I really didn't intend to make a living based on my looks.

Cai Yinong walked out of the film set and got into the car parked on the side of the road.

The car door closed, shutting out the noise from outside.

The assistant, sitting in the passenger seat, turned to look at her: "Ms. Cai, will you sign that document?"

Cai Yinong unscrewed his thermos and took a sip of water: "Of course. Is there a better option than us?"

"What if she signs with another company?"

Cai Yinong put down his thermos, the smile fading from his lips: "This role isn't given away for nothing. If she knows what's good for her, everything will be fine. If she doesn't, she'll have to spit it out the way she swallowed it."

The assistant nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

The car started and slowly drove out of the film set.

Cai Yinong leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes for a moment, and suddenly asked, "By the way, what do you think of that guy named Jiang Chen from the 'Swords of Legends' next door?"

The assistant thought for a moment: "They're newcomers with no notable works, but with director Kong Sheng at the helm, Tencent Video investing, and people from Shandong Film and Television involved, the lineup is quite strong."

Cai Yinong opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the rapidly receding shadows of trees outside the car window: "The Gujian IP is no less valuable than ours. Our Xuanyuan Sword project this time is mainly to promote Jiang Jinfu. If Jiang Chen rises to prominence through Gujian, he will also be a threat to us."

"So what do you mean?"

"Let's do it the old way. Suppress his momentum in advance, and gather some dirt on him, just in case."

"clear."

The assistant turned around, took out his phone, and started sending messages.

……

Over the next month or so, Jiang Chen became even busier, as he needed to be involved in many things on set.

Kong Sheng also brought in his old partners Li Xue and Sun Molong, finalizing the core team of the director. The tacit understanding between the three over the years made the pre-production work of the crew go very smoothly.

On June 15, Kong Sheng, Li Xue, Sun Molong, and Jiang Daqiang officially registered and established Dongyang Zhengwu Sunshine Film and Television Co., Ltd., with a registered capital of 3 million yuan.

It's two months ahead of the original world!

Kong Sheng invested 180 million yuan, holding 60% of the shares, and served as the legal representative.

Li Xue and Sun Molong each contributed 45 yuan, each holding 15% of the shares.

Jiang Daqiang invested 30 yuan, accounting for 10%.

Jiang Chen paid for it.

He took 30 yuan from the profits and sales of "The Power of Love" and invested it in his father's name.

He originally had 51 yuan, and in the past two months, he received 32 yuan in commissions from GG and ringtones.

It certainly can't compare to the explosive growth period when it was first launched, but it has the advantage of a steady, long-term effect.

In other words, he had 83 yuan in hand, invested 30 yuan, and had 53 yuan left!

He then took out another 10 yuan and registered "Jiang Chen Personal Studio", which is a sole proprietorship.

The studio is affiliated with Zhengwu Sunshine.

Zhengwu is a new company and does not yet have a complete artist management business. There is no need to share revenue with affiliated companies, and Zhengwu does not take a cut. The studio operates independently.

Jiang Chen did this for two reasons. First, it's for compliance. In the future, when he takes on roles, endorsements, or engages in commercial activities, he can use his studio's accounts, which will make taxation clear and invoicing convenient.

Secondly, it prepares for the future. Once the studio is up and running, we can sign new talent and build a team without having to start from scratch.

He's currently the only one in the studio, a lone wolf, but the framework is in place first, and people will be added gradually later.

At the end of June, the production team finalized its core production team.

The art director was Shao Changyong, Kong Sheng's long-time collaborator, who also designed the sets for films like "Crossing the Guandong" and "Life and Death Line".

We hired Ru Meiqi as the stylist, which was recommended by Jiang Ye.

She is the go-to person for the future Zhengwu team, and she designed "Nirvana in Fire", "The Disguiser" and "Battle of Changsha".

The costume design follows an "Eastern fantasy" theme, aiming for an ethereal, fairy-tale feel without being too flamboyant.

