After this period of publicity, Tao Mu’s martial arts skills were basically well-known by everyone. In order to test Tao Mu’s limit, Cheng Baodong and Wang Boyuan not only asked Tao Mu to perform a set of sword moves according to the guidance of a stunts coordinator, but also had Tao Mu improvise and perform several sets of martial arts movements using fans.

Because Wang Boyuan’s main weapon in the movie was not only the sword but also the fan.

Fortunately, Tao Mu learned the “eighteen martial arts” (Taji fists, Taiji fan, whip, etc.) when he joined with old Song Tou during his morning exercise in his previous life, otherwise he would really not be able to cope with Cheng Baodong’s endless requirements.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

After the audition was over, Wang Boyuan, who was sitting next to director Cheng, clapped his hands in applause in front of everyone in the crew, and even before Cheng Baodong announced the audition results, he eagerly advocated for Tao Mu: “I think our little junior brother’s performance is very awesome. What do you think, director Cheng?”

Both Cheng Baodong and Wang Boyuan graduated from Beijing Film. One was in the class of ’98 while the other was in the class of ’01, one was a director and the other was an actor. When Cheng Baodong was in graduate school, Wang Boyuan happened to be in undergrad, and the two became a pair of cooperative partners at school. Basically, the stage plays directed by Cheng Baodong would always choose Wang Boyuan as the leading actor. This kind of tacit understanding continued until the two graduated. Cheng Baodong established his reputation in the domestic director circle, and Wang Boyuan also squeezed into the B-list top actor with his company’s support. Soon after he once again became Cheng Baodong’s leading actor. Then, under Cheng Baodong’s training, he had the fortune to win the Golden Crow Award for Best Actor. Now he was also a big celebrity film emperor.

With such a fated relationship, there was no need to say more about the friendship between the two. According to the gossip paparazzi, the two people even lived next to each other in the capital. When the two men were filming outside, their wives would even go shopping and walk their dogs together.

Therefore, when Wang Boyuan rushed to give Tao Mu a pass before Cheng Baodong even expressed his opinion, Cheng Baodong did not feel that his directorial authority was offended. He just glanced at his old partner with a half-smile, and then looked at Tao Mu solemnly: “Your performance is good. I remember you once said that you wanted to concentrate on studying after entering film school and not take on any acting jobs. For this, you have turned down the signing invitations of several talent agencies one after another. Among them, there are even many well established companies. Is there anything like this?”

Tao Mu was slightly taken aback. Unexpectedly, the first question Cheng Baodong asked him had nothing to do with this audition. But he nodded sincerely: “Yes.”

Hearing Tao Mu’s answer, Cheng Baodong sneered: “It’s the end of July right now. Beijing Film’s registration time for new students this year is August 26. The shooting period of “Faraway Jianghu” is half a year. If your audition is successful, then you would have to stay in the crew for at least two months. How do you plan this time?”

Tao Mu could now confirm that Cheng Baodong might not be hostile towards him, but he was definitely prejudiced towards him.

Wang Boyuan frowned, and before Tao Mu could speak, he directly helped relieve the siege on Tao Mu: “How is this a big deal? When the time comes he could just report for attendance and don’t participate in the military training. In any case, there will be no classes during the military training. Old Cheng, don’t be so serious. What will you do if you scare the child?”

But if he really did what Wang Boyuan said, it would also violate Tao Mu’s previous statement to the talent agencies that he didn’t want to violate the school rules and just wanted to study seriously. But in this way, Tao Mu’s image in Cheng Baodong’s heart, it was estimated that he would undoubtedly become a villain who said one thing and did another thing!

Although he didn’t know why Cheng Baodong had such a big dislike for him, Tao Mu calmly responded: “If it is just to complete the shooting of martial arts scenes, then twenty days will be enough.”

“Oh-ho!” Cheng Baodong looked at Tao Mu: “You are quite confident, aren’t you?”

Tao Mu’s answer was very straightforward: “I have more than just confidence.”

Cheng Baodong recalled that it took Tao Mu only half an hour before the audition to absorb the movements taught by the stunt coordinator and then complete the movements beautifully and smoothly in front of the camera. At this he could not help falling silent. Then he continued to make it difficult for Tao Mu: “But why do you think that my crew will arrange the shooting schedule according to your time requirements?”

There were a lot of big names in “Faraway Jianghu”. Not to mention the leading actors and actresses, even the supporting roles were played by old veteran actors that had a lot of weight in the entertainment circle. Tao Mu was just a newcomer, and it wouldn’t be proper to let so many teachers cooperate with him. (TN: actors and actresses are also referred to as “teachers”)

In the face of Cheng Baodong’s words, Tao Mu was also a little dazed: “…..Doesn’t the male protagonist only have one fight scene?”

“Faraway Jianghu” told the story of Feng Jiuqing, the master of the Qiwu Pavilion, who liked to pretend to be a weak scholar. While traveling in jianghu, he met a princess in disguise and a series of interesting incidents happened when the two traveled together. Just when they expressed mutual affection for each other, the princess was abducted by the grassland khan so Feng Jiuqing entered the enemy camp alone to rescue the princess. At the very end, the two finally held a wedding under the witness of the emperor.

Due to the limits of the plot, the heroine would have a lot of action scenes in the early stage of filming, and the male protagonist played by Wang Boyuan would play the role of the strategist and comic relief of the two. Only towards the end of the film would there be an actual action scene that involved the male protagonist. In addition, there were also some shots that must be taken to hint to the audience that the hero did indeed know martial arts. These action scenes all added up together would not take much time. Tao Mu giving it twenty days was him considering Cheng Baodong’s habit of finely polishing and perfecting the scenes when shooting movies.

Cheng Baodong suddenly realized: That’s true. Hey, that’s not right——

Cheng Baodong raised his eyebrows and looked at Tao Mu: “How do you know the plot? Have you read the script?”

