I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

Chapter 99 097. Late night phone calls

"Sister Zeng~"

"Mimi~"

Seeing Yang Mi finally walking out of the Daming Palace with a bag on her back, Zeng Jia went up to her with a girl.

Compared with the caring shown when he came to send her to the set of "The Condor" last time, Zeng Jia's face now has a more joyful look on her face that she can't hide.

"Did you finish filming? How was the first day of filming? Did you get into the mood quickly? Did Director Zhang say anything? Did the crew encounter any difficulties? How did it feel to get along with the actors?"

"..."

Yang Mi, who had been in a daze because of Wei Lanfang and Ma Wen's words all the way, was speechless, and finally looked like she couldn't laugh or cry.

"Sister Zeng, it's okay. Everyone is very nice to me... Just don't worry."

"call……"

Zeng Jia breathed a sigh of relief instantly.

She arrived at noon, and she has been worried all afternoon... It's not that Yang Mi has a trouble-making temperament, but she is afraid that her role of "prying" her will make some people in the crew dissatisfied.

She knew very well how complicated things were on the set.

It also has hills.

Although they are all from the same crew, it is possible that the recording studio and makeup artists are from the same group, and the props and stunts are from another group, etc.

This is true for small crews, let alone large crews.

So she was really afraid that Mimi would be made things difficult for her.

And Yang Mi also understood why she had such worries.

Because in the crew of "The Condor", she had already seen some actors who were brought in by different people were suppressed by another wave of people.

Not surprising.

If nothing else, let’s talk about Gong Li’s bowl of sour plum soup this morning.

In Zhang Yimou's crew, she 100% believed it was the prop master's negligence.

Are you kidding me, giving Gong Li some shoes?

Don't want to mess around anymore?

But if this matter is brought to the cast of the Condor Goddess... Maybe other people's shots of drinking were shot with water instead, and some people drank with spit in the water...

Of course, this is just an analogy and is generally not that extreme.

But that’s what this business is like.

There are definitely more bad people than good people, much, much more.

In Sister Zeng's view, someone like herself, who had taken advantage of Li Man's character and suddenly joined the team... was bound to touch the interests of some people.

But what is the actual situation?

Someone... took care of everything for her.

Thinking of this, her face turned red again.

oops……

He just couldn't laugh or cry, but there was no other way to say it.

Still... know how to be angry.

That should be...that's what it means...

When she thought of this, her eyes became a little straight.

My heart started to feel restless.

After Zeng Jia saw the lights coming on inside the palace gate, she knew that the crew was about to leave the car, so she quickly pulled the girl whose thoughts were a little distracted to the side, then pointed to the girl next to her and said:

"She is Sun Ting, the assistant assigned to you by the company."

"Hello, Sister Mimi, I am Sun Ting."

In fact, the two of them are about the same age, but there is no point in arguing about who is older and who is younger.

Just like when you go to a KTV and the salesperson who is bigger than you has to call you "Brother".

This is determined by status.

Yang Mi, who came back to her senses, also nodded:

"Hello, Tingting."

But she suddenly looked at Zeng Jia:

"Sister Zeng, I have to tell you that I understand that the company sent Tingting down to care about me. But this time she can only stay in the hotel and cannot come to the set with me."

"...?"

Zeng Jia was stunned.

Yang Mi continued:

"The script of "Golden Armor" was adapted from "Thunderstorm". There are no unnecessary characters in the entire script. It's just the emperor, the queen, the three princes, and the family of Imperial Physician Jiang. There are just a few of us. Although Tingting can Take care of me, but it’s not suitable this time. I am the... youngest among these actors, you know? I can’t let Director Zhang feel that I suddenly drifted off after getting this role. So... I can’t bring Tingting this time, Besides, a lot of people over at "The Condor" have heard the news, and I want to hide it, but if I take Tingting with me at this time... it would be a bit inappropriate."

"..."

Zeng Jia frowned:

"But you are all alone here...what should you do if you don't even have anyone to take care of you after the filming is over?"

"……It's fine."

Yang Mi smiled and shook her head:

"Everyone takes good care of me, whether it's Sister Gong Li, Director Zhang, Director Cheng, or Assistant Shen, they all take good care of me..."

Speaking of this, seeing that Zeng Jia was still a little hesitant, she said directly:

"My role was appointed by Director Zhang. I have to show my hard work in front of Director Zhang. It would be more appropriate not to have an assistant."

