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Zhang Wentian had been lying low for nearly ten years, yet he remained a highly renowned director both domestically and internationally.
Therefore, the comeback project of this great director was bound to attract attention from all sides. Even with a few box office flops in his past, his fame and connections made it easy to secure sufficient investment.
The entertainment industry, including top celebrities and stakeholders from the investment side, would inevitably vie for roles in this new film, even for third or fourth supporting roles, fighting tooth and nail.
It didn't matter if the film flopped; Zhang Wentian's works had a tradition of being showcased at international film festivals, and they had won numerous awards. Who wouldn't want to walk the red carpet at those highly anticipated events?
So even if it meant lowering their fees, many were willing to boost their prestige.
As a newcomer who had just debuted, and moreover, an independent artist with the identity of a vagabond singer, Lu Chen had no qualifications to participate in such a game. His influence and connections in the entertainment community were still too limited.
If it weren't for the serendipity of today, where he moved this great director with his classic song, "A Man Should Stand Strong," he wouldn't even have a chance to beg for a minor role!
But now, Zhang Wentian had proactively offered Lu Chen a small supporting role, which was an unexpected delight!
In the dream world, Lu Chen had experienced a third life, where Mo Ran was a deeply skilled actor. Unfortunately, Mo Ran's career was unlucky, always relegated to supporting roles and never achieving stardom.
This part of Mo Ran's life gave Lu Chen a unique sentiment towards acting. He had once vowed in his heart to fulfill Mo Ran's lifelong wish in his own world— to become a true protagonist.
But one must eat bite by bite and walk step by step. Moving too fast could lead to trouble, and Lu Chen wasn't one to rush recklessly.
Therefore, he chose pop music as the starting point of his career, planning to transition into film and television after accumulating enough experience.
It was precisely because of this healthy mindset that Lu Chen hadn't thought of seizing the opportunity to ask Zhang Wentian for a role earlier.
With the script, film crew, and actors already in place, trying to force himself into the project would only cause trouble for others.
If he ended up annoying Zhang Wentian, that would be truly foolish.
Having his work chosen as the film's theme song was already more than enough for Lu Chen.
Yet, the world works in mysterious ways. Just when he had no desires, Zhang Wentian decided to return the favor.
Even if it was just a small supporting role, Lu Chen was overjoyed and agreed without hesitation.
Playing coy or aloof at this point would just be foolish.
Lu Chen's joy and excitement made Zhang Wentian smile— this was the right reaction.
If Lu Chen could remain calm and composed in such a situation, Zhang Wentian would have to wonder if the young man was some reincarnated old soul or if his own reputation had declined to the point where it couldn't impress a newcomer.
The great director nodded and said, "We'll discuss the script and the performance contract when we transfer the copyright of your work. Your scenes will be shot later, so you have plenty of time to learn some acting skills. Make sure to perform well!"
For a vagabond singer to become an actor, unless they were professionally trained, acting skills would be a major issue. Although Lu Chen's role would have few scenes, he couldn't just rely on his looks to get by.
Whether it was a big star or a newcomer, Zhang Wentian's demands were equally strict and serious.
Lu Chen readily agreed, "No problem, I'll definitely work hard."
With Mo Ran's life memories, he had the ability to handle a protagonist role, so a small supporting role would naturally be a breeze.
However, in front of Zhang Wentian, Lu Chen couldn't show too much confidence. It was better to remain humble.
Zhang Wentian nodded and continued, "As for the composition of this song and the film's soundtrack…"
Lu Chen quickly interjected, "In terms of composing music and soundtracks, I'm not capable enough."
He was well aware that the soundtrack for a blockbuster was a massive project, and he had the self-awareness to know his limits.
This was Lu Chen's biggest weakness, which was why he planned to audit classes at the Beijing Conservatory to accumulate knowledge.
Zhang Wentian smiled and said, "I meant that I couldn't entrust this to you. But as the creator of the theme song, I hope you can provide input when necessary. I plan to have Professor Gao handle the composition and soundtrack."
'Oh!' Lu Chen had overthought it!
He immediately blushed—he needed to stay calm, more calm!
At this moment, Lu Chen caught a glimpse of Qin Qing stifling a laugh out of the corner of his eye.
There was a hint of youthful charm in her expression.
Lu Chen could only smile wryly.
The composition and soundtrack of a film were extremely important, and there was no way Zhang Wentian would let him handle it.
After all, his experience was too shallow, and he had no background in it.
Zhang Wentian offering Lu Chen a small supporting role was already a form of compensation for providing the theme song.
Gao Yue smiled and said, "It's perfect since Lu Chen will be auditing classes at the Beijing Conservatory. It'll be convenient for us to exchange ideas."
He tactfully eased Lu Chen's slight embarrassment.
Lu Chen gratefully said, "Professor Gao, I'll have to learn a lot from you!"
This was yet another opportunity for him.
