Chapter 28

Everything was proceeding smoothly, from the director and crew's setup to the actors being in place. Johnny's indeed pushed their artists to the limit; Nakamura Masahiro's signing bonus was only 5 million yen, but ten years later, his film fee would be 100 million yen. Of course, how much of that fee he would actually receive was another question.

When Aizawa Tomo first saw Shen Zhenghui on the set, she was surprised, and even more so when she learned he was the lead actor. Clearly, this girl had not forgotten the man who had left a deep impression on her during the flight, but it was unclear whether to commend her for her broad-mindedness or her naivety. She did not show any special reaction to Shen Zhenghui, acting as if to say, "Ah, the lead actor is someone I've met before, how strange."

Of course, this attitude changed when she found out that Shen Zhenghui was the investor, screenwriter, and assistant director. Especially when she noticed that Shen Zhenghui and Fukuda Miki seemed to have a good relationship. Fukuda Miki's agency, Queens, had already signed several young models and voice actors, none of whom were famous yet. Aizawa Tomo was the most well-known among them, but her previous career path... well, let's not go into that.

So, Aizawa Tomo, with a puzzled tone, saw an opportunity to ask Shen Zhenghui privately, "May I ask, why did you choose me to act in this film? And why did Queens sign me?" This young girl's attitude triggered a sense of nostalgia in Shen Zhenghui, but he couldn't tell her the real reason, which was entirely due to Fukuda Miki's meddling.

"Uh, wasn't you the first Japanese actress I ever saw?"

"Hehehe, my luck is really good!" Aizawa Tomo couldn't help but laugh.

Shen Zhenghui also laughed.

Liu Xin, who was watching from a distance, turned to Fukuda Miki and asked, "Are you sure there's nothing going on between him and this actress?"

"Of course not," Fukuda Miki said nonchalantly, "She's one of my agency's artists."

Liu Xin didn't know what to say and scanned the entire crew.

The crew had renovated an old school building to retain the style of the 1970s and 1980s, and almost half of the story's scenes were set there. Although Shimizu Takao was a very promising and currently capable director, he was still too young, almost the same age as one of the lead actors, Nakamura Masahiro. Despite the Japanese tendency to be obedient, there were still coordination issues within the department. This time, Fukuda Miki had brought several men in black suits to the set, and they stood around like bodyguards, ensuring the crew's order.

Shen Zhenghui also noticed the two women's presence. After a brief conversation with Aizawa Tomo, he walked over to Fukuda Miki and Liu Xin. At this moment, Shimizu Takao was shooting other scenes.

"How's the filming going?" Liu Xin asked first.

"Pretty interesting," Shen Zhenghui scratched his head, "But I'll have a better overall evaluation once the film is completed."

"Isn't it difficult for a non-professional like you to be the lead actor? Doesn't the director feel awkward?" Liu Xin asked in a tone of disbelief.

"If you're willing to invest, we can make a movie with you as the lead." Shen Zhenghui spread his hands.

"Forget it, I get nervous in front of the camera." Liu Xin shook her head.

Fukuda Miki asked expressionlessly, "Is the filming going smoothly? Can it be completed according to the plan?"

"Pretty smoothly," Shen Zhenghui replied.

"Is that so?" Fukuda Miki countered, "Are you also going smoothly?" She glanced at Shimizu Takao in the distance, "Is Director Shimizu not being strict with you? Is it too easy for you? I need to ensure the quality of the film."

"I don't know how well I'm acting, but they all say I'm doing well," Shen Zhenghui replied helplessly, "Nakamura Masahiro even praised me."

"Does he know you're the investor?" Fukuda Miki asked.

"The investor is you!" Shen Zhenghui replied, "But they all think I have a good relationship with you, so I got this opportunity."

"Then, would you like to sign with my Queens?"

"From the name, I know I shouldn't go there."

"We can change the name to King & Queens."

"Are you trying to ruin my reputation? I definitely won't go there."

This conversation bored Liu Xin.

"By the way, how are you really doing?" Liu Xin asked, "How is your performance? Since you're not a professional actor, it must be difficult, right? Is the director letting you off just because you're the investor? That's irresponsible, isn't it?"

"If you realize that life is a play, acting isn't something hard to master," Shen Zhenghui answered seriously, "Although I know I haven't reached Roosevelt's level, I don't think I'll lose to our school's former student council president."

