novelraw Chapter 106 Rehearsal
Chapter 106 Rehearsal
"It's a pity I can't go and join in the fun."
Zhang Liangying was a little disappointed, but then she cheered.
"However, my concert will have its first dress rehearsal next month!"
Brother Yuan and Sister Linda said they would invite some special guests to come and watch.
"I will definitely be there."
Li Jun made a promise.
Tang Yan was filming that low-budget art film in a remote town in Southwest China, where the signal was intermittent.
She would occasionally send messages, sharing her hardships and insights during filming, and her immersion and growth were palpable between the lines.
She also inquired about the preparations for "Bodyguards and Assassins," and Li Jun would give a brief explanation, to which she would always reply with:
"That sounds impressive and powerful. Keep it up!"
Simple, but sincere.
Casting and extra recruitment are in full swing, and preparations in other departments of the production team are also accelerating.
The art department began searching for suitable outdoor locations in Guangdong and Zhejiang, and started building the core indoor studio.
The costume and props team worked day and night to replicate hundreds of sets of late Qing Dynasty clothing and thousands of various artifacts, following the design specifications.
Cheng Guoqiang's stunt team is growing stronger, and they have begun to provide targeted training for the recruited stuntmen and extras, designing and rehearsing choreography for several key action scenes. Zhang Liangying's first dress rehearsal for her concert at the National Centre for the Performing Arts is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 2 pm.
Li Jun flew back to Beijing from Hong Kong a day early.
As the plane landed, the capital was shrouded in a common dust storm, the sky a hazy orange-yellow.
He put on a mask and saw Yuan Tao's familiar black sedan at the exit.
"This weather really knows how to pick its time."
Yuan Tao took Li Jun's luggage and threw it into the trunk.
"Liangying has been nervous since this morning. She only felt a little better after hearing that you were arriving today."
The car drove onto the airport expressway, and the visibility outside the window was very low.
Has the guest list for the rehearsal been finalized?
Li Jun asked.
"It's settled. Linda personally selected them all."
Yuan Tao handed over a tablet computer.
"Several professors from the music academy, the director of CCTV's music channel, representatives from two international classical music agencies, and Mr. Chen from Starway Capital."
Li Jun paused as he swiped the screen.
"Kent Chan?"
"Yes, he contacted Linda on his own initiative, saying he was looking forward to Zhang Liangying's debut performance and even asked if she needed sponsorship."
Yuan Tao glanced at Li Jun in the rearview mirror.
"I don't think this is a coincidence."
"Of course not."
Li Jun handed the tablet back.
He was observing.
I was observing Liangying's potential, whether her public image could create a positive interaction with the film project, and also observing my relationship with her.
"So, how do you plan to deal with this?"
"Respond normally."
Li Jun looked out the window at the blurry outline of the city.
"Let's talk about art when it's time to talk about art, and let's talk about collaboration when it's time to talk about collaboration."
But one thing must be made clear—Liang Ying's music career is an independent one.
You can leverage others' strengths, but you can't bind yourself to them.
Yuan Tao nodded, and after a moment of silence, said:
"There's one more thing. There's been some activity on Wang Zhonglei's side, which you asked me to investigate."
"How so?"
"Huayi is currently reassessing the commercial value of historical themes."
Wang Zhonglei personally led the team, reviewing several scripts for period dramas set in the Republican era, and even sent people to Hengdian World Studios to scout locations.
Yuan Tao spoke in a serious tone.
"They may have caught wind of the rumors surrounding 'Bodyguards and Assassins' and wanted to get ahead of the game."
Let him take it.
Li Jun's expression didn't change much.
"Historical films are not fast food; they require solid foundations."
If he could really settle down and make a good film, that would be a good thing. I'm just afraid…”
"What are you afraid of?"
"I'm afraid he just wants to make something fast, rough, and that will ride the wave of popularity, and ruin the market."
Li Jun rubbed his temples.
"That would be bad for all of us."
When the car came to a stop in the underground parking lot of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the dust had subsided somewhat.
