Liao Hai felt a bit panicked.
If it had only been Jiang Lin’s deliberate comment, he could have reassured himself with “the director approved it.” But he had also overheard Jiang Lin’s conversation with Li Qianxing.
Even though he only caught a few sentences, it was clear that Li Qianxing also thought this approach to the role wasn’t good for him.
Li Qianxing’s cold observation, like He Zhanpeng not cutting his performance, was because it didn’t affect the film—it only affected Liao Hai himself.
This couldn’t help but make Liao Hai feel alarmed.
However, after seriously thinking about it several times, he still couldn’t figure out what was wrong with playing the character as deeply in love.
The character inherently had an ex-boyfriend he couldn’t forget, and the script didn’t provide a final resolution for his feelings. So whether he still loved his ex or fell for Ji Ming’an, it was open to interpretation. The deeply devoted, unrequited love was precisely what had attracted his large fan base.
Although the film’s release was still far off, with proper management, his popularity could continue until then. If his fame declined midway, they could stir up buzz to make a comeback when the film premiered. All in all, Liao Hai really couldn’t see what was wrong.
After much internal struggle, he nervously knocked on He Zhanpeng’s door that evening.
Suppressing his unease, Liao Hai asked tactfully, “Director He, I’ve had quite a few NGs these past few days, so I wanted to discuss it with you in detail… Do you think there’s an issue with my approach to the role?”
He Zhanpeng asked in surprise, “You’ve finally noticed there’s a problem?”
Liao Hai’s heart sank as he stammered, “I… vaguely felt something was off… but couldn’t pinpoint what…”
He Zhanpeng stared at him for a while, making Liao Hai increasingly uneasy, before sighing and patting his shoulder. “Xiao Liao, I understand your thinking and your choices. But this character is completely different from the one that made you famous.”
Liao Hai’s eyes widened, yet his heart oddly settled—as expected, those who made it big in the entertainment industry were all extraordinary.
Since the conversation had come this far, he gritted his teeth and asked directly, “I just… don’t understand why it won’t work…”
Seeing Liao Hai’s confused expression, He Zhanpeng explained in detail, “Your character is both a catalyst for the two leads’ reunion and their foil. Like them, he can’t forget his ex after breaking up, but he chooses a different lifestyle.
“You could portray him as someone who seals away good memories and becomes a playboy, differing from the leads only in life attitude. But if you play him as deeply in love while constantly changing partners, the more devoted to one person you make him seem, the more of a scumbag the character becomes.”
Liao Hai gasped sharply.
He Zhanpeng continued, “Of course, that type has its classics too. But this is an urban romance drama, very close to reality. Audiences will naturally dislike such a character once they relate to the story.
“Most importantly, this film stars Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin, who are not on the same level as the actors from the drama that made you famous. With their acting skills, supporting roles will inevitably be overshadowed by the leads. You can’t outshine them.”
At that moment, Liao Hai finally understood why Li Qianxing said Jiang Lin was being “kind”—if he was allowed to play the foil as a scumbag, it would naturally focus the audience’s sympathy on the leads, while he’d become purely a negative contrast.
Seeing Liao Hai stunned, He Zhanpeng patted him again. “Xiao Liao, you know how fickle this industry is, and the company you signed with is even more so… But remember, you became popular through your acting skills once, and you can do it again. Think carefully about what your true foundation is. Don’t let the voices around you pushing for quick success lead you astray.”
After a moment of silence, Liao Hai asked dejectedly, “Director He, is it too late to change my approach now?”
He Zhanpeng replied, “We haven’t shot many scenes yet, so it’s definitely not too late. However, if you change later, some of the earlier, unsuitable eye-acting shots can’t be used.”
As Liao Hai was only a supporting actor, the crew wouldn’t reshoot those scenes for his minor adjustments. Yet eye-acting was crucial in shaping a character and showcasing an actor’s skill. Losing those shots would be a disadvantage.
This was the price for his initial misstep.
Liao Hai took a deep breath and bowed to He Zhanpeng, “I’ll adjust my performance. From now on, please be even stricter with me.”
He Zhanpeng nodded approvingly.
◇◆
Liao Hai changed assistants. Of course, this caused no ripples within the crew.
However, after settling down, his scenes went much more smoothly.
His change didn’t escape Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin’s notice, but neither mentioned it. A performance shift that barely affected the film indeed wasn’t worth discussing.
A few days ago, the script Yan Yi mentioned was finally completed. Jiang Lin passed the full script to Li Qianxing. After reading it during filming breaks, Li Qianxing didn’t hesitate long before expressing his desire to act in it to Qi Jingnian last night.
At noon today, Qi Jingnian called Li Qianxing.
Qi Jingnian: “After sleeping on it, are you still sure you want to do it?”
Li Qianxing chuckled, “Yes. Why would you think I’d change my mind after sleeping?”
Qi Jingnian laughed, “Well, it’s Tang Yu’s script. Her style tends to get people fired up. Though romance has always been her weak point, the plot moves fast, it’s satisfying, and very suitable for commercialization. It’s different from your usual choices. I worried you might not want it after cooling down.”
Li Qianxing: “I’ve done purely commercial films before. This role is quite interesting.”
Qi Jingnian: “Alright then. After an emotionally draining drama, taking on this kind of film could be relaxing.”
Li Qianxing asked, “Has the lead been cast?”
Qi Jingnian, having inquired about the situation, explained, “No, there’ll be auditions. Several people from our company are actively preparing. This film is produced by Guangya —the same company behind Jiang Lin’s Best Actor film. The director is Director Liang’s protégé. If it’s well-received, they plan to make it a series. Guangya takes this project seriously and won’t be careless with casting.”
Li Qianxing relaxed, “Good. You can handle the contract details, Ge.”
Qi Jingnian: “Alright, focus on your current filming.”
Hanging up, Li Qianxing checked the time and left for the set.
He coincidentally met Jiang Lin coming out of his trailer, so they walked together.
Since the script passed through Jiang Lin’s hands, Li Qianxing felt he owed him an update. “I just spoke with my brother. He’ll negotiate for that role. If the contract’s fine, it’s settled.”
Jiang Lin smiled, “You rarely take purely commercial films. Xiao Yu-jie was worried earlier. She said she went through all age-appropriate actors five or six times but felt only you could capture her vision. I’ll let her know to set her mind at ease.”
Li Qianxing recalled the last conversation between Jiang Lin and Yan Yi, and asked curiously, “Which role is yours?”
Jiang Lin winked, “Guess.”
Li Qianxing named a character without much thought.
Jiang Lin nodded, smiling, “As expected of Li-ge, you got it right away.”
Li Qianxing admitted, “I already knew the lead roles required auditions, so I eliminated most options.”
They chatted as they reached the set’s dressing room, waiting for makeup touch-ups.
Jiang Lin thought of something and unconsciously glanced at Li Qianxing.
Li Qianxing caught his slightly worried look and asked, “What is it?”
Jiang Lin: “I just realized that film will probably release after this one. They might use our second collaboration as a promotional gimmick.”
Li Qianxing replied nonchalantly, “I won’t join roadshows. As for promotion, I don’t mind factual publicity as long as it’s not rumors.”
Jiang Lin: “That’s good if you don’t mind.”
Li Qianxing crossed his legs and continued to browse his phone. “Besides, it’s just a second collaboration, not a second marriage. They can promote it however.”
Jiang Lin nearly choked on his water.
He turned to look at Li Qianxing, who occasionally channeled Ji Ming’an lately, with a complex expression.
And a thought flashed through his mind—a second marriage… might not be so bad?
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