Huayu 2015, the Artist of Light and Shadow

……

"Xiao Zhang, let's have dinner together after I'm done."

To be fair, Lu Yunzhou can honestly say that the casting process was completely just, open, and fair.

Zhang Ruonan got this role entirely because of her talent.

Now that Zhang Ruonan had gained the approval of all the other judges, Lu Yunzhou no longer concealed the relationship between the two of them.

It's appropriate to act a little more intimate.

He's not the kind of cold-blooded, heartless robot; of course, he'll take extra care of his mother's best friend's daughter.

"Okay, Director."

Zhang Ruonan gave Lu Yunzhou a sweet smile, then noticed that the others were looking at her with strange eyes, so she smiled back at them in a friendly manner.

However, its sweetness content is much lower.

She walked out of the door properly, closed it, and calmly went to a secluded corner. Then, she stopped acting and started waving her little hands wildly, releasing her inner excitement.

"Sister Nan is invincible!"

"Sister Nan's performance just now was absolutely flawless!"

"That old judge was completely dumbfounded!"

After venting her emotions, Zhang Ruonan immediately sent her mother good news: "Mom, I did it! You don't need to wait for me tonight, I might be a little late coming home."

"???"

Mom asked three questions.

Zhang Ruonan thought for a moment and said, "After I pass the audition, someone should approach me to sign a contract. Sister Tangtang has helped me so much before, I think I should sign this agency contract with her."

In the entertainment industry, there are few good people and many bad people.

However, Tang Yan had helped him so much, and given the good relationship between Lu Yunzhou and Tang Yan, it was impossible for Tang Yan to betray him.

Because his brother Yunzhou couldn't possibly stand by and watch Tang Yan trick him.

"Xiaonan, you're finally starting to look like a grown-up. Mom is truly happy for you."

The reason was impeccable, and Mom didn't say anything.

Not long after Zhang Ruonan finished making the call, she suddenly felt a small shadow flash past behind her.

She immediately turned around alertly.

A pretty and charming face appeared before her.

The pretty girl in front of me is about the same height as her, looks harmless, and has a sweet and lovely smile.

Most importantly, this young beauty has a unique temperament; she is both delicate and charming, yet also possesses a touch of spiritedness, creating a striking contrast.

It makes people remember it at a glance.

"Who are you?"

Zhang Ruonan instinctively sensed the presence of an enemy.

The woman's intuition told her that this woman had a close relationship with Lu Yunzhou.

"My name is Chen Yuqi. You can call me Qiqi. I'm an artist from Sister Tangtang's studio."

Chen Yuqi introduced herself, then smiled warmly at Zhang Ruonan: "Congratulations on passing the audition. We'll be seeing each other often in the same production crew. By the way, Sister Tangtang asked me to ask you if you want to sign your management contract with her studio?"

Although Tang Yan treated her well, Zhang Ruonan did not immediately agree to such a big deal as signing a contract.

She hesitated for a moment before saying, "I need to ask Brother Yunzhou's opinion first."

"Um?"

Hearing this, Chen Yuqi blinked, a hint of doubt in her eyes: "Why do you need to ask Brother Xiaochuan's opinion when you're signing the contract?"

Little Boat Guy?

You call me so affectionately!

You damn green tea b*tch!

At this moment, Zhang Ruonan didn't know why, but she felt a little jealous.

But outwardly, she remained calm and, feigning curiosity, asked, "Why do you call him 'Little Boat Brother'?"

Chen Yuqi had no reservations about Zhang Ruonan and casually explained, "It's a nickname Uncle Da gave me. I think it's quite endearing. Besides, everyone calls him that. Sister Tangtang sometimes calls him Little Boat Brother too."

Why is Tang Yan calling him so affectionately?

She's 32 years old, and she still has unrealistic ideas about our Yunzhou?

"By the way, Xiao Zhang, you haven't answered me yet. Why did you ask Xiao Chuan Ge's opinion?"

Chen Yuqi was indeed quite curious.

Zhang Ruonan blinked, then suddenly leaned closer to Chen Yuqi and said mysteriously, "It's a secret that makes women more attractive."

After saying that, she took a half step back, enjoying the other person's puzzled yet curious expression, her heart practically pounding with pride.

What makes you think you can compare to me?

She felt that she and Chen Yuqi were different. "You two are at most colleagues, but we're an unmarried couple who almost went on a blind date."

"Lead the way, Sister Qiqi."

After chatting for a while, Zhang Ruonan learned that Chen Yuqi was born in 92, a few months older than Lu Yunzhou, and immediately felt much less of a threat.

Women age very quickly.

She is four years younger than Chen Yuqi, which gives her a huge advantage.

In the dating market, the two of them are not even in the same league.

……

Inside the audition room.

"I think we should call it a day."

With time running out, and although a few roles were still undecided, it wouldn't have a significant impact. Lu Yunzhou packed up his documents and prepared to leave work.

Ji Rujing added from the side, "I'll go to the acting school to find someone to pick out the remaining supporting roles for you, and I'll try to give you an answer before next week."

"Thank you for your help, Sister Ji."

Lu Yunzhou had gotten to know Ji Rujing's work abilities very well over the past few days; she was definitely a strong woman.

After all, Lu Yunzhou was willing to give Ji Rujing a sincere evaluation for bringing someone with Tang Yan's professional skills to the top: a top-notch support.

