Chapter 83

Now, the first one to be unhappy was Guo Baochang. Zhang Yimou was someone he had invited, and it was only because of his face that Zhang Yimou had come to do a cameo.

Otherwise, no matter how much money they offered, the National Master wouldn't come to do a cameo. Was the National Master short of money?

Therefore, at this moment, Guo Baochang's face immediately turned gloomy, and he frowned, saying, "Go on."

At this point, Siqin Gao Wa and Chen Baoguo felt a jolt in their hearts. The director was really angry. They had seen Guo Baochang get angry before, but that was to motivate the crew and actors to work harder, not necessarily out of real anger.

But at this moment, he was really angry.

Ye Ming seemed to notice this and said, "Director Guo, don't be angry. What I said is the truth. Think about it, who is Director Zhang? A world-renowned director, a household name. Who dares to act opposite him? Who has the qualifications to act opposite him? Not just in our crew, but even in the whole of China, how many actors in their sixties have the qualifications to act opposite him? How many can fluently deliver their lines in front of him?"

This series of questions left everyone speechless.

Indeed, how many veteran actors could deliver their lines as smoothly as flowing clouds in front of Director Zhang Yimou?

Zhang Yimou's fame was so great that it made most people nervous when facing him.

At this moment, Zhang Yimou laughed wryly. Although he himself might not admit it, as a director, it seemed that the crew was indeed facing this problem.

Guo Baochang then glanced at the veteran actor who was to act opposite Zhang Yimou. The veteran actor immediately frowned and said, "Director Guo, it's true. I had memorized my lines yesterday, but when I saw Director Zhang, I couldn't say a word, even though the lines were right there on the tip of my tongue."

This was the authority of the National Master, which ordinary actors couldn't handle.

Guo Baochang was now somewhat hesitant. He looked at Ye Ming and said, "Kid, since you brought up this problem, you're responsible for solving it. Zhang Yimou's time is very tight, and we can't afford to waste it here."

Others might not be able to solve this problem. Even Siqin Gao Wa and Chen Baoguo didn't dare to guarantee it. They both said that they wouldn't be nervous when acting opposite Zhang Yimou, as they were both award-winning actors and wouldn't have their reputations for nothing.

But they couldn't play the role of Shen Shuren either.

This was indeed a very thorny problem, but it didn't stump Ye Ming. He knew that in his previous life, "The Grand Mansion" had faced the same problem, and it was solved very clearly.

At that moment, Ye Ming looked around at the other crew members and then said, "A distant water cannot quench a near thirst. There are indeed a few veteran actors in the country who can act opposite Director Zhang, but it's not easy to invite them. The only one who can save the situation now is you, sir. You have to take the stage yourself and act opposite Director Zhang. Only you can personally take the lead, or we won't be able to shoot today."

These words immediately brightened the eyes of those around, and even Zhang Yimou felt a sense of novelty.

Indeed, there was no problem with Guo Baochang taking the stage himself, as he was Zhang Yimou's old superior and senior. If anyone had the right to act opposite Zhang Yimou and other big directors like Chen Kaige, it was Guo Baochang. Everyone else in the crew would have to step aside.

Guo Baochang was now quite pleased and said with a smile, "You little rascal, you've led me into this. Fine, I'll take the lead myself. Don't waste Zhang Yimou's time."

Thus, Guo Baochang, who had shaved the director and the star bald, also shaved himself bald for "The Grand Mansion."

Zhang Yimou only had two scenes here. One was when Empress Dowager Cixi, feeling unwell, sought out Shen Shuren. The other was when Cixi, having recovered, rewarded her subjects.

In the first scene, Li Lianying had to display a high and mighty attitude, second only to the Empress and above all others. Even though he had fled to Chang'an with Cixi, he still maintained the dignity of a grand eunuch.

In the second scene, with Cixi present, Zhang Yimou, playing Li Lianying, had to act as a humble servant. Zhang Yimou did an excellent job, portraying the coldness of a grand eunuch very well.

Moreover, during the two hours of shooting, Zhang Yimou had no special requests. He followed the director's instructions and was very cooperative.

After the two scenes, Zhang Yimou said, "If you feel anything is inappropriate, just let me know. I'll reshoot it for you. I'm very busy, so I'll go back now."