Li Jun followed Yuan Tao into the concert hall through the staff entrance.
In the vast space, the stage was brightly lit, the symphony orchestra was tuning, and the sounds of various instruments blended into a warm, noisy cacophony.
Zhang Liangying stood in the center of the stage, wearing a simple black dress for rehearsals, and was whispering with the conductor.
Linda was in the first row below the stage, scribbling something on the program sheet in her hand.
When Linda saw Li Jun come in, her eyes lit up, and she waved for him to come over.
"You've come at the perfect time. Liangying was just asking about it."
Linda lowered her voice.
"Mr. Chen has arrived and is in the VIP lounge. He said he wanted to say hello to you before the rehearsal begins."
"it is good."
Li Jun responded, but his gaze remained fixed on the stage.
Zhang Liangying seemed to sense something and turned her head.
Their gazes met across half of the concert hall.
She was taken aback at first, then a faint but genuine smile appeared on her lips as she nodded gently at him.
Li Jun raised his hand and mouthed "Go for it!"
"You two..."
Linda smiled and shook her head.
"Alright, go quickly, don't keep Mr. Chen waiting."
In the VIP lounge, Chen Zeshi was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, with his back to the door, looking out at Chang'an Avenue shrouded in sand and dust.
Hearing the door open, he turned around, his face bearing his usual refined smile.
"Director Li, you must be tired from your journey."
"Mr. Chen, you're too kind. You even made a special trip for me."
The two shook hands.
Chen Zeshi's hands are dry and warm, with moderate grip strength.
"Although I mainly work in capital, I have always had respect for art."
Chen Zeshi gestured for Li Jun to sit down, and the waiter served tea at the appropriate time.
"Ms. Zhang's career transition is a risky move, but also a good one."
The Super Girl competition was a phenomenon, but phenomena will eventually become outdated.
If a classical crossover can be successful, then that constitutes true artistry.
"Liangying is talented and willing to put in the effort."
Li Jun said.
"I can tell."
Chen Zeshi picked up his teacup and blew on it to cool it down.
"After we met last time, I made a point of listening to her competition recordings and early recordings."
She has an excellent voice, and more importantly, a strong narrative quality, which is rare among young singers.
He didn't rush to talk about movies; instead, he really talked about music.
This made Li Jun relax his vigilance slightly.
"Is some of the music in today's rehearsal original?"
Chen Zeshi asked.
"Yes, I wrote three songs. Yuan Tao found two up-and-coming composers from the BJ music scene and collaborated on three more songs."
The remaining six pieces are adaptations of classical pieces and classic folk songs.
Li Jun told him the truth.
"What she wanted to create was something that was both rigorous and didn't lack personal expression."
"very good."
Chen Zeshi nodded.
"What art fears most is complete imitation or complete pandering."
It's good to have some ambition.
He put down his teacup, and his tone finally shifted slightly:
"I heard the casting call for 'Bodyguards and Assassins' is quite lively?"
"Still in progress."
Li Jun responded cautiously.
"We've basically got the main roles sorted out, and we've found some promising prospects in the extras recruitment."
"That girl who used to be a waitress at the teahouse, Cao Xiaohua?"
Li Jun's heart skipped a beat; Chen Zeshi's information network was indeed excellent.
"Yes, it has a lot of spirit."
"I watched the interview video."
Chen Zeshi smiled.
"When you had her act out the scene where she was a flower girl delivering information, she didn't understand at all at first. But after you explained the scene to her for two minutes, she acted it out again, and her eyes were on point."
That's the director's skill.
"She has potential."
"No need to be overly modest."
Chen Zeshi waved his hand.
"When I invest in a project, I value two things the most: first, whether the project itself has the foundation to succeed."
Secondly, does the person doing the work have the ability to turn lead into gold?
I've seen both of those things in you.
He spoke sincerely, but Li Jun knew that behind that sincerity lay a more meticulous calculation.
"But Director Li."
Chen Zeshi leaned forward slightly.
Regarding the actors, I still want to offer a word of advice.
