The Common Man's Return in Chinese Entertainment

"Young Master Qingxu, what martial art are you most skilled in?"

"My skills are not proficient; I only have a superficial understanding of Tai Chi, Bagua, Xingyi, and Bajiquan."

"Family martial arts?"

"I learned a little from my family, and I studied with a teacher for a few years. Does Director Xu from Lion City, Hebei Province, know about this?"

"I know that, the hometown of Chinese martial arts, I see. It's no wonder you were born there, young man. I filmed there back then..."

Even though Ji Qingxu was unknown and this was their first meeting, Xu Ke was very interested in Ji Qingxu after the initial introduction. While drinking, he pulled Ji Qingxu aside to discuss topics related to martial arts.

By the time the drinking party ended, Xu Ke was already flushed and drunk. If Shi Nansheng hadn't been watching him, Xu Ke would have passed out long ago.

Ji Qing didn't go easy on Xu Ke just because he was a famous director. Since Xu Ke wanted to drink, he would drink with him.

......

After Xu Ke and Shi Nansheng left, Ma Zhongjun took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "You really have no manners at all. Aren't you afraid of getting Director Xu drunk and causing him dissatisfaction?"

Ji Qingxu smiled, picked up a cigar from the table, and smelled it. "Mr. Ma, this cigar is quite good."

Seeing this, Ma Zhongjun laughed and scolded, "Take it, take it. The rest of this box is yours, you brat. You're a glutton, you want everything that's good."

"Thank you, Mr. Ma." Ji Qingxu chuckled as he closed the box. "Mr. Ma, Director Xu has directed many martial arts films. I think since he likes martial arts so much, he must be a man of strong character. If I go easy on him, wouldn't it backfire?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Zhongjun nodded approvingly, "That's right, Director Xu's temper... well, it's a bit eccentric compared to normal people. He's been in the industry for almost thirty years, and he's seen all kinds of people and tricks. What you did is exactly what he wanted."

Upon hearing this, Ji Qingxu asked curiously, "Mr. Ma, which role did you invite me here for an interview today?"

Upon hearing Ji Qingxu's question, Ma Zhongjun's expression turned somewhat strange. "I don't know."

"Even Mr. Ma doesn't know?"

Ma Zhongjun shrugged helplessly and said, "Yes, I don't know either. He just said he'd meet you first, so I said his personality is a bit strange."

Upon hearing this, Ji Qingxu couldn't help but chuckle. This director, Xu Ke, really had a unique personality; he truly deserved to be called Old Freak Xu.

......

"Look at you, how old are you? You're over 50, while she's only 20. Do you think you can beat her at drinking?"

Xu Ke took the towel from Shi Nansheng, wiped his face, and let out a long sigh.

"What an amazing young man! If he had been born twenty years earlier, China might have had another kung fu superstar."

Upon hearing this, Shi Nansheng smiled and asked, "You think highly of him?"

Xu Ke nodded slowly. "He said he only knew a little about martial arts, but during our conversation just now, I found that he knew far more than that. Apart from the older generation, none of the younger generation are as skilled as him. Moreover, he is handsome and tall. It's really strange that someone with such profound martial arts skills can still grow to 1.8 meters tall. He is indeed a born extraordinary person."

Shi Nansheng asked curiously, "So, which role are you planning to cast him in?"

Xu Ke gave a peculiar smile. "Why don't you take a guess?"

Thinking of her husband's personality, Shi Nansheng chuckled and asked, "Are you sure?"

Xu Ke stroked his beard and smiled smugly. "I think I can give it a try. Since they all call me Old Freak Xu, it's normal for me to be a little eccentric."

Knowing him well, Shi Nansheng smiled and shook her head. "You really are unique. But this young man's appearance... well, it's quite suitable. When should we notify him about the audition?"

"Let's wait a bit longer. The movie is only in the early stages of preparation. There's no need for auditions yet. I've already tried it out. We can just have a few people test his skills later. Although they can't lie, I still want to see for myself and get a feel for it."

"How about August?"

"Okay, August."

"Okay, then get some rest. It's getting late, and you've drunk so much tonight."

"This young man is really not polite at all. If I have two more drinks, I'm afraid I won't be able to leave here today."

"Isn't it because you dragged them to drink? Of course they'd have to keep you company, Director Xu."

"You reap what you sow."

......

"August?"

"right."

Which role are you auditioning for?

