Because of the subsequent influence of these trending searches, Ji Li's number of Weibo followers successfully exceeded 10 million in just one week.
Looking around, there are very few young actors who can gain such high popularity within one year of their debut.
Yu Fuya was determined to give Ji Li a long vacation, in addition to the offline fan meeting of the Ying's perfume brand that had been scheduled long ago.
During the rest of the time, Ji Li did not have any other public activities.
Time flies and it is already mid-September.
After only being idle at home for a month, Ji Li couldn't sit still anymore. He called Yu Fuya and said, "Sister Yu, I want to film a movie."
So, less than an hour after the phone call.
Yu Fuya and Baozi arrived at his home with three brand new movie scripts.
"Brother Ji! Brother Ji!"
Baozi piled the scripts in front of Ji Li in one breath, "Sister Yu and I have already screened them for you. The three 'winning scripts' are of different genres, and all of them have the male lead."
Baozi patted the script on the top, "Especially the one on the top, it's definitely a big IP movie, and it's directed by the famous director Zhang Chengye, but it needs auditions for casting."
Ji Li raised his eyebrows slightly, "It all sounds good. Why? Have you received a lot of movie scripts recently?"
Two months ago, it would have been hard for him to pick a good script.
Baozi raised his head proudly, with his gestures as exaggerated as possible, "Isn't it? Your worth is rising rapidly now!"
Yu Fuya smiled and explained, "There are many film projects that will start shooting after the National Day holiday, you can take a look at them all. If there is a role you particularly like, I will help you negotiate it."
Xuebing lay lazily in the cat's bed. He slowly raised his head to look twice, then curled up and went back to sleep.
Baozi approached, squatted down and teased him, "Brother Ji, why is Xuebing not lively at all?"
"I had some free time some time ago, so I took him to have his testicles removed. He's been feeling depressed lately." Ji Li picked up the script and chuckled.
Not to mention Baozi, even Ji Li, the master, was ignored by Xuebing.
At first, Ji Li was worried that Xue Bing might have gotten sick during the operation, so he immediately consulted a veterinarian, and the answer he got was -
Your acting before you took it for sterilization was a bit superficial, and it wasn't enough to show how heartbroken it was. The little guy was upset with you.
The highly anticipated new actor, a former Grand Slam actor, had his acting skills seen through and despised by his own cat.
Ji Li thought about this and felt at a loss whether to laugh or cry. "You guys can do whatever you want. I'll go through these story summaries and character biographies first."
"Okay, Brother Ji, we won't disturb you." Baozi took a cat toy and teased it carefully.
Yu Fuya stared at Ji Li's focused profile, wanting to say something but stopping herself.
Ji Li spent half an hour reading through the script outline that the other party brought.
Yu Fuya asked, "What do you think?"
"I have to read the entire script before I can confirm." Ji Li answered honestly.
To be honest, these three movies win in terms of investment and being blockbusters, but their story outlines are not particularly eye-catching at first glance.
However, Ji Li did not intend to reject it directly. He wanted to take a closer look at the details in the script before making a decision, so as not to miss out on a good movie.
"Ji Li, I actually have another script here." Yu Fuya opened her large-capacity handbag, took out another thick script from it, and placed it on the table.
Ji Li lowered his eyes and looked at it. The cover was pure black, with a line of English names written in gold.
《Long Island Iced Tea》
"Long Island Iced Tea?" A trace of curiosity flashed in Ji Li's eyes. "Using the name of a wine as the name of a movie?"
Yu Fuya temporarily stopped the other person from taking the script. She met the young man's gaze and said, "Ji Li, before you open this script, I have two important points to tell you."
Baozi, who was originally teasing Xuebing, immediately sat next to the two of them, holding the cat, when he heard this.
"Sister Yu, there's a new script? How come I didn't know about it?"
Ji Li glanced at Baozi, then nodded solemnly to Yu Fuya, "Sister Yu, you talk, I'm listening."
Judging from Yu Fuya’s expression, this script must be of great importance.
"The director of this script is Roland Cameron." Yu Fuya gave the name of a director.
Ji Li was not very familiar with the foreign directors in this world, but when Baozi heard the name, he immediately stood up excitedly, "Damn! Directed by Cameron?"
It was the first time that Ji Li saw Bao Zi so surprised that he swore. He couldn't help but ask, "...what happened?"
