Becoming a Movie Star, System Only Finished Loading After Ten Years
Chapter 127 - 124: Go ahead and deceive ghosts (Requesting monthly votes)

It hasn’t been seen for a few months, and everyone has changed quite a bit.

Hao has changed the most, constantly making news headlines, with rumors about women, and even transitioning to become a director.

Hu Ge’s "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" aired, and although the reviews were mixed, the ratings were genuinely good, and everyone still watched the familiar plot with great interest despite the change in cast.

The other three women, although they haven’t made much progress, at least still look good.

It’s not easy for the five main actors to gather together.

Hu Ge and the others had gone to Taiwan several times to participate in variety show promotions, but the group was never complete.

The main issue was that Hao was hard to gather.

His acting contract was fundamentally different from the others.

"Chinese Paladin 3" was a role Ziwen arranged for Hao according to the usual process, completely adhering to the agreement between them, and Hao couldn’t say he had to take it, but he needed a legitimate reason to refuse.

In the end, neither Hao nor Old Tian refused, but the contract had many specifics.

In fact, with the addition of Hao, a top idol, "Chinese Paladin 3" sales indeed became more explosive, and the TV station’s sponsorships were especially smooth, getting fully booked in a very short time.

Even the hotel rooms arranged by the TV station were different for Hao compared to the others.

There’s no way around it; it seems the times have changed, but many rules not only haven’t faded but continued to exist in other forms, and are even more deeply rooted the higher up you go.

Hao’s status is simply higher than the rest.

Hao wasn’t pretentious; he accepted whatever arrangement was made for him.

Since his room was the best, the other leading actors from "Chinese Paladin 3" would come to his room to hang out.

Among them, there was one rumored girlfriend, and another also rumored to be his girlfriend.

Actually, Liu Shishi had a lot of press releases sparking chemistry with him, but they lacked sufficient "solid evidence" and development.

Having once acted together, Hao being very gentle to others, he could chat a bit with anyone.

Others were more curious about why Hao became a director.

"We actors haven’t even got it all figured out, and you actually went to be a director."

"Being a director doesn’t seem like an easy thing... but Hao, you definitely have no problem."

Hu Ge appeared much more cheerful than when he first started filming.

He and Hao didn’t have much interaction, but couldn’t say there was none either.

During filming, Hao, who was better in acting skills, didn’t suppress him, and usually when he had issues, Hao patiently explained to him.

"Actually, I’m also quite anxious inside; I’ve recently been online and seen a lot of negative remarks."

Hao purposely showed weakness to express humility.

Netizens knew Hao had received the script to become a director, some said he didn’t know what he was doing, some said he wanted to reap money from fans, and others said his antics had been continuous throughout the year, and this was another episode.

Cold aloofness was just his protective color; madness was his killer move.

"I think it’s feasible; when you were shooting the MV, you had such a great style!"

Compared to Yang Mi who had worked with Hao twice, Tang Yan later excelled, not only collaborating with Hao twice but also starring in Hao’s MV.

"Is being a director something you need to learn a lot about?"

Yang Mi’s career ambition recently skyrocketed, discussing with her agent and assistant about setting up a studio.

They didn’t have Hao’s status or wealth.

But she could take more roles; just by working hard enough, she could get everything she wanted.

If she reaches the pinnacle of an actor someday, she might consider becoming a director.

"Of course, reading and learning every day, and hired someone to be the producer for the film."

Such topics were of interest to the others, and Hao was also good at them, so they had a pleasant chat.

However, they couldn’t chat for too long.

Soon the TV station notified them to go to the station for a meeting.

You can’t just go on the show directly.

Even if no rehearsal is needed, you must check the process and topics to avoid an awkward situation during the live recording.

The program for tonight wasn’t live but had quite a few audience members.

If something really goes wrong, it’s hard to ensure these audiences won’t gossip outside; never overestimate humanity’s ability to keep secrets.

After arriving, they met several directors from Zhejiang Satellite TV.

There were also two hosts, a young male named Liu Chao and a young female named Hu Jing.

Hao and the others mainly listened.

A director named Li Kai explained the general process to Hao and the others.

"Since several teachers have acted in action scenes, is there a possibility to perform swordsmanship on stage?" Li Kai suddenly asked, clearly he was in charge of this program.

Hao did not speak immediately.

Such matters don’t require grabbing the chance; his ranking is already here, leave the spotlight opportunity to others.

The others all had a certain amount of action scenes.

But letting them directly perform on stage was a bit difficult.

Everyone exchanged glances, ten seconds passed with no one speaking.

If something goes wrong on stage, even if the program team edits it out, it’s still embarrassing.

"Come on."

Seeing everyone else silent, Hao chose to take one for the team with difficulty.

It’s not that I’m bullying you guys.

You had the chance, but you didn’t seize it.

"Fine, then it’s hard work for Teacher Hao."

Li Kai’s eyes lit up immediately; if Hao took charge of this segment, the program would have better results.

If the three girls were to come forward, he might have had to verify several times.

