Chinese entertainment: Top stars started being pursued by young actresses

Chapter 168, Section 167: The Vanished She - Casting: Chen Duling and Wang Churan as leads.

"Teacher Lin, Teacher Zhang."

Cai Kunkun saw Zhang Xingxing and Lin Shaobai from afar and quickly ran over.

Cai Kunkun knew that Lin Shaobai and Zhang Xingxing had given him a lot of help during Idol Producer.

After greeting Lin Shaobai, Cai Kunkun looked at him and said, "Teacher Lin, your new song has recently become a viral sensation online. It even broke a Guinness World Record. Congratulations!"

"I was just saying that, and it also broke the fastest sales record on the Penguin Music platform."

Zhang Xingxing chimed in.

The two congratulated each other on the surface, but they were actually a little envious inside.

Since we are all singers in the Chinese music scene, sales figures and sales volume will inevitably be compared.

Lin Shaobai's achievement is truly astonishing.

In just a few days after its release, a song that costs only three yuan could sell for over 100 million yuan?!
In addition to having a huge fan base, it also requires extremely high national recognition to achieve this success.

The drama "Go Go Squid!" was a hit a while ago, and this May, another hit song was released.

In the first half of 2019, the entertainment industry was dominated by Lin Shaobai's terrifying popularity.

Besides Cai Kunkun and Zhang Xingxing, two familiar faces, all 11 members of Rocket Girls 101 also came over to greet Lin Shaobai.

"teacher LIN!"

Yang Chaoyue was the most excited, her voice was twice as loud as the other members.

Wu Xuanyi, standing next to him, said with a hint of disdain, "Hey, there are so many people around, be careful."

"Oh."

Yang Chaoyue became obedient again.

There are many big names here today, so let's be a little reserved.

Bibi, Mao Mao, and Zhang Jie all came to greet Lin Shaobai in turn.

Most of them also came to congratulate Lin Shaobai on his new song.

The results this time are outstanding; every singer is familiar with "Mojito".

As they chatted, it was already 8 p.m., and the Oriental Billboard Music Awards began on time.

Lin Shaobai's position was moved forward again this time, and he was arranged by the organizers to be in the first row.

Besides, Zhang Jie was sitting to his left, and veteran pop diva Karen Mok was sitting to his right.

"Lin Shaobai?" Mo Wenwei smiled slightly when he saw Lin Shaobai.

"Hello."

After Lin Shaobai sat down, he chatted with her briefly.

"I listened to your new song, it's really good, and it's doing quite well too. Congratulations!"

"Thank you, I've always enjoyed listening to Teacher Mo's songs."

"Um...thank you."

It was all just polite talk.

The audience seats were filled with fans of the various singers.

Among them, the fans holding the most light boards were Lin Shaobai and Cai Kunkun's fans.

Kun Kun's support color is yellow, and his fans hold up big yellow light boards, which are quite eye-catching.

Even the most obvious yellow light sign couldn't compare to Lin Shaobai's blue ocean.

After everyone was seated, the two hosts walked onto the stage.

Welcome to the 26th Top Chinese Music Awards!

"The scene here today is truly star-studded."

As soon as the host finished speaking, the quick-witted director turned the camera on Lin Shaobai.

Lin Shaobai's face appeared on the big screen, instantly igniting the enthusiasm of the entire audience!

"what--!!"

The screams from the fans were deafening, as if they could pierce the sky!

They waved their sky-blue light boards and glow sticks vigorously, the light converging into a dazzling ocean in the darkness.

The director then turned the camera on Lin Shaobai's fans, the "White Cranes".

【Forest】

Lin Shaobai

Lin Shaobai's official girlfriend

Lin Shaobai, I love you.

Various light signs were displayed on the large screen.

Although these words are embarrassing, fans feel happy that their idols can see them.

Amidst a vast blue sea, there are occasionally a few yellow signs.

Those are Cai Kunkun's fans.

Without Lin Shaobai, Cai Kunkun's fans would indeed be the most dazzling presence.

Afterwards, relevant awards were presented by professionals.

Karen Mok, standing next to him, won the Dynamic 101 Song of the Year award for her song "Slowly Like You".

