Chapter 257: Strong flavor, no need for more salt!

"Why doesn't Director Cheng want to see us?" Ma Xi was anxious and confused.

Miao Ling asked first:

"Mr. Li, have you told Mr. Cheng? We came here to join Shinhwa Company. We really don't care about the signing fee. We just want to join Shinhwa Company."

Circus echoed:
"Yes, Mr. Li, please help us arrange it."

Others said at once:
"Boss Li, we have made a decision. Let's meet Boss Cheng!"

"We want to thank President Cheng in person!"

“I promise to work hard after joining the company!”

Li Zhuo frowned and his expression became somewhat unfriendly.

"Have you said enough?" she asked suddenly, with a hint of coldness in her narrow eyes.

The temperature in the room dropped instantly.

Why do some people always ignore Li Zhuo? She is not just Cheng Cheng's secretary, she is also the second in command of Shinhwa Group.

When Cheng Cheng was a hands-off manager, she was the one in charge of the Shinhwa Group.

The lives of hundreds of artists and thousands of employees across the group are in her hands.

Moreover, she has influence in the entire domestic entertainment industry. She chats and laughs with the capital tycoons in the domestic entertainment industry, and the first-line stars all call her Ms. Li.

The circus calmed down instantly.

Miao Ling and several others realized that Li Zhuo was angry and came to their senses.

Li Zhuo sat down and motioned for others to sit down as well.

After everyone else sat down, Li Zhuo said:
"I know you want to join Shinhwa Company, and I know you know how to be grateful and want to repay the kindness you have received. I am very happy that you are here today, but what do you think of President Cheng?"

The circus didn't dare to respond.

Miao Ling also had no idea what Li Zhuo would do next.

Li Zhuo said seriously:
"If you think that President Cheng is supporting you because he wants you to join Shinhwa, then you are underestimating President Cheng."

"Boss Cheng never thought of letting you join Shinhwa. Everything Boss Cheng did was just to make some changes to the domestic entertainment industry."

Circus defended:
"But we took the initiative to join Shinhwa Company. Director Cheng didn't ask us to, but we wanted to join."

Miao Ling also said: "Yes, even if we don't consider Director Cheng's help, Shinhwa is the company we most want to join."

Li Zhuo asked back:

"Then how do you want the outside world to see you? All the people that President Cheng promoted have signed contracts, so why don't you promote your own company's people from the beginning? Why bother?"

"Mr. Cheng hopes that the entire industry will prosper, not just Shinhwa. Mr. Cheng doesn't care about individual households. You can go back."

Circus expression tangled, settling for the next best thing:

"Boss Li, please at least let us meet Boss Cheng in person so we can express our gratitude to him in person."

Miao Ling had the same idea and looked at Li Zhuo hopefully.

Li Zhuo waved his hand and refused:

“There’s no need for that. The domestic entertainment industry is a community and we’ll always have a chance to meet again. President Cheng hopes that when he sees you next time, you’ll have grown up and have more works. That’s what President Cheng wants to see.

When the time comes, you can express your gratitude to President Cheng in person."

Ma Xi tried it out with Miao Ling, and nodded with difficulty: "Okay then."

-

After leaving the Myth Company, Ma Xi looked at the clouds in the sky, smiled bitterly, and said:
“Before I came here, I really didn’t expect this result.”

Miao Ling tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her beautiful eyes like water, and said absentmindedly:
"It turns out there are such selfless people in this world. Compared with Director Cheng, our vision is too narrow. Maybe we are really not so lucky to join Shinhwa Company."

Circus looked at her: "So what do you say?"

Miao Ling: "I hope that one day, I can stand in front of Director Cheng as an equal and say thank you to him. I also hope that by then I will not be changed by the domestic entertainment industry and will still be who I am now."

Circus: "I'm asking you what to do next and which company to go to."

Miao Ling turned his head and showed a carefree smile:

"Any company is fine. I'll join if they give me a chance. What about you?"

Circus laughed:

"Me too."

-

Soon, news came out that Ma Xi, Miao Ling and other actors from "The Killer" wanted to sign with Shinhwa Company, but were rejected by Cheng Cheng.

The agencies that received this news were all shocked!
-

"Is Cheng Cheng crazy?! Why would a newly promoted actor refuse to meet? Is he a fool? He pushes away the person who is offered to him?!"

A voice was heard from the office of a certain brokerage company.

