Chapter 378: Role Selection

Han Dong may not be a big hit yet, but his fame is decent; he gets plenty of roles in various film and TV dramas, and he can still afford a house in Jingcheng.

After getting off the plane, he first said goodbye to his agent and assistant, then took a car back to his own home.

The next day, an agent drove over to pick him up early and headed to the Outstanding Rising Film Company building.

Director Jiang, hello!

In the luxurious office, Han Dong and his agent greeted Jiang Heng together.

Sit, sit, are you filming in Hengdian?

Han Dong hurriedly explained, "It's a historical drama, and my role isn't big!"

The agent added, "Everything follows Director Jiang's lead!"

Jiang Heng laughed, "It's not that urgent; filming is expected to start around the end of September, giving us over ten days to prepare—should be enough time?"

The agent said, "Sure, sure, it won't take that long; we'll definitely be back on time to report!"

Jiang Heng nodded slightly, then summoned Cui Zhenzhen to come in and lead Han Dong to makeup.

Actually, with the Super Microcomputer, the makeup effect for each actor can be simulated after they're done.

However, since we went to the trouble of calling them over for an audition, we might as well do the full thing.

After more than half an hour, Han Dong, having finished makeup and changed clothes, entered.

Jiang Heng gave a slight nod, got up, walked around, and thought it was not bad.

The storyline takes place before human civilization began; the Wu tribe's clothing naturally isn't luxurious, but it's not the "barely covering" Roman style either.

Overall, the design is ancient and simple, looking very plain.

If we must point out a flaw, it's that Han Dong's physique is still a bit too slender.

"Find time to work out and train your muscles!"

Han Dong listened, heart pounding—was that a hint of criticism?

The agent hurriedly said, "Director Jiang, don't worry; we'll crazy‑bulk up before we join the production!"

"Hmm, don't overwork yourself—go sign the contract!"

"Ah, okay, thank you, Director Jiang, thank you, Director Jiang!"

Han Dong and his agent thanked Jiang Heng profusely as they left his office, and under Cui Zhenzhen's guidance went to the Legal Department to sign the contract.

After all, it's already the nation's top film and TV conglomerate; contracts, salaries, etc., are handled by specialized staff, and Jiang Heng merely confirms who to use.

After signing the contract, Han Dong returned once more to thank them again.

Then he went to the Script Department and received a story outline limited to Houyi's scenes.

Leaving the Outstanding Rising Film Company building, the agent could no longer contain his excitement: "Little Han, you've really made it this time—you're really going to blow up!"

Han Dong thought so too, but since the film hasn't been shot yet, he dared not get too excited.

"Hmm, this really is a heaven‑sent opportunity; we must seize it well!"

"Of course, shall we go celebrate?"

Han Dong thought and said, "Better to first send the script outline home; if we accidentally lose it, that would be a big problem!"

The agent nodded repeatedly, deeply agreeing.

To be honest, he now cares more about the Houyi role than Han Dong does—after all, if Han Dong becomes a top‑tier star, his own fortunes will rise as well!

The two first sent the script outline home, then went elsewhere to drink.

On Jiang Heng's side, after deciding on the actor for Houyi, he began to consider who should play Chang'e.

Initially, he wanted to invite a group of actresses to audition.

But later he realized that preparing this film involved too many tasks, so he decided to keep things simple.

After all, if they don't start shooting early, it will affect next year's film release! After flashing through the famous actresses in the industry in his mind, Jiang Heng thought of an actress who had once played Chang'e and received great praise—Yan Chengchen.

He had no prior contact with Yan Chengchen, but Huang Xiaoming is her classmate, so he likely has a connection.

Moreover, the film has many named roles, and Huang Xiaoming is also an old acquaintance of his, so he still needs him to come play a part. Thinking this, Jiang Heng directly called Huang Xiaoming, who was already beside himself with excitement.

"Director Jiang, do you need me to come over for an audition?"

"Well, don't get excited—the male lead has already been cast!"

"Oh, oh, it's decided!"

Huang Xiaoming originally wanted to ask, "Do you think I still have a chance?"

But he also knows Jiang Heng's personality—once a decision is made, it's hardly ever changed.

It seems the male lead role is out of reach; Director Jiang called to invite him to play a supporting role.

"A supporting role in Director Jiang's new film is also a resource many people dream of! So what's the call about?"

"Well, there's a fairly substantial role in the film—the Great Witch Xingtian—and I'd like to invite you to play it!"

"No problem, no problem!"

"As for the schedule, that's fine too, right?"

"Since you've asked, of course there's no problem!" Huang Xiaoming chuckled.

Jiang Heng then said, "You and Yan Chengchen are classmates, right?"

"Yes, are you looking for her?"

"There's an important role I'd like to invite her to audition for—could you let her know?"

If it were anyone else, Jiang Heng would just have someone look up Yan Chengchen's contact info and have the staff call her.

But Huang Xiaoming is quite loyal, so Jiang Heng had him pass along the message instead.

Huang Xiaoming indeed gladly did this: "Sure, sure, Director Jiang, rest assured—I'll personally accompany her to the company for the interview tomorrow!"

After hanging up, Huang Xiaoming let out a slight sigh—who would want to play a supporting role when they could play the lead?

Moreover, given his current standing in the industry, it would be nearly impossible for him to take a supporting role in any other film.

However, these industry-unspoken rules that have become customary, in Jiang Heng's videos, all fail.

You think you're a first‑line star, unwilling to be a supporting role for a second‑line? There are many people willing to act! Furthermore, iQiyi's resources are so abundant; if you maintain a good cooperative relationship with Jiang Heng, you might get your turn sometime.

If you dare to refuse, you won't need to think about those anymore! Huang Xiaoming sighed, then dialed Yan Jingchen.

The latter was initially startled, because although they were classmates, their relationship in college wasn't very close.

Yan Jingchen, because she is pretty, started getting so many acting jobs in her sophomore year that her hands were full, while Huang Xiaoming at that time was still worrying about having no roles to shoot.

Not long after graduation, Huang Xiaoming became a first‑tier superstar, while Yan Jingchen could only spin in bad movies, becoming a mere vase‑type actress, the kind with little fame.

Their star power differed too much; although they were classmates, they hardly had any contact.

"Hey there, big star, what made you decide to call me?"

Huang Xiaoming hurriedly said, "Please don't call me that—I'm hardly a big star!"

Yan Jingchen replied, "You're being overly modest—among our classmates, you're the hottest one now!"

Huang Xiaoming gave a hehe laugh, accepting Yan Jingchen's flattery.

He then said, "In the past that was true, but soon it won't be!"

"What do you mean?"

"Because you're about to become the hottest one!"

"Just joking—I'm an unknown TV drama actor; no matter how famous I get, I can't outshine you! Unless…!"

She had wanted to say, "Unless Director Jiang promotes me!" But thinking about Huang Xiaoming's sudden call and what he had just said, her voice involuntarily trembled.

"What do you mean?"

"I have good news to tell you: Director Jiang has invited you to audition tomorrow; I think it's very likely you'll get the role—remember to treat me to a meal!"

(End of chapter)