Chapter 230: I am willing!

Lu Chuan's father and aunt were both well-known writers in the literary world. He was admitted to the Beijing Film Academy's graduate program for directing in 1995 and received his master's degree in 1998. However, after graduation, between 1998 and 2001, Lu Chuan did not receive a single filming offer.

The frustration of having "no place to display his talents" left Lu Chuan feeling deeply defeated at the time. It was precisely then that a novel titled *The Gun Search* struck a chord in his heart. Thus, Lu Chuan bought the rights to *The Gun Search* for 10,000 yuan, attempting to adapt it into a screenplay and bring it to the big screen, hoping to find his own "lost gun."

With Jiang Wen's *Devils on the Doorstep* banned and Jiang Wen himself banned from directing for five years, he also felt he had lost his gun. Disheartened and stifled, Jiang Wen treated *The Gun Search* as his own work, a vessel to vent his inner emotions.

Both men had lost their guns, but clearly, Lu Chuan was not as fierce as Jiang Wen; the gun ultimately took on Jiang Wen's shape.

Wu Yuchen recalled this not for any other reason than knowing Jiang Wen's current state of mind: stifled, resentful, and in urgent need of an outlet. He wanted to explode.

Shen Lian, however, was an Embroidered Uniform Guard, a *Xiuchun* blade; to put it plainly, his state was akin to a tool. The stifled resentment of Jiang Wen, who had fire he couldn't vent, was vastly different from the dullness of Shen Lian, who kept everything buried deep in his bones.

Wu Yuchen understood this clearly, so Jiang Wen's words were simply him being unreasonable.

Just as Jiang Wen was about to say something else, Wu Yuchen interrupted him again:

"Brother Wen, don't argue with me. No means no. Don't even think about Shen Lian. Your face won't work for it; I need to find someone good-looking to pull in box office numbers!"

Duan Long shook his head: "Why would I sign up for Jin Yichuan? That doesn't suit me at all. Looking back and forth, the only one I can sign up for is this Ding Xiu."

Lu Chuan needed Jiang Wen, relying on Jiang Wen as the lead to pull in investment, but he didn't need to.

It wasn't that Wu Yuchen was afraid he couldn't suppress Jiang Wen, but he found it troublesome. This guy was currently stifled and anxious; if he really played Shen Lian, he would insist on discussing every scene with Wu Yuchen for half a day, arguing for his own reasons. If that happened, a film that should take two or three months to shoot would be dragged out to half a year.

In the original version, Lu Jianxing was played by Wang Qianyuan, whose character was steady, loyal, honest, and filial. If Jiang Wen played him, wouldn't he become the ringleader of a rebellion?

Jiang Wen, opposite him, said directly: "Hey, don't try to fool me with that. Isn't it just a matter of your word? I won't make it hard for you; I'll come to the audition in two days. If I can't beat the others, I'll have nothing to say!"

In this film, besides the female lead Zhou Miaotong, whom Jiang Qinqin was to play, there were indeed two other female roles with limited screen time but which were still memorable.

Jiang Wen was choked up, unable to speak for a moment. He could smooth over other aspects, but his appearance was what it was; before he became famous, he was often called a "big macaque," which didn't meet the standard of a handsome man at all.

Wu Yuchen sighed and could only agree to Jiang Wen. Just thinking about Jiang Wen playing Lu Jianxing...

"I, I..."

"Boss, two lamb hot pots and two bottles of Yanjing beer!"

"Brother Wen, just give up. Stop pestering me."

"No, I heard they signed up, so I just wanted to ask about the situation. If you don't think it'll work, it saves them from having too much hope and getting hurt."

Sighing, Wu Yuchen picked up Yu Nan's profile and photo. Thinking of her look just now, he nodded slightly.

"Didn't I hear you say you were still letting him audition for Lu Jianxing?"

Jiang Qinqin smiled upon hearing this and planted a kiss on Wu Yuchen's face.

"He wanted to, but I didn't give it to him."

Shasha was Jiang Qinqin's classmate and roommate, Chen Shasha, one of the three golden flowers of their class, who had now changed her name to Chen Zihan; Bingbing, that was naturally Fan Bingbing!