"He said there was no need for an audition; he had already auditioned that night. As for the role, well... it's like a city engulfed in flames."

Seeing Ma Zhongjun's somewhat strange expression, Ji Qingxu's expression also turned strange upon hearing the name. "Mr. Ma, are you sure?"

Ma Zhongjun said, both amused and exasperated, "Yes, he said you're suitable for this role."

Upon hearing the confirmation, Ji Qingxu grinned and looked at the script on the table. "Beacon Fire Connects the City"—Ji Qingxu remembered that this role was played by Sun Honglei in his previous life. Sun Honglei was born in 70, 14 years older than him. It was truly unexpected that Xu Ke would cast him in this role.

Thinking of this, Ji Qingxu subconsciously touched his cheek. Damn, could it be that he was born to play a villain?

I actually want to play Yang Guo!

Thinking of the character Yang Guo, Ji Qingxu asked curiously, "Mr. Ma, you mentioned last time that the company was adapting a classic martial arts script. Is there any progress?"

Ma Zhongjun laughed and retorted, "Isn't having this movie role enough?"

Ji Qingxu helplessly spread his hands. "Mr. Ma, I have no fame at all right now. I am the first artist of Ciwen. I want to act in more dramas to make a name for myself and prove to outsiders that Mr. Ma's judgment is correct."

"Haha, didn't you say before that you were planning to finish your second year of college?"

"This doesn't conflict with my plans. I think even if I get a role, it'll probably be in the second half of the year, right?"

Ma Zhongjun chuckled and tapped the table. "Yes, you're right. I might as well tell you. Jin Yong's 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' is directed by Zhang Jizong."

Upon hearing the confirmation, Ji Qingxu was somewhat excited. "Then I'll have no problem playing Yang Guo, right?"

Ma Zhongjun laughed and scolded, "You brat, you really can just spout off whatever you want. You think you can just act whenever you want?"

Ji Qingxu said confidently, "With President Ma here, playing Yang Guo will be a piece of cake for me."

Ma Zhongjun chuckled upon hearing this, "Don't be so sure of yourself. Zhang Jizong is a very stubborn person. Even I have to listen to his opinions."

Recalling the mess caused by the casting of the TV series "The Return of the Condor Heroes" in his previous life, Ji Qingxu raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Ma, I wonder if there are some things I should say?"

Hearing this, Ma Zhongjun, who knew Ji Qingxu's personality, narrowed his eyes and said, "Go on."

"This movie must cost at least tens of millions, right?"

"right."

"Are we going to pay the lion's share for our compassionate listening?"

"That's right."

"We, Ciwen, have spent so much money and still have to listen to Zhang Jizong's arrangements for a few roles? Mr. Ma, is he really that powerful?"

Hearing such impolite words, Ma Zhongjun tilted his head back and stared at Ji Qingxu for a while. "Qingxu, do you know Zhang Jizong's reputation and status in the industry?"

Ji Qingxu leaned closer and asked, "Mr. Ma, before Director Zhang Jizong filmed 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer,' did anyone know him? Or did he have that much fame?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Zhongjun seemed to understand something and said, "You mean...?"

Ji Qingxu pointed south and said, "President Ma, I'm not looking down on Director Zhang Jizong, but without Jin Yong, he would only be a producer and director with some fame in the industry. He only gained his current fame because he adapted several of Jin Yong's martial arts novels."

Ma Zhongjun nodded slowly. "What you said makes sense. Jin Yong's novels have been adapted into films and television series many times, but he was the one who seized the opportunity to gain such great fame. His abilities should not be underestimated."

"Mr. Ma, I know Zhang Jizong is very capable, but Ciwen is the investor behind the scenes. If we can't even secure a role, who knows what kind of trouble might arise during the filming. Admittedly, I'm thinking of myself, but I've also been in the industry for a few years. Mr. Ma should know the industry better than I do. Do you think Zhang Jizong is the kind of nice guy?"

Thinking back on his previous interactions with Zhang Jizong, Ma Zhongjun knew that Ji Qingxu was right. Zhang Jizong was a difficult person to deal with, very domineering, and also very greedy.

After a moment of contemplation, Ma Zhongjun said with a half-smile, "Qingxu, do you know that I went through a lot of trouble to find this cooperation opportunity? Even without me, there are plenty of people who would give money to Zhang Jizong to cooperate."

Ji Qingxu chuckled softly. "Mr. Ma, do you do charity work?"