Chapter 73

Getting into character is a professional term. Ye Ming seemed to have a sudden epiphany; getting into character, yes, he needed to get into character.

When he put on Qin Shuang's costume again the next day, at that moment, Ye Ming's entire demeanor changed.

It was as if, at that moment, he was Qin Shuang, and Qin Shuang was him. Being able to get into character meant he had truly embarked on the path of acting.

Without experiencing getting into character, it would just be putting on a show, a mere performance, not to be taken seriously. Most third- and fourth-rate actors couldn't really get into character; they were just following the script.

Therefore, these people couldn't have any standout moments. But the real big shots, who had mastered getting into character to the peak, could even outshine the lead actors in a supporting role, making a fleeting moment of brilliance eternal.

This was the old actor's way of getting into character. When filming resumed, even Guo Fucheng and Zheng Yijian could feel that Ye Ming had changed from the previous day.

If yesterday Ye Ming was being suppressed by their performances, now he could express his role with ease under their pressure.

Even if the two leads performed exceptionally well, as long as Ye Ming had a chance, he could seize that moment to fully display Qin Shuang's coldness and arrogance.

Perhaps the other actors didn't want to lose to a newcomer, so everyone was putting in their best effort. This time, the director didn't need to remind them repeatedly; a scene passed in just three takes, which made Liu Weiqiang very happy.

For the next two days, Ye Ming didn't have any scenes, so he enjoyed a bit of leisure time. He got a laptop and started typing away, writing a novel.

What he wrote over these two days was "Journey to the West: A Novel," a very popular web novel from his previous life.

It wasn't long, but it deeply touched people's hearts. "I want the heavens to no longer obscure my eyes." This line captured the heart of Sun Wukong and resonated with countless online readers.

On the afternoon of the third day, Liu Weiqiang gathered everyone and said, "Today, we'll have some people go to Asia TV for an interview to promote our 'Stormy Clouds.' Everyone, be on your best behavior. The two male leads, Yang Gongru, Shu Qi, and Ye Ming, you four will go together."

He originally planned to send Wang Zhiwen, but Wang had some urgent matters in Beijing and had to return, and Xu Jinglei went back with him.

Liu Weiqiang had Ye Ming go to show off their strong lineup.

Although Ye Ming was a newcomer, he had appeared on the Spring Festival Gala and had broken through the newcomer wall. Appearing on the national stage of the Spring Festival Gala was a great selling point.

Therefore, Liu Weiqiang had Ye Ming go along.

However, Asia TV seemed to not take Ye Ming seriously, and the director treated him like an assistant and stopped him.

Although Liu Weiqiang explained that Ye Ming was an actor in the production and a relatively important supporting role,

the director said that the lines were tailored for the director and the four main actors, specifically for Guo Fucheng and Zheng Yijian. Some of the punchlines were also centered around them.

Therefore, in this situation, the director almost ignored Yang Gongru and Shu Qi, let alone Ye Ming.

So, Ye Ming had to sit in the waiting area outside the studio and play on his computer.

Suddenly, Ye Ming heard a commotion, and a group of people came over.

At first, Ye Ming didn't pay attention to who was coming.

But someone in the group saw Ye Ming and called out, "Ye Ming, what are you doing at Asia TV?"

Ye Ming looked up, closed his computer, and walked over respectfully, saying, "Teacher Qiongyao, I didn't expect to meet you here. I'm filming a movie in Hong Kong, and today the lead actors are doing a promotion, so I came along to learn."

Qiongyao smiled and nodded, saying, "You've changed a lot in half a year. By the way, I talked to Mr. Jin from Mingbao yesterday, and he mentioned you. Your performance of 'Blue and White Porcelain' at the Spring Festival Gala was very good. Do you have time tonight? I can introduce you to Mr. Jin."

Of course, he had time. Mr. Jin was a great master, a giant of his generation. "Journey to the West: A Novel" still needed a recommender, and if he could get Mr. Jin's recommendation, that would be incredible.

So, Ye Ming said happily, "I'd be delighted. I also have some things I want to ask Mr. Jin, and I was worried about not having an introduction. Thank you, Teacher Qiongyao. I have something here; you can take a look when you have a moment."

