Chapter 465: with translation of chapter title

The sequel of Heroic Troops Series continues the previous work, with Liang Bing as the main antagonist; thus the opening depicts Liang Bing and her group traveling to Mars to subdue the crocodile god Suo Dun.

The title Heroic Troops Series sequel continues the previous work, with Liang Bing as the main antagonist; thus the opening depicts Liang Bing and her group traveling to Mars to subdue the crocodile god Suo Dun.

We need to keep numbers etc. No numbers.

Let's produce English: "The sequel of Heroic Troops Series continues the previous work, with Liang Bing as the main antagonist; thus the opening tells the story of Liang Bing and her group going to Mars to subdue the crocodile god Suo Dun."

Check: we kept all info.

Liang Bing then leads her villainous squad in causing mischief everywhere, the Heroic Troops Series joins forces with the Angel Team, and together they finally foil Liang Bing's scheme.

Translation: "After that, it's about Liang Bing leading her villainous little team causing trouble everywhere; the Heroic Troops Series and the Angel Team join forces, ultimately thwarting Liang Bing's plot."

We need to keep the quotation marks; the Chinese title uses book title marks, which we can keep as 'Heroic Troops Series', and the team name translates to 'Angel Team'.

The plot is relatively simple, with the focus on various fight scenes and character development.

Translation: "The plot is relatively simple, with the focus on various fight scenes and character development."

Like the antagonist Liang Bing in this installment, she is not a pure evil demon but a person with her own beliefs and principles.

Translation: "Like the antagonist Liang Bing in this installment, she is not a wholly evil demon, but a person with her own beliefs and principles."

This also foreshadows her later redemption; from this perspective, her character positioning is very similar to Loki in The Avengers 1, both having a certain comedic attribute.

Translation: "This also lays groundwork for her later redemption; from this angle, her character positioning is very similar to Loki in The Avengers 1, both having a certain comedic trait."

The newly introduced characters, such as Angel Yan and Angel Queen Kesha, are the ones Jiang Heng intends to focus on developing.

Translation: "Meanwhile, the newly introduced characters Angel Yan and Angel Queen Kaisa, among others, are the ones Jiang Heng intends to focus on developing."

Note: Jiang Heng is male.

This part isn't difficult; it's simply a matter of getting the modeling right to make the character designs as beautiful as possible.

Translation: "This part isn't difficult; it's just a matter of doing the modeling well to make the character images as beautiful as possible."

For an ordinary film production company, this might be challenging, but for Jiang Heng, who possesses a 'super microcomputer', it's truly something he can whip up in minutes.

Translation: "For an ordinary film production company, it might be difficult; but for Jiang Heng, who has a Super Microcomputer, it's truly something he can whip up in minutes."

Moreover, the previously popular Heroic Troops Series anime saw its reputation plummet and its popularity drop sharply in the third season, mainly because the modeling of characters like Angel Yan became ugly.

Translation: "By the way, the previously popular Heroic Troops Series animated manga, upon reaching its third season, suddenly saw its reputation plummet and popularity drop sharply; the main reason was that the modeling of characters like Angel Yan became ugly."

Fans came to see their goddess in their hearts; if you make her look drastically worse, expecting fans to still support you is simply out of your mind.

Translation: "Fans come to see their goddess in their hearts; if you make the goddess's looks plummet, yet still expect fans to support you, that's really wishful thinking."

Another important reason is that the male lead, Ge Xiaolun, has his screen time drastically reduced, relegating him completely to a supporting role.

Translation: "Another important reason is that the male lead Ge Xiaolun's screen time was severely cut, reducing him completely to a supporting role."

This also upsets many fans, as it completely changes the story's perspective. Many originally entered the story through Ge Xiaolun's point of view; losing that immersion makes it hard for fans to stay supportive. In fact, these issues were already hinted at in the first season.

Translation: "This also makes many fans unhappy, because that completely changes the story's perspective. And many people initially got into the story by identifying with Ge Xiaolun's viewpoint. With the loss of that immersion, how can fans still support it? In fact, these problems already showed signs as early as the first season."

In the original comic, when Ge Xiaolun fights the Gluttonous Army, his entire state is shattered; he's crying and whimpering, leaving no trace of a male lead's dignity.

Translation: "In the original manga, Ge Xiaolun, when fighting against the Gluttonous Army, had his entire state shattered; he was sniveling and tearful, where did any main character's dignity come from?"

Note: Gluttonous Army (or Taotie Army); we'll translate it as 'Gluttonous Army'.

From a character‑building standpoint, it might be fine, but doing this in a film is truly unacceptable.

