Chapter 315: The Cast of the New Three Kingdoms Is Almost Complete: The Uncrowned God

In June, Yan Li returned to Beijing after attending some events in the southwest and convened an internal meeting for the Three Kingdoms production team.

The casting for this drama has been underway for several months, and filming is just around the corner—roles that must be finalized need to be locked in, and preparations must begin.

This meeting also stirred the hearts of many.

Before this, several roles had already narrowed down to specific candidates, but whether they would be confirmed still required Yan Li's personal approval.

Last month, due to special circumstances, Yan Li had no time to attend to this matter, so it was postponed until this meeting, where decisions would be made on the spot.

Considering the scale of Three Kingdoms and the importance of certain roles to actors, this could be said to be a meeting that would determine many people's fates.

Northeast, Fushi

Yu Hewei, back in his hometown on business, spoke to his sister with distracted attention, his mind fixed on Yan Li's meeting.

Yu Hewei's background was unusual: a Northeasterner, graduate of the Shanghai Theatre Academy, who was assigned to the Jinling Military Region and spent years performing in theater, later taking on minor TV roles without much success.

In 2003, he was recommended by the screenwriter of Historical Sky to director Gao Xixi, and played the villain Wan Gubei in that drama.

The role had distinctive traits, and he portrayed it well; as a result, Yu became known and began moving in the entertainment circle.

For actors trying to climb the ladder, talent and luck are one thing—but they also need someone to lift them up.

Either you have a company behind you, or you bow to a big brother!

Yu Hewei's older brother is Gao Xixi; all the dramas he has appeared in—Historical Sky, True Times, Wrong Train, Men's Bottom Line, Glorious Years—are directed by Gao, making him one of Gao's favorite actors.

Even this audition for Three Kingdoms was recommended by Gao.

One of the investors in Three Kingdoms is Xiao Ma Benteng, Gao's company; though Gao hasn't become a top director, recommending a few actors is no problem.

Yu Hewei wanted to play Cao Cao because he felt the role was more compelling, and the first TV drama he ever acted in was Cao Cao, where he portrayed Xun Yu.

So, Yu Hewei had a certain obsession with the role of Cao Cao.

But Gao thought he was better suited for Liu Bei and suggested he audition for that role.

Yu Hewei dared not disobey his big brother, but he still couldn't let go—he boldly auditioned for both roles.

This wasn't unusual in auditions; when actors' appearances are similar, it's hard to say who fits better, so trying multiple roles is understandable.

Because he had a recommendation, Three Kingdoms didn't find him bothersome and let him audition for Liu Bei first, then Cao Cao.

But the result was unexpected: the main Liu Bei candidate was rejected, while Yu was listed as a backup for Cao Cao.

He even defeated multiple rivals and was submitted as the top candidate to Director Yan.

Yu Hewei was thrilled yet anxious.

He had some fame now, but only a little—he still largely depended on Gao Xixi, had rarely played a lead role, and was barely recognizable to the public; few even knew his name.

In Three Kingdoms, it's unclear who the primary male lead will be, but Cao Cao is undoubtedly a strong contender.

Unlike the stereotyped portrayal in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this version aims to depict Cao Cao as a ruthless warlord, packed with many standout scenes.

If he landed this role, it would be a milestone in Yu Hewei's career—perhaps not enough to make him a superstar, but enough to significantly boost his fame and help him stand firmly on his own in the industry.

Yu Hewei was nearly forty; he felt this might be his only chance in life.

If he missed it, he might spend the rest of his days as a struggling minor actor in the industry.

"Lao Jiu, Lao Jiu…"

Yu Hewei, growing increasingly distracted, was nudged by his sister; he was the ninth child, with eight older siblings.

"Huh?"

His sister pointed to the phone on the coffee table: "What 'huh'? Your phone's ringing."

Yu Hewei picked up the phone—the caller ID was the producer of Three Kingdoms, someone he'd dealt with before.

He felt nervous and hesitated to answer.

He hoped to hear the good news he longed for, but feared a devastating blow.

In the end, he answered just before the ring stopped; his sister, sensing something important, fell silent and watched her brother anxiously.

"Hello, Lao Yu, it's Liu Qing'an. Are you free?"

"Brother Liu, I'm here. Please speak."

Yu Hewei had previously tried to build rapport with Three Kingdoms staff, treating Liu the producer to meals several times, and their relationship was decent.

"Cao Cao hasn't been finalized yet, but you need to come to the company right away—Director Yan wants to see you."

