Chapter 695: Luo Mo, You Liar!

"Old ailment flared up, stomach discomfort, withdrawing from the competition?" Director Chen was stunned on the spot.

He knew Ning Dan had a strong temperament and a stubborn personality, but he hadn't expected her to be this stubborn.

You want to make things difficult for me and force me to submit, right?

Fine, I quit!

In Director Chen's eyes, this was an inconceivable thing.

Because in his view, this wasn't just as simple as withdrawing from a New Year's Eve Gala competition.

It was a direct break from CCTV!

Not only would all her previous efforts turn into shadows, but it was also unlikely she would have the chance to direct the country's top-tier galas again.

Didn't she value her career more than anything?

She came from a background of variety show directing and was already on the lower end of the director's contempt chain; didn't she want to make history and shape a personal Myth?

"Is she really content with this?" The man couldn't understand.

She first made "Classic of China," and only then was she valued and began directing galas time and time again.

This must have consumed endless effort.

These efforts were all equivalent to "Sunk Cost."

The more she paid for everything, the easier she should be to manipulate.

Why was it like this?

Even if Ning Dan continued to struggle, continued to drag it out, and continued to play tug-of-war with him, Director Chen wouldn't have felt strange.

But such a hardline attitude was truly outrageous.

—How did she dare?

"Alright, I understand." Director Chen was extremely surprised inside, but his expression was incomparably calm as he replied nonchalantly to the person who came to report the matter.

As if in his heart, he didn't take Ning Dan too seriously either.

—"Pretentiousness."

After the subordinate left the office, Director Chen took off his Glasses, rubbed his brow, and showed impatience on his face.

"Forget it, perhaps she will regret it soon."

Once a person starts to regret, they will inevitably have to pay a greater price!

"Let's give the position of General Director for this year's New Year's Eve Gala to Li Dongliang." He made the decision in his heart.

However, although he already had a candidate in mind, this matter still had to follow the process and wait until next week to be announced.

………

………

Shanghai, Xicheng.

Regarding the matter of Ning Dan directing the Octopus TV New Year's Eve Gala, Luo Mo wasn't in a rush to help yet.

Because there was still plenty of time.

At the same time, both he and Ning Dan wanted to see first who CCTV would ultimately choose to direct this year's New Year's Eve Gala.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.

Therefore, Luo Mo had still been slowly writing the script for "Let the Bullets Fly" over the past two days.

After he typed the last word on the keyboard, he leaned his whole body against the back of the chair and stretched.

"I really envy those tentacle monsters with amazing typing speed," he sighed in his heart.

However, after properly finishing the script, he actually already had candidates in mind for the lead roles.

On Earth, this movie's main cast was composed of the trio: Ge You, Jiang Wen, and Zhou Runfa.

Some of the supporting roles and cameo characters in it also had significant star power.

For example, Chen Kun, Xiao Gangpao, Liao Fan, Hu Jun, and others.

For the role of Huang Silang, Luo Mo definitely had to find Xu Gangsheng to play it.

As for Zhang Muzhi and Ma Bangde, he already had candidates for them too.

Interestingly, he couldn't find replacements for these three actors at all.

In other words, he could only invite these three to act; if they refused to come, Luo Mo would feel this movie was full of regrets.

But as luck would have it, Xu Gangsheng had already retired from acting, and the other two actors were also Best Actor-level and were both in... a semi-retired state!

With Luo Mo's current influence and his reputation as a "Hundred Billion Box Office Director," plus the heaven-defying social impact and word-of-mouth of "Dying to Survive," it wouldn't be difficult to invite a few Best Actors.

Although Best Actors were considered scarce, there were still quite a few active ones in the industry now.

But being semi-retired was different.

These two were named Chen Zuhe and Zhao Huan.

Even if he could eventually invite them, it might take some time, require a lot of persuasion, and each might need to consider it for a while.

For Luo Mo, time was still very precious.

So, he had to think of some methods.

After writing the script, Luo Mo entrusted Hua Jiaqun to send the script for "Let the Bullets Fly" to Xu Gangsheng.

Additionally, through other friends, he obtained the personal contact information for Chen Zuhe and Zhao Huan.

The three scripts were sent at almost the same time.

And along with the scripts, there was an extra piece of information sent.

