[{"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-97":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},2321086,4540,"Chapter 97: What the Hell Is This?","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-97",97,"\u003Cp>The movie \"My Brothers and Sisters\" has a very simple plot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a small northeastern town in the 1970s, there was a happy family: the father was a music teacher, and they had four children. Although their lives were hard due to the father’s political background, he always used music to bring joy to his children. But one night, while taking his seriously ill wife to the hospital, the couple died in a car accident, leaving the four children orphaned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eldest brother, still a child, had to personally send each of his three younger siblings to families willing to adopt them, and thus the siblings were separated. More than a decade later, the second sister, Qi Sitian, returned to China and began searching for her brothers and sisters during a performance tour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, the key characters in this film are clearly the six members of this family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since the film spans two time periods—the childhood scenes of the 1970s and the adult scenes of the 1990s—the four siblings each need two different actors, one for childhood and one for adulthood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the parents, the mother’s role, who is seriously ill, has little screen time; she’s a traditional kind and gentle middle-aged mother, so Wu Yuchen simply found an actress at Beiyingchang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The father’s role is far more important—he has substantial screen time and is the core figure in the childhood scenes. In the original version, the crew cast Cui Jian, a non-professional actor, and the result proved excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Cui Jian’s acting isn’t as polished as a professional’s, and even feels a bit awkward, the roles of father, husband, and elementary music teacher somehow merged perfectly with his natural demeanor, so Wu Yuchen once again decided to cast Cui Jian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Cui Jian was quite interested in this, his first film experience; after reading the script, he readily accepted the role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The adult eldest brother is a man who appears rough on the outside but has a deeply kind heart. In front of strangers, he’s crude and awkward, yet with his siblings, he radiates warmth—his performance is layered and vividly captures the character’s traits. The original actor, Jiang Wu, was perfect in both appearance and acting, so there was no thought of replacing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then comes the female lead—the second sister, Qi Sitian, who drives the story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han San asked: “Young Director Wu, has the female lead been decided yet? If we can get an artist from Hong Kong or Taiwan, we can increase the budget.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Sitian grew up abroad with her adoptive parents and became a renowned child prodigy conductor, so according to the character’s design, she should have a more Westernized aura; it’s best to cast a female artist from Hong Kong or Taiwan. The original version cast Liang Yongqi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Personally, Wu Yuchen most wanted Jiang Qin to play this role, but this isn’t his project alone—he must consult his two partners. Han San, who cares most about box office returns, hopes to attract a Hong Kong or Taiwan star to boost ticket sales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wu Yuchen and Han San had already analyzed this: if they’re going to hire a Hong Kong or Taiwan actress, they must get one of the top-tier names; otherwise, hiring a second-tier star won’t help promotion at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen said: “Factory Director Han, I didn’t consider any actresses over thirty due to character fit, and considering the character’s temperament, I only sent invitations to two people in Hong Kong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are they?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One is Zhou Hui-min, the queen of the \"pure girl\" image; her demeanor and appearance are outstanding, she is also a singer—beautiful and genuinely cultured, and very popular on the mainland. However, her agent replied that she has recently stopped working and declined our invitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen sighed inwardly—by this time, Zhou Hui-min had already decided to follow her unfaithful boyfriend Ni Zhen to Canada, so she naturally turned them down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han San nodded: “And the other one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The other is Wang Zuxian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing Wang Zuxian’s name, Han San didn’t need Wu Yuchen to elaborate—he smiled immediately: “If we can get Wang Zuxian, that would be even better!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zuxian isn’t just famous—her appearance and temperament are perfect, and her acting speaks for itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, Factory Director Han, I’d love to too, but she’s not in Hong Kong. I had someone deliver the script to her, but I haven’t heard back yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen guessed Wang Zuxian’s chances were slim—after the Lin Jianyue incident in 1994, she’d grown disillusioned with the entertainment industry and refused to set foot in Hong Kong. Right now, she was probably rekindling her relationship with Qi Qin, and unlikely to return to acting for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han San sighed: “The film industry in Hong Kong is thriving, and many stars there look down on opportunities here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Han San said: “If we can’t get her, forget it. Young Director Wu, just pick someone you like.