Chapter 52: Nazha: I Am Not Stupid

Everyone: "..."

They were taken aback by how readily Zhang Yang agreed, not reacting for a moment.

Liu Yifei was the first to let out a light chuckle, her eyes carrying a teasing glint. "Ah-Yang, your speed at changing expressions is practically tailor-made for Stephen Chow's movies."

Her words were actually intended to help ease the atmosphere on set and to secure the audition opportunity for Zhang Yang.

No matter the circumstances, films are always considered more prestigious than television dramas. While it is seen as a step down for a movie star to act in a TV series, it is immensely difficult for a television actor to break into the film industry, where the barriers are much stricter.

Since Zhang Yang had encountered such a rare opportunity, especially with a Stephen Chow film, Liu Yifei naturally wanted to help him out as much as she could.

"You really know how to play the game," Deng Chao chimed in with a teasing smile.

Seeing that Zhang Yang had agreed in earnest, Zheng Chongji immediately made a guarantee. "I'll call Stephen tonight. His collaboration with Huayi, *Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons*, has already started filming in secret. I happen to know he still hasn't cast an important supporting role—he's looking for a good-looking young actor. I can recommend you for an audition, but it's just an audition."

Even Zheng Chongji didn't dare guarantee that Zhang Yang would secure the role in a Stephen Chow movie.

Acting in nonsensical comedy requires a specific comedic instinct and talent; even with great acting skills, Zhang Yang might not necessarily satisfy Stephen Chow.

"I'm not greedy, having an audition opportunity is enough." Zhang Yang rubbed his fingers together.

This was *Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons*, Stephen Chow's first feature film after completely transitioning from the front of the camera to behind the scenes. Set to be released during the 2013 Spring Festival, it would shatter numerous records, including breaking the global box office record for Chinese-language films with 218 million US dollars.

Participating in this film would be a stellar start to his career in the film industry. Stephen Chow's movies were famously adept at turning minor supporting roles into breakout hits, and he placed far more emphasis on the actor's natural fit with the character than on fame or background.

As for his role in *The Four*, it was merely a stepping stone to get noticed. Trying to secure something in *Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons* would make any other small role feel like chicken ribs—tasteless to eat, yet a pity to throw away.

Moreover, if he guessed correctly, the role Stephen Chow was currently lacking should be the "Prince of Ablutions."

Played well, that role alone was enough to become one of the defining representative roles of a lifetime!

Thinking of all this, how could Zhang Yang not be tempted?

"Then it's settled." Chen Jiashang spoke up to finalize the matter, effectively acting as a guarantor.

If Zheng Chongji failed to follow through, it would not only cause him to lose face, but it would also offend people.

"Make your movements flashy, Yang-zai." Zheng Chongji wore a beaming smile.

As a "Hong Kong film circle crown prince," why would he refuse such a minor favor as an audition opportunity? Even though for the vast majority of people, such a chance was completely out of reach.

"Flashy, definitely flashy, the pinnacle of flashy." Zhang Yang gave his word.

After all, Zheng Chongji had grown envious precisely because of how fluid and handsome Zhang Yang's stunt double movements for Deng Chao had been.

"Show off that Pursuit move, and we can make even better use of the Flying Cat rig," Gu Xuanzhao said, equally delighted.

It was rare to find a master who could fully unleash his capabilities as an action director.

With Zhang Yang's agreement, everyone left happy.

"Yang-zai, make sure you grasp this audition opportunity well. If you can land the role, it will be immensely beneficial for your acting career." During the crew's dinner break that evening, Zou Zhaolong, who played Iron Hand, came over to Zhang Yang and offered earnest advice.

Perhaps because they were both martial artists, the two had already become friends after working together for just a few days.

To be precise, led by Liu Yifei, many members of the crew had started taking care of Zhang Yang like a younger brother.

"I understand, Zhaolong-ge." Zhang Yang nodded solemnly.

Zou Zhaolong was Sammo Hung's chief disciple and never lacked resources when he first entered the industry, working with heavyweights like Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Yet his career remained lukewarm until he portrayed Chang Wei in *Flirting Scholar* (Note: actually *Hail the Judge*).

Besides him, actors like "Pomegranate," "Madame Hua," and the "Landlord" all possessed formidable individual acting strengths and had starred in numerous films, yet none truly skyrocketed to fame until they encountered Stephen Chow.

Zou Zhaolong knew all too well the incredible advantages of nailing a role in one of Stephen Chow's films!

"Keep it up, and ask me if there's anything you don't understand." Zou Zhaolong patted Zhang Yang's shoulder.