The message received by Xu Gangsheng's side was: already in the Final Negotiation Stage with Chen Zuhe and Zhao Huan.

For Chen Zuhe and Zhao Huan's side, it was: Xu Gangsheng, who had retired from acting for many years, was greatly moved and had also reached the Final Negotiation Stage.

"Anyway, the result is either yes or no; it's nothing more than a matter of process," Luo Mo thought.

"I'm a straightforward person; I only have one process, the 【Final Negotiation Stage】, with no foreplay whatsoever. Is that not okay?"

"How can it be called lying when it's a matter of the director, screenwriter, and investor all being the same person?"

"It's just a sales pitch, that's all."

In Luo Mo's view, as long as one of these three Best Actors—who were either semi-retired or had left the screen—agreed first, the probability of quickly securing the other two would be immense!

And this cast lineup looked so Ox.

Being able to get these top-tier figures who were semi-retired or had left the screen together—this news alone would cause a sensation!

Luo Mo had already planned it out: he would announce the leads one by one, one each day.

"Hehe, this way I can stay on the Hot Search for a few more days." He was already happily making his plans.

In Hong Kong, Hua Jiaqun sought out Xu Gangsheng.

"《Let the Bullets Fly》? Written by Luo Mo?" Xu Gangsheng was a bit surprised.

"Yes," Hua Jiaqun replied.

"A Hong Kong film?"

"Not a Hong Kong film, but he is directing it himself."

Hearing it wasn't a Hong Kong film, Hua Jiaqun felt a bit disappointed.

As a top-tier Actor in the history of Hong Kong cinema, if he were to truly make a comeback, he would actually prefer to do it for a Hong Kong film to save the awkward situation Hong Kong cinema currently faced.

But he was still very interested in the fact that Luo Mo was directing it himself.

Even if you didn't want to act in it at all in your heart, could you really resist not reading the script?

——Who could resist that?!

"By the way, he asked me to tell you that he is also talking to Chen Zuhe and Zhao Huan, and it's Afraid to be finalized soon," said Hua Jiaqun.

——《Afraid》.

Word of mouth spreads, and the more it's told, the more outrageous it gets; isn't that... just human nature?

This actually made Hua Jiaqun feel alarmed.

The status of Chen Zuhe and Zhao Huan in the Mainland film industry was no lower than Hua Jiaqun's status in the Hong Kong film industry.

If they could join forces... hiss!

"I will read it carefully," Xu Gangsheng indicated he would treat this script with caution.

Before reading it formally, he thought it was a gunfight film.

It must be said, the title was extremely misleading.

Xu Gangsheng read the script in his study at night.

Once he started reading, he didn't stop until dawn.

The first time, he only felt it was interesting, but also felt something was off.

The second time, he began to have his own thoughts.

The third time, he... was scared by what he saw!

Many plot points seemed funny, but was that really the case?

——Pages full of absurd words, a handful of bitter tears!

Xu Gangsheng started to feel a bit afraid of this script.

"I am from Hong Kong; because I am old, have experienced much, and have seen much, I can spot some metaphors."

"If it were Mainland audiences, some might be able to understand far more than I can."

The shock he felt from reading this script was no less than when he watched 《Dying to Survive》 out of curiosity, and then slapped his thigh in pain in amazement after finishing it.

Xu Gangsheng now even wanted to find Luo Mo to chat and ask if the metaphors he guessed were actually correct.

If it weren't for the fact that he had been away from the screen for many years and taking the step to return was truly not easy, he would definitely have given an answer immediately, expressing his willingness to take on the role.

Hmm, and take on 《Peerless》 as well while he was at it.

But, after all, it was a comeback.

After much hesitation, Xu Gangsheng gave Hua Jiaqun his reply.

"I want to see what Chen Zuhe and Zhao Huan think first."

It wasn't that Xu Gangsheng was acting like a diva.

There was certainly some reserve regarding his comeback.

But it was more because this script was too terrifying, and he was from Hong Kong.

He wanted to see what decisions these two Mainland actors would make so he could use them as a reference.

Hua Jiaqun immediately passed Xu Gangsheng's words to Luo Mo, word for word.

Upon hearing this, Luo Mo's first reaction was: "The opportunity has come, turn up the intensity!"

And so, Chen Zuhe and Zhao Huan each received a new message, the gist of which was:

"Xu Gangsheng said, if you come, he will come."

