Superstar Aspirations Chapter 16

Translator: Vian

Editor: Shem

Xiangshan Movie and Television City, “Ambush” crew.

Within every crew, contrary to what was expected, the most intense conflicts were often not between actor and actor, and not even between Director and actor, but between Director and investor. Investors were the one paying the money, while the Director was the core of the whole film. The former would often make some requests to the latter, and the latter would usually do their best to fulfill the former's requests.

Unless it was an exceptionally famous Director, otherwise, the Director wouldn't object to most of the investors' proposals. However, the investors also needed to make money, so they also usually wouldn't make any strange and bizarre suggestions. This was a unanimous agreement within the industry.

However, this agreement didn't apply to the "Ambush" crew.

Luo Zhentao quickly got a detailed update from a.s.sistant Director Li. With a cold face, he suppressed his anger: "I don't know how Han Yanghao coaxed the investors, but now they want to change actors. The other party gave seventy percent of "Ambush" investment so their att.i.tude right now is rather unyielding on this matter. Director Zheng is against it, but the investors are unwilling to concede on this."

The handsome and elegant youth restrained his gaze and calmly asked: "They just want to change me?"

Luo Zhentao hesitated for a moment: "…Yes."

Regarding this sort of situation where they breach the contract, although it would give the crew a bad reputation, it generally never reaches the audience's ears. In the first place, Rong Xu's pay wasn't very high and now they also have to pay the penalty fee. But this was something easy for that investor.

Silently shaking his head, Rong Xu raised his head and narrowed his eyes at Han Yanghao who was resting not far away like he had no clue about what was going on. He suddenly raised his lips and lightly chuckled: "Luo ge, exactly how did I offend him?"

Luo Zhentao was angry and doubtful: "I also don't know ah, you had never argued with him ah."

Rong Xu stared at Han Yanghao's back for a long time. After staring for half a day, he sighed: "There's no need for a reason to hate someone in this industry. It's just, for him to go to this extent, he already pa.s.sed and crossed the line."

For the entire morning, "Ambush" crew was at a standstill. There were two weeks before the broadcast and currently, the crew had only filmed three episodes. Far from enough of episodes needed before airing.

Director Zheng and Han Yanghao's manager made a huge scene arguing inside the crew. Director Zheng even went as far as to say "Not doing business with ya, I quit!" but that manager remained unmoved and continued to smile: "Director Zheng, you should think about this again. This is President Li's request."

As for Han Yanghao, he had been calmly sitting inside his private lounge resting and never appeared.

Luo Zhentao naturally also partic.i.p.ated with Director Zheng in the discussion, grimly asking the investor to consider what was in their best interest. In the industry, you would be condemned for breaching a contract. Whether it was for the investor, Director, or the actor themself, it was very unfavorable.

The three parties disputed in the crew for the entire morning.

Not far from them, Rong Xu took out his script and calmly flipped through. From time to time, crew members for various reasons would pa.s.s by him and spoke one or two comforting words.

a.s.sistant Director Li who managed the actors was especially anxious till he was covered in a layer of sweat. Seeing that the other side was in a deadlock, he could only go to find Rong Xu and carefully inquired: "If the crew is really going to break the contract…what would you do, Rong Xu?"

The simple and honest, st.u.r.dy middle-aged man stared at him with sincere-filled eyes, his voice containing helplessness and guilt. Hearing this, Rong Xu finally looked up, removing his gaze from the script. He thoughtfully looked at a.s.sistant Director Li, his gaze leveled and clear, as if he was clueless about what was happening; a gaze soft as the clouds and light like the wind.

a.s.sistant Director Li didn't expect Rong Xu's reaction to be like this. Looking at the teen's calm and composed appearance, the restless feelings in his heart inexplicably relaxed a little. He then heard Rong Xu ask: "Li ge, I remembered that our stills and trailer should've been released on the internet the day after tomorrow, then send to the TV station to be aired for promotion a week later?"

a.s.sistant Director Li naturally nodded: "Yes."

Hearing this, Rong Xu smiled. He stood up and said: "I once heard a foreign Director say that in the best cast and crew, the Director always need to have the last say himself. The only thing the investors and producers need to do is to "meet all of the Director's demands." For any kind of crew, to always be so pa.s.sive…isn't anything good."