Lin Shaobai's song "Mohe Dance Hall," released in 2018, won two awards: "Top Ten Songs of the Year" and "Best Lyricist of the Year."

He also won the "Best Male Singer of the Year" award at the Oriental Billboard Music Awards.

Previously, he would usually win the "Most Popular Male Singer" award based on his popularity, but this time he directly won the "Best Male Singer of the Year" award!
Lin Shaobai's status in the Chinese music scene is also gradually rising.

Everyone present was amazed at Lin Shaobai's terrifyingly rapid rise in status.

Lin Shaobai would go up to receive each award he received, and he did so a total of three times.

Every time I go up there, there are deafening screams.

The cranes' voices are as good as ever.

When Lin Shaobai received the "Best Male Singer" award, he gave a lengthy acceptance speech.

"Hello everyone, I am Lin Shaobai."

As soon as he introduced himself, screams from fans came from all directions.

Such a sound shocked every singer and guest present.

Bibi: "Wow, that's really loud."

Mao Mao pushed up his glasses: "Yes. Teacher Lin's popularity remains as high as ever."

Zhang Xingxing: "Awesome."

Cai Kunkun remained silent, only glancing silently at the audience.

Almost all of them were Lin Shaobai's fans...

Lin Shaobai smiled indulgently when he heard his fans screaming.

This laugh sent the fans at the scene into a frenzy.

"Ahhh, Kobayashi smiled at me."

"She was clearly smiling at me! I'm Lin Shaobai's girlfriend outside the entertainment industry!"

"What a coincidence, we've run into each other's boyfriends."

"So cool! This ticket was totally worth it!"

The fans at the scene were shouting louder and louder than the last.

On stage, Lin Shaobai waited for everyone to quiet down a bit before speaking: "First of all, I would like to thank the Oriental Billboard for this honor, and thank you all for your recognition. Last year, 2018, was a very fruitful year for me, and I will continue to work hard this year to write even better works. Thank you all."

The screams didn't stop even after the speech ended, and the host had to go up to maintain order.

Lin Shaobai returned to his seat, now holding three trophies in his arms.

After the ceremony ended around 10 p.m., he returned to the lounge and had his assistant, Xiao Liu, take a photo to post on Weibo.

Assistant Xiao Liu looked at Weibo with a puzzled expression: "Boss, you rarely post about trophies on Weibo."

"Keep it as a souvenir."

Assistant Xiao Liu added, "By the way, boss, Sister Li said that you've received a lot of offers for scripts. I heard that there's a movie that really wants you to play the male lead."

What movie?

Lin Shaobai put down what he was holding.

Assistant Xiao Liu: "I don't know about that. Anyway, it's a mystery/thriller. Mysteries are exciting, boss! I love watching mystery movies."

"A mystery movie?"

Lin Shaobai can't think of anything right now either.

Suspense and mystery movies always do well at the box office, and maybe everyone wants to see these mind-bending films.

"Okay, I see."

After attending the music festival, Lin Shaobai quickly took a plane to Xiamen to film a TV series.

He arrived at the hotel in the early hours of the morning after flying there. Before going back to his room, he suddenly turned a corner and quietly went to Zhang Jingyi's room.

Zhang Jingyi has a very good daily routine.

She must have been fast asleep by this time of night.

In the morning, I either take photos of the Eight Voids or go for a morning run.

Lin Shaobai entered the room quietly, making every move gently.

Even so, the footsteps sounded exceptionally clear in the quiet night.

The room was dimly lit. Lin Shaobai used the light from his phone to walk to Zhang Jingyi's bedside.

Zhang lay on her side on the bed, her long hair scattered on the pillow, her breathing even and soft.

Lin Shaobai shone his phone light on Zhang's face, and just as he was about to reach out, his manager sent him a message.

He could only turn the phone over to look at it.

A few seconds later, Zhang Jingyi was awakened by the noise next to her. When she opened her eyes, she saw Lin Shaobai illuminated by the light from her phone.

The phone's light wasn't bright enough, and under that light, the face would appear bloodless, like the protagonist in a horror movie.

