Chapter 54: Huang Bo: I Fell for Zhang Yang's Trap!

“K-sis, A-Yang auditioned for a minor male role in Xing Ye’s new film and actually got it?” Tang Yan’s surprise was written all over her face.

In her last interaction with Zhang Yang, just over half a month ago, he was still relatively unknown as an actor fresh out of a two-year hiatus. He had needed to appear on their drama series to gain some exposure—his meteoric rise seemed almost too swift.

Cai Yining, keen to share in the glory, realized that given Zhang Yang’s close ties with Tang Yan and her crew, they would soon find out about his achievements. So, she decided to be candid, “I secured a role for A-Yang in the Pride and Prejudice Empress production. The boy’s got talent; he convinced Lin Zuiwei to give him extra scenes and even got acquainted with Director Lin Feng through his performance.”

“Director Lin Feng appreciated his martial skills and recommended him to Director Chen Jia Shang, who was filming Four Great Detectives at the time. That’s how he landed a supporting part,” she continued.

“During the shoot for Four Great Detectives, he impressed Gu Xianzhao, the fight choreographer, with his work as a martial proxy so much that he earned a position as Gu’s assistant.”

“It seems he also charmed Zou Zhaolong and others in the Four Great Detectives crew. Someone there must have given him an opportunity to audition for a minor male role in Zhou Xingchi’s new film—and he aced it!”

To get roles in both Four Great Detectives and Western Journey, it was clear that Zhang Yang had relied heavily on personal relationships and influence. Tangren’s assistance had been minimal at best.

But tracing back to the root, it was Tangren who provided Zhang Yang with the “Pride and Prejudice Empress” role as Zhao Kuangyin, which led to the subsequent series of events.

Zhang Yang’s own exceptional talent was the main reason for securing these roles, but the opportunities Tangren provided were equally important.

Cai Yining had already adjusted her mindset. Seeing that Zhang Yang was on the verge of taking off, she decided her role was to not hold him back and potentially earn the reputation of being his mentor. As for other matters, they could be addressed later.

With this thought, Cai Yining left without hesitation. Once in her car, she immediately took out her phone and called her department head at the company: “Register the company’s van with license plate XX exclusively for Zhang Yang’s use. I recall there was an intern named Mo Xiangwan. After giving her a full-time position, have her assist me as a talent agent. From now on, she’ll specifically handle Zhang Yang’s affairs.”

“Also, assign a makeup artist and an assistant…”

Seeing that Zhang Yang was on the cusp of stardom, Cai Yining wouldn’t foolishly wait until he became truly famous to provide him with the appropriate treatment.

If a small investment in personnel could gain Zhang Yang’s goodwill, it was undoubtedly a risk-free win.

As Cai Yining’s car disappeared from sight, Tang Yan prodded Hu Ge’s arm with her chopsticks. “Lao Hu, A-Yang’s gone ahead of us?”

That was Zhou Xingchi, whose every film was a hit, each one catapulting both leads and supporting cast to fame. He had a veritable stable of iconic characters.

Newcomers exploded onto the scene as “stardom’s chosen,” while countless veterans finally achieved the fame they deserved.

Presto: The Chronicles of Magic boasted star-caliber talent like Huang Bo, so it was sure to be a smash.

“Sounds fantastic,” Hu Ge grinned, genuinely thrilled for Zhang Yang.

Setting aside the fact that Zhang Yang had saved his life and that of his secretary, or that they were alumni from the same film school, even purely from a self-interest perspective, he wanted Zhang Yang to succeed.

After all, I’m always on the hunt for film resources. Maybe he’ll give me a hand in the future?

“I’ll give A-Yang a call to congratulate him.” Hu Ge pulled out his phone, ready to step aside.

Tang Yan’s eyes darted about before she stopped him. “Call him from here. Put it on speaker so we can all congratulate him.”

“Sure,” Hu Ge agreed without thinking, as it was just a simple gesture of congratulations.

The call connected quickly, Zhang Yang’s voice coming through, “Hello, this is Zhang Yang speaking. How may I assist you?”

“Pfft.” Tang Yan, with her incredibly low laughter threshold, couldn’t help but chuckle, shooting a glance at Hu Ge.

Is this how all guys talk on the phone, or just Zhang Yang and Hu Ge?

“Get lost!” Hu Ge spat.

“That ‘get lost’ isn’t part of my services.” Zhang Yang’s voice came through again. “Or perhaps you’d like to demonstrate and guide me?”

