Chapter 41: Yifei: We've Met Again

Hearing that he could play a supporting role and even interact with the main actors, Zhang Yang was instantly sold.

Four Great Detectives might be a bad movie, but any negative impact would only fall on the lead actors and directors.

In most cases, those involved in creating a successful film earn the most profit, while also bearing the brunt of criticism if it fails. The success or failure of supporting actors depends more heavily on their individual performance.

If both leads and supporting cast perform well, everyone shares in the rewards—though perhaps not equally.

But if the supporting actor shines while the leads falter, there’s an opportunity for recognition by outshining them.

For example, in Four Great Detectives, Deng Zhao and Liu Yifei were lambasted for their poor acting, yet Uncle Wu, who played a villainous guest role, received countless praises.

Moreover, playing a part in a major production can significantly enhance one’s résumé.

For Zhang Yang specifically, this could also help build connections within the industry and potentially earn him character points—a win-win situation!

“Exactly!” Lin Feng wasn’t surprised by Zhang Yang’s change of heart.

Surviving in the entertainment world meant seizing every chance to advance oneself.

After spending time together, Lin Feng had come to believe that Zhang Yang was indeed a clever fellow.

“Shooting starts tomorrow afternoon,” Lin Feng explained calmly, his words carrying an air of authority. “Director Chen will bring some observers; don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just perform at your usual level, and I guarantee you’ll land the role.”

“Brother Lin, rest assured, I won’t embarrass you,” Zhang Yang said with conviction.

Since he had decided to make a move, failure was not an option.

His eyes flashed as he asked, “Brother Lin, do you know anything about the original martial arts stand-in for Brother Chao?”

Lin Feng didn’t disappoint Zhang Yang, responding affirmatively, “Yes, it’s Mu Panlong. He played the Japanese assassination squad leader ‘Toshiro Ishida’ in Uranus Pill’s Age of Heroes. Have you heard of him before?”

Mu Panlong?

Zhang Yang indeed knew this person well.

He had acted in Xiaoli’s 1942 and the annual blockbuster Red Sorghum.

“I’ve heard of him. A former professional boxer from Xiaoli who portrayed a minor officer named Ita in Lu Chuan’s Jingling, Jingling.” A sharp glint flickered in Zhang Yang’s eyes.

If it was originally a role meant for someone from Xiaoli, then he felt even more entitled to snatch it away.

Moreover, Mu Panlong had also appeared in Four Great Detectives, playing Cen Chong, a high-profile side character within the Culver Gate. Stealing that performance could certainly draw attention.

“That’s right, the Xiaoli actor Mu Panlong. For now, he might be slightly better known than you, but since we’re both trained fighters, if you take his part, your bro here will treat you to dinner.”

By offering to arrange auditions for his friend and even treating him to dinner if he succeeded, it was clear that Lin Feng was a patriotic young man at heart—a perfect fit for later directing Changjin Lake.

“Leave it to me, bro,” Zhang Yang assured Lin Feng before walking away after their lengthy conversation by the door of Nazha’s room.

Click!

Before Zhang Yang could knock, Nazha had already opened the door, clearly keeping an eye on the hallway outside.

Her face, devoid of makeup, framed with hair styled in a bun, exuded an ethereal beauty tinged with charm—an appearance captivating enough to ensnare both men and women alike.

“Let’s go,” Zhang Yang said, maintaining his composure effortlessly.

Nazha’s looks were indeed striking, but having observed her over time, he had developed immunity to her charms. Besides, he had recently experienced Liu Tianxian’s devastatingly beautiful allure—a type of beauty more aligned with his Eastern male sensibilities.

However, when Nazha looked at Zhang Yang, her eyes brimmed with unbridled joy, leaving no effort to conceal her feelings. For someone like her, suppressing affection felt akin to committing blasphemy against love itself.

Zhang Yang pretended not to notice as they engaged in casual chatter all the way to Hengdian Blue Sky Cinema.

“Two tickets for New Shaolin Temple, please. Are there any seats left in the middle of row five?” Zhang Yang handed money to the ticket seller.

“Sure.” The cashier, a young woman, couldn’t help but glance repeatedly at Zhang Yang and Nazha, her eyes betraying her astonishment. “Would you like a couples’ seating? It’s more spacious, and we’ll throw in free popcorn and two sodas—what we call ‘nerd fuel.’”

Nazha looked at Zhang Yang, signaling that he should make the decision.

“No need,” Zhang Yang shook his head. “She has poor eyesight; she wouldn’t be able to see clearly from the back.”

