[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu":3,"chapter-starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-303":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starting from Stealing the Role in 1995 Huayu",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2321292,4540,"Chapter 303: Chen Kaizi","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-303",303,"\u003Cp>In September, the crew traveled to Saint Vincent Island to film harbor and dock scenes; every time the large crew moved locations, people constantly came and went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wu Yuchen was specially there to welcome someone who had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Honey~~ Mmm, did you miss me?” A woman flung herself into Wu Yuchen’s arms, looping her arms around his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen hugged her and laughed heartily: “Miss you? Of course I do! Every day, every night, day and night—I miss you so much I can’t sleep!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman in his arms was none other than Jiang Qin, who had come all the way to the set to visit him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I missed you to death!” Jiang Qin clung to Wu Yuchen, unwilling to let go, inhaling deeply into his embrace, greedily drinking in his scent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen stroked Jiang Qin’s soft hair: “Then stay here longer this time, okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin nodded in his arms, feeling only here could she find peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saint Vincent Island’s temperature ranges constantly from 23 to 30 degrees, its scenery breathtaking; a gentle sea breeze brushed past as Jiang Qin, dressed in a floral dress, walked hand in hand with Wu Yuchen along the shore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, even after finishing that day’s shoot, Wu Yuchen, as director, had no time to rest—he had to organize the day’s footage, discuss problems encountered during filming with each department, and communicate with department heads to constantly adjust future shooting schedules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today, with Jiang Qin’s arrival, he naturally made time to properly accompany the woman beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin walked barefoot on the sand, letting the shallow waves wash over her tiny feet: “The sea here is so beautiful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No matter how beautiful, it’s not as beautiful as you,” Wu Yuchen said, squeezing her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You just know how to flatter me,” Jiang Qin said, though her smile refused to fade. Then she asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Honey, you’ve been shooting for nearly five months already, right? How much longer will it take?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen sighed: “Hard to say. If everything goes smoothly, maybe by year-end; if not, it might drag into next year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, they were shooting the second and third installments of *Pirate King* back-to-back. Though many scenes could be filmed together to save time, it was still two films with significantly more content. Plus, *Pirate King* was a genuine blockbuster—combined production costs would exceed half a billion U.S. dollars. How could they rush it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And don’t forget the massive amount of visual effects still needed. Even though some work had already begun, the entire VFX completion would lag behind filming. If they wanted to release it by next summer, there was no room for delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin gave him a slightly resentful look upon hearing this. She understood Wu Yuchen was managing a huge project, exhausted and constrained by circumstances—but still, she wanted him to spend more time with her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smiled, wrapping his arm around her waist, and said: “How about you stay here with me until year-end?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin sniffed haughtily: “Do you think I’m that free?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen chuckled: “Oh? What’s so busy with our Miss Jiang Qin these days? Tell me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin lifted her chin: “You don’t know? Plenty of people are begging me to act in their films! Big Director!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Director? Am I not bigger?” Wu Yuchen whispered with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin playfully slapped his hand—how many directors could compare to Wu Yuchen? He was unquestionably the top Chinese-language director!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with a hint of pride, she added: “Chen Kaizi! What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? Chen Kaizi?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen was genuinely surprised, turning to look at Jiang Qin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chen Kaizi asked you? For what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wu Yuchen’s surprise, Jiang Qin was pleased, smiling:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He said he’s developing a brand-new fantasy action film with romantic love elements, and wants me to play the female lead—a breathtakingly beautiful woman!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fantasy action film with romantic love elements? A breathtakingly beautiful woman?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he talking about *The Promise*? Making Jiang Qin play Qingcheng? What the hell?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you accept?” Wu Yuchen asked quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wu Yuchen’s furrowed brow, Jiang Qin thought he was upset and quickly shook her head: “No, I told him I’d think about it. Look, I came straight to you to talk about it, didn’t I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen pulled Jiang Qin into his arms, lightly tickling her ribs, laughing: “Oh? So you didn’t come just to see me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin pouted: “No! I just happened to mention it! If you don’t like it, I’ll reject him right away—okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her expression, Wu Yuchen pinched her nose: “I was just teasing you. Why the tantrum?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not throwing a tantrum! I came specially to see someone, and now I’m being misunderstood…” Jiang Qin turned her head away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, alright, I misunderstood you,” Wu Yuchen soothed with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin gave a soft huff, still facing away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen, seeing this, gently cupped her face and leaned down to kiss her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long moment, they parted. Wu Yuchen lifted his head and smiled: “Misunderstanding cleared?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin panted slightly, silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen, getting no answer, continued: “Not cleared? Then let’s do it again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin quickly blocked him with her hands: “Cleared, cleared!