Chapter 2206: The Right Person

What makes a good actor?

Opinions vary from person to person.

For every fan, their favorite star is the best no matter what they act in.

The phrase 'explosive acting' has become a cheap compliment.

But in fact,

the quality of acting ultimately reflects in ratings and box office.

Of course, there are rare exceptions—for instance, when actors are excellent but the screenwriter and director, having taken crazy pills, produce a plot that leaves one speechless.

The most obvious example is a TV series called 'The Little Red Jacket,' which gathered a group of skilled actors led by Yan Wang, yet the result was unbearably boring.

But in most cases, an actor's skill is closely tied to the reputation of their work.

That's why Ning Hao, no matter what, insisted on getting Jiang Wen to star in his film.

After all, Comrade Old Jiang's acting skills had been proven by facts.

But the problem was,

after finishing 'Let the Bullets Fly,' Old Jiang had indeed planned to take a break.

Even Zhao Fusheng wouldn't force him to come back for a film.

So he suggested to Ning Hao that he consider Xu Zheng.

Sure enough, Ning Hao was tempted.

But then he frowned: 'But Xu Zheng is a director now, will he still...'

His meaning was clear: Xu Zheng had successfully transitioned with 'Lost on Journey' and was now a popular comedy actor and emerging director. Under these circumstances, would he still make a film like 'No Man's Land'?

Zhao Fusheng smiled: 'Go talk to him. Say it's my idea.'

'Ah, okay.'

Ning Hao quickly nodded.

With Zhao Fusheng willing to back him, he felt confident enough to try approaching Xu Zheng.

Neither of them said it outright, but they both knew exactly what kind of person Xu Zheng was.

Not that Xu Zheng was a bad person, but he was clearly someone who put profit first.

Zhao Fusheng knew well that if he weren't so wealthy, Xu Zheng might have already jumped ship after finishing 'Lost on Journey.'

This wasn't a joke. In the original timeline, after 'Lost on Journey' became a hit, Xu Zheng immediately parted ways with his original company and went on to make 'Lost in Thailand.'

Many thought 'Lost in Thailand' was a sequel to 'Lost on Journey,' but it wasn't.

The real sequel was originally written by that scumbag Chen, but he was stood up.

That's why Chen the scumbag and Xu Zheng didn't get along.

Of course, the rivalry between the comedy kings of the Detective Chinatown series and the Lost series also played a part.

Now at Future Films, Xu Zheng stayed obediently because, on one hand, the contract was indeed favorable, giving him great autonomy—once he had two more box office hits, the company would allow him to set up his own firm and collaborate with Future Films.

On the other hand, it was because Zhao Fusheng was simply too wealthy.

Or rather, his influence was too great.

No one wanted to risk offending Zhao Fusheng by secretly contacting Xu Zheng.

If offending Zhao Fusheng over a Xu Zheng forced him to set aside his pride and get personally involved, it would be an unmanageable mess.

After all, Future Films mostly operated within the rules of the film industry.

But Zhao Fusheng was different—he wasn't part of the entertainment circle; he was a bona fide financier.

In front of a financial big shot, artists and stars meant nothing.

...

...

After seeing Ning Hao off, Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and called Ye Jing.

Regardless, he needed to keep Ye Jing in the loop.

Ye Jing was a bit surprised to receive Zhao Fusheng's call, but after hearing him out, he understood his intention.

'I also think Xu Zheng is more suitable.'

Ye Jing smiled and said to Zhao Fusheng, 'Think about the image—don't you think Old Jiang playing that kind of role would be a bit stiff?'

'Huh?'

Zhao Fusheng blinked.

Holding the phone, he didn't know what to say.

He couldn't help it—he wasn't really an expert on this.

But on second thought, Ye Jing had a point.

Old Jiang's image made it quite difficult for him to play a refined villain.

Because Jiang Wen gave off an overwhelming sense of masculinity and strength.

For a restrained, sinister role, Zhao Fusheng honestly didn't think he could deliver a perfect performance.

Perhaps that was the real reason Jiang Wen turned down Ning Hao.

Not because he lacked time, but because he feared he couldn't do justice to the script and the role.

Come to think of it, that fit Jiang Wen's personality perfectly.

He was that kind of person.

'No Man's Land' was a good script—anyone with a bit of industry insight could see that. Jiang Wen, with his hunter's instinct, couldn't have missed it.

But this guy actually refused, and he hadn't even called me—there must be something wrong.

