Chapter 368 Not Wanting to Be a Toy in the Capital Game

Lu Yanhe's progress surprised Xin Zixing and also evoked similar feelings in many others, including Huang Cheng.

When Huang Cheng last worked with Lu Yanhe, he only felt that this young man was not impetuous, could calm down, thought about acting, and was humble.

During this collaboration with Lu Yanhe, Huang Cheng clearly sensed a change in Lu Yanhe.

Lu Yanhe had his own opinions on every scene he filmed.

Of course, he usually doesn't speak.

When Lu Yanhe occasionally spoke, it was always to offer his ideas on how to portray his character.

In this drama, he plays a character who is suspected of murder from beginning to end, presenting a great deal of challenge and room for interpretation. However, Lu Yanhe excels at portraying such unique individuals. Having received no formal training, his biggest weakness in acting is portraying ordinary, everyday people. He feels he can't do it naturally. But characters like those in "The Silent River," situated in unconventional circumstances, offer little relatable reference for most people. Lu Yanhe, by simply immersing himself in the character and using rich details to depict the predicament faced by a suspect, draws the audience in.

In this situation, Lu Yanhe often communicates with director Chen Lingling and his co-stars on set, sharing his ideas for a scene, asking if they could try it out, and seeing the effect.

In one scene, he encounters a mother and daughter living in the same building in the elevator. Everyone already knows he's suspected of murdering a woman, so when the mother and daughter see him, they both show signs of tension and fear. In the script, Lu Yanhe's character, after noticing their nervousness and fear, tries to offer a kind smile. However, the mother and daughter become even more frightened upon seeing his smile. Just then, the elevator stops on a floor, someone is about to enter, and they quickly get out.

The person who was about to enter the elevator refused to come in after seeing Lu Yanhe standing inside.

This single scene is actually meant to depict the attitudes of those around Lu Yanhe after he is suspected of being a murderer.

This scene can be considered important, or it can be considered unimportant. Of course, by Chen Lingling's standards, it is definitely important. Especially in a short drama like this, every scene has its significance.

Lu Yanhe then brought it up.

“For this scene, I want to try acting without smiling,” Lu Yanhe said. “After putting myself in the role, when I am mistaken by the people around me as a murderer, and when many people know about my past experiences, even if others are afraid of me, I can’t really smile at that time. I know the script is written this way to make me feel more vulnerable and broken, but I haven’t quite found the right place to get into it. Director, why don’t you take a look at this take based on my own understanding? If it doesn’t work, I’ll go back to the script.”

Chen Lingling nodded, offering no objection.

“My understanding of the characters in this script is definitely not as good as yours. I haven’t had enough time to prepare. Think it through, you can act in it, and I’ll take a look and then decide.” Chen Lingling readily nodded and agreed to Lu Yanhe’s suggestion.

When Lu Yanhe said this to Chen Lingling, Huang Cheng was standing next to Chen Lingling.

Huang Cheng didn't think Lu Yanhe was more mature than before because he was now proactively offering his own ideas, but rather because of what Lu Yanhe said.

It encompasses all the nuances of human relationships and social interactions.

He didn't rashly say that the script was wrong, but he did offer his own opinions based on his own experience as an actor. In the end, he left the decision of how to act to Chen Lingling, without challenging the director's authority.

In just a few words, all aspects were taken into consideration.

-

After finishing work, Huang Cheng went to Lu Yanhe's dressing room. The door was not closed, and the makeup artist was helping him remove his makeup—he had to wear "wounded makeup" today.

Huang Cheng knocked on the door, came in with a smile, and called out.

"Yan He, you acted really well today. It's great to work with you again. Your acting skills have improved by leaps and bounds, and your understanding of acting has reached a new level."

Lu Yanhe glanced at Huang Cheng in the mirror and smiled somewhat embarrassedly.

"Mr. Huang, you flatter me. I still have a lot to learn. I always learn a lot of new things when I work with Director Chen."

Huang Cheng: "Do you have any plans for tonight?"

"Wait a minute?" Lu Yanhe said, "No, I'm planning to have dinner with my team after filming, and then go back to the hotel to rest."

“I’ll find you a place to eat,” Huang Cheng said. “I also have something I’d like to talk to you about.”

“Okay.” Lu Yanhe immediately nodded with a smile.

Although he didn't know why Huang Cheng wanted to see him.

People are really easily influenced.

Lu Yanhe was completely influenced by Chen Ziyan.

For those people who are worth befriending and getting close to, regardless of what others think, you can spend more time with them. It's not like having a meal together will lead you to an irreversible and irredeemable situation, so don't be afraid.

-

Huang Cheng was very polite and even arranged a table for Zou Dong and Wang Biao, while the two of them went into a private room.

Huang Cheng politely poured wine for Lu Yanhe himself.

“Let’s not drink too much. You have filming tomorrow, so just have a small drink,” he said. “This wine is homemade rice wine from my hometown. It’s not very strong and it’s very fragrant.”

