Chapter 53: Handsomeness Is a Kind of Gentleness

Inside the private room.

Zhang Huaimo ordered a few simple home-style dishes, but didn't order any alcohol. With preparations to take the crew to the set tomorrow and the official start of filming imminent, there was too much to do, so he hadn't planned on drinking with Su Mu tonight.

"Tomorrow, you and the other main actors will go for costume fitting. As for the contracts, let your agent handle them. We’ll probably start shooting the day after tomorrow, so try to adapt as quickly as you can," Zhang Huaimo said.

Su Mu was taken aback. "That soon?"

Zhang Huaimo sighed. "This is already slower than usual. ‘Raging Surge’ just wrapped, and now we’re jumping straight into this. Feels a bit rushed. But the producers are even more anxious; the show needs to be released early next year to compete for ratings with a few other platforms. Looks like we’ll be spending New Year’s in Hengdian."

As he spoke, Zhang Huaimo gestured toward the next room. "The crews next door—one funded by Kiwi, the other two by Oil Depot—have already started filming."

Su Mu raised his eyebrows at this.

Wouldn’t Hengdian soon be a three-way battlefield?

"Don’t worry, Director Zhang. I’m already very familiar with the script. Besides, Mei Changsu isn’t nearly as complex as Gao Qiqiang. It won’t be hard to play him," Su Mu replied.

Zhang Huaimo smiled. "I’m not worried about your acting. If you could handle Gao Qiqiang, Mei Changsu won’t be a problem. What I’m really interested in are those three scripts of yours."

At last, the real reason for this meeting surfaced.

Of course, Su Mu understood the true reason Zhang Huaimo was so eager to see him.

He pulled three manuscripts from his bag and handed them to Zhang Huaimo. "These are first drafts."

Zhang Huaimo took them, a hint of delight in his eyes. After a moment’s thought, he asked, "Su Mu, what are your plans for these scripts? If you want to sell them outright, I can help you. They won’t go cheap."

"I just wrote them for fun. They’re probably not worth much," Su Mu said lightly.

Zhang Huaimo chuckled inwardly. You really don’t know your own worth, do you?

"I’ve read them. They’re very well written. I do have to ask, though—did you really write these yourself?"

Even now, Zhang Huaimo found it a little hard to believe.

To be honest, if someone told him Su Mu was a talented actor, he’d agree without hesitation. But to call him a gifted screenwriter? If that were the case, he should have made a name for himself long ago. Any one of these three scripts would be in high demand. Yet, in all these years, Zhang Huaimo had never heard of anyone like Su Mu in the screenwriting world.

"It really was me," Su Mu replied.

Zhang Huaimo nodded. "Alright, Su Mu, since we’re being honest, I’ll tell you the truth—I want all three scripts. But it’s impossible for me to direct all of them. I’ve spoken with my company and with Penguin’s production team. Huayi Pictures will buy one; Penguin will buy the other two. After ‘Nirvana in Fire,’ I’ll direct another one myself. As for the remaining two, Penguin will find other directors and crews. The price is negotiable. If you agree, I’ll arrange a meeting. Or, if you have any conditions, you can tell me now."

He was being as sincere as possible.

It was clear that Zhang Huaimo was determined to buy all three scripts.

Su Mu considered for a moment. Now that things had come to this, there was no need to haggle further. His original goal had been to secure a sixty million yuan fee for the three scripts. With that achieved, it was best to leave well enough alone.

"Buying them out is fine, but I’d like to keep acting in them," Su Mu said.

"That’s easy," Zhang Huaimo replied, pleasantly surprised by Su Mu’s straightforwardness. "It’s settled, then. I’ll set up a meeting soon."

"Alright."

...

The next morning, before dawn, the air outside the crew’s apartment was already buzzing. Without even looking, it was clear that some celebrity was being visited by fans.

While eating steamed buns and soy milk, Su Mu and Fan Xiaojv watched the scene below from their window. A business van was parked by the entrance, surrounded by fans clutching flowers and cell phones, waiting for their idol to appear.

Before long, a tall, slender man in a long coat and mask, his hair tied back and dressed in period costume, emerged from the building. Fans on both sides erupted into frenzied screams.

"Wow! Chen Yang! Chen Yang, you’re so handsome!"

"Chen Yang! Take care of yourself!"

"Chen Yang, here’s a gift for you!"

"Chen Yang, we’re looking forward to your new work. Do your best!"

The fans shouted with excitement. The star, bundled tightly in his coat, simply waved before quickly ducking into the van and driving away.

As the car disappeared, the fans reluctantly dispersed, having waited all morning for just a fleeting wave, without even exchanging a word.

Suddenly, Su Mu realized something. He looked down at Fan Xiaojv. "Xiao Juzi, am I usually like that too?"

Cheeks puffed out, Xiao Juzi thought for a moment before saying, "No, you’re a bit better than him."

"Just a bit? That pretentious?" Su Mu pressed.

"Yeah, but you’re already doing well. At least you let fans film you up close. That Chen guy wears a mask because he’s afraid of being caught without makeup—he wouldn’t look good otherwise."

Enlightenment dawned on Su Mu.

So, being naturally handsome was its own kind of kindness to the fans.

Still, he resolved to be even more approachable in the future.

After breakfast, Su Mu and Qian Jida set off for the set at Hengdian World Studios. Today’s tasks were to meet the crew, take costume photos, and finalize the contracts.

Zhang Huaimo’s productions always drew attention, and "Nirvana in Fire" was no exception. Ever since auditions began, industry buzz hadn’t quieted. Many people wanted a role.

By now, the set was packed to the brim, even members of neighboring crews had come over.

"Did you hear? The lead in Director Zhang’s new drama is still Su Mu!"

"What? He’s working with Director Zhang two times in a row? I’ve never heard of Zhang giving any actor back-to-back leads, especially in both projects!"

"Seriously, what’s Su Mu’s background? Even Zhang Huaimo has to cater to him?"

"No idea. It’s mysterious. He was barely known two years ago, but now he’s suddenly everywhere. If you told me he didn’t have some powerful backer, I wouldn’t believe it."

"Well, to be fair, his performance in ‘Raging Surge’ was really good. He does have skills."

"True, but he’s got connections too. I heard that the lead in the Kiwi production next door is Chen Yang. But originally, Chen Yang wanted to join Zhang Huaimo’s crew. When he found out the lead was already chosen, he went next door instead."

"Wow, this Su Mu really has something going for him."

All around, people were gossiping.

Meanwhile, the cast was arriving one by one. Su Mu was among the earlier arrivals. After getting out of the car, he headed straight for the set.

Most of the staff were veterans from the "Raging Surge" shoot, and Su Mu was familiar with them. Just as he was about to enter with the costume team for his fitting, a voice called out behind him.

"You must be Su Mu."

Turning, Su Mu saw the person he had spotted that morning—Chen Yang.

So it was him, Su Mu mused. Xiao Juzi really had a good eye. These faces must all rely on post-production effects...

"Can I help you?"