"Buzz~"

Several commercial vehicles passed by the three people.

After taking a look, Zeng Jia said tentatively:

"Are these cars?"

"Um."

Yang Mi looked at the commercial vehicle going away and said:

"Yes."

"...Get in the car first, let's talk about it when we get back."

…

"That's Mimi, right?"

In the dark carriage, Zhang Yimou withdrew his gaze and asked Xu Xin next to him.

"Yeah. The agent came and sent an assistant. But she didn't think it was suitable. When she talked to me that night, she was still talking about it. She felt that she was not worthy of an assistant yet, and she still A student."

Hearing Xu Xin's words, Zhang Yimou's mouth showed a smile.

He understood what Xiao Xu meant.

I said this to stop myself from thinking too much.

but……

"It's getting hotter. It's normal to have an assistant. Didn't you notice I have four of them?"

"She is no match for you."

Xu Xin still shook his head:

"I quite agree with her idea..."

"……Um."

Hearing what Xu Xin meant, Zhang Yimou nodded, and said to Xu Xin calmly in a... tone that said it was okay for someone who had been there before, and it was okay for someone who had seen through it:

"In our group, young actors are actually the easiest to drift off. According to popular sayings, once this person swells up, it will be like a raging fire, and people will flock around you. If you get lost, The fuel of the fire and the nutrients of the flowers become you. Sooner or later, they will be sucked clean. After losing their use value, these fires and flowers will leave you without hesitation and move to the next target. .”

"So you also think it's right not to be worthy of an assistant?"

"You have to endure hardship, Xiao Xu."

Leaning on the chair, Zhang Yimou looked at the darkness outside and said softly:

"Those who come from our generation all understand this truth. Only by enduring hardship can one become a good person. It is too easy to change generations in this industry... Just talk about Xiao Yang. Maybe, after this movie is released, she She will become famous. She will enter the eyes of many people and become a so-called popular star. But if her next movie fails, she may have to choose to act in a TV series when she does not have enough foundation to support her.

And if the TV series is a hit... then you will basically not see this person. Including you, you can be popular, she can be popular, and everyone can be popular. But when you are popular, you must not forget the importance of learning and enriching yourself. Whether you are popular or not is your destiny, but whether you will starve to death or be eliminated depends on your ability. "

The heartfelt words made Xu Xin nod unconsciously:

"I understand, don't worry, I understand what you mean, and I will tell her too."

"Well, Xiao Yang is a good kid."

Zhang Yimou gave his own evaluation:

"It's just that her acting skills lack some care and attention... Maybe it's because she doesn't act enough and doesn't get to play any complex characters. It's too facial-like... Ten years, you tell her, this is what I said."

"Eh."

Xu Xin sat up straight and listened quietly:

"If she wants to be like Gong Li in these ten years, no matter how busy she is or how famous she is, she must develop her acting skills in these ten years. Tell her that when she is not alive, she can act in a play... You You have to go, not to let you perform, but to feel the way of performing.

What kind of stage tension, line skills... you perform in front of the audience, and you are recorded by the camera, approved by the director and presented to the audience, there is still a layer between you. For example, when you are performing in a play... you can see the audience out of the corner of your eye, do you understand?

You can see what the audience is judging you. Once your emotions are up and your acting skills are up, eh, the audience will be able to follow you. But if you don't, you will easily feel that some viewers are distracted. You will be very uncomfortable... But when other actors start to perform, the audience who was distracted during your performance suddenly comes back... This feeling is an insult to the actor, which is particularly bad, but it is the best Temper people.

If she wants to exist in this circle with another kind of recognition after her youth has been consumed, let her act in a play. It’s about really immersing yourself in the performance and training yourself. Otherwise...if she performs in this way, once she becomes impetuous, even if she is determined to practice, she may never reach the height that she can achieve. "

"..."

Xu Xin said nothing, but firmly remembered Zhang Yimou's words in his heart.

After confirming that the other party did not mean to continue, he nodded:

"Don't worry, I will relay your words to her word for word."

"...You also have to pay attention to your attitude."

Suddenly, Zhang Yimou said this.

"ah?"

Xu Xin was stunned.

Zhang Yimou glanced at him and said:

"Don't say it in a condescending way, never. She will think you look down on her, so... never, do you understand?"

"Well……"

Although Xu Xin nodded, he was a little confused.

Why did Director Zhang go out of his way to say such a thing?

…

hotel.

Xu Xin and Zhang Yimou got out of the car.

