Chapter 185: Big Beard Zhang: You

After spending a day touring Xiangshan Dao with Liu Tianxian, Cheng Chen gave her no clear answer.

After all, Liu Xiaoli had surely made plans for Liu Tianxian's acting career.

Without the mother's approval, Cheng Chen didn't want to deceive an innocent girl.

Cheng Chen did not leave Xiangshan directly.

He had agreed to have dinner with Chen Zihan, and this woman had already been quite critical of him.

If he left without saying goodbye, she'd likely give him an even colder look next time they met.

Director Yu Min heard Cheng Chen had come to visit the set and proposed having dinner together that night.

Seeing no one object, Cheng Chen nodded in agreement.

Only when they met that evening did Cheng Chen realize it wasn't Yu Min who was hosting him.

It was Big Beard Zhang Jizhong.

The fifty-something Big Beard looked vigorous, his long hair paired with a thick beard.

He exuded the aura of an artist.

Perhaps artists are naturally romantic; like countless famous directors, Big Beard had a lengthy romantic history.

He had been married three times.

His third wife was thirty-one years younger than him.

Hmm, Big Beard was on par with Hou Yong—both had three wives.

And both had huge age gaps with their third wives.

But Big Beard was clearly more capable than Hou Yong.

After all, Hou Yong's young wife was only about twenty years younger.

The public also criticized Big Beard's third marriage, often voicing complaints.

But Big Beard didn't care about these voices; instead, he frequently posted affectionate content on social media.

The couple often released daily life videos, in which Big Beard's wife, Du Xingling, wore a Hanfu.

Her waist-length hair was coiled up, giving her the look of a classical beauty, with refined makeup and great poise.

Big Beard carried their young daughter on his back; the family of three looked happy and harmonious.

Later, he switched to carrying his son.

It was clear that although Big Beard was seventy, his condition remained excellent…

From their daily interactions, it was obvious Big Beard held high status in the family.

His wife, dressed in Hanfu, bowed respectfully like a servant.

Big Beard didn't even lift his eyelids; he refused to take the tea she offered, the scene resembling an ancient novel.

One must admit Director Zhang had excellent control over his wife—she respectfully called him "Master."

"Cheng Chen, I know you—young man, you're quite good."

Big Beard sat at the head of the table, commanding respect without raising his voice.

This man, long active on set, carried heavy authority and had a loud, resonant voice.

It was well known that Big Beard demanded exceptional professionalism from actors.

He required actors to enter character instantly, whether for crying or rage scenes.

For actors who didn't take their roles seriously, Big Beard was never lenient.

At his age, he'd seen too many actors; his method for dealing with insincere ones was "to strike."

Yeah, he'd slap them—he was very familiar with this practice…

Sitting beside him were Director Zhang Min, Huang Xiaoming, Liu Tianxian, Chen Zihan, and Yang Xiaomi.

You could say all the main creators of "The Divine Condor" were here.

"Producer Zhang, you flatter me—I grew up watching your films."

Cheng Chen smiled cheerfully.

Big Beard was one of China's few directors centered around the Producer role.

This was also the future trend—Hollywood was almost entirely producer-driven.

Added to his early debut and numerous awards from early films, his status in the industry was very high.

Cheng Chen saying he grew up watching Big Beard's films wasn't flattery.

The man truly had real talent.

Big Beard nodded and said nothing more.

Perhaps because both Director and Producer were present, the atmosphere remained unusually subdued.

Even the usually mischievous Yang Xiaomi had put away her usual antics and sat quietly eating.

Even Xiaoming Ge, with his massive fame, was reduced to serving tea and pouring drinks.

Cheng Chen, however, was perfectly at ease—he wasn't part of "The Divine Condor" crew and had no collaboration with Big Beard.

At most, he was simply showing respect as a junior in the entertainment circle.

The group ate dinner in a strange yet quiet atmosphere, saying nothing of importance.

Cheng Chen did toast several times to Director Yu Min, asking him to look after Chen Zihan and Liu Tianxian.

One of these women was his friend and the matchmaker for him and Yan Danchen.

The other was the little girl who constantly chased after him calling him "Cheng Chen Ge."

Speaking up for both of them wasn't difficult.

This made Yang Xiaomi beside him extremely envious.

At the same age—seventeen or eighteen—Liu Tianxian had Cheng Chen, the Heavenly King, watching over her.

It's truly maddening how people compare themselves to others!

Zhang Dahu didn't drink alcohol that night because he had matters to attend to, so he substituted tea; Cheng Chen toasted him twice.

