After being dumped by the diva, I was picked up by her arch-enemy.

Although Chen Hao is impulsive, he's really capable when it comes to getting things done.

The casting process for "Dying to Survive," which was assigned before the Lunar New Year, is now taking shape.

Jiang Yichen opened the first page of the document Chen Hao had sent.

For the role of Cheng Yong, Chen Hao chose Xu Zhengzheng, who came from a drama troupe.

This guy only has a few stubborn tufts of hair left on his head, and just standing there he exudes the greasy and cunning air of a middle-aged man.

Turn the page to the next page.

Wang Chuan plays Lü Shouyi.

The attachment contains two comparison photos. One is from the interview, where he is thin but energetic. The other was taken the day before yesterday, where Wang Chuan is so thin that he looks unrecognizable, with sunken eyes and high cheekbones. You can feel the weakness of being tormented by illness even through the screen.

It's heartbreaking to see.

Jiang Yichen nodded in satisfaction.

Chen Hao, that kid, really has a sharp eye for people.

Instead of casting young, popular actors who can't even deliver their lines properly, they dug out all the truly talented veteran actors from both inside and outside the industry.

The phone vibrated on the table.

Xu Zhiyou sent a video.

In the video, the heiress of a triad society, dressed in a bright red Tang suit, runs around in the courtyard of the Xu family manor, holding a long fairy wand, her laughter ringing out.

At the end of the video, Xu Zhiyou brought her face close to the camera and gave it a big kiss.

"Boyfriend, I miss you on the first day of the new year!"

Jiang Yichen smiled slightly and casually replied, "Eat more dumplings, don't let your face get chapped from the cold."

Just after I sent it, Chen Hao called.

"Brother Chen! Happy New Year! I'm sending you my New Year's greetings!"

The voice on the other end of the phone was full of energy, almost like it had been injected with chicken blood.

"Alright, stop with the talk."

Jiang Yichen paused on the table, leaving his resume there.

"The casting was good; I'm very satisfied."

"Hehe, as long as you're satisfied, Brother Chen!"

Chen Hao couldn't stop laughing on the other end of the phone.

"You have no idea, now that our troupe and you have become famous after the Spring Festival Gala, all the actors who were still hesitant are rushing to sign contracts!"

"Old Wang skipped his New Year's Eve dinner to prepare for the role of Lü Shouyi, and he even starved himself to practice his lines!"

"Tell everyone, there's no need to be so impatient; your health comes first."

..........

The hustle and bustle of the Spring Festival is gradually fading away.

The early spring in Beijing was still a bit chilly.

In the month following the Spring Festival Gala, Jiang Yichen became the hottest name in the Chinese entertainment industry.

Various commercial performances, endorsements, and variety show invitations are pouring into Star Entertainment like snowflakes.

Su Yao's throat was hoarse from answering phone calls every day.

Jiang Yichen declined most of the social engagements.

Aside from accompanying Xu Zhiyou shopping in Shanghai a few times, he spent most of his time keeping track of Chen Hao's progress.

Early March.

In the suburbs of Shanghai, an abandoned factory has been transformed into a temporary film set.

The crew of "Dying to Survive" has been camped here for more than half a month.

Jiang Yichen, wearing a baseball cap and a black windbreaker, appeared discreetly outside the film set.

He did not notify Chen Hao in advance.

As soon as I entered the film set, I heard a burst of cursing.

"Card!"

"What's wrong with the lighting! The light is too harsh!"

"What I want is that dark, oppressive atmosphere, one that exudes a sense of despair!"

"Let's try again!"

Chen Hao sat behind the monitor, script tucked in his hand, and started pointing at the lighting technician, giving him a long lecture.

He had messy, unkempt hair and a stubble of green on his chin.

She had lost a lot of weight, and her clothes were covered in dust from who-knows-where.

He looked exactly like a migrant worker who had just returned from carrying bricks at a construction site.

Jiang Yichen stood not far away, looking at Chen Hao's appearance, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

This kid is really showing the makings of a big director.

"Alright, all departments, get ready!"

"Scene 32, Shot 1!"

"Action!"

As the clapperboard fell silent, the film set instantly quieted down.

Jiang Yichen found a small stool in a corner and sat down, watching quietly.

Today we're filming a group scene.

The plot progresses to the point where fake drug dealer Zhang Changlin reports the crime to the police, and Cheng Yong, in order to protect himself, decides to disband the group.

Xu Zhengzheng sat at the table and took a big gulp of baijiu.

He slammed a wad of cash on the table.

Let's break up.

"I'm not selling this medicine anymore."

His voice was hoarse, with a suppressed tremor.

Wang Chuan stared at him wide-eyed in disbelief.

"Brother Yong...you're kidding, right?"

Xu Zhengzheng suddenly stood up and swept the wine bottles off the table.

"Who the hell is joking with you!"

"I'm going to jail!"

"I have elderly parents and young children to support. What will happen to them if I go to jail!"

He pointed at Wang Chuan's nose and started cursing.

"Who do you think you are? You're just a sickly weakling!"

"I can't save you! Nobody can save you!"

This scene is extremely powerful.

Xu Zhengzheng perfectly portrayed Cheng Yong's inner struggles, fears, and selfishness.

The surrounding staff were all stunned.

Even breathing became a cautious affair.

"Card!"

Chen Hao suddenly jumped up from his chair and clapped his hands loudly.

"Great! That's wonderful!"

"Teacher Xu, this part is absolutely brilliant!"

Xu Zhengzheng instantly detached herself from the character's emotions and let out a long breath.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and waved to Chen Hao.

"Director Chen, your script is still the best."

"This character is incredibly well-developed."

Chen Hao chuckled and explained.

"I didn't write this script."

She turned to get her water glass. As she turned, she saw Jiang Yichen sitting in the corner.

The script in Chen Hao's hand fell directly to the ground.

"Holy crap! Brother Chen!"

He charged at us like a wild dog that had broken free of its reins.

"Brother Chen! When did you get here?!"

"Why didn't you give us a heads-up!"

Jiang Yichen stood up and patted the dust off his pants.

"Just arrived."

"I didn't call you because you were busy."

Chen Hao was so excited that he became incoherent.

"Brother Chen, you've come at the perfect time!"

"We're filming the most important scene of the entire series this afternoon!"

"Blonde-haired guy in a car accident!"

Jiang Yichen raised an eyebrow.

"Ready?"

Chen Hao nodded emphatically, patting his chest to assure him.

Everything is ready!

"The venue, vehicles, and stunt performers are all in place."

Jiang Yichen patted Chen Hao on the shoulder.

"Okay, let me see."

.........

Two o'clock in the afternoon.

A remote road in the suburbs of Shanghai.

The film crew set up a cordon here.

Two police cars, a dilapidated light van, and a heavy truck were already parked in the designated location.

Zhang Yu, who plays Huang Mao, is squatting on the curb.

He had messy blond hair and wore a dirty, tattered jacket.

He looked like a lone wolf ready to fight at any moment.

He was clutching a crumpled train ticket tightly in his hand.

That was bought for him by Cheng Yong.

My train ticket home...

Chen Hao, holding a megaphone, gave a final pep talk.

"Attention all departments!"

"This scene was filmed in one continuous take!"

"Special effects team, double-check the safety measures! This is a matter of life and death, no joke! The positioning must be precise, not a second too early or too late!"

"Action!"