2001 Media Godfather

Chapter 59: How Powerful is a Screenwriter's Inhumanity?
"I heard that Teacher Ji also has a lot of experience in creation. Let's discuss it together and make this drama better and better!"

Isn't it supposed to be able to pretend?
Alright, let's begin your performance.

Seeing Ji Yang's unpleasant expression, but not wanting to lose face, he could only force a laugh and say, "Teacher Chu is joking. I'm just an actor; script issues are not within my area of ​​expertise."

This was a standard answer; most people wouldn't press the issue further and would probably just let it go.

But are ordinary people as petty as President Chu?
He grinned and said, "I'm different. I can act and revise scripts a little. Teacher Ji still has a lot to learn!"

Ji Yang's face darkened, and he finally realized that he had messed with the wrong person.

Of course, this judgment came a little late.

This is just the beginning of screenwriter Chu's inhumane actions.

On the surface, it's enough to just say a few sarcastic remarks to Ji Yang to vent your anger; after all, it's not a deep-seated grudge.

Chu An seemed to no longer pay attention to Ji Yang, and turned to discuss the script with Shen Jin and Ruan Wenlin on the phone.

Of course, it was mainly thanks to Old Master Ruan. "To be honest, I had already read the script, and it is definitely a good script. It was also my suggestion that Wanxing take on this role."

There was no politeness in those words. As the mastermind behind "With You," who filmed and broadcast the series simultaneously and made revisions as needed, Chu An's screenwriting skills were recognized by the entire production team. Not only Lin Wanxing, but also Xu Shu and Tong Meng would consult Chu An whenever they received offers.

So, Chu An had actually read this script before.

Based on the aesthetic standards of audiences in this era, and given Mr. Ruan's solid acting skills, it can be considered a script with great potential.

With love as its main theme, the story depicts the love, hate, and entanglements of the male and female protagonists amidst the turmoil of the Republic of China era. The character of Ji Yang, in particular, is quite memorable.

Born into poverty, he was optimistic and positive, refusing to conform to outdated ideas or be brainwashed by Western new thoughts. He had his own unique insights and ideals regarding the chronic problems and weaknesses of old China.

It was precisely because of the unique personal charm of the characters in Ruan Lao's writing that the heroine from a wealthy family fell in love at first sight, embarking on an unforgettable love journey.

Ultimately, faced with the choice between family and country, the male protagonist resolutely chose the latter, sacrificing himself in the struggle, ending the story tragically with the female protagonist. This not only earned the audience's tears but also elevated the overall ideological level of the series.

As for the female lead played by Lin Wanxing, although she is not as outstanding as the male lead and does not carry the theme of family and country, the rich girl falling in love with the poor boy is a big highlight in itself. She is also bold in love and hate, and is not pretentious or irritable. Overall, the character is also likable.

Finally, looking at the whole series, it perfectly matches the core elements of Republican-era dramas that Chu An just mentioned.

It possesses both the dual tension inherent in the historical context and aligns with the unique narrative aesthetics of the Republic of China era.

However, while it's good, if we look at it from the perspective of 20 years from now... we can only say that it could be even better!

"Mr. Ruan, if you insist on making me nitpick..."

"I think we can make some minor adjustments to the subject matter and proportions!"

"Subject matter and proportion?" Not only Ruan Wenlin on the other end of the phone, but also Shen Jin and the assistant director looked puzzled.

The assistant director, humbly seeking guidance from those less knowledgeable, asked, "Teacher Chu, could you be more specific?"

This is a question asked on behalf of Shen Jin and Old Man Ruan.

Chu An didn't keep them in suspense. "Ji Yang? Let him cool off somewhere else first. Let's talk about the subject matter first. We're making a Republican-era romance drama, which is a bit old-fashioned."

"Of the ten Republican-era novels, if we don't say eight, at least five will have a love theme."

"Of course, I'm not saying that romance scenes are bad, it's just that audiences see too many of them and are bound to nitpick."

"So, could we adjust the proportion of the storyline and downplay the romance to highlight the second theme of patriotism?"

Upon hearing this, neither Shen Jin nor the assistant director dared to speak, and Old Ruan on the other end of the phone remained silent for a long time.

Even Ji Yang listened intently.

Even if you look down on Chu An, you still have to listen to what he says.

I thought to myself, "This kid actually has some insight!"