Wu Yuchen smiled at this: "What, did they come to you to plead for them?"

The next day.

At this time, Wu Yuchen was also thinking about the candidate for Ding Xiu. This "Add-Money Brother" Ding Xiu might only rank fifth in terms of screen time in the film. But honestly, the brilliance of the character was on par with the male lead Shen Lian, and in some ways, his memorability even surpassed Shen Lian's.

Wu Yuchen nodded, then looked at Jiang Qinqin and asked: "What, do you have someone else to recommend?"

Wu Yuchen shook his head: "Everything depends on the audition results. If he can't act well, no means no."

The next day, after the auditions, the two brothers went to a small restaurant.

This time it was Wu Yuchen's turn to hesitate, then he said: "The registration for Lu Jianxing is already closed. If you change now..."

After reacting for a moment, Jiang Wen said:

"No, you, Wu Dao, need to find good-looking people to film? With your fame, do you still need to find actors to pull in box office?"

At this time, Jiang Qinqin gently shook Wu Yuchen's arm and asked: "Hubby, are you going to audition and finalize the two female roles in the film tomorrow?"

In the morning, Fan Bingbing easily completed the audition for the role of Zhang Yan. Actually, she just needed to show her lively, cute, and kind side; she could just perform as herself. Wu Dao had already promised this role to her.

Wu Yuchen looked at Jiang Qinqin's expression and thought to himself, even if you didn't say it, I would definitely give this role to Bingbing. The relationship between us is much more real, reliable, and intimate than the plastic friendship you two have!

After ordering, Sun Honglei said to the person opposite: "I say, Duan Long, why aren't you signing up for Jin Yichuan? Why did you come over here to squeeze in with me and sign up for this Ding Xiu?"

Jiang Wen was silent for a moment, then said: "Fine, I won't play Shen Lian, then I'll sign up for the Big Brother, that's okay, right? You can't possibly need a big handsome guy for Lu Jianxing too, right?!"

Jiang Qinqin bit her red lip gently and then tentatively asked: "What do you think of Shasha and Bingbing?"

In his past life, Zhou Yiwei played this character very well, making Wu Yuchen not want to replace him. It's just a pity that this guy is too young now, only 18.

"You're using this to apologize? You're really too stingy! When I beat you out and you get cut, I'll treat you to a hot pot meal!" Duan Long raised his glass.

One was Wei Zhongxian's goddaughter and personal bodyguard, Wei Ting; the other was the medical girl Zhang Yan, whom the third brother Jin Yichuan liked.

Wu Yuchen chuckled, then rubbed Jiang Qinqin's hair and said: "Let's see how the audition goes. If it's suitable, I will consider it accordingly."

In the afternoon, after Chen Zihan left, Wu Yuchen shook his head slightly. Her acting was completely up to par, but she lost points on her image. It wasn't that she wasn't good-looking; on the contrary, she was too pretty for this role.

"Keep dreaming!"

Wei Ting was Wei Zhongxian's goddaughter and bodyguard, the force of the team, needing heroism and toughness. In this regard, someone else was more suitable!

Sun Honglei and Duan Long toasted and drank it all in one gulp.

"Hey, you kid! When you get beaten by me and get cut, don't blame your brother. Today's meal is considered an early apology feast for you!" Sun Honglei said, picking up an opener to open the beer and pouring it for both of them.

After he hung up the phone, Jiang Qinqin walked over with a smile and asked: "Did Jiang Wen come to you for a role too?"

As for Sun Honglei, his villainous temperament was sufficient, but Ding Xiu wasn't a true villain, and Sun Honglei's performance lacked a bit of evil. On the contrary, Duan Long had made great progress in the last two years. Grinding in the drama theater for two years really had an effect, and he performed that flavor of being both righteous and evil.

Wu Yuchen thought about it and decided on Duan Long!

The role of Wei Zhongxian was played so well by Jin Shijie in the original version that Wu Yuchen personally sent him an invitation, hoping he could come to audition. Jin Shijie naturally wouldn't refuse and traveled from Wanwan to Jingcheng specifically.