Translation: "From a character‑shaping standpoint, maybe it's not a problem, but doing this in a film is truly unacceptable."

In the first Heroic Troops Series produced by iQiyi, Ge Xiaolun's timidity and cowardice are only momentary; he soon bravely fights the enemy and makes a significant contribution to winning the entire war.

Translation: "In the iQiyi‑produced first installment of Heroic Troops Series, Ge Xiaolun's timidity and cowardice were only momentary; he soon bravely slew the enemy and made a significant contribution to winning the entire war."

Therefore, the setting from the original comic where Meiqi and Ge Xiaolun's relationship hits rock bottom after the Tianhe battle does not apply in the sequel.

Translation: "Therefore, the setting in the original manga where Meiqi and Ge Xiaolun's relationship hits rock bottom after the Tianhe Battle is not applicable in the sequel."

Note: 'Meiqi' refers to Li Meiqi (her nickname 'Rose'); thus the pair is Meiqi and Ge Xiaolun.

Jiang Heng changed it so that after enduring the brutal war, Ge Xiaolun grows and transforms, no longer a timid, weak loser but a true warrior.

Translation: "Jiang Heng changed it so that after undergoing the baptism of a cruel war, Ge Xiaolun grew and transformed; he is no longer a cowardly weak loser, but a true warrior."

His attitude toward Meiqi is one of acceptance; he still likes her, but he's become somewhat indifferent.

Translation: "His attitude toward Meiqi is one of letting go; he still likes her, but he's become somewhat indifferent."

Women only affect his sword‑drawing speed.

Translation: "Women only affect the speed at which he draws his sword."

In this installment, Ge Xiaolun's power surges, making him the true Galactic Force.

Translation: "In this installment, Ge Xiaolun's power surges, making him the true Galactic Force."

Meiqi notices Ge Xiaolun's change, and a subtle feeling quietly arises.

Translation: "Meiqi notices Ge Xiaolun's change, and a hint of affection quietly arises."

The sudden appearance of Angel Yan completely breaks through her defenses.

Translation: "But the sudden appearance of Angel Yan directly breaks her defenses."

It's truly unimaginable that the Ge Xiaolun she once overlooked is actually the handsome male god of that stunning angel—what a huge contrast!

Translation: "It's truly unimaginable—Ge Xiaolun, whom she never looked upon, turns out to be the male god of that stunning angel; the contrast is really huge!"

At the film's end, Meiqi invites Ge Xiaolun for a night talk, only to find Angel Yan sitting on the roof, laughing and saying, 'So you like him too? Sorry, he's mine!' Although the 'two women vying for one man' trope is cliché, there really are people who enjoy watching it.

Translation: "At the film's end, Meiqi invites Ge Xiaolun out for a night talk, only to find Angel Yan sitting on the roof, smiling and saying, 'So you like him too? Sorry, but he's mine!' Although the 'two women vying for one husband' trope is cliché, there really are people who enjoy watching it."

Just like those overbearing CEO romances with older, divorced Mary Sue characters—though the story and plot are often criticized, they still get high ratings, proving that people really do watch them. On set, they are currently filming the scene where Ge Xiaolun battles the crocodile god Suo Dun.

Translation: "Just like those overbearing CEO loves‑older‑divorced‑Mary‑Sue dramas, the story and plot are criticized all over, yet they remain hot‑aired; indeed, people really do watch them! On set, they are currently filming the scene where Ge Xiaolun battles the crocodile god Suo Dun."

But then we see Hu Ge wearing black armor, hoisted high by wires, swinging his long sword forward violently; the motion‑capture actor in black clothes covered with reflective pieces blocks upward with his weapon prop, and is instantly yanked backward by the wires.

Translation: "But see Hu Hu wearing black armor, his body yanked high by the wires, he brandishes his longsword forward with a fierce swing; the motion‑capture actor in black clothes covered in reflective pieces, holding a weapon prop, blocks upward, and his whole body is immediately yanked backward by the wires."

Note: The phrase 'violently swing out' might be a typo; we keep its meaning.

"Click!"

Translation: ""Click!""

The executive director called cut, looked at Jiang Heng behind the monitor, saw him nod, and then said, 'All right!' 'Take a break!'

Translation: "The executive director called a cut; after looking at the monitor behind Jiang Heng, seeing him nod, he only said, 'That's a wrap!' 'Take a break!'"

Jiang Heng stood up and said, and everyone cheered in unison.

Translation: "Jiang Heng stood up and said, and everyone shouted approval in unison."

Hu Ge then tossed aside his long sword and sat down on the ground, utterly lacking any dignity.