One person answered him:
"Who knows? Cheng Cheng is an unpredictable person. But~ we don't need to worry about what disease he has. Now that Ma Xi and Miao Ling are being rejected by Cheng Cheng, won't they be ours if we bring them over?"

"Yes! You're right! If they join us, the company's performance will probably double! Contact them immediately! It would be best if we can sign both Circus and Miao Ling. Even if we can't sign them, we must at least sign one!"

"Okay, got it."

"Hehe~ This time Cheng Cheng is actually making things easier for us."

"Who told him not to cherish it? What he doesn't want, we want! It will be too late for him to regret it!"

-

The atmosphere in another agency was equally lively.

"The male and female protagonists of a movie that is expected to gross at least 2 billion refused to meet him. Haha, Cheng Cheng is really arrogant!"

"It's hard to understand. Is this madman Cheng Cheng destroying his own Great Wall?"

"Whether they destroy their own Great Wall or act crazy and stupid, this is the best time for us to take advantage of the situation. What we have to do is not let this piece of fat meat fall into the hands of others! We must act quickly!"

"I see. We just happen to have a movie on hand. If we let them act in it, the movie will definitely make a lot of money by riding on the popularity of The Killer!"

-

Another agency.

"Have you heard? That lunatic Cheng Cheng is sick again and is turning away two cash cows!"

"Cheng Cheng is a typical 'blind man', but he just happened to help us. Where can we find artists with their own traffic who don't need our support? He is just perfect for us!"

"Yes, we should not only sign them, but also create hype through publicity, so that the public can see that it was Cheng Cheng's short-sightedness that made us wise enough to recognize the talent. We should also let Circus and Miaoling thank us, because it was us who gave them a real opportunity when Cheng Cheng rejected them."

-

"Cheng Cheng's actions this time are truly a laughing stock in the industry!"

More and more brokerage companies got the news, and their first reaction was to laugh at Cheng Cheng. Their second reaction was to extend an olive branch to Circus and Miao Ling, promising various conditions in an attempt to recruit them.

Even netizens were confused:
"No, why did Cheng Cheng refuse? Why didn't he even want to meet her?"

"Did Circus and Miao Ling offend him?"

"I don't understand. Do you want to guess Frog?"

"I can't guess, I can't guess. It's reasonable to suspect that Brother Frog is crazy again."

"Frog is always surprising people, but there is nothing that can become a black mark on Frog now. If he doesn't want to see me, then he doesn't want to see me. Maybe Frog is afraid of being asked to borrow money, so he disappeared. It is also possible."

"You know Brother Frog well if you're afraid of being asked to borrow money."

There are many different opinions online. Some say Cheng Cheng disappeared because he ordered takeout, some say he disappeared because he was addicted to playing games, and some even say Cheng Cheng was not in the country at all and was just a stand-in in the office, and he disappeared because he was afraid of being discovered.

All we can say is that netizens are good at guessing.

It was Circus and Miao Ling who explained the whole story during an interview.

Netizens:

The nest grass tastes great and does not require too much salt!

"Idiot!" Zhao Wenliang cursed as he read the report. "Does Cheng Cheng really think he is the savior of the domestic entertainment industry? He gave away the fruits of victory that should have belonged to him, and gave warmth to his competitors. He even thought he was noble and said he would give newcomers a chance. This is simply self-deceiving nonsense. In this circle, no one can stay out of trouble! Such an idiot will only make his competitors laugh."

Lu Zhuofeng ignored his words.

He didn't think Cheng Cheng's behavior was stupid.

If the domestic entertainment industry were full of people like him and Zhao Wenliang, it would be a tragedy for the domestic entertainment industry.

He called his assistant over and said:

"Go contact the circus and see if they're willing to follow me."

-

Next, the box office of "The Professional" continued to rise, reaching 14.2 billion in the first week. The affiliation of Ma Xi and Miao Ling also aroused people's concerns. Finally, after a series of games, Ma Xi joined the Coconut Mango Company and Miao Ling joined Lu Zhuofeng's studio.

-

At Shinhwa Company, Nilukzi carefully knocked on Cheng Cheng’s office door and walked in.

"Mr. Cheng, Happy New Year."

"Hmm." Cheng Cheng frowned and looked at the computer, clicking the mouse from time to time, as if he was making some important decision.

Nilukzi asked: "Boss Cheng, are you busy?"

