Chapter 503

Jingcheng, the Outstanding Rising Film Company building.

Inside the chairman's office, Chen Kun sat opposite Jiang Heng, looking somewhat unnatural.

As a top-tier male star in the Chinese-language entertainment circle, with decent looks and acting skills, his collaborations with Jiang Heng have indeed been few.

Over the years, he has only appeared in the TV series *Great Feng Night Watchman* produced by Outstanding Rising Film Company, playing Xu Xinnian, and even then just a supporting role.

Thus, rumors have long circulated in the circle that Jiang Heng doesn't particularly like Chen Kun.

The reason is simple: during the filming of *Golden Powder Family*, his attitude toward Liu Yifei was poor.

The rumor was detailed and specific, with no denial from the parties involved, and given his multiple failed attempts to secure the male lead in Jiang Heng's effects-heavy blockbusters, the rumor spread even more widely!

In the end, even Chen Kun himself came to believe it.

Otherwise, I'm quite talented—why, after all these years, have I failed to land even a supporting role in a major film?

Could it be that there really isn't a suitable role?

As for this time, he too came with the idea of giving it a try.

After all, the box-office performance of the first *Three Body* film is already evident, and the published novel has spread widely in Europe and America, being hailed as a divine work by many political and business elites.

*Three Body 2*, as the second installment of the series, is likely to be the most exciting, with a high chance of becoming a global blockbuster, grossing two or three billion US dollars.

If he succeeds in winning the male lead, his career will undergo a dramatic transformation! Thinking about this, even if he's reluctant, his agency would drag him in anyway! Fortunately, Jiang Heng still gave him face, letting him in—though he has to wait in line.

Deng Chao, Tong Daiwei, Huo Jianhua, Peng Yuyan, Zhong Hanliang, Han Geng, Lin Gengxin……, many male actors with good image and temperament, not too old, have come.

Not to mention their exceptional abilities, at least the competition is fierce.

The maddening part is that no one knows what kind of person Jiang Heng wants to cast as Luo Ji, leaving everyone anxious, each clutching their life savings like they bought a lottery ticket waiting for the draw—except it's a super jackpot.

Thus, upon entering the office, even Chen Kun, who boasts of having weathered great storms, felt a bit nervous, and after exchanging greetings he didn't know what to say.

Jiang Heng casually asked, 'Have you read the *Three Body* novel?'

Chen Kun fell silent for a moment, then said, 'I've read a bit!'

'Is it obscure and hard to understand?'

Chen Kun gave an embarrassed smile, 'Somewhat!'

Jiang Heng laughed, 'Normal—when I first read it, I also found it hard to get into; literary works and popular novels are still different!'

Chen Kun nodded while laughing, for a moment unsure how to respond.

Jiang Heng continued, 'Then do you know who Luo Ji is?'

Chen Kun nodded, 'I understand. When he first appears, he is a carefree, irresponsible young scholar who often changes girlfriends. He holds dual degrees in astronomy and sociology, teaching sociology at Splendid Pure University. He once had a girlfriend who deeply influenced him emotionally and literarily; under her guidance, he conjured an ideal female image, but ultimately broke up with her due to his obsession with a virtual lover.'

After meeting Ye Wenjie at Yang Dong's tombstone...

Chen Kun clearly had done his homework; likely his agent and assistant hastily skimmed the novel and compiled these character traits and experiences for him.

'Then what do you think is the most important thing to portray this role well?'

Chen Kun thought for a few seconds, then earnestly said, 'I don't care!'

'Don't care about what?'

'I don't care about myself, nor about all of humanity! If the Trisolarans dare to launch an invasion, he'd dare to fire the coordinates, and we'd all die together—what's the big deal?'

Jiang Heng smiled and said okay, because most of the previous answers had been flippant.

Of course, there were similar answers, but their image and temperament were somewhat lacking compared to Chen Kun's. When young, Luo Ji was a playboy who flitted among flowery crowds; you really need that image and temperament to convince the audience, right?

After all, Luo Ji doesn't come from a wealthy aristocratic family; he needs solid personal qualities to pull it off!

Although Chen Kun's appearance, demeanor, and answers satisfied Jiang Heng, since he's here, we might as well do a simple audition.

Jiang Heng had him stand up and directly perform some Luo Ji-related scenes without props.

When it came to acting, Chen Kun wasn't as nervous.

He stood up as Jiang Heng requested and performed a short segment.

'Good, not bad. Since time is limited, I won't keep you; you'll hear back no later than tomorrow noon.'

Chen Kun hurried over to shake hands, saying thanks.

Afterward, staff first guided him downstairs to the waiting lounge, where his agent, assistant, and driver came over to ask how it went.

The male stars still waiting in line mostly looked tense.

Chen Kun's expression was solemn; 'Let's talk later,' he said, heading first toward the elevator.

Upon reaching the underground parking lot, the agent could hardly wait, stepping forward quickly to ask, 'How did it go? He couldn't possibly have a negative opinion of you, could he?'

Chen Kun smiled helplessly, 'No, Director Jiang's attitude was fine throughout, and from his gaze I sensed approval. I think the chances are still pretty good—if nobody tells him otherwise.'

'You mean Liu Yifei?' the agent asked, a bit nervous.

Chen Kun shook his head, 'That shouldn't be the case!'

Although he hasn't had much contact with Liu Yifei later on, being in the same entertainment circle, many things can't stay hidden.

Fans and viewers may not know who's good or bad, but insiders usually see it clearly.

'I'm just afraid that a big company collaborating with Director Jiang will strongly push their own candidate!'

'What kind of big company?'

'Like Penguin, Ali, or Wanya!'

'Shouldn't be, shouldn't be!' the agent muttered.

That said, he was still a bit nervous.

Because of the continued prosperity of the Chinese-language entertainment industry, the two internet giants Penguin and Ali have indeed entered the fray.

In recent years, the shadows of those two companies can be seen behind many film projects.

However, Jiang Heng is neither short of money nor resources, and his effects-heavy blockbusters have not yet been touched by those two companies.

But this project is different—*Three Body 2*—aside from its superb box-office prospects, the key is that the original novel is regarded as a bible by many internet moguls! Being able to invest and participate in making such a film means enormous significance for them.

Normally, an average actor wouldn't even think of such a thing.

It's just that Chen Kun has a gloomy disposition, thinks too much; although he feels his chances of success are high, he still dwells on all the possible reasons for failure.

As a result, after getting in the vehicle and leaving, Chen Kun went home and stayed in his room, not coming out.

Jiang Heng said there would be news before noon tomorrow; before then, he really didn't want to do anything at all! At Outstanding Rising Film Company, in the small meeting, Jiang Heng told several company executives the audition results, initially feeling that Chen Kun was still more suitable.

"What about the Myriad Clamor Film Company over there?" a vice president couldn't help but say.

Jiang Heng merely raised his head and glanced; the latter was so frightened they didn't dare breathe! (End of chapter)