Chapter 1949: Taking Personal Charge

People have a great capacity for forgetfulness.

If in May, the whole of China was preoccupied with the Sichuan earthquake, then by June, aside from those directly connected to the disaster victims and those solely focused on relief efforts, there were few who truly cared about the matter.

Everyone has their own life to live. After the initial excitement fades, they naturally return to what they need to do.

Even those who rushed to the disaster area at the very beginning had no choice but to leave.

Because they have their own lives; they can't stay there forever.

And Zhao Fusheng received a phone call that caught him off guard.

“I plan to replace the actress for the county magistrate’s wife.”

Jiang Wen said directly to Zhao Fusheng over the phone.

“Huh?”

Zhao Fusheng was baffled: “Didn’t Jiang Wenli go?”

Earlier, after Liu Jialing was fired from the crew, Zhao Fusheng calmed her down and then had Ye Jing select a new actress, ultimately choosing Gu Changwei’s wife, Jiang Wenli.

She was also a seasoned actor, a leading actress of the traditional school.

Logically, this role shouldn’t be a problem for her.

“I’m not satisfied.” Jiang Wen said seriously. “I don’t like the takes she shot.”

“What?”

Zhao Fusheng blinked, making sure he hadn’t misheard, then said to Jiang Wen, “Tell me, what do you mean?”

This sudden decision to replace someone again—if word got out, it wouldn’t be good for the crew or the actors.

“Wenli is a good actress. If she were playing the role of the soup chef’s wife, I’d have no objection. But the county magistrate’s wife needs to be not only seductive but also fiery and possess that captivating quality—she doesn’t have it.”

Jiang Wen muttered on and on, saying a lot, but in short, he was dissatisfied with Jiang Wenli in this role and wanted a replacement.

Zhao Fusheng didn’t even have the energy to complain anymore.

What a mess this was!

But he also understood that when an actor doesn’t fit a role, no one can do anything about it.

It’s like Chen Daoming’s acting—no matter what he plays, he always seems like himself.

His presence is just that strong. Later, Zhang Jiayi and that Uncle Bo who loved to date had the same ability.

An actor, especially a good one, can generally be divided into two types.

Some actors become whoever they play; others are always themselves no matter who they play.

The difference between the two is vast.

Some actors immerse themselves completely in a role, presenting the character's joys, sorrows, and even the most minute details to the audience, to the point where you forget the actor themselves and don't notice who is performing.

Only after watching do you recall, 'Ah, it was that person acting.'

These are the true veteran actors.

For example, consider Secretary Da Kang. Whether he plays a eunuch, a scholar, or the head of a municipal party committee, he leaves a deep impression.

Another type of actor interprets a role in their own way, using their own understanding to portray it. When the audience watches, they see not just the character but also the actor themselves.

The most obvious examples are Chen Dao and Ge You. No matter what they play, they are always themselves, with a unique style.

This is also a form of success.

In acting, actors who can form their own style undoubtedly have a master's bearing.

Of course, the self-style mentioned here does not mean taking on any role indiscriminately. For instance, Liang Jiahui, this big shot, later took on all kinds of bad films, quite reminiscent of China's Nicolas Cage.

He's not like Principal Gu, who makes money to build schools. Mr. Liang probably really needs the money.

Finally, there is another type of actor, hmm...

Forget it. Strictly speaking, they can't be called actors; they are stars.

Acting is just a side gig; variety shows and fashion events are their real profession.

The most obvious examples are the young idols and flower girls.

The big dramas hyped by fans, like 'The Untamed' and 'Guardian,' are just beyond words.

Damn it!

Traffic stars propped up by selling bromance and fan service dare to shamelessly claim they have acting skills?

In this circle where everything is about riding horses with fighting spirit, if you're traffic, just be traffic quietly. But they insist on portraying themselves as acting school—it's just laughable.

Zhao Fusheng repeatedly reminded Ye Jing because he didn't want something like this to happen in his own company.

Traffic can be cultivated, but you must not only think about becoming famous while neglecting the improvement of the artist's own quality.

It's like selling flowers: even if you want a higher price, you have to wrap them nicely.

Jiang Wen is not a flower. If he were, Zhao Fusheng thinks he would be the most troublesome cactus.

Jiang Wenli is easier to deal with; after all, she is a professional actress. If Jiang Wen explains the reasoning clearly, she will surely understand. But the problem is that she was brought in midway to save the show, and now they want to replace her—that's a bit hard to justify in terms of face.

After all, she is a well-known leading actress in the circle, and her husband is a famous director. If this gets out, it would be a huge loss of face for her.

After much thought, Zhao Fusheng felt that he would have to handle this matter himself.