His eye sockets were sunken, his skin was so pale it was almost transparent, but his pupils were unusually bright...

"Oh my God!!!"

For a moment, Zhang Jingyi thought she was having a nightmare and seeing a ghost!
When the clear sky sees a daytime ghost, even something as small as pooping its bottom opens its eyes!
Why are people who don't usually have nightmares having them today?!
Instinctively, she swung the pillow next to her and hit Lin Shaobai on the head!
"Oh my god! It's a ghost!"

"You big jerk!"

"Ok?"

Zhang Jingyi's fear subsided after hearing Lin Shaobai's voice.

She immediately turned on the bedside lamp and saw Lin Shaobai with his hair disheveled from being tossed around by the pillow.

"Shao Bai?"

Zhang Jingyi threw back the covers, got out of bed, and came to Lin Shaobai's side, tenderly touching his face: "...Why is it you?"

Lin Shaobai looked helpless and mimicked Zhang Jingyi's tone, saying, "Oh, it's you~"

Zhang Jingyi lowered her head in shame as she recalled her reaction earlier.

"I'm sorry... I... I was just scared. When I saw your face, I was so frightened that I did that. I really didn't recognize you. If I had known it was you, how could I, how could I have done that?"

"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore. I just got back from a music awards ceremony."

Lin Shaobai composed himself after being hit by the pillow.

"Oh... I thought you wouldn't be back until tomorrow morning."

"I was in too much of a rush to get back this morning and didn't want to keep everyone waiting."

"The schedule is so rushed, and you're so tired, aren't you?"

Zhang Jingyi reached out and stroked Lin Shaobai's face with her thumb, then stood on tiptoe and kissed him.

Since falling in love, Zhang's inherent gentleness has become apparent.

She just woke up and her voice is still nasal and soft.

"Making money." Lin Shaobai pinched Zhang Jingyi's cheek. "It's normal to be traveling back and forth."

Just like those who frequently travel for work, they are all doing it to earn money.

"I came to see you and brought you something," Lin Shaobai said, rummaging in his pocket and then extending his fist to Zhang Jingyi. "Guess what it is?"

Zhang Jingyi blinked her big eyes and honestly said, "I don't know."

"Zhang, you didn't even bother to guess?"

"How am I supposed to know what it is when you're squeezing it so tightly? I don't have X-ray vision."

Zhang Jingyi's analysis was very honest.

Lin Shaobai laughed and said, "That makes sense."

He slowly stretched out his hand, and Zhang Jingyi found that there was nothing inside.

"There was nothing inside."

Zhang Jingyi said calmly.

She seemed to have anticipated Lin Shaobai's prank. "Then guess again, where's this hand?"

Lin Shaobai reached into his pocket with his other hand, rummaged around, then clenched his fist and pulled it out.

The exact same actions, the exact same words.

This time, Zhang Jingyi won't fall for it.

Her eyes seemed to see through everything, and a smile tugged at the corner of her lips: "Nothing at all, huh? Shao Bai, I won't fall for the same trick twice."

"What if there really is something inside?"

"Don't hide a bug in there and scare me."

"Insects...good idea!"

"What a great idea! Don't scare me with bugs, I'm terrified of bugs!"

"I'm not trying to scare you... it's a necklace."

This time, Lin Shaobai stretched out his hand, and a gold necklace was placed steadily in his palm.

"Ok?"

Zhang Jingyi was a little stunned.

A necklace suddenly appeared?
"Give it to me?"

"Otherwise, is there anyone else in this room who could wear this necklace?"

“You wear it,” Zhang Jingyi joked.

"It doesn't fit me, you should wear it."

Lin Shaobai gently lifted Zhang Jingyi's long hair and helped her put on the necklace, being very gentle throughout.

Zhang Jingyi lowered her head, her long hair falling down to cover most of her expression.

Her exposed ears still revealed her shyness at that moment.

"A gift for you."

"Thank you."

Zhang Jingyi gently touched the gold necklace with her fingers.

It felt icy cold to the touch, but my heart felt so warm...

"Thank you, Shaobai."

"I'll send you insects next time."

"What?! We were just exchanging a few words, the atmosphere was just right, how did it suddenly... um?!"