"Go back and think about the concept of water from the Yellow River coming up from the sky. Although there was a lot of discussion during today's meeting, most of it was symbolic... Can you try to come up with a more concrete concept picture?"

"Hey, okay."

Xu Xin nodded and followed Zhang Yimou to the hotel.

After walking a few steps, Zhang Yimou suddenly turned his head and glanced at him:

"You're not waiting for Xiao Yang?"

"..."

Xu Xin was stunned for a moment, then suddenly smiled:

"I am the director after all, Director Zhang."

"..."

Zhang Yimou rolled his eyes.

The two went upstairs and downstairs. After Xu Xin returned to the house, he sent a message to Yang Mi:

"Call me when it's convenient for you when you get back."

Yang Mi didn’t reply.

Xu Xin guessed that it would be inconvenient for her to be with her manager, so she went directly to the bathroom to take a shower.

After washing, I came out and looked at my phone.

Empty, no reply yet.

He lit a cigarette and sat shirtless in front of his laptop.

After opening the mailbox, I saw a new email.

There is nothing in the email, just a WORD document.

After he downloaded it directly, he opened it and saw a name: "The Secret That Cannot Be Telln"

Is this what...a magical campus love story in time and space?

"Outside Tamkang Conservatory of Music, a young couple and a girl were walking on the campus's tree-lined road. People around them were painting and reading. A man and a woman appeared on the tree-lined road.

Qingyi: I've heard of you before.

Ye Xianglun: Really?

Qingyi: Well, you major in piano, right?

Ye Xianglun looks cool: Yes. "...

The moment he saw the adjective "cool", Xu Xin's toes tightened for some reason.

I feel a little embarrassed.

But he continued to look there.

The story at the beginning probably means that on the first day when Ye Xianglun, a transfer student, came to school, this girl named Qingyi led him to get familiar with the school and introduced him to an old piano room in the school.

Then in the piano room, Ye Xianglun heard a burst of music and subconsciously searched for it, and met a girl named Lu Xiaoyu...

Xu Xin didn't understand the magic of this thing at first...

Although you can probably guess what happened in school...

But based on what he is reading now, the only possibility he can guess is that this "Lu Xiaoyu" may be a "ghost".

But that's not important.

Because he discovered that between the lines of the script, when describing Ye Xianglun, there were many words describing his expression or tone.

For example, something like "cool" or "somewhat cool".

Although he could probably understand that this was to describe the expression... but from between the lines, he tasted a... cool flavor that he couldn't ask for.

It's like a YY novel.

You know it's fake, but it still satisfies part of your fantasy.

After thinking about it, he temporarily narrowed down the script and searched for a line of keywords on the Internet:

"Jay Chou was a kid"

"As a child, Jay Chou was very introverted and didn't know how to talk to others - the reporter learned from interviews with teachers at Tamkang Middle School..."

Oh~~~~

In an instant, Xu Xin understood.

This script may have been created by Jay Chou based on himself.

But on the basis of the prototype... is it to make up for past regrets? Or...satisfy your own wishes? Therefore, the character "Ye Xianglun" was deliberately described as an image that looks very attractive, but actually makes Xu Xin feel a little embarrassed to the point of picking his toes?

The pull of student days...

Not so.

As a popular figure in Shenmu Yi back then, he secretly thought.

However, he gradually understood what the script wanted to express.

Qingyi and Lu Xiaoyu definitely have prototypes.

It's just... I'm afraid no one except himself knows what Jay Chou went through with the two girls during his student days.

A girl's feelings are always poetry.

As for the ignorant young man Mu Ai, he is probably the only one who knows all these feelings best.

He is not Jay Chou, so he cannot feel this feeling.

But it didn't stop him from developing his own understanding as a director or a former "school boy" who had done the so-called "No. 1 Middle School F4" with several young people.

And in my own understanding, Jay Chou...ah, no, Ye Xianglun's tug was a little too out of line.

If you show it in front of the camera, it will be very artificial.

Just like the "looks cool" in the first paragraph.

Ye Xianglun should not watch, but convey a "cool" impression to the audience through a tone of voice.

It's not an expression on your face, just a verbal expression.

After all, the first sentence at the beginning is Qingyi's "I've heard of you before", which shows that Ye Xianglun should have been famous in other schools before.

There is a difference between being famous in school and being a show-off.

Even if the same level of second grade is achieved...

