Huayu: This top star doesn't play by the rules.

"A science fiction movie?" Before Chen Chao could say anything, Lin Gengxin frowned, looked Zhang Ning up and down, and spoke with obvious wariness.

"Dude, are you kidding me? There aren't any decent sci-fi movies in China these days. They're all just using sci-fi as a pretext to scam money!"

"Yes, I've heard that before. Many production teams said they were going to shoot a sci-fi blockbuster, but after making enough money, they ran away. The finished product was like an animated film, which cheated a lot of actors." Wang Yanlin nodded in agreement after Lin Gengxin finished speaking.

Faced with their questions, Zhang Ning wasn't angry, since what they said was indeed true. So he still smiled and said, "I understand your concerns. Domestic science fiction films did start relatively late and there are many problems."

"But we are serious about this project. Director Guo Fan has been preparing for a long time and revised the script more than a dozen times. He just wants to make a science fiction film that truly belongs to the Chinese people."

"Guo Fan?" Upon hearing this familiar name, Lin Gengxin paused for a moment, then couldn't help but shake his head with a smile. "You mean Guo Fan, the director who made 'My Old Classmate'?"

"I do know that. I was the male lead in that movie. But how did he, who usually makes teen romance films, suddenly switch to sci-fi? That's quite a leap. Can he really make a good film?"

Upon hearing Lin Gengxin's words, Zhang Ning couldn't help but show a hint of embarrassment, but he still forced himself to say, "Although Director Guo previously directed romance films, he is a true science fiction enthusiast."

"In order to make this movie well, he taught himself a lot of aerospace knowledge and invited experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences to be consultants. It is definitely not one of those production teams that are just putting on a show."

Even with Zhang Ning's assurance, Lin Gengxin and Wang Yanlin still didn't find it very credible. They wanted to say something more, but Chen Chao stopped them with a look.

Looking at Zhang Ning standing before him, Chen Chao smiled gently. "Producer Zhang, thank you for the invitation. I'm quite interested in science fiction films. When was the audition again?"

Hearing Chen Chao actually inquire about the audition time, Zhang Ning was overjoyed. "Director Guo said he will fly to Hengdian tomorrow morning. If it's convenient for you, we can meet and talk at 2 pm tomorrow."

Nodding slightly, Chen Chao extended his palm to Zhang Ning, who was looking at him expectantly. "See you tomorrow at 2 PM, Producer Zhang."

"That's great! Mr. Chen Chao, thank you for believing in us! Let's meet at the conference room in Hengdian World Studios tomorrow afternoon at 2 pm to discuss the audition in detail." Seeing that Chen Chao had agreed, Zhang Ning immediately shook his hand excitedly.

"Okay, no problem." Nodding, Chen Chao took out his phone again and exchanged contact information with Zhang Ning. Only then did the producer leave satisfied.

Watching Zhang Ning's departing figure, Lin Gengxin immediately moved closer to Chen Chao and said with some concern, "Chao, you don't really want to audition, do you? Let me tell you, I know Guo Fan, he's a really good person, but he's really not suited for making science fiction films."

"There's simply no fertile ground for making science fiction films in China. If the movie flops, it will have a huge impact on your reputation."

"Yeah, A-Chao, you're on the rise right now. After 'Princess Agents' is released, you'll definitely get a lot of good scripts coming your way. There's no need to take this risk." Wang Yanlin, as a good friend, also chimed in with his advice.

He picked up the beer on the table, took a big gulp, and the cold liquid slid down his throat, making Chen Chao's mind clearer.

He knew, of course, that Lin Gengxin and Wang Yanlin were doing it for his own good, and he also knew that at this time, watching science fiction movies during the Lunar New Year was indeed a trap that everyone wanted to avoid.

Before its release, "The Wandering Earth" was also criticized by countless people, who thought it was just another bad movie that would rip people off.

But having been reborn, he knew very well what kind of miracle this film would create. It not only ushered in the first year of Chinese science fiction films, but also became a milestone in the history of Chinese cinema.

For most actors, getting a role in this movie is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, let alone the one Chen Chao was auditioning for—the male lead, Liu Qi.

Thinking of this, he raised his head, looked at Lin Gengxin and Wang Yanlin who were looking worried, and said with a smile, "I know you're doing this for my own good, but I still want to give it a try."

"Chao!" Lin Gengxin exclaimed anxiously upon hearing Chen Chao's words, "Why are you being so stubborn!"

"Brother Gengxin, Brother Yanlin, I know your concerns and worries." Chen Chao spoke earnestly, his voice still calm.

"But I think someone has to take this step. If everyone thinks that science fiction films can't be made well and doesn't dare to try, then Chinese science fiction films will never have a chance to succeed."

Seeing Chen Chao's resolute expression and hearing his very reasonable words, Lin Gengxin could only sigh helplessly, "You, I really don't know what to say to you."

"Alright, since you've already made up your mind, as your buddy, I can only support you." Wang Yanlin patted Chen Chao on the shoulder. "But if that production crew is unreliable, don't force it, just run away."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Chen Chao nodded and said with a smile.

Just then, the waiters brought over their hot pot broth and the meat and side dishes they had ordered. The red broth was bubbling away, and the aroma of butter mixed with the spiciness of chili peppers instantly filled the air, making everyone's mouths water.

Picking up a large piece of tripe and putting it into the pot, swishing it around a few times, then taking it out and stuffing it into his mouth, Lin Gengxin mumbled, "But then again, if you really want to give it a try, it's not impossible, since you'll be finishing filming in September anyway."

"Exactly, if it really doesn't work out, we can just turn it down. There's no loss in auditioning anyway." Wang Yanlin said, chewing on a piece of fatty beef.

"Indeed, that's what I think too." Smiling, he picked up a piece of beef tripe and put it into the pot. Looking at the bubbling red soup, a barely perceptible glint flashed in Chen Chao's eyes.

He knew better than anyone that this was not just an audition opportunity, but also his stepping stone from the television industry to the film industry.

Although "Princess Agents" made him a popular young actor, he still needs a truly outstanding film to truly establish himself in the industry and rise to stardom more quickly. "The Wandering Earth" is his best springboard.

In his past life, he witnessed the phenomenal success of this film, knew the frenzy it would create, and knew how significant it would be in the history of Chinese cinema.

This time, he will personally participate and become one of the creators of this miracle.