Starway relinquishing its veto power does not mean it is completely indifferent.
Especially for key roles, if the market response is poor, it will be very difficult for us.
"I see."
Li Jun met his gaze.
"Therefore, I personally audition for each of the main actors and work on them repeatedly."
While box office appeal is important, what's even more crucial is the compatibility between the actor and the role.
"I hope so."
Kent Chan leaned back on the sofa.
"By the way, have you been in contact with Zhang Ziyi?"
This problem came suddenly.
Li Jun paused for half a second:
"We haven't officially contacted her yet. Her schedule and salary are both issues."
"The problem can be solved."
Chen Zeshi said meaningfully.
"I heard that she's been looking for a breakthrough lately. She's played too many martial arts and period drama roles and wants a more complex character that's closer to ordinary people."
"Perhaps we could give that singer who's providing cover in your script a try."
Li Jun did not respond immediately.
Zhang Ziyi is undoubtedly the top choice, but her addition will completely change the power structure and budget allocation of the project.
More importantly, she has a huge team and international agency behind her, so any change she makes can have far-reaching consequences.
"I'll consider it."
Li Jun finally said.
Chen Zeshi smiled and didn't elaborate further.
At that moment, Linda pushed the door open and came in:
"Gentlemen, the rehearsal is about to begin."
The concert hall lights dimmed, leaving only the stage light source.
Li Jun and Chen Zeshi sat in the center of the third row.
Yuan Tao and Linda were on the other side of the aisle.
A few rows further back, a few invited guests and staff members sat scattered around.
The commander stepped onto the stage, and applause erupted.
Zhang Liangying walked out from the side of the curtain.
Her black dress shimmered delicately under the stage lights. She wore slightly heavier stage makeup than usual, with more defined eyebrows and eyes, but the tension in her eyes was still evident.
She first nodded to the conductor, then bowed slightly to the audience.
His gaze swept over Li Jun and lingered for a moment.
When the first note sounded, the sandstorm was still outside the window.
But inside the concert hall is another world.
.......
The rehearsal went very smoothly.
Zhang Liangying is in better condition than expected.
In the first half, the classical arrangement section, she demonstrated solid vocal skills;
In the second half of the show, she gradually opened up with her original songs, and the instinct to communicate with the audience that she had honed on the Super Girl stage began to show.
In particular, there is a song with lyrics and music written by Li Jun himself, which blends elements of Sichuan opera high-pitched singing with modern arrangement, singing about the hometown landscape and the homesickness of those who have left.
In the latter half of the song, her voice choked with an almost imperceptible sob, but her breath control remained steady.
Li Jun listened quietly.
He recalled those nights in the Chengdu hospital, when Zhang Liangying stayed by her mother's bedside, sometimes humming softly.
At that time, her voice was tired and hoarse, but there was always an unyielding resilience in the melody.
Now, that resilience has been amplified and incorporated into a grander arrangement.
As the last piece ended, applause echoed throughout the concert hall.
Zhang Liangying bowed, and when she straightened up, her eyes were a little red.
She looked down at the audience, and Li Jun gave her a thumbs up.
During the brief Q&A session following the rehearsal, the guests went on stage to offer their congratulations.
Chen Zeshi also went up, shook hands with Zhang Liangying, and said a few words.
Zhang Liangying responded appropriately with a standard smile.
After everyone had mostly left, Li Jun walked over.
Are you tired?
"tired."
Zhang Liangying took the warm water handed to her by her assistant and sipped it.
"Did you hear that? I almost couldn't hold back my tears during that last part."
"I could tell, but I handled it very well."
Li Jun said.
"If you can convey the emotion without sacrificing technique, that's true skill."
Zhang Liangying smiled, then suddenly lowered her voice:
"That Mr. Chen... he just said that he looks forward to my future development and that if needed, Starway can provide resources for international tours."
"How will you reply?"
"I said thank you, but the specifics need to be discussed with the company and the team."
Zhang Liangying looked at him.
"Is it appropriate for me to say that?"
"It suits you very well."
Li Jun nodded.