At the very least, his assessment of the male lead is accurate. To be honest, Ji Yang's team cast him precisely because they saw the potential in this drama, especially since they believed the male lead's character would appeal to fans.

Of course, Lin Wanxing being the female lead also plays a significant role.

As for Chu An's suggestion to reduce the proportion of romance scenes and emphasize patriotism, doesn't that still highlight him as the male lead?

She glanced at Chu An and felt a strange sense of accomplishment. No matter how you change, I am still important!
On the other side, Chu An's suggestion caused the main creators to fall silent. After a long while, Old Ruan said with some difficulty, "This project is too big."

Mr. Ruan said, "Xiao Chu's suggestion is excellent; it's something I hadn't considered. However, filming has already started, and I'm currently ill, so I can't go to the set."

"This is going to be changed..."

Old Ruan's concerns are very real. It's not just about weakening the romance theme; it's about performing major surgery on the script, and the conditions for that simply don't exist right now. Shen Jin also smiled wryly, "Teacher Chu, this isn't 'The Best of Us,' where you can easily change and film a campus drama."

"This is a drama set in the Republican era, and it also involves censorship issues related to historical nihilism and political stance."

"It's a matter of affecting everything! Even if I invite you to the production team as the second screenwriter, and even if Mr. Ruan works on set while he's ill, I can't guarantee that the final result will be better than it is now!"

"So, we still need to be cautious!"

The screenwriter and director both raised concerns, which essentially set the tone.

That is, Chu An's suggestion is good, but not practical.

Unexpectedly, President Chu smiled crookedly, with a hint of wicked charm.

"I have a clever trick to share, Director Shen and Mr. Ruan, please listen."

Old Ruan said, "Little Chu, tell me what you think."

Chu An, "Switch the male and female leads!"

"Huh?" Shen Jin and Ruan Wenlin didn't react at first.

Swap? How do I swap them? This is so simple!?

However, as professionals, they immediately realized what was happening and were all stunned on the spot.

It seems like there's potential here.

Think about it, no matter how flawless Lin Wanxing's character was, she was just a likable pretty face. Her role in the series was to play the love story and to highlight the male lead's patriotism and personal charm.

Needless to say, the male lead, Ji Yang, is riddled with plot holes.

"Switch it over...switch it over!"

Old Ruan muttered to himself, "Let the female lead be the one who disregards her personal safety for the sake of her country and resolutely sacrifices herself."

"Great! Great!" Old Ruan became more and more excited as he spoke. "In this way, no matter how much emphasis is placed on the love story, a female character with such a broad mind and ideals is enough to overshadow the love story, and the theme of the series will change!"

Shen Jin also realized what was going on, "It's not just these!"

"If the female lead takes the lead in the main theme, then... this becomes a women's drama! A strong female lead carrying the show is definitely not cliché!"

"Moreover, there isn't much pressure to make changes; it's just a matter of swapping out a few scenes."

The assistant director saw that the screenwriter and director had both approved, so he decided to say something too.

Stomping her feet, she thought, "The male lead comes from a wealthy family... falls in love with a Cinderella... seems like it'd be quite interesting, wouldn't it?"

Shen Jin and Old Man Ruan both agreed that this change would not affect anything and was perfectly feasible.

Unexpectedly, Chu An blurted out:
"Do not!!"

"The basic backgrounds of the male and female protagonists remain unchanged!"

Amidst the confusion of the three, Chu An explained, "A female protagonist who comes from a wealthy family, yet still cherishes her country and family, dares to love and hate, disdains worldly glory for the greater good of the nation, and ultimately dies tragically—that's even more heartbreaking!"

Shen Jin, “…”

Ruan Wenlin, “…”

That seems... to make sense!

However, Ji Yang on the other end was no longer calm.

Go to hell with Chu An! Is this never going to end?!
This isn't just rewriting the script; this is blatant revenge! Using the screenwriter's skills to do inhumane things!

With Chu An making these changes, is the male lead still watchable?
A perfectly good poor boy who made a comeback and sacrificed everything for the greater good has been turned into a gigolo who fawns over a rich girl, is obsessed with love and romance, and even drags the revolution down.

With a loud shout, "I disagree!!"

"Chu An, you're so petty and mean-spirited, you've gone too far!"

.

One more chapter, I'll try to finish it quickly.

(End of this chapter)