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

Zhang Qilin interrupted Sun Yu:

"Will all of these be suitable for my photoshoot?"

"Of course, I've already talked to them about it."

"I want to shoot a film with a Republican-era theme, and I need someone who understands Kyoto culture during that period to provide on-site guidance."

"Ah~ Brother Lin, is it really necessary to go to such lengths?"

"I am currently participating in the rehearsals of the play 'Rickshaw Boy' at the theater, and Weibo is also following up with reports. If the magazine can shoot along with this theme, the magazine's sales should be even better when the play is officially performed."

Sun Yu pondered for a moment on the other end of the phone:

"Brother Lin, your idea is good, but we need to find someone who understands the culture of Kyoto during the Republic of China era to provide on-site guidance. This will take some effort."

"But since it helps magazine sales, they should be willing to cooperate. I'll contact a few magazines right away to see which one is willing to cooperate."

"You need to get this done as soon as possible, preferably within the next day or two. You must find someone who really knows the business, as this is crucial for my understanding and portrayal of the character," Zhang Qilin earnestly instructed.

"So rushed? I'll contact them as soon as possible," Sun Yu said.

"Okay, I'll wait for your message."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Qilin stretched his body.

His thinking was simple: since it was difficult to distinguish, then he wouldn't bother trying to distinguish.

The divination slip also advised him to focus on himself.

So he used other channels to find people familiar with that period to consult, so he wouldn't be influenced by others.

The following afternoon.

The rehearsal hall of the "Camel Xiangzi" film crew.

"Xiao Shunzi, what's the panic? You're feeling guilty because you didn't pay the car rental fee, but don't let your legs wander."

"If you're giving too much emotional support, tone it down a bit and leave some space."

Each time a correction was made, Zhang Qilin immediately nodded and responded earnestly.

"Understood, Director."

"Okay, I'll be more careful."

He did not attempt to defend himself, nor did he show any embarrassment at being corrected in public.

He used his own understanding of realism to get closer to the character.

But he also knew that he was still far from meeting the director's requirements.

To portray the authenticity of people from that era, he needed to find people familiar with that time as soon as possible.

Help him fully understand the character, instead of just giving a superficial performance.

Not long after, he was stopped again.

Director Gu Wei walked to the edge of the stage and pointed to his earlier action:

"When you dodged Master Liu's feint kick, your movement was too wide. Xiao Shunzi was clever; he didn't jump away, he slipped away like an eel."

"Keep your center of gravity low, move your feet quickly, but keep your upper body swaying minimally. This will make him seem like he's handling the situation with ease. Your movement just now seemed a bit flustered, unlike someone who's a seasoned veteran at the car factory."

After listening to Director Gu Wei's words, Zhang Qilin said sincerely:

"Director Koo, I'll try again."

After saying that, he returned to his original position, took a deep breath, and composed himself.

When he performed it again, he deliberately lowered his center of gravity, and his feet were as flexible and steady as if they were springs.

When Master Liu feigned a kick, he turned his body to the side and glided away as lightly as an eel, showing the cleverness that Xiao Shunzi had gained from his experience in the car factory.

Director Gu Wei nodded after watching it.

Although he was still far from the Xiao Shunzi he wanted, he let the scene pass.

He could tell that Zhang Qilin hadn't fully grasped the character yet, but their previous collaboration on that project made him more tolerant of Zhang Qilin.

He secretly hoped that Zhang Qilin could quickly grasp the character and portray the Xiao Shunzi he envisioned.

otherwise.

When Director Gu Wei turned around, he saw Chen Mo sitting in the audience.

If Zhang Qilin hasn't met the requirements by the deadline, Chen Mo can still be used.

Chen Mo's performance was a bit too much of an imitation, but it was steady.

On stage, sometimes being steady is more important than anything else.

The next scene is a duel between Xiao Shunzi and Hu Niu.

This was a considerable challenge for him, because Tiger Girl was feisty and assertive, and Xiao Shunzi had to show fear of her while maintaining his own cleverness.

Zhang Qilin composed himself and walked towards Hu Niu.

When Tiger Girl started to confront him, questioning him about the car rental fee, Zhang Qilin lowered his head slightly.

A hint of fear flickered in his eyes, but he kept stealing glances at Tiger Girl, trying to find an opportunity to ease the tension from her expression.

However, director Gu Wei called for a halt again, frowning as he said:

"Zhang Qilin, your portrayal of fear here is too one-dimensional. When Xiao Shunzi faces Hu Niu, besides fear, there is also a sense of helpless maneuvering. He is actually calculating how to pay less for the car service without making Hu Niu too angry. You need to express this complex psychology."

Zhang Qilin quickly said:

"Director Gu, I understand. I'll make some adjustments."

He returned to his original position, carefully pondering the director's words, and trying to construct Xiao Shunzi's state of mind at this moment.

Chen Mo watched Zhang Qilin's performance from below the stage with a meaningful smile on his face.

He could tell that Zhang Qilin wanted to portray Xiao Shunzi realistically.

But now it's a new society, where can you find a rickshaw driver from the Republic of China era to experience life?

Plays are acted out, not lived out.

He felt that Zhang Qilin was wasting his efforts, but he would not let his guard down because of it.

Last time, because he opened champagne halfway through, this guy ended up getting the chance to compete with him for the role.

He will never make the same mistake twice.

During the break, Zhang Qilin sat down to rehydrate, and Sun Zhenhai quietly moved over.

He pulled a yellowed old book out of his bag; the cover was blurred, but the words "A True Account of Life in Beiping" were still faintly visible.

"I found this at a street stall two years ago," he said, turning to a page and pointing to a passage of text. "Look here, it's a special section about the slang and rules of rickshaw pullers."

Zhang Qilin leaned closer to take a closer look.

The page Sun Zhenhai turned to read:

"There are shrewd drivers who only pick on rich customers, know how to tailor their services to the customer, quote inflated prices, and take detours. They can earn 30% more money than honest drivers every day."

"This Xiao Shunzi," Sun Zhenhai tapped the passage lightly, "Although it's not explicitly stated in the play, think about it, how could he get along so well at the car factory, getting occasional favors from Master Liu? He must have some shrewdness, right?"

Zhang Qilin seemed lost in thought:

"You mean, he actually belongs to this slick type?"

"Not entirely, but definitely related." Sun Zhenhai closed the book and handed it to Zhang Qilin. "Take a look, and focus on Chapters 3 and 7. There are some interesting details, such as how a driver can tell if a passenger is a first-time rider and how to take longer routes without angering the passenger."

Zhang Qilin gratefully accepted the book:

"Thank you, Professor Sun. This information is invaluable."

"Don't mention it," Sun Zhenhai patted him on the shoulder, "We're all in the same group, it's only right that we help each other out."

Chen Mo, who was not far away, looked over and saw the two talking, his eyes filled with disdain.

Zhang Qilin, who was looking up, happened to see this look, and Chen Mo immediately put on a polite smile.

It was as if nothing had happened.

In the evening, Sun Yu called:

"Brother Lin, we contacted three magazines, and in the end, Family and Esquire agreed. Family was already planning a retro series, but Esquire wanted to meet with you to discuss it."