“Cut the crap.” Hu Ge rubbed his temples. “How could I guide you? A-Yang is about to upgrade to Bro. Yang soon. Teacher Zhang Yang is set to become a movie star, so remember to take care of your little bro from now on.”

Tang Yan, Qi Wei, and Jiang Jinfu fell silent.

Calling Zhang Yang a joker? You’re not much better yourself.

“Cough.” Zhang Yang’s voice suddenly turned serious. “Lao Hu, since you know now, remember to call me ‘Bro. Yang’ from now on when you see me. I’ve become out of your league.”

Hu Ge couldn’t hold back a laugh. “You think you could handle me coming over right now?”

“Not entirely impossible. Hua-ge plans to have me sing tonight; you’re more than welcome to join us.”

“Sounds tempting,” Hu Ge sighed. “But I’m tied up these next few days until we wrap on the series shoot. I’ll swing by to check on you if I have a break in a few days.”

“Let’s plan for that later. In a few days, I’ll be heading to Xiangshan,” Zhang Yang calculated the dates quickly. “The Four Great Detectives need to change locations.”

“What about your role in Xing Ye’s film?” Hu Ge’s expression turned serious.

“Oh, that’s where we’ll see K-sis’s skills come into play.” Zhang Yang smiled. “Surely she won’t leave me without even a supporting part, right?”

Hu Ge understood. Zhang Yang wanted to concentrate his filming schedule, but this special arrangement would require Cai Yining to negotiate with two productions—a task not likely to be easy.

“As long as you’re aware of the challenge,” Hu Ge said, offering a smile without voicing an opinion. “Congratulations on securing roles in two major directors’ films.”

In truth, given Hu Ge’s popularity, talent, and reputation, landing a minor role in some films wouldn’t be an issue. However, Tangren would never allow him to play a supporting character.

To become the lead in a big-budget movie, Hu Ge’s acting skills or background weren’t quite strong enough. The film industry had even stricter standards for hiring.

On the other hand, a newcomer like Zhang Yang faced fewer restrictions. Once he became popular, he’d easily slip into various social circles.

“Congratulations, well done!” Tang Yan chimed in from the side.

“Yeah, congrats,” Qi Wei added, maintaining her cool demeanor.

“Yang-ge, you’re really killing it,” Jiang Jinfu remarked.

He was right, Jiang Jinfu thought. There was no denying this time.

“Thanks.” After exchanging a few more words with everyone, Zhang Yang hung up the call.

When he turned around, he found himself facing an ugly face not far away, and their eyes met.

This was the guy who said that after becoming famous, there wouldn’t be any villains around him.

But things were different now; these people seemed to be his real friends.

“Brother Bo,” Zhang Yang greeted first.

“Let me call you A-Yang then,” Huang Bo walked up to Zhang Yang, his smile carrying a hint of roguish charm. “I have a small question for you.”

“Brother Bo, go ahead.” Zhang Yang felt puzzled.

What could Huang Bo possibly ask him?

“Why don’t you call the director ‘Xing Ye’?” Huang Bo always felt there was something behind this choice of address.

Zhang Yang didn’t seem to have any connections, as evidenced by his needing even a small secretary.

“Oh, that.” Zhang Yang laughed smoothly. “Xingzi asked for it himself. I’m just trying to curry favor with our director.”

Huang Bo blinked, momentarily speechless.

Are you aware of what you’re saying?

“Calling him ‘Xing Ye’ would make the director sound old,” Zhang Yang added. “He doesn’t want to be called old; he wants to remain stylish and attractive.”

Huang Bo nodded thoughtfully, deciding not to press further.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yang continued waiting with the crew.

After more than an hour, Cai Yining still hadn’t arrived, but the company-sent car and driver, dedicated manager, personal makeup artist, and assistant had already shown up.

“Am I suddenly being treated like a big shot?”

Zhang Yang inwardly marveled at K-sis’s adaptability.

As long as she didn’t pull any tricks on him over the next three years, he might consider working with her again in the future.

Huang Bo, who had just called Zhou Xingchi “Xingzi,” watched this scene unfold, feeling slightly bewildered.

Was I mistaken? he wondered.

Did I misunderstand the situation?

At that moment, Zhou Xingchi turned to him and asked, “What did you call me?”

Huang Bo fell silent.

Oh man, I’ve definitely been led astray here.