Chapter 67 - 2#
Yu Xiuzhu poured Jing Shun a glass of warm lemon water before circling back to the earlier topic. “So, why did you come straight to the company after landing?”
Jing Shun picked up the lemon water, moistening his throat.
He looked at Yu Xiuzhu across from him, a hint of caution in his eyes. “Brother Yu, I got a voice call from Xie Congjin the moment I landed.”
Yu Xiuzhu’s expression shifted slightly, but he didn’t respond.
Jing Shun continued honestly, “He said he wanted to recommend a film project to me—Director Mo Fengsheng’s new movie.”
Yu Xiuzhu raised his eyes slightly, silently urging Jing Shun to go on.
“But he hasn’t revealed any other details about the film yet.” Jing Shun repeated Xie Congjin’s terms from the call. “He said he wants to discuss it face-to-face with you, with us.”
“…”
Yu Xiuzhu saw through Xie Congjin’s childish games, his expression turning ambiguous.
Jing Shun couldn’t tell what Yu Xiuzhu was thinking, so he just spoke his mind. “Brother Yu, Director Mo’s film is really tempting to me, but I’ll respect how you feel about it.”
“If you don’t want any more contact with Xie Congjin, there’s no need for us to meet.”
After all, they could find out about Mo Fengsheng’s new movie through other channels. If not, there would be other films waiting for him in the future.
Yu Xiuzhu finally spoke, his tone as gentle and calm as ever. “Xiao Jing, I’m fine with it. I’m your agent, and your film career comes first.”
Since a good opportunity was right in front of them, why not go for it?
Yu Xiuzhu took the initiative to ask, “Did Xie Congjin say when he wants to meet?”
Jing Shun sensed a chance. “He said we can reply within three days. I guess he’s waiting for us to set a time.”
“Then call him now and set up a time as soon as possible. Let’s see what good stuff he’s holding back.”
There was a hint of helpless laughter buried in Yu Xiuzhu’s last words.
Jing Shun caught it, a flicker of mischief deep in his eyes. “Sure, I’m free tonight.”
He pulled out his phone and opened Xie Congjin’s WeChat chat. “Brother Yu, since you’re my agent, you make the call. Xie Er was in a pretty bad mood earlier—he even hung up on me.”
Yu Xiuzhu knew full well that this guy was doing it on purpose, but he still took the phone and dialed Xie Congjin’s voice call, putting it on speaker.
The wait wasn’t long.
Xie Congjin’s voice came through from the other end, casual and relaxed. “Hello? Jing Shun? Are you looking for Yu…”
“It’s me.”
“…”
Yu Xiuzhu didn’t announce himself, but Xie Congjin recognized his voice instantly.
After a few seconds of silence, the other end suddenly blurted out, “Holy shit! I—I know. Go ahead.”
Jing Shun heard the shocked and flustered tone and hid a smile by pretending to drink water.
He could even picture Xie Congjin snapping to attention, all serious and ready.
Yu Xiuzhu confirmed again, “Director Mo Fengsheng’s new movie?”
Xie Congjin answered seriously, “Yeah, it’s Director Mo’s new film. I’ve got an internal referral for the audition slot.”
“Alright.”
Yu Xiuzhu narrowed his eyes and gave the time and place. “Six thirty tonight, Star Restaurant in Huangyue District. Don’t be late.”
With that, he hung up without waiting for Xie Congjin’s reply, as if the person who needed this opportunity wasn’t him and Jing Shun, but the one on the other end of the line.
“…”
Jing Shun witnessed Yu Xiuzhu’s rare queen-like behavior and clapped sincerely. “Brother Yu, that was badass.”
Xie Congjin was, after all, the second young master of the Xie family in the capital and the hottest new Best Actor in the entertainment industry. Yet Yu Xiuzhu had the nerve to summon him like a dog? Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
Buzz buzz.
His phone vibrated again.
Yu Xiuzhu glanced at it, gave a faint smile, and handed the phone back to Jing Shun. “I still have something to take care of in the operations department. You wait here; we’ll head over ten minutes early.”
Jing Shun nodded. “Alright, go ahead.”
Only after Yu Xiuzhu left the office did he look down at the latest message on WeChat, sent by Xie Congjin:
“Six thirty, right? I’m coming! I’m leaving right now!”
“…”
Jing Shun chuckled:
Well, this little puppy really is obedient.
…
Star Restaurant was near the company, so Jing Shun and Yu Xiuzhu took their time and arrived right on schedule.
At a normal dinner hour, the place was unusually quiet. Only the waiter greeted them immediately. “Mr. Yu and Mr. Jing, right? Please follow me.”
Jing Shun and Yu Xiuzhu exchanged a glance and walked inside.
The first floor was completely empty, except for a familiar figure sitting by the window.
Their eyes met.
Xie Congjin forced himself to stay seated, pretending to be relaxed, though he was itching to stand up and greet them.
In reality, he lived far from Huangyue District—the drive alone took an hour.