"What are you talking about?" Liu Xin frowned, "I don't understand."

"I suddenly became interested in your student life," Fukuda Miki said, "Let me talk to the director for a moment, you two chat." With that, Fukuda Miki walked toward the camera.

"What does she mean?" Liu Xin asked.

"I have a bad feeling," Shen Zhenghui pressed his temples, "I hope the director doesn't say anything out of line."

Liu Xin leaned closer to Shen Zhenghui, glancing at Aizawa Tomo in the distance, "Was that girl really in those kinds of films before?"

"Uh... you're really nosy!" Shen Zhenghui grinned.

"Curious! She doesn't look like it at all, dressed like a high school student, and very innocent."

Shen Zhenghui's face twitched, "Why don't you try it? It's just a pretty face, no acting required, just be beautiful."

"You know, I'm actually a bit tempted," Liu Xin said, a bit embarrassed, and then looked at Nakamura Masahiro in the distance, "I have to admit, that Japanese guy is definitely more handsome than you."

Shen Zhenghui pursed his lips. The director seemed to have finished a shot and was talking to Fukuda Miki. A crowd of people greeted the big boss, then quickly dispersed. She and the director walked to one side and were having a private conversation.

"Uh, this doesn't look good!" Shen Zhenghui rubbed his chin.

"By the way, do you like that type?" Liu Xin leaned closer to Shen Zhenghui, following his gaze, but she saw Aizawa Tomo's figure.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Shen Zhenghui stared at Liu Xin.

"Don't you all like that type?" Liu Xin looked innocent, "Watching those films, idolizing the lead actress, wanting to be with her..." Liu Xin was very embarrassed, "You're not like that, are you?"

"Huh?" Shen Zhenghui opened his mouth wide, "Where did you get these weird ideas?"

"Tsk," Liu Xin looked disdainful, "Mr. Li sang in a song, 'Dreaming of having dinner with Aizawa A, but can't find the blue pill.'"

"Uh," Shen Zhenghui scratched his head, "By the way, how's GONZO doing? Is everyone adapting well? Is the animation production going smoothly?"

"You're changing the topic too abruptly," Liu Xin said不满地.

"Not really, I'm putting a lot of effort into this, so you need to pay more attention to GONZO. Does Murahama need any Chinese artists? This affects the development of our domestic company, otherwise, Yan Kai won't be able to recruit people."

Liu Xin's thoughts were diverted, "It seems our people's work is recognized, but they find living in Japan a bit difficult. President Murahama wants to see how things go after 'Blue 6' is released to decide if he needs to expand the team; he still has some concerns."

"You noticed that?" Shen Zhenghui was amazed.

"Fukuda told me," Liu Xin stuck out her tongue.

"Alright, get on it then. Tell Yan Kai to start recruiting! Don't doubt it, 'Blue 6' will definitely be a hit. I'm waiting for my animated film! Leave these matters to you, take care of them."

"I..." Liu Xin pouted, "You didn't let me come at first, now you're giving me all the work."

"You're the major shareholder, if you don't do it, who will?" Shen Zhenghui said firmly, "If you stayed in China, everything Yan Kai is doing now would be your responsibility. Since you're in Japan, you should handle Japanese affairs!"

"What if I'm not in Japan?" Liu Xin was unhappy, "Who will do these things?"

"Someone will, like Zhou Hua."

Liu Xin pouted unhappily.

Fukuda Miki and the director finished their conversation and walked over, "Your student days were indeed problematic," she said to Shen Zhenghui with a mischievous smile.

"What problem?" Liu Xin asked immediately.

"According to our director, Mr. Shen's performance is very natural and realistic," Fukuda Miki said, watching Shen Zhenghui's expression, who covered his face, "If Mr. Shen isn't a genius in the acting world, there's only one other explanation."

"What explanation?" Liu Xin asked.

"Given that the screenplay is written by Mr. Shen, it can only be speculated that falling in love with a good friend's girlfriend is Mr. Shen's personal experience, which is why his performance is so emotionally rich and smooth."

"Hey, that's enough!" Shen Zhenghui exclaimed.

"I'm just concerned about the quality of the film, Mr. Shen. You're really dedicated to art, using your personal experiences to adapt into a film, hoping to resonate with Japanese high school students' emotions, right?"

Liu Xin's eyes widened, staring at Shen Zhenghui. When he took his hand away from his face, she couldn't help but ask, "Who is it?"

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