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smiled: “Factory Director Han, rest assured—I won’t let you down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Jingying, Jiang Qin excitedly grabbed Wu Yuchen’s hand: “Really? I’m going to act? No audition this time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen chuckled and pinched her delicate nose: “What, you don’t want to act now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I do! But didn’t you say you couldn’t decide alone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The people I invited won’t come, so I recommended you—it’s settled. Go study the role carefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Jiang Qin kissed him on the cheek: “I knew you were the best to me~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn’t been cast in “Lola Runs Fast,” but this role of Qi Sitian suited her perfectly—this high-box-office film would be a great chance to promote her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smiled and added: “By the way, there’s also the youngest sister’s role—ask Chen Shasha if she wants to play it. If she says yes, I’ll lock it in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The youngest sister’s role isn’t heavy—she’s a bit rebellious—and Chen Shasha is perfect for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’ll definitely say yes! I’ll tell her when I get back.” Jiang Qin’s eyes sparkled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the 1996 Acting Class, after the bell rang, Wu Yuchen knocked on the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Xinqin opened it, smiled, and teased:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Isn’t this our Teacher Wu, Counselor Wu? You finally remembered to show up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students still seated in the classroom remembered Wu Yuchen vividly—when they first enrolled, he’d fooled them all into thinking he was a counselor, and only later did they learn he was just a senior student one year ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, two boys in the class began shouting and teasing: “Hey, Counselor Wu, don’t run off again! Stay today and give us some real guidance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girls, seeing Wu Yuchen, giggled among themselves—Zhao Wei, for instance, stared at him with shining eyes. After months at Jingying, they all knew his reputation as a genius director—Berlin Golden Bear Best Short Film, Tokyo Film Festival Grand Prize—Zhao Wei desperately wanted to collaborate with this talented senior!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen hadn’t expected to run into Cui Xinqin and felt slightly embarrassed by her teasing, but he had thick skin:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher Cui, I’ll come back another day to give them a proper lecture. Today I’ve got real business—I’ve started a new film.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Xinqin immediately understood, closed the door, and smiled at Wu Yuchen: “Pick whoever you want!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you going to read the script first?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Xinqin waved her hand: “I don’t trust others, but I trust you! If you try to screw us over, I’ll go straight to your Teacher Xie and complain!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, she’d heard rumors about Wu Yuchen’s new film—it was co-funded by Qingyingchang, and she trusted Hou Keming’s taste implicitly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smiled: “Thank you so much for your trust, Teacher Cui. I have a supporting role I’d like you to consider for Chen Kun—what do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The role was the third brother, Qi Tian, a university student at Harbin Institute of Technology as an adult. Chen Kun himself grew up with divorced parents who each remarried; he lived with his grandmother until age eleven, when his mother finally took him in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So from personal experience, Chen Kun would deeply understand this character’s childhood abandonment—he doesn’t need high-level acting skills; just being himself will suffice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Xinqin thought for a moment: “When? How long will he need to be away?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not in a rush—he just needs to arrive in Hacheng after his final exams.” Wu Yuchen knew exactly what she was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Xinqin immediately said: “No problem—I’ll convince him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she added: “Wu Yuchen, I have a small favor—if your crew’s budget allows, could you give him an extra one or two thousand yuan for his pay? If not, I’ll cover it myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Wu Yuchen could ask, Cui Xinqin explained:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chen Kun’s family is poor. When school started, I noticed he was always sleepy in class and scolded him several times. Later, the dorm supervisor told me he’d been skipping dorm overnight multiple times, so I called him in and yelled at him—turns out he was working every night to earn tuition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But this kid has a strong sense of pride—he won’t easily accept help offered deliberately. This timing is perfect—you can take him under your wing, spark his interest in acting, and ease his financial burden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen nodded: “Teacher Cui, got it—I’ll remember this. I’ll give him a few thousand extra. The crew can afford