Baozi was not surprised by his question and explained excitedly, "Brother Ji, this director is amazing! You must know the Ana International Film Festival, right? It's recognized as the top film festival in the world!"
"At this film festival, Director Cameron won the prestigious title of 'Best Director' six times!"
"Director Cameron has been in the industry for more than 30 years and has produced seven internationally renowned film actors and actresses through his films!"
In addition, his name is always included in awards at other film festivals.
"Although the films he directed were all art films, their box office sales were comparable to commercial films, and even better than ordinary commercial films!"
In the latest list of 100 outstanding films in the world, his works alone occupy five seats!
According to Cameron's consistent shooting standards and excellent scripts, as long as Ji Li can take over his script, he will probably step directly into the international film industry!
I'm not exaggerating, but compared to director Cameron's script and team, the three domestic films they selected are indeed not good enough.
Yu Fuya nodded, approving the introduction of the steamed buns.
"The resource for this movie script was recommended by Director Adolf. I talked with Director Cameron's team for more than three hours before I got you the opportunity to read the script."
Of course, a strict script confidentiality agreement is indispensable.
Yu Fuya's agent still had some initiative, so he signed on behalf of Ji Li.
"Director Cameron has seen your commercial video and thinks that your image is suitable for the role in the script. If you are interested after reading the script, they will reserve time for you and we will have to fly to the United States for an audition."
Ji Li nodded, thinking that these basic conditions were reasonable.
"Sister Yu, what is the second point you mentioned?" he asked again.
What could make the straightforward Yu Fuya so conflicted and cautious is probably not just a matter of the script and cast.
"I've read the script before you." Yu Fuya glanced at the title of the script with a complex look in her eyes, "This is a gay literary film."
As soon as he said this, Baozi opened his eyes wide, "This..."
Ji Li focused his mind and returned his gaze to the script.
He finally understood why Yu Fuya looked so hesitant after taking out the script.
In recent years, the domestic film creation environment is far less open than that in the West, and films on homosexual themes have almost disappeared.
Under such circumstances, the domestic tolerance for male actors taking on such projects is far lower than that in foreign countries, let alone young actors like Ji Li who are currently developing well.
However, this movie script is signed by director Cameron, so if the hardware is good enough, it will have a chance to go international.
This condition is really tempting.
Therefore, the contradiction between the past and the present made Yu Fuya a little confused.
However, she remembered what Ji Li said at the beginning of their cooperation -
"I want to have the greatest autonomy in choosing film and television scripts for Sister Yu."
Over the past year, Yu Fuya has been deeply aware of Ji Li's mature ability in selecting scripts and his long-term market vision, so she did not reject the script as soon as she learned about the subject matter. Instead, she continued to have detailed discussions with Cameron's team and secured the script and audition rights for the other party.
Now, she put the decision in Ji Li's hands.
"Sister Yu, I never resist any film or television subject matter, because the focus is always the content itself." Ji Li's eyes were still on the script cover with black background and gold letters.
Perhaps some scripts have an innate appeal.
As soon as he saw it, Ji Li's curiosity gradually came over him, "I want to take a look first."
"Of course." Yu Fuya let go of her hand.
There was finally a softening curve between her brows. She had done her best as an agent to remind the other party. The rest depended on the other party's fate with the script.
Baozi knew that script selection was a big deal and did not dare to give his ideas casually.
However, if he were to say in his heart, same-sex themes and opposite-sex themes are essentially the same, and the key is good works and good content.
Speaking of the 1980s, there were many good domestic gay film and television works. Male actors dared to perform for good scripts, and the movies were still popular after they were released.
On the contrary, the new generation of actors are restricted in what they can do. Not to mention same-sex themes, even playing a villain killer is feared to affect their public image. It's so boring.
Ji Li leaned back on the lazy sofa and began to flip through the movie script.
The pure English script, with neat and orderly letters, is clean and pleasing to the eye.
The protagonists of the script are two Chinese men, one of whom is named Lu Yao.
Lu Yao's parents went abroad to start a business as soon as they got married. They started from scratch and it took them a full ten years to build their career and world.
Unfortunately, the good times did not last long. After becoming rich, Lu's father cheated on his wife, and he began to dislike Lu's mother who did not like to dress up.
The couple became estranged from each other, the love they had at the beginning was gone, and all that was left was quarreling day after day. The reason why they are not getting a divorce is because of their underage son Lu Yao.
