Entertainment King:Extracting Skills from the Movies

Zhong Zhen's tone was calm, but the cultured man beside her couldn't help raising an eyebrow.

Taking another look at the young man on stage, he smiled and commented, "His singing could use some polish, but his voice has potential. His breath control, diction, and range are quite good.

"With proper training, he could make a name for himself in the future."

He avoided discussing the mishap involving the stunt crew from earlier, opting instead to critique the music. Having graduated from the Hong Kong TVB Artiste Training Class and once auditioned for a music academy, his opinion carried some weight.

Zhong Zhen suddenly remembered something and turned to him. "Lao Ju, is it confirmed that you'll be directing the Jin Yong adaptation?"

Ju Jueliang chuckled. "It's a big-budget production. Just your side alone has invested over 20 million, and the total budget exceeds 100 million. Producer Zhang is taking it very seriously—he even built a dedicated film set. I'm only in charge of some dramatic scenes."

Although Ju had connections with Jin Yong and had directed popular series in Hong Kong, he lacked networks in mainland China. He got this chance only because Jin Yong and Zhong Zhen had recommended him.

To clarify, like last year's Legend of the Condor Heroes, the main authority rested with Producer Zhang, who owned the rights. Ju was merely one of the co-directors.

Zhong Zhen nodded slightly and looked back at the young man on stage. Then, almost as an afterthought, she asked, "Do you think he could fit a role?"

This chance encounter had stirred some compassion in her, reminding her of the stubborn expression on his face during their last meeting.

However, as a seasoned professional, she rarely let emotions guide her decisions. Her question was more casual than serious.

Ju Jueliang, though, took it seriously, scrutinizing Du Sheng.

Zhong Zhen bringing up the young man twice in one evening clearly indicated her interest.

Given her level of investment, even the domineering Producer Zhang would have to consider her opinion if she wanted to insert a character.

"His looks and demeanor suit period dramas, and he's photogenic," Ju said thoughtfully. "The only question is his acting ability."

That, however, wasn't a major concern. Ju was familiar with Zhang's tendencies: leads had to bring money, and supporting roles could be handed out as favors. Zhang's casting criteria boiled down to: fame > fit > talent.

Ju realized something as he looked more closely at Du Sheng.

Last night, Fan Bingbing had called to recommend someone for an audition, and this morning, a photo of the candidate had been sent over. That same photo had also appeared on today's headlines about exposing scams in Hengdian.

Du Sheng had already built some buzz, and with the favor of an investor like Zhong Zhen, getting a minor role in the production seemed inevitable.

Zhong Zhen nodded subtly and then said, "I'm planning to start a film company. Would you be interested in joining?"

Ju was surprised but not shocked.

The Zhong family had built their fortune through video rentals, and with Zhongyao Film's foundation, expanding into production was a natural progression.

Considering his struggles in the mainland without connections, Ju hesitated briefly before replying, "Will the company focus on films or television dramas?"

He didn't doubt the Zhong family's resources or capability but was concerned about potential mismatches in creative direction.

Zhong Zhen understood his concerns and calmly replied, "We'll start with television dramas. We've already acquired the rights to several novels by Wen Ruian and Gu Long. Our initial focus will be on popular wuxia series."

Relieved, Ju smiled. "It would be an honor to work with you."

Wen Ruian's best-known works included The Four Great Constables, Against the Current, and The Plain-clothed Scholar.

Wuxia dramas were Ju's specialty. His first Hong Kong production had been a period wuxia series, and he had co-directed The Legend of the Condor Heroes the previous year.

As Ju spoke, his eyes drifted back to the young man on stage.

A director was secured. What about signing actors?

Could Zhong Zhen's visit tonight be more than just recruiting him?

Though he kept these thoughts to himself, he focused on the performance.

If Du Sheng had known Ju was imagining all this, he would have given him a thumbs-up for his creativity.

At that moment, Du Sheng had just finished singing He Must Really Love You and Jay Chou's Silence.

Smiling at the cheering crowd and his table of supporters, he announced, "Next up, I'll perform Flower Fragrance, the theme song from Lavender."

The idol drama Lavender had recently gained immense popularity in mainland China, and its theme song had become a karaoke staple.

"The wind blows aimlessly,

The rain follows with sadness…"

As Du Sheng sang passionately, the girls in the bar were visibly thrilled.

While he wasn't a professional singer, he had one undeniable advantage: he was handsome.

And sometimes, being handsome was enough.

"If I could date a guy like that, I'd gladly skip breakfast forever!" one girl whispered, her eyes shining.

Even Zheng Ziyan and Dou Liping, who frequented bars, were impressed.

"So, he's not just skilled in martial arts and stunt work—he can sing too…"

Even the young man who had sung earlier fell silent, realizing there was no comparison.

How could he compete with someone on a completely different level?

After the event, Du Sheng escorted Zheng Ziyan and her friends out but didn't leave himself.

"You sang well tonight. Want to take a regular spot?" the bar owner called out to him with a grin.

The satisfied customers and increased spending were thanks in no small part to Du Sheng's performance.

The owner had decided to offer him a permanent gig instead of just filling in.

"I don't think I can commit. I've got auditions soon and need to prepare," Du Sheng replied after some thought.

His main focus was acting. If nothing came of Fan Bingbing's connections, he'd try other crews. At worst, he could always return to stunt work.

"No problem. Just drop by when you're free," the owner said, handing him a 100-yuan note with a smile.

"Three songs, 200 yuan—same deal as Xiao Liu."

This rate was far better than the unstable pay for stunt work, and the owner was more than happy to invest.

Du Sheng's improved singing skills, combined with his looks, brought in plenty of young women. And where there were young women, customers would follow.

"Thanks, boss." Du Sheng accepted the money with a smile.

Though his previous roles as a stuntman and minor actor hadn't earned him much, every little bit helped.

Considering the average monthly wage in Jiangsu and Zhejiang was less than 2,000 yuan at the time, this job offered decent stability.

It also provided networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.

In fact, Du Sheng had already recognize

d Zhong Zhen and Ju Jueliang from the stage.

The admiring glances they sent his way were as good as a foot in the door.