Translation: "Hu Hu, meanwhile, tossed aside his longsword and sat down on the ground without any image."

Because Ge Xiaolun has plenty of screen time, Hu Ge is also the most exhausted person on the whole crew. Shooting dialogue scenes is fine; given his ability, it can be said to require little effort.

Translation: "Because Ge Xiaolun has plenty of screen time, Hu Hu is also the most exhausted person on the whole crew. Shooting dialogue scenes is fine; with his ability, it can be said to require no effort."

Action scenes are tough, though, since he isn't a professional stunt performer; being hoisted by wires makes his head spin and his brain feel swollen—it's extremely unpleasant.

Translation: "But action scenes are hard, since he's not a professional stunt performer; being hung by the wires makes his head spin and his brain feel swollen—let alone how awful it is."

At this moment, he truly feels a bit envious of those fresh‑face actors who can rely on stand‑ins for almost everything except their on‑camera appearances.

Translation: "At this moment, he truly feels a bit envious of those fresh‑face actors who can rely on stand‑ins for almost everything except their on‑camera appearances."

Unfortunately, Jiang Heng's strict demands mean he can only wish for that; as he's gasping for breath, an assistant already approaches, wanting to help him step aside to rest.

Translation: "Unfortunately, Jiang Heng has strict demands, so he can only think about it! As he was taking a big breath, the assistant had already come over, wanting to help him aside to rest."

Hu Ge waved his hand, and then Huang Xiaoming came over, suggesting they go smoke a cigarette together.

Translation: "Hu Hu waved his hand; just then Huang Xiaoming came over, suggesting they go smoke a cigarette together."

Hu Ge didn't refuse this time; after getting up, he followed Huang Xiaoming out of the filming site.

Translation: "Hu Hu didn't refuse this time; after getting up, he followed Huang Xiaoming out of the filming site."

"You're so tired you're getting snarky!"

Translation: ""You're exhausted enough to be smug!""

"Don't even mention it—I wake up every morning with my whole body sore!"

Translation: ""Don't even mention it—I'm sore all over every morning when I wake up!""

Huang Xiaoming laughed and said, 'This shows you have a lot of screen time—we wish we had that!'

Translation: "Huang Xiaoming laughed, "This shows you have a lot of scenes—we wish we had that too!""

Hu Ge gave a hehe laugh, not taking advantage of the situation to act cute.

Translation: "Hu Ge gave a hehe laugh, not taking advantage to act cute."

Note: Hu Ge is the actor Hu Ge.

Out of consideration for plot confidentiality, each actor's script varies in thickness; for example, the actor playing Cheng Yaowen, Zhou Dong, has only a few pages, essentially just a cameo.

Translation: "Out of consideration for plot confidentiality, each actor's script thickness differs; for example, Jay Chou, who plays Cheng Yaowen, has only a few thin pages—he's basically just there to make up the numbers."

Hu Ge's script is quite substantial, making Huang Xiaoming look at it with envy.

Translation: "Hu Hu's script, by contrast, is quite substantial, making Huang Xiaoming look on with envy."

The character Zhao Xin, whom he plays, is considered a main force in Heroic Troops Series, yet his screen time has been greatly reduced.

Translation: "The Zhao Xin he plays is considered a main force in Heroic Troops Series, yet his screen time has been cut by a large chunk."

Even if the film sells worldwide, the benefits he receives remain limited.

Translation: "Even if the film sells worldwide after release, the benefits he gains are still limited."

As for Hu Ge, thanks to the two Heroic Troops Series films, he can firmly secure a first‑tier position in the entertainment industry!

Translation: "As for Hu Hu, thanks to the two Heroic Troops Series films, he can firmly secure a first‑tier position in the entertainment industry!"

Huang Xiaoming enjoys making friends, especially capable ones; therefore, since the filming of Heroic Troops Series 1 began, he has built a good relationship with Hu Ge.

Translation: "Huang Xiaoming enjoys making friends, especially capable ones; thus, since the filming of Heroic Troops Series 1 began, he has cultivated a good relationship with Hu Hu."

Now, working together again, their rapport is even better.

Translation: "Now, working together again, their rapport is even better."

After chatting a bit, Huang Xiaoming suddenly asked, 'By the way, what are your plans after this film?'

Translation: "After chatting a bit, Huang Xiaoming suddenly asked, 'By the way, after this film, what are your plans?'"

"What what plans?" Hu Ge looked bewildered.

Translation: ""What what plans?" Hu Hu stared blankly."

"About the contract—you're not planning to stay at Tangren forever, are you?"

