Against the Current Hong Kong 1979

"Sister Ya-Chi, I'm a newcomer. This is my first time acting, so I really don't have much experience."

"There are also occasional action scenes; as the saying goes, even the best can make a mistake."

To prolong the handshake, Zhang Shuai'an had to speak at length: "I might not be very gentle with my touch, and if I accidentally hurt you, please forgive me. Please also forgive me for any offense I may have caused to Sister Yazhi."

Those around Zhang Shuai'an were almost bursting into laughter upon hearing his words.

A faint look of surprise appeared on Zhao Yazhi's face.

"Zhang Shuai'an, what are you babbling about!"

Zhao Zhenqiang scoffed, somewhat exasperated, and reminded him, "You've watched quite a lot of movies, even 'The Great Warlord' starring Michael Hui. Do you think we haven't seen it?"

Zhang Shuai'an had only made a joke unconsciously, and he quickly apologized, "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."

"Whether you couldn't help yourself or were just feeling romantic feelings," Zhao Zhen said, barely suppressing a laugh. "Take Miss Zhao's hand off me now!"

Zhang Shuai'an realized that simply holding Zhao Yazhi's hand didn't increase his star value much, so he quickly let go: "Sorry, this is the first time I've seen a female celebrity. Sister Yazhi, please don't think of me as some kind of bad guy."

Fatty Wang casually joked, "I definitely won't think you're a bad guy, but I'm sure I'll think you're lewd."

"Don't listen to screenwriter Wang's nonsense." Zhao Yazhi has always been someone who knows how to save face for others; in modern terms, she has high emotional intelligence. "Mr. Zhang is young, handsome, and talented. It is my honor to work with you."

"Alright, let's not stand on ceremony," Zhao Zhenqiang said. "Please sit down first."

A moment later, he looked up at Zhao Yazhi: "Yazhi, have you received the script? Have you read it?"

Zhao Yazhi said apologetically, "I only heard from Manager Liu this morning that he got me a role, and then asked me to come here for a meeting. I just received the script and haven't had a chance to read it yet."

"Okay, then you can look at it now." Zhao Zhenqiang nodded. "There's a plot outline and character settings written by Anzai at the beginning. You can take a look at that first. I'll give you a day to carefully read the script later."

"Okay." Zhao Yazhi nodded slightly and began to carefully read the script.

The others began to seriously discuss the plot, sort out the filming schedule, and cast the remaining main actors... Many things needed to be agreed upon before filming started, so as to achieve twice the result with half the effort.

There's only a one-month window in total. Once filming starts, there won't be any further changes to the plot, acting, or schedule.

Fortunately, the TVB crew members have truly honed their skills through numerous dramas, and their teamwork is highly efficient. Within just two or three hours, they had finalized most of the paperwork.

Around 9:30, the actors playing Gongsun Ce, Zhan Zhao, and Pang Feiyan arrived, waiting for Zhao Zhenqiang to make the final decision.

Zhao Zhenqiang had everyone called into the conference room so they could assess the situation before making a decision.

Before long, Tang Zhenye, Miao Qiaowei, Huang Rihua, Chen Yulian, Chen Fusheng and others came in together. They were all dressed up and wearing costumes.

As for Qian Xiaohao, he didn't come because Zhang Che completely ignored the request sent from his side.

Therefore, the actor for Zhan Zhao is already a done deal; it's definitely Huang Rihua.

However, director Zhao Zhenqiang still had someone do Huang Rihua's makeup, and now that we've seen the results, it's indeed quite good, so there shouldn't be any more changes.

The actress originally cast as Pang Feiyan was Chen Yulian, but when the role was reported to Liu Fanggang, he brought up Chen Fusheng again, saying that it would be better to give her another chance, let her and Chen Yulian do makeup together, and see the effect before making a decision.

Zhao Zhenqiang naturally wouldn't refuse him, and nodded in agreement.

Judging from the final makeup results, Chen Yulian is still better. To put it simply, the latter has a certain temperament, making her appear more lively and charming, and more appealing to the audience.

As for the casting of Gongsun Ce, it put Zhao Zhenqiang in a bit of a dilemma.

Miao Qiaowei was dressed in white with a black overcoat, and he looked handsome and refined, truly embodying the image of a refined gentleman in a turbulent world.

However, his weakness is that he is too masculine. He is more like a young swordsman in a martial arts drama, the kind who hides his true abilities, rather than a scholar like Gongsun Ce who is weak and powerless.

(Michael Miu in period costume)

Tang Zhenye's image is quite different from Miao Qiaowei's.

His appearance was actually quite good, with a handsome face, but he had a touch of charm and femininity, making him appear more refined. At first glance, he seemed like a delicate scholar, while there seemed to be a hidden undercurrent in his eyes.

When young, this kind of face can be used to play gentle and delicate young men, but as people get older and their facial muscles thin out, they are more likely to look like villains.

(Tang Zhenye's period costume look)

Although Zhang Shuai'an is more emotionally inclined towards Miao Qiaowei, in terms of role fit alone, Tang Zhenye is indeed slightly better.