Guo Baochang wanted to see him off, but Zhang Yimou immediately declined, "The crew is so busy, you don't need to be polite."

As he walked past Ye Ming, Zhang Yimou looked at him and finally stopped.

At this moment, the entire crew became quiet. Who knew if Zhang Yimou was holding a grudge?

Then, Zhang Yimou nodded slightly and said, "Young man, your acting is good, and you have ideas. Do you have time tonight? If you do, call me. I have something to discuss with you."

He then gave Ye Ming a piece of paper with only a phone number on it, without a name.

Ding dong.

System notification: [Host triggered main task, task level S. Accept the role in Zhang Yimou's "My Father and My Mother." Reward: Acting +100, Fame +180. Accept or not?]

Ye Ming quickly clicked to confirm.

Zhang Yimou's "My Father and My Mother" was the film that made Zhang Ziyi famous, winning the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and catapulting her to international stardom.

From then on, her career took off, and she became the leading lady among the Four Great Dan for many years.

Excitement and joy, it turned out to be "Not One Less." No wonder it was an S-level task like "The Story of a Noble Family." The rewards were substantial, as it was an internationally renowned film that established Zhang Ziyi's status as a major star.

Now everyone was curious. What did Zhang Yimou mean by finding Ye Ming to discuss something?

Chen Baoguo, also puzzled, said, "Director Guo, could it be that..."

He had a vague idea but wasn't clear on the specifics.

Guo Baochang, who was well-informed, squinted his eyes and said with a smile, "Interesting, Ye Ming, you're really lucky. I heard that Yimou is preparing to shoot a new film and is looking for a male lead. It's probably because of this film."

Zhang Yimou was preparing to shoot a new film, and he was looking for a male lead. This was like a pie falling from the sky, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Back in the day, Jiang Wen, an unknown actor, became an international star overnight after playing the role of "I" in "Red Sorghum." This was the power of Zhang Yimou's films, a golden brand.

Envy, jealousy, and resentment—this was how almost everyone in the crew felt.

Even Chen Baoguo felt a bit sour. Being chosen by Zhang Yimou to star in his film was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

At this moment, the shrewd Guo Baochang, seeing the unstable emotions of the crew, quickly said, "Don't be envious. I'm just guessing. It's not certain."

But since Zhang Yimou had personally invited him, it couldn't be wrong, could it? How many actors would dare to take Zhang Yimou's invitation lightly? Only Guo Baochang could say such things with ease.

Chen Xi walked over, excitedly saying, "Ye Ming, congratulations. If you can star in Director Zhang Yimou's film, you'll really be on the fast track to success."

At this moment, Chen Xi's heart was pounding like a little deer. Zhang Yimou's films were a holy place in the hearts of every actor, and Zhang Yimou's films would be the holy place in the hearts of most Chinese actors.

Ye Ming, it was clear, was about to embark on a pilgrimage.

At this moment, Chen Xi was genuinely happy for Ye Ming.

In fact, Ye Ming knew very well that if Zhang Yimou was looking for him, it was probably for "My Father and My Mother."

He couldn't hide his excitement and clenched his fists, saying, "Don't worry, if Director Zhang really wants me to act, I won't give up. But it still depends on Director Zhang's decision. If I don't pass, there's nothing I can do."

The system's matters were absolutely not to be disclosed. Ye Ming wouldn't deceive Chen Xi, but he wouldn't reveal the system's secrets either.

In the end, Guo Baochang gave Ye Ming a night off.

What Zhang Yimou wanted to discuss with Ye Ming, Guo Baochang was very clear about. Zhang Yimou was currently busy with "Not One Less," but he was preparing to shoot "My Father and My Mother."

That night, Ye Ming called, and Zhang Yimou immediately gave him the name of a hotel.

Twenty minutes later, Ye Ming arrived at the hotel.

In the room, there were two people. One was the well-known director Zhang Yimou, and the other was a middle-aged man. Others might not recognize him, but Ye Ming knew him very well. In his previous life, this man was a powerful figure in the film and television industry.

At least, during the years he worked with Zhang Yimou, this man held a very influential position in the industry.