There are very few actors like this in the industry. Most of those who look like villains are either ugly or too old. When they stand next to Lin Yu-an, they don't look like partners working together, but more like father and son. It feels very disjointed and is really hard to watch.
Otherwise, we can only find a young actor with good acting skills, and with the right makeup and styling, to portray that feeling.
But then another problem arises: in today's Chinese entertainment industry, where can you find young actors who are good at acting, can carry the male lead at the box office, have decent looks, and are still young? Even if he doesn't care about the box office when making a film, or if he transfers all the pressure of carrying the box office to the actor playing Lin Yu-an, both of them are male leads with important roles. If either of them is just a little bit off, they will both be dragging the film down.
Well, of course, if you really want to find them, there are definitely some. You can easily name a few actors. But Director Ren looked at the roles these people had played before and felt that he wasn't quite satisfied. He felt that something was missing.
Coincidentally, Feng Zhengyang's new movie was generating a lot of buzz during this period. Even Ren Changwen, who doesn't like to join in the fun, had heard some rumors. In particular, when he heard about "Feng Zhengyang's big mobilization of talent in the entertainment industry," Ren Changwen suddenly had a brilliant idea.
Well, if you're looking for a place to see so many young actors in a short period of time, look no further than Director Feng's audition sessions!
There are ready-made actors everywhere. You can observe the actors' state up close, and you can also secretly watch the actors' acting skills. You don't even have to worry about the actors' schedules. Director Feng is in front of the fire, running around to find actors in the domestic entertainment industry, while Ren Changwen is following behind, picking up the scraps and taking advantage of the situation. Where else can you find such a good thing!
Sure enough, after staking out the location for a few days, Ren Changwen immediately took a liking to Xiao He.
Xiao He, in terms of both temperament and appearance, perfectly matched his original vision for the character Xu Ning. Moreover, it was a coincidence that Xu Ning later used a Tang sword. Although his swordsmanship was slightly different from Xiao He's after studying it for a period of time, the two had many similarities when filming.
Ren Changwen sat to the side and observed carefully. He even secretly went to watch Xiao He's audition. He was extremely satisfied and was already considering how he would snatch Xiao He away if Director Feng selected him, so that Xiao He could be his leading man.
But compared to being a supporting male role, being the male lead is definitely more attractive, right?
Fortunately, before Ren Changwen could put his plan into action, Feng Zhengyang, perhaps having heard his prayers, actually did not choose Xiao He, successfully letting this big fish fall into his hands.
Every time Ren Changwen thinks about this, he can't help but laugh at his own exceptional intelligence.
"Cough cough—"
After hearing Ren Changwen's explanation, Xiao He almost choked on his tea.
To come up with such a bizarre idea, Director Ren's family really should consult a wise person.
The others listened with twitching lips, wanting to say something but holding back.
No, Director Ren, you are a well-known director in the industry. Isn't it a bit unethical for you to go to other people's film crews' audition sites and wait for actors?
Seeing that everyone was silent, Ren Changwen realized that he might have been a little too frank. He coughed lightly, pretending to be serious, and then added, "I'm here to volunteer. I'm going in through proper channels to help out. I'm doing a good deed, so I'll keep it low-key. You guys know about this, okay? Don't go around telling everyone."
Xiao He: "..."
I wouldn't dare say that carelessly, otherwise I feel like Director Feng would be so angry he'd vomit blood.
Liu Rulan forced a smile and tried to smooth things over for Ren Changwen: "Haha, Director Ren is amazing. Congratulations to Director Ren for finding the right actor."
Ren Changwen nodded and pretended to drink his tea.
What the others at the scene didn't know was that Liu Zehang was chosen by Ren Changwen this time because of Xiao He's influence.
At the time, Liu Zehang and Xiao He were sitting together, with Chen Yulin behind them. While observing Xiao He, Ren Changwen also took the opportunity to observe Liu Zehang and Chen Yulin. Judging from their appearances, Ren Changwen actually favored Chen Yulin.
After all, Chen Yulin has a more refined appearance. Compared to Liu Zehang, Chen Yulin is more in line with the image of a weak scholar who needs to be protected.
However, when Ren Changwen went back and carefully reviewed Xiao He's other works, he also discovered that the person who played "Zhu Lao Er" was Liu Zehang.
In terms of character design, "Zhu Lao Er" is also a smart person who is responsible for devising strategies and making suggestions. However, he is portrayed as more gloomy. Liu Zehang's acting skills are actually quite good, and he portrays the character very vividly, which shows that there is no need to worry about his acting skills.
The fact that Liu Zehang and Xiao He sat together at the audition indicates that they have a good relationship. This kind of tacit understanding developed between familiar people will make them more compatible during filming. They also have experience working together, so they definitely won't need too much time to adjust and will be easier to work with...
After careful consideration, Ren Changwen chose Liu Zehang.
This is why Liu Zehang received the script invitation half a day later than Xiao He.
However, now that the candidate has been confirmed, there's no need to be so explicit, lest it create an awkward situation for both sides.
After all, in terms of star power and time in the industry, Xiao He is already getting a huge advantage by being able to share the male lead role with Liu Zehang, even if he is only the second lead. Only Liu Zehang himself doesn't seem to care much. His fans also know that the two families have a good relationship. Otherwise, this matter would have caused a huge uproar in the Chinese entertainment industry.
...
After the dinner ended and Director Ren left, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"call--"
Liu Zehang put his hand on Xiao He's shoulder and said with great emotion, "It seems that the two of us brothers are about to embark on a new adventure."
Xiao He raised his hand and made a cupped-hand gesture: "Then I'll wait for my second brother to guide me."
"Haha, you're more likely to be leading me—"
The two chatted and laughed as they walked toward the parking lot. Cheng Xue and Liu Rulan, who were behind them, discussed the next steps in guiding public opinion: "After the production team makes an official announcement, we will try to adjust the emotions ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) of the fans here. We will need Sister Liu's cooperation at that time."
Liu Rulan nodded: "We have no problem on our end. I'll take care of the marketing accounts."
Although the casting of the two male leads for this drama was in a state of agreement between the two actors, their respective fans, and the production director, it still couldn't stop netizens who love to make sarcastic remarks and meddle in other people's business.
What can we do if netizens disagree?
We can only try to suppress the heat and put this matter on hold.
"Fortunately, we have Director Feng's new film ahead of us, so we can keep a low profile on the trending topics." Cheng Xue narrowed her eyes. "But as for that Chen Yulin, if he continues to use our Liu Zehang for marketing, then don't blame me for being impolite."
Some people are really disgusting. They seize every opportunity to jump around, as if they can ascend to heaven on the spot.
Liu Rulan glanced at her, then chuckled and offered advice: "They love marketing so much, why don't you give them a hand and let them play by themselves? After all, acting skills aren't determined by the director, but by the audience. The truth can't be hidden, and the false can't be made true."
Liu Rulan absolutely loves these marketing guys. They provide ready-made traffic without her having to spend much money. When she wants to piggyback on it, she can easily grab a piece of the pie. When she doesn't want to, they just help amplify the firepower, and she can just sit back and watch the show.
Almost every celebrity who gains popularity has suffered the consequences of their popularity backfiring.
But there's nothing they can do; when all they have left is "traffic," they've lost control of the situation.
Cheng Xue understood what Liu Rulan meant.
A mischievous smile finally appeared on her pretty doll-like face: "That's true. They're not the only ones chosen by Director Feng. I wonder how outstanding the final selection will be after eliminating so many people from the domestic entertainment industry."
The two women exchanged a glance, both wearing expressions of schadenfreude, as if watching a spectacle unfold.
