Rebirth 02, the Celestial Being Told Me to Stop Pretending

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"Director Zhang." Seeing the bearded man enter, Liu Xiaoli stood up and extended her hand to him.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Da Huzi quickly took a few steps forward and reached out to shake hands.

"Mr. Liu, I won't beat around the bush." ​​Zhang the Bearded Man sat down and pushed his teacup aside.

"I'm here today for the same reason: I want to invite Yifei to play the role of Little Dragon Girl."

Liu Xiaoli did not answer immediately.

She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and left a faint lipstick mark on the rim.

Just then, the curtain was lifted, and Lu Chen and Liu Yifei entered together.

Liu Yifei just returned from Harbin. Today she was wearing a white sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers.

Her hair was casually tied in a ponytail, and she had no makeup on.

Lu Chen was wearing a black jacket over a gray T-shirt and jeans.

Just sitting there, he exudes an aura that's anything but weak.

"Hello, Director Zhang," Liu Yifei greeted sweetly as she sat down.

"Director Zhang." Lu Chen nodded to Zhang Jizhong.

As the bearded man watched the two men enter one after the other, the weight that had been hanging over him eased a little.

When he saw Liu Yifei again, he became even more certain that it was her.

That's the feeling—pure and otherworldly.

Zhang Dahuzi pushed the script of "The Return of the Condor Heroes" in front of Liu Yifei.

The script is quite thick, and the cover has four big characters: "The Return of the Condor Heroes," with the signature Zhang Jizhong Studio in the lower right corner.

"Yifei, I'd like to ask you to play the role of Little Dragon Girl," said Zhang Dahuzi.

Liu Yifei glanced down at the script.

"Director Zhang, why do you think I'm suitable to play Little Dragon Girl?"

Zhang Da Hu Zi had auditioned many actresses, and he was certain that if others heard the words "Little Dragon Girl," they would understand.

The reactions will definitely be "Really?", "That's great!", "I'll definitely act well."

"I sense there's something about you, something that others don't have." Zhang the Bearded Man put down his cigarette case.

"It's like... how should I put it, Little Dragon Girl lived in the Ancient Tomb for eighteen years. You know what that feeling is like?"

Liu Yifei was completely confused, but she still nodded politely and didn't say anything more.

Since the two of them came in, Liu Xiaoli has handed over the reins to Lu Chen, as she has always felt that this young man has exceptional vision.

She understood the significance of this opportunity better than her daughter; every drama starring Zhang Dahuzi (Zhang Liangyong) could launch a person's career.

The same applies to films like "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" starring Li Yapeng and Zhou Xun, "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" starring Hu Jun and Jimmy Lin, and "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" starring Liu Yifei herself.

But what she's worried about now is what to do with "Black Coal, Thin Ice".

Just then, Lu Chen spoke.

"Director Zhang." Lu Chen put down his teacup, the ceramic bottom tapping against the glass tabletop with a crisp sound.

"How should the schedule be arranged? Filming for 'Black Coal, Thin Ice' is about to start, and it will take at least two months. My actors can't film multiple projects at once."

Zhang Da Huzi turned to look at him.

"Director Lu, don't worry. Preparations for 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' will take another two months, and filming won't start until November at the earliest. Also, I can postpone Yi Fei's scenes and prioritize your schedule first."

"What if there's a conflict?"

"No conflict." Zhang Da Hu Zi slammed his hand on the table. "I, Zhang Da Hu Zi, keep my word."

Lu Chen nodded.

He was well aware that the filming period for Cha Liangyong's dramas was notoriously long.

There are many action scenes, many outdoor scenes, and many extras; filming often takes half a year.

The phrase "no conflict" is easy to say but difficult to do.

Liu Xiaoli glanced at her daughter.

There was heartache, and there was pride.

She has followed her daughter from her debut at the age of fifteen until now, and understands best the hardships she has endured.

"I respect Yifei's choice," Liu Xiaoli said. "What about the remuneration?"

