Becoming a Movie Star, System Only Finished Loading After Ten Years
Chapter 126 - 123: Bro, Your Forehead Is Glowing Green (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 126: Chapter 123: Bro, Your Forehead Is Glowing Green (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Qi Hao and Qin Hailu once collaborated on "Flying Like Chicken Feathers".

But at that time, there were no rumors about the two. They simply became regular friends because their personalities matched well.

Later, Qin Hailu was treated badly by her boyfriend.

It was Qi Hao and a few friends who accompanied her drinking, playing cards, singing, and doing various things to help her overcome her heartbreak.

It was during that time, because they were frequently photographed together, rumors started spreading.

At that time, the sleazy boyfriend was cheating and got involved with a female host.

The sleazy boyfriend and the female host wanted to divert attention, so they fueled the rumors, saying Qin Hailu cheated first and had an affair with Qi Hao early on.

Qin Hailu felt both grateful and guilty towards Qi Hao.

No matter if she’s now available, even if she isn’t, as long as she can decline and reschedule other engagements, she would prioritize choosing Qi Hao’s movie.

Her brother wants to become a director, so she definitely supports him fully.

"I’m currently preparing, and about to start filming. Sis, is your schedule free recently?" Qi Hao asked.

Hopefully, the schedule isn’t too tight, or it’ll be troublesome.

"Oh boy, you’re really not letting anyone go home for New Year’s, huh."

Qin Hailu gritted her teeth, but still agreed.

As for Qi Hao standing her up twice, she had long forgotten about it.

Some things are perplexing and it’s better to think about them in a few days because by then, they might be forgotten.

Soon, Zhang Meng also called, discussing the timing for Wang Qianyuan’s audition, which was set for tomorrow morning.

Wang Qianyuan is currently in a career slump.

The dramas broadcasted over the past two years have barely made any waves.

The movie "Spring of Old Ding" shot earlier this year wasn’t even a theatrical release, it was commissioned by the Movie Channel’s program center.

The recently wrapped TV drama "Tunnel Warfare" was initially planned for Liu Jinlong to play the male lead Gao Chuanbao. However, Liu Jinlong didn’t look like a farmer, so the opportunity was given to Wang Qianyuan.

Listen to this, is this even human speak?

When learning the truth, Wang Qianyuan kept a cheerful face but internally, was cursing intensely.

He is also a second generation, okay!

Born into an artistic family, his father is a top actor at Liaoning People’s Art Theater, and his mother is also an actor there.

Just because he’s plain-looking and not handsome, he’s been snubbed all around.

Zhang Meng called him to ask if he was available, offering him an audition opportunity for a male lead in a movie.

Upon hearing Qi Hao was the director, he felt reluctant.

Qi Hao didn’t know Wang Qianyuan.

But Wang Qianyuan knew Qi Hao, and he envied Qi Hao the most.

Back then, they all played minor roles in "Jing Ke Stabs the King of Qin", unnoticed little characters.

Qi Hao was nine years younger than him.

Yet Qi Hao was always joining the big stars to eat and drink well, without anyone inviting him. He could only watch enviously.

That feeling... it’s really difficult to put into words.

Back then, he thought to himself, he’ll make something of himself one day, impressing those who overlooked him.

Later, Qi Hao gained minor fame from "Journey to the West: The Legend Continues".

Just for being handsome, he was pursued by two pretty girls in the drama.

Instantly, they were worlds apart.

Who can you complain to!

When Qi Hao starred in "Married the Right Man", things became even more remarkable.

He quickly achieved multiple leaps, eventually becoming an A-list actor.

Wang Qianyuan now sees himself as a tier-five actor.

Anyone who has watched his work might find his face familiar, but surely, they wouldn’t know his name.

However, impulsive feelings won’t solve his current dilemma.

He’s soon turning 37, already settled down, and has to consider his parents, wife, and children more.

Thus, he promptly set off for the capital to attend the "Steel Piano" audition, facing an assessment by a former colleague, nine years younger.

Qi Hao was unaware of Wang Qianyuan’s dilemma; resolving Wang Qianyuan’s issue early would be best, as he was heading to Hang City for a variety show soon.

If there aren’t any issues, the new task will be completed.

He can then receive a relaxing chair from the system.

Qi Hao arranged for them to meet at his studio, and invited Qin Hailu over as well.

This lady from the northeast came in, exclaiming about the freezing cold.

Come on, you’re from the northeast, what’s so cold about it?

"Haven’t seen you for a while, and you’ve got several new rumored girlfriends. Isn’t the one you’re shooting ’Lost on Journey,’ rumored to be with a rumored girlfriend cameo? What, you think I’m too old?"

She came in teasing, really wasn’t holding back.

"Weren’t you busy filming? I’ve called you several times to hang out, but you never had time." Qi Hao complained first.

Qin Hailu was trembling with anger.

At that moment, Wang Qianyuan also arrived, half an hour early.

Wang Qianyuan is tall and thin, probably at least 1.8 meters tall.

In fact, being over 1.8 meters in the entertainment industry is not necessarily an advantage, except for modern dramas and Qing dynasty dramas; actresses can’t wear high heels.

Being tall means others have to stand on apple boxes.

His looks aren’t terrible, but not conventionally handsome either.

Qi Hao wasn’t sitting in his office waiting, but upon hearing Wang Qianyuan arrived, he welcomed him alongside Qin Hailu to the outside of the office.

If Wang Qianyuan hadn’t crossed paths previously, and if the other party was just a small actor, he wouldn’t need to go through such trouble.

Since he had collaborated with Wang Qianyuan before.

So greeting him was important, otherwise, he’d end up being seen as a snobby star.

