Chapter 6

Before the millennium, Huayu was in Hong Kong.

Despite the decline of Hong Kong cinema in this era, it still remained out of reach for the mainland.

This July, Hong Kong is about to return, drawing global attention, and the mainland has sparked a wave of Hong Kong tourism. However, this cannot change Hong Kong's xenophobic attitude. They are proud because they are wealthy, and many people look down on the mainland, especially those who rush to Hong Kong to make money during the handover.

His previous script, "Floating Past," was initially intended to take the shortcut to Hong Kong. He confidently submitted it to over a dozen Hong Kong film companies, but it has been like a stone thrown into the sea, with no response at all.

The Hong Kong film industry has never placed much emphasis on scripts. Most successful scripts come from well-known screenwriters. Even if ordinary screenwriters have good scripts, it can take two to three months for them to receive a response from the upper management of film companies. This is not just due to negligence but also because of the low status of screenwriters in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Moreover, Chen Tian's letter from the mainland would not be taken seriously.

His enthusiasm was repeatedly dampened, which made him more mature. He learned about the importance of social connections and that reality is not a fairy tale. When all else failed, he dragged Kong Yiji around to find investors, calling it "entrepreneurship." He had invited people to drink and eat many times, but nothing came of it. The one time he almost succeeded, he was knocked out by a bottle...

"Chen Dadi, is that really you!" A sudden shout interrupted his thoughts. Three young men gathered around the billboard, scrutinizing it. Finally, a young man with a pockmarked face patted the billboard and said, "You're shooting an ad, what kind of ad? You look quite professional. I heard you drank with a coal boss until your stomach perforated, is that true?"

"What do you want? How do you talk to a director? We need a few more cinematographers and lighting technicians. Are you interested? If you are, come and report, don't disturb the director." Kong Yiji rushed over bluntly.

"Doing our lighting and cinematography? Why don't you take a piss and look at yourselves? We are from the directing department. Don't think you're something just because you're shooting an ad."

"What? I have money, and you can't do it? Why don't you try shooting an ad?" Huang Bo, sensing the hostility, stepped forward with a defiant expression, "Looking for trouble? Want a beating? I can make you shit yourself."

"You, you're disgracing the culture. This is the Central Academy of Drama, not a place for you to act out. Do you want the security to kick you out?"

Kong Yiji spat and said, "I don't believe it. If you have the guts, call them." A few inexperienced students, with their high expectations, could not match Kong Yiji, the old hand, and were left speechless with red faces.

"Hmph, I won't stoop to your level. Chen Dadi, I'm just here to inform you. This year's graduation play for the acting department is 'The Story of the Stairs,' and the graduation play for the directing department is 'Nekrasov' by French writer Jean-Paul Sartre. Professor Guo recommended you to participate. Prepare well, don't embarrass us, hmpf." He turned and walked away with a swagger.

Kong Yiji and Huang Bo were left with a face full of resentment, "Who is this guy, acting like he owns the place." Huang Bo chimed in, "So your nickname is Dadi, doesn't really fit."

Chen Tian shrugged, "Just a passerby, who knows. There are too many people jealous of my good looks, giving me a nickname to belittle me is nothing new."

The Central Academy of Drama's acting and directing departments would each present a graduation play, a tradition at the academy. These graduation plays would not cater to the market but would choose works with strong ideological and artistic value to showcase the students' professional skills. "Nekrasov" is one of Sartre's representative works, suitable for a graduation play. The main difference between the directing and acting departments' plays is that directing students not only act in the play but also direct the scenes.

The Central Academy of Drama admits hundreds of new students each year, but very few leave a lasting mark. The acting department is somewhat better, but the directing department might not produce a notable figure in ten years. Because opportunities are so rare, even the directing department's graduation play becomes a stage for established directors, leaving little room for current students to shine.

Chen Tian knew this and now had a broader perspective, no longer entangled in narrow interests, "Let's wait another half hour. If we don't find suitable candidates, we'll go to Beijing Film Academy."

It was almost noon, and the number of students on the road gradually increased.

"Turns out it's an ad," the passing juniors and seniors paid full attention and gathered around.

After learning that only two female roles were needed, most people left with a disappointed look, while a few girls continued to read the billboard.

"Senior, how much is the ad fee?" A bold one asked directly.

"Depends on the conditions. The lead role won't be less than 10,000, and the supporting role won't be less than 6,000. Absolutely fair, I'm here to create opportunities for everyone."

Chen Tian patiently explained, handing out several beautifully made flyers. Seeing potential candidates, he also handed out business cards for Wushuang Film Company. With a large amount of funds, and more available if needed, this was a rare opportunity, and he was willing to spend freely.

"Senior, I'm Yuan Quan, a student from the 1996 acting class. Do you think I meet the requirements?" A girl with double eyelids timidly approached, accompanied by another pretty girl.

Huang Bo and Kong Yiji's eyes lit up as they came closer. Chen Tian carefully observed her and said, "You're quite beautiful, with expressive eyes. Your hair is a bit short. Can you play the piano?"

