Chapter 511: with translation of chapter title

After hearing Jiang Heng say that Jurassic World is likely to be released next June, Zhang Yimou indeed became somewhat nervous, because the disadvantages of The Great Wall are too obvious.

Jurassic World is a big‑IP film, while his Qin‑version The Great Wall is an original story.

In terms of cast, the male lead Huang Xuan and the female lead Yang Mi have no international fame, let alone the other roles.

Although Jurassic World takes dinosaurs as its selling point and won't spend big money to hire Hollywood A‑list stars, it will still pick some familiar B‑ or C‑list faces.

Adding to that, his story is set in a distant ancient East, while the other is a modern tale; no matter how you calculate, his is at a slight disadvantage.

If it releases in the same slot or later, it will surely suffer a loss.

The only thing we can do now is to speed up filming so the movie can be released earlier.

At the same time, we can have Jiang Heng make a cameo to boost the cast's fame!

Zhang Yimou expressed his idea; Jiang Heng had no objection and laughed, saying, "See, what role should I cameo as?"

Zhang Yimou glanced at Zhang Ruozhuo chatting with Yang Mi beside him and said, "How about you two play a young married couple?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "You wouldn't have us play Meng Jiangnu and Fan Xiliang, would you?"

Zhang Yimou laughed and waved his hands, "No way, no way—your kung fu is so good, you'll definitely play a master in the film!"

Jiang Heng said, "I only have half a day!"

"I know, half a day is enough; I'll definitely let you wrap!"

In Jiang Heng's mind, the image of Liu Songren playing Chief Chen instantly appeared—handsome and pretentious, then quickly wrapping up and exiting.

The reason is simple: Liu Songren had no schedule, so he came just for a cameo.

Although his appearance was stunning, his death was sloppy, the contrast too great, so audiences still remember him years later.

"He wouldn't do that, would he? He couldn't possibly…" Jiang Heng muttered to himself.

He then beckoned Zhang Ruozhuo over, told her about the cameo, and she looked delighted.

Because two months ago she was merely a part‑time studying high school student, now she has not only become the female lead of Three Body 2, but also will cameo in Zhang Yimou's big film, and moreover will play a couple alongside Director Jiang Heng in the film—just thinking about it gets her excited! Yang Mi beside her could only sigh silently, this girl's luck is truly off the charts! After the cameo was settled, Zhang Yimou called in the on‑set screenwriter to assign identities to Jiang Heng and Zhang Ruozhuo.

Without much thought, they gave Jiang Heng the identity of a court envoy, and Zhang Ruozhuo became a princess of Qin.

Qin valued martial prowess; its princesses were nothing like the later secluded ladies bound by strict rules.

Zhang Ruozhuo plays a princess with decent martial skills; missing her elder brother Fusu guarding the northern frontier, she secretly hides in the entourage of the court envoy Jiang Heng is cameoing as.

Since they were already engaged, the envoy Jiang Heng happily brought the princess north together.

When they arrived in the north, a monster tide struck; they climbed the city wall, fought bravely to slay the beasts, and ultimately both died while trying to save Prince Fusu.

Jiang Heng looked at the hastily written script from the on‑set writer, both annoyed and amused, "Can this really be shot in half a day?"

The writer's expression was awkward, "I just wanted it to be reasonable!"

Zhang Yimou advised, "Anyway, our two crews are close; when it's time to shoot we'll prepare over here first, then come get you!"

Jiang Heng said, "On my side I have at most a month before I have to go to Europe for location shooting!"

Zhang Yimou said, "I know, I know—I'll tighten the scenes over here and guarantee we'll finish soon!"

"Alright!"

After all, it's our own production, so Jiang Heng couldn't really complain about those details.

First they tried on costumes and makeup, shot a few setups, had boxed lunches together at noon, then continued filming in the afternoon; by the time everything was done it was past eight at night. Zhang Yimou wanted to arrange a meal, but Jiang Heng waved him off, saying, "Forget it—filming is exhausting enough; let's skip the formalities. Once we're done, we'll have a proper feast!"

Zhang Yimou was born in 1950, now over sixty; after a day's work on set, having drinks and dinner and chatting a bit really takes a toll on him.

He could only apologize slightly, saying, "Consider this meal on my tab; I'll treat you all once filming is finished."

Zhang Ruozhuo looked flattered and quickly said, "No need, no need."

Leaving the set, they got into a Mercedes S600, and Zhang Ruozhuo sat properly in the passenger seat, like a timid quail.

Jiang Heng drove, smiling, "You must be starving—what do you feel like eating?"

Zhang Ruozhuo nodded slightly, "Just anything will do."

Jiang Heng said, "You said anything, so I'll just arrange something!" He then drove to a hot‑pot place not far from the China Film Digital Base.

Upon entering, a pretty hostess stepped forward, bowed, and smiled, "Director Jiang, is it your usual private room?"

Jiang Heng replied, "No need, just the two of us—a smaller room will do."

Looking it over, there isn't a single wrong version!

"Alright, please this way!"

Zhang Ruozhuo followed upstairs with a look of surprise, arriving at a finely decorated, luxurious private room of suitable size.

After ordering, the hostess left, and Zhang Ruozhuo wondered, "Do you come here often?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "Not only do I come often, this hot‑pot restaurant is actually a subsidiary of our company!"

"Ah?"

Zhang Ruozhuo was quite surprised; she knew the company had a real‑estate development arm that had built many residential projects and commercial complexes in Jingcheng these years, and she never imagined the company would also venture into catering.

Jiang Heng said, "The company has too much cash on the books to keep it all in the bank; it definitely needs to be invested. Food, travel, hotels, pharmaceuticals… opening this hot‑pot place is also so we can grab a meal conveniently during filming."

Zhang Ruozhuo nodded slightly, she understood Jiang Heng's meaning. A big star, it's too easy to be sneak‑photographed outside; having one's own place makes things much more convenient! She couldn't help but exclaim, "How awesome!"

Jiang Heng laughed, "It's nothing special—once you have a lot of money you'll see that making money from money is quite simple; they're like having reproductive power, they self‑multiply and keep growing."

Speaking of this, Jiang Heng suddenly thought of Hello Mr. Billionaire.

He could produce it himself ahead of time and have Zhang Ruozhuo play the female lead!

"Want to shoot a comedy?"

"Ah!"

Zhang Ruozhuo froze, not knowing how Jiang Heng's mind had leapt to that idea.

"I, I can't!"

Jiang Heng laughed, "No worries—anyway the jokes aren't aimed at you!"

"Oh oh!" the girl lowered her head, feeling a bit struck.

Jiang Heng said to himself: "Hmm, after filming Three Body 2, I'll let you star in a comedy, and your fame will solidify quite a bit. When you go to study at Beijing Film Academy or Central Academy of Drama, you should also squeeze out time to film one or two works each year!!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ruoruo felt that Jiang Heng was really good, considering her so far ahead and thoroughly.

"Director Jiang, you're really, that's great!" (End of chapter)