Chapter Fifty: Questioning Feng Gang, Understanding Feng Gang

"Did you come up with this yourself?"
After hearing Lin Xing's explanation, Zhu Ming couldn't help but ask.

Lin Xing replied, "I've watched 'Storm in Jinghai' several times over the past two days, focusing especially on the descriptions of Zhou Bo. But since I only have the character synopsis and not the script, I tried to make Zhou Bo logical based on my own understanding..."

Logic, and even flesh and blood, are the foundation of any character.

Actors used to always do this; some would prepare extensively after getting a role, even immersing themselves in real-life experiences to get closer to their characters.

Some actors would go through months, even a year, of living as their character.

But now?

Not only do actors no longer experience the lives of their roles, fans even take pride in their idols jumping seamlessly from one set to another.

It's safe to say all those old professional methods have been completely abandoned.

Zhu Ming, however, still adheres to them, which is why he consistently produces quality works.

Every project he directs demands the highest standards, pursuing perfection. Why does he refuse to cast popular idols in this drama?

Because Zhu Ming knows exactly what those idols are.

Apart from their looks, they have nothing.

Shake their heads, and you find nothing but water and oil.

Yet Lin Xing surprised Zhu Ming this time.

Expanding on the character synopsis is a hallmark of an excellent actor. Why do veteran actors stand out even in guest roles?

Because they actively provide their characters with motives, logic, and even supplement the synopsis themselves.

A character, even a supporting one, will linger in the audience's memory if he's fleshed out.

If his interviewee were one of those seasoned actors, even Qi Bing, Zhu Ming wouldn't be surprised.

But an illiterate?

Yes.

Despite the recent hype around Lin Xing, his performance in 'Waiting Just for You,' and even Feng Gang's praise, Zhu Ming never paid much attention.

As always, how many stars are genuine?

All packaging, nothing more.

But now, Zhu Ming begins to understand Feng Gang.

Still, he needs confirmation.

Upon hearing Lin Xing's direct admission, Zhu Ming regained his composure.

He produced a scene for the audition and said, "Lin Xing, take a look at this. I'll give you three minutes. Old Zou will act with you."

The casting associate director, Old Zou, nodded gently.

"Alright."

Lin Xing took the script and began to read.

It was a scene set in a karaoke bar.

The main purpose was to showcase Zhou Bo's arrogance, having become the boss of the KTV and even recognized the underground kingpin of Jinghai as his godfather.

Three minutes later.

"Mr. Wang, let me tell you, if I don't take this batch of liquor, then no one in Jinghai dares to," Lin Xing said with a smile, but this time his smile radiated confidence. "We'll be working together long-term. I'll give you three percent."

"Wait, didn't we agree on five percent? You're knocking off two points right from the start. That's not fair."

"The heat's on lately. The police have their eyes on me. Business is bad. Besides, you sell fake liquor."

Lin Xing laughed again. "Three percent is already generous."

Throughout, Lin Xing maintained a high-handed attitude, performing as a real person would.

"Zhou Bo, you say that in Jinghai, no one would dare take it if you don't? Let me tell you, if I can't do business anywhere in the province, nobody can. Back in the day, when I was hustling in Jinghai, you were still selling fish. Where do you get off acting tough with me?"

As Wang spoke, Lin Xing kept laughing, as if listening to Wang brag.

But when Wang brought up selling fish and added, "You, a former fishmonger, really think you're somebody now?" Lin Xing's smile froze.

A hint of killing intent flickered in his eyes.

Then he smiled again.

While smiling, he pretended to pick up the nearby ashtray.

Bang!

Bang!!

Lin Xing smashed it down again and again.

The smile never left his face.

It was a sinister, somewhat deranged grin.

...

The scene ended.

The entire karaoke bar sequence was a price negotiation between Zhou Bo and Wang, the fake liquor dealer. When Wang mocked Zhou Bo for being a fishmonger, Zhou Bo flew into a rage.

The script intended to showcase this.

As Lin Xing pondered, he imagined himself as Zhou Bo, using laughter to mask his emotions—whether arrogance, murderous intent, madness, or inferiority.

"Alright, Lin Xing. We'll let you know as soon as we've reached a decision," Zhu Ming said, not revealing much. He stood, shook Lin Xing's hand, and asked his assistant, Xiao Ai, to escort him out.

"Failed."

Lin Xing sighed inwardly, realizing Zhu Ming's standards were indeed extremely high.

He knew he was still far behind the true masters of acting.

So he wasn't too disappointed; he treated it as a learning experience.

Once Lin Xing left the meeting room, Zhu Ming asked, "What do you all think?"

Old Zou smiled. "Director Zhu, haven't you already decided?"

"His acting is a bit raw, but he understands the character and interprets him well. Especially the layers he added to those smiles."

Zhu Ming smiled as well. "With proper guidance, he'll be just fine. Go tell Qi Bing—we'll work together next time."

Old Zou replied, "Alright, I'll do that now."

Ten minutes later.

Qi Bing received Old Zou's call and answered confidently, "Hello, Director Zou."

"Qi Bing, originally we—"

"Alright, I understand."

Qi Bing's smile faltered. He said a few more words, then hung up.

"Are we joining the cast right away?" his agent hurried over to ask. "Did they say when filming starts?"

"Filming? The role's gone," Qi Bing snapped.

The agent was incredulous. "What happened? They said after today's audition everything was almost certain!"

"What do you think happened?" Qi Bing was annoyed. "Someone cut in line."

He gritted his teeth at the thought.

So close, and yet things still changed at the last moment?

At the same time.

Sister Dao, upon receiving the call, was stunned.

"Wait a minute, Xing Xing, say that again," she asked in disbelief. "You went to Zhu Ming's studio for an audition, and you actually got the part?"

...

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