novellhall Chapter 106: Three Powerful Moves, Truly Deserving of the Name
Chapter 106: Three Powerful Moves, Truly Deserving of the Name
Chapter 106 The Three-Pronged Approach: Well-Deserved of Its Name
For some reason, Ji Qingxu remembered a saying: "Even a pig can fly if it stands in the right place at the right time."
Although this statement is somewhat biased when applied to Zhang Jizong, since he did serve as the producer of a segment of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," Ji Qingxu felt that he was a person with some real skills but not particularly outstanding, belonging to the type who only had a few tricks up his sleeve.
Besides his talent for self-promotion and Jin Yong's own fame, Jin Yong also owes his great fame to the outstanding supporting actors in the TV series.
From "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" to "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" and "The Return of the Condor Heroes", the supporting actors in these TV series have a level of acting skills, looks, and fame that is hard to find in other dramas. Ji Qingxu feels that any director with a similar background could have made similar films.
It wasn't that Ji Qingxu was maliciously slandering him. Ji Qingxu remembered that after "The Return of the Condor Heroes," starting with "The Deer and the Cauldron," the TV series adapted from Jin Yong's works produced by Zhang Jizong seemed to have lost their appeal. Although they continued to produce one after another, they never regained their previous popularity.
Ji Qingxu was deliberately testing Zhang Jizong to see what kind of personality this "Big Beard Zhang" was, so that she could better deal with him on set later.
Of course, Ji Qingxu wasn't that brainless. Before the TV series even started filming, he was already going against Zhang Jizong. Before coming here, Ma Zhongjun called Ji Qingxu and asked him to "show off" appropriately.
Although he didn't know what kind of power struggle was behind the scenes, since Lao Ma had secured the role for him and he was an employee of Ciwen Media, Ji Qingxu would definitely side with Lao Ma for whatever reason.
As for whether he would be targeted by Zhang Jizong after joining the crew, Ji Qingxu was not afraid, because Ma Zhongjun was also one of the producers of this drama, and his senior brother Kou Zhanwen and his stunt team would also be joining the crew, and senior brother Kou Zhanwen would also serve as the assistant director.
Ji Qingxu didn't care if Zhang Jizong used some petty tricks, but if he went too far, Ji Qingxu and Kou Zhanwen had discussed it before: it would be impolite not to reciprocate.
Hearing that most of the comments were praise, Zhang Jizong raised an eyebrow. "I heard you're quite skilled."
Upon hearing this, Ji Qingxu smiled and said, "If Producer Zhang is asking about real kung fu, no one in the industry should be my match. If Producer Zhang is asking about martial arts moves and the aesthetics of action, I am no less than anyone else."
Hearing such an "arrogant" answer, Zhang Jizong narrowed his eyes. This guy is obviously not an ordinary young man. Well, if he were ordinary, Ma Zhongjun wouldn't be promoting him so much.
"Get him a sword."
Ji Qingxu's eyes narrowed as he took the longsword handed to him by the staff. It was a soft sword, so light that he felt nothing at all. It seemed that this Zhang Dahuzi had investigated him.
Ji Qingxu brandished his longsword and laughed heartily, deciding to let this big-bearded Zhang open his eyes.
"I've made a fool of myself!"
"brush!"
As soon as Ji Qingxu finished speaking, he made a starting stance, then swung his sword and made a quick sword strike, instantly creating a clear sound of a sword striking the ground in the room.
"hiss!"
Hearing a gasp from the side, Zhang Jizong glanced at Zhao Jian, the action director beside him. Noticing that Zhang Jizong was looking at him, Zhao Jian leaned closer and whispered, "Well said."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jizong looked thoughtfully at Ji Qingxu, who was performing. "Impressive?"
Zhao Jian nodded slightly and continued in a low voice, "This Ji Qingxu is currently performing the 'Gongsun Da Niang Sword Dance.' Men don't often perform this kind of sword dance; women perform it more often. While the 'Gongsun Da Niang Sword Dance' may sound feminine, it's actually very bold and unrestrained, using a soft sword to perform rapid thrusts and sweeps..."
