Chapter 58: Crossing the River
Shu Sajiao was smart and shrewd, so she naturally had no idea of Guan Xianyi's rich inner drama at the moment.
And if he knew, he would probably just ask innocently and confusedly - he didn't even use any interjections, so how was he acting coquettish?
Hmm... maybe this is a talent that some people are born with~
**
After getting the exact details of the appointment from Guan Xianyi, Shu Ming made all the preparations he could for the meeting.
He made good use of every spare moment during filming to understand the director's style, read the original novel of "Far Away" several times, and wrote a short biography of the second male lead.
Yes, the result of his initial discussion with Guan Xianyi was that they wanted to fight for the second male lead.
The neon lights on the street flashed by, and Shu Ming leaned back in his chair with his head tilted back, his thoughts a little scattered and empty.
The car window rolled down, letting in a gust of hot wind.
He loosened the collar of his shirt, his cheeks flushed from the smell of alcohol, and the light cast on his reflection in the car window gave him a sense of nobility.
The reason why Shu Ming was still able to remain clear-headed was that Chen Mi arrived before he had even had a few drinks with the investors.
If it were the group of old foxes that Guan Xianyi had led, they probably wouldn't even bat an eyelid at such a short social event, and wouldn't take it to heart or show it on their faces.
It was simply because Shu Ming, who was only nineteen years old, was still immature and not very good at dealing with such social situations, that he suffered a little loss at the beginning.
But on the one hand, Guan Xianyi blocked the wine for him, and on the other hand, Chen Mi quickly made his attitude clear as soon as he sat down, saying with a smile that no drinking was allowed tonight. The various investors also gave him face, so Shu Ming was lucky enough to escape and maintain his decent image.
In fact, even though Shu Ming had some good feelings towards Director Chen, the two of them never really started talking to each other - even with Zheng Yiwei acting as a bridge, the actual situation was completely different from what Shu Ming had expected.
There are more than just them coming tonight.
Even if the TV series outside is a huge hit, even if the fans' comments on social media are full of praise, these are still not the real achievements that Shu Ming can support.
The ratings were not generated by his efforts, and the advertising investment had nothing to do with him in essence.
During the conversation, Shu Ming became particularly clear-headed and deeply aware.
Until now, in the eyes of various investors, he is not worthy of having a seat at the table for dinner, let alone receiving too much attention.
Like tonight.
Although the party was organized for Shu Ming, he did not have much chance to communicate with Director Chen from the beginning to the end of the meal.
Occasionally someone would cue him, mostly to flatter Guan Xianyi, or to flatter Ying He, the man behind them.
The two of them only really started talking after the dinner was over.
"So..." Guan Xianyi drank more than Shu Ming, but he was in much better shape. He looked energetic, as if he hadn't touched a drop of alcohol the whole night. "What did Chen Mi talk to you about in private?"
After the show ended tonight, Chen Mi gently asked Shu Ming to accompany him for a walk in the yard and enjoy the evening breeze.
The two of them walked for half an hour.
Is it worth spending half an hour strolling around such a small yard?
Guan Xianyi had a feeling that they were talking about something, but he didn't catch the opportunity to follow and listen -
However, Shu Ming occasionally drinks a little, and paired with his rare formal attire...
She looked at it carefully.
Not to mention, the eyebrows with a hint of fatigue, the eye sockets and nose bridge that are bright and dark hidden in the shadows, and the light blush caused by alcohol... he really has the flavor of the dissolute and extravagant nobleman in the original text of "Far Away"!
Guan Xianyi made a questioning sound from his throat and grabbed the camera to take two pictures as a record.
Then, she saw the boy tilt his head slightly in the camera viewfinder, his tone so calm that it seemed as if he was chatting about tonight's weather: "Sister Xianyi, Director Chen asked me to be the male lead in the first part of "Far Away"."
What role?
Guan Xianyi waved his hand, and his profile in the camera suddenly turned into a shadow that melted in the city lights.
