Reborn in the Chinese Entertainment Industry: You're a Director, But You're a Casanova?

In the mainland entertainment industry in 03, the most cost-effective publicity method was open casting.

When Zhang Da Huzi was filming "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" and "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils", he dominated the headlines in the media for several months by making a controversy over the replacement of his co-star.

Liu Yuehua was well aware of this, so Yixin Media did not spend a penny on public relations. They simply asked Zhuzhu to help release a press release photo of "Flying Man" on a portal website. The media in the entire film and television industry rushed over like sharks smelling blood.

The lineup in the press release is too bizarre and too controversial.

Feng Gong plays the lead role in the play, Jiang Wen plays a supporting role, and even Song Dandan has joined the cast.

However, Fan Yi's position was deliberately left blank, indicating that it was a nationwide audition, leading onlookers to believe that it was for casting actors.

Only Liu Yuehua and Jiang Wen had planned this all along; this was a scheme to manipulate fans and gain popularity for free.

Liu Yuehua asked Lao Tian to help him borrow a classroom from a school.

On that day, the area outside the school gate was packed with people using cameras and microphones.

A row of long tables was set up in the classroom, with only three people sitting there: Liu Yuehua, Jiang Wen, and Feng Gong.

There was also Liu Yifei and her classmates, who considered themselves the hosts and were busy helping to call out the numbers.

Liu Yifei was there to help Liu Yuehua, while the other classmates were there to show off in front of the big shots and make their presence known.

The auditions lasted from morning until afternoon, with various leading actresses making their appearances.

The first one to come in was Chen Hao, who had just become incredibly famous for her role as the most popular girl in the Pink Lady series.

She walked in with seductive eyes and exuded confidence.

She acted out a scene where Fan Yi interrogated Zhou Ping. After the performance, Jiang Wen shook his head repeatedly behind the surveillance area, picked up a pen and drew an X on the list, and waited for Chen Hao to leave.

Feng Gong looked at Jiang Wen, "What? You don't think it's okay?"

Jiang Wen glanced at Liu Yuehua, his eyes conveying: Your master doesn't know about this?

Liu Yuehua shook his head.

So Jiang Wen repeated his comments about Chen Hao from yesterday to Feng Gong.

Feng Gong nodded, agreeing with Jiang Wen's analysis.

The second person to enter was Yuan Quan, and he was the same.

Then they tried several second-tier actresses, including some who tried to get in through connections, but without exception, all of them were rejected by Jiang Wen's sharp eye and Liu Yuehua's realistic business considerations.

It wasn't until after 3 p.m. that the last person to audition, Xu Qing, pushed open the classroom door.

At just over thirty, she wasn't wearing much makeup, but the arrogance of someone from a wealthy family and the charm emanating from her mature woman instantly filled the entire classroom.

"Hello, directors, I'm Xu Qing." Her voice was sweet and charming, but it didn't sound artificial at all.

Liu Yuehua nodded. Like the others before him, there was no need for pleasantries, since they had no connection, so he went straight to the scene.

Xu Qing took off her coat and walked to the center of the classroom.

She played the scene where Fanyi completely broke off all pretense of civility on a stormy night, preventing Zhou Ping from leaving.

Logically speaking, on the stage, to accommodate the audience at a distance, the movements and expressions should be quite exaggerated. However, Xu Qing simply leaned against the door frame, slightly raised his chin, and his eyes revealed a repressed madness, as well as a hunger that craved young life.

The way she looked at Jiang Wen, who was playing the role of Zhou Ping, was like looking at a sheep that was ready to be swallowed whole, skin and bones.

"Your father is mine, and so are you. The men of your Zhou family owe me."

The delivery of the lines was so steady that Liu Yuehua, sitting behind the monitor, couldn't help but gasp.

"There are still many excellent actresses. In the future, I can no longer use the excuse of giving acting advice to have in-depth exchanges with them. I can only learn acting skills from them."

"Alright, Teacher Xu, thank you for your hard work." Liu Yuehua didn't mince words and said it directly.

"Let's wait for news."

Xu Qing didn't ask any more questions. She nodded, put on her coat, and left politely, decisively and with absolute confidence.

The audition is over.

Feng Gong took Niu Qun outside to deal with the reporters, leaving only Liu Yuehua and Jiang Wen in the classroom.

"See? I told you so, didn't I? Only she can achieve such a perfect harmony."

Liu Yuehua nodded.

"Brother Jiang's eye for talent is indeed sharp," Liu Yuehua said with a smile.

"This role is well-chosen. I'll invite Teacher Xu to dinner tonight to finalize the details of the contract and have a deeper conversation about the character's inner world."

This statement clearly carries a strong slang or code word connotation.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wen turned around and gave Liu Yuehua a serious but warning look.

"Yuehua, what you do outside, which minor actress you sleep with, that's your private business, I don't care."

Jiang Wen lowered his voice, his tone more serious than ever before.

"But Xu Qing, you'd better not even touch it, and don't even have such thoughts."

Liu Yuehua was taken aback.

"What's wrong, Brother Jiang? I don't know much about her. Is she already taken? Or is she some big shot's plaything?"

"It's much more troublesome than that."

Jiang Wen moved a little closer, and in this empty classroom where no one else was around, he revealed a secret that would terrify an ordinary filmmaker.

"Do you think she can get away with anything in the industry just because of her background? News in the industry is often outdated."

Jiang Wen said coldly.

"She has a boyfriend, but you might not know this because you were out there recently. He's gone to Japan."

Liu Yuehua was shocked to hear the news that he had fled.

Some private life issues are fine, but when it comes to this kind of issue, one can't help but be cautious.

"This woman's background is now a dangerous time bomb."

Jiang Wen continued to analyze the pros and cons.

"She has connections with that person. If these higher-ups start investigating, everyone who has had deep conflicts of interest with him will be taken in for questioning."

Jiang Wen patted Liu Yuehua on the shoulder.

"Your company is just starting out; I doubt it can withstand scrutiny."

"If you really get into trouble because you can't control your lower body, then this isn't making a movie; this is digging a hole for yourself."

These words were like a bucket of ice water, precisely extinguishing the simmering anger in Liu Yuehua's heart.

Liu Yuehua's mind cleared instantly.

His survival logic is to seek advantage and avoid harm; he can dance on the edge of a knife, but he will never gamble with his life.

Beauty may be alluring, but it is worthless in the face of absolute risk and one's life.

He quickly completed the risk assessment in his mind.

"I've learned a lot, Brother Jiang." Liu Yuehua regained his composure.

"I understand, all we need is good looks and acting skills."

"I'll think about this person some more."

"Huh? Filming a movie, is that okay? I just don't want you to touch her."

Liu Yuehua shook his head.

"China doesn't lack a suitable actress. I'll train them to improve their acting skills, and I won't touch those with problems."

Jiang Wen nodded helplessly.

"Alright, you're right. People who achieve great things should never let their lower bodies influence their judgment."

"Since we didn't give her any guarantees, let's think about who to choose again."