himself at all!

This person is also an interesting person. In 2002, he directed the film "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" and made a cameo appearance as the Sweeping Monk.

In the end, I had a lot of fun, but it was a bit too exciting.

Too much joy turned into sorrow. He accidentally fell off the wire and broke his ribs.

Therefore, when Da Huzi was filming The Return of the Condor Heroes in 04, he had another reason not to participate.

At this time, Zhou Xiaowen seemed to be sitting nonchalantly on the sofa, but his eyes drifted towards the coffee table intentionally or unintentionally.

The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, a faint smile on his face. Then, he raised his right hand slightly, casually bending his index finger and tapping his knuckles lightly against the piles of documents on the coffee table, making a soft tapping sound.

The rhythm of the knocking was neither fast nor slow, as if it was beating some lazy beat.

His eyelids drooped slightly, and he only occasionally glanced up at Hu Xiaobei, his face full of casualness as if to say, "I have a little gadget here, take a look."

But beneath that pretended relaxed attitude, there was a hint of expectation that was hard to conceal.

He pretended to be reserved and changed his posture to one of crossing his arms in front of his chest. It seemed casual, but in fact, his eyes were always paying attention to Hu Xiaobei's movements.

Hu Xiaobei's attention was attracted by the documents on the coffee table. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes filled with curiosity and inquiry.

He placed his fingers lightly on the edge of the document and slowly opened it. The first thing that caught his eye was the large characters "Filming Plan for The Return of the Condor Heroes".

He quickly flipped through the pages one by one, skimming over the overall script, character biographies and casting suggestions, filming location plan, costume and prop design plan, and filming schedule.

With every turn of a book, Hu Xiaobei's anticipation and doubts grew.

At this time, Principal Zhang leaned forward slightly, with a kind smile on his face, his eyes full of expectations for Hu Xiaobei.

He reached out and gently patted Hu Xiaobei's shoulder, and said earnestly: "Xiaobei, you have to thank your old buddy!"

As he spoke, Principal Zhang turned his gaze to Zhou Xiaowen with a bit of approval and gratitude.

"He originally didn't want to take on this role and had even firmly rejected Big Beard."

The principal shook his head slightly, as if lamenting Zhou Xiaowen's determination at the time, and then his smile became even wider, and his gaze fell back on Hu Xiaobei.

"I made these dumplings especially to help you."

Hu Xiaobei's eyes suddenly lit up and he felt very grateful.

He looked at Zhou Xiaowen, bowed slightly, and said with a focused and sincere look, "Teacher Zhou, thank you very much! This is a rare opportunity for me."

Zhou Xiaowen waved his hand gently, a kind smile on his face, and jokingly said: "Xiaobei, why are you being so formal?
I still appreciate the way you call me Lao Zhou when you are giving advice and writing inspiring articles, haha...

I believe that with the level you showed in the book, as well as your understanding and control of history and culture.

Even within the cast of The Return of the Condor Heroes, I was able to absorb a lot and play my part.”

Principal Zhang nodded slightly and solemnly instructed: "Xiaobei, this is a rare opportunity, you must seize it well.

In addition to learning filming techniques, I also need to observe how to coordinate the team and deal with various emergencies."

Hu Xiaobei straightened his back, nodded seriously, and said with a firm look in his eyes: "Principal, don't worry, I will study hard.

I have long been yearning for film and television shooting. This time, I am able to study with Teacher Zhou and I am sure I will learn a lot of knowledge that I cannot learn from books."

Zhou Xiaowen reached out and patted Hu Xiaobei's arm vigorously: "Once you join the crew, follow me to familiarize yourself with the entire process, from the early preparations to the official filming. Every link is crucial.

However, the show is almost ready, and there are fewer familiar processes. Even the characters have been selected."

Hu Xiaobei frowned slightly and asked thoughtfully, "Who have been confirmed as the male and female protagonists?"

Zhou Xiaowen slowly shook his head and said helplessly, "The male lead has been confirmed to be Huang Xiaoming, and he has already started receiving martial arts training.

The leading actress hasn't been decided yet.

It's a little complicated here, but here's what you need to know.

Big Beard would like to recommend Huang Xiaoming and Xun Ge'er.

As for Ciwen, they initially wanted to recommend Nie Jin to play Yang Guo.

Mr. Jin Yong recommended An Xiaoqian to play the role of Xiaolongnu.

What's going on here isn't just about whether the roles are compatible, but also about the struggle for capital and discourse power."

(End of this chapter)