"Don't refuse, don't promise, leave room for maneuver."
Zhang Liangying breathed a sigh of relief, then frowned again:
"But I always felt that the way he looked at me... wasn't like he was just looking at a singer."
"He is assessing assets."
Li Jun put it bluntly.
"In his eyes, your concert is an investment project, my movie is an investment project, and even the relationship between you and me is an investment project."
These words were somewhat cold, but Zhang Liangying understood them.
She paused for a moment and said softly:
"I'm so tired."
"Therefore, we need to be more clear-headed."
Li Jun patted her shoulder.
"Let's go remove our makeup and change our clothes. We'll have dinner together tonight, just the few of us."
Zhang Liangying nodded and turned to walk towards the dressing room. After taking a few steps, she turned back:
"Xiaojun."
"Um?"
"Thank you for coming today."
She spoke softly, but very earnestly.
Li Jun watched her disappearing figure behind the side curtain, standing still for several seconds.
"You were deeply moved?"
Yuan Tao's voice came from behind.
"A little."
Li Jun turned around.
"She's growing up faster than I expected."
"Pressure makes people mature faster."
Yuan Tao handed him a cigarette, and the two walked to the fire escape.
"Mr. Chen chatted with me for a couple more minutes before he left."
"What did you say?"
"When asked when filming would begin, they even hinted that if the cast were more 'eye-catching,' StarHub might consider increasing the publicity budget."
Yuan Tao lit a cigarette.
"From what I heard, he still hopes to have someone of Zhang Ziyi's caliber to provide support."
"What about the money? Zhang Ziyi's salary starts at least at 20 million, and that's after tax."
"He said it was negotiable, and that he could even use box office revenue sharing to replace part of the actor's salary."
Yuan Tao exhaled a puff of smoke.
"But I always felt that his enthusiasm was for some other purpose."
Li Jun remained silent.
Outside the window, the sandstorm gradually subsided, and the setting sun peeked through the gaps in the clouds.
"Let's proceed at our own pace."
Li Jun finally said.
"I personally oversee the casting process. We should listen to the opinions of investors, but we can't let them lead us by the nose."
"clear."
When the two returned backstage after finishing their cigarettes, Zhang Liangying had already changed her clothes and come out.
She wore a simple white T-shirt and jeans, her ponytail was tied high, and her face still had a fresh, rosy glow after removing her makeup.
"Let's go, I'm starving."
She laughed and said that the dignified feeling on stage had disappeared, and she had returned to her usual somewhat carefree self.
We chose a small private room at a Yunnan restaurant for dinner. There were only four of us.
Li Jun, Zhang Liangying, Yuan Tao, Linda.
After all the dishes were served, Linda raised her glass first:
"Come on, congratulations to our beautiful Ying on the successful rehearsal! The official performance in a month will absolutely amaze the audience!"
Everyone clinked glasses.
Zhang Liangying drank a large gulp of tea instead of wine.
"But seriously,"
Linda put down her cup.
"I think Mr. Chen's attitude today is a good thing and also a signal."
The good thing is that it's recognized by investors; they may want more say in the market.
"Li Jun has already told me."
Zhang Liangying picked up a piece of steamed chicken with her chopsticks.
"Don't worry about me. A concert is a concert, and it won't involve the movie."
Talk things out however you like, don't hold yourself back because of me.
Yuan Tao smiled:
"Sure, your thinking is much clearer now."
"Having suffered so many losses, one should learn a lesson."
Zhang Liangying said, then looked at Li Jun.
"How's it going on your end? How's the actor recruitment going?"
"That's about it."
Li Jun added a spoonful of black truffle porcini mushrooms to her bowl.
"We've finalized about 70-80% of the main roles, and we've found a few really good extras."
There was a Sichuan Opera martial arts performer who, even Master Cheng said, had a solid foundation.
"Where's Cao Xiaohua, the actress who played the flower girl?"
Linda asked curiously.
"You really want her to play a role with lines?"
Why not?
Li Jun said.
"She has something very genuine about her that professionally trained actors can't portray."
