The desert's daytime was filled with yellow sand.
Due to the weather, the crew of "A Chinese Odyssey" had to halt filming and rest.
Just as Zhang Yang was about to return to his room to watch Su Yu's "Love Song King" program, he ran into Zhang Qingyun coming out of the room next door.
"Yang Ge, going back for a nap?" he greeted Zhang Yang, a humble smile on his face, completely different from the arrogant top star he once was.
"Mm, with this weather, shooting won't be possible today. Little Zhang, what are you up to?" Zhang Yang glanced at the thick A4 papers in Zhang Qingyun's hand.
"Yeah, I'd get a mouthful of sand just stepping outside. I was just out there going over lines with everyone," Zhang Qingyun spread out the script in his hand.
A while ago, he had asked Zhang Yang to introduce him to Jiang Nan. Later, he received a reply from Zhang Yang saying there was an opportunity for a supporting role.
Zhang Qingyun came directly to the "A Chinese Odyssey" set the next day.
Because the role of the second boss required him to look unkempt, Zhang Qingyun hesitated after receiving the character information.
As a former top star, he had always appeared radiant before the camera, and for a moment, he couldn't quite accept it.
However, after only a few minutes of hesitation, he decided to take the role.
This was because Zhang Yang told him something: "Sometimes, opportunities only come once."
Zhang Qingyun wasn't foolish; on the contrary, he understood this industry very well and naturally knew that Jiang Nan was currently at his peak, considered the most formidable screenwriter in the domestic entertainment scene. Every drama he wrote became a hit, and every movie he made sold well.
During this period of absence, he had been studying at the drama troupe for a long time and had made significant progress. He was very eager to showcase his acting skills to the public.
Now, having the chance to latch onto Jiang Nan was his best opportunity to shed his idol star image.
Therefore, he agreed to play the role of the second boss.
"That's great, Little Zhang. Keep up the good work. As long as you film diligently, you'll definitely make a comeback," Zhang Yang said patronizingly, patting Zhang Qingyun's shoulder.
In the "A Chinese Odyssey" crew, Zhang Qingyun was considered his subordinate. Having a former top star at his beck and call made Zhang Yang feel quite pleased. He also eagerly anticipated the audience's reaction to Zhang Qingyun's significant transformation once the film was released.
However, Zhang Qingyun had indeed improved a lot. At the very least, playing the second boss was no problem for him.
"I will work hard and grow well under Yang Ge's guidance!" Zhang Qingyun nodded repeatedly.
Zhang Yang waved his hand dismissively, "You've said it wrong."
Zhang Qingyun was startled.
Zhang Yang said earnestly, "Not my guidance. You must remember that we all rely on Jiang Nan to make a living. And his choices are simple: if you perform well, he will give you opportunities."
Zhang Qingyun suddenly understood, "I've learned my lesson. Thank you for the reminder, Yang Ge!"
"Mm, your comprehension is very high. Becoming a respected actor is just a matter of time. Stick with us and work hard. Winning an award like Best Actor would be ten thousand times better than being an idol, wouldn't it?"
Zhang Yang was painting a grand future.
In fact, it wasn't entirely a grand vision. What he said was true. Zhang Qingyun had the foundation, was willing to work hard now, and most importantly, he could set aside his idol image for the role. He now possessed the elements for success. As long as he filmed diligently under Jiang Nan, his comeback would be as a respected actor, which was infinitely better than a fleeting idol star.
"I will definitely work hard and not let down the cultivation of Teacher Jiang Nan and Yang Ge!"
With that, Zhang Qingyun took his script and walked outside again.
So what if there was yellow sand?
It couldn't stop Zhang Qingyun's forward progress!
Zhang Qingyun would definitely cast off the title of idol star and earn the designation of a respected actor with his own skills!
...
At the "Love Song King" program set.
Everyone was already seated together.
"Only two episodes left," Mo Yan handed the freshly brewed tea to Su Yu and the others.
"Yes, Teacher Mo Yan, have you prepared the song for the final episode?" Su Yu asked with a smile.
Since the production team had announced that the final episode would be a free-for-all, it meant they could start preparing songs, even using previous unreleased material.
Although "Love Song King" was in a casual, tea-party format with not much competition, it was still a competition. For the finals, one naturally had to perform at their strongest.
"It's ready. So, Xiao Yu, you need to be careful. This song should be one of the best works of my producing career," Mo Yan said with great confidence.
"Teacher Mo Yan is bringing out his ultimate move, so I'll have to think carefully about how to counter it," Su Yu chuckled.
"Can I forfeit the last round?" Zhou Qingshan joked.
Jiang Qian chimed in, "I'm always bullied. Can't you big guys go easy on me just once?"
Mo Yan shook his head and said mysteriously to Su Yu, "Xiao Yu, don't listen to those two. From the information I have, they each have at least one more hit song up their sleeve."
"I wouldn't assume the other teachers don't have a trump card," Su Yu nodded.
Even though everyone was complaining, Su Yu knew that Zhou Qingshan and the others definitely had big moves planned. Because they had to choose stories from netizens, they couldn't use their ultimate songs. But for the finals, with free rein, they could deploy them.
While the group was chatting, the bullet screen comment section lit up.
"There's some gunpowder here. Teacher Mo Yan directly admitted he has a trump card, and judging by the expressions of the others, they're all confident. This means the quality of the final songs will definitely be explosive."
"Ting Yu has been number one on the love song charts for the past few episodes. Is it possible Ting Yu will flop in the finals?"
"Flop might be an exaggeration, but it definitely won't be such an easy win."
"Actually, given Ting Yu's current popularity in the Chinese music scene, as long as he performs normally, it doesn't matter what trump cards the other producers use. The reason they're saying this is just to make Ting Yu's win even more impactful."
"Teacher Mo Yan has carried the Chinese music scene for so many years, is it finally time for a change of guard..."
As the audience discussed,
the program began the story selection segment.
It seemed that among relationships, long-distance ones had the most regrets.
The theme for this episode was all about long-distance relationships.
Three scenarios ended in breakups, and one had a happy ending.
Perhaps because he was feeling particularly happy lately, Mo Yan directly chose the long-distance relationship with the happy ending. Then, the other producers also made their selections.
This left the last story for Su Yu.
"Four years ago, he said he was from the capital. Four years later, I came to the capital from Yuncheng. Alone in this unfamiliar city, just to be a little closer to him. He promised us a beautiful future. The weather in the capital wasn't good that day; it was windy, and in the dust, we were ultimately defeated by reality."
This was the story of a young girl bravely pursuing love, but it still ended tragically.
"Then I'll choose this one. The singer will still be Jiang Xiao'e," he said, looking at Jiang Xiao'e.
A very good song came to his mind, and it was perfect for Jiang Xiao'e.