Chapter 526

Jing Tian instantly felt hurt, pouting: "Oh, I just missed you, came to see you, and while I'm at it, I wanted to ask about that female lead!"

Knowing the other 'rivals' would keep coming, Jing Tian didn't dare delay and went straight to the point.

Jiang Heng deliberately sighed: "Ah, after all that talk, it's still about the role—so sad!"

Hearing that, Jing Tian felt a bit guilty, moved closer and kissed Jiang Heng's cheek: "If I finish this film, can I come back and be your little assistant?"

Jiang Heng laughed: "That's more like it!"

"So you're saying you've agreed to let me play the female lead in the American version?"

Jiang Heng said: "Ah, I never said that—such a big matter can't be decided so lightly!"

Jing Tian snorted: "The American version just has a bit more influence in Hollywood and Europe; in the global film market it definitely can't compare to what you film. When you chose Dilraba for the female lead, I thought you decided pretty easily too!"

Hearing that, Jiang Heng's expression turned embarrassed. Well, because at the time he felt the female lead in this film was just a tool, not many highlights, so the selection was somewhat arbitrary.

How was Dilraba chosen back then? It seemed they thought her looks had an exotic flair, and besides she hadn't been in a big production for a while—roughly that was the consideration.

"Well, the script hasn't even come out, the female lead's character isn't set, so of course we can't decide hastily!"

Hearing that, Jing Tian felt it was reasonable, sighed: "Okay, then promise me you'll consider me first, alright?"

Jiang Heng laughed, ruffling her head: "Of course!"

Afterward, he asked Jing Tian how she'd been doing on the variety show team.

They were chatting happily when the door opened and Liu Yifei walked in.

"Hey, you came back fast!" Liu Yifei set her bag on the sofa, half-smiling.

Jing Tian wasn't flustered, stood up smiling: "It's not like we're far apart—on the contrary, you're filming in Hengdian and still managed to come back so quickly!"

Liu Yifei snorted, didn't answer, but asked Jiang Heng: "How about we go get hot pot together later?"

Jing Tian said: "Eating hot pot in midsummer—how hot!"

She then looked at Jiang Heng: "How about barbecue instead?"

Hearing that, Jiang Heng's head swelled, he flipped through the documents on the table: "I still have work, I won't join you for lunch—go eat whatever you like."

Jing Tian smiled: "Alright, let's head out then, so we don't disturb him."

Seeing that, Liu Yifei didn't want to linger, snorted and left the office.

After the two left, Jiang Heng quickly summoned his assistant Cui Zhenzhen, instructing: "Later, if any more female artists come, stop them all—don't let a single one in, got it?"

"Understood!"

Cui Zhenzhen said that, then stepped out in high heels, twisting her slim waist.

Jiang Heng scratched his head, suddenly recalling a TV drama where a bunch of beauties from an art troupe went to the US, each seeking out Mr. Hou—what a happy trouble! However, after Liu Yifei and Jing Tian left, other female artists kept arriving, all being blocked outside by Cui Zhenzhen.

These people, unable to enter the office, called or left WeChat messages—basically expressing their desire to play the female lead in the American version of *Alien Divergence*—and Jiang Heng's reply was always that they needed to see the script first before deciding.

After the female artists' issue was settled, male artists also came forward wanting to take part.

One must admit, the allure of "breaking into Hollywood" and "becoming an international star" is indeed strong.

Jiang Heng's reply remained the same: wait for the script to come out before making a decision.

As a result, in the afternoon an unexpected call came—none other than Wu Yan Zu, who had been struggling in Hollywood for years.

After exchanging pleasantries, Wu Yan Zu shared his idea: he wanted to vie for the second male lead in the American version of *Alien Divergence*. Jiang Heng laughed: "You really think that's necessary?"

Wu Yan Zu sighed: "Hollywood isn't easy to get by in!"

He debuted at the peak, starring in Jiang Heng's directed *The Matrix* in 1997, then collaborated multiple times with Jiang Heng, and his starring role in *Inception* even won an Oscar.

Afterward, their collaborations dwindled; Jiang Heng began promoting newcomers, Wu Yan Zu only occasionally cameoed, spending most of his time struggling in Hollywood.

Speaking of which, thanks to the influence of the *Matrix* trilogy and *Inception* etc., Wu Yan Zu still managed to snag quite a few leading man roles.

But because resources were relatively limited, most of the films he appeared in were mediocre, and gradually his standing and resources were downgraded.

Nowadays Wu Yan Zu's position in Hollywood is somewhat awkward—he belongs to the type who once shone but now lacks box-office draw.

It's a bit like the Chinese-film‑rise era's Hua Zi: big name, but can't carry box office, and resources are also relatively limited.

After thinking it over, Wu Yan Zu still needed to seek help from Jiang Heng.

Coincidentally, having learned that iQiyi and Columbia Pictures were preparing to co‑produce the American version of *Alien Divergence*, he made the call.

As for Wu Yan Zu's current situation, Jiang Heng had some awareness.

After checking it thoroughly, there isn't a single mistake in the version!

He spoke frankly: "My talks with Columbia Pictures are still ongoing; a supporting male role is still available—I can hold it for you, though I can't say how much screen time it'll get."

Wu Yan Zu hurriedly replied: "I'm already deeply grateful—anyway it's a big production, I really haven't filmed in ages!"

Jiang Heng chuckled: "There'll be a chance!"

After hanging up, he couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental.

"In this world, nobody stays glorious forever!"

Just like those actresses who a few years ago were playing youthful beauties—before you know it they're playing the mother of the male or female lead.

Male actors are similar—Cheng Long ge ge was very glamorous a few years back, but now he's starting to be mocked by the crowd.

Fortunately, I'm a big boss and director; as long as the quality of my effects‑heavy blockbusters doesn't slip, I won't be cast aside by the market anytime soon.

But thinking about how the overall 2024 film market is bleak, I also feel that the development of short videos needs to be taken seriously.

Having thought that, Jiang Heng called the CEO of his subsidiary, SoundTech, to come to his office.

Since they also work in the same building, not long after, the 30‑something CEO of SoundTech, Jiang Dongsheng, arrived before Jiang Heng.

"Director Jiang, did you call for me?"

Jiang Dongsheng came from the Weibo side; seeing his ability was decent, Jiang Heng put him in charge of developing the Douyin project.

"How's the progress going right now?"

"Following your instructions, after another round of adjustments, we've started testing; at the earliest, it could go live in early September!"

Jiang Heng waved his hand, smiling: "No need to rush that much—mid‑October launch is fine; do we have any plans for promotional activities?"

Uh, have you thought about it!

Tell me your thoughts!

Jiang Dongsheng said: "I think collaborating with Miaopai and Weibo, using celebrities to draw traffic, is not bad!"

Jiang Heng said: "Initially we can use this method to draw traffic, but to retain users we still need to put effort into the content!" (End of chapter)