Chapter 446

For a first‑line star, an 880,000 red packet is really nothing.

Like later, only being relatively popular in TV dramas but with few film works, Shuangzi earned a peak daily income of 2.08 million, a money‑making speed that leaves ordinary people stunned.

It's no wonder that more and more second‑generation individuals are entering the entertainment industry, competing with ordinary people for resources, because money comes too fast.

But for Guli Nazha, who had just become popular in early 2012 and was still studying at the Beijing Film Academy, an 880,000 red packet exceeded her expectations.

She found herself wondering whether to buy a Porsche 718, since the car the company provided was too old‑fashioned and didn't show the aura of a little fairy; but after a second thought, she felt the 718 was a bit low‑end.

Not to mention driving a Ferrari—at least it should be a 911! Thinking this, her gaze when looking at the check became resentful, and she pouted, saying, 'Just giving this amount leaves people feeling neither up nor down!'

The assistant beside her felt a bit dazed, wondering how it could be neither up nor down.

He glanced at his watch and said, 'Time's almost up—change clothes first; it wouldn't be good to be late!'

Nazha thought it made sense, changed into a short skirt suit, and returned to the banquet hall.

Only to see the hall filled with stars; wherever one looked were beauties—such as Liu Yifei, Jing Tian, Gao Yuanyuan, Yang Mi, Tang Yan, Zhao Liying, Dilireba, Kelala, and Ni Ni, etc.

Even a girl like Guli Nazha felt that the beauties of Outstanding Rising Film Company were like clouds! As for the many industry bigwigs present, although they usually saw too many pretty girls, they were still dazzled.

Jiang Wen laughed heartily and said, 'The prettiest few girls in the Chinese‑language entertainment world are all in Brother Jiang Heng's grasp!'

Jiang Heng smiled and wasn't modest, saying, 'All my life I've been superficial; the standard is just looking at the face. In this film and TV industry, if you take vulgar commoners and pretend they're peerless beauties, you're just fooling the audience like they're idiots!'

Those around burst out laughing, saying, 'No way, no way.'

Jiang Heng just smiled and stayed silent, sighing inwardly, 'You have no idea what the Chinese‑language market will become in over ten years!' After a round of chatting and laughing, everyone took their seats and drank.

First, they congratulated Jiang Heng on Battle Through the Heavens breaking the Neidi box‑office record; since such talk had been heard too many times, a few words sufficed, and then they discussed Jiang Heng's plans for the year.

After all, several of the guests present had new dramas this year, all eyeing the golden time slot that Jiang Heng had freed up.

If this person, who had been resting halfway, suddenly came out of retirement, it would surely frighten everyone.

'Well, the first half of the year is mainly for rest, keeping busy with company affairs. But the second half, there's a chance I'll act in a film!'

'Act in a film?'

Everyone was stunned, genuinely shocked by Jiang Heng's words.

Jiang Heng glanced around, saw everyone's tense expressions, and secretly amused himself.

'Oh, it's not some effects‑heavy movie—just a pure martial‑arts epic!'

Zhang Yimou is the Yi Zuo Mei Zuo of Outstanding Rising Film Company and had heard something about Jiang Heng planning to film a sequel to The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber: The Leader of the Demon Sect.

Recalling Jiang Heng's splendid performance in Hero, he suddenly said, 'Director Jiang's skills are not inferior to Li Lianjie's; the martial‑arts film he acts in will surely be great!'

Jiang Wen listened, curious, 'Oh, what film, do you need brothers' help?'

Jiang Heng glanced at Jiang Wen, a thought flashed in his mind, and he smiled, saying, 'If you put it that way, I feel there are two roles that only Elder Brother Jiang Wen and your younger brother could perfectly portray!'

'Oh, but I don't know what kind of roles they are, requiring us brothers to act?'

'The Two Elders of Mount Hua!'

'Holy shit!'

'Hahaha!'

After Jiang Heng said that, everyone at the table laughed.

Jiang Wen rubbed his head and said, 'I'm so handsome, how could I play the Two Elders of Mount Hua? At worst I'd have to be Yang Xiao!' Everyone laughed again. That said, Jiang Wen is still quite confident about his appearance.

Back when filming Farewell My Concubine, they originally wanted Jiang Wen to play Duan Xiaolou, but he insisted on playing Cheng Dieyi, leaving them no choice but to give in.

As a result, Jiang Wen also said, playing Duan Xiaolou isn't challenging, but playing Cheng Dieyi is; the novel never said Cheng Dieyi isn't my type! I'd guess Chen Kaige hearing that would have a rather large shadow in his heart.

At the dinner table, Han Sanping asked Jiang Heng whether he would direct it himself.

Jiang Heng shook his head, saying he planned to invite Wang Jing; he would just be the lead actor, responsible only for acting.

Han Sanping breathed a slight sigh of relief upon hearing that.

Because the China Film Group had recently invested in several big‑budget films, they really feared Jiang Heng might suddenly jump into a effects‑heavy blockbuster.

As for the martial‑arts film he would star in, there's no need to worry too much.

The decline of martial‑arts films is the trend; even a kung‑fu emperor like Li Lianjie can't reverse it, let alone Jiang Heng!

In this era, chivalry is no longer needed, and people no longer admire it.

Once its spiritual core disappears and is no longer recognized by society, all a martial‑arts film can offer the audience is splendid action sequences.

From this point of view, how could it possibly compare with effects‑heavy blockbusters?

Therefore, even the classics of Jin Yong would struggle to achieve high box‑office returns, so naturally there's no need to worry excessively.

The female companions at the same table all perked up their ears, listening to the discussion of Jiang Heng and the others.

The new film, The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, with Jiang Heng as the lead! Although the news had been out for a while, there had been no follow‑up, and it was unknown whether Jiang Heng would still film it; today, however, they heard more definite news.

Among the female stars at the table, it could be said that none of them would refuse to take part.

No other reason—the attention is too high! If one could play a female lead or an important supporting role, and preferably have scenes opposite Jiang Heng, wouldn't that create a hot topic? 'Da Tian Tian, Director Jiang, did you say I could participate?' Zhao Liying asked quietly.

'Well, he said to let me play Zhao Min!' Jing Tian replied quietly.

Zhao Liying's eyes lit up as she envied, 'Really great!'

Needless to say, the female lead of this play is definitely Zhao Min!

Not far away, Yang Mi asked Liu Yifei what role she would play, and the latter shook her head.

'You're not acting?' Yang Mi expressed some surprise.

'Exactly!' Liu Yifei said in a calm voice.

She and Jing Tian now feel like they never see each other—unless it's an important event of Outstanding Rising Film Company, they basically never appear in the same setting, let alone co‑star in a film!

Upon hearing this, Yang Mi's eyes lit up and she whispered, 'Then could you recommend me to play Zhou Zhiruo?'

'You want to play her?'

Liu Yifei doesn't think this is a good role; of course, in the original novel Zhou Zhiruo isn't so depraved, and she still loves Zhang Wuji in her heart.

But the problem is that in The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber: The Leader of the Demon Sect, Zhou Zhiruo is completely blackened and frames Zhang Wuji! Yet Yang Mi feels nothing wrong, because Zhou Zhiruo is in the rescue! 'I'm not like you, able to casually pick roles—just acting in whatever comes my way!'

Liu Yifei thought: "I still wanted to play Zhao Min, but unfortunately that girl got ahead of me!"

Said calmly: "Okay, I'll help you say it later!" (End of chapter)