Now Hao volunteered, he didn’t even bother asking—someone who’s been in the industry for over a decade, would not take such a leap without skill.

"No worries, if the TV series works out well, everyone benefits."

Hao smiled.

His swordsmanship was passable at best, capable of impressing ordinary people with just a basic display.

That time he watched Daoist Suiyun perform swordplay, he paid close attention, noting every detail vividly.

After returning, he picked two routines he was interested in and started practicing them like a fitness regime.

Of course, he selected the ones that looked cool, all sorts of showy moves.

The only issue was not knowing if what Daoist Suiyun demonstrated was some secret technique.

But since Suiyun dared to show off, he probably wasn’t afraid of people learning it.

At most, the next time they met, he’d just have to treat him to a drink as a token of gratitude.

Plus, mastering it just by watching once was indeed mind-blowing for others.

Who could be this impressive? Well, no surprise, it’s me!

Thinking of the Flower Daoist’s dumbfounded expression, Qi Hao felt a bit smug inside.

Of course, Qi Hao only learned the form; perhaps there was something in it that he didn’t grasp.

But it didn’t matter.

He’s just a star. These days, actors in action films might not even know how to twirl a sword.

Being able to display a complete sword routine already puts Qi Hao ahead of most people.

The other few people felt quite helpless.

But what could you do about such a thing?

Qi Hao wasn’t hogging the spotlight; he clearly left room for them.

Sigh...

People would say he’s already one of the top four young actors and an award-winning actor; why still compete like this?

They didn’t consider that this isn’t simply about competition.

It’s clearly just the basic professionalism of an actor.

Director Li Kai didn’t show favoritism and tried to design some highlights for the others too.

For example, Liu Shishi, whose career started in dance. She studied professional dance at the Beijing Dance Academy and won several dance competitions early on, so the directors arranged a dance performance opportunity for her.

The program would have performances, but more importantly, interactions.

This was the main focus of today’s meeting.

What interesting topics are there? We need to organize them now so they can be discussed on stage.

What topics shouldn’t be asked? We also need to sort through these.

Hosts who suddenly put guests in a tough spot on stage or guests who storm off due to a bad mood are actually showing unprofessional behavior.

The arm can’t wrestle the thigh.

Even Qi Hao doesn’t have the privilege to casually turn against a provincial TV station.

Not every "I’m sorry" will be met with "It’s okay," but every "Screw you" will definitely be met with "Screw you back."

If someone really wants to mess with you, they might not ruin your reputation completely, but they can let you gradually fade into obscurity.

"Mr. Qi Hao, can we ask about the rumors?"

A director asked cautiously.

"Song, you’re too polite. Of course, you can ask, just don’t focus too much on it. Besides, there’s nothing particularly special about it,"

Qi Hao responded warmly, even agreeing to the topic.

Upon hearing this, Yang Mi really wanted to roll her eyes.

No special stories?

You’re just lying through your teeth.

What a pity, she initially had a chance to stir up some rumors with Qi Hao again this time.

But with Tang Yan getting involved, there was no value in further hype.

Rumor had it on the set of "Journey to the West," Zhu Yin found Zhou Xingxing’s room in disarray, filled with perfume scent, the bathroom door locked, and Zhou Xingxing responding silently, leading a heartbroken Zhu Yin to break up with him.

Besides the three main parties, no one knew the exact situation.

This gossip’s truthfulness remains uncertain.

But the hurt involved was universal, even Zhu Yin, seemingly the victim, didn’t benefit overall.

She didn’t become Zhou Xingxing’s girlfriend through proper channels, after all.

In the entertainment world, everything seems to be a matter of cause and effect.

"Rest assured, Mr. Qi Hao, we will be discreet." Having the guest’s cooperation is the best outcome.

"We’re planning to discuss the next sequel; do you have any information on that, and can we ask?"

Li Kai continued to follow his topic list.

...

After this simple meeting, the organizers and guests reached an understanding.

Next up was getting makeup done and entering the stage.

Qi Hao didn’t wear makeup during filming, and he certainly wouldn’t bother with it now.

His hair was shaved for "Lost on Journey" and hasn’t grown much; he styled it slightly before coming, resulting in a buzz cut look.

Upon entering, he still looked handsome enough to make Hu Ge feel inferior.

The audience on site was calling out their names repeatedly, some shouting for Qi Hao, some for Hu Ge, and names like Tang Yan, Yang Mi, and Liu Shishi also being heard.

Even An Feng and Ling’Er had their names called out by some.

In fact, many of these so-called audience members were professional audience members.

This is a profession that has emerged with the rise of variety shows in recent years; they are like extras, coming to shows both for fun and pay, naturally glad to cooperate with the program team.

Therefore, shouting for An Feng and Ling’Er was no mistake.

It was clearly for some sort of collaboration between "Chinese Paladin 3" and "Chinese Paladin 1."

Regardless of whether it’s for nostalgia or pitting one against the other, as long as there’s heat, it will draw TV viewers.

Qi Hao was puzzled, wouldn’t it have been better to invite An Feng here?

It wouldn’t cost much.