[{"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-332":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},2321321,4540,"Chapter 332: Don","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-332",332,"\u003Cp>Zhao Wenshuan gently pushed open the door to the second floor of the loft, and upon seeing the “world of plants” before him, he paused in surprise, then found his gaze drawn to the room full of vegetation, his eyes scanning everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he spotted the owner, You Benchang, sitting at a table, about to eat, he bowed slightly: “Sorry to disturb you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come in,” You Benchang said, pouring tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The camera followed Zhao Wenshuan as he entered, revealing more plants lining his path, while by the window stood a table cluttered with various items, a small space in the center used for grilling; though the room looked messy, every object was simple, alive with the warmth of daily life, utterly free of pretense or artifice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You Benchang didn’t look up: “Have you eaten?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?” Zhao Wenshuan pulled his gaze away and looked at the owner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your wife hasn’t come back yet?” You Benchang asked, pouring another cup of tea and placing it opposite himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wenshuan nodded lightly and sighed: “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Try some,” You Benchang said, taking another bowl, chopsticks, and plate from the table and setting them opposite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching You Benchang flip the food on the grill with his chopsticks, Zhao Wenshuan asked: “What is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pufferfish roe,” You Benchang said, picking up a roe with his chopsticks and placing it on Zhao Wenshuan’s plate. “Lightly salted and grilled—it’s delicious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhao Wenshuan didn’t pick up his chopsticks. He watched You Benchang, who was bent over arranging his food, and opened his mouth twice to mention his resignation, but You Benchang never looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, his gaze accidentally fell on a photo frame on a shelf just behind You Benchang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You Benchang seemed to sense where his eyes had gone. He put down his chopsticks, raised a hand slightly toward the back: “My wife. She passed away from illness nine years ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wenshuan nodded slightly, his eyes filled with sorrow and respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You Benchang chewed his food, drank some tea, and continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One of a married couple always goes first. The pain falls on the one left behind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drank more tea. Zhao Wenshuan looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You Benchang’s words carried deeper meaning—because now, the male lead’s wife, Jiang Qin, had left Zhao Wenshuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then You Benchang set down his teacup, turned his face slightly, a look of nostalgic remembrance crossing his features, as if recalling something beautiful, and smiled: “I dressed her beautifully, and sent her off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned back to his wife’s photograph: “She was the first I ever sent off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned to face him again: “After that, I began this work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, You Benchang picked up the pufferfish roe from his plate: “Take this, for example.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He put it in his mouth, bit down, and wore an expression of deep satisfaction: “This is also a corpse!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gazed at the roe in his hand and sighed: “A creature survives by eating other creatures. Huh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wenshuan understood the implication: humans themselves survive by consuming the remains of other lives—every day, death enters the body. What is there to despise about the mortician’s job of sending off the dead?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You Benchang held the roe in his hand and continued: “To live, you must eat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bit down and swallowed: “And if you eat, eat the best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wenshuan looked at You Benchang, realizing he was saying that mortician work was a societal necessity—and that to live, one must eat. What was wrong with being a mortician?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every profession must do what it must do. If you’ve decided to become a mortician, you must hold firm to your conviction and do it to the best of your ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wenshuan said nothing. He lowered his head, stared at the pufferfish roe on his plate, picked it up, and bit into it. It was hot at first, but the next instant, his eyes widened dramatically, his eyebrows shot up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You Benchang looked at him and asked: “Delicious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wenshuan smiled: “Very delicious!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You Benchang sighed deeply: “So delicious it’s almost unbearable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He licked his fingers. Zhao Wenshuan, smiling, finished every last bit of the roe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cut! You Benchang, your performance was excellent! Zhao Wenshuan, too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen watched the playback on the monitor, thoroughly satisfied with the final take.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene showed You Benchang, using his life wisdom, slowly dismantling Lin Wu’s desire to quit, and gently conveying that while morticians handle corpses, what is unclean about that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was also the third time in the film that an animal corpse appeared—the first, the octopus; the second, the salmon in the stream; the third, the pufferfish roe. Each time, it brought the male lead, Lin Wu, new reflection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Wu Yuchen’s praise, You Benchang walked over and smiled: “Wu Dao, your dialogue is brilliant. This kind of dialogue—so detached from life and death, so enlightened about the essence of living—is truly admirable!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smiled: “You’re too kind, Teacher You. It’s your performance that makes my dialogue shine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the hotel, after hanging up a phone call, Wu Yuchen frowned, standing by the window, gazing into the distance, lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin noticed his mood and walked over: “Husband, what’s wrong? What’s troubling you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen shook his head and smiled at Jiang Qin: “Troubling? I suppose so…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he murmured: “A happy kind of trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A happy trouble? What’s that?” Jiang Qin asked immediately, curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen looked at his phone: “Just now, a leader from the Olympic Committee called me. He reminded me that next September is when the opening ceremony proposals will be collected and selected. He wants me to start preparing early.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin’s eyes lit up—this was practically an invitation. The Olympic Committee wanted Wu Yuchen to take on the role, to prepare a proposal and become the chief director of the opening ceremony!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin immediately hugged Wu Yuchen and kissed him, beaming: “Husband, you’re amazing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But remembering his earlier sigh, she asked: “This is great news! Why the frown?