Chapter 125

On October 15, 2003, Shenzhou 5 launched successfully, marking China's first manned spaceflight.

Mr. Yang also became China's first astronaut in history.

This successful launch was a major achievement in the history of human space exploration.

It demonstrated that our aerospace technology had reached a new level and attained world-class standards.

Cheng Chen learned of this news from the television; at the time, he was on a car ride to Fan Yang.

Outside the car, the scenery was beautiful, surrounded by green shade, with ancient architecture elegant and refined, the environment excellent.

Lai Shuiqing not only had a good eye for casting actors, but also for selecting locations.

In his early years, he had complained that in Gang Sheng, there was only so much space to shoot, and even he grew tired of it before audiences did.

Now that he had come to the Mainland to develop, his homeland's vast and magnificent landscapes filled him with excitement.

He wished he could fit all those beautiful mountains and rivers into his camera…

After the car entered Fan Yang World Studios, Cheng Chen wandered around the studio.

Fan Yang World Studios was not as famous as Hengdian World Studios, nor as grand as Xin Wu World Studios.

But the scenery here was excellent, built in 1990 by CCTV with an investment of 300 million yuan.

Fan Yang World Studios' main attractions consisted of over a dozen filming locations, including Tang City, Han City, Tongque Terrace, Ming-Qing Imperial Palace, and traditional folk residences.

It primarily featured ancient-style architectural complexes set against the cultural backdrops of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States, Qin-Han, Three Kingdoms, Tang, and Ming-Qing periods.

Works such as Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, Journey to the West, and Guan Yun Chang had all filmed here.

After finding the shooting crew of Divine Doctor and Heroic Lover, Cheng Chen was about to enter when he was stopped by staff.

"Hello, I'm here to visit the set."

Cheng Chen took off his sunglasses and mask and smiled.

"Cheng Chen?!!"

The young girl stared at the man in front of her, delighted but flustered.

"P-please come in… I—I'm Xiao Tao, I… w-w-w I've finally met the boss in person!"

This girl named Xiao Tao was clearly a fan of Cheng Chen,

her voice trembling with excitement.

After the girl calmed down, she led Cheng Chen toward the set.

As they walked toward the set, she kept sneaking glances at Cheng Chen.

The boss came to visit our set—I must get his autograph later.

No, I need a photo with him too… will he refuse me? He probably won't…

Just as the girl was hesitating whether to ask for a photo, they arrived at the set.

At that moment, the crew was filming a fight scene; Zhuo Ge was suspended on wires, battling a group of black-clad men.

Zhuo Ge's career had been going well; he debuted in 1993 alongside Li Lianjie in Fang Shi Yu.

He stunned the film industry with his ruthless portrayal of the Nine Gate Commandant.

That same year, he signed with Xu Lao Guai to play the adult Huang Feihong in Huang Feihong: King of the Warriors, becoming the youngest actor ever to portray the role.

But what everyone remembered most about him was surely:

"Da Wei Tian Long, Da Luo Fa Zhou, Ban Ruo Zhu Fo, Ban Ruo Ba Ma Hong."

"Hmph! Trivial tricks, how dare you show off before experts? Da Wei Tian Long!"

This line came from 1993, from Xu Lao Guai's most subversive film, Green Snake.

Zhuo Ge's performance redefined Fahai.

His scenes with Zhang Manyu and Wang Zhaxian, two film queens, are still talked about today.

Two years later, in 1995, while filming The Manchu Banquet, Zhuo Ge formed a deep friendship with his brother Zhang Guorong.

Through him, he met Mei Yanfang and fell in love, but they broke up after only a year.

Mei Yanfang once said that if not for some mysterious reason, she would have become "Mrs. Zhao."

And that true mysterious reason has never been revealed…

Zhuo Ge's career had been steadily rising; with his reputation as a martial arts star, he was at the peak of his fame in Gang Sheng.

Then, unfortunately, he ran into Zhen Zidan… let's not talk about that.

Their conflict was huge; afterward, Zhuo Ge vanished from public view for many years.

Cheng Chen found it hard to judge who was right or wrong in that matter.

But he remembered Zhang Guorong once said that Zhuo Ge was too upright for the entertainment industry…

Lai Dao had also spotted Cheng Chen; he nodded at him, signaling he couldn't leave just yet.

Cheng Chen gestured to him to carry on.

Cheng Chen told the person behind him to bring some drinks and fruits to the set.

Visiting a set usually meant bringing snacks and drinks for the crew.

Cheng Chen told the girl beside him, Xiao Tao, that he was looking for Gao Yuanyuan.

The girl immediately understood and skipped off to fetch Gao Yuanyuan.

Soon after, Gao Yuanyuan walked over wearing her costume.