The sword strikes, combined with leaps and spins, create a dazzling display of power, like a thunderbolt. To borrow a phrase from Du Fu's poem, it is described as "coming like thunderbolts, then withdrawing in a rage, and departing like the calming light of the ocean."
Upon hearing the last line of the poem, Zhang Jizong glanced at Zhao Jian in surprise, thinking, "You actually know how to recite poetry."
Noticing the surprise in Zhang Jizong's eyes, Zhao Jian was speechless. He had been an action director for many years, and although he was not highly educated, he certainly knew some well-known martial arts moves and stories, if not an expert.
Having followed Zhang Jizong for several years, Zhao Jian knew what kind of person Zhang Jizong was, and he didn't take Zhang Jizong's "surprise" to heart.
Looking at Ji Qingxu performing in front of him, Zhao Jian subtly twitched the corner of his mouth. Director Xu had chosen him for his movie, so how could Zhang Jizong have a better eye than Director Xu?
Zhao Jian, who had worked at Xu Ke's studio for many years, glanced at Zhang Jizong unintentionally. Seeing Zhang Jizong's expressionless face, he shook his head inwardly, thinking it was unnecessary.
Seeing Ji Qingxu straighten the sword instantly with a beautiful "wrapping head" move, Zhao Jian couldn't help but exclaim, "So beautiful, so imposing!"
Although he didn't know exactly what Gongsun Da Niang's sword dance was like, Zhao Jian thought that "Gongsun Da Niang's Sword Dance" should look like this after watching Ji Qingxu's performance.
"Clap clap clap!"
Seeing Kou Zhanwen clapping loudly, Zhao Jian kept his eyes fixed on Zhang Jizong. Only after seeing Zhang Jizong clap his hands together did Zhao Jian join in.
"Thanks!"
Seeing Ji Qingxu hold the longsword upside down and put it at his side, looking completely relaxed as if his performance had been effortless, Zhang Jizong stared at him for a while and slowly nodded, a smile appearing on his face. "Good, well lived up to your reputation. President Ma's judgment is indeed excellent."
Hearing this, Ma Zhongjun chuckled and said, "As long as Director Zhang is satisfied, then it's settled?"
"It's settled."
"Okay, Qingxu, go outside and wait for me."
"Okay, Mr. Ma, everyone, I'll head out now."
After leaving the room, Ji Qing glanced at the door behind him and smiled as he walked towards the dressing room.
After removing her makeup, Ji Qingxu waited for more than an hour before seeing Ma Zhongjun and Kou Zhanwen come out.
"Mr. Ma, I've made a reservation. Shall we have a casual lunch together?"
Ma Zhongjun smiled and looked at Kou Zhanwen, teasingly saying, "Old Kou, didn't you say there was a big meal coming?"
Kou Zhanwen grinned and said, "My junior brother is always good at being modest. Mr. Ma, why don't we go over there first and talk about it later?"
"Haha, okay, let's go. I've been busy all morning and I'm hungry."
Seeing Ma Zhongjun walk ahead, Ji Qingxu and Kou Zhanwen exchanged a glance, smiled, and followed him.
"Qingxu's performance today was as good as ever."
Hearing Ma Zhongjun's praise, Ji Qingxu smiled and said, "Mr. Ma, this is my livelihood. If I don't perform well, I will have failed your trust."
Ma Zhongjun said with a smile, "Zhang Dahuzi should have no objections."
Upon hearing this, Ji Qingxu smiled and raised his glass. "Mr. Ma, let me toast you. If it weren't for your support, I wouldn't have been able to play this role."
"Haha, I told you before, I can find you a role, but whether you can handle it is up to you. Not bad, Qingxu, you haven't let me down."
Seeing the two put down their glasses, Kou Zhanwen spoke up, "Mr. Ma, will Director Zhang treat my junior brother differently after he joins the crew?"
