Chapter 14: Zeng Li's Intentions

Liu Duanduan’s portrayal of the Second Prince in *Joy of Life* is a character who appears cynical and playboy-like on the surface but possesses a deeply calculating mind. His performance is vivid and lifelike; in particular, his grasp of the character’s subtle expressions and movements makes the role stand out as remarkably distinct and compelling in the series.

It was only after Cheng Sheng saw another memory that he decided to entrust the role of Li Jiancheng to Liu Duanduan.

He did not disappoint; Liu Duanduan’s performance as Li Jiancheng can absolutely be considered a classic.

As Han Sanye watched each actor appear on screen, he felt incredibly shocked.

Some of the actors he recognized, while others he did not, but every single one of them displayed superb acting skills; it was as if there wasn't a single weak link among them.

If you were to take any one of their performances individually, they would all be contenders for the throne of Best Actor.

The only thing that puzzled him was where on earth Cheng Sheng had managed to find so many actors with such exquisite skills.

Suddenly, Han Sanye recalled the news he had received earlier: that the majority of students from the Central Academy of Drama (Zhongxi) had participated in Cheng Sheng’s film.

Could it be…

“Old Xu, are these young actors in the film all students from Zhongxi?” Han Sanye asked in a low voice, turning to Xu Xiaozhong.

“Pretty much. A lot of the people in the film are students from my school,” Xu Xiaozhong nodded proudly.

In the past, it was often said that Zhongxi produced actors while the Beijing Film Academy (Beidian) produced stars, but that was merely an internet rumor.

However, after this film, it seemed that the reputation of Zhongxi producing actors would be firmly cemented.

Who could watch this film and not admire the acting skills of the cast?

“Truly impressive. Old Xu, I’m afraid it won’t be long before your Zhongxi becomes famous.”

Han Sanye sighed with emotion.

It was a pity that he was a Beidian alumnus; if only this honor had fallen upon Beidian.

While it was true that he and Xu Xiaozhong were old friends, when it came to the rivalry between Beidian and Zhongxi, he would certainly stand on the side of Beidian.

Thinking of this, Han Sanye turned his head to look at Cheng Sheng, who was sitting five seats away.

Although the film hadn't ended yet, just based on this half-hour of footage, one could already see Director Cheng Sheng’s capabilities.

With Cheng Sheng’s current level of skill, he was absolutely no worse than any other director; all he lacked now was fame.

If he were allowed to direct a few more films, Cheng Sheng would definitely be able to surpass most directors and become one of the top-tier directors in the country.

As for whether he could surpass Director Zhang, Han Sanye couldn't guarantee it, as Director Zhang carried too many honors.

Of the three major European film festivals, excluding the Palme d'Or, Director Zhang had already won two, along with various other awards, which firmly established him as the number one director in the country.

If Cheng Sheng wanted to surpass him, he couldn't just beat him at the box office; he couldn't fall behind in awards either.

“Truly magnificent.”

Zeng Li’s large, watery eyes remained fixed on the small screen, and she couldn't help but sigh in her heart.

As a supporting actress in the film, she had participated in the production, but filming had been fragmented, making it impossible to tell whether the movie was good or bad.

But now, seeing the finished product, she was deeply shaken.

She felt very fortunate to have participated in this great film.

Originally, when Cheng Sheng asked her to play Empress Xiao, she had been a bit worried. After all, people online and within the industry were saying this was a massive flop, and that whoever took part in it would be cursed with bad luck.

Because of this, many first, second, and third-tier stars, concerned for their reputations, didn't apply for roles even though they knew the film had a large budget.

After all, starring in a super-flop could be a devastating blow to some celebrities.

First, their reputation would be damaged. Audiences often have high expectations for stars; if they perform in a massive flop, the audience will question the star’s acting skills and their ability to choose scripts, thereby affecting their public image and reputation.

Second, the fear of box office failure. Flops usually lead to dismal box office returns, which can cause financial losses for investors and producers, and in turn, affect the star’s salary and future film projects.

Third, a drop in status and fewer collaboration opportunities. Producers and investors become more cautious when selecting projects, avoiding stars who have performed poorly, which can lead to stars losing out on filming opportunities.

Finally, fan disappointment. Fans have high expectations for their idols; if they perform in a bad film, fans may feel disappointed or even leave the fandom, which has a negative impact on the star’s fan base and popularity.

Under so many negative influences, only newcomers in the industry or students from schools wouldn't worry about these things when joining Cheng Sheng’s film.

Zeng Li actually had these concerns when she joined, but since Xu Xiaozhong had invited her personally, as a graduate of Zhongxi, she had to give the principal some face, which was why she agreed to play Empress Xiao.

But looking at it now, her decision to appear in Cheng Sheng’s film was absolutely the wisest choice she had ever made.

After this film, her status in the entertainment industry would likely rise.

A rise in status meant an increase in salary; actors with higher status usually command higher pay.

It also meant more control over role selection; high-status actors have more say when choosing roles.

They can choose the types and sizes of roles they like, and even pick their scripts, which gives them more freedom and initiative in their acting careers.

Furthermore, there are more advertising endorsement opportunities, and the endorsement fees are relatively higher.

Brands need to leverage their fame to promote products, which brings them additional sources of income.

There is also an improvement in status on set and other special treatment, and finally, an increase in commercial value; high-status actors are more attractive for commercial activities and can drive more attention and business opportunities.

Thinking of all these benefits, Zeng Li felt secretly happy.

She suddenly remembered Cheng Sheng saying that this was a film series, which meant there were several more to come. Could she continue to appear in them?

Zeng Li pondered for a moment, and her expression suddenly dimmed.

She played Empress Xiao, a major supporting role in this film, but in the subsequent movies, her screen time would likely be limited.

When filming *The Great Tang Dynasty: Origins*, she had looked up information on Empress Xiao.

After Yuwen Huaji launched the Coup of Jiangdu, Emperor Yang of Sui was assassinated.

Empress Xiao led her young grandson and the women of the royal family, drifting between Yuwen Huaji and Dou Jiande, followed Princess Yicheng to the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, supported the grandson of Emperor Yang, Yang Zhengdao, as the ruler, and settled in Dingxiang.

In the fourth year of Zhenguan (630 AD), after Li Jing destroyed the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, he welcomed Empress Xiao back to Chang'an, where she lived in Xingdao Lane.

Historically speaking, if there were a second film, Li Shimin would still be the protagonist, but even if Empress Xiao appeared, it would likely be for only one or two shots. Compared to now, Empress Xiao would essentially be a background character.

“No, looking at the current situation, this film is guaranteed to be a massive hit. I must seize the opportunity. Since the role of Empress Xiao is a dead end, I’ll just have to switch to a different role.”

Zeng Li gritted her teeth. A film this good was something she might not encounter again in her entire life. If she missed this chance, she would surely regret it forever.