Zhang Jingyi said shyly and embarrassedly, but before she could finish speaking, Lin Shaobai forcibly kissed her.

When they separated again, they were both panting heavily. Zhang Jingyi carefully grabbed Lin Shaobai's shirt with her hand.

"Hate……"

"Who said the atmosphere is bad? The atmosphere is just right."

Lin Shaobai smiled and hugged her tightly.

……

Zhang Jingyi kept the necklace carefully.

She couldn't wear this necklace around while filming on set.

When it wasn't her turn to act, she would squat down on the side and memorize her lines and read the script.

She will devote all her energy to studying the character of Lin Beixing.

Zhang Jingyi loves the works she acts in and the characters she plays.

She has always believed that the characters she plays in parallel universes are real.

Making the character vivid and relatable, and appreciated by the audience, is what she, as an actress, should do.

After working with Lin Shaobai for a few days, she discovered that the two had a really good rapport.

It was definitely worth spending so many days with my old classmate!

The two actors performed perfectly in many scenes, almost getting them right in one take, so the director didn't have to worry about them.

Many people at the scene praised Jingyi, saying she was born to act in campus dramas.

This face is perfect for a young female lead!
Lin Shaobai went back to the company during his weekend break.

I met with my agent, Sister Li, and the director of the movie "The Vanished She" in the office.

"Hello, Lin Shaobai."

Director Liu stood up to greet Lin Shaobai upon seeing him, saying, "It's our first time meeting."

"Hello, Director Liu."

Lin Shaobai sat opposite Director Liu.

Director Liu and Lin Shaobai's father are good friends, and he himself admires Lin Shaobai.

It's fair to say that without Lin Shaobai, there would be no movie.

Director Liu saw Lin Shaobai's potential from the very beginning.

This young man is young, acts well, and is handsome; he is a truly talented actor.

The male lead in the movie, He Fei, is supposed to be handsome.

If he weren't handsome, how could he have captivated a rich heiress like Li Muzi, making her fall head over heels in love and believe in him time and time again?

Have you read the script?

Director Liu asked.

"I've seen it. My agent showed it to me before."

Lin Shaobai said he even watched all the videos that were filmed.

Since its release, the film has enjoyed a meteoric rise at the box office, reaching 12 billion yuan in just seven days.

By telling a suspenseful story that hit a hot social issue, it sparked heated discussions across the internet and completely ignited the summer movie season.

When it was released, everyone knew about this movie, and diving became a buzzword.

The film ultimately grossed 35 billion yuan at the box office and topped the list of most anticipated new films on Kiwifruit before its online release, with over 430 million reservations, breaking the record for the highest number of reservations on Kiwifruit's movie channel.

It's a great film in every respect.

"Let me be blunt, I admire you a lot, so I came here specifically hoping you could play the male lead, He Fei. We plan to start filming in July, do you have the time?"

"Have."

"..."

Director Liu was stunned for a moment.

The answer was so concise and to the point; is that all there is to it?
Lin Shaobai picked up the script and shared his insights: "I've read it. The male protagonist, He Fei, comes from a very unhappy family. His father is an alcoholic, and his mother only knows how to gamble, which fostered his inferiority complex, gloomy, and cold personality. By chance, he came into contact with gambling, experienced the joy of winning money, and quickly incurred huge debts, which he paid off by using his wife's family..."

He turned the page and continued, "Later, when he found out that his wife refused to help him pay off his debts, he hardened his heart and killed her. He even set up a scheme to clear his name."

Director Liu nodded: "He Fei is a complex and multifaceted character."

“I’ve never played a role like this before, so consider it a challenge for me. I really hope to work with you.”

The original film grossed 35 billion and had good reviews. With its own built-in audience, this new version is bound to gross at least 40 billion!

We can't miss a good movie.

"Well."

"But Director Liu, have you chosen the female lead yet?"

“You’ve hit the nail on the head. We haven’t found anyone yet. We’ve only chosen the second female lead, the fake Li Muzi. She’s a mysterious, dangerous, and charming woman, and Wen Yongshan is perfect for the role. The real Li Muzi needs to have that aloof, artistic, and wealthy heiress vibe… We haven’t found anyone suitable yet. As for the female lead, Chen Mai, she needs to have the air of a highly educated lawyer, and at the very least, she needs to have an intelligent face.”

