I Became Famous in the Entertainment Industry with High Martial Arts Skills - Chapter 20

Chapter 20: The Birthday Banquet

In the evening, the film set remained brightly lit as filming continued.

The scene currently being filmed was a confrontation between the female lead and the second female lead.

One was cold and elegant, the other delicate and charming. While both possessed their own unique beauty, Song Yunyin’s acting was clearly a cut above Qiao Mingyue’s.

Over the years, Qiao Mingyue had spent most of her time playing lead roles on the small screen. Her acting was considered good among her peers, but when faced with a “big screen” competitor like Song Yunyin, who had honed her skills through various movie supporting roles, there was still a noticeable gap in depth.

The scene progressed at a rapid pace. Zhang Yunjiang sat nearby, his face showing a sense of relaxation he hadn’t felt in months.

“I had a meeting with the investors a while ago. We’re planning to speed up the project schedule and aim to finish filming the second part of Diving Abyss by next October,” Zhang Yunjiang said, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip of strong tea.

Filming for the first part of the movie was nearing completion. Factoring in post-production editing, censorship, and promotion, it was perfectly scheduled for next year’s summer slot.

The “back-to-back” filming method is not uncommon in the current market. To maintain momentum for a series, some large productions choose to enter the preparation and filming phase for the sequel before the previous installment has even hit theaters.

However, this method involves high risks and heavy pressure; teams that aren’t top-tier wouldn’t dare attempt it.

Ji Xiuheng spoke up: “The schedule is that tight?”

Zhang Yunjiang rested his right hand on the table. “It’s the company. The movie released the year before last lost quite a bit of money. When the year-end summary came out, the executives’ faces were pitch black.”

The movie he referred to was an interstellar series previously invested in by Quanchao Company.

Since the first installment was a sleeper hit that took the annual box office crown, Quanchao saw the positive response and injected significant investment to film the second part.

The result was a production cycle that dragged on too long, causing the original hype to die down. Coupled with cast changes and other issues, the sequel flopped silently during the golden Lunar New Year slot.

Consequently, after deliberation, the higher-ups decided to film both parts of Diving Abyss in one go.

First, it saves on costs; second, it maintains audience interest and market excitement.

With this matter essentially set in stone, the two changed the subject.

Thinking of the message Zhou Mo had sent to his phone, Ji Xiuheng asked: “Is that Chen Sheng from Fanyun a relative of Chen Yutian?”

Wang Kang, standing nearby, stepped forward two paces and said: “Chen Yutian is Chen Sheng’s cousin. They have a good relationship. Basically all of Chen Yutian’s resources since his debut have come from Chen Sheng.”

Zhang Yunjiang snorted coldly. “It’s just because they think Xiao Xie is a newcomer and they have a backer…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but the disdain in his tone was palpable.

In his view, if you don’t have the talent, don’t force the fame a whole family of thick-skinned people.

“Xiao Xie is still young; there will be plenty of opportunities for development in the future,” Ji Xiuheng said. “I heard him mention that Sister Chen plans to take him to Director He’s birthday banquet.”

Zhang Yunjiang sat up straight and frowned. “That’s unfortunate. I happen to have something to do that day. Otherwise, I could have introduced Xiao Xie to a few more directors; he might have even landed a couple of audition opportunities.”

Zhang Yunjiang wasn’t particularly surprised that Chen Wanjun was willing to take Xie Ci to the banquet.

Xie Ci was a child with a pure heart who was willing to work hard and study, which suited his junior sister’s taste perfectly.

However, Chen Wanjun was not good at socializing. She didn’t know many people in the circle and wasn’t much of a talker.

Zhang Yunjiang looked conflicted.

Ji Xiuheng, standing beside him, smiled and spoke up at just the right moment: “I happen to be free that day. It’s convenient for me to take Xiao Xie around to meet some people.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yunjiang cheered up. “Then I’ll entrust Xiao Xie to you. I’ll let Wanjun know tonight.”

Xie Ci was an artist under his studio; it would be beneficial for him if Xie Ci developed well.

Since Ji Xiuheng was willing to offer this help proactively, Zhang Yunjiang was only too happy to entrust Xie Ci to him.

