Chapter 524

News of the official opening of the Venice International Film Festival arrived, just one day before Lin Nan's engagement ceremony.

It was said that the star power on the opening red carpet was dim, far inferior to the Cannes International Film Festival three months ago.

So much so that foreign media had quite a few complaints about the organizers and the presidium of this film festival.

However, the Chinese film team was still bustling with noise and excitement, even more so than in the past.

Because there were more and more young actors and stars learning from the senior "Big Flowers" and running over to get exposure and issue press releases.

Look, the Weibo hot search early in the morning was: "Domestic top boy group TFBoys makes a high-profile appearance at the Venice Film Festival banquet."

Following closely behind were the news about Yang Ying, Wu Yifan, Bai Baihe, Jiang Yiyan, Zhou Dongyu, and others in Venice.

These people seemed to have no film works brought over, but their press releases were being sent back one after another; the heat and topic level were very high, possessing the "style" of their seniors.

"I won't come to the company this afternoon; if there's anything important, call me, and we'll deal with it the day after tomorrow."

Around nine o'clock, Lin Nan finished signing all the acquisition documents and took the opportunity to instruct his assistant.

From today on, Shiyue Culture became a subsidiary of Tiangong Color, only one step away—making changes and filings with the relevant departments.

"Okay, Director Lin. Wishing you and the boss lady a happy engagement!"

"Haha, thank you."

……

Outside the villa area, the number of media vehicles showed no signs of decreasing.

When Lin Nan returned, there were even reporters waving and wishing him well from a distance; it really exuded a "harmonious" atmosphere.

In the garden, a group of people were laughing and teasing Liu Yifei, asking her if she wanted a Chinese-style or Western-style wedding.

If it were Chinese-style, they would have to order the phoenix coronet and robes months or even half a year in advance, the purely handmade kind.

After all, the embroidery of the robes with gold thread, the weaving of the coronet, the polishing and carving of jewelry and accessories, and the preparation of other components of the phoenix coronet and robes all took a lot of time.

"Let's go with Chinese-style! That way Xixi won't have to struggle to wake up early. After waking up at noon, she can start slowly putting on makeup and dressing up. Holding the ceremony at dusk is just right."

Watching Shu Chang said while munching on a red apple, egging them on, and was met with a "fierce" eye-roll from Liu Yifei.

With so many people around, how could she be so blunt about her habit of sleeping in? She was simply asking for a beating!

"Oh my, let's prioritize tomorrow's engagement first. As for the wedding, Lin Nan and I can consider it slowly. Hmm, consider it slowly..." Miss Liu quickly changed the subject.

Old Lin just laughed happily on the side, everything is good, everything is good. Suddenly, he saw Lin Nan's figure entering the gate.

"It's only past ten, and you're already back?"

"There's nothing important to deal with at the company, so I came back first. Grandmother, Grandfather..." As he spoke, Lin Nan showed a smile and greeted the elders one by one.

However, once there were many elders, the conversation easily drifted away.

Things like: How long after marriage do you plan to have children? After having children, do you want to change to a bigger house? Liu Xiaoli can help take care of the children... you can have two...

To be honest, even the thick-skinned Director Lin couldn't handle it, let alone Liu Yifei.

At noon, after everyone had a lively lunch, Liu Xiaoli drove to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse to check the venue setup.

By this point, there was no need to consider whether the media would know the location of the engagement ceremony, because it couldn't be hidden anyway.

Sure enough, before two o'clock in the afternoon, the media news came out.

"Sina News Report: The engagement location for Director Lin Nan and Liu Yifei is Fangfei Garden at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse!"

"It is reported that Fangfei Garden was the venue for Liu Yifei's 18th birthday and coming-of-age ceremony, and also the premiere location for the two films *Lucy* and *Bad Genius*!"

"Fangfei Garden has quite a connection with Liu Yifei and Director Lin Nan; choosing to hold this engagement ceremony here is a kind of sentiment and commemoration for the two!"

"A large number of security personnel are stationed outside Fangfei Garden, and media reporters cannot enter..."

…………

The audition site for *The Mermaid*.

Zhang Yuqi had already been designated as one of the female leads; although her position was female lead number two, her screen time was no less than the female lead number one.

At this moment, she was at the audition site, preparing to act with the actor auditioning for the male lead in a while.

In fact, Zhang Yuqi had been doing this on set for these past few days, and she had no complaints in her heart, willingly doing so.

Because *The Mermaid* was one of the biggest cakes in the mainland in recent years, delaying some announcements was completely worth it.

"Yuqi, Master Xing is calling you, it's about to start." At the lounge door, the assistant was urging.

"Okay, right away."

At this moment, Deng Chao was in a state of excitement mixed with slight nervousness.

He also didn't expect that Zhou Xingchi would watch *The Breakup Guru* and think that some of his "pretentious" performances were very interesting!

In the film and television industry, no one had the confidence to "inherit" Zhou-style comedy; many actors were imitating it, but in the end, it was just a superficial resemblance.

"Just bring out your own understanding; you don't need to deliberately imitate me."

Zhou Xingchi sat there and said seriously to Deng Chao. Beside him was Han Jia'nu, who looked like she was "learning."

