Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 356 On the verge of breaking out

Eight o'clock in the morning, the lobby on the first floor of Hengdian VIP Building Hotel.

Lu Zhong and Wu Di's two groups of people coincidentally arrived in Hengdian by car and happened to be staying at the same hotel, so they agreed to travel together the next day.

After a half-day rest yesterday, everyone is in high spirits and ready to officially begin their Hengdian trip.

"Yuqing, shall we go visit Senior Sister on the set of 'Xuan-Yuan Sword'?"

On a sweltering summer day, Li Lingyan excitedly sought her best friend's opinion as she applied spray sunscreen to her arms.

Liu Yuqing looked down at her phone, checking the introductions of various scenic spots in Hengdian: "No rush, let's stick to the original plan and visit first. We can go find my sister after we've had our fill. Otherwise, she's filming, and we'll just be waiting at the set."

“That’s right!” Li Lingyan nodded gently. “We’ve come at just the right time. If we had come two days later, the ‘Xuan-Yuan Sword’ crew would have gone to Shazhou to film on location, and we wouldn’t have been able to see you, sister!”

Lu Zhong stood to the side, listening to the two girls' conversation, and curiously leaned over: "Yuqing, can you take us to the film set to meet the stars?"

Liu Yuqing smiled proudly, "Of course, this is the highlight of my and Yanzi's trip to Hengdian!"

"That's great!" Lü Zhong rubbed his hands excitedly. "It's a perfect opportunity to go to the film set and see how those TV dramas are made."

"You're going too?" Li Lingyan was slightly surprised. Lü Zhong wasn't a fan of Liu Shishi, so why was he joining in?
Lü Zhong smiled憨厚ly: "Can't I come along to the film set to broaden my horizons?"

Liu Yuqing readily agreed: "Okay, I'll take you along."

About five minutes later, Wu Di, Chen Duling, and the other three came downstairs to gather.

"GoGoGo, let's go!" Lü Zhong waved his arms enthusiastically, volunteering to be the guide. "Friends, our first stop is the Qin Palace Scenic Area."

The hotel is only one kilometer away from the Qin Palace scenic area, which can be reached on foot in about ten minutes.

The young men and women ignored the summer heat, walking and chatting, their youthful laughter echoing in the air.

During the summer vacation, the Qin Palace scenic area was bustling with tourists. Eight young people laughed and took photos together.

Suddenly, several people wearing work badges rushed over and shouted to the extras who were lingering outside the scenic area waiting for their chance: "The crew of 'Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties' is urgently recruiting extras! We need twelve female extras and twenty male extras. If you want to go to the theater, come and sign up with me."

The previously quiet crowd suddenly became agitated. The extras who had been waiting for their chance since dawn rushed forward upon hearing the news.

"Director, I'm applying." "Pick me, pick me."

Liu Yuqing stared in disbelief at the scene before her: "Is this an actor recruitment?"

"They're probably recruiting extras, like background characters or soldiers in TV dramas," Li Lingyan guessed, her eyes sparkling with interest.

"Let's go check it out!" School beauty Liu waved enthusiastically and led her companions into the crowd.

In the center of the crowd, Zhang Kai, the assistant director of the "Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties" crew, quickly counted the registered extras and raised his voice again, shouting, "The male extras slots are full, everyone else can leave. We still need a few female extras, is anyone else interested in acting?"

After waiting for several minutes without any new people signing up, Zhang Kai became anxious.

Director Li Hantao was very dissatisfied with the scenes shot early in the morning, feeling that there were too few extras and the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty could not be fully reflected, so he sent him out to recruit more people.

If the crew isn't assembled and filming is delayed, the director will inevitably scold them.

The production assistant standing next to the assistant director was sweating profusely: "Director Zhang, although there aren't as many young female extras as male extras in Hengdian, there are still quite a few of them."

However, things happened so suddenly today, and the production team is in such a hurry to hire people. Maybe we should wait a bit longer; once the news spreads, people will definitely sign up.

"That's all we can do. I'll take this group back to the film set to change their costumes. You stay here and keep watch." Zhang Kai said helplessly, his gaze suddenly stopping as he casually swept over the crowd.

Before me stood two graceful young women, one with a cool and refined air, the other with a lively and beautiful demeanor; both were exceptional beauties, standing out in the crowd.

He quickly stepped forward and warmly invited, "Hello, ladies. I'm the assistant director of the 'Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties' production team. Today, the crew is short two people to play the princess's personal maids. They have quite a few scenes and a few lines. Would you be interested in giving it a try?"

The surrounding extras immediately began to whisper among themselves.

"A personal maid, that's a special one, the daily wage is at least 150 yuan, and there's even a chance to appear on TV."

"These two girls are really beautiful, even more so than most female celebrities I've ever seen. Could they be new talents that some agency is going to heavily promote?"

