NABC Chapter 25: Senior Sister Sweetie VS Junior Sister Gulnazar
Chapter 25: Senior Sister Sweetie VS Junior Sister Gulnazar
Guan Shengbai flipped through the two pages in his hand, raising his eyebrows slightly.
The script was only two pages long, with brief dialogues from a few scenes. The character's name was "Zheng Xiaofeng," and he was a bartender.
"Hasn't this show been filming for almost a month already?"
He closed the script and looked up at Zeng Jia.
"Why are there still roles that haven't been finalized at this point?"
Zeng Jia picked up the coffee on the table, took a sip, and smiled slightly.
"The previous actor performed half of the scene, but the director was not satisfied and let him go."
Her tone was casual, as if she were simply saying that the weather was nice today.
"Director Ding is a very picky person and has extremely high requirements for actors."
This role has few scenes, but it's crucial; he auditioned several actors but wasn't satisfied with any of them.
She paused, and her gaze toward Guan Shengbai held a deeper meaning.
"Go there and give it your best performance. Director Ding doesn't care about seniority, he only cares about the quality of the work. If you perform well, you'll have plenty of opportunities in the future."
Guan Shengbai lowered his eyelashes and tapped his fingers lightly on the two pages of the script.
When is the audition?
Seeing how engrossed he was in the moment, Zeng Jia's smile deepened.
"I'll join the crew tomorrow afternoon."
Guan Shengbai nodded, folded the two pages of the script, and put them into his coat pocket.
Regardless of how ugly a capitalist face Zeng Jia may reveal in the future, her professional skills are currently top-notch.
He has a wide network of connections, unconventional methods, and excellent access to information.
With the enduring popularity of the "New Police Story" franchise and Jackie Chan's prestigious brand, it's no surprise that many actors would be scrambling to get a role in it.
Even if it's just an insignificant role.
This is actually why Guan Shengbai didn't rush to go it alone.
At this stage in 2013, running a small business was simply too weak and vulnerable.
Although, in Guan Shengbai's memory, this movie was, in general, an unremarkable Jackie Chan-style action commercial film.
While critical reception was mixed, the film was a box office success, grossing 530 million yuan and even setting a record for the highest-grossing crime film in mainland China.
Although the role he got was just a supporting one with little room for development, at least he got to appear on the big screen.
Most importantly, I'm getting paid again.
Although the after-tax amount is only 100,000, and after deducting the broker's share, the net amount is only 40,000, for Guan Shengbai now, every little bit counts.
"Oh, right."
Zeng Jia pulled another document from the table and handed it to him.
"The contract for 'No War in Beiping' has also been finalized, with a per-episode fee of 36,000 yuan."
You'll be joining the crew on April 1st, and your scenes will likely take about two months to film.
During this period, you can focus on filming "Police Story."
Guan Shengbai took the contract, glanced at it, and signed it.
"Thank you, Sister Jia."
Don't just thank me verbally.
Zeng Jia leaned back in her chair, her hands folded on her knees, her tone half-joking and half-serious.
"Perform well, don't embarrass me."
"clear."
Guan Shengbai stood up, nodded to her, and turned to leave the office.
Zeng Jia watched his figure disappear behind the door, then picked up her coffee and took another sip.
This young man possessed a quality that she couldn't quite fathom.
Sometimes they look a bit silly, and other times they're frighteningly calm.
If other newcomers got these two resources, they would inevitably feel some excitement or trepidation.
But Guan Shengbai remained calm and composed throughout, as if everything was within his expectations.
This composure is not what one would expect from a newcomer to the industry.
But she didn't think about it deeply.
As long as the chess pieces are useful, that's enough. Overthinking only creates unnecessary trouble.
……
……
The roles for the movie "New Police Story" were indeed in high demand, and the filming location was the old Shougang industrial area in Beijing.
So Guan Shengbai quickly packed his things the next day and went to the film crew to report for duty.
January in Beijing was frighteningly cold. The abandoned factories and rusty steel frames of Shougang Group looked particularly desolate under the hazy sky, which suited the cold and hard tone of the film.
The film crew converted an old workshop into the main shooting location, where they built a bar street set with neon tubes and rusty pipes intertwined, creating a rough yet psychedelic feel.
When Guan Shengbai arrived, Jackie Chan's scenes were being filmed on set.
He didn't rush to disturb them, but stood on the outside and watched.