It was rare to see Guan Xianyi so surprised.
It's quite novel too.
Shu Ming glanced over and chuckled softly, "Sister Xianyi, I guess we'll be busy from now on."
**
In fact, Shu Ming couldn't explain why Chen Mi chose him.
Although he did intend to add some artistic touches to the conversation, they didn't have a very in-depth conversation during the half hour.
Is it just because of his remarks that are close to his character?
Shu Ming wasn't quite sure.
When the two of them walked out of the box, Shu Ming hesitated for a moment as to whether he should bring anything extra.
He has a handwritten biography. Should I give it to him now?
But the lights in the yard were dim, and Chen Mi was used to wearing a pair of thin-framed glasses, so it might not be appropriate to hand it over at this time.
So Shu Ming chose - not to say anything extra, not to do anything extra.
Since you want to take a walk with someone and enjoy the breeze, just do it slowly.
It rained during the day after a long absence. The ground was a little wet and the temperature dropped a bit. It was indeed suitable for a walk and quite pleasant.
In the night breeze, the two people walked and chatted intermittently about some very superficial topics that did not offend each other.
It wasn't until about ten minutes later that Chen Mi glanced sideways and asked him, "Where are you from?"
Then he added, "I saw in your file that you were born in Province K... Did you grow up there?"
Shu Ming didn't know what he wanted to say, so he simply responded.
From talking about the weather to hometown... Director Chen was really in a good mood.
Chen Mi, who was standing next to him, suddenly became interested after hearing his answer.
He stopped at the foot of the tree, turned back, and calmly began to carefully observe the expression of the person in front of him: "How did you feel when you first came to the capital?"
Shu Ming thought about it.
Perhaps it was because he'd been drinking tonight that he spoke so frankly. "It's embarrassing... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't embarrassed, but besides that, I was probably more excited."
He looked up and saw Chen Mi opposite him smiling slightly, encouraging him to continue.
Shu Ming paused. The alcohol had not paralyzed his brain. He quickly recalled the description of the male protagonist in the original text of "Far Away" in his mind.
"It's a little embarrassing to say this." Shu Ming's mind was racing, and he smiled shyly. "There were a few moments when I almost thought I smelled the scent of a destiny-changing fate..."
Shu Ming concluded: "There is a trembling sense of excitement."
"Far Away" tells the story of the 1980s, when the male protagonist, due to a car accident in S City, swapped identities with the illegitimate son of a wealthy family and boarded a ferry to Hong Kong.
Thus, he accidentally transformed from a vagrant gangster into a member of the upper class. He made a fortune by using his family resources and developed complex connections and friendships with many people in Hong Kong Island...
This is how the male protagonist is described in the book.
He was talking about how it was his first time seeing such a bustling city scene and entering such a high-end place, and he felt some tiny bumps all over his body from extreme excitement, and his hairs almost stood on end...
In addition, there is some inexplicable inferiority and timidity, which he is willing to admit generously.
When Shu Ming read this paragraph, he really had some illusions about himself as a newcomer.
And it happened that Chen Mi's question, mixed with the catalysis of alcohol, brought out all his complicated emotions at that time!
Therefore, what he said was the truth - Shu Ming did not yet think that his lies could be deceived by Chen Mi, who had met countless actors and had rich experience. He knew it well.
It was also artistically processed - based on his own personality, and the fact that they were meeting each other for the first time. If I hadn't read the original novel and known the male protagonist's inner thoughts, I guess Chen Mi probably intended to hear such an answer.
Otherwise, Shu Ming probably wouldn't be so willing to share his inner thoughts with others.
He has always been an extremely cautious person, not the carefree and heartless puppy he appears to be.
Otherwise, why did the haters and opponents strip away every shot of "Choice 1" and never find a moment when he said something inappropriate?
Of course it was because he was very careful when speaking and thought carefully about every sentence.