It wasn't that Ye Jing lacked weight, but Zhao Fusheng believed that if he stepped in personally, whether it was Jiang Wen or the Jiang Wenli couple, he could suppress the matter.

With that thought, Zhao Fusheng simply dialed Liu Yiming's number.

"Make preparations. I'm going to Sichuan tomorrow or the day after," Zhao Fusheng said.

"Sichuan?"

Liu Yiming was taken aback: "Chairman, you're going to the disaster area again? Shouldn't you discuss it with General Zheng and the others?"

He meant no harm; he was purely worried about Zhao Fusheng's safety.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "No, we're going to Teacher Jiang Wen's place."

"Okay, I'll prepare immediately."

Hearing this, Liu Yiming's attitude shifted quickly, and he agreed repeatedly.

Going to Jiang Wen's place naturally meant matters related to film production—work matters—so he certainly wouldn't slack off.

As a subordinate, even when offering advice to a superior, one must consider timing and approach.

Telling the truth is certainly a good habit, but if one is always blunt, it's easy to offend people in the end.

Take Wei Zheng, for example. Don't be fooled by Emperor Taizong Li Shimin's fine words about using history as a mirror and people as a mirror; in reality, the subsequent relationship between the two wasn't so perfect.

Li Er, known as the Heavenly Khan and a great emperor for millennia, still became fatuous and incompetent in his later years. But many movies and TV shows only portray his wise and martial side; the public knows nothing of his darker side.

Another example is Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che.

This principle is actually like Newton's pursuit of God's existence in his later years. Sometimes, the media and journalists only let the public know what they want them to know.

As for the truth?

In this world, there are three things least likely to exist.

Truth!

Secrets!

Free things!

Zhao Fusheng was well-versed in this. So even though he disagreed with Jiang Wen's words, he didn't argue over the phone but indicated that he would consider the matter and handle it promptly.

So when Zhao Fusheng appeared on set two days later, Jiang Wen was completely stunned.

"What? How did you get here?"

Looking at the travel-worn Zhao Fusheng, Jiang Wen asked in confusion.

Even if Yu Feihong, who was aiding disaster relief in Suying County, had come to visit, he wouldn't have been this surprised. But it was Zhao Fusheng who showed up, and Jiang Wen was genuinely taken aback.

Not only Jiang Wen, but even Fa Ge and Ge Ye on set were dumbfounded.

Why was he here?

It's said that a man of wealth never sits where danger threatens. He had come shortly after the earthquake the first time, which was understandable as he came for friends. Later, he left, and no one said anything.

But now, when Sichuan was still in a period of frequent aftershocks, Zhao Fusheng came again—it was truly astonishing.

"Fa Ge, long time no see."

"Ge Ye, have you lost weight?"

Zhao Fusheng patted Jiang Wen on the shoulder and greeted the others with a smile.

"Chairman Zhao, why are you here?"

"Yeah, why are you here?"

The others on set naturally weren't qualified to come over and exchange pleasantries with Zhao Fusheng. For him to nod at them was already giving them face.

Apart from Fa Ge and Ge Ye, no one else really had the standing to chat casually with Zhao Fusheng.

And even those two were only benefiting from being the lead actors.

If it had been before, they would have only had a nodding acquaintance with Zhao Fusheng.

No matter how awesome an actor is, even if they're a Hollywood Oscar winner, they have to bow their heads obediently to the investor daddy.

And Zhao Fusheng was an existence even more formidable than the investors.

He was the boss of the investors.

"Why are you here?"

Since Zhao Fusheng had come, he certainly didn't come empty-handed. He arranged for Liu Yiming to bring a large pile of snacks for the crew. Jiang Wen, naturally wise, didn't insist on continuing filming but had everyone take a break to eat.

Taking this opportunity, Jiang Wen and Zhao Fusheng started chatting.

"What do you think? You wanted to replace someone, so I came to discuss it with you and see if we can find a suitable candidate," Zhao Fusheng said, giving Jiang Wen a displeased glare. "Let me be clear, this is the last time. If you're not satisfied with the candidate, there's nothing we can do, understand?"

Changing the lead actress several times during a film was not good news. Although Let the Bullets Fly wasn't a women's film, some rules still had to be observed.

"Alright, I understand," Jiang Wen nodded. "Let's talk tonight when we get back."

"Fine."

Zhao Fusheng nodded with satisfaction. Jiang Wen being able to listen to him was the best outcome, saving him the trouble of having to persuade him at length.

In fact, Zhao Fusheng also knew that it was fortunate that he had come today. If it had been Ye Jing, Jiang Wen probably wouldn't have given him face. A big argument ending in a bad breakup would have been the least of it.

They might even have clashed on set.

After all, Old Jiang was notorious for being ruthless when filming.