sovbooks Chapter 26 Feng Kuzi's Olive Branch
Chapter 26 Feng Kuzi's Olive Branch
Xu An rented a house not far from the film crew for a month.
I originally thought he would get the second male lead role, but it seems he rented the house a bit too early.
Unlike Hengdian World Studios, where you can find work as an extra in other film crews even if you don't pass the audition, here.
There are very few film crews shooting in Yunnan Province, so it's difficult to even get any credits from them.
However, since it had already happened, Xu An wasn't too anxious. If he didn't get selected, he could just ask the landlord for a smaller refund.
A week passed quickly, and Xu An still hadn't received a call.
This almost wore down his patience, and he even considered taking the train back to Hengdian.
Just as he finished dinner, his pleasant cell phone rang.
"You must be Xu An? I'm Feng Kuzi."
"Hello Director Feng, I'm Xu An."
"I won't stand on ceremony. I have high hopes for your performance, but there are still some issues with your identity."
These words were spoken.
Xu An immediately understood what the other party meant. It was simply that he didn't have a management company, and if he wanted to get roles, he would have to sign with Huayi.
To be honest, Huayi Brothers has been on a downward trend lately. Most of the capable people have switched jobs, leaving only people like Li Chen and Zheng Kai.
However, things cannot be viewed from only one side. Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. Since the company did not have any big-name stars, this gave Xu An an opportunity.
"I have no problem with that, but I'm wondering what kind of contract Huayi will provide?"
"You don't need to worry about that. Someone will come to you in the next couple of days to discuss the details."
Feng Kuzi was a very busy man, and he hung up the phone after only a few words.
Xu An put away his phone and rubbed his chin.
Things have once again exceeded his expectations. Originally, he just wanted to use Yu Zheng's name to get a role in a film crew, but now Huayi has extended an olive branch.
In the entertainment industry, it's really hard to get anywhere without connections. Just because he's not from Huayi Brothers, no matter how good his acting skills are or how suitable the role is, they won't let him act.
But then again, Feng Kuzi has a really good eye; he recognized him as a diamond in the rough at a glance.
Huayi did not keep Xu An waiting for long; someone came to discuss the contract with him the very next day.
The salary is split 50/50 with Huayi Brothers, but the timing of the contract is a bit difficult for him.
A ten-year contract that automatically renews for five years—isn't that just a legendary indentured servitude contract?
He definitely won't do it if it takes too long. If the company doesn't provide resources, he'll have to find them himself, and if he becomes popular later, the company will have to take a cut for free.
After a lot of back and forth and some messy wrangling, Xu An finally settled on a five-year contract, with the additional clause that Huayi had the right of first refusal to renew.
Whether or not the contract is renewed is not important. Xu An only wants to use this platform to become famous in the short term. After becoming famous, he can just breach the contract. Anyway, that's the basic operation in the entertainment industry.
For a while afterward, Xu An felt much more relaxed.
At least he doesn't have to worry about his role being snatched away; he can just wait patiently for Feng Xiaogang to finish selecting the actors.
Feng Xiaogang still has a lot of influence. Even when filming on the border of Yunnan Province, a total of 6,000 actresses still came.
These people hoped to become famous overnight by becoming "Feng Girls," but most of them ended up leaving in disgrace.
Few people could meet Feng Xiaogang's standards. He wanted "Youth" to leave something for the audience, so casting was naturally of paramount importance.
After a long period of preparation, Xu An finally got to the day for her costume fitting.
Once the costume fitting photos are taken, there's basically no escaping the role.
When he came to take his uniform photo, he didn't see anyone else, so he didn't ask any questions and obediently took a military uniform photo as requested.
I must say, wearing a military uniform makes a person look very energetic; their appearance and complexion have changed.
"Yes, it's similar, it really is!"
Feng Kuzi stood there, squinting his eyes, muttering to himself.
Xu An didn't dare ask who he resembled, fearing he might get into serious trouble.
He didn't leave after the costume fitting photos were taken, because the male lead of the drama also came.
The two exchanged a brief greeting. Huang Xuan was a nice person; at least he was polite on the surface and didn't look down on Xu An just because he was a newcomer.
"You're finally here! I've been waiting for you for ages. Hurry up and go inside to change into your costume and take some official photos." Feng Kuzi smiled and patted Huang Xuan on the shoulder.
Not long after.
Huang Xuan's makeup was altered to make her look somewhat weathered, and she walked out wearing a simple green military uniform.
The moment Feng Kuzi saw him, his eyes widened, and he stared at him for a long time without saying a word.
Before Huang Xuan could react, Feng Kuzi actually started to shed tears.
"So alike, so incredibly alike!"
"..."
Xu An's lips twitched.
Damn it!
I knew something was off about this guy; now he's not even pretending anymore.
Why are you singing lamentations in this prosperous age?
Huang Xuan knew it himself, but he dared not say that he knew, and could only pretend to be ignorant with a puzzled look on his face.
"Ahem, I'm sorry, I lost my composure and made a fool of myself in front of you." Feng Kuzi wiped away his tears and composed himself.
Xu An and Huang Xuan remained silent, simply playing dumb with Feng Kuzi.
Fortunately, Feng Kuzi didn't say much, and after taking the costume photos, he let Xu An and Huang Xuan leave.
As they walked out of the film set, Xu An couldn't help but ask Huang Xuan, "Brother Xuan, who did Director Feng say you resemble?"
Huang Xuan immediately gave an awkward smile, pointed at Xu An, and didn't say anything.
How could he not know? But he absolutely cannot say anything, not even if others guess it, otherwise his career will be over!
After receiving the official costume photos, Feng Xiaogang couldn't wait to promote the drama online.
Many netizens didn't know what kind of drama this was, but when they heard that Feng Xiaogang was the producer and director, they flocked to the comments section on Weibo.
Many people were stunned when they saw the official photos, after all, Feng Kuzi's fans are not young.
These people first looked at the five beautiful women, then at Chen Can, played by Xu An, and finally their eyes lingered on Huang Xuan, unable to look away.
[As expected of Feng Xiaogang, you've got guts!]
What are you trying to do? Are you crazy?
[It's so similar, it's uncanny! Is it you who's come back?]
That day, a young man came to the Organization Department!
[What are you guys talking about? Isn't this just a patriotic art film? Why are you all making such a fuss?]
[Exactly, and how come everyone except Huang Xuan is a newcomer? Is this even watchable?]
It's fair to say that with Huang Xuan's involvement, this movie has already generated explosive buzz even before its release.
However, many people criticized him, but Feng Kuzi repeatedly ignored them.
What do you know? Do you even understand art?
He was certain that if this movie was made well, it would be the most artistically accomplished of all the works!
Compared to director Feng's art, Xu An is a common person who cares more about how much he can earn in film.
In Feng Kuzi's words, Xu An is an artist under Huayi Brothers, so he definitely has to get a discount on his salary. In addition, the company takes half of the revenue and taxes, so he only gets 500,000 yuan.