Tao Mu: “…..” Could he say that he had seen the movie in his previous life?

Obviously not. Tao Mu calmly said, “Before coming to audition, brother Gou told me briefly about the plot. He said that the male protagonist didn’t have much action scenes.”

Gou Rixin was also one of the martial arts body doubles in the crew. He followed the crew in shooting for more than a month so even if he hadn’t read the script, he could still know some plot points. And before the audition, Gou Rixin did mention a few words about the plot to Tao Mu. Even if Cheng Baodong asked Gou Rixin to check, Tao Mu was not afraid.

Cheng Baodong continued to make it difficult for Tao Mu: “But what if I push your scenes behind to shoot?”

“Then that’s director Cheng’s problem.” Tao Mu was given difficulty for no reason and was also a little impatient: “I came to audition just to let you know that I can do this job.” As for the shooting time, so long as it was not Cheng Baodong deliberately making things difficult, it was absolutely no problem to finish the filming within 20 days. If not, Tao Mu would not rashly participate in the audition.

Cheng Baodong looked at Tao Mu for a while, and suddenly laughed: “Now this is a bit interesting. Your response to being fired in “The Legend of Heroes” was too slick, I thought you had no temper despite your young age!”

Tao Mu patiently explained: “It’s not that I have no temper. It’s just that there is no need to lose my temper.”

Cheng Baodong sneered: “Then show me your temper!”

Tao Mu: “…..” The heart was so tired, he didn’t want to make friends anymore!

Wang Boyuan smiled and said, “Isn’t it good for young people to have a better temper. By the way, have we decided yet?”

Cheng Baodong snorted: “It’s to choose a martial arts body double for you, you decide.”

Wang Boyuan smiled and looked at Tao Mu: “Old Cheng is like this. You’ll know after getting along for a longer time. Don’t be afraid.”

Tao Mu obediently nodded: “Thank you, teacher Wang. Thank you, director Cheng.”

At this time, there was no such a thing as calling anyone teacher like it would happen in the later years. Wang Boyuan had been acting for many years, and he had been called the next door old Wang, brother Wang, Bo Yuan, and brother Yuan. He was not used to being called teacher so solemnly. Hearing Tao Mu calling him this, he subconsciously rubbed his arms and chuckled: “Don’t be so formal. Everyone is from Beijing Film, so you can call me senior brother.”

Tao Mu accepted readily: “Senior brother.”

Cheng Baodong snorted and signaled the assistant to take Tao Mu to sign the contract.

The others also took their respective places and started to set up lighting for the next scene.

The heroine Guo Yaning, who had been watching on the side, walked over from the lounge chair and raised her eyebrows as she smiled and asked, “How did this kid provoke you for you to throw such a large temper tantrum?”

A group of veteran actors who had watched the drama as well also came to inquire: “I see this young man is a good one! Has good martial arts, good temper, steady and calm, and very polite. Why is he so displeasing to your eyes!”

Cheng Baodong took a few sips of tea from his thermos cup that was added with goji and dates, and suddenly said: “It’s not that I think he is displeasing to the eye, it is the matter with Zhao Xin that makes me mad!”

What did this have to do with Zhao Xin?

The group of big melon-eaters were very confused when they heard this. Then they saw Wang Boyuan smiling as he consoled his old partner: “Director Zhao is also doing it for his movie, there was no other way.”

Cheng Baodong snorted: “It’s still unfair.” For the sake of capital, he kicked a person off his crew and even coveted his action scenes. Finally, he spent money to buy out the shooting video, causing Tao Mu to change from a proper role to just a body double. What kind of scheming was this. It was too shameless.

The melon eaters all suddenly realized. If so, then this thing was indeed too immoral. How could he bully people this much.

“That’s right! Even if the child has no father or mother, he can’t be bullied like this! Besides, this child was also referred to him by old Chen. Even if he didn’t have any regard for the child, he had to at least take care of Chen Yiqian’s face, right?” The more Cheng Baodong thought about it the more angry he became, and he suddenly said angrily: “This kid surnamed Tao is also spineless. He doesn’t say anything when he is bullied by others. He also offered to exchange the video for money. He only cares about profits, has no vigor, and has none of the straightforward temper of us Beijing people.”

Although Chen Yiqian was not a native of Beijing nor did he have a proper film school background, he lived in the same neighborhood as Cheng Baodong and Wang Boyuan. He could be considered an old neighbor. Moreover, Chen Yiqian was as his name suggested, had a temperament that was just as humble and polite as his name. He was well known for his lack of temper in the entertainment circle. This time, Zhao Xin basically slapped Chen Yiqian’s face in a completely unprovoked manner. Cheng Baodong was very angry at Zhao Xin’s disregard for their good relations. At the same time, he was also angry at Tao Mu for having no noble character and caring only about profit. Thirdly, he was basically voicing the injustice for his old neighbor.

What Cheng Baodong disapproved of most was that after Chen Yiqian knew Tao Mu was going to audition for “Faraway Jianghu”, he made a special call to him and tried his best to recommend Tao Mu. His whole behavior seemed as if he felt guilty about Tao Mu being thrown out of The Legend of Heroes.

Cheng Baodong was puzzled. This matter was obviously one where Zhao Xin was willing to hit and Tao Mu was willing to be hit. What did Chen Yiqian have to be sorry for?!

“I wouldn’t go that far.” All the major actors persuaded Cheng Baodong. There was no need to be angry about someone else’s business.

Wang Boyuan knew that his old friend had a sharp mouth but a soft heart, but he also understood Tao Mu’s approach.

To put it bluntly, the reason why Zhao Xin was able to do this kind of thing was because he didn’t take Tao Mu seriously. It was likely that in Zhao Xin’s eyes, a body double like Tao Mu, who was not well-known or influential, deserved to be treated without much consideration. When he needed them, then they must work hard, when he didn’t need them, then they could just be laid off with a few thousand yuan.