Movies need this kind of realism.
"How's Xie Tingfeng and the others' training going?"
Zhang Liangying asked.
"The intensity was very high, but we withstood it."
Li Jun recalled the training report he had received a few days ago.
"Nicholas Tse is ruthless to himself, Lin Jiadong grits his teeth and perseveres, and Liu Shishi is more capable of enduring hardship than expected."
"The little girl looks rather frail."
Linda sighed.
"People with a dance background usually have good endurance and willpower."
Li Jun said.
"And she really wanted to seize this opportunity."
The conversation gradually veered off to a range of topics, from work to life.
Linda talked about recent interesting news in the fashion industry, Yuan Tao complained about a difficult business partner, and Zhang Liangying talked about her mother's recovery progress.
Li Jun mostly listened, occasionally interjecting a word or two.
Halfway through the meal, Zhang Liangying's phone rang.
She glanced at it, and her expression changed slightly.
"What's wrong?"
Li Jun asked.
"My mother's attending physician is Director Wu."
Zhang Liangying stood up.
"I'll go pick it up."
She walked out of the private room with her phone in her hand.
The remaining three exchanged glances, all somewhat worried.
A few minutes later, Zhang Liangying returned, her face a little pale, but she remained relatively calm.
"Director Wu said that my mother has been recovering well recently, but the examination revealed that she has some premature ventricular contractions, and he recommended that she have a pacemaker implanted."
She sat down, her voice steady.
"It's a minor surgery with minimal risk, but it still involves opening the chest."
The private room fell silent for a moment.
"When?"
Li Jun asked.
"next week."
Zhang Liangying said.
"Director Wu said the sooner the better, as delaying it will only cause more trouble."
"That concert..."
Linda hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped herself.
"as usual."
Zhang Liang speaks with a firm tone.
"The surgery was performed in Chengdu. I'm flying back tomorrow to be with her and take care of her for a few days before and after the surgery."
"I'll go back to Beijing for rehearsals once things have settled down. There's plenty of time."
"I'll go back with you."
Li Jun said.
"Need not."
Zhang Liangying shook her head.
"You have a lot of things to do over there, running back and forth between Hong Kong and Beijing."
Brother Yuan and Sister Linda will arrange everything for me. And..."
She paused:
"My mom doesn't want to trouble you too much."
There's more to that than meets the eye.
Li Jun understood and didn't insist any further.
"Call me anytime if you need anything."
He said.
"Know."
Zhang Liangying smiled, but the smile seemed somewhat forced.
The atmosphere became noticeably somber during the second half of the meal.
After everyone finished eating quickly, Yuan Tao drove Zhang Liangying back to her residence, while Linda took a taxi by herself.
Li Jun stood at the restaurant entrance, watching the car's taillights disappear around the street corner, and lit a cigarette.
The night wind blew by, carrying the earthy smell unique to sandstorms.
My phone vibrated; it was a text message from Tang Yan:
"How did the movie go? (smiley face)"
Looking at the text message, Li Jun suddenly felt a little tired.
He replied:
"Everything's going well. How about you?"
"I filmed a rain scene today and was soaked for three hours. Now I'm wrapped in a blanket and drinking ginger soup."
When the director said that the take was good, I felt that it was all worth it.
You can picture her huddled in the chair in the text.
Li Jun's lips curved into a smile:
"Don't catch a cold."
"You too. Smoke less."
Li Jun subconsciously stubbed out his cigarette.
Looking up at the sky, a few stars peeked out from the dispersed clouds.
He suddenly recalled a passage from the script of "October Siege of England":
People in chaotic times are like stars in the night sky.
Although they appear to be flickering, they are all enveloped in the same darkness.
No matter how far apart we are, the light can still reach each other. That's enough.
He wrote the script, but reading it now feels like it's about himself.
Li Jun traveled between Beijing, Hong Kong, and Chengdu.
Zhang Liangying's mother's surgery went smoothly, and her recovery was faster than expected.
