Chapter 1680
I'm afraid of spicy food!
That day, Zhang Yuan was filming.
In the dormitory scene, Chen Dongqing has already graduated and stayed on at the university as an English teacher in her major.
He even started living with his goddess, Su Mei.
Meng Xiaojun has gone to North America to study and claims that he is doing very well.
He and his girlfriend Liangqin were both doing internships in the lab, and their futures were bright.
Moreover, according to the script, Meng Xiaojun was interning at Bell Labs, the same Bell who invented the telephone. It was a top-tier laboratory in the United States, incredibly prestigious.
Chen Kexin designed this background not to enhance the character of Meng Xiaojun, but to give you a sweet treat first, and then slap you hard in the face.
Because soon the second male lead will be told that he must leave and be replaced by a Chinese student who is similar to him but whose major is more suitable.
You're just consumables!
Don't be fooled by your internship at Bell Labs; you're not even as good as a cog in a machine.
Changing screws is a pain for foreigners, but changing yours is a piece of cake!
Chinese people will never be able to integrate into the upper echelons of white society.
Especially for liberal arts students like those majoring in English.
Foreigners aren't stupid; they'd prefer people with STEM backgrounds.
This is what Chen Kexin wanted to express.
But what most viewers see is just Chinese people replacing other Chinese people and internal strife.
When this film was released, very few people understood its deeper meaning.
Looking back ten years later, it becomes clear that Chen Kexin had already told everyone everything.
However, when Director Chen was writing the script, he also added a lot of relaxing scenes to make the theme less heavy.
For example, Chen Dongqing received a Playboy magazine sent from abroad by Meng Xiaojun.
The director captured the unspoken understanding between the men.
In the 90s, sending this was risky; it was more precious than nutritional supplements.
Who wouldn't want to catch a glimpse of a beautiful foreign woman...
Zhang Yuan, Deng Chao, and Tong Dawei gathered together.
Chen Kexin had the props department buy a few real ones.
He flipped through the pages, and the other two came along too.
The unspoken understanding between men.
No need to call out, it just comes to me all by itself.
Zhang Yuan looked at the healthy style of Americans in the 7s and 80s when aerobics was popular.
Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "If I wore this to sing drum ballads, the art of storytelling wouldn't decline, and male audiences would definitely love it."
The women in the illustrations are all tall, traditional blonde women like Princess Diana, with fashionable perms for the time.
There are also obvious muscle lines on his arms and legs.
It was far more beautiful than the later designs that mixed various colors.
This reflects the aesthetic of the American economy during its period of growth.
Zhang Yuan views human body art from an appreciative perspective; it is indeed beautiful, with elegant body lines.
In fact, this kind of men's magazine is almost the only media in the Western world that "stays true to its original aspirations" amidst the wave of diversity.
Men only like blonde hair and big waves; nothing else works.
Men are just that simple and persistent.
"Enjoying it?" Zhang Yuan asked the two with a smile.
"I appreciate it." Deng Chao nodded intently.
"Immerse yourself in the character." Tong Dawei found a better excuse.
"Alright," Zhang Yuan said, letting them have their way. "But have you thought about something?"
“This magazine is a product of the 1980s. These women were in their twenties back then, and now they should be…” Zhang Yuan calculated with his fingers: “most of them have probably retired.”
"Those perky breasts you see are either sagging like eggplants or they rely on silicone implants to maintain their shape."
The two of them turned their heads together and glanced at him.
How did you manage to get us to submit with just one sentence?
No wonder you have a background in traditional Chinese performing arts; you're really good with words.
“Actually, I think Playboy is so-so, Maxim is more trendy,” Zhang Yuan recommended to the two of them.
This magazine conducted a survey in the late 90s and found that 60% of its readers supported the reinstatement of the death penalty in North America.
This shows that people who read folklore magazines generally have sound values.
Back in 07, Gal Gadot was supposed to be on the cover, as a Jewish woman soldier. She had just won the Miss Universe Israel title at the time.
As a result, Israeli women's organizations strongly opposed the filming, and all the content was taken down.
These magazines hire popular female celebrities to be cover girls, and these people usually wear swimsuits and take some sexy photos.
The nude models are all minor, relatively unknown models featured in the inner pages.
“I prefer the Victoria’s Secret style,” Deng Chao replied.
Zhang Yuan thought about what Sun Li would look like in a Victoria's Secret outfit... but decided against it, he couldn't imagine it.
“You two seem to be having a lively conversation,” said the female lead, Du Juan, as she stepped forward.
“They were looking at a color magazine, and I was stopping them,” Zhang Yuan replied in a second.
"You didn't see it?" Deng Chao thought to himself, "Your reaction is too quick."
“My character in the play will see it, so I have to see it, which is considered a work injury.”
"Get out of the way, don't disturb my work."
