The Common Man's Return in Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 79 Ma Zhongjun's reaction, slander

Office of the General Manager of Ciwen Media Company.

A middle-aged man with a full beard said in a deep voice, "Mr. Ma, this is not in accordance with the rules. If all TV drama castings are decided without even auditions, how can we guarantee that the roles will satisfy the audience?"

Ma Zhongjun glanced at Zhang Jizong, picked up his teacup and slowly took a sip of tea. "I didn't say I wouldn't audition. I don't object to Director Zhang's hype, but Ji Qingxu must sign the contract to play Yang Guo first. After that, he can cooperate with whatever hype you do, Director Zhang."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jizong narrowed his eyes. "President Ma, Ji Qingxu is currently completely unknown. I don't have a high opinion of such a newcomer playing the male lead in a well-known martial arts novel with an investment of tens of millions."

Ma Zhongjun put down his teacup and retorted, "Who said Ji Qingxu is unknown? His performance in 'Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties' ranked among the top three in ratings last year. He played the role of Luo Cheng very well and brilliantly. In addition, he also played the male lead in the recently aired 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes.' According to information from the TV station, it also ranked first in ratings in the same time slot. He is not a newcomer."

"But most viewers don't even know his name, so choosing such a person is too risky."

"No, it's precisely because he's not famous enough that he's suitable for the election. Didn't you say you wanted to create hype before filming starts? If you choose a newcomer like him, won't that generate buzz? Does this mean Director Zhang already has someone in mind?"

Seeing Ma Zhongjun staring intently at him, Zhang Jizong shook his head. "No one else is interested, but I hope to choose a well-known male actor."

"Does Director Zhang lack confidence in 'The Return of the Condor Heroes'?"

"Mr. Ma, it's not a matter of whether I have confidence or not; one plus one is greater than one plus zero."

"That's hard to say. I'll let Director Zhang in on a secret: Ji Qingxu has been confirmed to star in Tsui Hark's next film, and in an important role at that."

Upon hearing this news, a hint of surprise flashed across Zhang Jizong's face. "Are you sure?"

Ma Zhongjun chuckled softly, "Do you think I would lie to you, Director Zhang? Director Xu thinks highly of Ji Qingxu; this role was specially tailored for him, and his screen time is at least in the top three!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jizong stroked his beard and fell silent.

After a while, Zhang Jizong spoke up, "Mr. Ma thinks highly of Ji Qingxu?"

Ma Zhongjun replied with a smile, "He lives up to my expectations."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jizong slowly nodded, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "Mr. Ma, if I insist on my opinion, what will Ciwen do?"

Upon hearing such a direct question, Ma Zhongjun's smile vanished instantly. "Director Zhang, you are very famous, but Ciwen's money doesn't come easily. Is there a problem with me investing over ten million for two roles?"

Seeing Ma Zhongjun staring at him with a serious expression, Zhang Jizong looked at him for a moment and then looked away. "How about this, I'll think about it and give President Ma an answer later."

"Okay, I hope Director Zhang will give me an answer as soon as possible."

"Um."

......

"Knock knock knock!"

"Come in."

Cheng Qian pushed open the door and saw Ma Zhongjun standing in front of the French windows, quietly looking out. She glanced around the office and found nothing unusual, then gently closed the door and walked over.

"The talks didn't go well?"

Ma Zhongjun sighed softly and chuckled, "Qingxu is quite clever; he actually knows Zhang Jizong so well."

Cheng Qian asked in surprise, "Zhang Jizong disagrees?"

Ma Zhongjun sneered twice, "This Zhang guy is incredibly greedy. He wants money but doesn't want Ciwen to get involved. Damn it, he's making excuses even for a role, and he even talks about rules with me. Does he think I'm stupid? If Ciwen really invests money, who knows what kind of trouble he'll cause."

Hearing this, Cheng Qian frowned. "This Director Zhang is going too far. Is it such a big deal that we've invested tens of millions and want a few roles?"

After a pause, Cheng Qian hesitated and asked, "So what do we do next?"

Ma Zhongjun snorted coldly, "If he doesn't agree to Ji Qingxu playing Yang Guo, Ciwen will not vote."

Cheng Qian asked in surprise, "Not investing? What about the company then...?"

Ma Zhongjun waved his hand and said, "I'm not saying this out of anger. If even the male lead, Zhang Jizong, is so unwilling, even if 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' can make money, we at Ciwen probably won't make much money either. Zhang Jizong will probably be the one who makes the most money. Rather than this, we might as well invest the money in other film and television dramas. What the market lacks now is not projects, but money."