Although Jin Shijie was only nearly 50 years old now, a bit away from the 60-year-old state, his performance didn't disappoint Wu Yuchen. As for the age difference, it didn't matter much; a little makeup would do.

Then Wu Yuchen picked up another important eunuch role, the true big villain in the film, Zhao Jingzhong.

Honestly, in terms of dramatic acting, Wang Zhiwen's performance was excellent, but the role of Zhao Jingzhong wasn't just dramatic acting; there were also quite a few martial arts scenes. And considering the martial arts scenes, if one could fight beautifully and play this role well...

Zhao Wenzhuo appeared in Wu Yuchen's mind. Zhao Wenzhuo actually stunned the film industry with his ruthless role as the "Nine Gates Governor," a big villain, in *Fong Sai-yuk* when he first debuted. In terms of dramatic acting, he wasn't as delicate as Wang Zhiwen, but his martial arts were truly beautiful!

And it wasn't that Zhao Wenzhuo lacked acting skills; he had played the big villain "Nine Gates Governor" before. With that experience, he should be able to handle playing Zhao Jingzhong this time.

By now, among the important roles, only the three brothers remained. The first one to be selected was the eldest brother, Lu Jianxing.

After Zhang Hanyu changed into his costume, he was a bit nervous. He was a voice actor by trade and had been doing voice acting for over a decade. Don't think that voice actors lack acting skills; in fact, many voice actors are fully immersed when recording behind the scenes, substituting themselves as the actors, performing while dubbing.

Zhang Hanyu's advantage was that he looked more upright than other voice actors. So, two years ago, under the recommendation of his good friend Fu Biao, Zhang Hanyu was able to play his first role, and later participated in Feng Xiaogang's *Sorry Baby*. Now, he had become a true actor in front of the camera.

And now, Zhang Hanyu hadn't expected that he had just casually signed up for the role of Lu Jianxing and had actually made it to the final round! This caused his initially relaxed mindset to change, and now he was starting to feel nervous and anxious before the audition.

The competition pressure this time was truly not small; after all, his opponents were all big names. Besides Zhang Fengyi, whom he saw in the last round, he actually saw Jiang Wen here today. He, Zhang Hanyu, was truly a small fry in front of these big names!

Zhang Hanyu wanted to smoke a cigarette at this moment, but was afraid he would be called soon, so he could only keep taking deep breaths to adjust.

Sure enough, after a while: "Teacher Zhang, it's your turn!"

Watching Zhang Hanyu's back as he walked out the door, Wu Yuchen wrote and drew on his profile. His image and temperament were quite in line with Lu Jianxing's requirements, at least more so than the previous Zhang Fengyi. Zhang Fengyi had a bit too much of a righteous flavor; he thought this was a martial arts film and played it like a knight-errant. He didn't know if he really misinterpreted the role or just couldn't contain it.

Wu Yuchen shook his head; he wouldn't consider Zhang Fengyi, then looked at Zhang Hanyu in his hand. Although his image and temperament were okay, he didn't know if it was because he was nervous just now or because of a lack of acting experience, but his performance just now had flaws.

Then he looked at Zhang Hanyu's resume. He had quite a few voice acting works, but so far, he had very few opportunities for true on-camera performance. No wonder his acting didn't look as good as in his past life; he lacked practice!

Wu Yuchen rubbed his chin. Zhang Hanyu definitely had potential. If there were no better choices, he wouldn't mind being a talent scout and giving him a hand...

Just as Wu Yuchen was thinking, Jiang Wen walked in. And the way he entered was quite special. Jiang Wen was wearing a flying fish suit, with a *Xiuchun* blade slung across his waist, his back slightly tilted forward, and his head slightly lowered—the look of a subordinate entering a leader's office.

After Jiang Wen stood in the center, he clasped his hands and bowed: "This subordinate pays respects to Lord Wu!"

Seeing this, Wu Yuchen couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth. Jiang Wen pulling this off was actually quite interesting!

Wu Yuchen didn't speak, just watching Jiang Wen like this, and Jiang Wen kept this respectful posture, not only not raising his head but pressing his upper body down another fraction.