As an actor, writing a novel might seem like a distraction, but Ye Ming had a good movie in mind, "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons," which held the second place in Chinese films.

Of course, to think about this movie, he needed money, and just the post-production alone would make him bleed.

But Ye Ming needed a reason to make this movie.

Xingye had "A Chinese Odyssey" as a foundation, so he achieved unprecedented success. In Ye Ming's case, he wanted to use "Journey to the West: A Novel" to give him a reason to make "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons."

Of course, that was a plan. Before this movie, Ye Ming had a detailed plan, step by step, to reach this point.

Qiongyao came to Asia TV to discuss a program, and fortunately, the discussion went smoothly, which improved her mood.

Ye Ming took leave from the crew and left with Qiongyao.

On the way, Qiongyao roughly looked at "Journey to the West: A Novel" on the notebook, pondered for three minutes, and then said, "It's a good script. I can recommend it to Mr. Jin."

As a recommender, Qiongyao wouldn't recommend just any novel to Mr. Jin, as it would reflect on her judgment.

At Mr. Jin's office, they saw a kind-looking old man with a square face, large ears, and square glasses, whose cheerful laughter made people forget his age.

This was Jin Yong, a literary giant, whose books were found wherever there were Chinese people.

This was the highest praise for a writer.

After a brief exchange, Qiongyao introduced Ye Ming, saying, "This young man..."

Jin Yong smiled and said, "Ye Ming, the one who sang 'Blue and White Porcelain' at the Spring Festival Gala, I remember you. You wrote and composed the song yourself, which is quite impressive. There aren't many young singers like you. Keep it up."

Ye Ming respectfully replied, "Thank you, Mr. Jin. I came with Teacher Qiongyao to show you a novel and seek your guidance."

At this moment, Jin Yong showed a hesitant expression. He hadn't been involved in literary matters for a long time, and many young people would seek his advice, but their works were often not up to par.

Gradually, Jin Yong lost interest in guiding newcomers.

It wasn't that he was unwilling to help the younger generation; he was very willing to do so, but there were no works worth recommending.

This literary giant was somewhat disappointed in the lack of quality.

Qiongyao seemed to understand Jin Yong's dilemma and quickly said, "I read his novel on the way here. The young man writes well, with a lot of creativity, and it should surprise you."

With Qiongyao's recommendation, Jin Yong nodded and said, "Alright, let me take a look and see what's worth your recommendation."

Ye Ming breathed a sigh of relief. Getting Jin Yong to agree to read it was a significant victory; most people wouldn't have this opportunity.

Ye Ming knew that this was thanks to Qiongyao's recommendation; otherwise, Jin Yong wouldn't have even looked.

To his surprise, after a minute, Jin Yong became very excited, as if he had discovered a delicious dish, and his eyes sparkled.

As he read, he kept nodding and said, "Good, very good. The creativity is very fresh. There are few young people in this era with such creativity. Just the creativity alone makes this a very good work."

He became more interested and read for about half an hour before finishing "Journey to the West: A Novel."

Jin Yong then took off his glasses and said, "Young man, how about this? If you're interested, we can publish it through our group. I can guarantee it will be a bestseller. Your work is far ahead of its time in terms of creativity. This is an era of knowledge explosion, and your book can be one of the works that opens this era. Yes, I can write a preface and recommend it."

Getting Jin Yong's recommendation wasn't something just anyone could achieve. Ye Ming was flattered and said, "Thank you, Mr. Jin, for your support. I'm willing to have this book published by you."

Filming in Hong Kong lasted for over twenty days. Jin Yong sent a sample to Ye Ming, and after Jin Yong's recommendation, the entire literary world was eagerly awaiting the release of "Journey to the West: A Novel."

Once it hit the market, it caused a sensation, a novel that could make you laugh and cry. Despite its short length, it captured the bitterness of life. "This is a novel that refines the heart, a journey of spiritual cultivation."

This was Jin Yong's evaluation of the book.

For a time, the book was in high demand, and the entire city of Hong Kong was talking about "Journey to the West: A Novel," a novel that challenged everyone's understanding of "Journey to the West."