"Teacher Wang Qianyuan!"

"Teacher Qi Hao!"

It’s unclear when everyone in the entertainment industry began calling each other "teacher," as it’s unclear who they have taught.

Qi Hao had no intention of breaking this industry rule, he even called extras "teacher" when communicating.

Being a bit hypocritical can save you a lot of trouble.

Wang Qianyuan quickly greeted Qin Hailu. Qin Hailu is considered a first-tier actor now, with several film and TV works every year and quite well-received acting skills.

"Please come in!"

Qi Hao politely invited everyone in, and they all sat down on the sofa in the office.

The audition would take a while longer, and Zhang Meng would also be coming today.

Wang Qianyuan was too early, and Qi Hao had been planning to chat with Qin Hailu, but now he had to make it a conversation among three people.

Qi Hao mainly chatted about the past with Wang Qianyuan.

Back then, Qi Hao genuinely hadn’t paid attention to Wang Qianyuan; his only impression was "The Central Academy of Drama really doesn’t select based on looks. Looking like this, you probably couldn’t get into Beijing Film Academy, haha..."

"I didn’t expect that in just a few years, Teacher Qi Hao would be doing so well!"

Wang Qianyuan couldn’t help but feel a bit sour, but it’s human nature, far from sarcasm.

"It’s luck; having luck in the industry is crucial. Teacher Wang Qianyuan, you’re just lacking in timing. Maybe one day you’ll soar high."

Qi Hao was honestly stating the truth.

Becoming famous in the entertainment industry is a matter of one successful work.

The hard part is consistently having good projects, which is the key to long-term success in the industry.

"Well, my luck has come!"

Wang Qianyuan squinted his eyes with a smile.

When he heard it was Qi Hao directing, he was initially resistant. Why should he lower himself for someone who used to be an extra with him?

But now, he had no psychological obstacles.

If he weren’t much older than Qi Hao, he would have called him ’brother’ directly.

"Haha, indeed, with a script worth three million."

Qin Hailu had already complained about Qi Hao’s high-priced script acquisition.

"Sigh, this is my first time directing. If I don’t offer a higher price, who would trust me with their precious projects?"

Qi Hao didn’t mind; this amount wasn’t even enough for his week-long training sessions.

For Gao Fei, it’s just a few months’ pocket money.

"Is the script really that good?"

Qin Hailu became serious. If the script was exceptional, it would place a lot of pressure on her as an actor.

And Wang Qianyuan’s eyes were shining.

If Qi Hao could make him famous, he’d be willing to call him ’brother’ whenever they met in the future.

He’s had enough of the hard times; he just wants to make money now.

"Don’t worry about the script. Meng has spent six years writing and revised it numerous times."

It also borrowed the script structures of many classic films in history.

This was what Zhang Meng told him during their chat yesterday.

"Can I see the audition questions later so I can prepare?"

Wang Qianyuan was itching with anticipation, giving the audition unprecedented attention.

"Sure, take a look first. Meng should be arriving soon too." Qi Hao got up and handed the audition questions on the table to Wang Qianyuan.

Only then did he realize that Zhang Meng hadn’t leaked the questions beforehand.

He didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable.

Zhang Meng was quite punctual, arriving at the studio right on time.

He didn’t come alone; he brought someone with him.

Qi Hao knew this person not because they had worked together, but because of the rumors about him.

Tian Yu!

How to put this, Tian Yu wasn’t originally famous, but after his girlfriend starred in "Se Jie," it was hard to judge.

Some envied him; after all, from what everyone saw, he had not only watched but also experienced it.

Others sympathized with him, as what was once his alone was now seen by everyone.

Even from afar, people felt like his forehead was glowing green, and even though she was an ex-girlfriend, it was hard to shake off this reputation.

However, everyone present was a person of status.

After exchanging greetings, they all sat together without any formal rotation for the auditions.

They just casually tried out on the spot.

For those Zhang Meng valued, Qi Hao didn’t find any fault. Seeing their performance, he warmly said the role was theirs.

It was basically a formality, getting to know each other, confirming schedules, and the approximate start time.

Qi Hao had lunch with them, and their relationship drew much closer.

In the afternoon, Qi Hao met with someone from Mrs. Hua’s side.

They signed the stock repurchase agreement.

Both sides engaged in verbal sparring, limiting each other in various details, afraid of being taken advantage of.

Mrs. Hua had long stopped seeing Qi Hao as an ordinary star.

Gao Yang’s tens of billions in funding, even if a tenth was put into the film industry, would still be a dominant force.

Because neither Mrs. Hua nor Bern had that much money. Without being listed, they couldn’t even produce a hundred million in liquid funds.

When Mrs. Hua made films, she needed to borrow from banks.

The total investment for "Assembly" was 100 million yuan, with Mrs. Hua investing 50 million yuan. CMB issued five loans of 10 million each.

Moreover, when Wang Chonglei returned from Taiwan, he brought back news that Qi Hao had several million shares of Penguin, and there might be more, though the exact number was unknown.

Upon investigating, Mrs. Hua found out that Qi Hao indeed had over 6.5 million shares of Penguin stock.

A big fish lurking in a shallow pit.

Thus, Mrs. Hua was conflicted.

Should they ally with someone as influential as Qi Hao, bring him into their camp, or treat him as an unpredictable factor and kick him out as originally planned?

But, following the original plan would also mean guarding against Qi Hao playing tricks.

After all, Qi Hao could mobilize a significant amount of money, and if he decided to mess with their stock prices, it wouldn’t be pleasant for them.

After careful consideration, she found no real grievances with Qi Hao.

He had even held onto Mrs. Hua’s stocks, so he wasn’t likely to go crazy and attack them.