What was this? This was being humble and subservient, showing Lu Jianxing's reverence for his superior, which was very much in line with Lu Jianxing's character.

Wu Yuchen raised his hand and said with a smile: "Get up, is the mission completed?"

Jiang Wen then straightened up and said humbly: "Yes, that's all thanks to your deployment, Lord. The credit should be yours! This subordinate wrote the same in the document!"

Wu Yuchen nodded and said lightly: "Hmm, very good. Alright, it's not time to draw lots for assignments yet, you go down and rest~"

Jiang Wen paused upon hearing this, not retreating, but instead stepping forward two steps, right in front of Wu Yuchen.

Wu Yuchen raised his eyelids: "Hmm? Something up?"

Jiang Wen immediately apologized with a smile: "Lord, the matter of filling the vacancy for the Company Commander that I mentioned to you before..."

Wu Yuchen pointed at him with his finger and mocked: "Lu Jianxing, you really are someone who won't act without profit! There's no news yet!"

Saying this, he waved his hand impatiently at Jiang Wen!

Jiang Wen's expression hesitated for a moment, then he said in a simple and helpless tone: "Lord, this subordinate has also handed over the silver to you to handle matters, and even this credit is all yours..."

Wu Yuchen interrupted him loudly: "Lu Jianxing, you have some nerve! Do you think I covet this little bit of credit from you? As for your vacancy, don't come looking for me in the future!"

After speaking, Wu Yuchen snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves, and turned around.

Jiang Wen hurriedly clasped his hands and bowed again, running to Wu Yuchen's front once more: "Lord, please calm your anger, please don't blame this subordinate, I spoke wrongly! It's just that my mother at home asks every day when I can fill my father's vacancy..."

At this point, according to the script, Wu Yuchen should have interrupted Jiang Wen, but he didn't follow the script. Instead, he looked steadily into Jiang Wen's eyes and asked: "Lu Jianxing, it's not impossible for you to want this vacancy. I ask you, are you willing to complete the mission steadily from now on?"

Jiang Wen's heart moved upon hearing this, and he looked at Wu Yuchen, seeing him smiling at himself. He knew the meaning of Wu Yuchen's words; this vacancy was this role, and what he was asking was whether he, Jiang Wen, was willing to act steadily in the crew, obey Wu Yuchen's orders, and honestly complete the mission.

Jiang Wen bowed again and shouted: "This subordinate is willing!"

"Alright, you go down, just wait for news from me." This time, Wu Yuchen's voice was full of smiles.

"This subordinate obeys!" Jiang Wen then straightened up and walked out.

Wu Yuchen watched Jiang Wen's departing back and couldn't help but laugh out loud. It's truly rare! This guy was actually willing to honestly play Lu Jianxing today, and he really acted it out quite well. His whole aura was restrained, looking like an honest and simple fool.

Since Jiang Wen had already agreed to his request and had bowed to him repeatedly, performing quite well, it wouldn't be right if he didn't agree to him.

Let him have the role of Lu Jianxing; after all, he wasn't the lead Shen Lian, so he probably couldn't stir up any trouble. And he, Wu Yuchen, was not someone Lu Chuan could compare to. The crew was completely under his control; if he didn't say start filming, who would dare to move?

After Lu Jianxing, the second role to be finalized was not Jin Yichuan, but the male lead Shen Lian! Because Wu Yuchen wanted to finalize Shen Lian first, and then select Jin Yichuan based on the actor for Shen Lian.

For the combination of these three brothers, he looked for tough guys for the eldest brother Lu Jianxing, and they were all older, looking like an eldest brother at first glance. As for the role of Jin Yichuan, it had to wait until Shen Lian was finalized, because since you are the third brother, you have to look like a third brother, and the three brothers have to look like they belong together.

And for the role of Shen Lian this time, there were truly many big names who came, not just from the mainland, but also from Hong Kong and Taiwan!

The first one to walk in was none other than Andy Lau. This year, Andy was just 40 years old, in his prime. Wearing a flying fish suit and a *Xiuchun* blade at his waist, he was still quite striking.