The photography team is the same group that Kong Sheng brought from Shanying. They have worked together for many years, so their level of understanding goes without saying.

The action director was Chen Weitao, who came from TVB and designed the action scenes for "Chinese Paladin 3". He has a wealth of experience.

It's fair to say that this team is even stronger than the original one!

On July 3, the film crew gathered in Hengdian.

The hotel he checked into was still the China World Trade Center, the same one Jiang Chen stayed at when he filmed "Palace" last time, except this time his room was changed from a double room to a single room.

The script readings were held in the conference room on the second floor of the hotel for five consecutive days, from morning to night. All actors had to be present, and those who didn't show up were replaced.

This is Kong Sheng's rule, and no one dares to break it.

When Jiang Chen arrived at the conference room, most of the people were already seated.

The long table was filled with actors on both sides; some were flipping through scripts, some were chatting quietly, and some were looking down at their phones.

He sat down by the window, opened the script, and began to read silently.

Yang Zi leaned over from the opposite side, holding a pen in her hand, and winked at him.

She played Fuqu, the personal disciple of the Tianyong City leader, and the senior sister of Baili Tusu and Ling Yue. She was also the character later played by Dilraba. She had a gentle and steady personality and was the well-behaved and upright senior sister in the sect.

Zhang Yisan didn't come; his ancient costume look was just too ugly, so he wasn't selected.

Li Xian was also not selected...

How so?

These two are pretty much the same in their period costumes...

The casting process was mainly led by Kong Sheng's team, but Jiang Chen offered many suggestions on the selection of supporting actors.

He's the screenwriter of this show, and he's one of our own people, so his words carry some weight.

This wasn't because he wanted to seize power, but because he was all too aware of the problems with the original "Gu Jian" game!

A drama series, from beginning to end, saw the lives of most of its actors ruined...

Let's not even talk about the male lead; Jiang Chen has already saved him.

The actress who plays the little fox spirit Xiangling is Shangzi; the actress who plays Fang Ruqin is Zhang Meng; and the actress who makes a guest appearance as Baili Tusu's mother, Han Xiuning, is Lulu...

That wasn't the end of it. Several supporting characters in the show later had negative incidents, either losing their jobs due to moral failings or being banned for breaking the law.

Huanrui was in despair at the time. What the hell were they going to do?

Even the mosaic can't be cleared up...

Jiang Chen is being so proactive now, but it's really just because he wants to keep his show. It's a long story with many regrets.

Xunfang, Jiang Chen recommended Tong Liya.

After one phone call, Tong Liya agreed without hesitation, without even discussing the fee, only saying, "You're a true friend, I'll remember this favor."

Hongyu was given to Liu Tao at noon.

Xiangling, Jiang Chen recommended Mao Xiaotong.

This girl acted in "The Goddess Detective," and her acting was good. She has a sweet appearance, which fits the quirky and clever character of Xiangling. Moreover, she didn't have any scandals later on.

Sitting next to Jiang Chen was Chen Weiting, who played Ling Yue, the senior brother of Tianyong City.

He had just come to the mainland from Hong Kong to develop his career. Although he already had songs and film and television works in Hong Kong, he was still a complete newcomer in the eyes of mainland audiences. His Mandarin was not fluent to begin with, and his script was densely covered with pinyin.

He meticulously prepared and thought through every line of dialogue beforehand, demonstrating an exceptionally diligent and earnest attitude. It's clear that he cherishes this opportunity to film in mainland China.

There were nearly forty people sitting in the conference room.

The long table was packed with people on both sides, and an extra row of folding chairs was added at the back. Actors who couldn't sit down leaned against the wall and stood reading their scripts.

For five days, no one asked for leave, no one was late, and no one dared to offend Kong Sheng.

July 10, Hengdian World Studios, Qin Palace Scenic Area.

The filming of "Gu Jian Qi Tan" has officially begun.

……