After dinner, Huang Xiaoming, Liu Tianxian, and others returned to the set dormitory early, as they had filming the next day.

Just as Cheng Chen was about to take his leave, Zhang Dahu suggested they have tea together.

There's a tea room on the upper floor of this hotel…

"I heard Master Jin Yong revised Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre because of you?"

As soon as they sat down upstairs, Yu Min rose to brew tea, and Zhang Dahu got straight to the point.

"Yes, that's right."

Zhang Dahu was referring to when he played Song Qingshu in Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre and happened to witness Cheng Chen arguing with the director on set.

At the time, Cheng Chen expressed his understanding of the character Song Qingshu.

When Jin Yong returned to Gang Sheng, he revised Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre accordingly.

After receiving Cheng Chen's confirmation, Zhang Dahu nodded and asked again:

"Last time you were in Gang Sheng, did Master Jin Yong stand up for you?"

"Yes."

Cheng Chen nodded.

Zhang Dahu was a die-hard fan of Jin Yong.

Back then, when CCTV planned to adapt The Smiling Proud Wanderer, Zhang Dahu represented CCTV in negotiating the adaptation rights with Jin Yong.

Jin Yong said, "If you film The Smiling Proud Wanderer at the same level as your adaptations of Three Kingdoms and Water Margin, I'll sell it to you for one yuan."

In the end, the deal was indeed finalized for one yuan.

That meeting forged a deep friendship between Zhang Dahu and Jin Yong.

Since then, many of Jin Yong's novels—She Diao Yingxiong Zhuan, The Heaven and Earth Sword, The Return of the Condor Heroes, and others—were adapted by him into films and TV series.

Zhang Dahu nodded, his gaze softening from its earlier scrutiny.

"I'm planning to remake Jin Yong's next novel—would you be interested in auditioning?"

Zhang Dahu said.

"Is it Wei Xiaobao?"

Cheng Chen asked curiously.

Rumors about Zhang Dahu remaking Wei Xiaobao had circulated for some time, though they had yet to be confirmed.

So when he mentioned it, Cheng Chen blurted out the question.

Zhang Dahu nodded and said:

"As Jin Yong's final work, Wei Xiaobao is his magnum opus.

Adapting it into film and television is our duty as cultural workers."

In his words, he held Jin Yong in the highest esteem.

Cheng Chen would never dare contradict him—Lao Zhang was a true fan; if you dared speak ill of his idol, he'd make you regret it instantly!

Cheng Chen smiled and said:

"Producer Zhang, which character in Wei Xiaobao do you want me to play?"

"Wei Xiaobao."

Though he had already guessed it was likely him, Cheng Chen was still startled when he heard it.

"Me? Wei Xiaobao?"

Cheng Chen pointed at his own face, astonished.

"Surprised? You're handsome—that's appealing to audiences—and you're very popular with women, which fits Wei Xiaobao perfectly."

Zhang Dahu sipped his tea and spoke slowly.

Cheng Chen was half-amused, half-exasperated, and said:

"Producer Zhang, how did you get the idea that I'm popular with women?"

Zhang Dahu glanced at him and said:

"During dinner, all three women at the table kept watching you.

Chen Zihan seemed to have some distance between you, but she never stopped observing your every move.

When you drank, she poured your wine; after you finished, she even served you dishes.

Though it only happened twice, it did happen.

Liu Qianqian is even more obvious—her eyes were glued to you. Of course, she's still young…"

Hearing this, Cheng Chen silently thought: Who's the one least qualified to call someone young?

"As for Yang Xiaomi, she admires you greatly—of course, you're talented and an idol to many young girls.

So you're the perfect choice to play Wei Xiaobao."

Zhang Dahu said calmly.

Hearing this, Cheng Chen suddenly remembered: Chen Zihan really had served him dishes.

As for Liu Qianqian, no need to mention it—Yang Xiaomi truly did admire him.

So, Lao Zhang hadn't come to dinner tonight just to eat.

He'd come specifically to observe how much attention Cheng Chen got from women…

Listening to Zhang Dahu's incisive analysis, Yu Min, who had been brewing tea beside them, kept nodding.

His gaze toward Cheng Chen took on a new tone.

You little guy came to my set just to chase girls, didn't you?

Cheng Chen laughed and sighed at the same time, saying:

"To put it plainly, all of this is just your guesswork—or mere misperception."

"Misperception is good—it makes the audience believe you are exactly that kind of person."

"You've already nailed half of Wei Xiaobao's role."

Huh? That actually makes some sense.

