Becoming a Movie Star, System Only Finished Loading After Ten Years

An Feng starred in "Wind Sound," clearing up all the rumors about her being blacklisted by Mrs. Hua, regardless of her screen time.

Moreover, she is currently rumored to be involved with Qi Hao.

Everyone in the industry is desperately trying to collaborate with her.

Previously, some thought she lacked maturity when she donated a hundred thousand while the bigwigs only donated fifty or a hundred thousand.

Such voices have completely disappeared now.

When someone becomes famous, there are a lot of controversies, but being famous also reduces many issues.

Since everyone wants to work with An Feng, they naturally choose to overlook her flaws.

Look at her, such a spirited young lady!

It's just that An Feng isn't accepting many roles now and is going on trips every now and then.

The media tried to follow but found no trace of Qi Hao accompanying her on any private escapades.

Soon, news came that Qi Hao is preparing for a new movie and is publicly auditioning young actresses aged eight to ten.

This is just...

Qi Hao, you're truly a king of competition, aren't you?

Listening to tunes, soaking in hot springs, enjoying life as a year by year comfort, you really don't know how to enjoy!

An Feng went to Xiangjiang for a trip while Qi Hao was busy preparing a movie.

"Sob sob, boss, you reached out to me first this time, does it mean I'm truly outstanding?"

Lu Yang didn't expect Qi Hao to approach him again.

Having been influenced by the crew of "First Love, This Little Thing," he was thinking about what kind of movie he could make.

Even if it was just a short film.

He has connections from his father's side, so selling it wouldn't be a problem.

"Outstanding is an overstatement, but you'll do."

Qi Hao, having just received his third newcomer award, was in good spirits and started joking.

In fact, Lu Yang was indeed quite useful.

"As long as I'm useful, that's enough. So, what are we doing now?"

Lu Yang rubbed his hands, beginning to consider another possibility: if Qi Hao valued him so much, perhaps he could ask Qi Hao to invest in his new film.

Rumors in the industry say Qi Hao is a big spender.

Uh, no, very generous.

"You help me contact the people on the list; there are primary and backup choices. I'll take a trip to Xiangjiang to connect with a few key actors. Once I'm back, we'll start the young actors' auditions."

As for the actors Qi Hao needed, Yin Zewei and An Zhijie were easy enough to deal with, but Ren Dahua couldn't just be contacted via a phone call.

It'd be best to discuss it in person.

In the meantime, he decided to visit Mr. Lin Xiaoming from Universe. Qi Hao had entrusted Liu Dehua to communicate with him, but the outcome wasn't very satisfying.

Lin Xiaoming wasn't unwilling to cooperate.

But as only a minor investor in a collaboration with Qi Hao, they weren't satisfied with that arrangement.

"I also want to go to Xiangjiang..."

Lu Yang wanted to go out and have fun, as Xiangjiang is a good place for shopping, and their nightclub culture is said to be thriving.

Compared to Dongguan, each has its own characteristics.

"After the movie starts shooting, there will be some scenes filmed in Xiangjiang, I'll definitely be going then."

Qi Hao casually dismissed him with a few words.

This time in Xiangjiang, Qi Hao didn't immediately look for Liu Dehua, nor did he directly contact those at Universe.

Liu Dehua has good relations with Universe.

It's difficult for him to take sides, and he can't be fully aligned with Qi Hao.

His plan was to first approach Ren Dahua.

Although Ren Dahua has played many villainous roles, he is actually like an elder brother type.

His biggest notoriety probably stems from his firm beliefs while filming; if the director's vision doesn't align with his, he will logically dispute it.

However, at his level, it would be strange not to have such steadfastness.

"It's not mealtime yet, how about we sit here for a while."

Ren Dahua found out where Qi Hao was staying and suggested meeting at Dayou Ice Room, not far from his hotel, to chat.

"Sounds good..."

Qi Hao glanced around Dayou Ice Room at the furnishings, with its olive green floor tiles, old appliances, and the newspaper-pasted ceiling.

There weren't many customers at this time either.

Ice rooms in Xiangjiang have a mysterious allure, attracting negotiations, working meals, overachievers, and slackers alike, spreading gossip, informant meetings, and causal chit-chat... all in all, capturing the essence of Xiangjiang's human touch.

"The silk stocking milk tea here is excellent, why not give it a try."

Ren Dahua recommended with a smile to Qi Hao.

"Sure."

Whenever Ren Dahua smiled, Qi Hao found it a bit creepy. Probably because since casting Ren Dahua as his training NPC, he's seen too much of his perverse side.

Even when he smiles, it feels very creepy.

"Nowadays, people in Xiangjiang excessively pursue efficiency, with more and more tea restaurants replacing the more human-feeling ice rooms. Now, only a few dozen of the most authentic ice rooms are left. I personally love ice rooms, believing they represent a sentiment of Xiangjiang's people."

Ren Dahua ordered Qi Hao a milk tea and a snack called pineapple bun.

"I've shot a film here in Xiangjiang before, where the director led us to have supper."

People in Xiangjiang enjoy saying "supper," emphasizing a kind of dining late at night.

People from the mainland more often refer to it as "late-night snacks," or simply say they're going out for skewers.

"Wang Jing?"

