Chapter 368: The End

"A cameo?"

Hu Ge was still rehearsing for a stage play when he suddenly received a call from Lin Nan.

He knew about the auditions for "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy," but he hadn't gone, feeling his chances were truly slim.

Just among those circulating within the industry, there were already many top-tier male actors expressing interest in the lead and third male roles; in reality, the number was even higher.

In terms of both seniority and connections, none of these people were comparable to him, so he simply decided not to join the fray.

Hu Ge truly hadn't expected Lin Nan to come to him for a cameo, and for such a role with very few lines but a very special nature.

"Yes, there aren't many shots, but it serves as a prologue. It opens the story through a narrator's recollection, and concludes with a climactic, cross-temporal moment at the New Year's Eve dinner, signifying that today's good life cannot be separated from the blood-stained struggles of our ancestors..."

Before Lin Nan could finish speaking, Hu Ge had already decisively agreed:

"I'll do it. Leave such a highly meaningful role to me. Thank you, Lin Dao, for remembering me. To be self-deprecating, I haven't touched the big screen in a long time, haha..."

"Good. When filming starts, the company will notify you; you can come and shoot whenever you're available. This role's scenes can be wrapped up in one day, at most two, so you don't need to stay with the crew."

"I understand, Lin Dao."

By now, Hu Ge's tone held a hint of lightness and joy, yet Lin Nan still had some side remarks to make.

"This is a private invitation between friends, not involving the corporate level. Lin Nan Pictures will not send any emails or written documents to Tang Ren. Your President Cai is too good at stirring up hype..."

Sure enough, Hu Ge's helpless laughter came from the other end of the phone:

"I get it. President Cai is indeed like that; it's hard for outsiders to change her mind.

Consider this call from Lin Dao as my invitation; I will wait for notification at any time."

"Good, then that's settled."

Lin Nan, Guo Fan, and the others prepared to rest for two days, and also to consider the casting for the female roles, before continuing the auditions for all the male actors.

Sometimes, you really shouldn't scroll through entertainment news too much, because you never know who you'll scroll to next.

Just like right now, Miss Liu, with a teasing expression, handed a tablet to Lin Nan. "Here, take a look."

On it was a news headline in larger, bold font:

"Director Ning Hao, Director Xu Zheng, Huang Bo, and others were seen partying late at night, accompanied by several young women of graceful posture and beautiful faces..."

"Uh...

Truly, the morals of the times are declining, and human hearts are no longer ancient! How can this be? It's simply outrageous..."

Looking at Liu Liu Yifei's face, so beautiful it was hair-raising, Lin Nan decisively and firmly criticized Ning Hao and the others.

"I just wanted you to see the gossip; why are you so agitated?"

A hint of cunning lingered in Miss Liu's smile; she was very satisfied with Lin Nan's answer.

"However, you must still take it as a lesson, otherwise Uncle will really break your legs!"

Hearing Miss Liu's words, spoken with breath like orchids and a slight tone of "threat," Lin Nan finally realized: had he been tricked?

Pulling Miss Liu into his arms, Lin Nan seriously refuted:

"I'm not even close to them; where does the phrase 'take it as a lesson' come from? Really, day after day, all your cleverness is used on me!"

"What, you're not willing?"

Miss Liu tilted her chin up slightly, looking so beautiful it was deadly if he said the wrong thing.

"Just kidding, of course I'm willing. Hey? Liu Qianqian, it seems your butt has gained some flesh again?"

"Ah! Get away, it's broad daylight... Spare me..."

No one knows when the film and television industry started trending with couple pairs.

The movie "A Story of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon," directed by Gao Gao Qunshu and starring Huang Huang Xiaoming and Yang Ying, held a press conference in Shanghai.

The film officially announced its release date as August 8th, fitting both the summer slot and the Qixi slot.

Let's not discuss the quality of this film for now.

Just the topic of Huang Huang Xiaoming and Yang Ying personally playing a couple sparked extensive media coverage, with online buzz remaining high.

To help Yang Ying secure the female lead role, he not only accepted a reduced salary himself but also agreed to a scene where two men compete for one woman with a South Korean actor.

Many people in the industry admired Huang Jiaozhu for sparing no effort in promoting his girlfriend, which also made a large number of female actresses envious.

"So, does this mean there's a direct clash with "About Time"?"

"Correct, we are on August 1st, just one week apart."

Yue Jun rushed back from the Northeast in his spare time; some of the buildings used for filming were under construction, with very high efficiency.

Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh, "Rest assured, this is a movie. Do you think Yang Ying playing the female lead can carry the box office?"

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Yue Jun paused for a moment, then instantly understood: "You can't let Huang Huang Xiaoming hear this later, haha..."

As they spoke, the group descended from Lin Nan's office to the third floor; the auditions for the male actors were about to begin.

Before even entering the conference room, Lin Nan vaguely heard Han Jia pulling Liu Liu Yifei aside to ask questions.

"... What skincare products do you usually use? You look even more hydrated and tender than three days ago; I almost want to take a bite."

Miss Liu seemed to freeze, "Maintain, maintain enough sleep..."

Only upon seeing the group enter did Liu Liu Yifei manage to escape Han Jia's entanglement, though she still gave Lin Nan a subtle glare.

"Time to get to work."

Lin Nan said with a smile, raising an eyebrow at Miss Liu, which earned him a view of the back of her head and her high ponytail swishing back and forth.