Liu Qing'an spoke briefly, and Yu Hewei was overwhelmed with surprise and joy.

He wasn't foolish—if he'd been rejected, why would Director Yan bother seeing him? If Yan wanted to meet him, the matter was far from over.

"I'm currently in my hometown in the northeast. I'll book a ticket immediately and should arrive in Beijing by afternoon."

"Good. Move fast. Try to get here today—don't make the boss wait."

After hanging up, Yu Hewei quickly packed his things and called friends to help book a ticket—preferably a flight; if not, he'd drive; trains were too slow.

He was lucky—he managed to buy a last-minute ticket and arrived at Yi'an just before the end of the workday.

Liu Qing'an came to meet him; their relationship was close, almost like half-brothers.

If Yu succeeded, Liu would gain more influence in Three Kingdoms, so he was genuinely invested in Yu's outcome.

"Director Yan is busy. Wait in the lounge for now."

Yu Hewei was nervous—he'd met Yan Li before, but this was his first private meeting, and it concerned his very fate; not trembling was already a sign of remarkable composure.

"Brother Liu, any taboos or preferences I should know about with Director Yan?"

Yu Hewei sought advice from Liu Qing'an, who looked slightly awkward: "To be honest, I've never had a private meeting with Director Yan either."

Liu wasn't a veteran of Yi'an—he'd only joined two years ago and had been stuck on minor projects.

Because he performed well, he caught the attention of superiors, and with the large scale of Three Kingdoms needing staff, he was assigned as a producer on this project.

But Three Kingdoms had several producers; he was at the bottom of the hierarchy, otherwise he wouldn't be dealing with a candidate like Yu Hewei.

So although Liu had attended many meetings with Yan Li, he had no experience with one-on-one interactions.

Still, he was at least a Yi'an insider—he might not have eaten pork, but he'd seen pigs run, and he had some understanding, which helped Yu Hewei somewhat.

Yu Hewei remained tense, so the two chatted about other topics to distract him.

"Has Liu Bei been decided yet?"

"Who?"

"You've met him—he's Xin Baiqing from the National Theatre."

Yu Hewei remembered him; Xin was one of the top candidates for Liu Bei, and he appeared gentle and composed.

The production team initially wanted big-name stars like Chen Daoming or Zhang Fengyi, but later felt they were too old and wanted some freshness.

Yu and Xin both benefited from this shift—they had some fame but weren't major stars, essentially "new faces" with solid acting experience and ability.

"What about Guan Yu and Zhang Fei?"

"Guan Yu is basically set on Hu Jun. Director Yan and the directors aren't fully satisfied, but no better candidates could be found."

Yu Hewei nodded—he'd specifically observed the Guan Yu candidates before, since he'd have scenes with him.

Indeed, each candidate had strengths and weaknesses; Lu Shuming was the only one, so they had to pick the best among the rest. Hu Jun was the recognized symbol of the tough guy—famous, skilled, and at least guaranteed a baseline quality.

"All the original Zhang Fei candidates were eliminated. Director Kongsheng went to the Opera Academy and picked a new actor—a flower-face performer, completely inexperienced, never acted in a drama before."

Yu Hewei was surprised—he knew the team had struggled over Zhang Fei's casting.

For Guan Yu, no matter what, Hu Jun could at least provide a safety net and reduce criticism.

Zhang Fei's image was restrictive; the actors chosen either looked stupid or perpetually angry. As Yan Li put it, he wanted the General of the Cavalry, Marquis Zhang, not a village fool or mountain bandit.

He'd assumed they'd settle for a compromise, but the team, desperate, took the risk and cast a newcomer.

"His name is Yue Qi. You'll see him later—you shouldn't underestimate him. He's never acted, but he's trained since childhood, performed on stage for twenty or thirty years—he's got serious skill."

Yu Hewei realized—newcomers aren't all the same.

Opera is a form of acting too; many opera performers transitioned into film and became excellent actors. Art schools like Beidian and Zhongxi often recruit students with dance or opera backgrounds.

Liu Qing'an continued gossiping: this Zhang Fei was the most legendary casting choice in Three Kingdoms.

With no ideal actor available, they turned to opera performers.

This idea came from the New Dream of the Red Chamber team, who had used opera actors themselves.

Originally, the director team aimed for Guan Yu, since Guan Gong operas were a popular genre—perhaps they could find a "Second Guan Yu."

But after searching, they found none. The few who came close were too old—even older than Liu Bei's father.