Yuan Quan bit her lip, "No, but I've learned dance. My hair used to be long, but I cut it a few years ago because of the hot weather and haven't grown it back. I really regret it now."

"Doesn't quite fit the requirements, but don't be discouraged, junior. Here, take a business card. There might be future opportunities."

Kong Yiji enviously watched Chen Tian chat with the young girls, puffing out his chest to show off in front of the girls, not wanting to fall behind. He wasn't bad-looking, but standing next to Chen Tian was a mistake. In comparison, he was nothing.

A middle-aged woman with a basket of vegetables walked over and glanced at the billboard. Chen Tian saw her and quickly stood up to greet her, "Oh, it's Teacher Chang, are you just back from buying groceries?"

This was Teacher Chang Li from the acting department. In those days, the directing department's admissions were not pure, and acting had become a required course. Chen Tian, knowing he was good-looking, had thought about directing and acting, so he often attended acting classes.

Although he had a mixed-race face and a very fashionable look, which coincided with the popularity of period dramas, historical dramas, and war dramas in China, with few modern dramas, his good looks still had a market. During his years of study, he had worked in various film crews and played many minor roles.

"It's Little Orange, you're graduating this year, right? You're taking on an ad, that's good. Many people have lofty ambitions and end up unemployed after graduation. You're starting from the bottom, which is great. At least you can support yourself first." As soon as she spoke, Chen Tian felt like crying. He had been called many nicknames, but "Little Orange" was a first. It felt like the Empress Dowager had arrived.

"Empress Dowager, you're right." Chen Tian humbly agreed, seeing Kong Yiji still sitting, he kicked him, "Little Confucius, why don't you have eyes? Why don't you give the Empress Dowager a seat and a bottle of water?"

Kong Yiji finally reacted, rubbing his sore bottom and quickly coming to greet the teacher. Huang Bo, unsure of what to do, thought about building connections with the prestigious teachers of the Central Academy of Drama. He tried to smile and chat, but his mouth felt like it had moss, and he was at a loss for words. Seeing Chen Tian chatting enthusiastically, he was envious.

"Naughty!" Chang Li smiled, "Don't be busy, I just stopped by to take a look."

She frowned at the ad content and said, "The treatment for your ad is quite good, but the requirements are a bit strict. There aren't many students in my class, but there are a few with long hair."

Chen Tian asked, "Which class are you teaching now?"

"1996 class, a few girls. But requiring them to play the violin is a bit much. Can't you be more flexible, like using a prop or something?"

Chen Tian was also troubled, "A girl from the 1996 class, Yuan Quan, came by earlier. Her hair is a bit short, and she looks a bit mature, so she doesn't fit the student role. She's probably your student. The investors take this ad seriously, so the requirements are strict. There aren't many scenes, so a posed shot would work. If we can't find the right person, we'll have to settle for second best. I was planning to go to Beijing Film Academy and the music college later. Since Teacher Chang recommends, I'll leave the role open and give you a few more business cards. Have the girls call me."

Chang Li's face lit up, "Sure. But don't do it for my sake. If they don't meet the requirements, we won't force it."

"Of course, thank you for your understanding, Teacher. Please take care."

By the afternoon, they still hadn't found the female leads, so they decided to head to Beijing Film Academy, determined to visit all the film schools in the city. As it was getting dark, they finally had some luck. A girl with a warm smile approached, handed over her resume, and said, "Director, I'd like to apply for the second role."

Chen Tian took the resume but didn't speak. Kong Yiji pretended to be clueless and walked over, staring at the girl, "You look good, have a student vibe, and your hair is long, though a bit split. Don't worry, we'll have a makeup artist help. Your appearance is good, but can you play the piano? Show me an expression of a successful plot."

"I can play simple pieces, but not advanced ones." Xu Jinglei, about to graduate, was still able to read people. Among the three, only Chen Tian looked like a director, and the other two seemed to be subordinates. She obediently performed a few expressions.

Chen Tian found her performance lively, on par with Yuan Quan from the Central Academy of Drama. He searched the two names on his phone and fell silent.

"How is it?" Seeing he didn't respond, Kong Yiji quietly asked.

Chen Tian carefully confirmed her appearance and then, without hesitation, handed her a form, "Please fill out your detailed information and come for an interview tomorrow. If the makeup test goes well, we'll discuss the salary."

"Ah, I made it, thank you, Director." Xu Jinglei was overjoyed. As a female actor, being able to shoot an ad was a skill, especially for a well-known brand like Rejoice. The ad fee was substantial, and such opportunities were rare.

"Don't thank me yet. The makeup artist will have the final say. If you don't meet the requirements, it won't work."

"Even so, I'm very grateful."

After Xu Jinglei left, Huang Bo asked, puzzled, "She meets the requirements? I don't see much difference from the girl from the Central Academy of Drama."

Chen Tian grinned, "We'll make do. This girl has talent and a stubborn spirit, suitable for playing a rich girl."

...

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