Since Zhang Wentian had entrusted this task to Gao Yue, and the latter was a professor in the Composition Department at the Beijing Conservatory, his experience and knowledge were undoubtedly vast. Receiving guidance from him would undoubtedly accelerate Lu Chen's learning.
Zhang Wentian encouraged, "Lu Chen's work has given me confidence. Next year, when we take this to the Capital International Film Festival, we'll definitely aim for the Best Music Award!"
The Capital International Film Festival, the Huhai International Film Festival, and the Golden Peony Film Festival were the three major film festivals in the country.
Among them, the Capital International Film Festival, established in 2000 and hosted by the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television and the Capital City Municipal Hall, was a large-scale international film event known for its authority and professionalism, enjoying a high reputation in the industry.
The Capital International Film Festival aimed to integrate domestic and international film resources, providing a platform for exhibition, exchange, and transactions. Since 2010, it had been held annually with award categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Music, and Best Visual Effects—ten awards in total!
The Golden Tripod Award of the Capital International Film Festival carried significant weight and had international influence.
Zhang Wentian's ambition for the Golden Tripod Award demonstrated his strong confidence!
Mentioning the Best Music Award was just a pretext; what he truly sought were the Best Film and Best Director awards.
At his level, winning awards wasn't the most important thing; what mattered was the spirit of resurgence!
By saying this, Zhang Wentian was also praising Lu Chen.
Chen Pu disdainfully said, "Next year? Can you finish filming this movie in a year and take it to the festival?"
Gao Yue burst into laughter.
Zhang Wentian had nothing to say and could only sip his tea to hide his embarrassment.
Chen Pu had hit his Achilles' heel— he was known for dragging out his shoots. While other directors could finish a film in six months, he often took a year in pursuit of perfection, significantly increasing the budget and frustrating several investors.
Putting down his teacup, Zhang Wentian declared with great confidence, "I'll definitely finish it within a year!"
The Capital International Film Festival was held in early December. It was now late August, and even if filming was completed within a year, adding post-production time would make it very tight to submit the film for the festival.
But he had to complete it; otherwise, it would be hard to explain to the investors.
According to the investors' requirements, after participating in the Capital International Film Festival, the film would be released during the New Year period. Winning major awards would undoubtedly boost the box office.
This wasn't the 80s or 90s; investors were very shrewd and always prioritized box office performance.
Chen Pu snorted, clearly unconvinced.
Gao Yue smoothed things over and changed the subject, asking Qin Qing, "Qin Qing, are you heading back to the college this afternoon?"
Qin Qing nodded and asked, "Professor Gao, is there something you need?"
"That's perfect."
Gao Yue pointed at Lu Chen and said, "Could you accompany Lu Chen to the academic affairs office? You can look for Director Lu or Director Chen to get him an auditor's pass."
Seeing things through to the end, although he had already written a note for Lu Chen, having Qin Qing guide him would help Lu Chen get the auditor's pass and course schedule that very afternoon, saving a lot of trouble.
Qin Qing was slightly surprised but didn't object. "Alright."
Though she was aloof by nature, since Professor Gao had asked, she would definitely help. It wasn't a difficult task anyway.
Lu Chen smiled and said, "Thank you, Junior Qin."
He could have handled it himself, but he didn't want to reject Gao Yue's goodwill.
Qin Qing smiled.
She stood up and said, "Let's go then. If we're late, the academic affairs office will close."
"Wait!"
Chen Pu called out, "Qin Qing, play us a tune before you go. It's been a long time since I've heard you play!"
As he spoke, he shot Gao Yue a look, blaming him for ruining the mood.
Qin Qing sat back down and said graciously, "Then I'll offer a piece to all the elders."
Zhang Wentian, Gao Yue, Chen Pu, and Chen Jianhao all smiled.
Qin Qing came from an extraordinary family. Not only was she beautiful and talented, but she was also intelligent. She had been learning the zither since childhood and was exceptionally skilled.
Many guests came to the Yuming Tea House, but few had the privilege of hearing her play!
But when Qin Qing plucked the strings of the ancient zither, the smiles on everyone's faces turned into bitter smiles.
Because Qin Qing was playing the ancient piece, "Your Legend"!
Compared to Lu Chen's adaptation, she played the original version. The first part used extensive tremolo and left-hand techniques to depict the scene of drums and horns, creating a tense and mysterious melody.
The second part used exaggerated left-hand techniques to outline the image of a brave and wise general.
The third part employed rapidly accelerating "fast four-point" techniques to portray soldiers advancing in formation. The fourth part depicted the clash of armies, the chaos of battle, the blaring of horns, and the triumphant return to camp.
The entire piece was performed in one breath, with a tight and well-paced rhythm, showcasing her extraordinary skill!
Zhang Wentian and the others listened intently.
But Lu Chen had a faint feeling that this junior was challenging him through her performance.
Of course, this could entirely be his imagination.
——
(End of Chapter)