Lin Zicong knocked on the door and brought Zhang Yuqi in.

"Brother Chao?"

"Oh, Yuqi? Congratulations!" Deng Chao reacted instantly; Zhang Yuqi had gotten the role.

"Thank you."

"Get ready, we'll audition these few scenes."

As Zhou Xingchi spoke, Han Jia'nu handed a few pages of fragmented script to Deng Chao and Zhang Yuqi.

Not long after, the two nodded, indicating they were ready.

"Start."

……

Deng Chao tried his best to use an exaggerated performance to play a nouveau riche who was actually extremely insecure inside but extremely wealthy.

After a few "funny" scenes, they came to the drama scene, an ambiguous scene.

Zhang Yuqi lay on her side on the mattress, one hand supporting her head, her lace pajamas half-revealing her breasts, extremely seductive.

"You've been looking at the mermaid for two hours. Are you trying to play house with me?"

"Are we destroying the ecology?"

"What are you saying? Come over here..."

……

"I still have many things you don't know about; come over here and I'll tell you slowly."

Zhang Yuqi tried her best to make her voice and tone charming, seductive, and erotic.

"I have other things to do, I have to go first." Deng Chao stood up and said firmly.

"You try it!

How many golden opportunities can one have in a lifetime? Why don't you rush over and grab it vigorously..."

Deng Chao walked up step by step, holding Zhang Yuqi's feet.

The latter exposed her upper body, bit her lip ambiguously, spread her legs, opened the door, and made a melodious sound: "Hmm..."

It wasn't until Deng Chao picked up his jacket from under Zhang Yuqi's buttocks that the situation on site instantly reversed.

"Alright." Zhou Xingchi interrupted.

Deng Chao and Zhang Yuqi hurriedly exited the scene; the former waited for comments, and the latter sat to the side.

Han Jia'nu was speechless at this moment; they were actually auditioning this kind of scene, calling out like a cat in heat!

For Zhou Xingchi, Deng Chao was still far from him, but it was already acceptable; forcing it would only make it impossible to find a suitable male actor. Wen Zhang was boycotted quite badly, so considering public opinion, letting him make a cameo was enough.

At the same time, Deng Chao was also looking at Zhou Xingchi opposite him, very nervous.

In the industry, people often compared him, Huang Xiaoming, and Tong Dawei, but the latter two seemed to have better achievements in film than him.

Tong Dawei had collaborated with top directors like Zhang Yimou and Li Yu, and Huang Xiaoming was a regular guest on Lin Nan's side; among the three, he had the fewest collaborations with top directors.

"Okay."

When he heard Zhou Xingchi's concise two words, Deng Chao was stunned at first, then instantly excited.

"Thank you, Master Xing."

"The schedule is no problem, right? I plan to start filming in October." Zhou Xingchi asked.

"No problem, *Running Man* only has three episodes left to record, and it can be completely finished next month."

Deng Chao said very affirmatively.

At this time, Tian Qiwen suddenly walked in and ran to Zhou Xingchi's side to whisper something.

"Hmm, then you go back first; the crew will notify you to sign the contract in two days. Yuqi, Jia'nu, you too, that's it for today."

After speaking, Zhou Xingchi took the lead and left, leaving the three people on site looking bewildered.

"Does Master Xing have some urgent matter?" Zhang Yuqi asked softly.

"I seem to have heard Teacher Tian say that Director Xu is here?"

Han Jia'nu added, picked up her bag, and prepared to leave; she was going to attend Lin Nan and Liu Yifei's engagement banquet tomorrow, and just thinking about it made it lively.

…………

Lin Nan had just received a call from Liu Xiaoli; everything was ready at Fangfei Garden, and they had already tasted tomorrow's dishes.

Liu Yifei was trying on clothes accompanied by Watching Shu Chang; although it was an engagement banquet with only relatives and friends present, not as solemn and formal as a wedding, but it was an engagement, so she had to dress beautifully!

"No need to be so picky, you look good in everything."

Lin Nan leaned against the door frame, looking at Liu Yifei, who was looking at herself in the full-length mirror, and said.

"Hmph hmph, your mouth is really sweet."

Miss Liu gave a flirtatious look, while her best friend rolled her eyes: "You two have had enough; there's no need to buy cat or dog food at home in the future. With you two around, those little guys won't go hungry!"

"Actually, wearing the old 'shamate' clothes would also work, it's very commemorative. I remember back then, you liked this style, even when you were on shows, you wore those pink silk stockings... leopard print t-shirts... haha, hey hey, I won't say it, I won't say it..."

"Xixi, beat him. Pull his hair, haha, pinch his ears..."

…………

Xu Ke sat on the sofa, looking at Zhou Xingchi opposite him, waiting for the latter's reply.

"How about it? He is very popular now, has many fans; if you promote him, it will be a great help to this film!"

"I really didn't expect you to come and stuff someone in."

Zhou Xingchi smiled helplessly, thinking about something.

Xu Ke was still persuading, "This kid just got off the plane two hours ago, and I brought him straight to you; he and his family are waiting outside right now."

Xu Ke was like an old fox, coaxing and blowing his own trumpet.

…………

(End of chapter)