As for Tang Zhenye and Weng Meiling's affairs, what does that have to do with him? Besides, it hasn't even happened in this timeline yet.

"Who do you think is more suitable?"

Zhao Zhenqiang didn't draw a conclusion directly, but instead asked the others.

Fatty Wang, always quick-witted, smiled and said, "Ah Wei is handsome, and Ah Ye is dashing; they each have their own merits. Director Zhao, you surely know what's going on, so please don't make things difficult for us."

Liu Fanggang was impartial, saying that both of them were his beloved students: "In terms of appearance, Aye is indeed more like a gentle scholar like Gongsun Ce, but Awei is not without his advantages. He has a dignified appearance, which makes him more believable when playing positive roles."

The others also shared their opinions.

Zhao Zhenqiang looked at Zhang Shuai'an: "Anzai, you're the screenwriter, who do you think is better?"

After considering it, Zhang Shuai'an said, "Let's go with Mr. Miao."

In "Young Justice Bao", Gongsun Ce is a perfectionist who insists on the truth, and Miao Qiaowei is undoubtedly more suitable in this respect.

Although Zhang Shuai'an thought he didn't care about Tang Zhenye and Weng Meiling's affair, it ultimately affected his judgment slightly.

"Alright, then Miao Qiaowei will play Gongsun Ce." Zhao Zhenqiang nodded, then said to Tang Zhenye, "Sorry, please go back now. I'll look for you again next time!"

"Thank you, Producer Zhao, and thank you everyone. I'll take my leave now." Tang Zhenye thanked everyone again, and before leaving, he gave Zhang Shuai'an a deep look.

For those who stayed behind, Zhao Zhenqiang gave each of them a script and told them to start reading it now.

Zhao Zhenqiang said to Liu Fanggang, "Uncle Fang, please tell me the rest of the cast list."

"Due to time constraints, I have only finalized the cast for the first unit so far."

Liu Fanggang is responsible for managing TVB's artists and coordinating actors' schedules for various production crews.

He only received the fax from Zhao Zhenqiang in the early hours of last night. He got up and arranged personnel without sleeping. Now he can fill the cast of the first unit. His efficiency is already ridiculously high.

"Besides the five main characters, the other characters with more significant roles have been coordinated and arranged to join the cast. The list is as follows:"

The role of Bao Da Niang was cast as Miss Xia Ping, the role of Grand Tutor Pang was cast as Liu Dan, and the Eighth Prince invited Liu Songren to make a guest appearance.

Shen Liang will be played by Lü Liangwei, Xiao Ai will be played by Jing Daiyin, and Prefect Gongsun Zhen will be played by Wang Yongwei (PS: Yue Buqun).

The role of Crown Prince Lee Gang of Goryeo was played by Lee Guk-rin, the other prince Lee Hee by Liao Qizhi, Minister Choi Kwang-ho by Jang Kwok-cheong, Princess Kim So-hee by Hui Ying-hong in a cameo role, and General Park Jung-ho of Goryeo by Ho Ka-tung…

It must be said that there are quite a few actors with names and identities in "Young Justice Bao".

Fortunately, apart from the main actors, many of them were just background characters, and their screen time was actually less than one might imagine.

In the afternoon, Zhang Shuai'an and the others went to get their makeup done, change into their costumes, and take some costume photos and posters.

Zhang Shuai'an, with his face blackened and dressed in ancient costume, was still as handsome as an immortal, with a hint of the unremarkable Han Laomo. Even Zhao Yazhi, who was a little tired of acting with handsome men, couldn't help but feel refreshed.

Chen Yulian couldn't help but exclaim, "I never expected that, apart from being a bit crazy, you're actually quite handsome."

Zhang Shuai'an chuckled to himself, "That white-clad female ghost from last night really was you!"

Chen Yulian glared at him, displeased: "What white-clad female ghost? I was just enjoying the breeze on the balcony, and you're saying I'm going to jump? Did I wrong to call you crazy?"

"I didn't scold you wrong!" Zhang Shuai'an took the initiative to release a conciliatory signal: "Then I was wrong, I apologize, let's shake hands and let's let this matter pass. Don't bring up old grievances in the future and affect the filming schedule."

"Hmph!" Chen Yulian snorted lightly, but still shook hands with him.

"Having a slight contact with Chen Yulian grants 50 Star Points, activating the buff [Charming Eyes], which increases the instant favorability of the opposite sex by more than 30% during its use."

This buff is actually quite useful.

Zhang Shuai'an immediately released it onto Chen Yulian.

"Why are you winking at me?!" Chen Yulian felt, in a daze, that Zhang Shuai'an had suddenly become much more handsome, and a feeling of goodwill arose in her heart, but she said firmly, "Let go of me, or I'll hold a grudge again!"

Zhang Shuai'an smiled and released her.

The next day, at noon.

The filming of "Young Detective Bao Qingtian" officially began at the Qingshui Bay film set with a blessing ceremony.