Chapter 23: This Zhang is Arrogant Zhang

Tang Yan’s reaction caught Qiu Ze off guard; for a moment, he couldn’t process what had just happened.

When it finally sank in that he’d been rejected, his feelings were a mix of anger and relief.

He was angry because Tang Yan hadn’t given him any respect. Yet he felt relieved for having seen through this woman from the mainland—she clearly didn’t know a good thing when she saw it.

At the same time, he was thankful that no one else had witnessed his embarrassing moment, except for Tang Yan’s personal makeup artist.

But as he turned around, he noticed Qi Wei standing nearby, and his expression grew even stiffer.

By then, though, Tang Yan was already out of the picture.

She had run through some lines with Zhang Yang and Hu Ge before Zhang Yang suddenly said, “Hey, Lao Hu, if I added this line here, do you think it would make things funnier?”

Then he delivered the line he proposed.

It wasn’t part of an improv act within the play. While such antics could be impressive, they often looked immature to outsiders unless performed by someone truly famous.

After all, acting is a team effort. Unless struck by sudden inspiration, it’s best to discuss changes beforehand.

Hu Ge frowned thoughtfully while Tang Yan, hugging her knees, chimed in with her opinion: “I think we should give A-Yang’s idea a try.”

Hu Ge’s eyebrows unfurrowed. “I think adding this line is quite interesting. Let’s try it out as per your design first.”

This scene was an impromptu addition featuring a guest actor. Unlike filming movies where footage burns through expensive film rolls, the worst that could happen here would be wasting some time.

In such a brief cameo, every moment must count for impact.

Could this villain trope from a light-hearted novel create a memorable scene?

Before long, the three actors, having rehearsed their lines, stood before the camera.

“Aikson!”

Clack!

With the sound of the clapperboard striking, Hu Ge and Tang Yan slipped into character.

They exchanged dialogue, their eyes betraying hidden emotions beneath their words.

Zhang Yang entered at this juncture, speaking up, “Ah, it’s Tang Qiqi! I heard you got fired. Planning on finding a man to support you now?”

Tang Yan’s expression turned disdainful upon seeing Zhang Yang. “Big Shot Zhang, I, Tang Qiqi, earn my own money unlike you shameless men who mooch off women while philandering.”

The camera focused on Zhang Yang at this point—handsome yet dressed in a way that made him look rather flashy.

After a heated verbal sparring match, Zhang Yang issued a furious warning, “Do you want me to make life unbearable for you in Jingling’s advertising industry?”

Hu Ge, who had remained silent until now, reached out to stop Tang Yan. “Friend,” he said, addressing Zhang Yang, “I’ve never met anyone as arrogant in Jingling before.”

“Ah, well you’ve met one today.” Zhang Yang pointed at Hu Ge. “My name is Zhang Dahai, but it’s pronounced ‘Chaotic Arrogance,’ because I’m indeed that arrogant.”

Nazha was speechless.

Jiang Jinfu also fell quiet.

Heavens above, this line made people want to dig their toes into the ground from sheer awkwardness.

How could Zhang Yang say such a thing with a straight face? Didn’t he feel embarrassed?

Zhang Yang stood there without a word.

Don’t even ask! If you must know, it’s all about an actor’s conviction!

“Zhang Dahai!” Tang Qiqi stepped forward, her voice cold as she spoke. “You’re trying to pursue me while stepping on three boats at once. What happened when I exposed your secret to your three girlfriends? They caused trouble at your company, leading to your dismissal. And let me tell you, I think I did the right thing.”

“You’re finished!” Zhang Yang’s face instantly flushed red. In his anger and humiliation, he snapped back, “How dare you be so arrogant after getting fired! Did you forget that I’m now the department head at XX Advertising Company? I can have every company in Jingling blackball you, and you’d better believe it!”

Tang Yan was ready to fire back, but Hu Ge was faster. He picked up his phone and dialed a number. After a moment, he asked, “Mr. Feng, do you have someone named Zhang Dahai working at your company?”

“His scandal of having feet in multiple camps was exposed, leading to his dismissal from the original company. I seriously doubt your firm’s capability to collaborate with V Company while employing such an artist.”

“I’ll give you a chance to remedy this situation. Let’s see how swiftly you can deal with this scoundrel, Mr. Feng.”

With that, Hu Ge hung up the phone, casting a indifferent gaze at Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang’s expression turned panicked as he asked nervously, “And who might you be?”

“You don’t need to know my name,” Hu Ge replied coldly, ignoring him further.

“Um, Tang QiQi…” Zhang Yang pleaded for help, but Tang Yan turned away, refusing to meet his eyes.

