: Changes After Rebirth - 3 Major Buffs

The sequel to Journey to the West features many characters, including Ao Moang, the eldest prince of the Western Sea.

Prince Moang has very few scenes, only one fight scene.

Director Yang Jie was also willing to give Zhou Yan this opportunity.

"Thank you, director, for giving me this opportunity. I will definitely perform well," Zhou Yan hurriedly stood up to express his gratitude.

"Don't rush to thank me. If you perform poorly, I'll replace you too," Yang Jie would never let personal feelings jeopardize the quality of the entire sequel to Journey to the West.

"I understand, but no matter what, I still thank you and all the teachers for this valuable opportunity." Zhou Yan did not discard the role because it was small; on the contrary, she cherished it.

Hu En kept watching Zhou Yan's reaction, nodding inwardly.

"Not bad, he's a sensible person," Hu En thought with satisfaction.

Cao Rong opened her mouth as if to say something, but then closed it again.

Cao Rong was actually very interested in the role of Prince Moang and wanted to make a cameo appearance.

But thinking about my current situation, with a bruise on my left eye, swelling on my left cheek, and injuries to my body.

Not to mention he can't do difficult moves, his face alone means he's destined to be unsuitable for the role of Prince Moang.

Unless the production crew is willing to wait for the bruises and swelling on his face to subside and his body to recover.

But how could that be?

"Mr. Cao, what do you want to say?" Hu En noticed Cao Rong's subtle movements and thought that the other party had a problem with him.

Cao Rong didn't want to reveal his desire to make a cameo appearance as Prince Moang, as he had other matters to attend to.

"Boss, look at me, I might need to rest for a few days," Cao Rong pointed to her face. "I'd like to ask for a few days off!"

"I understand," Hu En nodded. Among the group, Cao Rong was beaten the hardest and was the most seriously injured.

"You should rest at your place first, and then you can start working after you've rested enough."

"Okay, but I might not be able to direct the action scenes that follow," Cao Rong said hesitantly, but finally did.

Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts sank.

"Xiao Zhou, since you graduated from a martial arts school, have you ever had any experience with martial arts instruction?" Hu En asked Zhou Yan.

Martial arts choreographer sounds sophisticated, but frankly, it's about designing fight choreography.

"I've had contact with them," Zhou Yan nodded.

He had not only been in contact with them, but he was also a martial arts instructor in his previous life.

Zhou Yan has a secret: he was reborn from twenty years in the future.

When Zhou Yan was a child, he was very mischievous. He would climb trees to catch birds and dive to catch fish, which caused his parents a lot of worry.

He struggled through elementary school, but failed to get into junior high.

After Zhou Yan's persistent pleas, his parents finally made up their minds to send him to the "Songjiang Martial Arts School" in the neighboring city to learn martial arts.

Zhou Yan has an exceptional talent for martial arts, and influenced by "kung fu movies," he has a great interest in martial arts.

During his time at the martial arts school, Zhou Yan never complained or slacked off. He was diligent, earnest, and hardworking, and quickly stood out in the school.

In 1997, Zhou Yan represented the school in the 8th National Games, winning two medals: the men's all-around champion and the mixed team runner-up, becoming a prominent figure in the school.

In the mixed team competition, Zhou Yan's performances in men's spear and men's sword techniques earned the highest scores of the day, but unfortunately, he was dragged down by his teammates and only managed to win the runner-up position.

After graduating from martial arts school in 1998, Zhou Yan, after two years of hard work, was admitted to Kyoto University of Physical Education in the new millennium, beginning his university life.

After graduating from university in 2004, he entered the entertainment industry with the help of a friend and became a martial arts instructor.

At this time, "kung fu movies" and "wuxia dramas" had gradually declined.

Zhou Yan only enjoyed the benefits of the martial arts genre for two or three years before becoming "unemployed".

Fortunately, Zhou Yan was resourceful and sought change. He studied hard and improved himself during his university and work years, and eventually successfully transitioned from martial arts instructor to assistant director.

It was during this period that Zhou Yan truly witnessed the "glory" of the entertainment industry, with all sorts of temptations coming her way.

They'll stop at nothing to become famous.

Zhou Yan admitted that he had fallen from grace and began to regret not entering the industry sooner. He knew that one should become famous as early as possible.

As actors' and stars' salaries continue to rise and box office records in China are constantly being broken, Zhou Yan feels increasingly regretful that he didn't enter the entertainment industry sooner and wasted his time.

In 2018, Zhou Yan got tired of playing around and married a minor celebrity. The two had a son and lived a relatively happy life.

Unfortunately, in 2021, her partner cheated on her with a minor celebrity, and the two eventually divorced.

This also made Zhou Yan realize firsthand that love in the entertainment industry is unreliable, driven only by interests and desires.

September 16, 2025, is a day Zhou Yan will never forget.

Not only because it was his 44th birthday, but also because on this day he suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and was rushed to the hospital. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself reborn.

Reborn in 1997, when I was 16 years old.

At this time, Zhou Yan had just won one gold and one silver medal, which was the most triumphant moment of his life.

Unexpectedly, when I opened my eyes again, I had been replaced by the soul of the next generation.

It was from that time that Zhou Yan decided to embark on a different path in life.

After graduating in 1998, Zhou Yan did not insist on taking the college entrance examination again, but resolutely went north to look for opportunities.

Although Zhou Yan did not awaken a system after his rebirth, heaven did not treat him unfairly.

After a year of exploration, Zhou Yan discovered three buffs that did not exist in his previous life.

First, its powerful recovery ability.

They are exceptionally gifted and have boundless energy. No matter how tired they are on a given day, they can be fully rejuvenated after a night's rest.

Secondly, exceptional learning ability.