Hearing this, Nazha initially felt a twinge of disappointment, thinking Zhang Yang was merely trying to avoid suspicion.

But as she processed the second part of his statement, she instantly perked up.

So it wasn’t about avoiding suspicion after all! He knew I have bad eyesight—clearly, he’s been quietly observing me.

It was these small details that truly touched her heart!

“Here are your tickets.” The cashier handed two paper tickets to Zhang Yang.

By now, they could enter the theater. Zhang Yang purchased a combo for snacks during the movie, and he and Nazha headed directly to the ticket-checking entrance to queue.

As Nazha accepted a soda, she noticed Zhang Yang seemed somewhat absent-minded. She pursed her lips and asked, “Brother Yang, you’ve spaced out several times today on the bus too. What’s on your mind?”

Zhang Yang pondered briefly before responding, “What do you think it’ll take for us to land roles in movies?”

Realizing he was contemplating their careers, Nazha relaxed inwardly, a smile spreading across her face. “With your talent and abilities, Brother Yang, you’ll definitely get into films soon enough.”

Zhang Yang’s eyes flickered slightly. “Our Tangren film resources are really poor. If you have time, you can look for yourself—neither Lao Hu nor Po Shi has any notable films.”

“Huh?” Nazha was taken aback. “Are we really that bad?”

“Definitely,” Zhang Yang nodded.

It was an open secret in the industry!

“But I’ve already signed with them.” Nazha revealed a troubled expression.

Seeing her like this, Zhang Yang couldn’t resist smiling. “As a newcomer who doesn’t even exist on the entertainment radar yet, you should be thinking about how to become famous first. Don’t start complaining about Tangren now.”

Nazha blinked, momentarily confused.

“I’m not complaining along with you?” she asked, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Her earlier comment had indeed been somewhat naive and presumptuous.

“How can you compare yourself to me?” Zhang Yang chuckled. “Just as you said, my skills and conditions are clearly here—I’ll be able to shoot movies soon enough.”

Nazha stared blankly.

So what was wrong with what I said at the beginning? Oh no, I feel like my brain might not be up to the task.

Zhang Yang pulled the bewildered Nazha through the ticket check-in line.

Unbeknownst to him, a masked woman in a long dress had been watching Zhang Yang and Nazha from near the exit.

“Liying, what are you looking at?” asked another masked woman dressed casually as she sat down next to the one in white.

“Oh, nothing much, Sheng,” Zhao Liying replied with a soft smile. “I just spotted the person who helped me that day.”

“Why don’t you go say hello?” Li Si gestured towards the ticket booth.

“No need.” Zhao Liying gently held back Li Si. “He’s here with his girlfriend for a movie. It’d be too intrusive to approach now and thank him.”

Hearing this, Li Si didn’t press further. “Alright, let’s head back then.”

Zhao Liying nodded and stood up, casting one last glance at Zhang Yang’s figure. “Seems like he has high standards, yet he’s still a good person.”

Nearly two hours later…

Nazha and Zhang Yang emerged from the cinema, somewhat dejected.

“I didn’t expect Xie Tingfeng to play such a vile villain,” Nazha remarked.

Zhang Yang smiled mildly. “For someone so handsome, it’s common to take on villain roles to prove their acting skills and avoid being labeled as merely pretty. It’s a limitation in itself.”

Nazha nodded thoughtfully.

The two returned to their hotel, each retreating to their respective rooms for some rest.

Come noon the next day, Zhang Yang and Nazha made their way to the film set after lunch.

This scene was part of the original script, but after consulting with Lin Ziwei, Lin Feng had grandiosely expanded its scale.

Initially reluctant, Lin Ziwei quickly changed her tune upon learning that Zhang Yang might secure a pivotal role as one of the Four Great Detectives’ key henchmen.

“Director Chen, Sister Ziwei, Brother Hua, Shixiong, Brother Chao… Sister Yifei.”

Under Lin Feng’s guidance, Zhang Yang greeted each of these industry luminaries in turn. His eyes flashed with surprise when he reached Liu Yifei.

Even this celestial beauty can’t resist joining the fray?

Liu Yifei was equally taken aback; she hadn’t anticipated encountering Zhang Yang again so soon—especially considering he was the highly recommended actor whose skills Lin Feng had raved about!

A hint of amusement played at the corners of Liu Yifei’s lips. “Hello, we meet again so quickly.”

Zhang Yang’s mouth twitched slightly. ”…”

Onlookers perked up, sensing an intriguing development.

Nazha: Uh-oh!