It must be said that Andy Lau is indeed an evergreen in the film and television industry. Among the Four Heavenly Kings, he is the only one who can remain active. Even 20 years later, he can still get important roles in top-tier resources like *The Wandering Earth*.

However, after watching a performance by Andy Lau, Wu Yuchen felt that while he was handsome, Andy's temperament didn't quite match the flavor of Shen Lian.

Shen Lian always had a sense of loneliness and sorrow, and Wu Yuchen couldn't find this feeling in Andy Lau at all. Although Andy had just won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor and his acting skills had been proven, that literary temperament was still lacking!

Hard work is hard work, but Andy indeed lacked some talent. Wu Yuchen shook his head and put an X after Andy Lau's name.

Leon Lai was just too good-looking! But precisely because he was too good-looking, this damn appearance made him look more like a refined young nobleman with excellent temperament after putting on this flying fish suit, rather than a tool man executing a mission. How could this be Shen Lian!

Wu Yuchen decisively drew an X after Leon Lai's name.

After Jin Jin Chengwu walked in, Wu Yuchen's eyes lit up. Jin Jin Chengwu was also called a literary male god by fans. Of course, what Wu Yuchen cared about wasn't this, but the temperament Jin Jin Chengwu carried, a sense of depth and mystery.

Then, after a performance, Wu Yuchen asked some questions and couldn't help but nod with a smile. Jin Jin Chengwu was the kind of person whose personality in real life was very dull, very similar to Shen Lian's personality. This was another plus.

And Jin Jin Chengwu's acting skills were also good, which could be seen in the performance just now. Wu Yuchen felt that letting him play Shen Lian would best fit the feeling of Chang Chen's performance in the original version.

As Jin Jin Chengwu went out, Wu Yuchen put a checkmark after Jin Jin Chengwu's name, but then added a question mark, indicating it was pending.

Jin Jin Chengwu had no other shortcomings, but judging from his experience in his past life, his box office appeal was a bit lacking. Although Hong Kong and Taiwan supported him, he couldn't carry the box office of a big production alone.

However, *Brotherhood of Blades* had him as the director, so there shouldn't be a problem with publicity. And wasn't there Jiang Wen? He was a big name in the mainland anyway, it's just that Hong Kong and Taiwan were a bit worse.

Honestly, for the role of Shen Lian, it wasn't that Wu Yuchen was targeting anyone or didn't want to choose a mainland actor, but among the mainland actors of the middle generation, there really wasn't one who could compete with the stars from Hong Kong in terms of fame.

Just as he said to Jiang Wen, he wasn't making *Brotherhood of Blades* for awards, but as a big commercial production. Naturally, the male lead had to be someone who could carry the box office. And as much as possible, someone who had a certain appeal across the mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, or even in Asia. In this regard, mainland actors of the middle generation were at too much of a disadvantage; there were basically none who could be brought out now.

Therefore, Wu Yuchen was now focusing on selecting from actors who were famous and had appeal.

Then Wu Yuchen asked the assistant beside him: "Who's next?"

"It's Leslie," the female assistant replied.

"Hmm?" Wu Yuchen turned his head to look at her.

The assistant hurriedly added: "Sorry, Wu Dao, it's Leslie Cheung!"

Just between their conversation, the door was pushed open again. Leslie Cheung was seen wearing black ancient costume, holding a sword in his hand, and walking in quietly in boots.

It wasn't that Wu Yuchen hadn't dealt with Leslie Cheung. At the 1998 Berlin Film Festival, Leslie Cheung was a judge, and that time he won the Best Director award at the Berlin Film Festival.

Leslie Cheung usually presented himself to the outside world as "gentlemanly," "peerless," and "kind and friendly." This was the most intuitive impression he gave everyone in public. But at this moment, he didn't look like a gentleman at all, nor did he have any elegance or composure...

Some people are born loners, just like a tree standing in the wilderness independent of the forest, more willing to face the wind and rain alone, with a firm strength contained in the silence.

This was Leslie Cheung. ===== CHAPTER 231 =====