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smiled, then resumed walking, holding her hand as the sea breeze gently blew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they walked, he asked: “Qin Qin, do you want to take Chen’s offer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin fell silent, then asked him in return: “Don’t you want me to take it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her question, Wu Yuchen knew she still wanted to accept it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though netizens later mocked Chen Kaizi, his status within the industry had always been high; virtually no Chinese-language actor had ever refused his invitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jiang Qin also knew that among China’s top directors, she belonged firmly to Wu Yuchen’s camp. Given her relationship with Wu Yuchen, if she wanted to act in Kaizi’s film, she had to consult him first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Wu Yuchen was thinking about Chen Kaizi—what was he trying to do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaizi’s past behavior, though outwardly neutral, had always carried an undercurrent of resentment toward Wu Yuchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since Wu Yuchen rose to prominence in the Chinese-language film scene, Kaizi had never attended his premiere events—even when invited—maintaining a “king doesn’t meet king” stance, clearly treating him as a rival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, knowing Jiang Qin’s intimate relationship with Wu Yuchen, Kaizi still invited her to be his female lead—what message was he sending?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he… conceding?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen couldn’t imagine Kaizi would use Jiang Qin to provoke him. The only possible explanation: he was extending goodwill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Kaizi was a proud man, always seeing himself as the leader of Chinese cinema. He could never bring himself to directly bow to Wu Yuchen—he knew Wu Yuchen was fully aware of his past attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So now, Kaizi was using this gesture to signal goodwill: I’ve given you my female lead—how much more should I show?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Wu Yuchen couldn’t help but laugh. Kaizi, in some ways, was a true old-school prideful type.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin didn’t know why Wu Yuchen was laughing, but the next moment he asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qin Qin, if you want to take Chen’s film, go ahead—but tell me first: what’s the story? Is there a script? If the quality’s good, I’ll support you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin’s face lit up at his words, but then she looked troubled: “Director Chen said his script isn’t finished yet—he only gave me a rough outline. Honestly, I didn’t understand much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Jiang Qin recounted Chen Kaizi’s description: slaves, generals, goddesses, princes and princesses, little boys and girls, steamed buns and desire, human nature and greed…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as she spoke, Jiang Qin felt it was a chaotic mess—she had no idea what he was trying to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen shook his head and smiled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forget the rest. From your perspective as the female lead, I’d guess—just my guess—that Chen wants to tell the story of a poor child named Qingcheng who meets a goddess and is told she can have everything in the world, but must pay with her love. Through trials and tribulations, Qingcheng ultimately loses everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s using your character to show fate’s capriciousness and love’s greatness, making the audience reflect on fate versus choice, and whether people should bravely pursue true love.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? You understood all that?!” Jiang Qin stared wide-eyed at Wu Yuchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she clung to his arm, gazing at him in admiration: “Honey, you’re amazing! No wonder you’re a great director—I listened for ages and was totally confused! Clearly, only great directors understand each other!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Wu Yuchen chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then he told Jiang Qin: “Don’t praise me yet—I’m not particularly optimistic about Chen’s new film.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?” Jiang Qin looked puzzled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen sighed: “I won’t even get into shooting or technical issues. Just from the premise and intent—Chen’s ambition is too big.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Qin still confused, he explained further: “I only described your character’s arc, but Chen’s film includes slaves, generals, princes, goddesses—many roles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From what he told you, he wants each character to embody a theme. But he hasn’t yet crafted a coherent story to link them without conflicting themes—that’s why it feels so chaotic and confusing to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin finally began to understand: “So… his script might collapse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen gave her an approving smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Most directors’ films focus on one theme—*Titanic*’s three hours center on love, with humanity and freedom as secondary. But Chen wants to cram in so much at once—his ambition is too great…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will it collapse? I don’t know. But trying to weave all these elements into one story? I doubt he can pull it off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Directors often have too many ideas. Most, unable to handle them, abandon the extras and prioritize. But Kaizi? How proud is he? He’d never give up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin, naturally trusting Wu Yuchen’s judgment without doubt, now looked troubled: “Then… should I turn it down? But how do I refuse Chen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen said directly: “What’s hard about it? Just say you don’t want to do it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin pouted: “Do you think I’m you, Wu the Great Director? I already said I’d think about it—now I turn it down? I need a decent reason!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen shook his head with a smile—you think he cares about your attitude? You’re just a vessel for goodwill. What he truly cares about is my attitude!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t hesitate—yet you’re overthinking it…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Jiang Qin suddenly seemed to think of something, smiling at Wu Yuchen: “Honey, I’ve got a perfect reason. I’ll tell him I’m taking your film—I don’t have time, so I have to refuse him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She clung to his arm, eyes fixed on his face: “Honey, what do you think of my reason?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen lowered his head to meet her gaze, then slowly walked forward, shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin hurried after him, pressing: “Honey, what do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen kept shaking his head, sighing: “Ah, you’ve grown up—playing mind games with me now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin’s eyes darted away, feigning innocence: “Honey, what mind games? I don’t understand what you mean~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smirked at her: “Keep pretending. Fine—I’ll pretend I don’t understand either.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as she said that, he finally realized—she’d circled back, using Chen Kaizi’s offer to hint at him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at the reason she chose: to be his film’s female lead. It was a blatant, unmistakable hint.\u003C\u002Fp>",1905,"2026-06-20T16:09:30.828Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9cc29868891c00a13b4679884c965022a1483817949a319464a7ba87ad6d4c84","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-304","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-302",335,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-cover.jpg"]