She stayed in Chengdu for a week, shuttling between the hospital and the hotel every day, but she still sent the rehearsal videos to the team group on time every day.
Li Jun took some time to go to Chengdu and spent half a day at the hospital.
Zhang's mother was in good spirits and even joked with him when she saw him.
"Xiao Jun, seeing you these days is harder than seeing a celebrity."
"Auntie, once this movie is finished filming, I'll come over for meals every day."
Li Jun put down the nutritional supplements he had brought.
"That would be great."
Zhang's mother held his hand.
"Liangying is a stubborn child; she always shoulders everything on her own."
You need to keep a closer eye on her.
"I will."
When he left the hospital, Zhang Liangying escorted him to the parking lot.
"Are you sure I don't need to stay a few more days?"
Li Jun asked.
"Really, you don't need to."
Zhang Liangying opened the car door for him.
"Brother Yuan has taken care of everything for me. Sister Linda is overseeing the rehearsals, and we have caregivers and relatives in Chengdu. You just focus on your work and don't get distracted."
She paused, then said:
"By the way, Mr. Chen contacted Sister Linda again yesterday."
"Or are we talking about Zhang Ziyi?"
"Yes, he also said that if his schedule allows, he can personally go and negotiate."
Zhang Liangying looked at him.
"I think he's too proactive."
I think so too.
Li Jun got into the car.
"I'll handle this. You focus on preparing for the concert and don't worry about these things."
"Then be careful."
As the car drove out of the hospital, Li Jun saw in the rearview mirror that Zhang Liangying was still standing in the same spot, her figure getting smaller and smaller.
When they returned to Hong Kong, the training base had completely changed.
The originally empty factory building was divided into multiple functional areas:
The physical training area is fully equipped, the performance workshop area is equipped with professional lighting and sound, the script reading area is arranged in a circle, and the walls are covered with character relationship diagrams and historical background information.
When Li Jun walked in, it was during the afternoon combat training session.
Master Cheng Guoqiang is personally guiding him.
Nicholas Tse, Lin Jiadong, and Liu Shishi, along with more than twenty recruited stuntmen and extras, were all wearing matching black training uniforms and practicing basic grappling and takedown techniques on a mat.
The smell of sweat, leather, and dust being stirred up was mixed together.
Master Cheng saw Li Jun, nodded, and continued teaching.
His teaching style is old-fashioned; he doesn't talk much, breaks down each movement into extremely detailed steps, and emphasizes that the power originates from the ground.
Nicholas Tse practiced with the most dedication, striving for perfection in every movement.
Lin Jiadong was clearly struggling, but his eyes were focused, and he gritted his teeth and started over even when his movements were distorted.
Liu Shishi surprised Li Jun; her flexibility became an advantage here.
She mastered many movements that required physical coordination faster than others.
During a training break, Li Jun called Master Cheng aside.
"How is it?"
"Xie Sheng has a good foundation, is willing to endure hardship, and has potential."
Master Cheng wiped his sweat with a towel.
"Lin Sheng is a bit weak, but he is obedient and will do whatever he is told to practice."
Ms. Liu was surprisingly flexible, but her core strength was quite good; it must have come from dance training.
"What about those newly recruited stuntmen?"
Li Jun pointed to a group of people sparring with each other on the other side.
"Old Zhao, the Sichuan Opera martial arts actor, is the best. He has skill and knows how to use force."
Master Cheng rarely showed an approving expression.
"There was also one who used to be a firefighter. He was strong and learned wrestling moves quickly."
The others are decent, but sufficient.
"Master Cheng."
Li Jun lowered his voice, "I want to design a solo fight scene for Nicholas Tse to highlight his ruthless, fearless nature, but it can't be too flashy; it has to be real."
Master Cheng thought for a moment:
"Yes. Use a short knife, engage in close-quarters combat, and focus on ground fighting."
Xie Sheng's physique is well-suited to this playing style; he looks lean but has explosive power.
"How long does it take to train?"
"About four hours a day for a month, that's about right."
Master Cheng said.
"But if he wants to make the fight scenes look good, he has to figure it out himself. The real skill comes off-screen."