As for whether these three Best Actors would expose everything Luo Mo had woven when they met on set for the first time and started chatting... well, that's a story for another time!

——Don't panic, don't panic.

As long as I am willing to sacrifice this face that is handsome beyond the heavens, I will be invincible!

In Beijing, Zhao Huan was sprawled on the sofa, reading the printed script for the third time.

One hand was rubbing his belly in a clockwise motion, while the other held the script, reading it word for word in detail.

After putting down the script, he muttered to himself: "If I come, Xu Gangsheng will come?"

"If Xu Gangsheng plays the role of Huang Silang, it would indeed have a certain subversive quality."

"And the role of the master advisor is truly tailor-made for me; I can feel the sincerity from Luo Mo's side that they must have me," Zhao Huan thought to himself.

"Forget it, since Xu Gangsheng has said as much, it actually makes me want to collaborate with him even more."

"Then let's do it!"

As for Chen Zuhe, the situation is similar to that of Zhao Huan.

— "I Am Also the Same"!

After Luo Mo Studio received the news, they only felt that when their boss walked through the office area, his back was straighter, his steps were larger, and his chin was held higher.

— "How Am I So Awesome"?

At the same time, he immediately entrusted Hua Jiaqun to pass the message to Xu Gangsheng.

Zhao Huan and Chen Zuhe: "Gangsheng, you're the only one left!"

We are waiting for you, dear.

Even for Xu Gangsheng, his Dao heart was directly shaken this time.

The filming team is Luo Mo's team, and there is the heartfelt support of the semi-retired Zhao Huan and Chen Zuhe.

If he were to really make a comeback, he probably wouldn't encounter a project with more prestige than this in his entire life.

Xu Gangsheng's final stubbornness, reserve, and hesitation... were all shattered.

— Act!

I've given in to you, is that not enough?

Luo Mo, having succeeded, had only one thought: "This movie—is set!"

………

………

Time passed quickly, and the new Monday arrived just like that.

Today, CCTV announced a piece of news, which even climbed onto the Weibo Hot Search.

— This year's CCTV New Year's Eve Gala will be directed by Director Li Dongliang.

This is also the first time in history that Director Li Dongliang has directed a large-scale holiday gala.

After all, our Director Li's previous self-positioning was never very clear; he always felt that he could direct the Spring Festival Gala right from the start, rather than the New Year's Eve Gala.

After Luo Mo learned of this news, he was slightly stunned.

"Yo, it's Director Li!"

An old acquaintance!

In Luo Mo's view, if Director Li has changed his ways, then he is destined to fight a fierce battle, after all, he has the backing of CCTV.

But if Director Li is still the same old self, liking to be pretentious and mysterious, then his personal value is actually equivalent to—our Undercover!

Thank you for your unremitting efforts for us!

And according to the rules, after CCTV announces the choice of General Director, other major satellite TV stations will announce their own choices of General Director at different times.

In fact, some directors only choose to go to major satellite TV stations to organize galas after being cut by CCTV.

Besides this, on Blue Star, there is actually an unwritten rule.

That is, all guests must also be picked by CCTV first.

Only after CCTV has finished picking is it the turn of the major satellite TV stations to pick.

Most people sign up themselves and then let the General Director choose.

Of course, some people will receive invitations from CCTV and the General Director.

There is a difference here.

If you signed up yourself and were cut, then you can naturally go and sign up for the galas of major satellite TV stations.

But if CCTV and the General Director actively invited you, and you refused directly because of personal reasons... that is another matter entirely.

Those who make such refusals know their place and will not go to participate in the galas of other satellite TV stations.

How can one refuse CCTV while simultaneously throwing oneself into the arms of other satellite TV stations?

Isn't that courting death!

— Rest assured, we know how to conduct ourselves.

Over time, it became an unwritten rule.

This is also one of the clever tricks Director Chen uses to manipulate Ning Dan.

Aren't you just relying on your good relationship with Luo Mo and the others?

When the time comes, I will have the General Director send invitations to all these old acquaintances of yours.

Then, they will only have two paths.

Either, honestly come to participate in the CCTV New Year's Eve Gala, work under me, sing and dance, and perform programs.