Zhao Fusheng hadn't thought of it before, but Ye Jing's words stirred his thoughts.

After hanging up, Zhao Fusheng called Jiang Wen, not saying what it was about, just asking him out for a meal.

Jiang Wen, unsuspecting, readily agreed.

In the evening, the two finally met.

"What's up?"

While eating, Jiang Wen asked Zhao Fusheng curiously, "I'm telling you, I can't drink today—I promised the kids I'd play games with them tonight."

"Just eat, no drinking."

Zhao Fusheng shot him a glare.

He helped himself, well, poured himself a glass of soda.

Are you kidding? As if Jiang Wen not drinking meant he liked to drink.

Isn't soda sweet enough?

"Then what do you want from me? You don't just want me to keep you company for a meal, do you?"

Jiang Wen said helplessly to Zhao Fusheng, "If it's just a meal, we might as well go home. I'll have Zhou Yun cook a few dishes, and we can be more relaxed."

That was always his style—eating out was never as good as being at home with Zhao Fusheng, chatting while they ate.

Zhao Fusheng laughed and shook his head: "I just wanted to ask what you think of Ning Hao's new film."

"No Man's Land?"

Jiang Wen understood immediately and glanced at Zhao Fusheng: "He approached you?"

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "I recommended Xu Zheng to him."

"Xu Zheng?"

Jiang Wen frowned, thought for a moment, and finally nodded: "That works. He's suited for that kind of role."

Both were smart and knew each other well; just a few words and Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen each understood the other's meaning.

"I'm not right for it."

Jiang Wen explained to Zhao Fusheng: "I'm too tough. That kind of role doesn't suit me."

Rarely, he admitted he wasn't suited for a certain type of role.

But Zhao Fusheng found it quite genuine—after all, that's what a responsible actor should say.

Some actors always think their acting skills are unmatched, that they can handle any role effortlessly and bring it to life.

But in reality, the audience finds it very awkward.

Because they simply aren't suited for that kind of role.

For example, someone who's used to playing emperors, or used to playing authority figures, always carries that aura of dominance.

It's not easy to get him to play that kind of pervert.

Not everyone has that ability to switch so freely.

As for the legendary domineering CEO, why did 'Huang教主' rarely or never play such roles later on? Because he knew very well that he was past his youth and could no longer handle that domineering CEO vibe.

If he forced himself to play it, it would only come across as greasy.

This is especially true for actresses.

Not everyone has that drive of Grandma Xiaoqing, who at sixty dared to play an eighteen-year-old girl.

At the very least, Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen both knew that Jiang Wen valued his dignity.

Knowing full well that the script was good and the role was good, but unable to handle it, yet forcing himself to act—Jiang Wen couldn't do that.

In his view, he would rather turn down Ning Hao than ruin this good role.

"The script is a good script."

Jiang Wen said to Zhao Fusheng, "If it's shot according to Ning Hao's ideas, I suggest releasing it abroad. As for domestically, to be honest, I'm not optimistic."

Although it's a crime film, Jiang Wen still has a say in this type of movie.

After all, this guy used to be a director who was often banned.

Compared to him, Ning Hao is just a latecomer with a long way to go.

Hearing Jiang Wen's answer, Zhao Fusheng nodded with satisfaction.

It really was pretty much as he had guessed.

"I was thinking the same thing."

Zhao Fusheng said to Jiang Wen, "Let him shoot it first. Anyway, the cost isn't high. Then we'll take it abroad for public screenings, sell the rights or something, and see if we can recoup the costs."

He paused and smiled. "As for domestic release, I think we can keep revising it and submit it for review. If by chance it gets approved for release, we'll earn whatever we can."

Unexpectedly, upon hearing Zhao Fusheng's words, Jiang Wen showed no sign of opposition. Instead, he nodded and smiled with satisfaction. "I think that works too."

Then the two of them laughed together.

This was pure business thinking—profit above all, with everything measured by the company's interests.

After all, Old Jiang was not just an actor; he was also the deputy general manager of Future Film and one of the company's shareholders.

At this point, he could no longer view the film solely from an insider's perspective but had to consider it from the investor's standpoint.

"By the way, should I go talk to Xu Shanzheng?"

Jiang Wen recalled something and asked Zhao Fusheng.

"No need."

Zhao Fusheng smiled. "I had Ning Hao invite him under my name. Barring any surprises, it should be fine."

In his view, this was already giving Xu Shanzheng plenty of face.

But upon hearing this, Jiang Wen frowned.