If Tao Mu knew what was good for him, then Zhao Xin could still be polite and say a few good words of farewell. In the future, if he was in the mood and had the opportunity, then he might help Tao Mu out. If Tao Mu didn’t know how to be tactful, it wouldn’t hinder him much either. Anyway, in the end, if Tao Mu gave the people in the entertainment circle an impression of being a troublemaker, it would only affect himself.

Actors, especially those who had not yet made a name for themselves, of course could not display a unique personality like a director. Wang Boyuan experienced all of this himself, so he understood Tao Mu’s approach very well. As for Tao Mu’s ability to do this at such a young age, it could only be said that the children of the poor grew up faster.

Guo Yaning, who had not spoken much, sneered: “I say, old Cheng, you should stop it already. We know that you, director Cheng, have a big temper and big capabilities. But a kid who just graduated from high school was really unlucky enough to meet such a thing in his last crew. What else could he do? If he can’t bear to swallow his grievance and get more compensation money then do you expect him to really make a scene that will be ugly for everyone involved?”

Speaking of, even if Tao Mu made a fuss at the time, would this matter have turned around? Or would it save Chen Yiqian’s face?

Think about it from another perspective. He, Cheng Baodong, scolded Zhao Xin for bullying people too much, but his current actions towards Tao Mu were also because he was taking advantage of Tao Mu’s lack of background and means to fight back.

Cheng Baodong was stunned by Guo Yaning’s words and sheepishly stopped talking.

——As Tao Mu expected, his status as an orphan was a big ace up his sleeve at certain points. The world admired the strong and pitied the weak, and it happened that Tao Mu was both. Whenever he encountered some injustice, there might be people who would sit on the sidelines and even take joy in his misfortune, but there were also old-fashioned people like Chen Yiqian, Wang Boyuan, and Cheng Baodong, who would feel angry for the wrongs he suffered. Of course, all these words of righteousness and support for Tao Mu must also be based on Tao Mu’s own strength.

If he was someone who couldn’t even stand on his own, who would still want to feel regret for him?

No need to say more. 

The news that the day after Tao Mu was kicked out of “The Legend of Heroes” he received a new job as the body double for the hero in the martial arts movie “Faraway Jianghu”, which boasted a star-studded cast, soon spread at the fastest speed throughout H Town.

Tao Mu’s mobile phone rang once again. Congratulations calls and text messages were sent endlessly. But this time, no one was clamoring for Tao Mu to treat them——and Tao Mu indeed didn’t have the time either.

He found an insurance company as soon as he signed the contract and began to consult on all the terms and conditions related to body double/stunt actors insuring against accidents. After some selection, he rushed to take Gou Rixin to the insurance company before the company office hours ended, and pressed the other to insure himself a million yuan worth of accident insurance.

Gou Rixin originally didn’t want it. He felt that he just randomly made a phone call for Tao Mu, and he shouldn’t ask for this generous gift. It was a pity that whatever Tao Mu wanted to do was never impossible, except for if it was related to someone whose surname was Shen.

At the end of the dispute, Gou Rixin’s pocket contained a million yuan insurance contract. He took Tao Mu to the hot pot restaurant where they had eaten last time to celebrate. Da Mao, Xiao Pang, Gou Rixin’s martial arts brothers, and Yu Mei who had just returned from out of town were all called over.

At the dinner table, probably because of the excitement, Gou Rixin, who was a little drunk, held a wine glass in his hand, and drunkenly confided: “…..I may be an actor this time!”

With this word out, the whole dinner table suddenly fell silent. Immediately, however, there was a roar of laughter from everyone.

“Yes, yes, yes, our brother Gou will soon become a big star. Come, brother Gou, let’s have a toast. Just don’t forget us when you become rich and wealthy!” No one, including Gou Rixin’s martial arts brothers, took his words seriously. After all, Gou Rixin had always been a person who would boast when he became drunk.

But this time it seemed a bit different from usual.

“It’s really not me bragging this time!” Gou Rixin burped and waved his bear paw drunkenly: “It’s that Hong Kong director who is particularly good at filming gunfights. He has filmed the movie “Dove of Peace” before. I had worked as the body double for the leading actor in that movie, do you still remember?”

Tao Mu was not familiar with Gou Rixin so he didn’t know. However, the martial arts brothers who had been hanging out with Gou Rixin all year round did have an impression: “It was the year before, right?”

“Yes, that’s it.” Gou Rixin patted the table: “After the filming, director Bai said that I have good conditions and he would look for me to cooperate when he had a chance. I thought he was just being polite. I didn’t expect him to be true to his word. Yesterday, he called me to audition for a role.”

Gou Rixin stretched out two fingers and made a sign for the number two: “And it’s the second male lead!”

While talking, Gou Rixin beat his chest loudly and laughed foolishly with pride as well as a bit of emotion: “Your brother Gou can now be considered to have made it this time.”

“No way?”

“For real?”

“Damn, could it be true that our brother Gou has finally met his luck this time?”

“Everyone, don’t worry. Even if your brother Gou really do become rich and wealthy I won’t forget you all!” Gou Rixin said as he raised his wine glass.

The large group of people heckled, guzzled beer, and cracked jokes. Only Yu Mei was still suspicious: “It’s not you being drunk and talking nonsense again, right? If there is such a thing, why have I never heard you say it?”

Gou Rixin leaned over with a shy smile: “I didn’t get a chance to say. You lose your temper with me as soon as you get home…..”

Yu Mei harrumphed coldly and pushed Gou Rixin away angrily: “Is it my temper? It’s obviously you being paranoid——”

“What do you mean paranoid. If it weren’t for you and the assistant director acting so cozy downstairs in our house——”

“What do you mean cozy? He sent me home at night, can I not even say a few words of thanks? You don’t even think, if I really have something with him, would I do it right under your eyes?”