Soon, Lu's father and his lover were exposed.
The lover was very beautiful. She had her eyes on the position of the mistress of the Lu family. She began to provoke Lu's mother again and again, and later she even entered the house with her unborn child.
Lu's mother suffered from severe depression and chose to end her life by taking medicine.
She expressed her hatred for her husband and the mistress in the most tragic and decisive way.
But Lu's mother didn't know that her tragic ending had brought a huge psychological trauma to Lu Yao, who was only eight years old.
Over the next decade, Lu's father's business grew bigger and bigger, and he paid less and less attention to Lu Yao. Apart from the huge amount of pocket money he sent regularly every month, he never cared about his son.
Lu Yao became what others called a "spoiled rich second generation" who only knew how to hang out in bars and drink, and did nothing serious.
On his 25th birthday, Lu Yao, who was traveling, walked into a bar. It was in this bar that he met the most important person in his life.
After the general background of the characters, the story begins.
Lu Yao fell in love with a man in the bar.
The man seemed to be in his thirties, and his Chinese face stood out among a group of Westerners.
The man tied his hair, which was not longer than his neck, at the back of his head, revealing his handsome and charming profile. His suit jacket was too big and not suitable for him, and even looked a little gray and old.
He looks like an artist who has been down and out for a long time.
The man was scanning the drink list at the bar, but was hesitant to decide.
Lu Yao became interested and walked straight to the other side.
He took a close look at the down-and-out man, then signaled to the bartender, "A Long Island Iced Tea, please. I'll treat this gentleman."
Long Island Iced Tea is also known as "Virginity-Lossing Tea" in the circle.
Because its name is too simple, it always attracts countless people who don't know much about wine to order it. Once they drink the strong liquor and get drunk, anything can happen in the chaotic bar.
Over time, the phrase "treating someone for a Long Island Iced Tea" has taken on an ambiguous meaning in certain small circles.
The bartender understood.
The man who just now seemed like a newcomer and had no idea how to order wine now revealed a complicated expression.
"You want to buy me a drink?"
"certainly."
Just like that, the two of them sat at the bar, each holding up a glass of wine and drinking.
The man seemed to be a person with a strong desire to talk. After drinking half a glass of wine, he said that his name was Wen Qiong.
Wen Qiong was originally a pampered young master, and also a painter. His works have been sold at sky-high prices at auctions.
Unfortunately, the Wen family fell into poverty three years ago, his father became bedridden, and his mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Even if Wen Qiong spent all his savings, he was unable to reverse the defeat.
The burden of the family suddenly fell upon me.
Under this pressure, Wen Qiong found that she had lost her creative inspiration.
This was a fatal blow to an artist who made a living by inspiration. His new works lost their former brilliance and were denied and rejected time and time again.
Wen Qiong's always proud self-esteem was like debris thrown on the ground, which could be trampled by anyone.
Last month, Mr. and Mrs. Wen passed away one after another.
Wen Qiong, who was alone, booked the cheapest discounted ticket and came to Iceland.
The first stop he made after getting off the plane was this bar he casually approached.
Wen Qiong was short of money and indeed struggled for a long time over the price of the cocktail. Until Lu Yao suddenly appeared and bought him a Long Island Iced Tea.
Different family backgrounds, different life experiences, but the loneliness in their two hearts is particularly similar.
Sometimes, feelings come and go in an instant.
The two of them traveled together to every corner of Iceland.
They walked on the never-melting glaciers, watched the dazzling aurora at night, felt the chilly sea breeze, and kissed each other's beating hearts.
Lu Yao and Wen Qiong, from the simplest hugs, kisses and demands, gradually turned into the closeness and cuddling of two souls.
They are each other's salvation. After enduring those difficult years alone, they were dissolved into each other's bones and blood through a glass of wine called "Long Island Iced Tea".
Every movie story has an inevitable turning point.
Wen Qiong and Lu Yao were unable to avoid this predetermined 'turning point'.
Just as they were about to leave Iceland and head to the airport, they encountered an unexpected chain car accident.
After a sudden and desperate collision.
The world of the two began to change dramatically.
…
Ji Li read to this point in one breath, and even his breathing froze. He subconsciously turned the page and continued reading, but was caught off guard by the blank last page.
"Sister Yu, this script..." Ji Li asked impatiently.
There was a sense of depression in his chest, which couldn't go up or down.
