Chapter 56: Chapter 56: "Ugh! You Scoundrel!"
Chapter 56: "Ugh! You Scoundrel!"
"What kind of rumor?"
"That you invested 1.5 million in the production!"
Liu Tao had been holding back her curiosity all afternoon. Initially, she didn't believe it, but when Du Sheng was personally invited by the director to welcome a former top-tier star, it sparked plenty of speculation.
Du Sheng, holding her close as they sat on the couch, smiled and nodded.
"Sort of."
In truth, it wasn't just 1.5 million—it was 1.7 million.
That included the 20 million allocated to his roles both as an actor and action coordinator.
The leak? That was courtesy of Wang Yaoyang. Concerned that Du Sheng might be taken advantage of, he intentionally spread the word to leave a paper trail should any issues arise later.
Du Sheng didn't stop him. It had its advantages, such as boosting morale within the crew. Plus, the news would be public knowledge sooner or later, as producer Li Leda was planning an official announcement.
"My god! Where did you get all that money?"
Liu Tao gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief. "It's not because you got yourself a sugar mama, is it?"
She'd been in the industry for years and only recently landed a decent role. Even with her current project, her bank account had never surpassed 150,000 yuan.
And Du Sheng? Just three months ago, he was barely scraping by as an extra. Suddenly, he's a major investor? If he didn't have a rich benefactor, who would believe it?
"I wouldn't mind finding one," Du Sheng joked with a sideways glance. "Do you know anyone?"
"Ugh, you're eating from one bowl while eyeing another! Dream on!"
Liu Tao blushed and gave him a playful slap. This rogue was always like this, never taking things seriously.
Still, she felt a sense of relief. It seemed he hadn't compromised his integrity.
With his capabilities and natural charm, Du Sheng could easily win over a wealthy benefactor if he wanted to. Especially with his masterful massages—just a few nightly sessions and Liu Tao herself was practically addicted.
She decided to let the matter rest, not pressing him further about the source of his funds.
Du Sheng chuckled, peeling an apple with practiced ease.
The truth was, much of the money came thanks to his acquaintance with a third-generation heir of the Zheng family.
Yes, he'd sold the Murong Fu's Sword.
For a cool 800,000 yuan.
Yesterday, Zheng Zetao brought in an appraiser and finalized the deal on the spot.
The sword was genuine, no doubts about its authenticity. It was reportedly a gift for the Zheng family patriarch's upcoming birthday.
The price may have been a bit low.
Ten years from now, treasures from the Northern Song Dynasty could fetch upwards of 2 million yuan.
For example, at Christie's Hong Kong 2014 Spring Auction, a carved flower shallow bowl from the same era sold for tens of millions.
But circumstances were different. Du Sheng needed funds for The Snow Goddess, a project he knew was destined for success.
With this investment, the potential returns would far exceed tenfold.
Besides, the sword had no practical value for him—it was better off in a collector's hands.
Du Sheng noticed a yellow robe draped over the sofa.
"Is that a new dress?"
"I wish! It's a costume for tomorrow's shoot. You forgot we have scenes together?"
Liu Tao replied casually while nibbling on her apple.
The mention of tomorrow's scenes instantly lifted Du Sheng's spirits as he recalled the storyline.
The typically cold and stunning Shangguan Yan (The Snow Goddess) had to shed her icy persona, don a modest outfit, and lie beside Sai Hua Tuo in a heartfelt plea to save the male lead.
He remembered how, in the previous timeline, this scene had significantly boosted viewership ratings.
Shangguan Yan—a character known for her cold exterior yet warm heart—had finally won over countless fans.
If all went well, this could be Liu Tao's breakthrough moment.
But that wasn't what Du Sheng was most excited about.
He'd always been a fan of dragons—riding one, specifically.
"Let's rehearse," Du Sheng suggested earnestly, picking up the robe. "You put this on, and we'll run through the lines."
What could he say? He was just that dedicated to his craft.
"You're exhausted after a day of action direction and an evening of socializing. Let's save it for tomorrow," Liu Tao replied, tempted but concerned for his well-being.
But Du Sheng persisted, his tone coaxing and playful.
"I'm designing stunts tomorrow; time is tight. This is your first leading role—you wouldn't want to mess it up, right? Trust me, just put it on."
He handed her the robe with a smile.
Feeling a wave of warmth, Liu Tao gave him a light kiss on the cheek before heading to the bathroom with the outfit.
"Don't forget the embroidered shoes and corset. They'll help you get into character as a martial heroine," Du Sheng called after her.
This wasn't just baseless advice—it was backed by his encyclopedic knowledge from 200GB worth of films.
Costumes and props could immerse actors in their roles, just as effectively as they captivated audiences.
Seeing his genuine concern, Liu Tao flashed him a radiant smile before disappearing into the bathroom.
A short while later, the sound of soft footsteps drew Du Sheng's attention.
He looked up to see Liu Tao emerge, dressed in the costume. The light makeup complemented her stunning features, while the tight robe accentuated her graceful curves. The slit of the skirt revealed glimpses of her long legs, and the pink embroidered shoes completed the look. She exuded an air of regal elegance mixed with cold allure.
Du Sheng's eyes lit up. It had been well worth the wait.
Liu Tao walked over with her usual poise, tilting her head slightly.
"Are you ready with your lines, Sai Hua Tuo?" she teased.
Du Sheng stood, taking her hand and leading her to the bed.
"If we're rehearsing an intimate scene, we'll need to get the setting just right."
"Ugh! You scoundrel, you tricked me again!"
"Stay professional. Right now, I'm Ou Yang Tomorrow. When you make your entrance, remember to bite your hair strand—it'll make your moves look smoother."
True to form, Du Sheng turned a wuxia rehearsal into a scene worthy of romance dramas
.
Had anyone seen this version of Sai Hua Tuo, even professionals in the industry would have been left in awe—or speechless.
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