The Common Man's Return in Chinese Entertainment

"Tell us quickly, what kind of drama you're about to join, what role you'll be playing, which actors you'll be working with, and so on..."

As soon as they entered the restaurant, Zhu Yawen bombarded them with a barrage of questions like a machine gun. Ji Qingxu calmly poured a cup of tea and handed it to her, saying, "Here, have some tea. Don't rush. I'm here, I'm not going to run away."

Taking the teacup from Ji Qingxu, Zhu Yawen said, "I've been holding it in all day and I'm about to burst. Old Lu and Mule are the same."

Seeing Lu Fang-sheng and Luo Jin nod in agreement and look at him with curiosity, Ji Qing-xu smiled and took a sip of tea.

"In a period drama, my role is probably in the top five."

"Holy crap, that's awesome! You got a major supporting role in your very first film. What film is it?"

"Based on folk tales and historical stories, this is a story set during the Sui and Tang dynasties."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yawen suddenly asked, "Little Chicken, do you think it's too late for me to learn martial arts now?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Qingxu couldn't help but laugh. Luo Jin, who was standing next to him, complained, "Old Pig, you're already 18, what are you still learning? I've also been learning martial arts since I was a child. Acting isn't about whether you know martial arts or not, but about your personal image and temperament."

"Old Lu is lucky; he can play the role of an ordinary person without any sense of incongruity."

"Hahaha!"

Lu Fang-sheng also smiled and said, "I am very confident in this regard."

"Little Chicken, are you going at the end of the month or earlier?"

"I'll be going there on the 10th because there are a lot of action scenes, and I need to rehearse and train in advance."

"Number 10... Let's order quickly, before you leave, let's have a good meal together. I guess we won't see you again until 2003."

"Then I can eat as much as I want, right?"

"Don't mention it, we're not going to bother with such a small thing. But let's make it clear first, you're going to treat us to a big meal when we get back from filming."

"No problem, we'll use up all the actors' paychecks after filming."

Hearing this, a hint of surprise appeared on the faces of the three. They exchanged glances, and Lu Fang-sheng asked curiously, "Little Chicken, your salary for this role..."

As Ji Qingxu ordered, he smiled and said, "A little better than a background actor."

"Well... well, as long as we have roles to play, that's fine. We're still young, let's act in more movies first, and we'll naturally make money once we become famous."

"Old Pig is right, we should lay a solid foundation first."

Ji Qingxu ordered a few dishes and handed the menu to Zhu Yawen, smiling as he said, "Don't worry, I have no complaints. It's better than us being extras."

"You're right. We extras work more than ten hours a day, but you're a supporting actor. You can earn money and learn new things at the same time. It's so enviable."

"Don't envy me. I'm just lucky. As the best dormitory in the Class of 02, I believe you will all be able to get into film crews and act soon."

"Thank you for your kind words. I don't ask for much. I'd be satisfied with one film or television series every two years during my four years of university, if not one per year."

"My requirements are even lower; I just want to be able to act in plays during my four years of university."

Me too.

"Let's have some more drinks today to celebrate the chicks' arrival."

"no problem."

"A quick bite."

"Let's make it clear first, no drinking too much."

Seeing Ji Qingxu's wary expression, Zhu Yawen and the other two burst into laughter.

Hearing the three laughing, Ji Qingxu also laughed. It was alright; the three in the dormitory had no bad feelings other than envy when they heard that he was about to go to act.

The reason why Ji Qingxu told his three roommates that he was going to join the film crew was because he couldn't keep it a secret. This time, Ji Qingxu would be staying in the film crew for two to three months. Zhu Yawen and the other two were not stupid to be away from school for such a long time.

Another reason was a bit shady: Ji Qingxu wanted to take the opportunity to test the waters among his roommates. This was also a lesson Kou Zhanwen had taught Ji Qingxu: whether male or female actors, unless their styles are vastly different, as long as they are in the same age group, they are all competitors.

It's not that friendship doesn't exist in the entertainment industry, but it's very rare, especially among friends of the same age. Although I'm only a freshman now, students who study art and get into the Beijing Film Academy are a bit more "worldly" than ordinary college students.

As roommates, it's a kind of fate. Even if we can't become close friends, Ji Qingxu hopes that we won't treat each other like enemies. If there are any difficult people to get along with, Ji Qingxu will be on guard.

Fortunately, everyone's relationship is pretty good for now. As for how the relationship will be in the future, Ji Qingxu is too lazy to think about it too much. Life is still long, so let's take it one step at a time.

......

"Jiangda's class beauty, is there something you need?"

Seeing Zhu Yawen's grinning face, Jiang Yiyan said with a smile, "Yes, is Ji Qingxu off filming?"

Hearing this, Zhu Yawen said with a bitter face, "Jiang, the class beauty, can you be a little more tactful? Asking Ji Qingxu for advice as soon as you arrive hurts my feelings."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yiyan said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I'll be more careful next time."

Zhu Yawen waved her hand. "Never mind, I was just joking. Qingxu did go to film a movie. Do you need to see him?"

"Um...can I ask what movie you're filming?"

Zhu Yawen replied with a smile, "Why don't you call him yourself? You should have his phone number, right?"

Upon hearing this answer, Jiang Yiyan hesitated for a moment. Looking at Zhu Yawen's smiling face, Jiang Yiyan chuckled softly, "Okay, thank you for your trouble."