After the Chinese New Year, Nilukzi had enough rest, and today was her first day back to the company.

Cheng Cheng turned off the Spider Solitaire game, looked up and examined Nilukzi.

Nilukzi really meets everyone's imagination of a beautiful girl from Xinjiang.

The sunlight shines through the glass windows of the office and falls right onto her exquisite face, adding a touch of brightness and cuteness to her already charming appearance.

She has thick eyebrows and long, curly eyelashes, like the light dark blue on the top of a distant mountain, perfectly outlining her deep eyes.

The bright eyes are lively and mysterious, as crystal as morning dewdrops.

Even if she wore the most ordinary down jacket, it couldn't hide her graceful figure and elegant temperament.

Nilukzi blushed when Cheng Cheng looked at her, but she did not avoid Cheng Cheng's gaze. She just lowered her head slightly, her heart beating like a deer.

"Boss Cheng, is there something you want me to do?"

Cheng Cheng retracted his gaze, very satisfied, and said:

“I didn’t gain weight during the Chinese New Year.”

Nilukzi said shyly:
"I remember that I'm a celebrity, so I didn't dare to eat. I only gained one pound during the Chinese New Year."

Cheng Cheng said: "In the future, you can wait until the food is cold before eating, and you won't gain weight."

Nilukzi's eyes widened like a curious baby: "Ah? Why?"

Cheng Cheng: "Because when the food is cooled, it won't have any calories."

Nilukzi:.
That makes sense. Cheng Cheng got down to business:

"I called you over because I have plans for you. CCTV's Lantern Festival Gala invited me to perform. I don't have time, so you can go. I have a dance here, you can practice it."

When Cheng Cheng drew the lottery yesterday, he won a gift package of the dance "A Dream of Dunhuang", which is the dance that made Hani Kezi famous in her previous life, and it is just right for Nilu Kezi to dance.

"You should be able to dance, right?" Cheng Chengduo asked.

Nilukzi nodded her head and said obediently:

"I can dance a little, but I don't know if I can dance well."

Cheng Cheng taught her: "Don't say such things outside. Opportunities are earned through hard work. Even if you can't dance well, you have to say you dance well. There are still five days before the Lantern Festival Gala. Ask your agent to find a dance teacher to teach you. You don't have to worry about the costumes and styling. The company will arrange it."

As he spoke, Cheng Cheng handed her a USB flash drive, which contained the dance moves and music of "A Dream of Dunhuang".

Nilukzi took over:

"Thank you Director Cheng~"

Cheng Cheng: "Also, do you know all the work arrangements for this year?"

Nilu Kezi asked uncertainly: "Mr. Cheng, is it "The Great Detective" 2 and "The Rumored Chen Qianqian"?

Cheng Cheng said: "Yes, these are all for now. Other variety shows and programs will also be arranged accordingly. I watched "Detective Ming". You performed well on the show last year. Keep it up."

Nilukzi was very happy to receive Cheng Cheng's praise.

She clenched her fist and said excitedly:

"Director Cheng, I will definitely continue to work hard!"

She actually has a small goal, which is to be able to join Cheng Cheng's crew one day, not a crew that writes the script for him, but a crew that he personally directs.

Because only the crew directed by him personally has real value, and the actors in it are all actors that Cheng Cheng truly recognizes.

But Nilukzi didn't dare to say it.

Just keep the goal in mind~
After finishing his talk, Cheng Cheng waved his hand: "Okay, go back."

"Uh-huh."

Nilukzi pushed the door open and left, but soon she came back and handed Cheng Cheng a bag of things. Her snow-white face flushed as she said:
"Director Cheng, these are the local specialties from Xinjiang Province that I brought from home. There are beef jerky, mutton jerky, raisins, and yogurt lumps that my dad made himself. They are so delicious!"

Rumor has it that Wang Baoqiang once went to Feng Xiaogang's house to pay New Year's greetings, but he didn't have anything to offer, so he carried some millet from Hebei. It turned out that Feng Xiaogang loved it, so every year after that, he would carry some local specialties to Feng Xiaogang's house to pay New Year's greetings.

I don't know if it's true.

But he didn't expect that Nilukzi would also bring him local specialties.

Cheng Cheng took it and said, "Thank you."

-

"To Live" has entered the casting stage.

The most important characters in this play are Fugui and Jiazhen.