Translation: ""Your contract—you're not planning to stay at Tangren for life, are you?""

Huang Xiaoming wore a look of surprise; he said he wasn't prompted or hinted by anyone, it just came up in conversation.

Translation: "Huang Xiaoming wore a look of surprise; he said he wasn't prompted or hinted by anyone, it just came up in conversation."

In his view, after the contract ends, choosing a better company or starting one's own studio is completely normal.

Translation: "In his view, after the contract expires, choosing a better company or setting up one's own studio is quite normal."

Staying with the old company all along, however, would seem rather unconventional.

Translation: "Staying with the old employer all along, however, looks rather unconventional."

Who would have thought Hu Ge would say, 'I haven't even thought about those things; Sister Cai has been really good to me all these years!'

Translation: "Who would have thought Hu Hu would say, 'I haven't even thought about those things; Sister Cai has been really good to me these years!'"

Upon hearing this, Huang Xiaoming's expression went blank; for a moment he didn't know what to say—there really are people like this.

Translation: "Upon hearing that, Huang Xiaoming's expression went blank; for a moment he didn't know what to say—there really are people like that."

After a few seconds of pause, he said, 'Director Jiang also thinks highly of you; haven't you considered coming to iQiyi?'

Translation: "After a few seconds of silence, he said, 'Director Jiang also thinks highly of you; haven't you considered coming to iQiyi?'"

Hu Ge remained silent; Jiang Heng's high regard for him is naturally palpable.

Translation: "Hu Hu remained silent; Jiang Heng's high regard for him is naturally palpable."

He also has a direct sense of iQiyi's strength.

Translation: "He also has a direct sense of iQiyi's strength."

It's just that Cai Yirong has been genuinely good to him, while Tangren Media has been declining these past few years; if he left, would the company collapse?

Translation: "It's just that Cai Yirong has been genuinely good to him, while Tangren Pictures has been slipping a bit these years; if he left, would the company collapse?"

"I really didn't think that much! Hu Jie's hard way."

In this life he never experienced a car accident, and his pursuit of a film career is even stronger; to say he isn't moved by Outstanding Rising Film Company's resources is obviously impossible.

Huang Xiaoming and Hu Jie chatted about that, feeling it was only natural for him to move to Outstanding Rising Film Company.

After all, seeing that he isn't very ambitious and shows no sign of striking out on his own, going to a bigger platform is quite normal.

At Outstanding Rising Film Company, there are naturally people who share the same view.

One day, the company's vice president Li Xiaoping came to visit the set, saying that the male lead of a new drama the company is preparing would be perfect for Hu Jie. Jiang Heng said: "Then let's pick him!"

Li Xiaoping gave a wry smile: "Director Jiang, he's not from our company! When you shoot effects-heavy blockbusters, considering actor-role fit, picking an outsider is fine enough. For TV dramas, though, it's better to use our own people as much as possible!"

"You mean, poach him over?"

"Exactly, he has today's fame and status, over 70% of his achievements come from Outstanding Rising Film Company; Cai Yiner certainly was his benefactor, and Hu Jie has repaid those debts over the years. To keep holding on would be too greedy!"

Jiang Heng nodded slightly, indeed agreeing with that. Before he didn't say it, first because he was busy with many things and sometimes forgot; second, because he didn't want to force others.

His principle is to win people over with virtue, not to do things that rely on power to suppress others.

Li Xiaoping, however, cares about performance; seeing Jiang Heng's expression clearly showing agreement, she hurriedly said: "This way, I'll go talk to him—if he comes to Outstanding Rising Film Company, both sides benefit!"

Jiang Heng thought and said, "Everything is best when it's voluntary; if he doesn't want to come, certainly don't force him! In the entertainment industry, talent is never lacking."

Li Xiaoping laughed: "Absolutely no pressure—he'll definitely agree!"

Jiang Heng neither confirmed nor denied, but seeing Li Xiaoping so confident, he just let her go ahead and do it.

If it succeeds, that's naturally best; if it fails, it's no big deal.

There's no talk of suppression; we'll simply not use him again if needed.

Cai Yiner's debt of gratitude to Hu Jie is real, but the issue is that outstanding talent like an awl in a bag will surface when opportunity arises.

With Hu Jie's qualifications, even without Cai Yiner he could still make a mark in the entertainment industry.

But without Jiang Heng, there would be no such prominence today.

If one only remembers Tangren Film Company and forgets Outstanding Rising Film Company, that would truly be...

However, after Li Xiaoping left Jiang Heng's side, she only contacted Hu Jie after the crew wrapped work.

He was momentarily taken aback, his cheeks instantly flushing slightly.