Zhang Kai was stunned when he heard the extras' discussion. He hadn't thought about it carefully until someone reminded him, and he took a closer look at the two girls in front of him.

Upon closer inspection, my heart skipped a beat, and I muttered to myself: Could this temperament and image be a newly signed female artist from some company?
Liu Yuqing shook her head: "We're here for tourism."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Kai was overjoyed. These two were exceptionally talented individuals, and he instantly transformed into a talent scout.

"Ladies, I sincerely invite you to join me on a film set for a unique experience during your trip to Hengdian."

Liu Yuqing was somewhat tempted. She had once thought about becoming a star, but it didn't seem right for her to leave her companions behind when they were traveling together.

Zhang Kai was incredibly shrewd. Seeing the young girl hesitate and frequently glance at the people around her, he immediately understood and made a decisive decision: "Your companions can also come to the film crew as extras to experience it. They'll still get paid."

The young people got excited and, after discussing it for a while, agreed to Zhang Kai's request to go to the "Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties" crew as extras to experience the atmosphere of filming.

The group entered the film crew's studio, and the ordinary extras followed the production assistants to the group dressing area to change into their costumes.

After a brief tour of the film set with Zhang Kai, Chen Duling and Liu Yuqing were taken to a private dressing room. Since they had many scenes to film, they had special requirements for their makeup.

The stylist looked at the two young girls, his eyes lighting up, and exclaimed in amazement, "With such facial features and bone structure, we don't even need contouring; we can go straight for makeup. Where did Director Zhang find such promising talents?"

While applying makeup to the two, the makeup artist chatted casually: "You two are so good-looking, why did you end up as extras?"

Liu Yuqing responded demurely: "We came here for tourism. Director Zhang couldn't find any female extras for the time being, so we came to help out and also experience filming."

The crew members were all shrewd; the makeup artist immediately understood Zhang Kai's intention. These two girls were too naturally gifted; if they entered the entertainment industry, they might become big stars.

If you can establish a connection beforehand and are lucky enough to become a celebrity's exclusive makeup artist, you'll not only earn a high income but also have less work. So they struck up a conversation enthusiastically.

"In Hengdian, most of them are ordinary extras. They work 8 hours a day and are paid 50 yuan. They basically play background roles, such as passers-by, soldiers, and villagers. They have no lines, and whether they get to appear on screen depends entirely on luck."

Chen Duling's eyes widened in surprise: "50 yuan a day? That's so little, how can we live!"

Liu Yuqing also looked incredulous. It was hard to imagine how these two young girls, who were so inexperienced in the ways of the world, could survive on such a meager income.

The makeup artist sighed, "This is the reality at the bottom of the film and television industry. Those with slightly better looks can get extra roles, earning 80 yuan a day, and might get a shot, but still no lines." "80 yuan is very little!"

"The palace maids you're playing this time are considered minor special roles, with a few lines. The next level up are considered intermediate special roles, with more screen time, such as the head guard or the senior palace maid."

If you can make it to a big star, things will be better. Your daily income will be over 500. If you have a lot of lines, you can negotiate your pay with the production team.

Da Te is basically the pinnacle of the millions of grassroots extras in Hengdian.

Liu Yuqing, with her innocent and romantic spirit, asked: "Can't I become a star?"

The makeup artist paused, holding the powder puff in her hand, and gave a wry smile: "Ninety-nine percent of the celebrities in the entertainment industry are either formally trained or have a wealthy backer. As far as I know, the only celebrity who rose to fame from humble beginnings is Wang Baoqiang."

Liu Yuqing stuck out her tongue, experiencing the cruelty of an industry for the first time, and at this moment she had a little feeling for the suffering of people.

An hour later, the two girls finished their makeup.

Chen Duling's long, black hair was styled into an exquisite double bun, adorned with pearl flowers; Liu Yuqing changed into a light pink ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a flowing silk sash tied around her waist.

The two women stood in front of the mirror, looking like ancient maids who had stepped out of the painting "Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy," drawing praise from the makeup artists.

After watching the video, Zhang Kai clapped his hands excitedly, exclaiming that he had struck gold: "You're going to play the maids who accompany Princess Ruyi during her dowry. After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, you'll be escorting the princess to safety."

Remember, your eyes should be sorrowful yet resolute. You have two lines of dialogue; try to deliver them with nuance. This is your script; study it carefully.

Upon arriving at the filming location, Chen Duling and Liu Yuqing encountered Qiao Ya and Li Lingyan, who had already changed into ordinary palace maid costumes.

The four girls looked at each other curiously, changed into Tang Dynasty costumes, and found themselves on an ancient film set, as if they had traveled back a thousand years and dreamt of returning to the Tang Dynasty.

A short while later, Sun Yaoqi, the actress who played Princess Ruyi, gracefully arrived.

When the assistant director saw Chen Duling and Liu Yuqing, who played the roles of the palace maids, he froze on the spot. Where did he find these two stunningly beautiful extras? If they were to appear together, they would definitely outshine her!