Jiazhen has been decided, she is Wen Lian, but the male lead has not been decided yet. Cheng Cheng does not plan to play the role himself because his image does not fit the role of Fugui, and there is no actor in the company who can support a male actor like Fugui.

Therefore, they could only invite actors from outside the company.

After much deliberation, Cheng Cheng invited three actors.

The first is Chu Qing, a true legend of the Tianxia film industry, a winner of the three major European international film festivals, who has won more than a dozen Best Actor awards in his 20 years in the film industry and is the darling of the sixth generation of directors.

One is Coconut Mango, Ning Shan, who has fought with Cheng Cheng several times.

One is Liu Wei-chi, a model worker from Yingdao.

The reason for choosing Chu Qing was simple. First, his acting skills were good enough and he had a say in the European film industry, making it easier for him to win awards. Second, Cheng Cheng really wanted to work with him.

Cheng Cheng chose Ning Shanhe and Liu Weichi because he discovered their characteristics. Although the former is a comedian and the latter is an idol actor, both of them have good acting skills. If they are given a chance, they may give outstanding performances.

-

In a small courtyard in the suburbs of Imperial Capital, Cheng Cheng met Chu Qing.

This was his first time meeting this legendary figure in the Tianxia film industry.

Chu Qing is about 38 meters tall, slightly shorter than Cheng Cheng. He is thin and is years old this year, but he doesn't look old at all. He still has some youthfulness and gives people a very good first impression.

"Hello, I'm Cheng Cheng." Cheng Cheng extended his hand to him.

Chu Qing was also looking at Cheng Cheng, and was very curious about this newly rising superstar.

He extended his hand, shook hands with Cheng Cheng, and then motioned for Cheng Cheng to sit down: "Director Cheng Cheng, sit down."

The two sat down.

Cheng Cheng was very satisfied with Chu Qing's appearance.

When Ge You starred in "To Live", he was about 36 years old and his height was not much different from Chu Qing.

Cheng Cheng said: "I came here today to talk about the role. I have seen your movies. Your acting is very good. It can be said that your acting is unique in China. I admire you very much."

The system judged Cheng Cheng's acting skills to be 95 points. Cheng Cheng estimated that Chu Qing's acting skills should be around 98 points, or even infinitely close to the full score.

His acting skills are unique, he can play any role well and it is full of tension.

Chu Qing also said: "I have seen your movie too. It is well directed and well acted. I was quite surprised that you came to me this time."

Cheng Cheng asked: "Why?"

Chu Qing smiled and said, "Because I always feel that we don't have the opportunity to work together. You don't seem to like looking for famous actors."

Cheng Cheng said: "My movies don't need a cast, and roles that don't require acting skills. I'll support anyone, but this role is different. Looking around the country, there are not many people who can play it."

"Oh~", Chu Qing showed interest, "What kind of script is this?"

Cheng Cheng: "I don't plan to release this script in China. I plan to take it to Europe to participate in awards."

"To Live" has never been released to the public in the past, nor has it ever been available on domestic platforms. If you want to watch it, you can only look for resources online.

However, "To Live" is not scar literature. Yu Hua did not deliberately describe the scars of certain specific eras. He just wrote about what was there. What was good was good, and what was bad was bad.

For example, in "To Live", Fugui was drafted into the army by the Guo Party and was later captured by the Jiefangjun, who gave him a pass and travel expenses to let him go home.

Moreover, the protagonist of "To Live" is not an educated youth. It is more like "Farewell My Concubine", telling the story of the ups and downs of an individual in the tide of the times.

Chu Qing asked:
"Similar to 'Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils'?"

Cheng Cheng said: "It is more profound and better than "Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils"."

Chu Qing asked again: "Can I take a look at the script?"

Cheng Cheng said: "There is only one book, you can take a look at this book first."

Li Zhuo handed it to Cheng Cheng, who then handed it to Chu Qing.

The word "To Live" is printed on the cover of the book.

"To Live" has already applied for a book number and has even started printing, but the release date has not yet been determined.

Chu Qing took the book and saw the words "Cheng Cheng" printed in the author column. He became more and more interested in Cheng Cheng. There has never been a director who published a book first and then a script. He asked, "Is the book not published yet?"

Cheng Cheng: “Wait until the movie goes on sale at the exhibition.”

"However," he said, "the selection process for the male lead of this movie is very strict, and we need to audition before we can decide on the final candidate."