"The remaining one third is still with Director Cameron." Yu Fuya had expected the other party to ask such a question and explained in a gentle voice.
The director team said that the following storyline of the script is very important, so in order to avoid leaks and affect the interests of the crew, the complete script will not be provided.
Unless the filming progress reaches this scene, the actors can get the script in advance. Otherwise, irrelevant people can only go to the theater to watch the movie after it is released.
When Ji Li got this answer, he couldn't help but frown and sigh, and the strength of his fingers holding the script did not relax at all.
He admitted that he was touched by the plot and was even more annoyed by the sudden break.
Baozi came back with a bunch of food, "Brother Ji, Sister Yu, let's have dinner first. You can't finish reading the script in a short time, don't starve yourself."
Yu Fuya could tell a little bit about Ji Li's thoughts from his expression. She patted him on the shoulder and said, "A good story is one that keeps people in suspense."
Just like the day before yesterday, she couldn't sleep late at night after reading the script.
Ji Li nodded and had to put the script down for the time being.
After dinner, Yu Fuya and Baozi left first, and the scripts they brought were still quietly placed on the coffee table.
Ji Li simply washed up and then continued to curl up on the sofa to read other scripts. Xuebing probably felt bored, and finally decided to nestle in his owner's arms and act coquettishly.
No notice, no need to get up early.
Ji Li spent about two days to roughly go through the other scripts.
Yu Fuya’s vision in selecting scripts is still on point. The scripts of these three film projects all have their merits. As long as the director and producer are competent, the resulting works should not be bad.
If it were in the past, Ji Li would definitely pick one and go for it directly.
But two days have passed, and his heart is still filled with Lu Yao and Wen Qiong, and his longing for them has increased instead of decreased.
After careful consideration, Ji Li finally called Yu Fuya, "Sister Yu, please help me contact Director Cameron's team. I want to audition."
Yu Fuya on the other end of the phone chuckled, "It's already been arranged. We'll meet this Sunday night, and the flight ticket is booked for the day after tomorrow, Wednesday."
From Ji Li's silence and urgency after reading the script that day, Yu Fuya predicted his answer. So she contacted Cameron's team in advance to arrange a meeting time.
What happened to homosexual themes?
With a good script, a good director and a good team, this is undoubtedly a great opportunity for Ji Li to stand on the international stage.
Not only Ji Li, but also Yu Fuya, the agent, wants to fight for it.
"Have a good rest and prepare well. Baozi and I will pick you up at the airport the day after tomorrow."
Ji Li curled his lips, "Okay, thank you Sister Yu."
"Why are you being so polite to me? This is your own choice."
"Yes, I understand."
…
Sunday, high-end banquet restaurant.
Ji Li and Yu Fuya dressed up to show courtesy.
Ji Li's hair was dyed dark brown and cut shorter than her red carpet look more than a month ago. The gray-blue three-piece suit is calm yet a little lively and playful.
Ji Li's appearance and body proportions make her a walking clothes rack. As soon as she entered the restaurant, she attracted many people's attention.
"Good evening, sir and madam, how can I help you?"
Yu Fuya calmly nodded to the waiter and said, "We have an appointment, Mr. Cameron."
The waiter understood the situation immediately and said, "Please follow me."
"Thanks."
The two followed the waiter out of the dining hall, passed through a winding and quiet corridor, and were finally led to a private room.
The waiter knocked on the door.
Soon, a young woman opened the door. When he saw Ji Li at the door, his eyes lit up slightly.
Then he stepped aside to make way for her, "Ms. Yu, Mr. Ji, please come in."
She is Cameron's daughter and one of the leaders of this film project, Lanlinta.
Ji Li smiled slightly and walked in calmly.
Before coming, he did further research on director Cameron.
The other party is 58 years old this year, and the films he shot have always been praised as representatives of aesthetics in art films. He is extremely good at using picture composition to extend the mood of the story.
Many movie fans have said that as long as it is a movie directed by Cameron, any frame can be used as a wallpaper.
Cameron is a director, but also an artist.
Ji Li saw Cameron sitting in his seat the first time.
He had a head full of white hair, which was held down by a square black beret. His overly long beard was also white, giving him an artistic look.
"Hello, director. I'm Ji Li. Sorry to have kept you waiting for so long." Ji Li took the initiative to speak.
"We just arrived too, please take a seat." Cameron smiled, not looking like an extremely serious director.
