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

At the end of August, Hengdian was still sweltering. Zhao Liying's RV was parked in the shade of the film set. Inside the RV, Zhao Liying and Han Han sat facing each other on either side of the sofa, with freshly cut watermelon and chilled drinks on the coffee table.

Wearing a simple white T-shirt and jeans, and holding an iced Coke, Han Han leaned back on the sofa, his gaze occasionally drifting towards the window.

"Director Han, you've been here for almost an hour. You've eaten the watermelon and drunk your drink. What's up?" After finishing a slice of watermelon, Zhao Liying wiped her hands and looked at Han Han with a half-smile. "Don't tell me you really came all this way just to visit me on set. I don't believe you."

Having his thoughts exposed by Zhao Liying, Han Han wasn't embarrassed. He just smiled and said, "I didn't come here specifically to visit you on set. I came to see someone."

"Looking for Chen Chao, right?" Zhao Liying raised an eyebrow and asked with considerable certainty.

"He is indeed a very interesting person." Han Han did not deny this, his tone filled with unwavering admiration. "He drives well and is also very intelligent."

"Moreover, I watched the audition clips circulating online, as well as the filming just now, and the acting was quite good."

"Of course, my favorite younger brother can't be bad, can he?" Zhao Liying raised her chin, with a hint of pride. "But let me tell you, A-Chao is in high demand right now. Many production teams are looking for him. If you want to cast him in a movie, you'd better show some sincerity."

"Of course I have the sincerity, but I'll have to trouble you to call Chen Chao over for me." Han Han nodded and said with a smile.

.........

"I really didn't expect Han Han to visit our film set!" Wang Yanlin muttered to himself while munching on watermelon.

"Indeed, but that's normal. I remember Sister Liying is the female lead in his new movie." Lin Gengxin, who was happily eating an iced cola in one hand and a watermelon in the other, chimed in.

Just as Chen Chao was about to chime in, his phone suddenly rang, displaying the words "Sister Liying" on the screen.

As he answered the phone, Zhao Liying's gentle voice came through: "Achao, come to my RV, I have a surprise for you."

After exchanging a couple of replies and hanging up, Chen Chao frowned in confusion, while Lin Gengxin and Wang Yanlin leaned over, their faces full of gossip. "What surprise? Did Sister Liying introduce you to some resources?"

"Who knows? I'm going over there first." Pushing aside the two people who were standing too close, Chen Chao casually pulled out a tissue to wipe his hands and walked towards Zhao Liying's RV.

As he approached the RV door, he raised his hand to knock, but the door opened from the inside. Zhao Liying smiled and stepped aside to let him in: "Come in quickly, I've been waiting for you for ages."

As soon as Chen Chao entered the RV, he spotted the man sitting on the sofa. He was wearing a simple white T-shirt and jeans, and black-rimmed glasses. It was Han Han.

"Director Han, it's been a long time." Chen Chao smiled and extended his hand to Han Han.

"Long time no see, Chen Chao." Han Han stood up and shook hands with him, his gaze lingering on him for a few seconds, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

"When I saw you at the racetrack before, you looked like a professional race car driver. Now that you're dressed in ancient costume, you look like a handsome young gentleman. You really are a good actor."

"Director Han, you flatter me." Chen Chao smiled and sat down on the sofa opposite him. Zhao Liying thoughtfully poured him a glass of iced cola.

"Actually, besides visiting Liying on set, I have something even more important to say about this trip." Han Han didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

"Xu Zhengtai, the second male lead in my new movie 'Duckweed,' couldn't make it due to scheduling conflicts. I've been looking for a suitable replacement. I saw you at the racetrack last time."

He leaned forward, his eyes serious. "I knew then that you were the Xu Zhengtai I was looking for. The roguishness you showed on the racetrack, along with your inherent gentleness and sense of responsibility, perfectly matched Xu Zhengtai's temperament."

"Thank you for your recognition, Director Han." Chen Chao said with a smile after hearing Han Han's words.

"Just saying you approve isn't enough; we need to see how it goes." Han Han took a few pages of script from his bag and handed them to Chen Chao. "This is a scene with Xu Zhengtai. Take a look at it first. You have ten minutes to prepare."

"No problem." Chen Chao took the script and quickly flipped through it.

This scene shows Xu Zhengtai bragging to his underlings in the convenience store that he will become the boss of the town someday.

In just three minutes, Chen Chao finished reading the script. Then he looked up, took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and adjusted his state of mind and emotions. When he opened his eyes again, his entire demeanor had changed.

His original composure and calmness have disappeared, replaced by arrogance and roguishness.

He tilted his head slightly, a wicked smile playing on his lips. One hand casually rested on the sofa armrest, while the other gestured with his fingers, his tone arrogant and smug: "Let me tell you, from now on, this town is ruled by me, Xu Zhengtai! Anyone who dares to disagree, just say my name!"

Although he had an arrogant demeanor, there was no trace of ferocity in his eyes, only the naivety and passion unique to young people from small towns in the 1990s, as if he truly believed that he could become the best in the world.

But hidden within that arrogant smile is a subtle tenderness, a kindness unique to Xu Zhengtai.

The performance, lasting only a dozen seconds and without any props or set design, earned a thumbs-up from both Zhao Liying and Han Han present.

Although Zhao Liying had seen Chen Chao's sunny and carefree demeanor when he played Yan Xun, as well as his sinister and ruthless nature after his transformation, she really didn't expect that he could directly portray the vibrant energy of a small-town youth in the 1990s in such a short time.

It was as if a real young man from a small town named Xu Zhengtai was standing right in front of them, and Han Han was so excited that he almost jumped off the sofa.

This is the feeling! This is the Xu Zhengtai he wanted!

"Great! That's fantastic!" Han Han slapped his thigh hard, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement. "Chen Chao, you're Xu Zhengtai! I knew I wasn't wrong, this role is perfect for you!"

Letting out a soft breath, Chen Chao transformed back into his original self from a small-town youth, scratching his head with a smile, "Director Han, you flatter me. I was just acting casually."

"If you can just throw together an act, then nobody else needs to act," Han Han laughed heartily. "So? Interested in joining us?"

"Of course I'm interested." Chen Chao nodded. "However, the specific details of the collaboration may need to be discussed between Director Han and my agent."

As he spoke, he sent a message to Ji Ran.

A dozen minutes later, Ji Ran arrived from the hotel. Having learned the details from Chen Chao's message, he looked at Han Han with a professional and bright smile, "Director Han, hello, I am Chen Chao's agent, Ji Ran."

Chen Chao then entrusted Ji Ran with the entire responsibility of the subsequent negotiations.

Ji Ran did not disappoint Chen Chao. He clearly outlined Chen Chao's advantages and current market value, arguing for every point, from salary and screen time to publicity resources, and not giving an inch.

Although Han Han values ​​talent, he is not one to be taken advantage of. The two exchanged views back and forth for more than a dozen rounds before finally reaching an agreement.