"Producer Zhang, let me go home and think about this carefully."

Cheng Chen smiled bitterly.

"You should think carefully—no rush. At the very least, wait until 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' finishes filming before I can devote energy to the next project."

"Think it over. I'll also see if there's someone more suitable than you."

Zhang Dahu said with a smile.

His meaning was clear: hurry up and decide—I'm not short of actors.

Cheng Chen understood his implication, but what could he do?

He couldn't possibly argue with this stubborn old man.

Zhang Dahu invited Cheng Chen for tea mainly about the role of Wei Xiaobao.

Now that the important matter was settled, Zhang Dahu began chatting about personal matters.

Something like a little fan inquiring about his idol's recent status.

Such as: How is Master Jin Yong's health lately?

Or: What has Master Jin Yong been busy with lately?

They didn't part until much later; Cheng Chen's throat was dry from talking, and he'd drunk a whole pot of tea.

……

The next day, under Liu Tianxian's reluctant gaze, Cheng Chen departed Xiangshan for Jingcheng.

"My lord, where on earth have you been this time?"

As soon as Cheng Chen returned to Xinghuo Entertainment, an unexpected visitor stormed into his office.

"Sister Xiao, let me catch my breath first—don't rush to assign tasks."

Cheng Chen said helplessly.

Wang Tianxiao never loitered around him unless something was wrong, and when she did, it was always big.

Hearing her tone, Cheng Chen knew it was definitely bad news.

Seeing Cheng Chen's expression, Wang Tianxiao didn't get angry—she laughed instead, saying:

"My lord, I'll report to you: your concert tour has been canceled because you're too busy with daily affairs to spare time."

We were forced to cancel it, causing the company to suffer a huge financial loss."

Of course, as our largest shareholder, you have the right to decide not to earn this money—but at least maintain the rhythm of one concert per year."

The New Year is coming soon, yet you're still lounging around—this won't do."

Cheng Chen pinched the bridge of his nose and said:

"I understand. Go now, Xiao Xiaozi."

"Go die!"

Wang Tianxiao slammed her palm onto Cheng Chen's desk, snarling:

"When is this year's concert finally set for?!"

Cheng Chen was startled by her outburst and said:

"Same as always—December 30th, how's that?"

Upon receiving Cheng Chen's confirmation, Wang Tianxiao clapped her hands happily and said triumphantly:

"That's more like it. I'm off—remember what you just said."

"Got it, no need to see me off."

Cheng Chen sighed; he'd finally gotten rid of this plague.

In truth, he had indeed acted improperly.

Since the company was entrusted to Wang Tianxiao's management, obeying her was his duty.

If it weren't for Su Qingya keeping an eye on him, he probably wouldn't have remembered the concert at all…

After settling the concert matter, he immediately called Su Qingya in and said:

"Qingya, go buy me a copy of 'The Deer and the Cauldron.' By the way, Zhang Jizhong has invited me to star in this drama."

"Of course, it's not finalized yet—but if I agree, it's essentially settled."

"Keep an eye on developments. Tell me immediately if you hear anything."

"Alright, I understand."

Su Qingya nodded.

'The Deer and the Cauldron' has been remade many times; the most classic versions are Chen Xiaochun's and Tony Leung's.

The rest are too numerous to list—few are memorable.

Even Zhang Dahu's version made people shake their heads, since Huang Jiaozhu's acting was wildly over-the-top.

But the seven wives in that version were quite good.

Shu Chang as Jianning Gongzhu, Liu Yun as Mu Jianping, Hu Ke as Su Quan, Li Feier as Ceng Rou…

Of course, if you stretch the timeline further, you'll also see Zhang Yishan's version of Wei Xiaobao.

Hmm, that version…

Let's put it this way: compared to Zhang Yishan's 'Wei Xiaobao,' Huang Jiaozhu's portrayal became the classic.

In this version of *The Deer and the Cauldron*, the opening three minutes.

The audience sees a Wei Xiaobao wearing a green hat, his face full of wrinkles, struggling to convey glibness through facial expressions alone.

One can see Zhang Yishan's effort, but through mere eyebrow-raising and eye-rolling, his goofy expressions seem to harbor some kind of misunderstanding about Wei Xiaobao.

One netizen commented, "Is this Wei Xiaobao, or Song Xiaobao?"

Before this, the lowest-rated *Deer and the Cauldron* was the one directed by Yu Min and starring Huang Jiaozhu.

Its Douban score was 5.6.

Mm, Zhang Yishan's version is 2.6, setting a new low for Douban ratings of domestic dramas that year.