Chapter 20

Outside the TV studio, a man with a square face, refined and courteous, yet exuding a rebellious aura, stood there. It was rare to find someone who could blend these two contrasting auras together.

The cultured man chuckled as he watched the recording in the studio about to wrap up. He then said to a thin, small man beside him, "Director Feng, what do you think? This guy is pretty good, right? I told you, the people I pick are always right. When I heard that song, I felt like dancing along. It’s written so well. Given time, he will surely achieve something extraordinary. His presence and the way he releases his emotions are quite similar to Patton."

Director Feng smiled bitterly and said, "Sir Shuo, you flatter me. What kind of director am I? I only got this opportunity because a few people supported me. If I don’t do well, I doubt anyone will invite me to direct again."

"Ying Fat is really something, saying he’s hospitalized now. If we wait for him, it might take over a month, and we can’t afford to wait. I’m starting to wonder if I can even afford to continue filming. Alright, I trust your judgment, Sir Shuo. It’s him, but I can’t offer much in terms of payment. If he asks for too much, we’ll have to give up."

The filming hasn’t even started, but it seems the budget is already tight. Sir Shuo said very confidently, "He’s a newcomer, but he has some fame. I don’t think he’ll ask for too much. These days, just getting a role is a big deal."

Ye Ming was just walking down the corridor, thinking about whether he should study the script for "The Story of a Pearl." The role of Er Kang is quite challenging, and if he doesn’t do it well, he might end up being the second Emperor of Roaring.

As he was walking intently, a clear and crisp voice called out, "Little Brother Ye Ming, come over here."

Looking up, Ye Ming realized how small the entertainment industry really is. Two big names, Wang Shuo, whose "A Moment of Indulgence" influenced generations and made Wang Zhiwen and Jiang Shan famous, and Feng Xiaogang, the pioneer of mainland New Year films, a box office guarantee, and a key figure at Huayi Brothers.

He walked over politely and said, "Teacher Wang Shuo, Teacher Feng Xiaogang, I didn’t expect to meet you both here."

Wang Shuo was straightforward and called out, "It’s surprising that someone still recognizes us. We’re not stars, and it’s a bit difficult for the young ones. Not bad, you seem to have put in a lot of effort."

In the industry, remembering who is who is very important, especially for the seniors.

Ye Ming said politely, "I’ve watched 'A Moment of Indulgence' more than once, and I’ve seen Teacher Feng Xiaogang’s performance in 'The Story of the Editorial Department' many times. I’ve long admired both of you."

Wang Shuo, being a straightforward person, said, "Alright, no need for formalities. Little Brother, this is Director Feng Xiaogang. He has a new film with a supporting role. The role isn’t big but is quite important. Originally, we planned to have Ying Da play it, but he had some issues and can’t perform. I think you’re a good fit. Are you interested in a cameo? If so, you can start tomorrow. Just to let you know, the pay isn’t much."

To be part of the pioneering New Year film is like a stroke of luck from the sky.

Ding Dong, the familiar interface appeared.

【Side Mission Activated: Accept 'A Moment of Indulgence.' Reward: Acting +30, Singing +30, Random Prop.】

Ye Ming pressed the confirm button confidently.

He nodded and said, "It’s an honor to be part of Director Feng’s new film. As for the pay, we can discuss it. I can do a cameo for free."

Seeing Ye Ming’s enthusiasm, Feng Xiaogang waved his hand and said, "No, no, no need to be so polite, little brother. I appreciate your gesture, but I’ll still pay you. Two thousand yuan, the price for a supporting role. I’m not short of money. By the way, was the song 'I Believe' that you were singing just now your original composition?"

Ye Ming nodded confidently, feeling a bit nervous.

Feng Xiaogang thought for a moment and then turned to say, "Sir Shuo, I have an idea. You give me your opinion. I think 'I Believe' has the potential to be an inspirational song. Our film’s theme is 'A Day of Good Dreams,' which is about youth, inspiration, and pursuing dreams. What do you think if we use this song as the theme song?"

Ye Ming’s mind was blown. He knew the historical significance of 'A Moment of Indulgence.' If this song became its theme song, it would be a step closer to becoming a classic.

Wang Shuo nodded and said, "Not bad, not bad. This would be a great match. Ye Ming, do you have the copyright for this song? If there are no issues, it’s settled."