Yu Mei’s eyes glared, and Gou Rixin immediately surrendered. Grabbing Yu Mei’s small hand that was holding the thin lady cigarette, he smiled ingratiatingly: “Okay, okay, count me wrong. Let’s not mention this anymore and count this over.”

After a pause, he said with a shameless smile: “You always complain that I have no prospects. When I finish this movie, it is likely that I will be able to make a name in the circle.”

Yu Mei snorted: “Don’t say anything so early. Director Bai may not even use you.”

Gou Rixin smiled: “Whether he’ll use me or not it’s a matter for later. I mean, in case I really make it this time, then you don’t have to think about filming anymore. Just stay at home with a peace of mind, we will definitely live well in the future. I make money outside, and you enjoy yourself at home——”

Yu Mei’s face changed: “Who wants to be a yellow faced old woman at home! Surnamed Gou, I have told you how many times. I came to H Town to get ahead. I don’t want to rely on men for food, nor become a woman who can’t live without a man. I have my career, and I also have my job. Don’t always arrange my life as you please. Just take care of your own business. You don’t need to take care of mine!”

Gou Rixin’s expression also changed: “I shouldn’t care? How can I not care! You are my wife and you want me to watch you go outside to accompany other men in drinking and smiling every day for just a little role with few lines? I tell you that I can’t do it. I’m leaving the words here today. If you can live with peace of mind, we will get married. I, Gou Rixin, am definitely not a scumbag who abandons his original wife when I become rich. If you can’t stay peacefully and still cozy up to those people on your cell phone list every day then let’s break up as soon as possible, and I won’t drag you down——”

Yu Mei’s face suddenly scowled: “What do you mean, Gou Rixin? Hehe, you are quite capable! You haven’t even made it yet and you’re already thinking about changing your wife. Okay, isn’t it just breaking up. You really think I, Yu Mei, can’t find a better man after you——”

“Hey, hey, hey, stop! Stop! Let’s stop arguing on such a happy day, okay?” Seeing that the couple was about to fight, Gou Rixin’s martial arts brothers quickly persuaded them: “Sister-in-law, don’t be angry with brother Gou. Isn’t he drunk? Brother Gou runs his mouth when he gets drunk, and besides, he is also doing this for your own good——”

“What do you mean my own good——” Yu Mei didn’t want to be forgiving and wanted to say more. The gang of martial arts brothers immediately turned the conversation in a different direction: “Sister-in-law eat food, eat food!”

“Sister-in-law drink…..”

“Don’t give me that.” Yu Mei angrily refused the wine glass, turning her head she asked Tao Mu: “Tao Mu, do you think this is my fault?”

Why do you want to direct the flames of war on me?

Tao Mu looked up at the ceiling with an innocent look, and made a decisive decision: “…..Isn’t brother Gou drunk? You can’t be angry with a drunkard? If you ask me, brother Gou still cares about you. Today I bought insurance for brother Gou and brother Gou wrote your name as the beneficiary. One million yuan!”

“What?” Yu Mei really didn’t know about this. She was stunned and immediately stretched out her hand to Tao Mu: “The contract, show me.”

Tao Mu pointed to Gou Rixin’s bag. Yu Mei immediately pulled it over and started flipping through the bag.

Taking this opportunity, Gou Rixin’s martial arts brothers swiftly changed the subject: “…..By the way, brother Gou, since director Bai called you, are you going to Hong Kong for the audition this time?”

“No need!” Gou Rixin shook his head, so drunk he was almost slurring: “Director Bai is coming to H Town to shoot on location. He asked me to wait for the crew to arrive and audition directly in H Town.”

“That’s pretty good, no need to make the trip.” Da Luo, who had acted in a scene with Tao Mu before, laughed carefreely.

With the one million yuan insurance contract in hand plus this group of people interjecting, it was difficult for Yu Mei to continue to throw a temper tantrum. So she just sat there in boredom as she drank and texted on her phone.

When the dinner was over, Gou Rixin was already completely drunk from being plied with drinks by everyone. Yu Mei didn’t care about him either, she just carried her bag and left. It was Tao Mu and the martial arts brothers who sent Gou Rixin home.

It was a little past midnight when they came out of Gou Rixin’s house. Tao Mu took Da Mao and Xiao Pang back to the rental house. After washing, he watched the rise and fall of M shares and international futures for a while before going to bed.

Early the next morning, Tao Mu formally joined the crew “Faraway Jianghu”.

This time Cheng Baodong didn’t make it difficult for Tao Mu anymore. It was only between shootings that Tao Mu was often called behind the monitor to let him observe Wang Boyuan’s scenes carefully did he sarcastically snip at Tao Mu: “Don’t always think about currying favors everywhere at such a young age. Instead it’s better to improve your acting skills. Actors, in the final analysis, depend on their acting skills.” This was the truth, but the reality was not necessarily the case. However, that Cheng Baodong was willing to say this meant that if Tao Mu’s acting skills were up to standards, he was definitely willing to give Tao Mu a chance.

After all, Tao Mu was a native of Beijing and a student of Beijing Film. He naturally belonged in their circle.

Tao Mu then felt that this director Cheng was a good person despite his harsh words. At least it was easier to talk to him than he had thought——after all, in Tao Mu’s original plans, he had considered he would need more time to impress Cheng Baodong. Actually, he had thought that even before impressing Cheng Baodong, he had to spend more energy to dispel director Cheng’s prejudice against him.

But he didn’t expect Cheng Baodong to complete the mental journey of a tsundere himself: prejudice——face up to——guide and support. And all in one day. His attitude changed so quickly that Tao Mu almost didn’t even react.

Tao Mu had always been a person who adhered to the principle “if people respect me then I will return the respect tenfold”. He became Wang Boyuan’s body double with the intention of making good friends with Cheng Baodong and Wang Boyuan. Now that Cheng Baodong was willing to give him a chance, Tao Mu naturally had to work hard to show them.