"Let's go, ginger slices, have a meal together."

Lu Yunzhou said this to the kiwi fruit judge.

Next, the other party will join the production team as a producer, managing the finances and contacting filming locations.

He will become the head of logistics.

"Director Lu, don't be so polite. Just call me Lao Jiang."

The producer sent by Kiwifruit is named Jiang Bing. He is not old, just over thirty, but he has already made a name for himself at Kiwifruit.

However, he mainly helps kiwifruit with variety shows.

This is my first time working on a TV series project.

Therefore, Lu Yunzhou couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "By the way, Jiang, did you join this project on behalf of the company, or did you volunteer?"

Old Jiang smiled shyly and said in a low voice, "Doing variety shows all the time is a bit too tiring. I want to film a TV series to refresh my mind."

Is making variety shows hard work?

This caught Lu Yunzhou somewhat off guard, and he couldn't help but ask again, "What was the last variety show you did?"

Old Jiang glanced at Ji Rujing first, and seeing that Ji Rujing had already packed her things and left, he whispered in Lu Yunzhou's ear, "My last variety show was 'I Love Supermodel'."

Lu Yunzhou suddenly realized something, as if he understood something.

No wonder he said it was a bit tiring.

"By the way, Director Lu, I saw this audition scene today, and there were a lot of aspiring artists who haven't debuted yet. I suddenly had an idea."

"How about after we finish filming this drama, I go back to the company and make a variety show about trainees? About how they train and debut. I think a lot of people would watch it."

"I've already thought of a name for this variety show: 'Idol Producer'!"

Old Jiang slapped his thigh and said with great interest.

Seeing that Lu Yunzhou was deep in thought, he assumed that Lu Yunzhou had some other ideas.

He couldn't help but ask, "Director Lu, what do you think?"

Lu Yunzhou stared blankly at the enthusiastic Jiang Bing in front of him, a wave of emotion rising in his heart.

He never imagined that the variety show that would later shake up the entire domestic entertainment market and usher in the idol era would appear in front of him at this time in this way.

This feeling is truly wonderful.

Coming to his senses, Lu Yunzhou said with utmost seriousness, "I believe this show will be a huge success. A massive hit!"

……

South Korea.

Inside a dance studio for trainees.

Cai Xukun has been in South Korea for over a month, and he misses the happy days back home terribly.

Being a trainee is really tough.

He trained himself until he was drenched in sweat and his thighs cramped. Lying in bed staring at the ceiling, he just wanted to shout something out loud.

—I am a dead man!

("Dead Man" is a very catchy blues song with a touch of soul music, written and composed by Kun Kun. I personally think it's pretty good.)

Just then, Cai Xukun's phone rang. He casually opened it and glanced at it, only to find a name he had been longing for on the caller ID.

Lu Yunzhou.

Cai Xukun answered the phone in a flustered manner, his voice almost trembling with tears, "Big brother, you finally remembered me."

Lu Yunzhou brought him some good news that was almost completely unexpected.

"Ah Kun, our short film has been shortlisted for the Busan International Film Festival, and I officially received the invitation today. Also, when I submitted the application, I added your name as the screenwriter. You can make your debut at the film festival."

Cai Xukun, who debuted from "Idol Producer," is just too abstract. If he had a choice, Lu Yunzhou believes that Cai Xukun would prefer to debut with a more normal identity.

Lu Yunzhou had never heard of Cai Xukun's songs in another time and space, but he had read some reviews online, and they seemed to be much better than Hua Chenyu and Shan Yichun's soul-summoning rituals.

"Debuted at the Busan International Film Festival?"

This was an angle that Cai Xukun had never considered.

If he can debut at a film festival, he might become the number one trainee in history.

But that won't work.

He is a man of principle and would never take shortcuts.

"Brother, I didn't write this script; I only contributed some money. Besides, you've already doubled my initial investment, allowing me to make over ten thousand in just half a month."

"This return on investment is simply astonishing. I've already profited handsomely; how could I possibly steal your glory?"

"Big brother, don't look down on me. I will definitely prove myself with my musical talent!"

After saying that, Cai Xukun almost regretted it and wanted to cry.

His inner voice was screaming: "Aaaaaah! What the hell am I saying?! That's the Busan International Film Festival! Cai Xukun, you big idiot!"

Lu Yunzhou didn't seem surprised.

The Cai Xukun he knew in this world was always arrogant and stubborn, with a strong sense of self-respect.

Compared to the abstract monster in the eyes of netizens from another dimension, it doesn't resemble a human at all.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunzhou changed his invitation: "Then when the Busan International Film Festival opens, can you take some time off? I'll show you around the festival."

After a pause, Lu Yunzhou added, "Have you heard of Director Wang Xiaoshuai? He's the dean of the Film Academy at this year's Busan International Film Festival. He'll treat me to a meal. I'll bring you along."

Who is Wang Xiaoshuai?

Cai Xukun didn't recognize the name at all, but he immediately took out his phone and looked up its origin.

Good guy.

A leading figure among China's sixth generation of directors.

He has won numerous international awards.

Although director Wang Xiaoshuai is not well-known in China, he is a true top Asian director in the international film industry.

His films have been selected as teaching materials for film schools in many countries.

"This seems to be a film master."

Upon hearing this, Cai Xukun felt as if he were floating on air, and couldn't help but wonder to himself: Have I eaten too much kimchi and am I hallucinating?