Not far away, Director Zheng, Luo Zhentao, and Han Yanghao's manager were still arguing without end. And on this side, a.s.sistant Director Li's eyes widened in surprise, closely watching Rong Xu as he heard this youth continued with a smile: "Today, when I was reading the script, I suddenly discovered that this name 'Huo Xi' was very interesting. Li ge, China has an ancient saying, "Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise, a blessing may conceal misfortune." Huo Xi's misfortune… maybe this is actually a blessing in disguise. And from this, one can grasp the chance to switch from being pa.s.sive to aggressive."

a.s.sistant Director Li suddenly heard a loud 'boom' in his brain. He was dumbstruck for the moment, then quickly remembered a SMS his son once sent: 【I think that he's really good, you take care of him a bit, don't let him be bullied by that kind of self-important poser.】

***

By noon, the crew was still at a standstill.

The Director, Luo Zhentao, and Han Yanghao's manager had started a cold war, making the whole set awkward. While the other actors felt sympathetic to Rong Xu, and Zhang Tongtong also very much wanted to help Rong Xu, but they didn't have any power to confront Han Yanghao and could only secretly curse Han Yanghao, that self-important poser with no morals.

All except a.s.sistant Director Li who disappeared.

When Zhong Yi arrived from Shuoshe Airport to "Ambush" crew, this was the strange scene he saw. The crew was completely silent. Everyone was doing some trivial things, it just that n.o.body was filming!

This wasn't normal, okay?!

Zhong Yi's eyes swept around and quickly walked inside. After looking for half a day, he still couldn't find Rong Xu.

No matter what was said, Zhong Yi was still a third-tier star in the end. Someone from the crew recognized him, so he immediately pulled the person over and asked: "I'm Young Master Rong's friend, how come I don't see Young Master Rong anywhere? I heard that he was filming here, so I came to visit him." Saying this, he lifted the cake box in his other hand.

With that cute spoiled tone along with that fair innocent face, that crew member was fully unable to get angry at Zhong Yi, and instead thought that this child was very cute. She quickly answered Zhong Yi: "I don't know who Young Master Rong is, but you are probably looking for Rong Xu, right? He is over there looking through the script."

Zhong Yi followed the direction her finger was pointing at to see a figure. He blanked out for a second, only after a while did he smiled and asked: "Where ah? How come I don't see Young Master Rong?"

That crew member hurriedly pointed again: "It's the person wearing the military uniform and sitting on the chair with his head down looking at the script."

The smile on Zhong Yi's face froze.

But not long after, he carried the cake box and sauntered over in front of Rong Xu.

Feeling his light being blocked by someone, Rong Xu couldn't help but raise his head to see a pretty face. Big round eyes with tawny brown curly hair, this young boy was very cute and lovely. Cute to the point where he didn't look like a grown man at all, but instead appeared to be only sixteen or seventeen years old.

But Rong Xu knew that Zhong Yi was already twenty-four years old.

Closing the script, Rong Xu lightly smiled and greeted: "Long time no see, Zhong Yi."

Zhong Yi was stunned, not expecting that the other party would be so calm. He hurriedly hid the look of disdain flas.h.i.+ng through his eyes, but it all fell into Rong Xu's eyes. He placed the cake box aside and casually sat beside Rong Xu. He subconsciously reach out his hand to hold Rong Xu's hand, but Rong Xu "coincidentally" raised his hand to put down the script, incidentally avoiding it.

Although Zhong Yi was a bit surprised, he didn't think much of it. He said sweetly: "Young Master Rong, we haven't seen each other for so long but you didn't even come to see me. I heard that you actually started acting, I was so surprised when I found out. I didn't believe it at first but Zhang Feng later showed me the character poster you took for "Vie for Supremacy". I could only believe it then. Why did you decided to start acting, Young Master Rong?"

While Zhong Yi's tone appeared intimate, there was still a hint of sharpness when he mentioned "Vie for Supremacy".

Rong Xu gave a small smile as he watched him, not batting an eye as he moved slightly to the side and answered: "Filming is quite enjoyable."

The smile on Zhong Yi's face froze. He firmly pinched his fingers, only then was he able to suppress the anger in his heart.

Enjoyable?

You Great Young Master, if you want to enter the entertainment circle to play, then play! What are you fighting over a role with him for! Even if he was injured and couldn't act, did you need to take it for yourself? What did that count as? He had never heard of a Golden Master stealing someone's role before!