In the industry, when veterans encounter a talented and tactful junior with no conflicting interests, many are still more than willing to play the role of a mentor.

That very evening, Zheng Chongji placed a call to Stephen Chow.

At that time, Stephen Chow was hard at work in a hotel near the Hengdian World Studios, feeling quite vexed while revising the script.

*Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons* was a project where he served as producer, director, and screenwriter simultaneously. Taking on a starring role as well would inevitably stretch him too thin, which was why he had cast Huang Bo as the Monkey King and Wen Zhang as the Tang Priest, while planning to play only a minor, original supporting role himself.

However, once filming commenced, he realized he truly was getting older and lacked the physical stamina to play that supporting role. Consequently, he had recently put out feelers in the industry to audition a replacement for the supporting part, with the requirements being young, handsome, and capable of comedy.

While he had received quite a few actor resumes, not a single one satisfied him.

"Do I really have to play it myself?" Stephen Chow muttered to himself, his voice tinged with a Cantonese accent.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck his mind. "What about Show Lo? He seems pretty good."

He was very handsome, looked like he knew how to have a good time and was a bit of a playboy, perfectly portraying a sense of bitter, empty loneliness, while also possessing a naturally comedic personality.

The more he thought about it, the more suitable it felt. Stephen Chow took out his phone, ready to call Show Lo and ask if he had time to audition.

Before he could dial the number, however, his phone vibrated first. The caller ID displayed "Zheng Chongji"—a capable second-generation star who had publicly declared himself a fan on multiple occasions.

"Hello?" Stephen Chow answered the call.

Zheng Chongji started with polite greetings before getting straight to the point when the time was right. "Stephen, I'm currently shooting over at Director Chen's production, right here in the Hengdian World Studios. I recently came across an actor who has fantastic acting skills and is extremely handsome; the entire crew thinks very highly of him. I heard you're short of people for your new movie—could you give him a chance to audition?"

Conversations between two people from Hong Kong naturally took place in Cantonese.

Stephen Chow had actually guessed Zheng Chongji's intention long before the call. He had assumed Zheng Chongji was asking for a role for himself, not expecting him to recommend someone else for an audition.

Naturally, Stephen Chow was willing to grant this favor. Who knows, maybe he would encounter a suitable actor?

He resolutely agreed, stating that tomorrow afternoon would work fine.

The two didn't chat for long before hanging up.

Looking at his phone, Stephen Chow temporarily dismissed the idea of calling Show Lo, deciding to test out the actor recommended by Zheng Chongji first.

Everyone knew he had already held multiple rounds of auditions without finding anyone satisfactory, so Zheng Chongji surely wouldn't just send any random person over.

If this "Zhang Yang" mentioned by Zheng Chongji turned out to be unsatisfactory, it wouldn't be too late to look for Show Lo afterward.

The next day arrived.

As soon as he arrived on set, Zhang Yang received the good news brought by Zheng Chongji: "Yang-zai, head to the fishing village at 1 PM for the audition. Just call this number when you get there."

Zhang Yang carefully memorized the number and asked with some confusion, "Is there no character script?"

"Stephen's habit is to hand out the audition scene right on the spot; on-the-spot improvisation is very important," Zheng Chongji explained, pausing before adding, "Though I heard Stephen originally wanted to play this role himself, and only looked for someone else to step in because he was too busy. The requirements are being young and handsome, and some people auditioning were even asked to convey a sense of hollow, desolate loneliness."

Such inside information was crucial for any actor preparing for an audition.

Zhang Yang was even more delighted, almost certain now that the role was indeed the Prince of Ablutions.

This wonderful news kept him full of energy all morning. As soon as lunch was over, he immediately took Nazha and rushed over to the fishing village for the audition.

"Yang-ge, if you can land this role, Sister K will definitely be shocked again. After all, this is a Stephen Chow movie." Nazha felt genuinely happy for Zhang Yang, though a trace of pressure accompanied it.

With Zhang Yang growing increasingly brilliant, was she even a match for him?

Hearing this, Zhang Yang looked at her and asked, "I heard Stephen once called you in the past, wanting to sign you to his company and cast you as the female lead in a movie?"

"Ah?" Nazha looked puzzled. "Who said that? I'm not stupid, how could I possibly turn down the chance to become a 'Star Girl' and skyrocket to success overnight?"

A meaningful smile instantly appeared on Zhang Yang's face. "There might not be fools like that around, but clever people who like to gild the lily definitely exist—very much in Tangren's style."

Nazha: ???