As a real emperor film-level actor and added to the fact that Cheng Baodong was not afraid of taking time and effort to perfect the shooting of his film, Tao Mu putting in such hard work led to an effect that was quite stunning. So Cheng Baodong and Wang Boyuan were also surprised to find that this young man who hadn’t officially learned to perform in front of the camera was not much inferior to Wang Boyuan’s performance. In fact, some aspects of his acting were even more exquisite and superior——

This was truly incredible!

Cheng Baodong looked at Tao Mu, who was currently performing martial arts actions, on the monitor and felt that Tao Mu’s expressions and demeanor looked very familiar.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“What do you think?” Cheng Baodong turned around and asked Wang Boyuan.

The tall and sturdy Wang Boyuan leaned on the back of Cheng Baodong’s director’s chair, with his arms resting on the back of the chair he scratched his chin with a finger: “I also feel a sense of familiarity.”

The pair of old comrades frowned and thought for a long time. Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and they said in unison: “Like Yan Sheng!”

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Da Mao and Xiao Pang came back before dinner. As early as when Tao Mu first joined “The Legend of Heroes”, the two had treated the crafts service team of the crew to have a meal. In addition to hoping that they could take more care of Tao Mu, they also wanted to get Tao Mu’s filmimg schedule in the crew. The purpose was to ensure that the two of them could clean up the rental house before Tao Mu left work lest Tao Mu came back and nag at them.

But today Tao Mu came back early. Da Mao and Xiao Pang couldn’t help but be a little surprised, and also a little guilty of being caught in being sloppy: “Why are you back so early today?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Tao Mu was sitting at the table reading a book on the financial current affairs and regulations, especially in relation to futures. The time of his death in his last life was 2018. The financial market was inherently unpredictable. Ten years was enough time for the domestic and international financial markets and policy environment to undergo earth-shaking changes. The policies and regulations he knew don’t play any role at this moment. If he couldn’t get acquainted with the current rules of the game as soon as possible, and instead do things arbitrarily based on his future knowledge, then he would make big mistakes if he wasn’t careful.

So after Tao Mu was reborn, he began to consciously review these “old and rotten” knowledge and combined it with actual operations, slowly making up for his own shortcomings. On the one hand, it was to make money, and on the other hand it was also to ensure that when Li Xiaoheng consulted him again, Tao Mu’s suggestions would not turn into a joke full of errors and misinformation due to some untimely memories and thus reduce his weight in Li Xiaoheng’s mind.

In order to play the role of the assassin Wuming, Tao Mu spent a lot of time honing his fight scenes. As a result, his progress into looking at these information while not having stopped completely but the efficiency was still not very high. Now that he was dismissed from the crew of “The Legend of Heroes”, Tao Mu now had the time to study finance. He was going to take an exam for a relevant practice certificate and familiarize himself with the most basic policies and regulations. Other than this he also planned to continue to practice his skills in the private investment market.

And speaking off, Tao Mu was still thinking about his first start-up capital. He had found more than a dozen large scale gambling platforms with a good reputation on the Internet. He was just waiting for the opening of the Olympic Games to spend money to buy peripherals.

There were too many things to do and Tao Mu really had no time and energy to waste on being angry. The act of anger just now was the most extreme expression of his emotions.

“Director Zhao informed me that the role of Wuming is about to change. So starting today, I don’t have to go to the crew.”

“What?” Da Mao and Xiao Pang practically thought that they had heard wrong: “What did you say? The crew of “The Legend of Heroes” doesn’t need you anymore? Why, haven’t you already signed the contract? You have been in the crew for more than ten days, even the film still is already taken, right?”

They even reposted it on Weibo. The little girls with appearance complex and some face-judging book fans were all yelling in excitement under their Weibo.

“So they also gave me a lot of money in accordance with the terms of the contract.” Tao Mu turned around and looked at Da Mao and Xiao Pang: “Director Zhao specially asked finance to pay me six times the money owed for breaking the contract. 120,000, plus the 20,000 given when signing the contract, I made 140,000 in less than half a month, which is quite a lot.”

This was also the compensation plan that he finalized after discussing with director Zhao——originally there was only three times the contract money. But director Zhao couldn’t bear to scrap away Tao Mu’s stunning action scenes but was just too embarrassed to speak up. Tao Mu saw Zhao Xin’s conflicted emotions, and before leaving, offered to make a deal with Zhao Xin. He suggested that Zhao Xin pay three times the contract money to buy out his previous scenes, so that in the post-editing he could add the parts that didn’t show his face or height.

This suggestion was a direct call to Zhao Xin’s heart. The role of Wuming had been changed two times in a row, which had delayed the shooting schedule. And this time the new actor was practically a living ancestor who had no experience in filming and one that he couldn’t even scold at. Zhao Xin was so troubled that he wanted nothing more but to smoke two more boxes of cigarettes a day. Tao Mu’s suggestion would not only improve the shooting quality of “The Legend of Heroes” it would also help a lot with the shooting progress as well.

Zhao Xin didn’t expect Tao Mu to be so kind and was excited for a while, forgetting to politely hide his ecstatic emotions as he slapped Tao Mu’s shoulders fiercely in excitememt. He even exclaimed that Tao Mu was truly a thoughtful child.

But he didn’t know that Tao Mu’s thinking was simply to maximize his benefits to as much as possible——he just felt that since he had withdrawn from the crew of “The Legend of Heroes”, the scenes he had taken have become a bunch of useless scraps. Instead of it falling into some dark corner to collect dust, it was better to leave it to director Zhao to make use of the trash. After the drama was aired, these shots of him as a stunt double could still play a promotional role for him.

Of course, before that, the issue of remuneration must be discussed clearly.

Having been an orphan since he was a child, Tao Mu had long understood the truth that he could not be willful in the face of the pressure of survival——at least before returning to the Shen family in his previous life, Tao Mu did not have the confidence to act petulant.