Zhong Yi lowered his head with his bangs hanging down, covering the resentment in his eyes. Zhong Yi nursed a grievance: "En, it is very enjoyable. Young Master Rong, you changed your phone but you didn't even tell me. The reason why I came to find you today was because I wanted to tell you… I think that the thing that you told me before, is quite good."

Rong Xu blinked, not speaking.

Zhong Yi waited for a while, but didn't hear the other party's response. Feeling it was weird, he looked up, only to see that the other was still sporting a light smile, watching him.

Zhong Yi stared blankly, then: "!!!"

f.u.c.k! What the h.e.l.l is he smiling at! How come he feels that there's something wrong with this Rong Xu ah!

Honestly, when Zhong Yi entered the studio, he already spotted Rong Xu. At that time, he only saw Rong Xu's profile, thinking that this face was truly refined and beautiful. He even thought it was a star he didn't recognize. So when he heard that it was Rong Xu, he felt anger bubble up in his chest for some reason.

Wasn't Rong Xu suppose to be that prodigal Young Master? How come he suddenly changed to this?

The "Vie for Supremacy" character poster had already made Zhong Yi angry to where his nose went crooked. He had confidently pointed at the photo, repeating several times to his manager, "This was definitely photoshopped, you can so tell it's fake!" But now, seeing him dressed up in a military uniform, with an otherworldly beautiful appearance… He didn't even know what kind of response he was supposed to give right now. Even to the extent that he thought that… in terms of image and temperament, Rong Xu was much more suitable for the entertainment circle than he himself!

Unmistakably, it was Rong Xu himself that brought the role to him, hoping to please him. He had felt that it was funny, looking at the boy's shy face turning red from his first love. How was it that this boy was suddenly so calm now?

But Zhong Yi didn't know that the only reason why Rong Xu answered him with a smile was: He had no idea what the other was talking about!

"That thing we talked about before?"

…What thing we talked about before?

However, Zhong Yi obviously didn't have Rong Xu's patience. He soon awkwardly changed the topic and casually asked in a loud voice: "That's strange, how come you guys aren't filming today? I heard from Han ge that this was a weekly drama and will soon air."

Everyone was immediately drawn to his voice.

Zhong Yi soon got the answer from his a.s.sistant. His eyes lit up and quickly coaxed Rong Xu: "Young Master Rong, don't be angry at Han ge. He just has a somewhat bad temper at times. My relations.h.i.+p with him is pretty good, I'll go talk to him a bit and he'll know what to do. You wait here, I'll be back soon." As soon as he finished talking, Zhong Yi immediately stood up and ran over to Han Yanghao's private lounge, leaving behind Rong Xu who watched him with a smile that was not like a smile.

***

For the next whole hour, Zhong Yi stayed inside Han Yanghao's private lounge with no sign of coming out. That professed "I'll be back soon" was completely forgotten about.

The crew members were also acting weird. Only the second female lead, Yi Lan, quietly walked up to Rong Xu's side and whispered: "In that movie I played in last year, Zhong Yi was also in it. His relations.h.i.+p with Han Yanghao within the crew there was also very good. Rong Xu, you have to be careful. I don't know what's your relations.h.i.+p with Zhong Yu, but… I don't think he's very good."

Rong Xu looked at her in surprised, only to see Yi Lan's wry smile: "I know I shouldn't be close to you at this time, but I don't think that you did anything wrong. Anyway, I'm just a little second to third-tier star, what worse can he do to me?"

Rong Xu slowly lowered his gaze, his lips curving into a smile: "Yi jie, thank you."

And at this moment inside Han Yanghao's private lounge, Zhong Yi was sitting on the couch with an uncertain look.

Sinking into deep thought for a long time, he couldn't help but inquire again: "You say that Rong Xu was kicked out of the Rong Family? You are sure of this matter, Han ge? No matter what, he is this Rong Family's only remaining bloodline. If he was kicked out, wouldn't the Rong Family be lacking any male descents?"

Han Yanghao drank a mouthful from his drink, before coldly snorting: "President Li and Madame Rong have a partners.h.i.+p together, this was something she personally told me. Although the Second Master Rong certainly doesn't have any children of his own, but on what basis should he give the enterprise he obtained with his on two hands over to Rong Xu? President Li said that the reason why Rong Xu had already long moved out was because Second Master Rong drove him out. Otherwise, think about it. If Rong Xu still had the Rong Family's backing, would he be willing to act in this weekly drama? He would definitely film in one where he's the lead and get a more famous Director instead."