Inside the chat box, Ji Xiuheng sent a perfectly legitimate message:

“Are you free tomorrow? Director Zhang asked me to take you to order a suit for the birthday banquet.”

Xie Ci had just stopped typing a reply to a fan’s private message when he saw Ji Xiuheng send an emoji.

It was that same little white cat, squinting its eyes to act cute.

“I’m free.”

Xie Ci had discussed with Mo Li before whether they should rent a suit. After all, it was a formal birthday banquet, and he had to pay attention to his attire.

Ask and you shall receive.

Xie Ci’s beautiful cat-like eyes narrowed slightly, the corners of his eyes curving into a joyful arc.

Seeing the reply on his phone screen, the corners of Ji Xiuheng’s lips twitched upward. His well-defined fingers tapped out: “Good. I’ll send you the specific time and location later.”

Mo Li, sitting on the sofa leaning against Xie Ci’s shoulder, waited until they finished chatting before speaking: “Xiao Xie, have you grown muscle?”

He pinched Xie Ci’s arm, which felt significantly firmer than before.

Xie Ci used to be excessively thin, with only a thin layer of soft flesh around his waist a sickly beauty like glass.

Since the two escaped the exploitation of their previous company, Xie Ci’s mental outlook was no longer timid. Although his face still showed a hint of frail sickliness, his gaze was clear and upright, making him appear more spirited and elegant.

Now that he had filled out slightly, he looked even more like a “noble orchid” a unique temperament among male actors in the circle.

Xie Ci tilted his head. “Is that so? It’s probably because I’ve been eating well lately.”

Ever since transmigrating, Xie Ci practiced the basic martial arts skills he had learned in the past every morning and evening. Once his bodily meridians were cleared, his overall complexion improved.

It wasn’t just Mo Li; he himself realized he was much healthier than before.

With only a few days until the banquet, there wasn’t enough time to custom-order a suit. After weighing his options, Ji Xiuheng took Xie Ci to a ready-to-wear boutique.

The master tailor in the shop was very professional, recognizing Xie Ci’s measurements at a glance.

A bit on the thin side, not particularly tall, but with excellent proportions and great posture.

The master tailor, adjusting his glasses, circled Xie Ci a few times before pulling several finely crafted handmade suits from the cabinet.

Xie Ci turned his gaze toward Ji Xiuheng. The man picked up one of the suits and handed it over.

Pearl grey—a very understated and noble color.

It was Xie Ci’s first time wearing a suit. Seeing him struggle awkwardly with the tie, Ji Xiuheng couldn’t help but walk over to help.

The nape of the neck under his palm was delicate and white, emitting a wave of warmth when touched.

Ji Xiuheng’s movements were clearly much more practiced; in a few simple motions, he tied a neat and beautiful knot.

In the mirror, a flash of amazement crossed the eyes of the master tailor behind the counter.

The style of this suit was conventional, but the color was very demanding—it required the right skin tone and looks, and even more so, the right temperament and figure.

He hadn’t expected someone to pull it off so perfectly.

Xie Ci generously spread his arms for Ji Xiuheng to see. “Brother Ji, does it look good?”

The man across from him narrowed his eyes slightly and replied with a smile: “It suits you very well. It’s even more outstanding than I imagined.”

Hearing the praise, a look of satisfaction appeared on Xie Ci’s face.

“Boss, I’ll take this one.” Xie Ci had checked the price tag before trying it on and knew he could afford it. Combined with the fact that he truly needed a suit for formal occasions, the slight sting to his wallet faded.

After buying the suit, Ji Xiuheng drove Xie Ci home before returning to the set.

The scent of pine in the car still held a faint trace of Xie Ci’s fragrance.

It was subtle, yet like its owner, it possessed an indescribable charm.

The crew began pick-up shots for the group scenes without Chen Yutian. Actually, the visual difference wasn’t significant, but Zhang Yunjiang was strict, striving for perfection in every frame.

Having finished their filming, Song Yunyin and Qiao Mingyue sat on the set as their respective assistants handed them prepared drinks.

The female lead Song Yunyin’s personality matched her looks—cold and quiet.