To speak frankly, this "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy" has given many second- and third-tier actors, and even many unknown but talented ones, in the film and television industry quite a few opportunities.

Because this film indeed requires many standout supporting roles, even though they are all villains.

Below Lin Nan Pictures, there were even more media reporters today than before.

Compared to the actresses, the men were less pretentious; everyone greeted each other in small groups and entered the building.

The reporters' cameras switched to burst mode.

Many knew that Yang Yang Zirong was the male lead, but this role was not easy to play.

So many first- and second-tier male stars were eyeing the role of the squad leader, who was set as upright and handsome.

When Deng Chao, dressed in a military uniform, stood before everyone, to be honest, he fit the image quite well, after all, he had played many similar roles.

"Cut him. The casting for The Breakup Guru is about to begin; even if his filming is delayed, he will inevitably be distracted on the set of Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy."

"Then cut him."

"The Chinese Partners is still in theaters; it's already at 400 million. All three male leads are here."

After seeing off Tong Tong Dawei, Director Lu Yang couldn't help but tease.

Finally, Lin Nan and the others met the first person today to audition for Yang Yang Zirong.

Some people are truly suited for these positive roles, like Zhang Zhang Hanyu; the key is that he can also perform opera.

He immediately roared out a Peking Opera excerpt from Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy, which made Lin Nan and the others' eyes light up.

"Senior Brother Zhang is impressive; I remember you're from the Central Academy of Drama and studied it specifically? By the way, you also had an opera performance in The Chef, the Actor, the Scoundrel," Lin Nan said, surprised.

"Haha, this is just a hobby, purely a personal hobby, so I've practiced."

"Alright, whether it works out or not, I'll have someone call you later."

"Okay, no problem."

"It's clear that Lin Dao already has a choice for Yang Yang Zirong?"

"If no one better comes along later, then it's him." Lin Nan did not refute.

Luo Jin was also an old acquaintance of everyone.

"I haven't even started yet, and you're saying I'm not suitable for the role of Shao Shao Jianbo? You can't be serious."

"How about you wear a pair of glasses and play a scholar-like character, the role of Gao Bo?"

Luo Jin nodded with a smile. "The one who sacrifices midway? Sure, of course."

"You should be satisfied; in this audition, you are the only one I've given a clear answer to."

Lin Nan complained without any hesitation.

"Then thank you, Lin Dao Da, and Producer Liu, as well as the three fellow alumni."

Luo Jin hadn't said much, but the moment he said this, everyone immediately realized.

Good heavens, Jiang Jiang Xuerou didn't come today, Yue Jun was outside dealing with those auditioning actors, and here there were only six people in total, all from Beijing Film Academy!

Jiang Wu's image was truly perfect for playing a bandit; Lin Nan gave an affirmative answer on the spot. A bandit role; this was the second person to receive a promise on the spot.

"No wonder everyone says that Director Jiang Wen and his brother are completely mismatched in appearance and personality."

Guo Fan unexpectedly blurted out a sentence, and everyone deeply agreed.

When Huang Huang Xiaoming arrived, everyone relaxed again; they were all too familiar.

The ten-minute audition ended quickly, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Lin Nan also cracked a joke: "As long as you don't think about showing off, there will be no problem."

"What I want is that state of mind you had in The Message, the kind where you acted opposite Wang Zhi. Looking at it now, it's very good."

Lin Nan's words made everyone present, including Huang Huang Xiaoming, unable to hold back their laughter.

Liu Liu Yifei rested her head against Lin Nan's arm, laughing nonstop.

"Lin Dao, what about me?"

"I can't say; go back and wait for a call."

"Alright, haha..."

Watching Huang Huang Xiaoming leave, Lin Nan pondered for a moment and stood up.

Looking at Guo Fan, Director Lu Yang, and Han Jia Nu, he said, "I have a clear idea of the main cast; for all the remaining supporting roles, you three handle them."

"Ah? Then what about you, Lin Dao?"

"I'm going back to rest; I've been lacking sleep these past two days," Lin Nan said seriously.

"Go ahead, go ahead; leave the rest to us. That explains why your energy seemed a bit low today."

Han Jia Nu said carelessly.

"Then I'm going back too; you are the directors, so I'm counting on you."

Liu Liu Yifei said with a smile to the three people beside her, following behind Lin Nan.

"Junior Sister Han, Lin Dao said he lacked sleep; do you really believe that? Do you have a boyfriend?"

Watching Lin Nan and the other two leave, Director Lu Yang teased; Guo Fan smiled and shook his head without speaking, and Han Jia Nu was instantly stunned.

Outside, many second- and third-tier actors, even those with no name, were waiting to audition.

When Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei came out, everyone unconsciously looked over, and greetings continued unabated.

A staff member was calling names, "Next: Chen Xiao; Xie Miao, get ready..."

In just two days, Guo Fan, Director Lu Yang, and Han Jia Nu had gone through all the actors.

Lin Nan was truly resting at home, doing nothing else; Liu Liu Yifei was too amazing...

"After synthesizing the suggestions from Director Guo, Director Lu, and others, the current casting list is ready."

When Yue Jun called Lin Nan, the latter was eating breakfast.

"Then let's announce it, and notify the other investors as well."

"Alright."

Half an hour later, the entire film industry exploded.

Because Lin Nan Pictures, China Film, Enlight, and Wanda all simultaneously posted on their official Weibo the finalized cast list for *Taking Mount Mount Weihu*.

It was simply absurd beyond belief!

…………

(End of chapter)