Chapter Thirty-Seven: Master Huang Returns to Aid

Huang Haibo was thoroughly convinced by Wu Xiang, and said nothing more. As a professionally trained actor, he understood perfectly well what a film or play requires—conflict, memorable and striking conflict that leaves an impression on the audience. Whenever he and Chen Kun appeared together, they didn’t even have to act; the conflict would arise naturally, effortlessly.

With Huang Haibo’s role as Ah Tai settled, Wu Xiang was surprised when the leading man, Brother Kun, sought him out, bringing someone along. The newcomer looked a bit embarrassed, lingering at a distance.

“Brother Kun, what brings you here? Ah, hello, Brother Ming.” Wu Xiang greeted them politely, and immediately recognized that Chen Kun’s companion was Huang Xiaoming.

At this time, Huang Xiaoming was still unknown, having not yet appeared in any productions. He was a bit chubby, much heavier than the future “Master Huang” would be. But Wu Xiang knew that this year, Huang Xiaoming would land his first role, as a leading man, though rumor had it he received no salary for it—just a five-thousand-yuan red envelope from the crew. That film was called “Shanghai Love,” and the female lead, who later became famous, was Yao Qianyu, known for frequent collaborations with Huang Haibo.

Furthermore, if Wu Xiang remembered correctly, there was another rumor: it was Chen Kun who brought Huang Xiaoming into the industry.

“The two of you gracing the territory of Room 307 like this—what an honor!” Wang Hongzhi joked. Each grade was responsible for different floors during the campus-wide cleaning.

“Cut the nonsense!” Chen Kun laughed and cursed, then shot Wu Xiang a meaningful glance.

“Brother Kun, is your eye twitching?” Wu Xiang had already realized Chen Kun had something to discuss, but if he didn’t joke now, then when?

“Do you want to die?” Chen Kun grumbled.

A joke was a joke, but business had to be addressed. There was no suitable place for a private conversation—not the washroom, nor the girls’ restroom—so they found a stairwell to talk.

“What’s up?” Wu Xiang got straight to the point.

“You know Brother Ming, right?” Chen Kun asked.

“Of course,” Wu Xiang replied honestly.

“It’s like this.” Chen Kun began, “Your senior, up to now, hasn’t been approached by any production crews. We’re about to shoot another film, aren’t we? Can you arrange a role for him?”

Wu Xiang and Chen Kun were as familiar as brothers, so the request was direct and unreserved.

Brother Ming! Wanting to join his crew! This was absolutely a good thing!

Wu Xiang was truly delighted. He had already considered recruiting Huang Xiaoming—after all, they were all from the same school, convenient enough. But his original plan was for two male and two female leads—the only important characters—and Wu Xiang had already decided on the male roles. How could Brother Ming fit in?

Let him play Ah Tai? That was impossible.

Wu Xiang’s mind started working. Though Brother Ming was a bit overweight, he was still handsome—very handsome. Should he play the leading man? No, that wouldn’t work. Handsome, handsome… Ah, yes!

Wu Xiang quickly came up with an idea and, smiling, said to Chen Kun, “I wonder if Brother Ming would be willing to play a supporting role? It’s a key supporting part.”

“No problem!” Chen Kun agreed immediately. “Your senior said as long as there’s a part for him, it doesn’t matter if he gets paid or not. As long as he can act, he’s happy.”

“Really?” Wu Xiang could hardly believe it—he never imagined Huang Xiaoming would be so ‘approachable.’

It wasn’t that Huang Xiaoming was known for diva antics, but the thought of a future superstar starting his career in Wu Xiang’s film, in a minor role, was something Wu Xiang had never considered. If he could get all the future stars to cameo in his films, what would that feel like? What kind of legacy would that be?

‘Star Maker,’ ‘Father of Mainland Film Stars,’ ‘Celebrity Producer’—such titles would be too many to count.

Undeniably, Wu Xiang was fond of daydreaming, even in broad daylight.

“Brother Kun, can you double-check? He really doesn’t care about the role, as long as he gets to act?” Wu Xiang wanted confirmation.

“Wait, I’ll call him over. You two can talk.” Chen Kun’s approach was wise—no need to play messenger any longer.

Soon, Huang Xiaoming came over, this time without Chen Kun.

“Um, director, junior…” Huang Xiaoming, facing Wu Xiang, who was a year younger and junior to him, seemed awkward.

Normally, they wouldn’t act so timid, but asking someone for a favor is always hard.

“Brother, don’t be so hesitant. If you want to join our crew, I’d truly welcome you—from the bottom of my heart!” Wu Xiang was genuinely happy and reached out to shake Huang Xiaoming’s hand warmly.

Huang Xiaoming felt a warmth inside. This junior showed no airs, and had already directed a successful film—a blockbuster, no less. It was…

“Brother, brother.” Wu Xiang called when he saw Huang Xiaoming dazed.

“Oh, yes! Yes! I heard what Chen Kun said. Sure, a supporting role is fine. I really don’t mind,” Huang Xiaoming returned to himself, expressing his determination to act.

“Good!” Wu Xiang decided right then. “I’ll give you a role—a part I just added. Though it’s not big, it’s crucial. It was a sudden inspiration, and Brother Ming, it suits you perfectly.” Wu Xiang was so eloquent that Brother Ming couldn’t help but feel devoted.

“Ah?! That’s wonderful, thank you so much.” Huang Xiaoming hadn’t expected to get a role so easily, and was moved by his junior’s talent—creating a new part on the spot.

“Let me tell you about the role, so you can think it over.” Wu Xiang truly had invented a character.

The role was inspired by ‘Little Fish.’ Ah Tai and Little Fish had a backstory, and for Ah Tai, the flirt, to change, there needed to be a catalyst—some external or internal factor. It couldn’t happen abruptly; that would be too jarring.

Huang Xiaoming’s arrival sparked Wu Xiang’s inspiration. He could use Huang Xiaoming’s traits to drive Ah Tai’s transformation—namely, Huang Xiaoming’s handsomeness!

Huang Haibo’s Ah Tai had nothing to do with being handsome. But now, what would happen if a heartthrob pursued Little Fish?

No need to imagine—the dramatic tension was instantly there. Put these characters together, and the story comes alive!

Of course, the dialogue wasn’t written yet, but the gist was that Wu Xiang needed Huang Xiaoming to play a handsome, wealthy, charismatic man pursuing Little Fish. That was his role.

“I got it!” Huang Xiaoming understood his part immediately.

“Great, let’s go back and tell the others.” Wu Xiang was ready to rejoin the group.

But just then, Huang Xiaoming grabbed Wu Xiang’s arm. “Junior, can you answer me honestly?”

“Of course.” Though a bit surprised, honesty was Wu Xiang’s hallmark—even if not everyone recognized it.

“Okay, then let me ask you: between Chen Kun and me, who’s more handsome?”