Zhong Yi's face suddenly turned white, then red.

Han Yanghao sneered: "You ah, never figure out things clearly before getting all hot-headed and rus.h.i.+ng ahead. Don't be deceived by other's outer appearance. You thought that he was a Golden Master? He was merely a paper tiger! On that note, how are his skills in bed? Or is that you're still the top? That child's looks are still pretty good. It's not much of a loss even if you top."

"f.u.c.k! Fortunately I didn't promise him on that matter just now! What does he count as? He actually dare to pose as someone rich in front of me?" Zhong Yi hatefully punched the sofa, then stood up, gnas.h.i.+ng his teeth: "Han ge, since it's like this, it's settled. I also think that this drama's second male lead is pretty good. Since he dares to steal my role in "Vie for Supremacy", I will steal his this time! Without the Rong Family, who does he think he is? He's just a fool!"

Han Yanghao laughed out loud: "All right, it just so happen that President Li gave me a call. We should go out first and see if that Rong Xu still have anything left to say. To dare to act like such a pretentious p.r.i.c.k in front of me inside the crew, you still need to have the ability to!"

Following a "click", the lounge door that had been closed for the whole day was finally opened by the people inside. The crew members and actors all looked up to see, only Rong Xu remained the same and kept looking down at his phone, his thoughts concealed.

***

And at the same time, a taxi slowly stopped in front of Xiangshan Movie and Television City's gate. Before the taxi left, the driver excitedly exclaimed: "My daughter and wife likes you very much! I really like your "Evening Sound", "Steel Tooth", and "Broken City"! Qin Cheng, you have to do your best, you must do your best ah!"

Qin Cheng: "…Thank you."

Having an over fifty years old uncle tightly gripping onto your hand, selling cuteness and encouraging you… En. Presumably it would make anyone feel somewhat helpless.

Qin Cheng had come several times to Xiangshan M&T City before, and had long been familiar with the road. He put his hands in his pockets, pacing through the cool, quiet early autumn breeze, completely ignoring his manager behind him. Qin Cheng lowered his head, looking at the ground as he walked. He walked like he was taking a stroll through his courtyard, but the powerful ice-cold atmosphere caused the surrounding temperature to abruptly drop three degrees.

The two people walked like this for ten minutes before Xu Jin finally couldn't stand it: "…I was wrong Great Young Master Qin! I also didn't know that the car would break down ah! And you can't blame me for the phone running out of battery… Okay, okay, it was my fault. I didn't notice that the phone was dead. But we didn't arrive too late, it's only five in the afternoon. Although we did have to wait for about two hours out in the barren mountain road for a taxi, but didn't we arrive in the end……"

Qin Cheng suddenly raised his head, throwing out a sharp icy glare.

Xu Jin: "……"

After a short moment, he raised his right hand and this time, seriously asked: "Come, say it Great Young Master Qin. Who are you looking for, coming here? Is it Old Liu? I heard that "Emperor Qin of the Realm" was shooting in Xiangshan, I'll take you to find him. Today, I'll willingly undertake any task despite your criticism. Good enough?"

Hearing that, Qin Cheng finally stopped: "You go find where the "Ambush" crew is."

"Oh, I've already inquired where "Emperor Qin of the Realm" is before…" Xu Jin's voice abruptly halted and snapped his head up: "Ambush"? What "Ambush"?"

Qin Cheng casted an overbearing sidelong glance down at him: "The "Ambush" you are responsible to look for."

Xu Jin: "……"

If there's no twenty than there's at least fifteen crews filming here everyday in M&T City!

M&T City was huge, exactly from which corner do you expect him to find this obscure and unknown little crew ah!

The author has something to say:

Zhong Yi[sharpening his knife]: Golden Master? I pei!

Rongrong[Shrug]: Have I ever said that I was your Golden Master?

Qin Orangeorange: Coming to be Baby's Golden Master, Coming to be Baby's Golden Master, I'll provide for you Baby and warm your bed ? (? ??? w ??? ?) ?

Translator’s Addition:

Vian: Bad Xu Jin!

Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise, a blessing may conceal misfortune – [禍兮福之所倚，福兮禍之所伏 – huò xī fú zhī suǒ yǐ, fú xī huò zhī suǒ fú] Misfortune [禍兮 – huò xī] sounds the same as Huo Xi. Different characters though Huo Xi is 霍熙 . The 熙meaning prosperous

Ι Ι