As for this life, although Tao Mu now had golden fingers, unfortunately certain habits had already been deeply developed. This kind of bad habit of making the most use of people or things could no longer be changed.

When all was said and done, Tao Mu had never been the kind of person who would make a scene when he was wronged, causing others to not feel good even at the cost of destroying himself. Rather than wasting emotions on meaningless venting, he would rather look for opportunities for his own benefit in an extremely bad situation.

This kind of manner of living might seem to outsiders to be “cowardly” and too profiteering, lacking any backbone or pride. So when he first returned to the Shen family in his previous life, the Shen family picked at his character in every possible way. Shen Yan even used Zhuang Zhou’s “Phoenix and Rotten Rat” allusion to mock him. As if those belonging to the Shen family should be naturally noble and lofty, even if they fell into the dirt they should still not compromise and lower their heads. They must be like Shen Yu who was like a lotus that remained unstained even in the mud, and not like him who only recognized interests.

They completely forgot that it was Tao Mu who was struggling in the mud all day long, and not the cuckoo in the phoenix nest who had occupied his spot since they were born.

“Is it a matter of money? Do we lack that bit of money?” Hearing Tao Mu’s narration, Da Mao was nearly jumping with anger: “Aren’t they playing people? They have already signed a contract with you so how can they change people so easily? Then isn’t our ten days of hard work in vain? Isn’t this too much?”

“It’s not in vain. Didn’t I get the money.” Tao Mu smiled: “Furthermore, director Zhao also said that many shots are still usable.” After all, the 140,000 he got included the contract money and the buyouts of the martial arts scenes he had filmed. Tao Mu believed that Zhao Xin would definitely make the best use of it especially as he had already threw in the money.

“F**k@%$!$%!” Da Mao let loose a string of swears: “They are simply bullying people. It cannot be like this. No, we have to go and find him and talk about this.”

“Alright!” Tao Mu touched Da Mao’s head and interrupted his childhood friend’s outrage: “What is there to find him for. Even uncle Wang when doing business, met cases where he signed a contract with someone only for the other to break the contract. Everyone is working in accordance with the contract——”

“That’s not the same.” Xiao Pang also voiced his outrage for Tao Mu: “How can they be like this! This is too unfair.”

“There is nothing fair or unfair. I can only say that my value is not high enough for the crew to reject capital.” To the extent that they didn’t even have to think about it. “Furthermore, I didn’t suffer. Why do you look like I’m being bullied?”

Da Mao and Xiao Pang gave Tao Mu an eyeroll.

“What value not being high enough to make people reject capital? To put it bluntly, they just have some stinkin’ money!” Da Mao harrumphed: “The way I see it, we should just let my dad pay and invest ourselves with you as the number one male lead. At that time let’s see who dares to go through the back door and snatch your role!”

Tao Mu lowered his head and smiled: “Okay. Let’s not talk about this anymore. I can be considered to have made a small fortune today. What do you guys want to eat tonight, it’s my treat.”

Treat, my ass! Da Mao was full of resentment, but he couldn’t vent it in front of Tao Mu, so he could only snort unhappily, “Then let’s go eat hot pot. Anyway, it’s so hot this day, and this thing is also fanning the flames, it’s good to eat hot pot to fight poison with poison. “

“Okay, let’s eat hot pot.” Tao Mu closed the book, got up and smiled: “After eating hot pot, I can also treat you to go clubbing. Am I a good buddy or what.”

Da Mao and Xiao Pang both had on a mournful and resentful face, but they could only answer with forced joy: “Yeah!”

…………

“I heard that your role in “The Legend of Heroes” was snatched?”

Tao Mu didn’t expect that when he brought Da Mao and Xiao Pang to the hot pot restaurant, he would actually meet Gou Rixin and his martial arts buddies again.

As one of the most popular leaders of the extras in H Studio City, Gou Rixin’s news was very well-informed. Tao Mu only left the crew of “The Legend of Heroes” in the late afternoon, and Gou Rixin almost immediately knew about it that evening. When they were all just chatting about this and feeling regret for Tao Mu, unexpectedly Tao Mu also came to eat hot pot as well.

“Come, come, the so-called chance meeting better than a deliberate appointment. Since everyone came to the same restaurant for hot pot, it must be fate.” Probably out of admiration for the cultured, Gou Rixin, who didn’t even graduate from junior high school, would always speak in a stuffy, bookish way whenever he encountered a college student like Tao Mu, afraid of being laughed at if any word was said wrong.

“I say, you guys don’t wait for your seats. It’s the peak of the rush hour now so you would have to wait for at least half an hour. If you don’t mind us, then just sit down and eat together.”

After finishing speaking, before Tao Mu and company could speak, Gou Rixin had already called to the waiter: “Give us a new pot, two dozen more beers, and three sets of tableware.”

With Gou Rixin being so enthusiastic, the three of them could not refuse, so they found a seat to sit down. Da Mao glanced at the table full of male compatriots, and asked politely, “Why isn’t sister-in-law here as well.”

“Your sister-in-law has an outside scene and has left with her crew. It will take two or three days to come back.” When Gou Rixin mentioned this his expression was a bit bad, looking as if he didn’t want to say anymore. He poured a glass of cold beer for Tao Mu and changed the subject: “Your sister-in-law is still talking about you with me. Saying that you would definitely become successful. She also told me to make good friends with you, and even have me invite you to come over for dinner another day. Your sister-in-law will personally cook herself.”

As soon as these words were spoken, several martial arts buddies who had a good relationship with Gou Rixin frowned. Tao Mu also saw this and his heart was very clear as well.

Gou Rixin himself was ignorant, and he warmly invited Tao Mu: “Your sister-in-law will be back the day after tomorrow so are you coming to eat over?”

Tao Mu thanked him, but declined politely. He didn’t have a good impression of Yu Mei, but he didn’t show any of his thoughts in front of Gou Rixin. Everyone was just a nodding acquaintance. Enough to eat, drink, and gossip together. So there was no need to talk about more private matters.