The aroma of the wine filled the air as soon as it was poured out.

really.

Lu Yanhe used to drink very little, but now he has gradually gotten used to it.

And, I've actually started to like it.

However, it's only a little bit.

"Mr. Huang, let me toast you first." Lu Yanhe raised his glass first. "I didn't expect to have another opportunity to cooperate so soon. I am very grateful for your help."

Huang Cheng let out a soft "Oh!" and smiled kindly.

“That’s only natural, why bother saying all this?” Huang Cheng said. “Besides, to be honest, Yan He, it’s really touching that I got to know you when you first started acting. I’ve been in this industry for so many years, and I always have a closer affection for young people I’ve watched grow up step by step. I think you understand what I mean by that.”

Lu Yanhe laughed and nodded, saying, "I think so too. The more roles I play, the more I realize how important it is to encounter certain directors and production teams at the beginning, and to develop certain habits. These are all things I learned at the very beginning. Now, when I act, join a production team, prepare for a role, and read a script, I learn all of these things."

Huang Cheng: "But there is one thing I didn't expect. I didn't expect you to start working behind the scenes as a producer at such a young age."

Lu Yanhe immediately shook his head and said, "No, you can't say that. I'm not a producer. I'm just a figurehead. My main responsibility is the script. And because I'm an actor and familiar with the script, I also give suggestions on the casting. That's all."

Huang Cheng: "That's already quite remarkable. Your own scripts are so amazing. By the way, were your later scripts all collaborations with Aurora Borealis?"

"I signed a cooperation framework agreement with them, but not all of them. It just means that we will select a few projects to cooperate on."

Huang Cheng smiled with relief and said, "That's good. I was just wondering if you have any scripts that you think are suitable for Director Chen to film?"

"Huh?" Lu Yanhe was taken aback.

Huang Cheng: "I haven't told her about this yet, but I can tell that she appreciates your scripts, including your previous script for 'My Own Swordsman.' We've seen the scripts for the first few episodes. She told me that your script, which seems to be for the common people, is actually a secular novel in the style of 'Three Words and Two Slaps,' with a warning significance that criticizes current affairs."

"Such high praise?" Lu Yanhe was flattered. "Thank you, thank you."

“Although she didn’t say it, based on my understanding of her, she definitely wants to work with you on a script.” Huang Cheng laughed. “In many people’s eyes, she is already a successful director who has won all kinds of awards, but she herself has always wanted to find fresh stories that can inspire her creative desire. You can see this from the filming of ‘The Silent River’. This is her first time filming a crime drama. Her creative pace is not usually this fast, but because she liked the script, she still took the plunge and accepted it. She just finished filming a drama in July and started filming ‘The Silent River’ this month.”

Lu Yanhe nodded, "Yes, this time working with the director, I also felt that she had many new ideas for filming."

This time, Chen Lingling left much of the character's interpretation to the actress herself—a completely unimaginable difference compared to their previous collaboration on "Phoenix Terrace."

Lu Yanhe thought for a moment and said, "President Huang, I do have a few stories that I'm preparing to write into scripts. Of course, I haven't started writing them yet, and I have already written some, but they haven't entered the formal preparation stage yet, such as 'My Own Swordsman' and 'The Squid Game' that you know about. But none of them seem to be particularly suitable for Director Chen. It's difficult for me to think about this outside of Director Chen's existing style."

Upon hearing this, Huang Cheng asked, "May I ask what stories you have in store? I've worked with Lingling for so many years, so I know her fairly well."

Lu Yanhe didn't hide anything, nodded, and told Huang Cheng about the fantasy drama he had been talking about.

"The Legend of Sword and Fairy?" Huang Cheng frowned subconsciously upon hearing this name.

The titles of fantasy dramas on the market now are mostly names like "XX Order" or "XX Fate," and I haven't heard such names for a long time.

Lu Yanhe said, "This is a more traditional fantasy story, about a group of young people saving the world."

Huang Cheng seemed to be deep in thought.

“However, I had already promised Li Zhibai and Yan Liang that they would star in this drama,” Lu Yanhe said. “This script was tailor-made for them.”

Huang Cheng suddenly realized.

"Actually, fantasy dramas are a genre that Lingling has never filmed before. Of course, your fantasy genre is also quite different from what we see on the market. It's a bit like traditional martial arts dramas."

“Yes.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “Perhaps in my heart, the core essence of Xianxia is still chivalry, which is to subdue demons and monsters and to shoulder the responsibility of all living beings.”

Huang Cheng: "After listening to your story, I'm really interested in it. I believe the story you write will be very different."

Lu Yanhe said thank you.

"How's the 'My Own Swordsman' series progressing?" Huang Cheng asked.

Lu Yanhe shook his head, "We don't know anything yet. Right now, Aurora has sent someone over, and we're repeatedly communicating about some production matters, but we haven't actually entered the stage of actual implementation."