Director Ding Cheng, who was behind the monitor, looked to be in his early fifties. He was wearing a baseball cap, his brows were furrowed, and he exuded an aura that kept strangers at bay.
Jackie Chan stood in the set, dressed in casual clothes, acting out a scene with the actor playing the villain.
Guan Shengbai noticed that Uncle Long's acting skills in dramatic scenes were actually very strong.
Whether it's the rhythm of the lines, the control of facial expressions, or even the interaction with fellow actors, everything is handled with impeccable skill.
In fact, it was after this movie that Jackie Chan began to gradually reduce the amount of action scenes and focus more on dramatic scenes.
Unfortunately, reality is cruel. His success was also his downfall, and after that, his films' box office performance declined with each subsequent release.
Guan Shengbai was engrossed in watching when a clear voice came from the side.
"Senior Brother Xiaobai!"
He turned his head and saw a slender, tall figure walking quickly toward him.
The girl was wearing a white down jacket, her long hair was tied into a neat high ponytail, and her features were so delicate that she looked like she had been cut out of a magazine.
Although her features still showed some immaturity, she already hinted at the stunning beauty she would later possess at the peak of her looks.
This is Gulnazar, who will be known as one of the "Three Beauties of Xinjiang" in the future.
Guan Shengbai was slightly taken aback. Before he could react, Nazha had already stopped in front of him, her face beaming with undisguised joy.
"It really is you! I thought they were just joking with me!"
Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, and her tone carried a youthful warmth, as if the two had known each other for a long time.
"Oh, you..."
"Oh! I forgot to introduce myself!"
Naza then realized what was happening and scratched the back of her head somewhat embarrassedly, a gesture that contrasted sharply with her delicate face.
"My name is Gulnazar, and I'm from the class of 11 at Beijing Film Academy! I know you; you're Guan Shengbai from the class of 08!"
Guan Shengbai then understood.
Naza and her predecessor both graduated from the Beijing Film Academy, so the title "senior brother" was not without reason.
Unfortunately, Guan Shengbai dropped out of school in 2010 and returned home, while Nazha enrolled in school in 2011. The two missed each other and never met.
How did you know me?
Guan Shengbai asked casually.
"Of course I know!"
Naza's tone carried a hint of self-righteousness.
"Our acting professors have used your freshman year stage play recording as teaching material several times!"
As she spoke, she looked Guan Shengbai up and down again, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration.
"The teachers all say you are the most regrettable promising student in recent years. If you hadn't dropped out of school, you would have become a star long ago."
Guan Shengbai smiled but didn't pick up on the topic.
The past glories and regrets were both a gift and a burden to him, but they were all in the past.
"I also watched the popular drama 'Heaven's Scar' last year, and you acted very well."
He offered a polite compliment.
As Gulnazar's debut work, her portrayal of the wooden character was indeed very "on point".
But if we say that "piece of wood" is one of the female protagonists, then the comparison is a bit off.
After all, in that drama, Nazha was able to make "Blind Sister" Liu Shishi and "Shame of the Central Academy of Drama" Tang Yan appear to have extraordinary acting skills by herself, which is indeed quite remarkable.
Naza chuckled somewhat foolishly, seemingly unaware that Guan Shengbai was merely being polite.
"Really? Actually, I don't think I acted very well. I was so nervous that I couldn't even speak my lines properly."
Her frankness surprised Guan Shengbai.
"By the way, senior, which role are you here to play?"
"Zheng Xiaofeng, bartender."
Naza's eyes lit up immediately.
"Really? Then you're my boyfriend!"
She realized her words were somewhat ambiguous after she finished speaking, and quickly waved her hand.
"No, no, I meant the one in the play! My boyfriend in the play!"
Guan Shengbai watched her frantically trying to explain, and the corners of his mouth curved slightly.
This girl is quite different from the "scumbag" he remembered who was so heavily criticized.
She wasn't overly cautious, nor did she maintain that goddess-like aura; instead, she seemed like a carefree, ordinary female college student.
He habitually opened the system panel and glanced at it, but was surprised to find that Nazha's status bar actually displayed her destiny.
Name: Princess Xiangxiang (Gulnazar)
Destiny: Ice Soul Heavenly Fragrance
Favorability: 45%
Strategy level: 10%
Relationship: Unknown
Note: The Tian Shan snow lotus is exquisitely beautiful. However, its beauty is fleeting; had it not been protected by a powerful dragon, it would surely have been devoured by a pack of wolves.
