Seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, I became a legend in the entertainment industry by avo

Chapter 117 Zhang Qilin's Future Arrangements

A soft laugh came from the other end of the phone: "We exchanged contact information backstage at CCTV the other day, but haven't had a chance to chat until now. I watched your performance last night, so I wanted to call and congratulate you."

Zhang Qilin politely replied, "Thank you, Ms. Lin."

"Don't be so polite, just call me Xinru," Lin Xinru said with a smile. "Actually, I have a small request, but I don't know if it's convenient to say it."

Zhang Qilin became wary, but his tone remained calm: "Please speak."

Lin Xinru explained, "Well, I'm currently preparing for a new film in mainland China. We're still casting the female lead, but as for the male lead, they keep suggesting we find a newcomer with good acting skills and a good image to co-star with."

"I watched your performance and I think you're really suited for it, so I was wondering if you'd be interested. We can schedule a time to talk."

After listening to Lin Xinru's words, Zhang Qilin said politely, "Ms. Lin is my idol, and I would very much like to work with you. However, I am still in my internship period, and whether I can go out to act is entirely up to the Beijing People's Art Theatre. You can send the invitation to the Beijing People's Art Theatre."

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Upon hearing this, Lin Xinru smiled and replied, "I see. It seems I overlooked that. I'll have someone send the invitation to the Beijing People's Art Theatre right away. I'm really looking forward to working with you."

Zhang Qilin maintained a humble attitude: "I also look forward to cooperating with you. I have other things to attend to, so I'll hang up now."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Qilin continued eating.

On the other side, Lin Xinru stood by the window wearing a silk nightgown, scrolling through the news on her phone.

A pair of strong arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind, and a low, languid Taiwanese accent said, "You're not really going to use that mainland guy, are you?"

The man turned his head slightly, his lips almost touching Lin Xinru's earlobe, his warm breath brushing against her neck.

Lin Xinru didn't dodge, but just chuckled softly, her fingers still casually swiping across the screen.

"How could that be?" she said softly. "Mainlanders have always only ever been good at carrying our sedan chairs."

The man gave a soft "hmm," resting his chin on her shoulder: "Does our play need a newcomer to carry the show?"

Lin Xinru tilted her phone slightly so he could see the screen clearly.

As you scroll down, news items about Zhang Qilin appear one after another.

"This is the show I participated in last time," she said with a hint of disdain. "With my influence in mainland China, there wasn't a ripple on the internet at all, but his popularity hasn't waned since last night. This is something that an ordinary newcomer can't do."

The man looked at the data on the screen and nodded thoughtfully.

"I see," he drawled, a knowing glint in his eyes, "Then we can certainly make use of it."

Lin Xinru gave a soft "Mmm".

in the afternoon.

Zhang Qilin continued rehearsing.

In the conference room, senior executives of the Beijing People's Art Theatre sat on either side of a long table.

Zhang Heping, seated at the head of the table, held his teacup, his gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally settling on Vice Dean Wang, a meaningful look on his face.

With a long smile, he said, "Vice Dean Wang, please tell us the purpose of your meeting."

Instead of speaking directly, Vice President Wang looked at Zhao Tongfu, the director of the performance center.

Zhao Tongfu coughed lightly, and after everyone's attention was focused, he slowly began to speak: "Since last night, the performance center has been receiving invitations from various parties. They hope that Zhang Qilin from our college can participate in their projects. Many of these are our long-term partners, and we have always had a good relationship with them."

"I have reported this to Vice President Pu, and his opinion is to refuse them all. If we don't accept any of these invitations, we will offend many people, and it will probably be difficult for the performance center to carry out its work in the future."

After Zhao Tongfu finished speaking, he picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip of tea.

The people on Vice President Wang's side all looked at Pu Cunxin and the others on the opposite side.

Pu Cunxin sat there calmly, his face expressionless, as if none of this concerned him.

Yang Lixin smiled gently as she stared at the teacup in front of her, as if studying the pattern on it.

The two deputy captains of the actors' team next to Yang Lixin, Wang Ban and Wang Gang, sat upright with just the right amount of seriousness on their faces.

A barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in Zhang Heping's eyes.

Unexpectedly, the department has already held two meetings in just a few days because of an intern.

This made him curious about the intern.

He turned to look at Pu Cunxin: "What did the actors' team say?"

Pu Cunxin remained silent.

Yang Lixin raised her head, a kind smile on her face: "This rule wasn't established overnight; it's the result of decades of experience. Why do newcomers need a two-year internship?"

"A play lasts two hours on stage, watched by hundreds of eyes in the audience. There can be no room for error. If you hone your skills, you can go out and take on roles. That's skill. If you go out before you've mastered the craft, that's like pulling up seedlings to help them grow."

"Zhang Qilin is still in his internship period," he said, looking at Zhao Tongfu across from him. His tone remained kind, but he showed no sign of backing down. "This is precisely the time when he needs to hone his skills on the stage. He shouldn't let these invitations distract him. This is the consistent principle of the actors' team."

After he finished speaking, he leaned back in his chair, his face still bearing that gentle smile.

Vice Dean Wang on the other side nodded slightly, as if to indicate his understanding.