Li Jun understood what this meant: an actor must truly understand the character's state for action scenes to have soul.
After training, Nicholas Tse walked over, soaked to the bone and still breathing heavily.
"Director Li."
"How's your training going?"
"good."
Nicholas Tse took the water handed to him by his assistant.
"What Master Cheng taught me is quite different from what I learned when I was filming action scenes."
"What's different?"
"Before, it was all about how to play for aesthetics; now it's about how to play realistically."
Nicholas Tse unscrewed the bottle cap.
"Many small movements, the way of exerting force, and even the reaction when being hit are much more subtle."
"This is what we want."
Li Jun said.
"The fighting in this movie isn't acting; it's survival."
Nicholas Tse nodded, remained silent for a few seconds, and then suddenly asked:
"I heard the investors want to hire Zhang Ziyi?"
The news spread really fast.
Li Jun remained unmoved:
"We're still in contact; nothing's decided yet."
"If she comes, will her role be adjusted?"
"Won't."
Li Jun looked at him.
"Your role is the backbone of this film. It wouldn't matter who played it."
That's a sure thing.
Nicholas Tse's gaze softened slightly:
"Understood."
He turned and went to the shower.
Li Jun watched his retreating figure and recalled the information Chen Yongren had previously gathered: Nicholas Tse had recently turned down offers for two commercial films, one of which had a high asking price.
His agency had some reservations about this.
This is a bet.
This applies to Nicholas Tse, and it also applies to Li Jun.
In the evening, Li Jun met Yuan Tao, who had flown in from Beijing, in the temporarily partitioned director's room.
Two things.
Yuan Tao closed the door and got straight to the point.
"First, Xinghui has transferred the first payment, 30 million."
The contract terms have all been checked and there are no problems.
"And the second one?"
"The second thing," Yuan Tao said with a serious expression.
"Wang Zhonglei has made a move."
He set up a new project team called "Storm 1905", which is also set in Hong Kong in the late Qing Dynasty and is also a story of assassination and protection.
The director they cast was Liu Wei, the guy who made a successful gangster film last year.
Li Jun frowned: "Where's the script?"
"We're working on it right now. I heard they've got five screenwriters writing it at the same time."
Yuan Tao said.
"More importantly, they are contacting the actors we have contacted before."
"Who?"
"Lin Jiadong's agent received a call from Huayi yesterday. They offered 30% more than us and promised a larger role."
Yuan Tao paused.
"Liu Shishi's company has also been contacted."
"How did they react?"
"As for Lin Jiadong, he himself hasn't made a statement yet, but his agent is clearly interested."
Yuan Tao said.
"Liu Shishi's company was not very supportive of her coming to Hong Kong for training in the first place, and now they have even more reason to persuade her to quit."
Li Jun walked to the window.
As dusk fell, the lights in the factory area gradually came on.
"Wang Zhonglei is trying to steal the deal."
He spoke slowly.
"And they moved very quickly."
Yuan Tao walked over.
"I suspect they want to announce the project before we start filming, to create hype."
That will affect actors, media attention, and even investors' confidence.
"The investors..."
Li Jun suddenly remembered something.
"Does Starway know about this?"
"They probably don't know yet, but they can't keep it a secret for long."
Yuan Tao said.
"Once Huayi officially announces it, Kent Chan will definitely ask."
Li Jun remained silent.
The distant whistle of a cargo ship drifted in from outside the window, deep and resonant.
"I'm meeting with Lin Jiadong and Liu Shishi tomorrow; I'll speak with them personally."
Li Jun turned around.
"What Huayi can give, we can't. But what Huayi can't give, we can."
"What do you mean?"
"Refers to a work that they can remember."
Li Jun's gaze was deep.
"Instead of just another fast-moving consumer good."
Yuan Tao looked at him and suddenly laughed: "Sometimes I feel that you are even more ruthless than capital."
"It's not ruthlessness, it's clarity."
Li Jun sat back down at the table.