it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you so much!” Cui Xinqin beamed warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days later, Wu Yuchen and the crew, along with the two parent actors, boarded a train ahead of schedule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shoot would begin with the childhood scenes, so the adult actors wouldn’t join until after January—hence why he said Chen Kun could come after finals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the train, Cui Jian asked his question: “Director Wu, I heard you specifically requested me. I’m not a professional actor—why did you choose me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because your aura fits perfectly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your own father was a trumpet player—you grew up knowing exactly what such a father looks like. And deep down, you have a quiet, rebellious streak, perfect for this role of Teacher Qi, who faced discrimination because of his political background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plus, you’re a father yourself—so from every angle, Teacher Cui, you’re the ideal fit for this role!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for acting, don’t force it. Just read the script and let your own life experience guide your performance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After his analysis, Wu Yuchen added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One more thing—Teacher Cui, you’re my idol. Working with you is like fulfilling a dream.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Jian laughed at Wu Yuchen’s words, but he also found his reasoning sound—and his pressure eased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beiyingchang had assigned a producer to assist Wu Yuchen in managing the crew’s affairs—he’d arrived in Hacheng ahead of Wu Yuchen and had already organized the initial child actor auditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After getting off the train, Wu Yuchen didn’t rest—he immediately began selecting the child actors. These children were crucial—they carried half the film’s emotional weight. Choosing the four of them was vital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after Wu Yuchen looked at the photos and files…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Candidate for Young Qi Yiku:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Han, 12, height…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Nai Liang, 12, …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Geng, 12, …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen frowned. What the hell is this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at the producer beside him—damn it, did you take bribes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The producer saw Wu Yuchen’s expression and asked: “Not satisfied, Director Wu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“None of these work. Their looks and ages don’t match my requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, I don’t need them to be handsome—but they must have a warm, approachable smile, like rural kids. These don’t fit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, the eldest brother must be noticeably half a head taller than the second sister, Qi Sitian, so the audience can tell them apart. Twelve-year-old boys aren’t tall enough—look for thirteen- or fourteen-year-olds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The producer realized his mistake and apologized, quickly re-screening the earlier submissions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen reviewed the other three child actor candidates and breathed easier—there were a few he genuinely liked, and he could call them in for in-person auditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selecting the child actors took Wu Yuchen another three or four days. One of the candidates for young Qi Sitian particularly impressed him—her face was sweet, her big eyes full of innocent vulnerability, exactly the kind of look that tugs at the heartstrings. Wu Yuchen wanted this effect—audiences cry more easily when they find the child adorable and pitiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen was satisfied with the location scouting—he didn’t need to search further and immediately began filming with the crew and actors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But filming “My Brothers and Sisters” didn’t go smoothly from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cut!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, after many “cuts,” Wu Yuchen might yell at the actors. But now he could only walk calmly to a child, smile, and ask:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miaomiao, what’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I—I can’t cry…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell me, little one—what makes you sad?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen had always known child actors were hard to work with. You can’t yell at them—it backfires. And children can’t control themselves like adults; their attention spans are short, sometimes obedient, sometimes not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So for weeks, Wu Yuchen had racked his brain for solutions, and the crew’s progress had been slow and bumpy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s also why he told the adult actors not to come yet—would they just sit around watching him coax children?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, as Wu Yuchen began filming, Wang Zuxian in Wanwan was holding two scripts, hesitating.\u003C\u002Fp>",2207,"2026-06-20T16:09:29.273Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c6be40725a047880eadfd733b3afc98c1a8727c7db86da0f0be05f764ca5d1ae","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-98","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-96",335,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-cover.jpg"]