Chu Qing nodded: "Okay, let me take a look at the book first, which character are you talking about?"

Cheng Cheng: "Fugui."

After chatting for a while, Cheng Cheng and Li Zhuo left.

The next day, Cheng Cheng met Ning Shan and Liu Weichi again.

Ning Shan was fine. He really wanted to work with Cheng Cheng, but he had been confined to the barriers of a comedian for too long and had no confidence in himself, not to mention that he was going to act in a movie that would be exhibited in Europe right after the transformation? So he also picked up a copy of "To Live" and decided to read it first.

But Liu Weichi is different.

He has been famous for forty years but has never won an award. He wanted to win an award so badly! When Cheng Cheng approached him, he didn't even read the book or ask what role he would play. He readily agreed and said that Cheng Cheng would let him play any role as long as he could have fun.

Three days later, Chu Qing sent a message.

He finished reading the book and really wanted to star in "To Live".

Five days later, Ningshan sent a message.

After thinking it over, he decided to give it an audition first.

Cheng Cheng gave them half a month and decided on the role after half a month.

At the same time, the casting of other actors also began, including Erxi, the mayor, Chunsheng, Long Er, Fengxia. Actors in the company who can play the role will be cast, and those who cannot will be let go.

In the past half month, Cheng Cheng held two more concerts, both of which were very successful.

At the same time, Nilukzi became famous overnight at CCTV's Lantern Festival Gala.

Previously, she had accumulated considerable popularity and reputation in "Who's the Detective" with her natural beauty and lovely personality. This time, she has completely entered the public eye.

The media commented:

[On the evening of February 2, Xinjiang girl Nilu Kezi made a stunning appearance at CCTV's Lantern Festival Gala.
Ni Lu's graceful dancing posture and her stunning appearance with ethnic minority style became a hot topic of discussion online.

She appeared in a costume from the Western Regions, with a pearl curtain on her face, her hands raised to look at the moon, her head held high and her chest puffed out, holding a necklace in her hand, her calves slightly raised, wrapped around a canopy, and walking gradually. The red ribbon raised the energy of the sky and the essence of the earth, dancing in the invisible space, her skirt and accessories made her charming and attractive, with various manners. Every frown and every step was a symbol of prosperity, and she interpreted beauty with the curves of her body.

A dance with ethnic characteristics was performed, and netizens exclaimed: Dunhuang dance is amazing! Little fairies walked out of the murals.

Most netizens were very impressed with Nilu's stunning appearance, calling her "spiritual" and "goddess-like in appearance." Under the pearl curtain, her mysterious and reserved oriental beauty was ready to emerge, and taking off the pearl curtain was another kind of reserved stunningness, which, combined with the stage design and my country's classic flying figure, was very eye-catching.

"Nilu Kezi is crazy about beauty" also became a hot search
Cover News reporter learned that the Dunhuang-style costumes that Nilu wore were completely designed by Cheng Cheng, and the dance moves and music were also created by Cheng Cheng.
With the support of Shinhwa Entertainment, the popularity of post-00s girl Nilu Kezi is unstoppable, which shows the ability of Shinhwa Entertainment to promote talents.]
Although Nilukzi cannot be compared with the other two Xinjiang actresses, the momentum is already building, and some netizens have called them the three beauties of Xinjiang Province.

On February 2, Ning Shan, Chu Qing, and Liu Wei Chi auditioned in turn.

Finally, the actor was decided upon, Trina.

Ning Shan was very disappointed that he didn't get the role, but when he thought about losing to Chu Qing, he felt relieved. After chatting with Cheng Cheng for a few words, he left.

Liu Weichi held Cheng Cheng's hand tightly:

"Director Cheng, please look for me if you have roles in the future. I can help you get investment. I am very serious about acting. I really want to act in your movie. Please look for me next time. Any role is fine."

Cheng Cheng comforted him:
"Okay, I will definitely find you to film."

Liu Weichi: "It's settled, Director Cheng? You must ask me to act in the movie~ Please~"

Cheng Cheng: "Don't worry, I will."

Liu Weichi left reluctantly.

Cheng Cheng understands him.

He has been an idol all his life, and before he retires, he wants to win an award.

On the day the casting was confirmed, Shinhwa Company announced the news.

Cheng Cheng and Chu Qing's first collaboration caused an uproar on the entire Chinese Internet.

PS: Have you played Black Myth?
(End of this chapter)