Everyone began to eat and drink at the table. After eating for a while, Gou Rixin looked at Tao Mu, looking as if he wanted to say something.

Tao Mu touched his beer to Gou Rixin and asked with a smile, “What’s the matter, just say it directly.”

Gou Rixin hesitated: “I have a gig, don’t know if you want to do it or not.”

With some topics, so long as the first words were said, the following would be easy to handle. Before Tao Mu could speak, Gou Rixin said in a straightforward manner: “The crew that we just entered, it is a martial arts movie, “Faraway Jianghu”, do you know of it? The male lead is not satisfied with the current body double and wants to find one with beautiful martial arts. He is about the same size as you, and he is willing to pay 100,000 yuan. If you are interested, I can go back and ask for you?”

After a pause, Gou Rixin also said: “Speaking of, the director and the actor of this crew actually have some affinity with you. They both graduated from Beijing Film. Cheng Baodong and Wang Boyuan, you know?”

Tao Mu’s heart jumped. Of course he knew these two people, the famous big director and film emperor in the Beijing circle in later generations. The film that Tao Mu was eyeing was invested by Beijing Film, whose chief director was Cheng Baodong. And Cheng Baodong also brought in his male leading actor Wang Boyuan to guest star.

This was truly a case of having a pillow delivered just when one was feeling drowsy.

Tao Mu immediately swallowed down his original refusal, and said with a smile: “Then I must trouble brother Gou to please help me ask.”

After speaking, he had another cup with Gou Rixin.

Gou Rixin waved his hand and gulped down the beer: “No trouble, no trouble. Besides, all I can do is help you ask. I won’t be able to make the final decision.”

As he said, he hooked Tao Mu’s shoulder and began to console him sincerely: “……Don’t worry about what happened today. In fact, if you have more experiences, you will know that there are so many f**ked up things like this. So don’t think it’s unfair. Think about it, those investors are showering real money to invest in a crew. Wanting to put a few of their own people in it, it’s normal, right? Just like with normal people going to work, they could also come across workers who are relatives of the boss. These people who came in through the back door, all they do is just take the salary and don’t work, sometimes even messing things up for you. The same is true for some incapable crews as well. You can’t stop the boss from putting his people in the company, and for the same reason you can’t prevent investors from putting their people in the crew. The only thing you can do is to work hard. When you become famous in the future, you will be the one picking and choosing the crew. And they will have to accompany you with a smiling face and flattery.”

“I think you will definitely be famous. So don’t be discouraged, when you enter the next crew don’t just pass your days idly, just do whatever you should do. When you make it, they will naturally know that it’s their loss for not using you.”

Gou Rixin was worried that Tao Mu would bring his anger into his next job. At that time, it would also implicate him as the one who introduced Tao Mu to the crew, so he kept consoling Tao Mu.

This kind of sincere enthusiasm was rare.

“Don’t worry, brother Gou, if I can enter “Faraway Jianghu”, I will definitely do my part well and I won’t embarrass you.” Tao Mu said, privately thinking that of course he couldn’t embarrass him or himself. He also wanted to take this opportunity to make a good impression on Cheng Baodong and Wang Boyuan. Of course he would not do anything to leave a bad impression on them.

At least he should leave behind the image of a hardworking martial arts body double with a solid foundation, right?

Gou Rixin smiled, looking particularly honest: “I’m not worried. It’s just that you young people are unable to swallow down such things. It would not be good to join the crew with such emotions.”

Tao Mu’s heart moved, and suddenly he remembered some rumors about Gou Rixin’s filming incident he had heard in his previous life: “Brother Gou, generally those like us who are martial arts body doubles, the crew will buy us insurance, right?”

Gou Rixin responded: “Some crews does, and some crews don’t. Our profession belongs to a high-risk industry and insurance companies don’t like dealing with us. The conscientious crew can at most cover a few accident insurances. If the crew has no conscience, then who would care whether you are in danger or not. After all, the job has many people wanting to do it, if some people aren’t willing then they could always find others who are.”

As soon as the topic started, the group of martial arts buddies sitting at the table also joined in: “Don’t mention insurance. Even if something really does go wrong, it would be very hard to even get compensation from the crew.”

“We do all the hard work, but we don’t earn as much as a celebrity.”

“Then why don’t you buy insurance yourselves?” Da Mao and Xiao Pang who had been listening did not understand the thoughts of these people: “This thing is not much money for a year. Let’s talk about accident insurance, even if you want to insure one million, it would only cost a few ten thousands a year. If it is group insurance it might be even less——”

Da Mao’s family owned a coal mine and he was familiar with these things. It was a pity that before he could finish he was interrupted by the group of martial arts actors: “Who has the tens of thousands to spend on nothing? Besides, with our experience, basically nothing will happen.”

When all was said and done, they couldn’t bear parting with the money. After all, doing their job depended on opportunities. If one was lucky, one could earn tens of thousands of yuan a month. If not and one couldn’t find a gig, then it was a normal occurtence to go hungry. From a certain perspective, this group of martial arts actors had it just as hard as farmers and migrant workers, and some didn’t even have guarantees as good as that of migrant workers.

So when they had money it was fine to spend it on food or save it in the bank, but just not willing to use it to buy insurance.

But for those who often walk by the river, how was it not possible to get their shoes wet. Da Mao and Xiao Pang looked at each other and then looked at Tao Mu: “How about we don’t do this thing anymore?”

Tao Mu waved his hand and looked at Gou Rixin: “If I can really join the “Faraway Jianghu” I am going to buy some accident insurance. Brother Gou, do you want to do it together. To put it bluntly, it’s better to be prepared than not.”

Gou Rixin hesitated.

Tao Mu calmly persuaded: “Based on the current market situation for brother Gou, you will surely earn at least 200,000 yuan in a year. Spend a few thousand yuan to buy an accident insurance and if something happens, with one million in your hands, then you won’t need to panic at that time.”