"No problem." Zhang Dahuzi grinned.

"400,000, a top-tier price."

Liu Xiaoli twitched her eyebrows and turned to look at Lu Chen, wanting him to make a decision.

Four hundred thousand.

Zhang Da Hu Zi paid very readily; this price was already considered high, as it was only 300,000 in his previous life.

But that was a bargaining chip given before "Chinese Paladin" was broadcast. Now "Chinese Paladin" is airing on Hunan TV and Liu Yifei is more popular and has a higher national recognition than when she filmed "The Return of the Condor Heroes" in her previous life.

This price is not suitable.

"Director Zhang, it's a flat rate of 600,000. If it's suitable, we'll take it; if not, we can find another opportunity to cooperate in the future." Lu Chen said with a smile, speaking at a moderate pace.

Although playing Xiaolongnu would boost Liu Yifei's popularity, it's not a must-do role.

With Lu Chen around, there are plenty of roles that can be tailor-made for her, so one more won't make a difference.

Moreover, Lu Chen originally planned not to let Liu Yifei take on any other roles after finishing "The Return of the Condor Heroes".

He will make overall arrangements for Liu Yifei and rationally plan her acting career path, provided that she is willing.

Accepting any role she wants like she did in her past life will only harm her.

Zhang the Bearded Man hesitated for a moment but didn't say much before making the decision: "No problem, then it's settled for today?"

Lu Chen then turned to Liu Yifei and asked, "Are you alright?"

Liu Yifei gave a soft "hmm".

Zhang Da Huzi's gaze swept back and forth between Lu Chen and Liu Yifei, and a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

"Director Lu," Zhang Dahuzi suddenly spoke up.

"What was the name of the international thief you played in 'Stone' again? Mike?"

Lu Chen was taken aback, wondering why he brought this up.

"Yes, he played Mike."

"You acted really well." Zhang Dahuzi rubbed his hands together.

"How about this, why don't you come and work for us again as a guest star?"

What role will you be playing in a cameo role?

"Zhen Zhibing." Yin Zhiping was changed to Zhen Zhibing by Cha Liangyong. You can investigate the reason yourself.

Lu Chen stared at Zhang Da Huzi for a few moments to make sure he wasn't joking.

Are you out of your mind?

I'm now making great strides into the internet, with four film projects running simultaneously, and tens of millions of dollars sitting in my account.

You want me to play a lewd supporting male character? And a rapist at that?

The key is still my own actresses?

Zhang Dahuzi, are you trying to ban my account? If you put the "Dragon Knight" label on me, how am I supposed to live? The netizens will probably tear me apart.

Seeing his expression, Zhang Dahuzi mistakenly thought he had been too direct and quickly tried to smooth things over.

"Director Lu, don't misunderstand. What I mean is that if Yifei plays Xiaolongnu, it will be easier to film the scene with Zhen Zhibing. If it were another male actor, Yifei wouldn't be able to relax. With you in the role, I'll feel more at ease."

After saying that, he glanced at Liu Xiaoli again, pretending to be casual.

Liu Xiaoli thought Zhang Dahuzi's words made sense and chimed in, "Xiao Lu, I think Director Zhang is right. Why don't you consider it?"

Lu Chen didn't reply.

The teahouse fell silent.

Yes, that is a practical problem.

He had to admit that Zhang Da Hu Zi had hit his weak spot.

That old fox, well, what can I say?

He has a keen eye for people; he saw right through his feelings for Liu Yifei.

He hasn't even succeeded with this girl himself yet, how could he let another male actor touch that scene?

If someone else were to play Zhen Zhibing, he would probably dismantle the camera.

"Hmm..." Lu Chen pretended to think, tapping his fingers on the table and frowning.

"To be honest, I'm really in a rush. Filming for 'Black Coal, Thin Ice' started in early October, and I also have three other films that I'm producing. How can I possibly find the time?"

He sighed and leaned back.