Whether it was due to the fusion of his two souls from past and present lives, or for some other reason, Zhou Yan found that his mental abilities had increased many times over. This included not only his memory, but also his comprehension and understanding. Under conditions of highly concentrated mental power, he could even achieve photographic memory.

In addition, many of the works from the previous life were also awakened in the brain and memorized.

Thirdly, exceptionally good luck.

In his previous life, Zhou Yan had very bad luck and missed many opportunities to change his fate.

For example, in 1999 he received an invitation to play the role of the White Dragon in "Journey to the West: The Sequel", but he was busy preparing for university entrance exams at the time, so he declined.

As a result, "Journey to the West: The Sequel" became a huge hit, and he missed an opportunity.

During the 2002 South Korean World Cup, he and his classmates bought football lottery tickets together. His friend won several thousand dollars, while he lost all his living expenses.

……

In 2006, while working as a stunt coordinator, he fell from a great height because his safety rope was not properly secured, nearly killing himself and causing him to miss the film "The Warlords".

In his previous life, he was plagued by misfortune, but in this life, he found that his luck had improved significantly, as if all the misfortunes of this life had been borne by his previous life.

For example, last year, he actually won the lottery, and not just once, but more than 30,000 yuan in total.

He saved all of this money, which became his capital for living and working in Beijing.

For example, what happened tonight.

He never expected that he would run into Director Yang Jie and his group when he just went out for a meal. Not only did he save them, but he also got the opportunity to star in the sequel to "Journey to the West".

Although the sequel to Journey to the West is not as good as the original Journey to the West, it is still a rare classic. It is broadcast on TV every summer and winter vacation and has influenced a generation.

……

"Are you confident in completing the martial arts direction for the [Blackwater River] scenes?" Hu En was somewhat surprised, not expecting that Zhou Yan had actually worked with him.

"I can take on the challenge," Zhou Yan said without fear.

"Good, that's how young people should be, not afraid of difficulties and willing to challenge themselves," Hu En said, appreciating Zhou Yan even more. "But don't feel pressured, I'll find someone to mentor you."

Hu En felt that Zhou Yan was too young and wanted someone to offer guidance, which would benefit both Zhou Yan and the sequel to "Journey to the West".

As the director of the National Television Drama Center, Hu En knew many martial arts choreographers, such as Yuen Woo-ping, the martial arts director of "Water Margin".

This is a big shot in the action choreography world.

He has participated in many kung fu movies and martial arts dramas.

"Thank you, Teacher Hu," Zhou Yan said, raising his glass and standing up. "I'd like to toast you."

"You're still young, drink less," Teacher Hu En stopped Zhou Yan. "Let's just have tea instead of alcohol."

If he didn't know Zhou Yan's real age, he would have drunk the wine, but since the other party is underage, he won't do that!

As everyone became more familiar with each other, the atmosphere grew even more lively, and laughter filled the air.

"Teachers, I need to go to the restroom," Zhou Yan said, making an excuse to leave, but actually going to pay the bill.

Director Yang and the others gave him this opportunity, so he had to show his appreciation.

Others may not say anything, but he needs to be sensible.

These people will all become titans in the entertainment industry in the future, and you might not even have the chance to invite them to dinner again.

"This Zhou is interesting," Hu En said with a smile as he watched Zhou Yan leave.

"Yes, his manner of speaking and his way of talking are not like someone of this age; he's a bit too mature," Teacher Dai agreed wholeheartedly.

"Children from poor families mature early; this child must have suffered a lot," said Director Yang Jie, the only woman present and a mother herself, deeply moved.

"Yes, if a family is well-off, they wouldn't send their child to learn martial arts." You know, learning martial arts is very tough, and most people can't stick with it.

"Xiao Zhou is our savior. Everyone should help him out in the future if they can," Hu En said. He had a very good impression of Zhou Yan and was happy to give him advice.

Of course, this is on the premise that Zhou Yan himself is hardworking and ambitious, and not the kind of person who is hopeless.

"I agree," everyone said, expressing their gratitude.

"Xiao Zhou is a handsome and talented man, and he is indeed a promising talent for the performing arts," said Teacher Wang Chongqiu with a smile.

"His educational background is a bit lacking, and he doesn't have a formal academic background."

"But their kung fu is good, which can make up for their weaknesses."

"Xiao Zhou is still young, and he should take the entrance exam for an art school if he has the chance. It will be helpful for his future."

"That's true. There's a difference between those who aren't formally trained and those who are."

……

You say something to everyone, and I say something.

After settling the bill, Zhou Yan returned and sat down again, listening to everyone's "earnest teachings" and nodding in agreement.

"It's getting late, let's call it a day," Hu En said, glancing at the time on his wrist. It was almost eleven o'clock.

"It's so late already," everyone thought, surprised at how quickly time had passed; two hours had gone by in the blink of an eye.

"I'll go pay the bill," Hu En said, getting up to pay the bill, since he had promised to treat everyone!

"Teacher Hu, I've already settled it," Zhou Yan said hurriedly.

"You silly child, why did you settle the bill so early? How much did it cost? Here you go," Hu En said, taking money out of his pocket.

"Teacher Hu, you are all my elders, this meal is on me," Zhou Yan said, waving his hand in refusal as he naturally wouldn't accept the money.

"Director Hu, since Xiao Zhou has paid the bill, please invite him back next time," Yang Jie said with a smile.

"This little guy is smart," Yang Jie thought to himself.

"Alright," Hu En said without further hesitation, giving Zhou Yan his business card and instructing him to call him.

"Xiao Zhou, meet at Beijing Film Studio at 7:00 AM tomorrow. Don't miss it," Teacher Wang Chongqiu reminded him.

"Okay, Teacher Wang."

The group parted ways at the doorway.