After chasing the two away, Dujuan remained smiling.
After getting to know each other better, he became less nervous and smiled more often.
A smile makes one look more approachable, but the downside is that she smiles not only in everyday life but also while filming.
"Hahahaha..." After turning on the camera, this person laughed so hard he collapsed onto the table after only a dozen seconds of filming.
Zhang Yuan had no choice but to sit down.
"Be serious, we're working."
"I'm sorry, but you look really..."
Zhang Yuan is supposed to pretend to be peeking at a magazine when his girlfriend happens to come home.
Not only did they have to hide the magazines, but they also had to be in an awkward, hunched-over position.
"I didn't expect you to act so convincingly. It reminded me of the boys in my class when I was a teenager," the supermodel exclaimed, delighted.
"Boys were already seeing this when you were a teenager?" Zhang Yuan asked, temporarily setting aside his role.
"Occasionally."
Judging from the other person's response, it doesn't seem like it's just a one-off occurrence.
"That's good, it means you're very charming," Zhang Yuan replied casually.
Du Juan remained noncommittal, but in her heart she thought, "Our male protagonist has never raised a gun against me."
Even if they were filming a scene involving a forced kiss that day.
Chen Dongqing and Su Mei made a pact to go boating, with the man threatening to jump into the river if she didn't agree to date him.
As a result, the female lead jumped into the river on her own initiative, and even used a very standard and elegant way of entering the water.
As a result, the female lead contracted tuberculosis and had to take a year off from school while lying in the hospital.
The male protagonist visits the sick woman and, mustering his courage, pins her to the bed and forcefully kisses her.
Tuberculosis is contagious, but you can still risk your life.
Only then did the other side give up resisting.
The director wanted the kiss to be intense.
During the photoshoot, Du Juan could strongly feel Zhang Yuan's enthusiasm.
But as soon as the director yells "cut," he instantly switches into character, showing no hesitation whatsoever.
This state intrigued her, as if her charm had failed her.
That's how women are; when all the men around them are interested in her, she finds it annoying.
If someone shows absolutely no interest in her, she'll actually put more effort into them.
Therefore, men are like dogs, and women are like cats.
Most men are easily pleased by a little kindness, while women are always eager to be flirted with, but become more enthusiastic if they aren't.
After the other person laughed four or five times and was gently reprimanded by Chen Kexin, they finally managed to finish their morning work.
Just as he was about to eat his boxed lunch, the on-set producer led several people to him and the director, who were discussing the afternoon's filming.
"Hello, we are police officers from the Guangrongdao Police Station under the HQ District Public Security Bureau."
"Hello." Zhang Yuan quickly put down his chopsticks, wiped his hands with a wet wipe, and then shook hands with the other person. The film crew rented the old campus of Hebei University of Technology, located in the HQ district of Tianjin. It's an old city area with plenty of food and drink options, but the development is average, and the housing prices are very low.
When Chen Kexin saw Uncle Hat arrive, her heart tightened.
What trouble have you gotten me into, you little brat?
Will they get caught peeping at a widow's house?
We can't let it interfere with the filming.
"Can we talk alone?" Uncle Hat asked, his tone calm and not stern.
"How long will it take? I have to work in a bit."
"I haven't even finished my meal," Zhang Yuan replied casually, showing no fear whatsoever.
"Why don't we wait until you finish eating before asking? There's no rush."
"That's fine."
Uncle Hat went back to his car to rest, declining the invitation to share a bite.
"Are you alright?" Chen Kexin asked after Uncle Hat left.
Zhang Yuan couldn't stand those three words; they kept reminding him of Yang Mi.
"Do we need the production crew to get involved?"
"Should I help you find a lawyer or contact China Film Group?"
Chen Kexin dared not shirk responsibility; if the lead actor had any problems, the show would be ruined.
"No problem, I'll be right back."
He ate a few bites quickly, not wanting to keep people waiting too long.
About half an hour later, he returned.
At this moment, the main members of the crew gathered, waiting for him to return and inquire about the situation.
Deng Chao: "Are you alright?"
Tong Dawei: "Are you alright?" x2
Du Juan: "Are you alright?" x3
Zhang Yuan hurriedly instructed his assistant to buy him a box of Haihe milk to try, along with two steamed buns and a starch sausage. "You guys make me miss Yang Mi so much."
"No problem, it's nothing serious. They just came to ask who was the person who harassed me before?"
"And I promise to find the other party to talk to in person and educate them face-to-face."
Deng Chao narrowed his eyes: "Why should they care about this?"
Zhang Yuan looked at him, revealing a calm expression.
Do you know what the power of the internet is?
Those thugs who came looking for him were only concerned with the word "face," which is what celebrities fear most.
This kind of thing has happened to Teacher Guo quite often.