But by accident, they didn't find Guan Yu—they found a "Living Zhang Fei." His posture and presence were excellent, and crucially, after removing his beard and face paint, his appearance matched the role.

He was the first major role finalized in today's meeting—Yan Li only saw his face and watched two costume rehearsal scenes before approving him on the spot.

Yu Hewei felt a tinge of envy—special-type actors held a huge advantage in such roles.

"What about Zhuge Liang?"

"Not decided yet."

Liu Qing'an shook his head: "Sun Quan is set on Deng Chao, Zhou Yu on Yan Kuan. If your role is confirmed, the only major role left uncast is Zhuge Liang—but since he won't appear for a while, there's still time."

Yu Hewei stayed silent. During earlier casting, Huang Xiaoming had been the top candidate for Zhuge Liang.

Online opinion supported him, and some insiders backed him too.

But Huang Xiaoming was under Huayi; this likely involved corporate rivalry—he was just a small fry, better to stay out of it.

"By the way, Brother Liu, who's Yuan Shao?"

Yu Hewei asked—he had many scenes and confrontations with Yuan Shao in the script and was interested in the role.

"Ma Yue—he played Li Shimin in Zhen Guan Chang Ge. He originally auditioned for Liu Bei, didn't get it, but Director Yan thought he had noble bearing and suited Yuan Shao."

Another good actor!

Yu Hewei felt immense pressure: Xin Baiqing, a pillar of the National Theatre; Hu Jun, a top star; Yuan Shao, Ma Yue, who brought Li Shimin to life.

The list of Cao Cao's ministers and generals had been gradually released—he'd reviewed their profiles and representative works; none were pushovers.

Even if he landed the role, if he performed poorly, he'd be replaced—or suppressed by others—and become the worst version of Cao Cao.

He was silently muttering when the lounge door was knocked on by a girl.

"Are you Teacher Yu Hewei? Director Yan Li requests your presence."

Yu Hewei stood up; Liu Qing'an helped smooth his clothes, then followed the girl nervously to Yan Li's office.

He knocked and entered; Yu Hewei was momentarily stunned by the opulent office—he had visited Yian several times, but this was his first time in Yan Li's office.

No wonder he was an entertainment titan; Yu Hewei's already tense demeanor grew even more cautious under the weight of the luxurious surroundings.

This is precisely why some bosses build grand headquarters and lavish offices and workspaces.

Beyond comfort and vanity, it's also about using the environment to elevate the company's and personal image—to intimidate, suppress, and confuse visitors, making it easier to get things done.

But Yu Hewei's status didn't warrant Yan Li resorting to such tactics.

Yan Li, seeing him enter, gestured for him to sit: "Do you smoke?"

Yu Hewei wanted to pretend he didn't, but feared being exposed later, so he nodded. Yan Li took two cigarettes from the pack and offered one; Yu Hewei snatched the lighter first and lit Yan Li's cigarette.

Offering and sharing cigarettes during business talks is akin to small talk—a way to bridge distance and ease tension.

As they exhaled smoke, Yan Li looked at Yu Hewei: "The role of Cao Cao is extremely difficult. To be honest, many in the crew have doubts about you."

Yu Hewei opened his mouth to speak, but Yan Li raised a hand to stop him: "But I watched your audition—I was impressed. Some in the crew support you, so I've decided to give you a chance."

"Let me be clear: if you fail, the crew will consider replacing you. You're not alone—several actors face the same condition."

"Simply put: I've given you the chance. Whether you seize it depends on you."

Yan Li pointed to a document on the desk: "This is the contract. Sign it, and you get the role of Cao Cao. But if you fail, the crew can terminate it unconditionally—you get nothing, not a single cent, and you'll waste your time…"

"I'll sign."

Before Yan Li finished speaking, Yu Hewei bluntly agreed.

After graduating from the Shanghai Theatre Academy for over a decade, he had finally gotten his chance. No matter what, he had to take the gamble.

Besides, wasting some time meant little to him—the potential reward was staggering. If he didn't take it, he'd regret it for life.

"That's spirit."

Yan Li praised him: "Don't worry—if you're confirmed as lead, you'll get a proper contract with full payment."

Yu Hewei thanked him: "Thank you, Director Yan."

"Play Cao Cao well, make our crew praised instead of criticized—that's the greatest thanks you can give me."

Yan Li said, then pushed a business card across the desk: "This is Bao Guo'an's number. I've already informed the crew—go interview him later. By the way, do you have Weibo?"

"Yes. As soon as Weibo launched, I registered."