Qiao Mingyue, sitting beside her, was the exact opposite, chatting away: “Sister Yunyin, have you chosen your dress for Director He’s banquet? I heard many directors will be attending. I wonder if there are any good roles…”

Song Yunyin and Qiao Mingyue belonged to the same company, but they followed different paths. One had spent years in indie films before finally winning a Movie Queen award, while the other had become an overnight success at her debut, starring in many TV dramas.

They hadn’t been close before, but now that they had the chance to collaborate, Qiao Mingyue naturally wouldn’t waste the opportunity to socialize.

Now approaching thirty, she was facing the issue of transitioning her career, but good scripts on the market were too few and the competition too fierce.

Song Yunyin’s thin lips moved: “I heard Director Ming is re-casting the second female lead for her new drama. The character setup is quite suitable for a transition; you could try if you don’t mind.”

Having both been in the circle for many years, Song Yunyin could naturally see Qiao Mingyue’s current predicament.

In her early years, Qiao Mingyue had acted in too many idol dramas, mostly playing “pure and sweet” leads, which had boxed her in early on. Now, even transitioning was difficult.

Qiao Mingyue fell silent. She had also heard that Director Ming’s new drama was re-casting.

Rumor had it the second male lead had slept with the second female lead who had been pushed in by an investor. After the matter blew up, the two caused quite a stir before both leaving the crew in disgrace.

She had heard of this second female lead role a very unique villain. Unfortunately, she had only played female leads in TV dramas over the years and had never considered a second lead role, let alone supporting someone else.

It was only for a movie directed by Zhang Yunjiang that she was willing to lower her fee to play a second lead with limited screen time.

Song Yunyin saw her hesitation, her eyes turning cold. “It’s just a suggestion. The decision is yours.”

He Pinzheng loved a crowd. This year was his fiftieth birthday, and he held a formal banquet at his suburban villa.

Many people were invited directors, actors, producers basically everyone who was anyone in the industry.

Most guests wore simple suits or gowns. Champagne glasses were neatly arranged on the tables, paired with various exquisite snacks on white plates, giving off an inviting aroma under the warm lights.

Languid music flowed slowly in the corners. Guests held wine glasses, weaving through small, moving circles with appropriate smiles.

The sounds of conversation and laughter intertwined in a scene of harmony.

The birthday star, He Pinzheng, was a thin old man wearing glasses who looked very scholarly.

At this moment, several directors and producers were sitting with him on the sofas on the second floor of the villa.

“What a mess, truly ridiculous!” The voice was slightly raspy but very clear.

The source of this female voice was none other than the Director Ming that Song Yunyin had mentioned.

In the center of the sofa, the middle-aged woman in a casual suit looked frustrated. Her close friend and partner, Shen Fang, patted the back of her hand.

He Pinzheng was considered Ming Yang’s mentor. Hearing her complain now, he wasn’t angry but instead offered comfort: “Isn’t there still half a month before filming starts? It’s always better to have it blow up now than after filming is finished.”

He had been a director for a long time and had encountered many annoying incidents. When he heard that the second male and female leads in Ming Yang’s crew were caught in bed by the woman’s boyfriend—who happened to be an investor in the production he was only surprised for a moment.

In his early years, there were even cases in a crew where the second male lead cheated with the male lead and was caught by a male investor.

It wasn’t unusual.

As the producer of the crew, Shen Fang naturally knew why Ming Yang was so troubled.

Ming Yang’s previous TV drama had performed well, but unfortunately, the competition that year was too strong, and she had regrettably missed the Best Director award.

This year’s drama was Ming Yang’s labor of love for her second attempt at the award.

After finishing casting six months ago, she had specifically invited professional teachers from various places to give the actors five months of concentrated training, just to perfectly present the “wuxia” core of the script.

Unexpectedly, while their acting skills were cultivated poorly, their romantic feelings for each other were cultivated quite well.

Now, with only half a month until filming, finding suitable actors was no easy task, leaving Ming Yang overwhelmed with stress.

And as the producer, Shen Fang was naturally worried as well.

The second male lead role had high requirements—he needed both acting skills and the right look, as well as a solid foundation in fight scenes. The replaced actor had trained with martial arts masters for nearly a year before Ming Yang was satisfied.

“Sigh!”

Shen Fang let out a long sigh, picked up her wine glass, and leaned against the second-floor railing not far from the sofa, her gaze shifting to the main hall on the first floor.

Support