Since that day when Huang Xiaoming casually brought up the issue of staying or leaving after his contract expired, Hu Jie really pondered it, resulting in him staying awake straight through that night, only falling asleep as dawn approached.

Consequently, during filming the next day he made successive mistakes, and Jiang Heng sternly reprimanded him several times.

At the time Hu Jie dared not argue back, but his mind remained on his own future prospects.

Those who struggle in the entertainment industry truly have no one who is genuinely pure-hearted and indifferent to fame and profit.

Those who claim they don't want to be famous or aren't willing to be famous—nine times out of ten they won't become famous.

He Hu Jie is young, his popularity is strong, his career steadily rising, naturally he wishes to advance further.

And now the biggest obstacle hindering his development is precisely Tangren Film Company, which originally nurtured him.

This company is really too small, with limited funds and talent, and the number of film and TV works it produces each year is limited.

Even if every production revolves around him, it still cannot let him advance further.

Perhaps it's time to break out.

These past few days Hu Jie has been wandering in thought, sometimes pondering what Jiang Heng really thinks of him, why Outstanding Rising Film Company hasn't sent anyone over—fortunately Li Xiaoping finally came today.

"Ms. Li, are you looking for me?"

"I wanted to come and talk with you about your future development—what do you think of Director Jiang?"

"Director Jiang is great, he takes good care of me!" Hu Jie said somewhat shyly.

Back then his landing the male lead in *The Heroic Legend of Arslan* was truly a stroke of luck.

Because the competition was truly extremely fierce, Huang Xiaoming, Deng Chao, Nie Yuan and other first-string young male leads were all vying for that role.

Compared to that, he, coming from Tangren Film Company, is still relatively disadvantaged.

But who would have thought that Jiang Heng would choose him?

It was precisely this film that let his fame and stature rise rapidly. After its release, his performance received widespread praise, and various resources began to increase.

From this angle, Jiang Heng's "debt of gratitude" toward him is not inferior to Cai Yiner's.

Li Xiaoping smiled: "Director Jiang has praised you more than once to me—do you know how he put it?"

"How did Director Jiang put it?" Hu Jie asked curiously.

"Like jade the person on the path, a peerless gentleman!" Li Xiaoping said slowly.

Upon hearing that, Hu Jie felt his cheeks grow ever hotter.

"Director Jiang is overpraising me!"

Li Xiaoping said: "I actually think Director Jiang's praise is just right! Hu Jie, you should know your own talent; I think you deserve a greater future, but the current platform is more of a limitation than a help to you."

Hu Jie's face flushed with embarrassment upon hearing that—indeed he felt the same way—but to say Tangren Film Company is bad to Li Xiaoping's face, he really couldn't bring himself to speak.

Fortunately Li Xiaoping wouldn't make things difficult for him: "You know Outstanding Rising Film Company's strength. Director Jiang puts out about two effects-heavy blockbusters a year. Low- and mid-budget films have no numerical limits at all. As long as there's a suitable script, investment isn't a problem."

To put it bluntly, if you want to direct and star in your own work, as long as the script is suitable and has selling points, the company will absolutely support it.

As for TV dramas and such, Outstanding Rising Film Company produces how many big productions each year—you should be fairly clear on that!

Hu Jie said: "I know, the company's strength is number one domestically. I just have limited talent; directing is probably beyond me."

Li Xiaoping laughed: "If you can't direct, you can just hire someone else! If you're interested in a story and want to star in it, that's not difficult either."

Hu Jie sincerely praised: "The company's support for artists is truly excellent. Not to mention domestically, even if you include Haolaiwu, you couldn't find anything better!"

Li Xiaoping smiled: "You being able to say that makes me happy, and it's not in vain of Director Jiang's cultivation of you. I know you're thin-skinned; facing President Cai's words, you might very well be unable to speak! So how about this: I'll handle the follow-up matters for you, okay?"

Hu Jie's expression was embarrassed; he opened his mouth but never managed to say a word.

Just then, his phone rang.

In fact, even before Li Xiaoping's appointment with Hu Jie, his assistant had already called Cai Yiner.

But she was out and couldn't answer right away, so she only called back now.

Hu!

Manager Cai, hello, I am Li Xiaoping!

Hu He had just picked up the phone and got the line, before he could even speak, Li Xiaoping took over.

On the other end of the line, Cai Yirong heard it and felt a racing heart; they had long known this day would come!

Manager Li, what do you mean, how could Hu He's phone be with you?

Nothing much, I just discussed joining iQiyi with him, and you happened to call, so I'll tell you about it! (End of chapter)