He was about to say more when his phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket.

Glancing at the caller ID, Zhang Yang’s face instantly changed. He cradled the phone and lowered his head, speaking with great deference, “Mr. Liu, it’s me. What is it?”

“Mr. Liu, I won’t take any pay if you keep me on. Please, I can explain everything.”

“Mr. Liu, hello? Hello!”

Zhang Yang’s expression completely transformed; he looked like he had been struck by lightning.

In a fluster, he hastily tucked away his phone and turned to Hu Ge and Tang Yan, saying, “Xu Zong, Miss Tang, I was just joking earlier. Please have mercy and spare me. I’ll definitely bring gifts as a gesture of goodwill, okay?”

Hu Ge simply replied, “Aren’t you the arrogant Zhang?”

“Don’t bother me or I’ll make sure you can’t work in Jinling’s advertising industry.”

After repeating Zhang Yang’s threat, Hu Ge grabbed Tang Yan by the wrist and turned to leave.

Zhang Yang’s face instantly paled.

“Cut!”

The assistant director’s voice rang out from nearby. “That was a good take.”

The main actors’ expressions and demeanors instantly changed.

“That was impressive, A-Yang,” Hu Ge said with genuine admiration. “Got it in one take.”

During the scene where Zhang Yang had been on the phone earlier, there were actually no sounds coming from the receiver.

He had to manage the rhythm, tone, emotion changes—all of it himself.

From the arrogance when he was being fired to the despair afterward—he’d portrayed both perfectly.

“It’s just basic stuff.” Zhang Yang raised his hands and then lowered them. “Stay calm.”

Tang Yan teased him, “Watch out—you’re getting too full of yourself.”

Zhang Yang composed his expression and asked Nazha and Jiang Jinfu, “How was my acting?”

“I didn’t lose face for Shanghai Theatre Academy,” Jiang Jinfu said.

“Very impressive indeed,” Nazha nodded.

She felt that Zhang Yang’s acting was completely different from his usual self.

“Just a guest appearance, really making a mountain out of a molehill,” Qiu Ze thought disdainfully.

In his view, such a performance wasn’t difficult; even nailing it in one take wouldn’t be surprising.

However, he overlooked the fact that Nazha and Jiang Jinfu were still pure beginners.

For novices, simply not getting stage fright while acting with Hu Ge and Tang Yan would already seem impressive, let alone performing well.

Soon, everyone changed locations to the underground parking garage of the building.

The scene involved Xu Ran (played by Hu Ge) leading Ye Rou (played by Qi Wei) towards the elevator entrance, chatting about work as they walked.

Suddenly, Zhang Yang appeared, his face pale, eyes bloodshot, wearing a fedora and wielding a metal pipe ready to strike.

Due to poor aim, he struck Qi Wei on the shoulder instead.

At that moment, Xu Ran’s brother, Wei Xiao (played by Qiu Ze), entered the scene and subdued Zhang Yang.

This scene was far more complex than the previous one, yet they managed to shoot it successfully in just one take.

“You haven’t lost your touch in front of the camera at all. In fact, I think you’re even more natural now than before.” Hu Ge didn’t hesitate to express his admiration.

“Wow, you’re quite something, buddy,” Tang Yan and Qi Wei said with a hint of teasing.

“It’s all thanks to your excellent guidance,” Zhang Yang replied modestly, refusing to take credit.

Qiu Ze observed this harmonious scene, feeling inexplicably irked. My performance wasn’t significantly better than Zhang Yang’s?

“I have a meeting about a new script tonight, so I won’t be joining you for dinner,” Qiu Ze announced to Hu Ge.

His intention was to put on airs, hoping Hu Ge would re-invite him. However, Hu Ge merely nodded and said, “We’ll definitely have to gather again when we get another chance.”

Qiu Ze fell silent… Fine! I’m out of here!

Later that evening, while dining, Zhang Yang recounted his theory from last night to Jiang Jinfu once more. Finally, he whispered, “What do you think about me suggesting a bet between Lao Hu and myself? I’d mentor you, and he could have Nazha. We’d see who performs better during the Xuanyuan Sword shoot.”

“Boring.” Although Jiang Jinfu didn’t outright reject the idea, an inexplicable sense of urgency stirred within him. He excused himself to use the restroom, then promptly called Cai Yining.

“Ms. Cai, is it possible to arrange for Senior Hu Ge to mentor me instead of Zhang Yang taking Nazha?”

Cai Yining was utterly taken aback, left wondering what had brought about such a sudden change in plans.