Chapter 484

"The Great King, Don't Panic" is a pure comedy that satirizes the present by borrowing from the past, setting the story background in Journey to the West. From the perspective of little people, it tells the story of a "heavenly workplace person" — a panda spirit who goes undercover in a monster stronghold and, by a twist of fate, becomes the mountain king.

The opening of the story already pushes the comedic mismatch to the max, the bureaucratic authoritarianism of heaven and earth shows no mercy, superiors' speeches are always vague and mysterious, you have to figure it out yourself, "support but not encourage," even in 13 when information was not yet developed, Du Huan couldn't help but laugh.

"Is this really written by Director Jiang?"

Ning Hao hearing this also felt a bit puzzled.

Mainly judging from Jiang Heng's growth experience, it has nothing to do with office workers—where would such profound insight come from! "Probably, right!" Ning Hao also didn't want to make a guarantee, Du Huan didn't dare to overly question, and the two just discussed the film's preparations around the script's setting.

The male lead, the panda spirit Linglong Tower, code name Lingling, definitely shouldn't be too thin; it's best to be a bit cute and lovable.

Du Huan and Ning Hao exchanged a glance and, without prior agreement, both said Lin Zhichong.

In this timeline, Lin Zhichong, who has always played Zhu Bajie in the "Journey to the West" film series, happens to have his mainland agency contract signed with Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company.

Giving him the role of Linglong Tower is truly a case of "not letting the water flow to outsiders' fields"—it couldn't be better.

Jiang Heng's initial script draft did not arrange any romance for the male lead, but from a box‑office perspective, a beautiful female lead is a must.

Du Huan thought and said, "After all, it's still a big‑effects blockbuster. Do this: when you revise the script, first write out the characters, and I'll later ask Director Jiang for his opinion."

Ning Hao also thought this was appropriate; such a resource for a blockbuster female lead is not something even Du Huan would dare to decide lightly, let alone him.

"Alright, then I'll go back and start writing. As for props, I'll first use whatever leftover from Journey to the West—saving a bit is good!"

Du Huan meant the same, nodding in agreement.

The two chatted for over an hour; only when the secretary came to report did Ning Hao leave.

As work was about to end, Tao Hui drove a Porsche 911 convertible to the company's downstairs, twisting her slender waist, and entered the boss's office.

"Already finished shooting?" Du Huan wondered.

Tao Hui took off her hat and sunglasses, "No, I just felt uncomfortable, so I came back first!"

"What's wrong, heatstroke?"

"I'm in a bad mood!"

The little girl pouted her lips, wearing a pitiful expression.

Du Huan hurried forward and asked, "What's wrong? Who made you angry?"

"You!"

"Me?"

Du Huan felt a bit dazed; he had been running around all day and had no idea how he'd offended this young lady.

Although they were an older husband and younger wife, he had always doted on Tao Hui, and in a caring tone he said, "How could I have offended you?"

"The company is going to shoot another big‑effects blockbuster, right?"

"Hey, you're talking about this?" Du Huan didn't think much of it.

Tao Hui, however, refused to accept it, saying, "I still heard from others that you didn't tell me first!"

Du Huan said, "I've already told you before—I can help you get roles in small‑ to medium‑budget films and big‑production TV dramas, but for this big‑effects blockbuster, no!"

"Why not? Dilireba is playing the female lead!" Tao Hui wore an unhappy face.

She and Dilireba were dormmates at National University, and because they both passed the audition for One Person Under, they entered Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company together.

Dilireba played Xia He and then continued studying at Shanghai Theatre Academy.

She, on the other hand, has played supporting roles in numerous films and TV dramas produced by Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company, and thanks to Du Huan's backing, she has been doing quite well these years.

But people have a tendency to compare themselves with those around them. In Tao Hui's view, she and Dilireba came from the same dorm, and their looks and figures are not much different.

Seeing Dilireba selected by Jiang Heng to play the female lead in The Star‑Crossed Path, Tao Hui felt envious; she had once mentioned it to Du Huan, only to be flatly refused.

Even if Tao Hui knew her own standing, making a fuss for a couple of days would pass.

Not expecting Zhang Yimou to pick Yang Mi for his big‑effects film, she began to have active thoughts.

She thought about when to tell Old Du, so he could discuss with Director Zhang and also let herself become the blockbuster female lead.

But before she could bring it up, she suddenly heard the news that Ning Hao and Du Huan had chatted all afternoon, seemingly preparing another big‑effects blockbuster.

Tao Hui's thoughts instantly sprang to life, impossible to suppress.

She didn't dare hope for the female lead in Director Jiang's or Director Zhang's big‑effects films, but maybe Ning Hao's could work!

Since even the commercial hadn't finished shooting, she dropped her assistant and drove back alone.

Her attitude was also very firm—just I want to be the lead.

Seeing this, Du Huan panicked inside, fearing that if she lost her temper and caused a scene in the office, his dignity would be completely gone.

After a moment's thought, although Ning Hao's film also has effects, it sells on comedy, so the female lead's role is practically optional—after all, would Ning Hao randomly write romance?

Du Huan recalled Ning Hao's representative works since his debut—Crazy Stone, Crazy Race, The Gold Heist, No Man's Land—the romance scenes are really weak!

Moreover, Tao Hui's appearance and figure are also quite beautiful.

"Hmm, you say that, and I also think this film is quite suitable for you!"

Tao Hui was taken aback; although she came over looking fierce, she actually felt quite guilty.

If Du Huan said no, she would also back down—would she really dare to cause a scene with Du Huan? Truly losing face for Du Huan, making him lose all standing in Outstanding Rising Film Company, what benefit would that bring her? She definitely wouldn't do that.

"Really, husband, are you really going to help me strive for this? You, you're too good—so good I can hardly believe it!"

Du Huan's words were originally just perfunctory, but seeing Tao Hui's current attitude, he also felt he should genuinely help her strive for it.

"Of course, when have I ever lied to you? Once Ning Hao's side finishes revising the script, I'll personally go talk to Director Jiang!"

"Husband, you're really too good—I'm so moved. When you go to talk, gauge Director Jiang's mood; if he's not happy, just forget it, don't let me affect you!"

Du Huan, hearing this, felt even more that the matter should be settled, and he declared boldly, "Just relax—having a husband like me, I'll definitely make you the blockbuster female lead!"

Tao Hui, moved beyond words upon hearing this, hurriedly pressed Du Huan into a chair and helped massage his shoulders and legs.

Du Huan closed his eyes to rest, looking very relaxed.

This man, after all, still mostly likes gentle women!

But just a couple of days later, Du Huan called Ning Hao to ask how the script revision was going.

The latter looked bewildered, thinking, "You didn't tell me to go back and revise slowly—why are you still rushing?"

"Hmm, not bad, the plot framework is mostly revised, just some details still being sorted out!"

"What kind of character does the female lead have, and does she have a lot of screen time?"

Ning Hao gave a brief introduction, then immediately said, "I was worried the female lead would have too much screen time, affecting the story's overall coherence, so I didn't make major changes!"

Du Huan said, "Good, good, I think this is quite fine!"

In his heart he said, "I can still help fight for a female lead with less screen time, but if it's too much, then it really becomes impossible to handle!" (End of chapter)