Upon hearing this question, Ma Zhongjun smiled inexplicably. "Don't worry, our Ciwen and the Huaxia Audiovisual Power behind him are equal in this production. Small tricks are unavoidable. If he goes too far, tell me immediately."
Upon hearing this, Ji Qingxu and Kou Zhanwen exchanged a knowing glance.
"Mr. Ma, I'd also like to raise a glass to you to thank you for your support, which made my wish come true."
Seeing Kou Zhanwen raise his wine glass and look at him, Ma Zhongjun laughed and scolded, "So you and your fellow disciples are planning to get me drunk together at noon today, aren't you?"
"Haha, Mr. Ma, with such a high alcohol tolerance, how could we possibly get you drunk?"
"Go away, Qingxu is the real heavy drinker. Let's drink slowly, we're all family, no need for such formalities."
"Okay, whatever Mr. Ma says."
That's what they said, but after the dinner, everyone was visibly quite drunk.
After Ma Zhongjun and the company people left, Ji Qingxu and Kou Zhanwen got into the car. Ji Qingxu handed Kou Zhanwen a cigarette and lit it for him, then lit one for himself. "Senior brother, is Zhang Jizong a petty person?"
Hearing this, Kou Zhanwen laughed and exhaled a puff of smoke. "Anyway, it's not that big. Just look at how a male lead has to force Boss Ma to go find his boss. That tells you what kind of person he is."
Ji Qingxu nodded slightly upon hearing this. "Given my performance today, do you think he'll quickly cause trouble for me after I join the crew?"
"There will definitely be minor troubles, as for major troubles... it's unclear for now. However, this person is very realistic and greedy, so he probably wouldn't dare to do anything unwise. With an investment of tens of millions, such a large sum of money, no matter how famous he is, not to mention our CEO Ma, even the Huaxia Audiovisual Company behind him wouldn't take it lightly."
Thinking of his junior brother's personality, Kou Zhanwen glanced out the car window and whispered, "Junior brother, this movie is even more eye-catching than your last one, 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes.' You just focus on filming, and leave the rest to your senior brother. We can't let others find fault with us in public."
Ji Qingxu smiled and said, "Don't worry, senior brother, I know what's important."
"Uncle Kou, with me here, I will not let anyone hurt Uncle Qingxu."
Seeing Zhang Zhong turn around in the driver's seat with a serious expression, Kou Zhanwen knew he meant no harm, but the scars on Zhang Zhong's face trembled as he spoke, making him look rather ferocious. Kou Zhanwen's lips twitched, and he said irritably, "Just be a good assistant. You're so big, anyone who isn't blind can see you."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhong scratched his head awkwardly.
Ji Qingxu laughed and said, "Brother Chong, as long as no one tries to cut me with a knife in front of me, you don't need to worry about it."
Zhang Zhong grinned and said, "Alright."
Seeing Zhang Chong turn his head away, Kou Zhanwen flicked his cigarette ash and said with a smile, "Junior brother, even though this movie hasn't started filming yet, I can predict that after filming this movie, Director Zhang will definitely not work with us again."
Ji Qingxu smiled and exhaled a puff of smoke. "I hope Mr. Ma won't blame us."
Upon hearing this, the two looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"How much did you drink? The smell of alcohol is so strong. Here, I just made you some tea."
Ji Qingxu took the teacup and asked with a smile, "Has Sister Yuanyuan eaten?"
Hearing Ji Qingxu's concern, Gao Yuanyuan smiled happily and said, "I've eaten. How did things go?"
Ji Qingxu smiled and took a sip of tea. "It's done."
Gao Yuanyuan nodded upon hearing this and didn't ask any further questions. "Would you like to take a nap?"
"Will you come with me?"
Seeing the smile on Ji Qingxu's face, Gao Yuanyuan couldn't help but slap him. "You big dummy, you little rascal, all you ever think about is doing bad things."