Ji Li and Yu Fuya looked at each other and took their seats at Lan Linta's instruction.
Cameron looked at Ji Li and asked, "Do you like steak? The charcoal grilled steak here is very good."
"Thank you, Director. I'm fine with anything."
Ji Li glanced around inconspicuously and suppressed the doubts in his heart.
What about the audition?
This box doesn't look like a place for an audition.
"Have you read the script?"
"Yes, I've seen it, and it was very uncomfortable..." Ji Li looked over, helpless but sincere, "I was very uncomfortable with the plot."
Cameron smiled brightly and said, "Please forgive us for what we did. This is all for the mystery of the movie."
"certainly."
"I've seen the movie you and Adolf worked on, the one with the dinner dance, and your performance was charming," Cameron praised.
If it weren't for this opportunity, he wouldn't have known that there was a unique face like Ji Li in China.
He had been preparing for this film script a year ago, and the Chinese faces of the two main characters really took him a lot of effort.
The actors must have strong oral expression skills and their appearance must meet the standards, and most importantly, they must be willing to give it their all.
Cameron and his team looked at the artistic card information of many Chinese male actors, but could not find the one he had in mind.
He almost wanted to give up and simply change the character's foreign identity back to normal, but was rejected by the scriptwriter.
There have been countless Western homosexual films in recent years, with a large number of foreign actors, and the novelty of these films has long passed the taste buds of foreign audiences.
What the screenwriter wanted to try was the kind of delicate emotions that were beyond the passionate and unrestrained, and also wanted to show a different aesthetic.
That's why he cast both characters as Chinese.
Cameron and Ji Li chatted for a while before the latter asked tentatively, "Director, forgive me for asking directly, this audition..."
Cameron raised his eyebrows slightly, "My eyes are the lens of judgment."
Lan Linta on the side added with a smile, "Mr. Ji, don't think my father is easy to talk to just because he smiles."
"In fact, when it comes to selecting actors, he never follows rigid acting skills. Rather, it's his intuitive feeling as a director about the actors and the characters."
The so-called backdoor and relying on connections won't work with Cameron.
He has always adhered to a standard - acting that can impress the audience actually comes from the role itself.
In other words, the first impression an actor gives people must be that of the character.
After seeing Ji Li's photos and videos, Cameron was 50% sure. Now that he has seen him in person, he is also more sure of the other 50%.
This was the first time Yu Fuya heard about such selection criteria, and a hint of surprise appeared in her eyes.
She also thought that such an international director would be very strict in selecting actors, and might have to go through several rounds of repeated auditions.
"If you're willing, you can discuss the filming contract with my team tomorrow."
Cameron looked at Ji Li and added jokingly, "Of course, your pay will not be reduced."
Since Ji Li was willing to come, it meant that he was ready to work hard for this role.
Now that he can spend less time fighting for his country, he is naturally happy to do so.
"Okay, thank you Director Cameron." Yu Fuya said on his behalf.
"Director, I'm going to play the role of Lu Yao? Has the actor who will play Wen Qiong been decided?"
This is the first time that Ji Li has acted in a film with such a theme, and judging by the previous script, there are some intimate scenes. To be honest, he was very nervous about his acting partner.
"The role of Wen Qiong was decided earlier than yours, and he is also a famous actor in China."
Cameron and Lanlinta looked at each other, and the latter smiled, "He happens to be in the United States as well. We have also invited him tonight. Judging from the time, he should be here soon."
Before Ji Li could digest the information in this passage, there was another knock on the door.
Lanlinta replied, "Please come in."
When Ji Li heard the sound of the door being pushed open, his heart tightened.
Before he could look over to see what was happening, a very familiar voice came over the next second.
"Director Cameron, long time no see."
Yu Fuya looked at Qin Li who suddenly appeared in the box, and then at Ji Li who was confused and surprised.
Somehow, she suddenly felt a sense of frustration.
Finished.
Be on guard against coming and going.
As a result, she personally delivered her own cub into the mouth of the big-tailed wolf?
※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※
#Emotional drama: I’ve been waiting for so long, isn’t it here? (Qin·Long-planned·Lake√)
#When setting the outline, this is my favorite script. I hope I can write this story well (fist). And the true meaning of the movie title will be revealed later!
[Prevent ky] I know Long Island Iced Tea has nothing to do with Iceland! I just wanted to write about this foreign filming location ~ to facilitate the development of the plot!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com