Chapter 424: Forcing Someone's Hand
Chapter 424: Forcing Someone's Hand
Tian Pengyu handed over the script to Qi Jue and said with a smile, "This script was written by Miss Lu, the girlfriend of our third young master. Director Qi, I guarantee it won't disappoint you."
He wasn't worried that Director Qi would reject the offer after reading the script. It was such a brilliant script that he himself was tempted to have one of his company's directors take on the project. However, since Miss Lu specifically requested Director Qi, he didn't want to go against her wishes.
After reading the script, Director Qi also thought it was well-written. More importantly, Hong Kong City currently lacked this type of movie. "The script is good, but what about the actors?"
He was reluctant to use actors from Wanting Media. He didn't want to ruin his reputation with subpar performances.
Tian Pengyu felt helpless. This was all due to the fourth young master's impulsive behavior: "As for the actors, Miss Lu wants handsome and beautiful ones with acting skills. She intends to hold auditions to select them. I tried to persuade her otherwise, but she insisted."
Lu Jiaxin had loved watching TV dramas when she was studying. She enjoyed the domestic dramas as well. But after returning to work in China, she lost interest in them as they were an eyesore, a result of capital reigning supreme. Now that she was the capital herself, she naturally wanted to produce a movie that was aesthetically pleasing.
Director Qi felt relieved upon hearing this. "I'll take the script with me and discuss it with Miss Lu after I've finished reading it."
This Manager Tian had made one thing clear—Miss Lu was in charge of this movie. Although he was part of the entertainment industry, he had also heard about the business world. This Miss Lu had not relied on any man to rise to the top; she had genuine talent.
Tian Pengyu immediately expressed that he would coordinate with the company.
Two days later, Director Qi met with Lu Jiaxin. He pointed out that while the concept of the script was novel, it lacked sufficient conflict to arouse the audience's emotions.
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "Director Qi, feel free to share your thoughts. If your ideas are good, I will definitely adopt them."
The two talked for over three hours. When Director Qi left, he had a smile on his face. Lu Jiaxin had assured him that they would choose actors based on suitability rather than fame, and she wouldn't interfere with the filming process. Moreover, the requirement for the lead actor's clothing and jewelry to be provided by Green Forest and Wufu Jewelry was actually beneficial for the movie.
With the script and director confirmed, the next step was to select the actors. Soon after, Wanting Media published advertisements for auditions for the new movie.
To avoid rejection, they included Director Qi's name in the advertisement. Although he wasn't very famous at the moment, many people harbored dreams of becoming stars, so a large number of people signed up.
Since Lu Jiaxin wanted handsome and beautiful actors, those who didn't meet the visual standards were eliminated in the first round. Unlike three decades later when plastic surgery was prevalent, the current trend favored natural beauty. The contestants were genuine handsome men and beautiful women, each with their unique charm.
After reading the script, Nie Jingting told Tian Pengyu that he wanted to play the male lead.
Tian Pengyu didn't dare reject him directly, as he was the true boss after all. However, he now had an excuse: "Fourth Young Master, this script was written by Miss Lu, and she's also the investor. The third young master asked me to assist her with the movie because Miss Lu is busy with her studies. If you want to play the male lead, you'll need to get Miss Lu's approval."
He said this to make it clear to Nie Jingting that he was merely a runner and didn't have the final say. Indeed, he had suggested selecting a popular actress, but Miss Lu insisted on holding open auditions.
Nie Jingting immediately called Lu Jiaxin to express his desire to play the male lead in the movie. What he didn't expect was that as soon as he finished speaking, he heard a busy tone from the other end of the line.
Initially, Nie Jingting thought the phone had malfunctioned, so he dialed the number again.
Nie Jingting was stunned. Despite their age, he had never encountered anyone as blunt as Lu Jiaxin. He was slightly annoyed and immediately called Nie Zhan to complain.
Far from offering comfort, Nie Zhan scolded him, "With your atrocious acting, even the best script and movie would flop. Lu Jiaxin put her heart and soul into this screenplay, and with your pathetic acting, you dared to demand the male lead role? Her hanging up on you was well-deserved!"
Nie Jingting replied in a huff, "She could've just said that directly. Hanging up on me sends what message?"
Previously, he had held a favorable impression of Lu Jiaxin, but this incident made him realize the importance of having a solid foundation. None of the young ladies he associated with had a temper like Lu Jiaxin's.
Nie Zhan bluntly stated, "Her hanging up on you was her way of telling you that she won't let you play any role in the movie. Nie Jingting, this movie is Lu Jiaxin's pride and joy, and she won't let any discordant factor affect it."
Seeing that he was still defending Lu Jiaxin, Nie Jingting became upset. "Third Brother, don't you think she's being extremely rude?"
Nie Zhan countered, "Who was rude first? What makes you entitled to demand the lead role from Lu Jiaxin just because you're the fourth young master of the Nie family and my younger brother? If you weren't my brother, would you dare make such an outrageous request to her?"
Sensing the sternness in his tone, Nie Jingting didn't dare continue badmouthing Lu Jiaxin.
Nie Zhan continued, "Nie Jingting, Lu Jiaxin is different from our aunt and your mother. She built her billion-dollar empire herself, so she won't bow to anyone. Not to you, not to our aunt, and not even to Grandfather. If you persist with this attitude, don't expect me to help you in the future."
The reason Nie Jingting had been able to pursue his movie career was that Nie Zhan had spoken on his behalf to their grandfather, saying that with him and his older brother in the family business, there was no need to force Nie Jingting to join as well. It was better to let him do what he loved. Of course, Nie Jingting himself genuinely believed that doing what one loved was a blessing.
Nie Jingting hadn't realized the severity of the situation and quickly backtracked. "Third Brother, it was my fault. All my fault. Choose a time, and I'll apologize to Miss Lu in person for my earlier rudeness."
"Tonight," Nie Zhan replied.
Aunt and Mother had already caused enough trouble, and Nie Jingshu's wife was also difficult to deal with. If Nie Jingting continued to act this way, Lu Jiaxin would probably refuse to marry him.
For dinner, Nie Zhan chose Fulinmen, a place everyone loved.
Once they were seated, Nie Jingting stood up and addressed Lu Jiaxin. "Third Sister-in-law, I apologize for my earlier nonsense. I wasn't thinking clearly, and I hope you can overlook it."
After saying this, he picked up his cup. "I'll punish myself with three cups of wine."
Lu Jiaxin had been feeling a bit sleepy, but Nie Jingting's words made her chuckle. He truly had no self-awareness. After hanging up on him, she had gone upstairs to rest.
Only after Nie Jingting finished his three cups of wine did Nie Zhan ask Lu Jiaxin, "If you're still upset, make him treat us to a year's worth of meals here."
Nie Jingting thought his brother was being too harsh. A year's worth of meals at Fulinmen could fund a small movie!
"That's not necessary," Lu Jiaxin said. "I just hope that Young Master Nie won't force others against their will in the future."
If it weren't for Nie Zhan, she wouldn't have given Nie Jingting the time of day. Despite his pleasant words, he still didn't truly respect her, as evidenced by his bold demand for a role.
(End of Chapter)
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