In Divine Doctor and Heroic Lover, Gao Yuanyuan portrayed Qin Zi.

The drama mainly depicted the complex and tense palace struggles between Lv Hou and Liu Xuan (Zhuo Ge).

And the emotional entanglements between Liu Xuan, Qin Zi, and Ti Ying (Jia Jingwen).

I have to say, Gao Yuanyuan's appearance in this drama was truly excellent—refined, elegant, with a spark of spirit between her brows.

"What brings you here? Aren't you filming a movie in Modu?"

During filming, Cheng Chen did not lose contact with Gao Yuanyuan or Yan Danchen.

"Just finished shooting, so I came over to check on you—how are you doing over there, sis?"

Cheng Chen asked.

"Doing fine. I've gotten to know Lai Dao well, and Min Min has been very caring toward me—just a bit tired."

Gao Yuanyuan looked weary, her voice soft and listless.

At this moment, she was not only filming *The Divine Doctor and the Heroic Companion* but also shooting *You're Smiling, But I'm Crying* in Qingdao simultaneously.

She often had to travel between two locations, playing roles set in ancient and modern times—completely different.

Gao Yuanyuan had once told Cheng Chen that shuttling between the two sets made her feel like she was time-traveling.

"Sis, you've lost so much weight—is your body holding up with all this traveling?"

Cheng Chen said, concerned.

"Who's got it easy like you, the big boss? I've got to work hard to earn money."

Gao Yuanyuan smiled.

"But you turned me down—otherwise, I could've guaranteed you one female-led film per year."

Cheng Chen muttered under his breath.

"Oh come on, our Cheng Chen has grown up—he can take care of his sister now."

Gao Yuanyuan gently pinched Cheng Chen's cheek, teasing him.

"Sis, I'm not a kid anymore—why are you pinching my face?"

Cheng Chen said helplessly.

"Hehe, it's my own choice… but honestly, the reason I can shuttle between two sets without getting scolded by the director is thanks to you."

Gao Yuanyuan withdrew her hand, her mood seeming to improve.

"What do you mean?"

Cheng Chen asked, puzzled.

"Of course, with Lai Dao, that's obvious—but over at the *Smiling* set, our director Ma is actually your fan."

After hearing that we're close, she asked me all sorts of questions about you."

She even said she wants to invite you to play the male lead in her next film."

Gao Yuanyuan said.

With Cheng Chen's current fame, many people wanted him to act.

It was perfectly normal that Director Ma wanted him to star.

"What's Director Ma's name?"

"Ma Liwen."

"Oh, so it's her…"

Cheng Chen remembered—this director wasn't famous, but one of her films had deeply affected Cheng Chen in his previous life.

A little-known drama called *Women Liao*.

Actually, *Women Liao* wasn't that obscure—only very few people paid attention to it.

The film's plot was simple.

It told the story of a lonely old man living in a siheyuan.

After renting his house to a girl named Xiao Ma, who came to Jingcheng to study.

Between the old man and the girl unfolded a touching story…

The warm, quiet daily life conveyed the film's humble emotions.

It felt like remembering one's own closest kin—two entirely different life paths briefly converging.

From initial unfamiliarity, through distance, conflict, reconciliation, to the formation of a friendship across generations, and finally, an unbearable parting.

The film focused on the social issue of empty-nest elders.

It also revealed that human companionship is always the most moving thing.

The bond between the old man and the girl was simple and unadorned—the director had great skill.

She turned a straightforward story into one full of twists, moving audiences to tears.

Several cleverly placed silences gave the film profound resonance.

Moreover, this film originally received five Golden Rooster Award nominations and won two.

It received two nominations at the Tokyo Film Festival and won one.

Interestingly, when this film was released domestically, it earned nearly zero box office.

But in neighboring Japan, it caused a sensation!

Compared to commercial films, *Women Liao* couldn't be called successful—even considered a failure.

Yet, in both its plot and its thematic focus, it sparked widespread social attention.

This jolted Cheng Chen—he realized Xinghuo Entertainment didn't need to put all its bets on TV dramas.

They could also make low-budget films with high box office returns.

Like *Lost in Thailand*, *33 Days of Breakup*, *Charlotte's Troubles*, *Unknown Individuals*, and others.

These films were all domestic examples of small investments yielding big returns—critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

Of course, Cheng Chen also considered *Crazy Stone*, but it was already 2003.

As early as 2000, Ning Hao had conceived the initial draft of *Crazy Stone* after being inspired by *Liang Gan Yan Qiang*.

But that didn't matter—Ning Hao didn't receive 3 million yuan in startup funding from Hua Zai's "Asia New Star Director Program" until 2006.

Cheng Chen could easily poach Ning Hao ahead of time—contact him before Hua Zai did…

Cheng Chen had just exchanged a few words with Gao Yuanyuan when Lai Shuiqing finished directing his scene.