But in Jay Chou's script, what he saw was not a very "pugnacious" Ye Xianglun, but more like watching an introverted boy imitating the famous figures in school back then, with a "longing" in his heart. And establish a character image.

Thinking of this, after clarifying the characters...

He dialed Jay Chou's phone number.

"Dudu...hey, what's wrong? Did you read the script I sent you?"

"I'm watching. So I want to talk to you."

"Oh? What do you think of the story?"

Jay Chou's voice revealed a sense of expectation.

Xu Xin did not hide it and said directly:

"Ye Xianglun is your prototype, right?"

"Oh, that's good, I can guess it all."

"..."

Xu Xin rolled his eyes when he heard this.

Brother, who are you looking down on?

I originally wanted to be more tactful, but since you are so "pugnacious", then don't blame our old Xu for being evil:

"But the character setting of Ye Xianglun is another classmate of yours during your school days, right?"

"..."

In an instant, there was no sound from Jay Chou's side.

"Crack."

Xu Xin lit a cigarette and said unhurriedly:

"I only saw Lu Xiaoyu entering Ye Xianglun's classroom in the script, and I haven't seen the rest yet. Let me tell you my understanding first, okay?"

"……Um."

"First of all, the tone of the story should be very soothing... But considering the type of music you are good at, I think you should have already thought about using piano when designing the script, right? Because I couldn't help but think about it when I saw this script. There is a piano melody to push it along, especially at the beginning. The soothing piano melody will feel very comfortable when paired with the rhythm of the young men and women walking on the campus boulevard."

"..."

Without waiting for Jay Chou to answer, he continued:

"Secondly, I haven't seen anything magical yet, but I think the character Ye Xianglun shouldn't exude the kind of... you describe. It's too deliberate and contrived. As a character... let's define it as Zai Zhong. People who are very famous in the academic world for piano, as musical talents, should give people a clean, unpretentious feeling of freedom and ease. And this kind of freedom and ease will make ordinary people think you are cool when they treat you, but it should not be expressed by you yourself. . Comparing the active expression of arrogance with someone like Ye Xianglun who is very good at playing the piano, that is not called arrogance, but that of relying on one's talents and arrogance. Do you understand this?"

"Uh...then..."

Jay Chou thought for a while and said:

"Then how should I express it?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Xin was speechless:

"Are you already planning to shoot?"

"...Well, I've been thinking about this story for a long time. So I will definitely shoot it...but not in Alpha..."

Having said this, he hesitated again.

After a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, he said:

"Are we friends?"

"Um."

"I don't hide it from my friends."

“So you’re going to start your own company, right?”

"..."

After hearing Xu Xin's words, there was silence on the other end of the phone again.

About ten seconds passed...

"Wow, you are really scary sometimes...how did you guess that?"

"Isn't this very simple?"

While reading the script, because he had finished reading the characters and planned to only read the story line, Xu Xin, who was working quickly, said casually:

"If you want to find another new company, then the new company will never allow you to release a new album in September. They don't care whether you want to be loyal to your old club or what, they will definitely give you a good start. The first shot... So, even if you want to release an album, they will do everything possible to stop it. And there is still no news about you renewing your contract or where you want to transfer. And you don't seem to be the kind of person who doesn't take care of others. For those who feel it, if you can release an album in a company and then leave without caring about the feelings of the new company, I feel like you are going to go solo."

"...Xu Xin."

"what?"

"You are really scary."

Ignoring Jay Chou's sigh, Xu Xin looked at the script and continued to ask:

"So, you really want to take the photo?"

"Yes. As you said, I want to be a good start for the new company."

"Well……"

Xu Xin has already seen the second half of the script.

"Wait a minute, let me see where the magic is at the back."

"Okay, then I'll have some late-night snacks and won't hang up the phone."

"Um."

…

"Sister Zeng, the situation is probably like this... I only have one request. When telling the company, don't mention Xu Xin's name. I just want to say that I met the casting director of a production crew by chance, and then I heard about Director Zhang's casting director. After some minor problems, I recommended myself."

"..."

In the room, Zeng Jia's brows slowly wrinkled:

"Mimi, then you and this Xu Xin..."

"This is my own business."

Yang Mi shook her head with unusual persistence.

Seeing this, Zeng Jia thought for a while and said:

"...I know, but...listen to my opinion first. You see, the meaning of seeking a girl...is too great. As long as this movie starts to enter the promotion period, your fame will slowly increase. Rise...You are still so young, there will definitely be many people who will become your fans..."