At this point, Ma Zhongjun looked at Cheng Qian and asked, "What did Mr. Jin Yong say?"

Cheng Qian said helplessly, "Mr. Jin Yong still says the same thing as before: he thinks highly of Zhang Jizong, and he said he wants to read the script first before making a decision."

Upon hearing this, Ma Zhongjun couldn't help but sigh. "These writers are really difficult to deal with. Mr. Liang Yusheng was like this before, and Mr. Jin Yong is the same. Damn it, if we get the film and television adaptation rights, we can just find someone else if Zhang Jizong doesn't cooperate."

After rubbing his bald head and thinking for a moment, Ma Zhongjun said in a deep voice, "Make an appointment for me with Mr. Pu from Huaxia Vision. I'll treat him to dinner."

"Okay, I'll make the call in a bit. By the way, there's been a bit of a problem with Qingxu."

Hearing this, Ma Zhongjun asked curiously, "What's going on?"

Cheng Qian's face showed a hint of teasing, "A scandal."

Ma Zhongjun's interest was piqued. "A scandal? With whom?"

"Li Milu and the other person were photographed going to a bar together, and they were very intimate."

Upon hearing the name, Ma Zhongjun laughed and cursed, "That brat! I've been working myself to the bone trying to get roles from him, while he's leisurely playing around with women."

Cheng Qian smiled and said, "That's hard to say who's playing whom."

Ma Zhongjun asked in surprise, "You mean Qingxu, that brat, was fooled by this woman?"

Cheng Qian shook her head. "I don't know. Anyway, the news and photos say that Qingxu was dragged into a bar by Li Milu while she was in a daze, and a few hours later they came out embracing each other very intimately and went into a hotel."

"Hahaha, this kid's acting is pretty good. He's even dizzy. Who the hell can get him drunk?"

"What about this rumor?"

"Whatever, he's already out, what's the big deal? Besides, it's normal for Qingxu to have some scandals at his age. It would be strange if he didn't. Who knows what the outside world thinks of him? As long as he doesn't sleep with those shady women, it's fine. By the way, did you call him?"

"I called him. I notified him as soon as the news came out. Mr. Ma, that little guy Qingxu is treating me like his agent."

Hearing Cheng Qian's complaint, Ma Zhongjun laughed and said, "There's nothing we can do. This brat has very high standards. He doesn't think much of the company's agents. Let's leave it at that for now. Anyway, he doesn't have much business for the time being. If you need anything, just tell them to do it."

Cheng Qian smiled helplessly, "Fine, this kid is too shameless. He calls me every time something happens. I really can't do anything with him."

Ma Zhongjun said with a smile, "This little guy is incredibly smart."

"Should we invite Mr. Pu from Huaxia Vision to the drinking party?"

Ma Zhongjun waved his hand, "No need. Inviting him would be counterproductive. People might think I'm trying to force him out. I'll talk to this President Pu alone first."

"Okay, I'll call them to schedule a time."

"Um."

......

"Chicken Bro!"

Seeing Zhu Yawen and the other two staring intently at him with newspapers in hand, Ji Qingxu raised an eyebrow. "Envious of your father's good looks?"

Zhu Yawen waved the newspaper excitedly and said, "Holy crap, Brother Chicken, you slept with the Golden Horse Award-winning actress, you're awesome!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Qingxu laughed and scolded, "Get lost, or I'll sue you for defamation if you keep talking nonsense."

"I'm talking nonsense? Damn it, Mule, Lao Lu, look at Chicken Brother, isn't he blatantly lying? It's even in the newspapers, and he's still accusing me of defamation? Tell me, is there no justice left?"

Ji Qingxu snatched the newspaper and glanced at it. "Golden Horse Best Actress 'Intoxicated' by Beijing Film Academy Newcomer."

Tsk, this headline is terrible, nowhere near as good as those in Hong Kong newspapers.

He waved the newspaper, "It says I was sleeping? I just went to a bar for a drink, got a little drunk, and took someone back to their hotel to rest. This is complete slander."

Upon hearing Ji Qingxu's words, Zhu Yawen and the other two exchanged glances and gave each other a thumbs up in perfect unison.

"Brother Chicken, no wonder you can play the male lead."

"Those with thick skin really do enjoy their food."

"admire!"

"Isn't it because I'm handsome?"

"Damn, guys, we can't take it anymore, let's get him."

"Kill him."

"I'll hug him."

"I fought back?"

"Still dare to resist? Brothers, beat them to death!"

"Hahaha, let go! Even I'm scared when I make a move!"

"..."