Ye Ming nodded and said, "Of course, if Director Feng likes it, I’m more than happy to."

Feng Xiaogang magically produced two contracts and said, "Since it’s settled, let’s sign the contracts. Tomorrow morning at 8:30 at the film studio, a production vehicle will pick you up. We’ll meet there. I don’t have the contract for the song ready, but I’ll have the production staff prepare it for you tomorrow. The fee is one thousand yuan. Don’t think it’s too little; it’s a gesture from an old brother."

After signing the contracts, Ye Ming walked out of the TV station in a daze. He still couldn’t believe how he coincidentally met Feng Xiaogang and Wang Shuo and ended up participating in 'A Moment of Indulgence.'

The role of the arrogant and nose-up Patton General, originally meant for Ying Da?

Back at the dorm, Li Dachuan sat motionless like a frost-bitten eggplant.

Hong Fei said bluntly, "What did I lose to you? You missed such a good opportunity, you’re useless. Let me tell you, the company doesn’t keep idle people. You have two months, and the company will arrange professional training for you. If you’re still like this after two months, I’ll deal with you."

Clearly, Li Dachuan’s audition didn’t go well, and he had angered Hong Fei, who now planned to train him urgently.

Although Hong Fei scolded Li Dachuan harshly, arranging training wasn’t a small expense, showing that Hong Fei still cared about his actors.

Hong Fei glanced at Ye Ming and continued scolding Li Dachuan, "Look at your brother Ming. He’s already on the right path. If you don’t work hard, you won’t even have the chance to touch the wall of new talent next year. You’ll have nowhere to cry. Ye Ming, how did it go at the TV station?"

Seeing Hong Fei let him off, Li Dachuan breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t want to lose the audition.

As for Ye Ming, he was about to start filming "The Story of a Pearl." It was impossible for Li Dachuan not to feel a bit jealous.

Ye Ming nodded and said, "Don’t worry, Brother Fei. I know what’s important. If I don’t handle the relationship with the TV station well, they might boycott my work. I went there with sincerity, and they were quite satisfied. Song Kai was punished, and the matter is settled."

Hong Fei nodded and said, "That’s good. I thought you might be upset. As an actor, you need to learn to endure before you have enough strength. Great actors and actresses are made through endurance. Only by enduring loneliness can you enjoy the glory."

For some reason, these philosophical words sounded a bit strange coming from Hong Fei’s intimidating appearance.

However, Ye Ming remembered them. The words of a senior are always valuable.

He sat down and said, "Brother Fei, I have something to tell you. I met Feng Xiaogang and Wang Shuo at the TV station. Director Feng’s new film is short of a supporting role, and he invited me to participate. He also wants to use 'I Believe' as the theme song."

Hong Fei’s mind raced as he recalled Feng Xiaogang’s information. Before this, Feng Xiaogang had directed films, but they weren’t very successful. He was at most a second-tier director, but as a screenwriter, he had a good track record.

However, Hong Fei knew this was an opportunity and said, "Accept it. It’s a chance."

Ye Ming shrugged and said, "I’ve already signed the contract. Two thousand yuan for the role, and one thousand yuan for the song. I start filming tomorrow. I didn’t think it would interfere with 'The Story of a Pearl,' so I didn’t inform you in advance."

Hong Fei nodded and said, "Good, good. When you have an opportunity, seize it. Don’t hesitate. If Li Dachuan were as smart as you, I’d have less to worry about."

The next day, Ye Ming arrived at the film studio’s entrance before 8:00 AM, carrying his magic sound guitar. He didn’t want to keep the production team waiting.

In the entertainment industry, first impressions matter. Ye Ming didn’t want to leave a bad impression of being late.

Sure enough, as if someone was out to get him, a jeep with the 'A Moment of Indulgence' logo screeched to a stop at the studio entrance right at 8:00 AM.

Seeing the production vehicle, several extras rushed over.

Even for extras, there are rules. When a production vehicle arrives, they usually look for someone, and it’s best to negotiate with the extras’ coordinator first to save time.

Some extras might rush over to introduce themselves, but that’s usually when there’s no coordinator around.

A young man in a dark green vest, wearing sunglasses, jumped out of the driver’s seat and waved his hand, saying, "Scatter, scatter, it’s not your business."