Chapter 43: In This Business, Connections Are Everything

Excellent, a perfect setup.

Hearing Liu Yifei’s question, Lin Feng felt quite pleased. He had been wanting to put in a good word for Zhang Yang, but he didn't want to make it look like a blatant favor—that would be beneath his station. If Zhang Yang could land a role in *The Four*, it would reflect well on him, and both Zhang Yang and Chen Jiashang would owe him a small favor.

“Yang is playing Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty,” Lin Feng said, eyes fixed on the monitor. “I originally designed his look after Zhao Zilong—white horse and silver spear—and his action sequences involve swords and spears, which he handles beautifully.”

“However, before we officially started filming, he brought up the story of the ‘Thousand-Mile Escort of Lady Jingniang’ and reminded me that Zhao Kuangyin was a master of both fists and staff. Fists are the mother of all martial arts, and the staff can dominate all eighty-one provinces under heaven. So, we changed the design.”

“His hand-to-hand combat and staff techniques are both excellent. I honestly think the real Emperor Taizu couldn't have done it much better.”

A collective gasp rippled through the onlookers. Chen Jiashang, Liu Yifei, Lin Ziwei, and the others were stunned. They knew Lin Feng’s character well. Having climbed the ranks from a stuntman to a renowned action director in the industry, his professional standards were uncompromising. After years in the business and advancing in age, Lin Feng had become more polished in his social dealings, but he still possessed the blunt, unwavering integrity of a true martial artist. He wasn't one for flattery, especially not for a “newcomer” like Zhang Yang.

If he said this about Zhang Yang, he meant every word. That was exactly why they were so surprised. Could a young man like Zhang Yang really be that capable?

The group turned their attention toward the monitor in unison. On screen, Zhang Yang was showcasing his prowess with a dragon-coiled staff. He executed high-difficulty maneuvers on horseback while following the choreographed routine, striking down soldiers with precise, rhythmic blows. The entire sequence flowed like water, with varied and intricate movements that looked visually stunning.

What’s more, Zhang Yang knew how to play to the camera. Even while “showing off,” he ensured his face was frequently in frame, his eyes and expressions locked in throughout, never breaking character. What surprised Chen Jiashang and the others even more was that the action sequence hadn't stopped yet; it seemed they were aiming for a long, continuous take. This was a true test of the director’s and cinematographer’s rapport, as well as the actor’s raw skill.

*Swish!*

On screen, Zhang Yang fought his way through the ranks, eventually facing three rival generals. He held his own against all three without the slightest hint of pressure, ultimately emerging victorious. With a flourish, he pulled the reins with one hand and held his staff in the other, roaring, “Kneel and surrender! Those who submit shall be spared!”

The extras on set immediately dropped to their knees in a sea of bodies. The camera pulled back to capture the wide shot before pushing in close on Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang looked into the lens, channeling the feeling of an emperor ascending the throne as he had envisioned in his dreams. His gaze sharpened, his presence radiating an overwhelming sense of authority.

“Good!” Lin Ziwei instinctively clenched her hands. With Zhang Yang’s performance being so breathtaking, it would only serve to highlight the perfection of her own character, Ma Fuya.

“Cut!” Lin Feng called out through the microphone.

“Excellent.” Chen Jiashang clapped, his eyes filled with genuine admiration. If Zhang Yang had auditioned for the role of Cen Chong, he would have… well, he still would have used Mu Panlong, as that was an arrangement made by the investors. In show business, background came first, and talent second.

But now that Mu Panlong couldn't perform due to his own issues, Chen had the opportunity to find a suitable replacement. Several friends had offered to recommend stuntmen and actors, but where could he find someone as cheap and practical as Zhang Yang, who was both in one?

“He’s truly impressive.” Deng Chao beamed, offering praise without hesitation. “His movements feel much better than that ‘son of the rising sun’ actor’s, and his height is a much better match for me.”

He wasn't joking—this was about finding his own stunt double. It concerned the quality of his own action scenes, which were part of his performance. He certainly preferred a talented professional over someone with connections.

“I didn't expect Little Brother Yang to be this talented,” Liu Yifei remarked softly.

