Chapter 67: You're Far Too Modest! (Please keep reading!)

“In short, that’s the general outline of the story and its background.”
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“!!!”
“!!!”
Su Mu, under the astonished gaze of the others, succinctly finished explaining the plot of “Joy of Life.” He even added some of his own insights, for he had read the novel in his past life and understood it on a deeper level. After listening to his talk, everyone still felt a sense of disbelief—finding it hard to accept that Su Mu was indeed the scriptwriter of “Joy of Life.” Yet surely Director Zhang Huai Mo would not joke about such things.

At last, someone realized why Director Zhang had cast Su Mu as the male lead in two consecutive dramas. If the script came from him, was it really too much for him to play the protagonist?

When Su Mu finished speaking, a brief silence fell over the room. Then, unable to hold back any longer, the veteran actors began to speak up.

Zhuang Yan said, “Su Mu! You haven’t finished the story yet—what happens next? In the end, does Fan Xian live or die?”

Wang Ou Yi asked, “What exactly is at the bottom of the lake in Taiping Villa? Is it really a modern laboratory?”

Li Yao chimed in, “So this world isn’t a pure fantasy, but a future Earth shaped by countless ages—it’s a science fiction background, isn’t it?”

Xu Dong An added, “The main character isn’t a time traveler, is he? Oh, and I’m curious about that character Wu Zhu—tell me, is he nuclear-powered, or a hybrid?”

It had to be said that the final plot twist of “Joy of Life” sent shivers down one’s spine. These seasoned actors loved delving into scripts, and this story had already left them itching for answers.

Facing their barrage of questions, Su Mu merely smiled faintly. “Honestly, I don’t know myself.”

“Huh?”
“This…”
“!?”
“Teacher Su Mu, please, tell us more!”

Su Mu said, “A few more words? I suppose… But truly, the script only goes this far.

You see, it’s the suspense and reversals that leave a lasting impression. Giving away the answers often only makes things dull.

Just like what enters your body on an afternoon isn’t always drowsiness. What falls on your face at dawn isn’t always sunlight.
What stabs you from behind isn’t always a knife, and the two straps on your shoulders—they aren’t necessarily always backpack straps.
If someone shouts next door, must it only be pain, couldn’t it be something else?
On the tree-lined paths you yearn for, every midnight is frosted white, but do you really want to know if it’s frost, or how it was hung there?
Consider it. Savor it carefully.”

[Speech Proficiency +1+1+1+…]
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“!!!”
“!!!”
As Su Mu finished again, the conference room fell into contemplation.

Zhuang Yan declared, “Good, well said. What he means, I understand—it’s not about making a formulaic ending. Leave it open.”

Wang Ou Yi added, “Exactly, there’s something to it. This ‘not necessarily’ he talks about, besides a twist, also hints at continuity. In other words, perhaps there’s a sequel?”

Li Yao observed, “He’s laying the groundwork for the future. From the moment he started writing, he was thinking far ahead. This young man is extraordinary!”

Zhuang Yan said, “I remember Ma Baoguo once mentioned this Su Mu to me, saying how much potential he had. I didn’t pay much attention then, but seeing him today, he really ought to give a lecture at the film academy for those green recruits.”

Ning Yu Yan: “⁄(⁄⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄⁄)⁄”
Zhang Huai Mo: “……”

With the keen understanding of these veteran actors, the others soon grasped most of it as well.
…
…
They spent the entire day on the script. It wasn’t until nearly eleven at night that they finished. All the actors were exhausted, their heads spinning, and left to rest at the hotel or the crew apartments.

Su Mu and Zhang Huai Mo were the last to leave. Glancing at the night view of Hengdian World Studios in the distance, Zhang Huai Mo suddenly smiled. “I truly didn’t expect it—you’re such a talented writer. Only after going through the script today did I realize how many details you’d woven in. Impressive.”

Su Mu felt a little guilty and gave a classic sheepish scratch of the head. “Oh, Director Zhang, you flatter me. Honestly, I just wrote it on a whim, opened Word and started typing, didn’t put that much thought into the details. It’s really not as good as you make it sound.”

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“Modest!” Zhang Huai Mo gave him a knowing look. “You’re just too modest! Su Mu, in this age you can’t hide your talents. If you have ability, you must show it boldly—that’s how you adapt to the times and your environment.

Just think, people used to say you couldn’t act and only got by on looks. If you’d shown your talent earlier, would you have been doubted for so long?”

I would have, but have you seen how long that bastard took to install in the first chapter? What could I do?

Su Mu: “……”

Zhang Huai Mo continued, “You’ve met everyone who came today, right? Zhuang Yan, Wang Ou Yi, Li Yao, Xu Dong An—these are all leading veteran actors. Especially Zhuang Yan and Wang Ou Yi, both professors at the Beijing Film Academy, as well as lecturers at the Chinese Opera Academy and judges for the Golden Peng Awards. Their standing in the industry is considerable.”

Su Mu nodded. “I know. My agent told me before I came.”

Zhang Huai Mo looked pleased. “You’d better make the most of this chance. Professors Zhuang and Wang both really liked your script. I also told them you wrote ‘The Son-in-Law’s Orchid Oath.’ They asked me for your contact information.”

“Thank you, Director Zhang.”
Su Mu’s eyes lit up and he quickly thanked Zhang Huai Mo.

Zhang’s words were actually rather reserved, not going into too much detail. But Su Mu understood the implication.

Getting to know Zhuang Yan and Wang Ou Yi was a chance to expand his network. After all, these were people of some status in the industry, and even judging panels for several Chinese film awards. Knowing them could only be advantageous.

Zhang Huai Mo smiled. “It’s nothing, no need to be overly grateful. These are people of great character, and they enjoy working with talented actors. Go on, get some rest. Your driver is here. The shoot starts tomorrow—be ready.”

“All right, Director Zhang.”
Bidding farewell to Zhang Huai Mo, Su Mu turned and got into the car.

Qian Ji Da and Fan Xiao Ju were already waiting inside.

When Su Mu got in, Qian Ji Da asked, “So late?”

Su Mu replied, “The script was too long.”

Qian Ji Da said, “Liu Qiang Xi called today. According to our terms, they’ve confirmed the title sponsorship for the street dance show. The season’s production fee is 16 million. Along with the pay for three dramas and endorsements for new products, you’re looking at nearly 300 million this year. If you take a few jobs next year, you’ll probably reach your contract goal.”

Su Mu said, “Finally time to make some real money.”

Qian Ji Da asked, “Have you thought about your own studio yet?”

Su Mu replied, “Not in detail, but I can talk to you both about it for a bit…”

Driver: “All right.”
Qian Ji Da: “…?”
Little Orange: “…!”