Shu Han is arguably the most successful artist among all the artists Liu Rulan has managed.
At that time, Shu Han was just a stunt double, making a living with the injuries he had sustained. During one of his stunt jobs on a film set, he was spotted by Liu Rulan and signed, becoming an artist under Jiaxing Entertainment.
Shu Han wasn't exactly a stunningly handsome man, far inferior to later stars like Tong Junhui and Su Shengxi. However, at that time, the film industry hadn't been completely influenced by the fan economy, and there was a natural bias and stereotype against pale-faced young men and pretty boys. On the contrary, Shu Han's appearance, if styled up, would be particularly popular in the film industry as a tough guy.
In addition, Shu Han was originally a stuntman, and he caught up with the last glorious period of martial arts stars, so Shu Han eventually succeeded in breaking into the Hollywood screen by taking advantage of this momentum.
Back then, Hollywood wasn't as complex as it is now. Film production was declining year after year, and the "Hollywood halo" lost its allure along with the "American Dream" behind it. Actors and stars considered it an honor to go abroad and appear on the Hollywood screen; it was a path to success that many in the industry desperately wanted to take.
However, very few of them are ultimately able to go abroad and establish themselves in Hollywood.
Shu Han made a name for himself in Hollywood with his martial arts skills and excellent acting skills. He got to where he is today through his own hard work and sweat.
Unlike the two char siu bao he encountered later, Shu Han and Liu Rulan terminated their contract amicably. After all, once he went abroad, Liu Rulan and even Jiaxing Entertainment could hardly help him anymore. So rather than delaying Shu Han's development, it was better for Jiaxing Entertainment to step in and exchange resources with the foreign entertainment talent agency that had taken a liking to Shu Han, thus helping Shu Han secure a better future.
Of course, Liu Rulan's help was indispensable in this process.
Shu Han is a down-to-earth and hardworking person who is grateful and loyal. He is very grateful to Liu Rulan for her guidance back then, so Liu Rulan and Shu Han still maintain a very good relationship.
The last time Liu Rulan personally visited Ning Jiaqi's home was more than ten years ago.
At that time, Shu Han had already made a name for himself in the industry, but he had not yet found a suitable lead role. After making several inquiries, Liu Rulan learned about the script "No Bait" and, just like today, shamelessly visited ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) Director Ning to ask for an audition opportunity.
Back then, industry censorship processes and systems weren't as standardized. Director Ning submitted the script and immediately began preparations, unaware that the script for "No Bait" would be completely rejected due to increased policy censorship barriers, and even remain shelved for over a decade. After hearing Liu Rulan's explanation, he still agreed to give Shu Han an audition opportunity to see if Shu Han was truly suitable for the role.
The final result was quite good. Shu Han had the right appearance, excellent acting skills, and a very good understanding and interpretation of the script. After comparing several actors, Ning Jiaqi decisively chose Shu Han.
Unfortunately, the script for "No Bait" was subsequently stalled, and Ning Jiaqi's filming plan was aborted, with the day when the script would be released seemingly far off.
Fortunately, Liu Rulan did not lose heart and later helped Shu Han get another more suitable script. Shu Han lived up to expectations and won a huge box office with that role, thus beginning his path to becoming a martial arts superstar.
Now, so many years have passed in the blink of an eye, and the same people and the same things are happening again.
Back then, Liu Rulan was fighting for Shu Han's opportunity, but this time she is fighting for Xiao He's opportunity.
After listening to Liu Rulan's introduction of Xiao He, Ning Jiaqi remained silent for a moment before saying, "Little Liu, I wouldn't mind giving you another audition opportunity, but so many years have passed and my requirements remain unchanged. Are you sure your current artist can meet my criteria?"
"Let me make this clear from the start: 'No Bait' is a work that we've been working on for over ten years. No matter how much time has passed, we still have very high standards for the lead actor. Even now, looking at the entire entertainment industry, I don't have many actors that I'm particularly satisfied with. If you come to me for this opportunity now and it turns out to be a wasted trip, then don't bother me next time."
Ning Jiaqi didn't mind Liu Rulan's purposeful visit and direct approach in seeking resources and opportunities. After all, many opportunities these days require you to be shameless and ask for them; you can't just sit at home and expect to get them. He'd met hundreds of agents like Liu Rulan in his home.
Ning Jiaqi really appreciates the hard work and dedication of these young people and is generous in giving them opportunities.
Unfortunately, while some people genuinely volunteer, others are like toilet vagrants. They lack ability but insist on trying to get ahead. Upon closer inspection, they prove to be completely incompetent, yet they are overflowing with confidence. Anyone who didn't know better would think they were already world-famous celebrities. It's simply absurd.
Ning Jiaqi originally intended to give newcomers a chance and show them some "care," but now everyone is trying to get a chance, which has annoyed Ning Jiaqi.
Rather than giving these opportunities to these clueless guys, he'd be better off giving them to his Peking Opera students! At least the good stuff stays in the family.
Therefore, Ning Jiaqi decided to give Liu Rulan a heads-up beforehand so that she could prepare herself mentally.
However, his words did not make Liu Rulan nervous. On the contrary, the smile on Liu Rulan's face became even brighter, and she took out certificates and proofs of various sizes from her briefcase.
"Although our Xiao He cannot yet fully meet all of Director Ning's requirements for the protagonist's skills, I believe that in the entire Chinese entertainment industry right now, the skills he possesses are definitely the ones that best meet your requirements."
To be honest, Ning Jiaqi was really surprised when he saw Liu Rulan pull out a bunch of certificates of all sizes.
Even Zhuang Hongyi, who hadn't intended to speak, put down his crossed legs and couldn't help but reach out and pick up a few certificates to examine them.
Then his gaze towards Liu Rulan changed slightly: "If I remember correctly, most of these certificates weren't here when you came to see me last time?"
Ning Jiaqi was somewhat surprised: "Xiao Zhuang, do you know this kid?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Zhuang Hongyi knew he had fallen into Liu Rulan's trap. He had clearly intended to remain silent and resolutely refuse to recommend Xiao He to Liu Rulan, but upon seeing these certificates, he couldn't resist...
But considering Xiao He's own abilities, he still gave in and said a few more words in Xiao He's defense: "Xiao He is currently acting in a project I invested in—but the resume I saw back then wasn't as impressive as it is now."
As he spoke, he stared at Liu Rulan meaningfully.
This guy probably over-bragged about his own artist.
Liu Rulan met Zhuang Hongyi's suspicious gaze, slightly curled the corners of her lips, and nodded proudly: "Yes, many of these certificates were recently obtained by Xiao He. You can check them on the corresponding official websites at any time. It's just a pity that the racing license still needs to be upgraded by participating in domestic competitions, and the pilot's license still needs to accumulate enough basic flight hours. Otherwise, it might be closer to Director Ning's selection requirements."
Zhuang Hongyi: "..."
Ning Jiaqi: "..."
Holy crap! What kind of Versailles-esque language is this?! Is this even human?