And now, the reply presented to Chen Mi was naturally the language he had considered.
But not a single word of it was false; it was completely the mentality he had actually experienced, and it was all the truth that came from his heart!
Chen Mi smiled as usual: "It's my first time going to S City, and I feel excited too. It feels a bit like a dream."
"What about you? Did it feel unreal when you came to the capital?"
Shu Ming didn't think too much about it this time. He just said, "Yes, but it doesn't matter."
His voice was a little softer, but still clear in the quiet night: "It doesn't matter. Whether it's true or not, I have the confidence that I can make it real."
Chen Mi pushed the frame of his glasses and looked at Shu Ming.
This child seems to be a little into the role, and seems to be speaking from his inner thoughts... At a vague glance, he does look a lot like the ambitious protagonist of "Far Away".
"Now that it has come to this... then this is what I deserve."
A look of certainty emerged on Shu Ming's face, a sign of his strong sense of deservingness.
He had felt panic, inferiority and insecurity, but he had never backed down.
If this inferiority complex would bring him down, he would not have stood firmly on the stage of "Choice 1" despite everyone's strange and questioning gazes.
If he felt that he was not worthy, he would not have decided to take on the role of "Grassland Love" and the singing of the OST at the same time.
If he had backed down, he would not have used Cantonese to win Chen Zhiheng's approval, nor would he have gained respect and love in Rong Ankang's crew. He should have packed up and left long ago!
Shu Ming actually didn't know that when he was speaking, ambition and desire suddenly lit up his eyes.
He is not a person who likes to show off. Most of the time, he always quietly hides his shortcomings and acts well. He has a sense of presence but is not annoying.
But a young boy's expression cannot completely hide his thoughts. When he unconsciously reveals his confidence, the expression on his face suddenly becomes much more attractive!
What beautiful eyes!
Chen Mi now felt a little fond of him.
At first during the dinner, he just thought that the face was good-looking.
Therefore, we wanted him to be a not-too-light and prosperous embellishment in the play - after all, Director Chen comes from a fashion photography background and has a keen sense of beauty.
This is a face that is flawless in terms of three-dimensionality, coordination, and refinement.
It is also a face that will not be inferior in any drama or any film, and it is even dazzling and makes people unable to take their eyes off it.
But now it seems that we underestimated them.
Rather than using it as a decorative vase, it is better to have the jewelry carefully cut in the right position and then emit a dazzling starlight for a moment in the light.
This kid is really suitable to play the young male lead.
**
When Guan Xianyi got the news, he was energized and immediately went to work overtime, unable to hide his excitement.
She has always wanted to let Shu Ming play the leading role, but she was never satisfied with the online dramas she picked and chose, and as for TV series... Shu Ming's status was not high enough.
But he never got the chance to play the leading role, so he could only wander around in supporting roles.
This is also something she doesn't want to see.
If "Far Away" can really be successful this time, even if I can only play the male lead in the first part, it will be an excellent start!
She lost all sleepiness and went back to work immediately.
Shu Ming's alcohol tolerance was not good. Even though he was conscious, his eyelids were already very heavy. After returning home, he washed up and went to bed early.
Therefore, he had no idea how huge a storm was stirred up on the Internet because of him that day.
"Love on the Grassland" has reached its climax!
During the plot, Meng Panlan casually took a photo of Bai Shan's agile archery posture, which became a small hit on the Internet and successfully promoted the progress of poverty alleviation.
Beyond the plot, the audience watched in amazement as Zheng Yiwei filmed the scene in one take, having Shu Ming personally ride a horse and shoot arrows - even hitting the bull's eye!
Everyone rubbed their eyes in disbelief and confirmed it again and again.
It's okay to shoot arrows while riding a horse without a stunt double, but can you hit the bull's eye?
Director Zheng, did you really not switch the camera temporarily and do something to deceive the public?
No, this kid has only been learning horse riding for two months?
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