Guan Shengbai's gaze lingered on the last line of text for a moment.
Beautiful women often have tragic fates.
If protected by a powerful dragon, one will surely be devoured by a pack of wolves.
This fate is so accurate it's almost cruel.
In his past life's memories, Nazha never had a moment's peace from the moment she debuted.
Being targeted by online trolls, subjected to cyberbullying, and having every relationship scrutinized repeatedly under a magnifying glass, she is practically synonymous with being a "professional cyberbully" in the Chinese entertainment industry.
However, none of this has anything to do with him.
Guan Shengbai turned off the panel and was about to chat with Nazha about the situation on set when another voice came from not far away.
"Shengbai, long time no see. You seem much more lively than before."
This voice is warm and sweet, with a familiar Beijing accent.
Guan Shengbai looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman walking gracefully towards him.
She wore a well-tailored camel coat, her long hair was slightly curled and draped over her shoulders, her features were bright and striking, and when she smiled, the corners of her eyes were slightly upturned, exuding an indescribable air of wealth and nobility.
It was none other than the "flower of wealth and beauty"—Jin Tian.
Coincidentally, Jin Tian also graduated from the Beijing Film Academy, enrolling in 07, one year ahead of Guan Shengbai.
Each year, only a handful of students are admitted to the undergraduate performance program at Taipei Film Academy. If there are any exceptionally talented individuals, they become famous throughout the entire department.
Guan Shengbai's predecessor was pulled over to choreograph a few stage plays for his senior brothers and sisters, and gradually became acquainted with Jin Tian.
Guan Shengbai subconsciously glanced at the system panel again.
Name: Su Ying (Jin Tian)
Destiny: A Toothless Pearl
Favorability: 40%
Strategy level: 0%
Relationship: Unknown
Note: One may possess a mountain of gold without realizing it, or have extraordinary skills but be powerless to use them.
If one has the assistance of an enlightened ruler, then the winds and clouds can be stirred; if one walks alone in the world, then a bright pearl will be covered in dust.
After reading the fate chart, Guan Shengbai couldn't help but glance at Jin Tian again.
They possess a mountain of gold without realizing it.
This assessment is practically tailor-made for Jin Tian.
The entire entertainment industry knows that she has powerful connections and ridiculously good resources. From her debut, she has been cast as the leading lady in big productions, with Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-fat, and Donnie Yen taking turns acting alongside her.
But no matter how much he was promoted, he just couldn't become popular, earning him the title of "the most resourceful star in the Chinese entertainment industry," and his popularity with the audience was terrible.
Possessing extraordinary skills but being unable to use them—that's probably a perfect description of her acting skills.
In fact, Jin Tian's acting skills are not bad, but she has never encountered a director or role that can truly "polish" her talent.
Later, she made a remarkable comeback with "Sito", finally proving that she was not just a pretty face.
"Sweetie".
Guan Shengbai greeted him with a smile, "Long time no see."
"Yes, it's been two or three years in the blink of an eye."
Jin Tian walked closer, her eyes filled with emotion as she looked at Guan Shengbai.
"I only heard from Sister Mi a few days ago that you've come back to acting. You were so full of vigor back then, and then you just disappeared without even saying goodbye."
She paused halfway through her sentence, deliberately lowering her face, her tone carrying a hint of feigned dissatisfaction.
"You're going to be filming, and you'd rather ask Sister Mi than me? Do you think I can't protect you?"
Jin Tian paused mid-sentence.
After all, in the past few years, she has emerged with the title of "the most resourceful star in the Chinese entertainment industry," and her reputation in this regard is not exactly good.
She herself knew that truly talented and principled actors in the industry might not look up to someone like her who only had connections.
Guan Shengbai noticed the barely perceptible hesitation in her words, smiled, and continued the conversation.
"So this is why I've come to seek refuge with Senior Sister Tian Tian. Please take good care of me from now on."
He spoke frankly and naturally, without any deliberate attempt to flatter or distance himself.
Nazha chimed in, linking her arm with Jin Tian's and saying with a grin, "You have to take good care of your little sister too! Sweetie, you can't be biased!"
Jin Tian was amused by her coquettish appearance and reached out to flick the tip of her nose.
"You two certainly know how to seize an opportunity."
The three of them walked into the film set, chatting and laughing.
Guan Shengbai naturally knew that Jin Tian played Miao Miao, the daughter of the policeman Zhong Wen played by Jackie Chan, in this movie, making her the female lead.