Or, you refuse the invitation, but then you won't be able to go anywhere, so just stay home obediently and rest, or pull up a small stool and guard the television.

Ning Dan, oh Ning Dan, you are destined to be a lone commander.

Let's see what kind of waves you can still stir up!

There is no help for it; because everyone does things this way and everyone makes the same choice, Director Chen views everything as a matter of course.

Moreover, in his view, as long as he sends invitations to Luo Mo and the others, who could hold him accountable?

I've done everything I was supposed to do!

And what does Luo Mo think?

Asking himself, is he afraid of CCTV?

— Afraid!

Goodness, it would be a miracle if one wasn't afraid!

But, no way, surely not, Director Chen, you don't think... 【I Am the Central Television】, do you?

Heh, you are still lacking quite a bit.

Luo Mo had long since made all the preparations.

Furthermore, who is Luo Mo?

Rumors in the industry say he is the beloved son of the Review Department and CCTV.

Regarding this point, Luo Mo's attitude has always been—to deny it to the death.

Slander, this is slander!

As for now...

Fine, I'll show my cards, I am the beloved son of the Review Department and CCTV!

If it is a wage slave who makes a mistake, then, you can just pack your bags and get out.

But if it is the beloved son who makes a mistake... Tsk! Who hasn't had a rebellious phase in their youth?

A beloved son, you just have to endure it a bit more; you have to spoil them, after all.

Before you are definitively judged as a 【Rebellious Child】, there is still room for maneuver in everything.

——"Those Who Are Favored Have Nothing to Fear."

As time passed, Luo Mo began to seize the time to continue the early preparations for *Let the Bullets Fly*.

As for the crime group *Peerless*, which had already produced even counterfeit money, everything was naturally already prepared, only waiting for the east wind.

As soon as Xu Gangsheng joined, filming began immediately, and under Luo Mo's instructions, priority was given to filming the scenes of the 【Painter】 Wu Fusheng.

It was just that everything was being conducted in secret, maintaining mystery for the time being.

Once the early preparations for *Let the Bullets Fly* were done, they could also film the scenes without 【Huang Silang】 first; it wasn't a big problem.

Filming two movies in half a year is a common occurrence for Hong Kong stars.

After all, that was an era where everyone was a quick-draw expert.

Time thus pushed forward by another week.

The Four Great Satellite Channels, which have always been particularly competitive, announced the candidates for the General Director of this year's New Year's Eve Gala almost at the same time.

Luo Mo was not familiar with any of these four General Directors, but he had heard of them all.

Looking at the people announced by the Four Great Satellite Channels, Director Chen thought to himself: "It seems Ning Dan intends to rest for a while."

He had also wondered at first whether Ning Dan would go to the Four Great Satellite Channels to organize a gala.

The Four Great Satellite Channels, relying on their good performance, high data, and large profits... are quite bold.

Are these four station heads afraid of CCTV?

——Afraid!

But they are not afraid of someone like Chen.

However, seeing that Ning Dan was not among the people announced by the Four Great Satellite Channels, Director Chen thought: "This should be enough of a lesson for you, right?"

It wasn't until Wednesday that a piece of news suddenly appeared, shocking countless people's eyes, and even directly climbing onto the Weibo Hot Search.

——Ning Dan will direct the Octopus TV New Year's Eve Gala.

The reason this news was so popular was purely because Octopus TV had always been too terrible when it came to galas.

Therefore, the comments on the internet were mostly like this:

"Sister Dan, blink if you've been kidnapped by Octopus TV!"

"Hahaha, they wouldn't have spent all the money earned from *Nirvana in Fire* and *Chinese Paladin* on Ning Dan, would they?"

"No way, Sister Dan is collaborating with Octopus TV?"

"Whoa, our province's little octopus has really made something of itself this time!"

"Suddenly a bit expectant, I want to see if it will be any different from previous years."

After learning this news, Director Chen was first as astonished as the netizens.

But beyond the surprise, a sense of satisfaction grew in his heart.

In his view, Ning Dan ending up in this state was entirely because he, Chen, could turn his hands to create clouds and rain; it was all thanks to him.

"Only by going to this dump once will you understand the joy of working under me."

(PS: Per the editor's request, continuing to update the preview: This chapter was updated on August 22nd at 16:45, the next chapter is expected before 8 PM tomorrow.)

(End of this chapter)