"We are not in a relationship."

Yang Mi continued to shake her head:

"Don't get me wrong, Sister Zeng, what I mean is very simple. I don't want him to get a lot of attention and doubts inexplicably because of my relationship. So, don't mention it to the company. I will definitely cooperate with the publicity, but I want to Let me tell you, don’t let the company know about Xu Xin. That will bring a lot of trouble to both of us."

"..."

After understanding what she meant, Zeng Jia thought for a while and nodded:

"Okay, I promise you. But with this Xu Xin...you have to keep a good distance...you...understand? Mimi...let me digress, when you become famous, you will meet many, many more... Excellent people, people who are helpful to your career, or..."

"Sister Zeng, we are not in love."

Before she could finish speaking, Yang Mi's face was full of "speechless".

"I have no such thoughts about him, not to mention... he also has a girlfriend. Do you think I would risk my career and be accused of being a mistress? Impossible. Let me tell you this. The fundamental reason is that I don’t want the company to think that there is something going on between us. It will be very troublesome then and it will also cause a rift in our friendship. Do you understand? And I’m telling you, it’s because you are my agent. I regard you as my sister, so I tell you the truth. This is different..."

"..."

Hearing this, Zeng Jia felt relieved and felt quite warm.

In fact, it was mainly because the words "I have a girlfriend" gave her reassurance.

She is really afraid...

It was so easy to "pick up" the position of a girl for free. This girl's mind would be so hot that she couldn't distinguish anything clearly.

But now it seems that I am overthinking it?

So he nodded:

"Okay, I understand... Let's do this for today. I will communicate with Assistant Shen tomorrow morning, and I also have to go to the crew of "The Condor" to communicate with you about rehearsing the scenes. You can rest first... Sun Ting ,you……"

"Ok another room for Tingting. This room belongs to the crew of "The Condor". I have to leave after the filming is completed."

Yang Mi said quickly.

"Okay. Tingting, let's go. I'm talking to you about your work these days..."

"Okay...Sister Mi, if you need anything, just call me. What time should I call you tomorrow morning?"

"You don't need to call me, I can get up, don't worry... go to bed early, good night."

The girl who looked a little anxious for some reason waved goodbye to her agent and assistant. After the door closed, she hurriedly picked up the phone.

I glanced at the time...

Oops, it's past 11 o'clock.

Don't sleep...

Don't sleep...

She took out her cell phone and started editing text messages.

But then I thought about it...

Forget it, didn’t you ask me to call directly?

I found Xu Xin's number and dialed it directly.

I was thinking about telling him what happened today, so as not to make him feel any doubts.

As a result, I suddenly heard a sentence coming from the phone: "Sorry, the number you dialed is currently on call, please call again later."

Yang Mi was stunned...

It's 11 o'clock, who should I call?

first reaction.

Will Zhang guide them?

But the thought disappeared immediately.

Probably not.

They live upstairs and downstairs. If you need anything, just call them and go upstairs.

After thinking about it, she called Xu Xin again.

If there is a meeting... I should have informed you by now, right?

result……

"Sorry, the number you dialed is currently on a call, please call again later."

?

There was a trace of doubt in Yang Mi's eyes.

what's the situation?

Send a text message and ask?

You're not talking on the phone to...someone, are you?

"..."

After hesitating for a moment, she decided to take a shower first.

Calm down first.

The sound of rushing water sounded.

Ten minutes later, after taking a shower and not even doing any skin care, she picked up the phone again.

"Sorry, the number you dialed is currently on a call, please call again later."

"...???"

This time, the girl's mouth pursed completely.

this late……

Who is he calling?

My heart felt inexplicably blocked.

Could it be because...I saw Jay Chou just now...he was really angry?

Oops, just tell me if you are angry.

Is it okay if I don’t watch it next time?

you……

After thinking for a while, she put down the phone.

After a few minutes, the door opened.

With the script and pen in hand, Yang Mi stepped on the hotel slippers and walked out quickly.

Go all the way upstairs.

In the elevator, she looked at the circled areas in her script and planned out the questions she would ask.

After getting out of the elevator, she walked quickly to Xu Xin's room.

But when he arrived at the door, he didn't rush in. Instead, he quietly walked to the door with a gentle step.

Then she heard Xu Xin's voice coming from inside:

"...It's Xiaoyu, I love you, do you love me?"

Instantly, the girl's eyes turned cold.

Ah...Who is this grandson of Shi Xiaoyu! ?