Ren Dahua had heard of Qi Hao's story, but the Hong Kong film Qi Hao starred in didn't seem to be that popular. In a sense, Qi Hao also failed in his attempt to break into the Hong Kong Circle.

The exclusivity of the Hong Kong Circle is ingrained.

On the contrary, the mainland has a commendable spirit of inclusivity.

"Mai Zishan."

Mai Zishan is the executive director of "Black and White Forest," but the actual director is Wang Jing.

However, most of the scenes were shot by Mai Zishan.

Mai Zishan is not very famous as a director. His directorial works include "Peeping is Innocent" and "Knowing the Law and Breaking It" with Wu Yanzu.

The former is a Category III film, and while the latter isn't a Category III film, it also delivered an impressive scene.

Guan Xiuxiu and Wu Yanzu had several "over-the-top" scenes in "Knowing the Law and Breaking It":

Wu Yanzu kept taking showers and saunas; Guan Xiuxiu kept changing her underwear and was always lonely.

And Guan Xiuxiu was captured by an old demon in Macau.

Wu Yanzu went to rescue her and was forced by the old demon to sleep with the boss's wife.

"I'm not that familiar with him, but he's a very capable person, an editing whiz. If there's a chance, we should meet up for tea."

Ren Dahua, of course, had heard of Mai Zishan.

They just hadn't worked together, and Mai Zishan's expertise was more in editing than directing.

He belonged behind the scenes in the film industry.

In Xiangjiang films, two names frequently pop up under the title "editor"—earlier, more frequently Zhang Yaozong, and later mostly Mai Zishan.

Mai Zishan's name appeared most often in Xu Ke's films, and his editing became a trademark, a symbol, a sign in Xu Ke's works. His editing flowed seamlessly, majestically with a sense of grandeur and speed rarely seen in other films. Subsequently, Mai Zishan earned the reputation of being the "First Scissors of Xiangjiang."

"Yes, he's a master editor. Many people here in Xiangjiang love to cross fields."

Actually, Qi Hao also wanted to hire Mai Zishan for editing this time.

Since the production was in Xiangjiang, many jobs had to be offered to local Xiangjiang people, as per the Film Association's requirements.

Currently, Xiangjiang produces about fifty films a year.

A large number of Xiangjiang film professionals are unemployed; some are selling insurance, some set up stalls to sell clothes, and others just scrape by on previous savings.

If Qi Hao offered work to Mai Zishan, even if Mai Zishan didn't accept, he would have to thank Qi Hao.

"Haha, aren't you also crossing fields? I didn't expect you'd start directing. When I was on the set of 'October Fortress', I saw you shooting a music video and thought you were just playing around."

Ren Dahua was very moved.

The two of them had a pleasant collaboration on the "October Fortress" set.

Because in terms of acting, Qi Hao and he had many common topics, and conversations always resonated with him.

"If I wanted to film, I just did it. There are more opportunities on the mainland now."

Qi Hao said this primarily to remind Ren Dahua, I'm quite influential in the mainland, and if you're thinking of developing there, you might consider buttering me up.

For example, help me with this film, or take a lower fee to act.

"The mainland is indeed developing well, and the Xiangjiang film industry is… a bit tired. What type of movie do you plan to shoot this time?"

Ren Dahua wasn't thinking of developing in the mainland; he was someone who never lacked roles in Xiangjiang. However, there was no harm in making friends with the up-and-coming Qi Hao from the mainland.

"A film about agents…"

Qi Hao briefly explained the story. This kind of theme was not unfamiliar to Ren Dahua.

Cops, gang leaders, drug dealers…

He had played them all.

"I have other films in November. Not sure if the schedule will fit?"

Ren Dahua had just finished filming "Time Thieves" and would join the "Midnight Heartbeat" set. His film output wasn't as high as ten years ago, but he still had a few films each year.

"I don't think there'll be a problem. Our film will start shooting in September and will definitely wrap by November."

Qi Hao breathed a sigh of relief.

His plan was, if Ren Dahua wasn't willing to star, he would approach "TVB's Evil Actor" Wang Jun-tang.

Wang Jun-tang had once been Alan Tam's bodyguard before his looks were noticed, and he began acting.

His wife is Wu Jiali, who has a seductive appearance and is known for playing bad women.

Qi Hao had several backups for many roles.

For instance, if Yin Zewei wasn't suitable, he'd consider Shan Liwen.

The least scarce thing in Xiangjiang is villains, each leaving a deep impression.

"Then let's have a pleasant cooperation."

Ren Dahua didn't ask about the fee; it would definitely be higher than what he'd get in Xiangjiang.

Some actors would quote Hollywood rates when they went to the mainland.

Why shouldn't he benchmark against Xiangjiang?

Currently, Xiangjiang films couldn't offer much in terms of pay.

Moreover, the association kept encouraging pay cuts, so much so that many actors would rather sell insurance.

"We've… already worked together, and now we're collaborating again. I feel such an instant connection with you, Hua. So let's not beat around the bush today."

After agreeing on the cooperation, Qi Hao began discussing investment matters.

"I feel the same way, as if I've known you for a long time, Qi Hao."

There were many stars from the mainland that Ren Dahua had collaborated with multiple times, like Wu Jing, but none gave him the same warm feeling as Qi Hao.