Lin Shaobai thought for a moment and then said, "Oh, I see..."

"Shaobai, if you have any friends you can recommend, please let me know."

"There really is."

Lin Shaobai took out his phone and showed Chen Duling's photo: "My friend, Chen Duling, do you think her face is smart enough?"

"Chen Duling?!"

Director Liu was pleasantly surprised.

Isn't this the actress who played Little Ears many years ago?

Why didn't he think of Chen Duling?

This girl not only has a smart face, but she is also a smart person.

Otherwise, how could they have scored so high on the college entrance exam?!
A top student with over 600 points!

"That's good...that's fine."

After a brief chat, Director Liu left the company.

Agent Li approached Lin Shaobai and said, "I'm saying, this Chen Duling..."

“Sister Li, you’ve read the script too. Don’t you think Chen Mai’s intelligent and rational personality is a lot like Chen Duling’s? It just so happens that she’s been missing an opportunity like this.”

"Isn't it generally acknowledged that her acting skills are poor?"

The agent stated it very bluntly.

"That was before. As far as I know, she went abroad to study acting for a while and has improved a lot since then. A top student like her certainly wouldn't allow herself to be complacent and stay stagnant, would she?"

"Tsk. Yes. You're right."

"Besides, I'm just making a recommendation." Lin Shaobai placed his hand on his water glass and continued leisurely, "As for whether she can ultimately become the female lead in this movie, it depends on whether she's a good fit for the role."

"Um……"

Lin Shaobai met with the film producer again that evening.

The producer had dealt with his father before; they were old acquaintances.

When discussing the casting of the role of Zhen Li Muzi in the movie, Lin Shaobai mentioned Wang Churan's name for the first time.

Although Jin Li Muzi is the third female lead in this movie, the entire film revolves around her.

As long as the actress's temperament matches the description of being aloof, artistic, and clearly shows that she is a pampered heiress who was spoiled by her parents since childhood, it's fine.

The production team has also set a time for the interview.

In fact, from the moment Lin Shaobai started recommending her, the role of the fake Li Muzi was already Wang Churan's.

With Lin Shaobai's connection, and since this role isn't the female lead, there's no need for her to go through layers of evaluation.

After the party, Lin Shaobai sent a message to Wang Churan to explain the situation.

Then I received 99+ messages...

Wang Churan always manages to provide ample emotional value.

[Really? Teacher Lin, did you really recommend me?]

Thank you for remembering everything I said!

I thought you'd forgotten me, abandoned me in that dark corner, leaving me to cry alone >_<

[Great! I definitely won't let you down. This is my first movie ever!]

Thank you for recommending me!

He sent out a whole bunch of random messages.

Lin Shaobai was very troubled, but he would still read every message carefully.

She's such a chatterbox.

They exchange a lot of messages privately, and when they meet in person, they have a lot to say.

Lin Shaobai then made time to personally take Wang Churan to the interview.

The casting team at the film production company knew Wang Churan was the perfect choice for the role of Li Muzi the moment they saw her.

Judging from her looks alone, Wang Churan is the epitome of a perfect, unattainable ideal woman.

Her character, Li Muzi, possesses a pure and kind personality and a beautiful appearance.

With her long black hair flowing freely and wearing a white dress, she looks more like an art student.

The role was cast with almost no lines spoken.

Everything went exceptionally smoothly.

Lin Shaobai waited outside.

During this time, he also recalled what Wang Churan had said to him before.

That can be considered fulfilling a promise.

"Hi!"

After the roles were finalized, Wang Churan came out, patted Lin Shaobai on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "I'm your wife now."

"Ok?"

"I'm Li Muzi. Aren't you He Fei from this movie? Li Muzi and He Fei are husband and wife, so what's wrong with me saying I'm your wife?"

Lin Shaobai then realized what Wang Churan had said.

He smiled helplessly: "But our ending isn't very good."

"Oh right, I'm dead."

(End of this chapter)