He even heard that the company had turned down a more prestigious offer for a supporting role from Jung Yunho (TVXQ), so compared to that, he, as a minor character, seemed even less worthy of the company's attention.
Lee Jin-wook seemed taken aback by this reaction, and his prepared explanation caught in his throat. He cleared his throat, deciding to skip the unpleasant topic and get to the point: "Well, there's something else. Back in China, Sohu Video has approached our company with a script, and their production team has clearly stated that they hope to invite you to play the male lead."
The male lead?
This word made Ou Yangguang raise an eyebrow slightly. Compared to the situation in South Korea where even supporting roles are difficult to secure, the invitations from the Chinese market seem direct and generous.
"Has the script arrived? I'd like to take a look." He didn't immediately show interest, his voice remaining steady.
“It’s on the table.” Lee Jin-wook pushed a bound script over, his tone carrying a hint of disdain and warning. “However, I’ve given the team a preliminary overview. This is just a web series adapted from a web novel. The production scale and team building are still in their early stages, and you could even say… the future is uncertain.”
Ou Yang picked up the script; the cover had four words written on it: "Those Bygone Years".
He quickly flipped through the pages. The script was adapted from Jiu Yehui's novel of the same name, telling the story of Chen Xun, Fang Hui, and a group of post-80s individuals from high school to university, from acquaintance to separation, spanning ten years of youth, love, and growth. The plot included the beauty and pain of first love, the strength and betrayal of friendship, and the confusion and choices of growing up, with delicate emotions and a strong sense of the times.
Information flashed through his mind: he knew that the novel had a wide readership in China, and although the youth nostalgia theme was not mainstream in the mainland film and television market at the time, it had huge potential.
Previously, regarding the script for "Tiny Times," he had inquired with friends in China about the situation. He had also vaguely heard that the television adaptation rights for this work had gone through several twists and turns, and had been shelved due to the difficulty of adaptation. Now that Sohu Video has acquired the rights and is determined to launch the project, there must be strategic considerations behind it. Although the film version seems to have been acquired by renowned director Zhang Yibai, the television series is a completely different field.
“I want to take on this role.” Ou Yang closed the script, looked up, and stared directly at Li Zhenxu, his tone carrying a clear and unwavering determination.
“Xiaoguang, you need to think this through,” Li Zhenxu frowned. “This is just a fledgling web series project. The production team and the broadcasting platform can’t compare to a regular TV station in terms of influence. Besides, you’re the male lead, you have a lot of screen time, and the filming schedule might clash with our group’s schedule…”
“Jin-wook,” Ou Yangguang interrupted him, leaning forward slightly, “precisely because it’s a web series, a new beginning, there are perhaps fewer restrictions and more creative space. I’ve read the script; the story is solid, and the emotions are very real. There aren’t many youth campus dramas these days, and I believe that since Sohu Video went to great lengths to acquire the rights, they won’t underestimate this project.” He paused, his tone softening but still insistent, “This is an opportunity, a chance for me as an actor to fully portray a character and carry a production. Whether in Korea or China, I don’t know when I’ll have such an opportunity again.”
A brief silence fell over the office. Lee Jin-wook looked at the boy before him, at the light shining in his eyes. It was a light that had settled within him—a clear understanding of his own path and a steadfast pursuit of it.
The company's previous attempts to suppress him did not seem to deter him; instead, they made him clearer about what he wanted and taught him how to fight for it more effectively.
Ultimately, after some internal deliberation and Ouyang's insistence, the company reluctantly agreed to let him take on the script for "Fleet of Time".
This might be a compromise with his recent restlessness, a tentative release based on the potential of the Chinese market, or even a realization that suppressing this rapidly rising star might not be a wise move.
Stepping out of the office, Ou Yangguang gripped the script tightly in his hand. The glory of MAMA belonged to the team; it was the brilliant fruit of EXO's collective hard work.
The script in his hand, titled "Those Bygone Years," is like a key that might open another door for him, leading to a world that belongs to Ou Yangguang, a world where he is more independent and needs to bear the storms alone.
The road ahead remains unknown, but this time, he has at least seized the initiative in choosing his direction.
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