The moment the call ended, Xie Congjin had rushed to get ready at top speed, barely making it to the restaurant by six thirty.
“Xie Er, long time no see.”
Jing Shun greeted him first, glancing around. “But why isn’t there anyone else here? Did you rent the place out?”
Xie Congjin nodded smugly, putting on airs. “Don’t you know who I am? How could I discuss business in public?”
Yu Xiuzhu responded calmly, “So it seems my choice of location doesn’t meet Mr. Xie’s standards?”
“Hey…”
Xie Congjin faltered, cleared his throat, and said, “That’s not what I meant. It’s quieter this way, easier to talk. Please, sit.”
Jing Shun deliberately chose the seat on the outside, leaving Xie Congjin and Yu Xiuzhu facing each other.
Xie Congjin kept stealing glances at the man across from him. “What would you like to drink? I asked, and they have some good wine here…”
“Wine? Let’s talk business first.”
Yu Xiuzhu cut him off, tapping his knuckles lightly on the table. “What’s Director Mo Fengsheng’s new film about? And what’s this about an internal referral?”
“…”
Xie Congjin, interrupted, looked at Jing Shun.
Jing Shun shrugged innocently. “You’re the one who said to let my agent discuss it with you, right?”
Xie Congjin gritted his molars and resigned himself. “The film is called The Fissure. The location scouting and prep work are almost done. Filming is expected to start next March.”
The movie follows a scientific expedition team, assembled from the nation’s top talents, as they venture deep into a high-altitude forbidden zone. Along the way, they lose all contact with the outside world.
Given the team’s importance, the authorities immediately dispatch a professional rescue team.
The film is told in a dual narrative: one from the rescue team’s perspective, and one from the expedition team’s. The former gets more screen time.
“This film is a joint production with the government. The investment is over a billion. Director Mo plans to turn it into a series.”
“The second movie, Zero Point—a snow rescue story—is already being scripted.”
“I’ve heard that Zhu Mingxiu, Ye Huiying, Yang Qian, Song Shuangjiang, Wang Xin…” Xie Congjin rattled off a list of big-name actors like he was reciting a menu. “All of them have been invited to either cameo or play major supporting roles.”
Jing Shun was secretly shocked, and Yu Xiuzhu’s expression shifted as well—
A film setup like this was aiming straight for big resources and awards!
But what ordinary netizens didn’t know was that the film industry had an even stricter hierarchy than TV. Many film scripts weren’t something actors could just audition for. Some roles were locked in from the script stage.
Either they were tailor-made, or they went to what outsiders called “resource-backed” actors.
With Jing Shun’s current popularity and status, he wouldn’t even get a chance at a film of this caliber. Even landing a minor supporting role would be a huge win!
Yu Xiuzhu steadied himself and asked, “That internal referral you mentioned—which minor role is it for?”
With Director Mo Fengsheng and that kind of cast, even if the film had audition rounds, the slots would require connections. You couldn’t just waltz in.
“Minor role?”
Xie Congjin raised an eyebrow. “No, it’s not minor. It’s one of the actual lead roles—the core member of the rescue team. And chances are, he’ll keep appearing in the sequels too.”
“…”
Jing Shun was even more stunned. “A role that important, and you’re not trying out for it yourself?”
“Of course I’ll be in this film.”
Ever since he changed his team, backed by his family’s influence, Xie Congjin’s resources had skyrocketed. He was practically what people called a “resource-backed” actor now.
Of course, he didn’t mind that label.
To Xie Congjin, acting in a great film mattered more than any gossip.
He could see the confusion on Jing Shun and Yu Xiuzhu’s faces and explained, “Director Mo said the big screen has been recycling the same old faces lately. He wants fresh blood, so he singled out one role for open auditions.”
There was still over four months until filming started. Plenty of time.
Xie Congjin continued, “The audition is set for late November. There are only five internal referral slots. I managed to snag one. Do you want it? Oh, and even if you don’t nail the audition, as long as your acting is decent, I can arrange a small supporting role in the film.”
In short, as long as they agreed, Jing Shun was almost guaranteed a spot in the movie.
But getting the lead role would still depend on his own skills.
“…”
Jing Shun was obviously tempted.
Yu Xiuzhu countered, “And what’s the condition?”
Xie Congjin blinked. “Condition?”
Yu Xiuzhu stared straight into the eyes across from him, seeing through everything. “You’re handing us such a huge favor out of nowhere? No conditions?”
Jing Shun quietly picked up his water glass, waiting for Yu Xiuzhu to negotiate.
“There is one.”
Xie Congjin didn’t deny it. “There’s a condition.”
He took a deep breath and, facing Yu Xiuzhu, finally let out the frustration that had been building for over two years. “Add me back on WeChat! And stop blocking me!”
—Pfft!
Jing Shun nearly spat out his water. He struggled to hold it in, his face turning red from the effort.
His gossip-loving gaze darted between the two of them, finally landing on the always arrogant, aloof Xie Congjin, and he silently commented:
Damn.
This guy is a total simp.