Lai Shuiqing walked over, followed by a large crowd.

Among them were Zhuo Ge, Jia Jingwen, and other crew members from the earlier production.

Hearing Cheng Chen had come to visit the set, the group hurried over to see the star.

"A-Cheng, how was it on Xing Ye's set? I rarely hear him praise anyone."

"Not only did you act brilliantly, you even stepped in as action director—word is Yuan Baye admitted defeat to you."

Lai Shuiqing felt deeply satisfied, since Cheng Chen was the actor he had recommended.

Cheng Chen performing well on set brought Lai Shuiqing honor—he felt proud too.

Upon hearing Lai Shuiqing's words, everyone except Gao Yuanyuan looked astonished.

They were all in the entertainment industry and knew well who Zhou Xingchi and Yuan Baye were.

Cheng Chen landing a role in Xing Ye's film was one thing—but now he'd also connected with Yuan Baye?

And worse, he'd made Yuan Baye, the grandmaster of action direction, bow his head in respect—how powerful must he be?

But… why had no one ever heard Cheng Chen was skilled in action direction before?

Zhuo Ge, overhearing Cheng Chen could do action direction, smiled and said:

"Cheng Chen, are you from the martial arts world too? Who's your master?"

Cheng Chen chuckled bitterly:

"Zhuo Ge, I have no master—I just fumbled around on my own. I'm nowhere near your level."

Zhao Wenzhuo, hearing this, paused slightly, then said:

"So you're self-taught? You're a martial arts prodigy!"

Cheng Chen was stunned—Zhuo Ge's train of thought was truly peculiar.

"I can vouch for it! Cheng Chen really is a martial arts prodigy—back when we filmed 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber.'"

"He knocked down dozens of hooligans trying to take advantage of us in just a few moves—so impressive!"

Jia Jingwen stepped forward loudly, clearly enjoying the chaos.

As if fearing no one believed her, she tilted her smooth chin toward Gao Yuanyuan and said:

"Yuanyuan, you were there too—was what I said true?"

Gao Yuanyuan's eyes flickered, she glanced at Cheng Chen, smiled, and nodded:

"Mm."

Lai Shuiqing, dazed by the praise, said instinctively:

"Then our drama has many action scenes too—Cheng Wuzhi, why not come give us some pointers?"

Cheng Chen: …

Speechless.

Come on, sister, it wasn't dozens—that's an exaggeration.

Just three small hooligans—and I took them down with Su Youpeng!

Seeing Cheng Chen's helpless expression, everyone laughed, not taking Jia Jingwen's words seriously.

Everyone burst into laughter, and the long-absent awkwardness between them melted away.

"Hey, big star, you've been MIA for ages—I thought you'd forgotten us!"

Jia Jingwen said cheerfully.

"Miss Jia, you're a big star too—I find it hard to meet you!"

Cheng Chen turned her own tactic against her, smiling.

"Pfft, smooth-talker."

Jia Jingwen pouted—they'd known each other since 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber.'

They'd bickered and joked together for years; Jia Jingwen remained lively and likable.

"Come on, Cheng Chen, let me introduce you—you probably know him—this is Zhao Wenzhuo, the male lead of 'The Divine Doctor and the Heroic Lover.'"

Lai Dao acted as the intermediary, introducing them:

"Cheng Chen, Heavenly King singer, and also an actor."

Cheng Chen and Zhao Wenzhuo shook hands, saying:

"Zhuo Ge, I love the movie 'The Supreme Beauty' you and Jingwen did—you two didn't end up together, I still can't accept it!"

Lai Dao's habit of reusing actors he'd worked with before was no secret in the industry.

Actors like Zhao Wenzhuo, Jia Jingwen, Gao Yuanyuan, and Su Youpeng—he'd collaborated with each of them more than twice.

This new drama, 'The Divine Doctor and the Heroic Lover,' could almost be called the sequel to 'The Supreme Beauty.'

After all, the cast and crew were directly inherited from 'The Supreme Beauty.'

Cheng Chen's words weren't just flattery—the ending of 'The Supreme Beauty' truly wasn't a happy one.

After all, the male and female leads didn't end up together—and 'The Divine Doctor and the Heroic Lover' would finally make up for that regret.

Notably, 'The Supreme Beauty' had been released this year, and Jia Jingwen rode this wave to become wildly popular again on the Mainland.

Once news broke that Zhao and Jia would reunite in another historical drama, fans immediately began eagerly anticipating it.

"Cheng Chen, I love your songs too—especially your album 'Huayu Wanjiang'—it really gives us China pride."

Zhao Wenzhuo praised, still holding Cheng Chen's hand.

…