When it comes to counterattacking, I'm much better than him!
Teacher Guo's personality flaws are too obvious; he refuses to admit his mistakes.
How many times have you seen him apologize?
He felt that I was the troupe leader and the master, and therefore I couldn't apologize or admit my mistakes.
Zhang Yuan was different; even if he thought that way in his heart, he could still maintain a certain demeanor on the surface.
First, they called over a dozen bodyguards.
With so many people watching filming on campus every day, it's bound to be noticed.
In just a few days, people will be saying online, "Celebrities are so high and mighty!"
Why use so many bodyguards when filming a movie?
He had his bodyguards make a big fuss about this, so that everyone could see and talk about it.
He was already very famous, and this play was also very prestigious.
In addition, there are Chen Kexin, Deng Chao, and Tong Dawei, all of whom are top-notch professionals in the industry and have received a lot of attention.
He also had Jia Shikai fuel the fire online, making the topic even more popular.
The other party was already very busy, but he still ordered that the work should be done in this way.
While he was doing these things a few days ago, he also received several phone calls.
You've caused trouble!
"Do you know whose territory this is?"
"In Tianjin, dragons coil around me, and tigers lie down for me."
Many people were baffled, and without even identifying themselves, they called with threats.
After that, some people would come to the door and immediately identify themselves as so-and-so.
In terms of seniority, I'm your uncle-master, your great-uncle. I had a relationship with your master back then, and so on...
After the intimidation was over, someone would come to "settle things."
Don't worry, I'll help you settle this. Let's all talk it over and compromise.
You have to give me this face, otherwise you're being unreasonable...
It was all pre-arranged; it was all a routine.
Zhang Yuan coaxed them away one by one.
Trying to act superior in front of me?
Zhang Yuan told them not to bother with settling things, and to come at him directly if they had any problems, without holding back.
I've been to Tianjin several times, but I've never experienced the warmth of my fellow travelers before; I'm really looking forward to it.
Upon hearing this, the group immediately turned hostile, abandoning their previous attempts to mediate, and left cursing and swearing.
But that wasn't the end of it. The next day, Teacher Guo called to inquire about his recent situation.
He also mentioned that many of his colleagues in Tianjin were saying that he, an outsider and a junior, was going to make a name for himself in Tianjin!
They treat this uncle and that old man with no courtesy, showing no favoritism even to their own family.
Some people even discussed expelling him from the crosstalk industry and kicking him out of the family.
If someone takes on a disciple on behalf of a master, they can find a powerful relative from a collateral branch of a noble family through roundabout means and expel him from the family.
Actually, it's to embarrass you and make it impossible for you to continue in this industry.
That place was so shallow it was teeming with turtles.
When Teacher Guo asked, she showed no concern whatsoever; in fact, she seemed rather pleased.
These shameless bastards, they don't mess with the ones on earth, but they mess with the ones in the sky!
But you guys deliberately kicked my junior brother, and I just happened to lose money and face in Tianjin. I haven't gotten my revenge yet!
Zhang Yuan didn't care at all. What's the point of using these kinds of tricks from the crosstalk industry?
As long as I don't get angry or upset, I won't fall for it.
They just want to make you angry.
I'm such a big star, how dare you treat me like this... If you think that way, you're doomed.
I'm not angry. So what if they fire me?
It's like you guys have the final say.
They can't even leave their little corner of Tianjin, and they're so hungry they're practically biting people. Why should I bother with them?
Of course, he wasn't completely indifferent.
Only after the topic of him bringing more than a dozen bodyguards to film his movies gained traction online did he proceed with the second step.
He personally posted a clarification on Weibo.
"I am very sorry that using so many bodyguards has caused inconvenience to the students' studies and lives at Hebei University of Technology."
"But some things have happened recently that have me very worried."
"I had no choice but to do this to ensure my own safety."
"I hope everyone understands."
This Weibo post quickly became a trending topic.
An artist of his caliber can cause a public opinion storm with just a single statement.
Something happened that greatly worried Zhang Yuan, so he had no choice but to use so many bodyguards for safety... What happened?
Humans are naturally curious, and the general public loves to investigate.
Now we've reached the third step, where the "truth-seeking" faction should emerge online to offer explanations.
I was harassed while having a late-night snack in Tianjin.
Take action!
Several burly men surrounded them.
They even screamed and yelled to scare people...
Anyway, there are all sorts of conflicting accounts, both true and false.
The overall content is limited to going out after get off work and encountering hooligans on the street.
This is going to be interesting!
For a big star to encounter something like this while filming in Tianjin inevitably makes netizens from all over the country think that the local people are tough and unruly.
Teacher Guo likes to use force, but I'm different.
I'll take a softer approach.
He is like Chen Kun, who will be acting in period dramas in the future.
I'm afraid of spicy food! (End of Chapter)