The two sides are still arguing about whether the series should be made into a high-quality drama or a sitcom as Lu Yanhe envisions.

Upon hearing Lu Yanhe's words, Huang Cheng offered, "If there's anything I can help you with, just let me know. After 'The Silent River' is finished filming, Lingling will take a good rest before starting post-production. That will free up my time. Putting aside everything else, I have so many years of experience in production. If you have any questions or don't understand something, feel free to ask me anytime."

"Brother Huang, why don't you come and help me promote this project?" Lu Yanhe said immediately after hearing Huang Cheng's suggestion.

"Um?"

“Neither Ziyan nor I are professionals, and we’re both very busy with our regular jobs. If you could join this project directly, I wouldn’t have to worry about anything.” Lu Yanhe said somewhat dejectedly, “We’ve had several rounds of discussions with Aurora Studio about this drama, but we’re stuck on the positioning of the drama.”

Lu Yanhe explained the problems and difficulties they were currently facing to Huang Cheng.

Huang Cheng understood.

"They're willing to give you money and you're not?" Huang Cheng smiled in amazement. "No amount of money can last forever. Since they want to make this a top-tier S+ drama and are willing to give so much production budget, what are you afraid of? Use the best costumes, props, and sets. Build a real-life replica of Tongfu Inn. Use the best for all the actors, including guest stars... These days, you never see people complaining about having too much money, only about not having enough. Your attitude probably leaves them completely bewildered."

Lu Yanhe: "Sigh, I'm just afraid they'll make this drama too fancy and too exquisite, then it won't be the flavor I envisioned at all."

“No, no, no, Yan He, you’ve got one thing wrong,” Huang Cheng immediately said. “What you’re trying to film isn’t a crude world, but a real, ordinary world of martial arts. It’s not about how much money you spend to make things in this world more exquisite, but rather that the more budget you have, the more realistic and accurate you can make the world of this drama. Like with ‘My Own Swordsman,’ you could just build a Tongfu Inn. Maybe after the show airs, this Tongfu Inn will become a popular tourist attraction, attracting a large number of visitors who come to visit and take photos.”

Huang Cheng's words struck Lu Yanhe like a bell.

It made a buzzing sound.

Lu Yanhe suddenly realized.

Huang Cheng said, "Many people think that only fantasy, science fiction and the like that require a lot of special effects need high production costs. This idea is wrong. If you have a top director, a group of top actors and a group of top producers, all of these people together are the most expensive. If you can bring together the top people in the industry to make this show, you still can't afford a budget of more than 100 million yuan."

Lu Yanhe was both amused and exasperated, saying, "But I think this drama could have been made without such top-notch production teams. Different dramas have different focuses. Take 'The Silent River,' for example. Of course, the costumes, props, and sets all need to be extremely accurate because every scene in that drama is filmed to movie standards. But if 'My Own Swordsman' were to be filmed to movie standards, it would actually affect its overall feel. That's my opinion."

Huang Cheng: "Northern Lights needs your S+ level sitcom to boost their stock price and ask their big investors for money. To put it bluntly, even if the show flops a year or two later, the market's optimism and anticipation for your show in just one or two years will be enough for them to make back their investment. The rules of the game for whether a show is profitable or not are not just about whether it flops or not."

Lu Yanhe: "They have their own way of playing the game, but of course I don't want me and this project to become toys for them to play their capital games."

Huang Cheng: "Let's talk slowly. Anyway, there's no rush to start filming your drama. In fact, for Aurora, it might be better if your drama starts filming a little later. The success of 'Seventeen Floors' has already given you another layer of prestige, and the market's enthusiasm for you is only increasing, which is enough."

Lu Yanhe shook his head slightly, somewhat helpless.

“However, it is right for you to have this attitude now. You must not be influenced by the attitudes of the outside world. People always have ups and downs, but no matter how the external environment changes, you can only have the confidence to continue to move forward no matter what situation you encounter if you stick to yourself and stick to your principles.” Huang Cheng said, “Even if you take a step back, you cannot back down on the quality of your work. This is your principle and red line as a creator.”

Lu Yanhe nodded solemnly.

"If you believe that 'My Own Swordsman' must be filmed in a less refined style to match its inherent character, and you've thought it through, then stick to it," Huang Cheng said. "A creator who doesn't stick to their own aesthetic sense regarding the content will definitely regret it sooner or later. I've seen too many examples like this. You can ignore what others say, but the premise is that you've really thought things through, and you're not acting impulsively or stubbornly going against the grain."

Lu Yanhe couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"good."

“The ‘Legend of Martial Arts’ project is a project between you and Aurora, so it’s not appropriate for me to get involved rashly. If we encounter any problems that can’t be resolved, you can come to me again, and I can still negotiate with people privately.” Huang Cheng finally answered Lu Yanhe’s earlier suggestion after saying this much. He smiled slightly. “If I really get involved in this project now, then I will become the first enemy they want to defeat.”

(End of this chapter)