Naza plays the younger sister of the villain Liu Ye, who is also the girlfriend of Guan Shengbai's character.
Guan Shengbai hadn't expected that his arrival would turn into something like a "Beijing Film Academy alumni reunion."
Once inside the film set, filming was still ongoing.
Guan Shengbai first went to the director to give a brief report and say hello.
Director Ding Cheng sat in front of the monitor and glanced up at him.
Upon looking at him, his gaze lingered on Guan Shengbai's face for a couple more seconds.
"Are you the one Zeng recommended?"
"Yes, Director Ding. My name is Guan Shengbai."
Ding Cheng looked him up and down, nodded, and showed no expression.
He simply said, "You look good. Go get the call sheet from the assistant director," and then turned his attention back to the monitor.
Guan Shengbai didn't care and went to the assistant director to get the rehearsal notice.
His scenes are concentrated in the last few days, so today is mainly for him to familiarize himself with the environment and get his makeup done.
The assistant director gave him a few brief instructions and then had the makeup team take him to try out different looks.
In the corridor of the dressing room, Guan Shengbai ran into Liu Ye, who had just come out of there.
Liu Ye still had some fatigue left from filming, but when he saw Guan Shengbai, he was clearly stunned for a moment, and then nodded to him.
"noob?"
"Hello, Teacher Liu."
"Don't call me teacher, just call me brother."
Liu Ye waved his hand, speaking casually as if he were talking to an old friend.
"We played brothers in 'No War in Beiping,' so we'll see each other every day. Now, teacher, you should keep your distance."
Guan Shengbai smiled and readily changed his words.
"Brother Ye."
"That's right."
Liu Ye grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth. This movie star, who always exudes a melancholic air on screen, is actually quite a talkative person in private.
Before long, he took the initiative to chat with Guan Shengbai about "No War in Beiping".
It is said that director Kong Sheng praised this newcomer in a WeChat group, saying that he has integrity and pride, like Fang Mengwei.
"You know Director Kong, right? He doesn't praise people easily. If he says 'good,' it means you really have something special."
As Liu Ye spoke, he patted Guan Shengbai on the shoulder with a light but firm touch, conveying encouragement from someone who had been through it all.
The two chatted for a few more minutes, and the topic shifted from "No War in Beiping" to the current film, "Police Story".
Liu Ye, as if struck by a sudden thought, abruptly changed the subject, revealing a mischievous grin. He lowered his voice and said, "You're really good with women, kid. You haven't even done anything yet, and you've already hooked up with a pretty girl..."
Guan Shengbai was about to explain when he caught a glimpse of a figure flickering at the corner of the corridor.
Gulnazar was already standing there, holding two cups of tea, with a somewhat subtle expression on her face.
She had clearly heard Liu Ye's teasing remark.
Liu Ye noticed her too, and the mischievous smile on his face deepened.
"Alright, I'll be going now. You guys chat."
After he finished speaking, he winked at Guan Shengbai and strode away, leaving Guan Shengbai and Nazha standing in the corridor.
Naza walked over with a cup of coffee, her blush spreading from the tips of her ears all the way to the base of her neck.
She handed one of the cups to Guan Shengbai, her voice several octaves lower than before.
"Um...is Teacher Liu Ye saying something strange?"
"no."
Guan Shengbai took the coffee, took a sip, and said without changing his expression, "Brother Ye is talking to me about the script for 'No War in Beiping'."
"Oh……"
Naza responded with a skeptical sound, then lowered her head to stir her coffee, clearly not entirely convinced by the explanation.
But she didn't ask any further questions. She just stood quietly to the side, occasionally glancing at Guan Shengbai's profile.
Guan Shengbai leaned against the wall with his coffee in hand, his heart unmoved.
Liu Ye is just a talkative person, he doesn't mean any harm.
As for Nazha's reaction, he didn't intend to delve into it.
This kind of thing happens all the time in the entertainment industry. The more you explain, the more complicated it gets. The less you explain, the faster you can move on.
The door to the dressing room was pushed open, and the stylist poked her head out and called out.
"Teacher Guan, it's your turn."
Guan Shengbai put the coffee aside, nodded to Nazha, and strode into the dressing room.
Naza stood there, watching the dressing room door close behind him, before lowering her head to take a sip of her half-cold tea.
For a moment, I didn't know what I was thinking.