Chapter 35

After that, the director's work was not entirely finished, as there was still one matter to resolve.

Although the director did not mention the issue in front of the entire crew, everyone understood that Chen Zhipeng needed a way out.

After all, he was a top-tier star, and if he was offended, he could claim illness and refuse to act, but he needed an excuse to come back to the set.

It seemed that the atmosphere on the set did not relax much, and Chen Zhipeng was still sick, showing no signs of improvement for several days, which made the director frown deeply.

This time, after Ye Ming finished his scene, he did not even have time to remove his makeup, as it was almost midnight.

At the scene, apart from the busy staff dismantling the equipment, there was hardly anyone making a sound.

Zhang Tielin quietly walked over, looked around to see no one, and then muttered to himself, "Your situation isn't good at all recently. Do you know why Chen Zhipeng hasn't been acting? He's been thinking about your role, wanting to replace you. The director hasn't made up his mind yet. Be careful. I'll go see Sister Hua; don't let that girl, Binbin, exhaust me."

It seemed that Zhang Tielin had heard some rumors. In the entire crew, apart from the temporary extras, there were only about twenty to thirty people, so it was not easy to keep a secret.

This time, Ye Ming frowned deeply. No wonder Chen Zhipeng wasn't coming to the set; he wanted the role of Er Kang. He just didn't know what the director was thinking.

When Ye Ming returned to the makeup van, Zhao Wei and Lin Xinru clearly had received the news. Lin Xinru didn't show much reaction.

Although they had gradually become familiar over the past two days, she was from Taiwan and couldn't take an objective stance to support Ye Ming.

Moreover, as a newcomer, she felt somewhat powerless in such a situation.

Zhao Wei, however, had no such reservations and said bluntly, "Ye Ming, you can't just remain silent about this. It's too much of an insult. You should go and explain the situation to Director Zhao."

Ye Ming smiled as if nothing had happened and said, "What can I say? As long as the director doesn't clarify the situation, I can't say much more, or it would be stirring up trouble. I can only react when the director approaches me. However, I don't think it will take too long. Dragging this out won't benefit anyone."

In other words, Ye Ming was very clear that if Chen Zhipeng wanted to take over his role, the sooner the better, or it would be harder to change later.

This time, the news of the role change had spread throughout the crew, and it seemed only Ye Ming was unaware.

In fact, Ye Ming could see that the director was testing him, spreading unverified rumors through various channels to see his reaction.

If he didn't react strongly, the role change would likely follow.

Perhaps someone would come to him tomorrow.

Sure enough, the next day, Ye Ming was called to the meeting room by Chao Guoli. In the large meeting room, Hong Fei from Yonghua was sitting.

He had even brought his agent, indicating that Sun Shupeng was determined to replace him.

However, in this situation, Sun Shupeng did not act personally but left it to Chao Guoli.

After sitting down, Chao Guoli opened her file and said, "Mr. Hong, I've called you here today to discuss an issue regarding Ye Ming. Due to the script, the director believes that Ye Ming is more suitable for the role of Er Tai. Therefore, we plan to switch the roles of the actors and are seeking your opinion."

Hong Fei's eyes narrowed as he stared at Chao Guoli and said, "That wasn't the agreement when we signed the contract. It seems a bit excessive to change it now."

Chao Guoli maintained a professional demeanor and said, "At the time, it was a temporary oversight. The contract also stated that Ye Ming would play a major role in 'The Story of a Concubine,' but not necessarily the lead. We believe that the role of Er Tai is more suitable for him."

Hong Fei hadn't expected that the 'The Story of a Concubine' crew had such a loophole. He said angrily, "If, I mean if, Ye Ming steps down, who will take over the role? Even if you tell me, I won't agree. However, I admire the courage of anyone who dares to challenge Yonghua."

Who would dare to act against Yonghua's people? It was as if they were tired of living.

Chao Guoli hesitated but then said, "It should be Mr. Chen Zhipeng. This isn't about who is challenging whom. The contract allows for role changes, so this is a production need, and we are just informing you."

After seeing the contract, Hong Fei realized he had been negligent. Indeed, the additional clause stated that the crew had the right to change Ye Ming's role.

At the time, Hong Fei hadn't taken this clause seriously, thinking it was no big deal, but now the crew was using it against him.

During the shoot, the crew noticed a strange phenomenon: Chen Zhipeng, who had been sick for the past two days, suddenly appeared on set. Had the conflict been resolved?

From Chen Zhipeng's expression, it seemed he had gotten what he wanted.

Su Youpeng was also surprised that Chen Zhipeng had come.

Last night, when he talked to Chen Zhipeng, he showed no signs of giving in. Today, it seemed Chen Zhipeng was in a very good mood.

Pulling Chen Zhipeng aside, Su Youpeng said, "Zhipeng, what's going on? Did the director agree to your conditions?"

Chen Zhipeng said smugly, "Xiaoguai, don't you think that if there are a few more mainland actors in this drama, it would be a good balance? I heard the director will talk to Ye Ming and his agent about this today. It's almost certain."

At this point, Su Youpeng realized it was all true but was still worried. "Ye Ming isn't as simple as he seems. Be careful. Liu Hanmin, who is from the investment side, was also taken down by Ye Ming. It won't be easy to take his role."

At this moment, Chen Zhipeng looked determined and said, "Xiaoguai, you're overthinking it. When Ye Ming signed the contract, it was clearly stated that the director has the right to change roles. If the role is changed now, the crew won't be in breach of contract. As a newcomer, Ye Ming won't dare to say no."

In the meeting room, Ye Ming didn't look at the contract because he had already carefully reviewed it when signing and had made some preparations.

Therefore, seeing Hong Fei angry and unwilling to speak, Ye Ming said, "Director Chao, isn't this a bit inappropriate? If you think the role change is necessary now, why didn't you do it earlier? A step back can lead to a broader horizon. Don't make it difficult for everyone."

Chao Guoli seemed unperturbed and said, "I don't think there's anything wrong with the director adjusting your role. It's not like you're being removed from the production. It's just a role change based on the script's needs. As a newcomer, what right do you have to negotiate with us?"

Feeling confident that Ye Ming was a newcomer, Chao Guoli spoke with authority.

When dealing with newcomers, especially mainland newcomers, Chao Guoli had the right to speak this way. Many newcomers begged her for even a minor role in the drama.

At this moment, Hong Fei said angrily, "Aren't you afraid we'll withdraw our investment? We are one of the investors. If you push us too far, we'll walk away."

It seemed Chao Guoli had anticipated this move. She said confidently, "We have already signed the contract, so if you unilaterally withdraw your investment, you will be liable for legal responsibility. Moreover, we have communicated with Director Ou Yang, and he has taken a neutral stance."

The station's neutrality caught Hong Fei off guard. However, considering the internal factions, he felt somewhat powerless.

Brother against brother, that's all it was.

This allowed Sun Shupeng to exploit the situation.

However, Hong Fei was unwilling to give up. The situation had reached this point, and he was about to push Ye Ming out, but unexpectedly, such a change occurred.

He glared at Chao Guoli and said, "Aren't you afraid Yonghua will breach the contract?"

Chao Guoli shook her head and said, "It's not that we're not afraid, but in this situation, the crew believes that Chen Zhipeng has more appeal and is more suitable for the drama. We are doing this for the drama, and I hope you won't let personal feelings interfere."

Chao Guoli spoke so professionally that it seemed she had Ye Ming and Hong Fei cornered, and they had no choice but to agree.

In Chao Guoli's view, Chen Zhipeng's appeal was indeed greater than Ye Ming's, and he might be more suitable as the lead.