“If he weren't this talented, I wouldn't have swapped him in to play Zhao Kuangyin and added more scenes for him,” Lin Ziwei said, taking credit for herself.

Liang Xinquan and the others kept their expressions neutral, though they were silently scoffing. Nazha, meanwhile, kept sneaking glances at Liu Yifei, feeling a flutter of anxiety. The better Zhang Yang performed, the more worried she became about her “treasure” being eyed by others. *She’s Liu Yifei,* she told herself. *There’s no way she’d be interested in Brother Yang.*

“Brother Lin, how was it? Do we need a safety take?” Zhang Yang walked over, holding his staff, looking heroic and spirited.

“It’s fine. It was worth the morning of preparation. Let’s move to the next setup,” Lin Feng nodded with satisfaction.

Zhang Yang nodded slightly and turned to Chen Jiashang. “Director Chen, do you think I’m a good fit?” Regardless of whether it would work out, he had to take the initiative; he couldn't expect a big director to make the first move.

“Your fight scenes are flawless. We can settle the stunt double role right now, but as for the role of Cen Chong…” Chen Jiashang intentionally kept him in suspense.

Zhang Yang didn't rush. He simply looked at Chen Jiashang with a faint smile, which only made the director even more pleased.

“Alright, alright,” Lin Feng interjected at the right moment. “It’s just a small supporting role, no need to act like you’re casting the lead. I’ll vouch for Yang—his acting and his fight scenes are equally good.”

Chen Jiashang pointed a finger at Lin Feng, feigning anger. “For the sake of you recommending Yang to me, I’ll let it slide this time.”

“Let it slide? You should be buying me a drink tonight,” Lin Feng teased.

“Fine, fine, I’ll buy,” Chen Jiashang replied with a look of helpless resignation, as if he had been cornered. The others stood by, offering polite smiles without interrupting.

Next was the filming of Zhang Yang’s dramatic scenes, which only required a few additional shots. One was after he had been draped in the imperial yellow robe, reflecting on “Ma Fuya” alone in the study—after all, the drama was titled *The Imperial Concubine*, not *Emperor Taizu*.

Chen Jiashang and the others didn't leave, staying to watch Zhang Yang’s dramatic performance. “His eyes have depth, his expressions are spot on, and his lines are delivered well,” Chen Jiashang noted with satisfaction.

From the perspective of what was best for the film, he felt that using Zhang Yang’s looks and acting talent for the role of Cen Chong was a complete waste; he could easily play the lead, Leng Xue. It was a pity he wasn't famous and lacked backing. But with such high potential, as long as Zhang Yang seized the right opportunity, he would eventually make a name for himself. He didn't mind building a bridge of goodwill now.

Liang Xinquan and Lin Ziwei shared similar thoughts, and their attitudes toward Zhang Yang softened even further. At dinner that evening, Lin Ziwei even suggested that Zhang Yang’s scenes could be filmed in a concentrated schedule so he could join the production of *The Four* in a few days.

Before parting, Chen Jiashang told Zhang Yang to have his agent contact the production team to handle the contract. He added, testing the waters, “Do you need me to put in a word with your company?”

Cai Yinin of Tangren was a formidable woman in the industry—formidable meant difficult, and she had far too many ideas of her own.

“For a small matter like this, I certainly wouldn't want to trouble you, Director Chen. I’ll just give them a call to report it,” Zhang Yang smiled steadily.

Chen Jiashang nodded. “Put in the effort here. Both the fight scenes for Leng Xue and the scenes for Cen Chong are substantial, so you need to join the crew as soon as possible.”

Zhang Yang understood his meaning: get the contract signed quickly to avoid any complications.

“Bye, Yang,” Liu Yifei waved goodbye with a casual, carefree grace.

“Goodbye.” Zhang Yang watched Chen Jiashang and the others depart.

At the entrance of the restaurant, only he and Nazha remained. Without hesitation, he dialed Cai Yinin’s number.

Back at the Tangren office, Cai Yinin, who was just about to head home, looked at her phone. When she saw “Zhang Yang” on the caller ID, a smile spread across her face, sweeping away her fatigue. “Finally couldn't hold back, could you? You’ve kept me waiting for this call.”