"It's no trouble at all."

After Jiang Yiyan returned to her seat, Luo Jin came over and said, "Damn, Old Pig, that's impressive. You can remain unmoved even with such a beauty in front of you."

Zhu Yawen raised her eyebrows smugly, "Of course, I am a socialist successor who can withstand the test."

"Isn't it because she has no feelings for you at all, but prefers chicks instead, that's why you're holding a grudge?"

"Damn it, Mule, can't you be a little more subtle?"

"Haha, my bad, I'll be more tactful next time. Do you think the chick has feelings for her or not?"

"It's interesting, but also meaningless."

"What do you mean?"

Looking around, Zhu Yawen covered her mouth and whispered, "Jiang Yiyan is pretty. If I could sleep with her, I would definitely be willing, but if it's about dating or anything, I probably wouldn't be interested."

Luo Jin's eyes widened upon hearing this. "Did the chick tell you?"

Zhu Yawen shook her head, looking mysterious, and said, "I figured it out myself."

Luo Jin asked with a suspicious look, "Really?"

Zhu Yawen raised an eyebrow. "How about we make a bet? Little Chicken is definitely a playboy; he'll never be tied down by a woman."

"Damn, I'm not betting. With that guy's looks and physique, even if he can control himself, those women will still pounce on him."

"Tsk, that's not fun. A little gambling is harmless, just have a round."

"Get lost. You can bet with the chick when he gets back."

"Damn it, I've gambled with him three times and lost all three times. I'm not gambling anymore."

"What do you think the chicks are doing right now?"

"What else can we do but train?"

"Too."

......

"Clang! Clang!"

Inside a spacious training room, a group of people stood against the wall, while two figures wielding long weapons fought fiercely in the middle.

Seeing that Ji Qingxu was neither red-faced nor out of breath, Zhang Zhenyong felt powerless. Noticing a hint of a smile on Ji Qingxu's face, Zhang Zhenyong quickly shouted, "Stop, that's enough, little chicken, I give up."

After finishing their last move, the two immediately separated.

"Brother Yong, what's wrong with you? You've only been playing for less than five minutes. Did you go out and steal women last night?"

Hearing Ji Qingxu's complaint, Zhang Zhenyong's face darkened. "Damn it, you're just using your strength to bully people."

"Then, without resorting to strength, shall we have another match?"

Zhang Zhenyong waved his hand helplessly, "Brother Yong admits defeat, he's convinced of it. You can go find them."

When they saw Ji Qingxu's gaze sweep over, the crowd standing by watching the commotion waved their hands repeatedly.

"Little chick, my arms and legs are old and frail, please spare this old man."

"Little chicken, I'm having trouble even carrying this weapon."

"Little chick, I don't know martial arts."

"..."

Hearing everyone's refusal, Ji Qingxu looked at the last person, beckoned, and said, "Xiaolong, come on, let's have some fun, you two brothers."

Shi Xiaolong shook his head repeatedly in refusal, saying, "Brother Chicken, I'm not an adult yet. You're bullying a child."

Upon hearing this, Ji Qingxu said regretfully, "You guys, I'm doing this for your own good. If you sweat more now, it will be easier when you're filming."

Zhang Zhenyong, who was standing to the side, complained, "Little chicken, do you know how strong you are? Your brother Yong is pretty good at fighting, and he can withstand a few hits. If they were to spar with you, it would be a problem whether he could train normally the next day."

Ji Qingxu helplessly shrugged. "Is it my fault?"

Seeing Ji Qingxu's smug look, everyone shook their heads with amusement. What a brat.

Kou Zhanwen clapped his hands with a smile, "Little chick, stop playing around and get ready for training. Filming starts in about ten days, time is tight."

Ji Qingxu nodded and said seriously, "Come on, let's warm up first. After we're warmed up, we'll officially start practicing the routine."

Upon hearing Ji Qingxu's instructions, everyone in the room, young and old, immediately went to stand in the center of the room.

"It's the same set of boxing techniques I taught you before. Each person will practice three times. Begin!"

Watching the people in front of him earnestly practicing their boxing techniques, a smile flashed in Ji Qingxu's eyes.

Ji Qingxu now enjoys a higher reputation than Kou Zhanwen in action training on set.

On his first day in the crew, Ji Qingxu shocked everyone by lifting a 300-pound stone lion in front of everyone.

I would also like to thank Zhang Zhenyong, who plays Yuwen Chengdu. Zhang Zhenyong is the 32nd generation lay disciple of Shaolin Temple, and he also has a monk name "Shi Xinghan". According to seniority, he is Shi Xiaolong's grand-disciple.

In 95, he won the national championship in Sanda 75KG at the Shaolin International Martial Arts Festival in Shangdu. On the first day of training, Ji Qingxu sparred with him. For the first ten moves, Ji Qingxu simply defended. On the eleventh move, Ji Qingxu threw the first punch, and the sparring ended.

Even though Ji Qingxu was just a new actor, no one in the crew dared to underestimate him, let alone in terms of action direction and training.

Regardless of their fame or seniority, everyone humbly followed Ji Qingxu's training arrangements. Of course, Ji Qingxu was not arrogant; he possessed all the necessary humility and politeness.

So even before the TV series officially started filming, Ji Qingxu was already making a name for himself on set.