Chapter 59: I'm in Danger……

"What's up?" Ning Hao asked.

"I just arrived; Director Ning, do you have any recommendations for affordable, easy-to-use actors, preferably with comedy experience?"

This is indeed a very real problem facing Chen Ci: although he's contacted many people, basically there aren't many professional actors.

Moreover, comedy has its own threshold—not every actor is suited for it.

And let's not forget the most important point—affordability.

Although Shi San's demolition compensation isn't small, Chen Ci insists on saving wherever possible.

This is just the beginning; the long road of spending money still lies ahead.

Ning Hao, hearing his request, also found it funny—cheap, practical, and they still have to be able to do comedy.

If such a good thing existed, he'd take it himself—how could it be anyone else's turn?

Ning Hao said with a half-smile: "Why don't I ask Huang Bo? He seems quite interested in your script."

Chen Ci immediately followed up: "Huang Bo, what's the pay?"

"I don't know about other productions, but in my film… he gets 500,000."

"Ah… this…"

Needless to say, it's definitely over budget.

San Ye chuckled: "500,000 isn't expensive—it's already a friend's price. Why not sell the script to us, and China Film will help you find actors?"

Chen Ci also chuckled upon hearing this; the old man is quite persistent, still holding onto that idea.

Unconsciously biting his nail, he said: "500,000—I'll think about it again."

Seeing Chen Ci determined to go down that path, Han San Ye smiled without speaking.

"Eh?"

Ning Hao suddenly slapped the table, as if he'd just thought of something.

"Before, there was a theater troupe that worked with me to adapt 'Stone' into a spoken drama; I've dealt with their team, and a few of the actors are still decent."

"Oh? Spoken drama?"

If they're theater actors, their acting skills are generally guaranteed.

As long as they can distinguish between theater and film/TV performance and discard some theater "bad habits."

Moreover, to the film/TV industry they're still newcomers, so their rates are negotiable.

Ning Hao's words gave Chen Ci some inspiration; he happened to know a theater troupe skilled at comedy…

Ning Hao frowned and continued: "That director who came to see me earlier—his surname seems to be Shen, and the troupe's name is… what was it… something Twisted Dough?"

"Happy Twisted Dough?"

Chen Ci's eyes lit up—what a coincidence, isn't it?

Ning Hao raised his index finger and gestured: "Right, Happy Twisted Dough—you know it?"

Chen Ci nodded: "I've heard a bit—is that director called Shen Teng?"

"Shen Teng… yes, Shen Teng!"

Wow, the entertainment industry really is a small world, the comedy circle even smaller—turns out these people already had connections this early.

"Why don't I have someone make a call later, and you go try your luck?"

"Why wait? Let's do it now."

"This…"

Ning Hao looked embarrassed; he couldn't even remember Shen Teng's name, let alone where to find their number.

"I'll give it a try."

Helpless, Ning Hao had to first contact the agent, who then informed the troupe, setting a time and place to meet.

Finally everything was settled; Ning Hao felt a weight lift: "How about it, bro—does this settle the favor I owe you?"

"Absolutely—now I owe you a big favor."

"You kid, just know that—San Ye, let's go eat, I'll treat."

"Sure…"

"Wait a minute!"

Chen Ci suddenly called for a stop, and Ning Hao frowned again.

He thought, "You kid, how can you be so oblivious? Didn't you see San Ye stand up?"

"What's up?"

Chen Ci smiled slyly: "Anyway, since I already owe you such a big favor, let me owe you one more—Ning Director, you just mentioned Huang Bo…"

"Aren't you worried about the cost?"

"I can't afford the lead, but having him cameo for a bit is still possible…"

At the evening dinner, Chen Ci left early, explaining that he had a younger sister to look after at home.

This meeting with Ning Hao was quite fruitful, full of surprises.

Of course, when you're milking the sheep, you do it all at once—Huang Bo can come, but only on the condition that it doesn't interfere with Ning Hao's film shoot.

The schedule might need special attention, and the price isn't exactly cheap for Chen Ci these days.

But it's all worth it—many audiences recognize Huang Bo's face, and in later promotion it might even save money.

On the Happy Twisted Dough side, Ning Hao also helped a lot—having this famous director make the introduction and give his endorsement is definitely stronger than Chen Ci going door-to-door alone with his script.

Once Ning Hao stepped in, he solved the two big problems of distribution and casting—this deal is truly a steal…

Chen Ci returned home; it was already deep into the night, quiet.

In the living room the lights were off, but the TV was on; Ju Ping and "Wan Pi" were happily interacting.

On the large sofa opposite the TV, a petite figure lay motionless.

Mei Na didn't know when she fell asleep; in any case, she slept very peacefully.

Chen Ci stepped forward, first turned off the TV, didn't rush to turn on the light, walked to the side of the sofa and squatted down.

"Mei Na, wake up, it's time to eat..."

"Hmm..."

Hearing the familiar voice, Mei Na slowly woke up.

Using a bit of weak moonlight, she instinctively reached out and touched Chen Ci's face.

In a daze she said: "Brother-in-law..."

Chen Ci didn't let her succeed, he caught her little hand: "You must be starving."

Hearing that, Mei Na barely shook her head: "No, Mao Mao came to make me food."

"Mao Mao came by; when did she leave?"

"I... forgot; just now Mao Mao was still keeping me company watching TV."

"Alright, get up first, have some milk."

"Hmm."

Gently he helped Mei Na up, inserted the straw for her and handed it to her.

However, just as Chen Ci sat down beside Mei Na, she suddenly seemed to lose all strength, her whole body going limp and collapsing.

Her round little head rested on Chen Ci's thigh; he also felt somewhat helpless, stroking the hair at the back of her head.

Soon the milk was finished, and the box emitted a soft "glug" sound.

After finishing the milk, Mei Na basically regained her spirits, while Chen Ci had absentmindedly braided two small plaits for her.

"Brother-in-law..."

Mei Na suddenly turned over, shifting from lying on her side to lying flat, staring straight at Chen Ci's eyes.

Chen Ci asked: "What's wrong?"

"Brother-in-law, do you like Mao Mao or Mi Mi?"

"Huh?"

Hearing that, Chen Ci wanted to laugh, but also felt curious: "Did Mao Mao have you ask? Did you tell Mi Mi about her?"

Mei Na pouted: "I didn't; Mao Mao doesn't know anything."

"Has the little girl learned to keep her lips sealed?"

Chen Ci grew even more curious: "Then which sister do you like more?"

Mei Na blurted out without hesitation: "Mao Mao."

"Why?"

"Mao Mao is pretty."

"Isn't Mi Mi pretty?"

Mei Na paused, then blinked her starry eyes: "Mi Mi is so fierce..."

"Hahaha..." Chen Ci couldn't help laughing: "You asked for it, I already told you not to shout randomly in front of strangers. You don't know how dangerous you were today; remember that from now on?" Qianqian Xiaoxiao

Mei Na leaned on Chen Ci's thigh and nodded: "I remember."

"Remember what?"

"I'm very dangerous..."