He was silent for a few seconds, then slowly said, "I agree with everything Lixin said."

He looked at Yang Lixin with a calm gaze: "The rules of the Beijing People's Art Theatre cannot be broken, and newcomers need to be trained. These are all fine."

He paused, then changed the subject: "However, we can't ignore our partnerships. Many of these invitations come from long-time friends who have approached us directly. If we refuse them all, what do they think, even if they don't say it?"

After he finished speaking, he looked at Zhao Tongfu.

Zhao Tongfu immediately understood and looked at the actors on the other side: "Zhang Qilin is very popular right now. If we can get him involved in some high-quality projects, and at the same time bring some of the actors in the theater who can't get leading roles yet, we can go together."

"Not only can it increase the income of these actors, but it can also help to expand their popularity. With increased popularity, audiences will go to the theater to see their plays, which will ultimately boost box office revenue."

Upon hearing this, Pu Cunxin frowned.

This time, the administrative departments came prepared.

If he agrees to the other party's suggestion, he will break the long-standing tradition that newcomers must lay a solid foundation before they can go out and take on acting roles.

This will prevent newcomers from focusing on honing their skills. If he disagrees, he will offend those actors who are still working in the theater but have no fame.

The administrative departments would definitely speak to those actors privately, trying to secure opportunities for them to become famous, but Pu Cunxin wouldn't agree.

Make them feel that you are heartless.

Even if those veteran actors don't say anything, they can't help but feel awkward inside.

It will probably be difficult for the actors' troupe to continue their work in the future.

Whichever option is chosen, it will cause chaos within the actors' team.

He turned to look at Yang Lixin.

Yang Lixin still wore that gentle smile, but her eyes darkened, clearly indicating that she was also considering a solution.

Wang Ban and Wang Gang, who were standing next to Yang Lixin, had conflicted expressions.

They have no shortage of acting opportunities, but some of their friends, as Vice President Wang said, make it difficult for them to express their opinions.

For a moment, the conference room fell into a subtle silence.

After a moment, Pu Cunxin slowly said, "I agree with the administrative department's opinion—"

Yang Lixin turned to look at him in surprise.

Vice President Wang's expression also tightened.

Last time, his carefully prepared strategy was easily countered by Pu Cunxin. This time, he was fully prepared and determined not to let Pu Cunxin turn the tables again.

"However," Pu Cunxin continued.

really.

Vice Dean Wang's heart sank; he knew it wasn't that simple.

Pu Cunxin looked at him and said calmly, "I hope it will be a few months later."

"Why?" Vice Dean Wang asked cautiously, "How will he mentor others after his popularity wanes in a few months?"

"Because we have decided that after Zhang Qilin finishes acting in 'Rickshaw Boy,' he will join the 'Wotou Guild Hall' production team to learn," Pu Cunxin said slowly.

Upon hearing this, many people in the conference room widened their eyes.

Although "Wotou Guild Hall" is not as well-known as "Camel Xiangzi".

However, the play brought together an "all-star" cast including Pu Cunxin, Song Dandan, Yang Lixin, Xu Fan, and He Bing.

In 2009, the film grossed over 1800 million yuan.

This directly contributed to the Beijing People's Art Theatre's annual box office exceeding 2000 million yuan for the first time.

This is a show that all the actors in the theater are watching closely.

Why bring in a newcomer like Zhang Qilin?

What do those veteran actors think about this?

Vice Dean Wang asked, "Why did you send Zhang Qilin to study at the 'Wotou Guild Hall'?"

Pu Cunxin said matter-of-factly, "You want him to take people out to act, but he hasn't laid a solid foundation yet. When he joins 'Wotou Guild Hall,' I will arrange for him to learn all the roles and further hone his acting skills. That way, when he goes out, he won't tarnish the reputation of Beijing People's Art Theatre."

Upon hearing this, Vice President Wang felt an urge to vomit blood.

He was originally setting a trap for Pu Cunxin.

Unexpectedly, Pu Cunxin dug an even deeper pit for him.

Zhang Qilin's joining the "Wotou Guild Hall" production team for training not only delayed the production but also offended some of the supporting actors.

Those who can play supporting roles in "Wotou Guild Hall" are all of high status at the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

If not a pillar of the organization, then a future mainstay.

And yet, a newcomer like Zhang Qilin, whose talent is uncertain, comes in and they haven't even assigned him a role.

Doesn't this make all the supporting characters feel insecure?

Pu Cunxin's move put him in a difficult position.

If they disagree, his plan will fail.

I agree, it would be so embarrassing for anyone to be replaced by a newcomer like Zhang Qilin.

These people must hate him to death.

Vice President Wang was inwardly groaning, but he couldn't directly reject Pu Cunxin's proposal.

Pu Cunxin's immediate refusal gave him ample reason to prevent Zhang Qilin from bringing people to perform outside the theater.

Then his proposal has completely failed.

What will the actors who know the truth think then? What prestige will he have left?

Vice Dean Wang remained silent for a few seconds, his facial muscles twitching slightly.

He picked up his teacup, using the act of drinking water to buy time.

Things have come to this point, and he needs to come up with a way to mitigate the losses.