Before they could think it through, the director was already urging the actors to enter the room.

After Zhang Kai gave the two newcomers some pointers on positioning and other important points, filming officially began.

"Action!"

In front of the monitor, director Li Hantao felt increasingly awkward. The princess's appearance and temperament were no match for the palace maid. This was unacceptable!
"Cut!" The director looked at Zhang Kai. "How did you pick these guys?"

Zhang Kai explained helplessly, telling the director about the recruitment process.

After hearing the whole story, Li Hantao pondered for a moment: "Transfer those two to be ordinary palace maids. These two girls have too strong an aura; Zhao Yaoqi is completely suppressed!"

Zhang Kai's eyes darted around, and he took a step closer, whispering to the director, "Director, since Zhao Yaoqi can't handle it, why don't we let the two of them try playing the princess? If we can sign even one of them to the company, it'll be a huge profit."

Li Hantao nodded slightly and immediately agreed to the assistant director's suggestion.

The news spread quickly throughout the film crew: the princess and the palace maid were going to switch identities—truly a bizarre occurrence.

Zhao Yaoqi naturally refused to give up the role, as she played Jin Suo in the recently popular drama "New My Fair Princess".

Known as "Little Fan Bingbing," she's quite well-known in the entertainment industry. How could she possibly give up a role to an unknown nobody? If word got out, wouldn't she become a laughingstock in the entertainment world?

No matter how much Zhang Kai pleaded, Zhao Yaoqi remained adamant about the contract. The standoff lasted until noon, when Zhang Kai, hoarse from talking, finally suggested they have lunch first and discuss it further.

Inside the rest area, Zhao Yaoqi watched the "palace maids" chatting and laughing, and she was furious. She didn't know what kind of spell the two little vixens had cast on the director, and she didn't believe that the two were just strangers!
She walked over angrily, about to start arguing, when a "palace maid" carrying a lunchbox turned around and bumped into her.

"Crash!" The lunchbox fell to the ground, splashing soup all over Sun Yaoqi.

"You!" Enraged that his costume was dirty, Zhao Yaoqi raised his hand and slapped him across the face.

"Slap!" The crisp sound of a slap echoed on the set.

Li Lingyan covered her burning cheek, her eyes instantly reddening: "Why did you hit me?"

Liu Yuqing stepped forward and, seeing her best friend's swollen cheek, flew into a rage: "How dare you hit Yanzi?"

Sun Yaoqi looked down at his ruined costume, growing angrier the more he thought about it: "Did you want to play the princess and deliberately instructed your co-star to ruin my scenes so you could steal my role?"

"Pah!" Liu Yuqing spat contemptuously. "Who cares about playing a princess! Hurry up and apologize to Yanzi."

Zhao Yaoqi's voice suddenly rose, showing no sign of backing down: "Hmph! You deliberately dirtied my costume and then expect me to apologize? That's outrageous!"

"It's just a tattered costume! I'll pay you ten more!" Liu Yuqing wouldn't back down. She glanced at her aggrieved best friend and urged, "But hitting someone is wrong. You have to apologize to Yanzi."

Chen Duling and Qiao Ya also spoke up, urging Zhao Yaoqi to apologize and demanding justice for Li Lingyan.

"What, are you bullying us just because you outnumber us?" Zhao Yaoqi said, unconcerned about the four people's accusations.

The two sides were on the verge of exchanging blows, and the noise of their argument alerted the director.

After learning what had happened, Li Hantao felt a headache coming on; he hadn't expected to cause such trouble.

In this matter, the production team was in the wrong for replacing the actor, so they wanted to smooth things over and settle things peacefully.

Princess Liu Yuqing, her temper flaring, refused to back down: "What a lousy production crew! If they don't apologize to Yanzi today, I'll turn the whole crew upside down!"

Li Hantao's face darkened: "Young lady, don't be so impetuous. Sometimes suffering a loss is a blessing. I'll settle your payment, and we'll call it even."

Seeing that the atmosphere was not right and that they were on the other side's turf, Chen Duling quietly tugged at Liu Yuqing's sleeve, signaling her to stop while she was ahead and not to provoke the director any further, otherwise they might not be able to get away.

Liu Yuqing wasn't stupid. She was unfamiliar with Hengdian and it was indeed inappropriate for her to cause trouble on someone else's turf.

So he took a deep breath and suppressed his anger: "We don't want the pay anymore, we're leaving the crew now."

Li Hantao sneered, "Go ahead."

Liu Yuqing pulled Li Lingyan up, and led Chen Duling and Qiao Ya out of the film set without looking back, not even having time to change out of their costumes, lest something go wrong.

Stepping out of the film set, Li immediately pulled out his phone and called Song Ci, his voice filled with suppressed anger and grievance: "Brother, we've run into trouble in Hengdian..."

(End of this chapter)