"In this industry, you either have to be number one or be the only one. If we can't be the fastest, we'll be the most solid."
"What about Zhang Ziyi? Chen Zeshi is urging me again today."
Li Jun picked up a pen, wrote a few words on the paper, and pushed it over.
Yuan Tao was stunned when he saw it.
What was written on the paper was:
"Let her audition."
"An audition?"
Yuan Tao couldn't believe it.
"People of Zhang Ziyi's caliber always discuss contracts directly; they never do auditions."
"Then let's set this precedent."
Li Jun said.
"If she really wants to break through and really values this role, she should be willing to come."
If she's unwilling, it means she just wants another leading lady, not this singer.
"You..."
Yuan Tao shook his head
"It's too risky. If she feels offended, not only will she not come, but if word gets out, the other actors will think we're too arrogant."
"Therefore, we need to communicate privately."
Li Jun said.
"Have Linda use her connections in the fashion industry to contact Zhang Ziyi's stylist and give her a heads-up."
If she is interested, we will then formally extend an invitation.
"What if she doesn't?"
"That means she's not the person we're looking for."
Li Jun spoke calmly.
"I'd rather have none than a bad one for this role."
Yuan Tao stared at him for a long time, and finally sighed:
"Okay, I'll make the arrangements."
But Li Jun, I must remind you, we are now standing on the edge of a cliff.
On one side is Huayi Brothers' attack, on the other is pressure from investors, and there are so many actors watching. One wrong step, and the whole game is lost.
"I know."
Li Jun looked out the window at the completely dark sky.
"Therefore, every step must be taken firmly."
After Yuan Tao left, Li Jun stayed alone in the director's room until very late.
He reread the script and marked several key scenes.
Especially the songstress's scenes; she wasn't a female lead in the traditional sense, and her screen time wasn't the most.
But each appearance is like a pebble thrown into water, the ripples spreading throughout the entire story.
She must be beautiful, but not in a gaudy or vulgar way;
One must have a worldly air about them, but not be vulgar;
Most importantly, the audience must be convinced that such a woman would risk her life for a party she has never met.
This is not a role that Zhang Ziyi has played before.
Her Yu Jiaolong is fierce, Xiao Wei is enchanting, and Gong Er is cold.
But this singer was gentle, reserved, and only became truly passionate at the very last moment.
Li Jun was scribbling on the paper when, before he knew it, dawn was breaking.
My phone vibrated; it was a message from Jane Zhang:
"My mom was able to get out of bed and walk a few steps today."
I just finished practicing my singing and I'm listening to the soundtrack of the movie "Flowers of Shanghai" that you recommended last time.
Suddenly, I felt that the era and the people you're filming seem very close to me.
Looking at this message, Li Jun suddenly had an idea.
He dialed Zhang Liangying's number.
The call was answered quickly.
"Still not asleep?"
Her voice was soft.
"Soon."
Li Jun said, "Liangying, can you do me a favor?"
"you say."
"I want you to record a short a cappella piece, a folk song from the Republican era, something with a touch of old times."
About a minute.
"What will it be used for?"
"For an actor's audition."
Li Jun said.
"I want her to listen to this music and find the feeling of the character."
Zhang Liangying paused for a moment:
"Okay, I'll record it and send it to you tomorrow. What kind of emotion do you want?"
"Nostalgia, tenderness."
Li Jun thought about it.
"Like someone who has witnessed many partings, but still believes in reunion."
"Understood."
Zhang Liangying paused.
"You should also take care to get some rest and not stay up too late."
"The same to you."
After hanging up the phone, Li Jun walked to the window.
The eastern sky began to lighten; a new day was about to begin.
He recalled the last line of the script, where the singer, after covering the revolutionaries' escape, stood alone by the empty stage, talking to herself in the mirror:
"In this world, the actors are crazy, and the audience are fools."
But someone has to play the madman and the fool. If they don't, the show can't go on.
Outside the window, the first rays of morning light shone into the factory building and landed on the wooden platform.
There was no one there, but Li Jun seemed to already see everything that would happen there in the future.