Everyone was trying to find out who the author was, Jin Hezai. In people's minds, someone who could write such a book must be an experienced elder.

Some even speculated that Jin Hezai was another pen name for Jin Yong.

At this point, Jin Yong came out to clarify that he was not Jin Hezai, and the author was someone else, and he wouldn't take credit for someone else's work.

While everyone was eagerly searching for Jin Hezai, Ye Ming's crew had already moved to the mainland.

However, Ye Ming was just a supporting actor with few scenes. After ten days of filming on the mainland, Ye Ming completed his contract.

At this time, Beijing was still cold, with no signs of spring. The willows by the river shivered in the cold wind, looking frail.

The tender green of spring seemed to be tightly wrapped in the willow branches.

At this moment, Ye Ming received a call from Hong Fei, who rarely called him directly unless it was something important.

At the company, Hong Fei solemnly told Ye Ming, "A few days ago, I received a call from Han Shanping, the Third Master. He was particularly interested in your column-type track vehicle and seemed to want to buy the patent. You need to be prepared; this might be a tough situation."

The column-type track vehicle had a promising future. Since Ye Ming applied for the patent, many productions had tried to replicate it.

But the results were unsatisfactory.

To his surprise, Ye Ming smiled and said, "I knew this would happen when I applied for the patent. Such a powerful tool can't be controlled by one person, or even our company.

The company can't compete with the entire film market.

Edison once tried to compete with the film market, and the result was Hollywood. I don't have Edison's capabilities.

I was actually waiting for the Third Master."

Hong Fei frowned and said, "You were waiting for the Third Master? Do you realize how much money this patent is worth? It could ensure a lifetime of comfort."

Ye Ming smiled and said, "I said, I can't compete with the entire film market, and the company can't either. But the Third Master can, with the backing of the state. This is just a small stepping stone for me to meet the Third Master. He's actually a bit late in coming to me."

Hong Fei thought for a moment and realized that this kind of thing could only truly be effective in the hands of someone like the Third Master. If it were in Ye Ming's hands, who would pay the patent fees?

Soon, Han Shanping entered the meeting room with two people.

Still with his clean-cut hairstyle, the Third Master looked very energetic. He sat down and waved, saying, "Hong Fei, Ye Ming, sit down. Let's chat as friends, no need to be formal."

Without beating around the bush, Han Shanping smiled and said, "Ye Ming, I assume Hong Fei has told you why I'm here. What do you think? I hope we can reach a mutually satisfactory agreement."

Han Shanping looked at Ye Ming with interest. A young man might be impulsive. If Ye Ming refused, it would be a problem.

But to his surprise, Ye Ming smiled and said, "Third Master, I've been waiting for you since the New Year. You're a bit late. If I'm not mistaken, you've been trying to replicate the column-type track vehicle, but the results aren't as good as mine."

Han Shanping was taken aback. This kid was not simple; he had figured it out.

He was incredibly perceptive. It seemed he had underestimated this kid.

Han Shanping confirmed, "Yes, after learning about it, we started replicating it. Don't be upset; we will do everything to control it. But our replication is far from your version. I even asked Director Sun Shupeng to borrow your track vehicle for research, but we couldn't figure it out. That's why I'm here today.

Since you've said that, tell me your terms. As long as they're reasonable, I can make a decision now."

The boss was the boss, with the authority to make decisions. Of course, there was a hint of threat, meaning that while you can make demands, they can't be excessive.

The column-type track vehicle was a system-upgraded version. Without the key technology, others couldn't replicate it successfully.

Even if they tried, it would be a poor imitation.

Ye Ming thought for a moment and said, "Third Master, I've always had a dream: to act in movies and become a top star, a superstar. This is my greatest hope, and I've been working hard for it. Now, I want to make my own movie, but I don't have the money. I know you have a fund to support young directors. I hope you can give me a chance. I don't need much, just two million. That would be enough."

This was Ye Ming's dream: to make and star in his own movie, but the funding was a big challenge.

Relying on Yonghua for investment was out of the question.

But Han Shanping was different. With a word from the Third Master, getting two million in support was not a problem.