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen sighed: “I don’t have enough time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though there were still over half a year until next September, his schedule as Wu Da was already packed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t even sure he could spare the time. He still had to finish post-production on “The Mortician,” and Hollywood was already preparing “Batman,” waiting for him to start shooting next year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, every film Zhang Yimou directed had some controversy, some criticism—but his Olympic opening ceremony? Unquestionably brilliant. Universally praised by the entire nation and audiences worldwide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this call from the Olympic Committee put him in a bind. Wu Yuchen asked himself: Could he create a better opening ceremony than Zhang Yimou’s? He couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could he copy Zhang Yimou’s design? Impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhang Yimou then submitted the same design, wouldn’t that create a scandal? Who would the Olympic Committee believe?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his current status and reputation, Wu Yuchen could easily overpower Zhang Yimou, convince the committee to fully back him and brand Zhang as the villain. But he wouldn’t do it. For a chief director’s title? Not worth it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with his current influence, would this chief director role even add much to him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After long consideration, Wu Yuchen decided: forget it. He didn’t want the chief director role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the Olympic Committee hoped he’d take it, he could always find an excuse to decline. Worst case? He’d just recite a poem like that little poetry prodigy and be gracefully eliminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he made up his mind, Wu Yuchen smiled, relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jiang Qin didn’t know. She worried: “Husband, is the time really that tight? Can’t you hurry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen shook his head: “It’s not that simple. This isn’t just one person’s job. To make a full proposal, you need a solid team, meticulous preparation—it’ll take months. I’ll pass.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin hurriedly said: “Husband! Don’t pass! The Olympics are huge! Our country won’t host again for who knows how long! The whole nation is watching. This might be the only chance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen sighed: “In one year, I have ‘The Mortician’ and ‘Batman’—I can’t possibly spare enough time to prepare for this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin’s eyes filled with guilt. If only she hadn’t begged him for the female lead role—would he have avoided making “The Mortician”? Then he’d have had those months free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face twisted in conflict. After a long hesitation, she whispered: “Husband… maybe… maybe we should…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen cut her off: “What are you thinking? Do you think I’m the kind to quit halfway? This film is everyone’s creation—not just ours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his tone softened. He rubbed her shoulder: “Don’t overthink it. Just focus on filming this one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Qin nodded, silent. She leaned quietly against his chest, warmth spreading through her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He looks almost alive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably carbon monoxide suicide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do you know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His expression shows no pain. If he died in a cold car, the body would look like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the shot, You Benchang and Zhao Wenshuan were preparing the corpse for the funeral, exchanging words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Zhao Wenshuan studied the dead woman’s face: “So beautiful…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The camera focused on the corpse—a long-haired woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, You Benchang suddenly asked Zhao Wenshuan: “Want to try?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Zhao Wenshuan could answer, Wu Yuchen shouted “Cut!” He thought it was his mistake, but Wu Yuchen wasn’t looking at him—he was talking to the cinematographer. It wasn’t their acting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen told the cinematographer: “Don’t shoot from above. Lower the camera to eye level with Lin Wu. Keep Teacher You’s face at the edge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This dialogue scene symbolizes the formal handover of duties between You Benchang and Lin Wu. Before, when Lin Wu was still an apprentice, overhead shots were fine. But now, after today’s handover, the camera must shoot at eye level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It means Lin Wu can now perform mortician duties alone. For this solemn, dignified, yet socially overlooked profession, the meaning of transmission is even more vital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, in the shot, Zhao Wenshuan reached out and touched the corpse beneath the sheet. His expression changed slightly. His hand paused below the abdomen, feeling repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled his hand back, stepped beside You Benchang, and whispered: “He’s got it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?” You Benchang asked, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wenshuan whispered again: “That thing…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, You Benchang seemed to understand. He looked at the corpse’s face—clearly a woman!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You Benchang was stunned. When Zhao Wenshuan handed him gloves, he put them on and reached over to confirm himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, the family watched, their expressions varied. The father lowered his head. The mother took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After confirming, You Benchang walked to the employer and whispered: “I need to ask you something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? What?” The man seemed hard of hearing, speaking loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You Benchang leaned closer, lowered his voice: “When we apply makeup, there’s a difference between male and female makeup…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The employer nodded: “Wait a second.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked to the middle-aged couple and shouted again: “Sister, what makeup do you want for Tienan? Boy or girl?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled faintly as he spoke, clearly amused by the absurdity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged woman shot him a sharp glance, then mocked her husband: “If I’d made him a girl from the start, none of this would’ve happened!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged man turned his head away, eyes flickering, refusing to respond to his wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s all your fault!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing his wife’s complaint, the middle-aged man turned to face her, his eyes filled with anger; she glared back without backing down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man watching nearby smiled and asked, “Big sister, should we do the female makeup?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” the woman declared firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On camera, Zhao Wenshuan applied makeup to this “beauty,” gradually refining her features until they became more delicate and beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the side, his mother had rushed forward, wailing uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His father held a photo of his son’s short-haired face, staring at his son’s image, tears streaming down his cheeks as he murmured, “Tienan…”\u003C\u002Fp>",1992,"2026-06-20T16:09:30.828Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","80d2ada4007a9dc8fdd2b1b845be4cd7ca657f6ea9be8f77b6729f665d682b96","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-333","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-331",335,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-cover.jpg"]