Gou Rixin hesitated: “You see, I haven’t been insured for so many years, but I’m still fine. What if something goes wrong right after I buy insurance, won’t it be a bit unlucky?”

Tao Mu: “……” What kind of brain circuit was this?

Seeing that Gou Rixin truly rejected the idea of insurance, Tao Mu didn’t persuade him further. He just made up his mind privately, he could take some money and help insure Gou Rixin for a million afterwards. Count it as his sincere thanks towards the other.

After all, the incident of Gou Rixin’s wire accident had really happened in his previous life. It was just that Tao Mu was unfamiliar with Gou Rixin in his previous life and had never cared about this matter. So he didn’t know when was the specific time and place of Gou Rixin’s accident.

Tao Mu believed that since there was no way for him to help the other avoid the accident, he should at least be fully prepared for the aftermath. It could be regarded as thanks for Gou Rixin’s kind intentions to help him be introduced to the crew.

Gou Rixin certainly didn’t know Tao Mu’s “tit for tat” mentality of doing things. While still in the hot pot restaurant, he called the leading actor of “Faraway Jianghu”. Wang Boyuan had also heard of Tao Mu’s fame among the martial arts actors. In fact, after Wang Boyuan expressed his thoughts about finding a body double, someone recommended Tao Mu to him. It was just that Tao Mu had just entered the crew of “The Legend of Heroes” at the time, and it was even a supporting role with a name and lines, so they could not contact Tao Mu anymore.

Now that Tao Mu found his way to their crew himself, Wang Boyuan was quite happy. He booked an audition time on the phone for tomorrow.

At 8 o’clock the next morning, Tao Mu arrived to the shooting location for “Faraway Jianghu”——coincidentally, the filming location of “Faraway Jianghu” at H Studio City was also in the scenic spot of Qingming Shanghe Tu, only a few walls away from “The Legend of Heroes”. So naturally, Tao Mu came across familiar acquaintances on the way to the audition for “Faraway Jianghu”.

Someone asked Tao Mu what he was coming for, and Tao Mu did not hide it. Knowing that Tao Mu was going to audition for the leading actor’s body double next door, all these people showed a stunned look and wished Tao Mu a success in the audition with varying expressions and tones.

Even the “big nephew” who replaced Tao Mu also ran out with half of his face with makeup, and yelled: “Since it is both being body doubles, why can’t you be one for me? Isn’t it just money? How much does “Faraway Jianghu” give you, I will double it for you!”

Tao Mu didn’t bother to pay attention to this stupid “big nephew” with too much money, and pushed him back to the crew: “Don’t make trouble, go back and act your role, don’t make trouble for me.”

The “big nephew” followed behind Tao Mu stubbornly. Tao Mu was afraid of this “big nephew” disrupting the situation, so he patiently coaxed him: “Don’t you want to appear impressive in front of the camera? How can using a body double be as impressive as doing it yourself. Wait until I have time to teach you two tricks, it won’t be difficult at all, enough for you to look cool in front of the camera.”

The eyes of “big nephew” lit up, and he immediately stretched out his paws: “It’s a deal, no lying.”

Tao Mu slapped palms with him perfunctorily and then pushed him back to the crew.

When he arrived at the crew of “Faraway Jianghu”, it happened that Cheng Baodong and Wang Boyuan were both present. One was directing the overall situation in front of the monitor, and the other was putting on makeup in the dressing room.

The assistant led him to Cheng Baodong, and director Cheng glanced at him carelessly and pointed to the corner: “The crew is busy. You wait a moment.”

Tao Mu waited for more than an hour. Everyone in the crew was going about doing their own thing, no one cared about him and no one asked about him. Tao Mu was not in a hurry, relying on the various experiences he had gained in being part of many crews in his previous life, he helped this one carry props and the other one adjust the lights. His manner was neither obvious nor awkward, causing many staff members to directly regarded Tao Mu as a newcomer assistant.

Cheng Baodong and Wang Boyuan watched with cool eyes and kept observing for more than an hour before telling an assistant to lead him to change and try on the costume.

Wang Boyuan looked at Tao Mu’s back and smiled as he gossiped with Cheng Baodong: “He looks very steady. I thought he would at least ask questions if not throw a temper tantrum after being so ignored.”

Cheng Baodong snorted coldly: “If he was someone who would lose his temper, he would have in front of surnamed Zhao’s face and not wait until now.”

Speaking of, the two first knew Tao Mu through Chen Yiqian’s mouth. Director Chen saw Tao Mu’s potential and also intended to give the newcomer a hand. Whenever he had the chance he was always willing to mention Tao Mu to his old friends.

Before when Wang Boyuan wanted to find Tao Mu as a body double, it was all due to Chen Yiqian’s comments about Tao Mu. Especially after knowing that Tao Mu had also applied for Beijing Film, Wang Boyuan had a natural affection for this junior brother who had not yet enrolled in the school. Knowing that Tao Mu had taken the role of Wuming in “The Legend of Heroes”, he also felt that Tao Mu was very lucky.

It was a pity that Tao Mu was kicked out of the crew before this feeling took root. And Tao Mu’s actions afterwards had Wang Boyuan looking at this junior brother in a different light.

If nothing else, his emotional intelligence was very high. Generally, young people his age could not do what he did.

It was Cheng Baodong who felt that it was not a good thing that he had such a scheming mindset at such a young age. But there was no denying that with Tao Mu’s appearance and his emotional intelligence, if nothing bad happened, he would definitely have a place in the entertainment circle in the future. Maybe he might even be another dark horse in their Beijing circle.

Therefore, today’s show of power was also a test from Cheng Baodong and Wang Boyuan towards this younger generation and newcomer.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

After the test, it was still the same. Wang Boyuan admired the high emotional intelligence and superior physical looks of his junior brother, and also admired Tao Mu’s ease and insight when he was in the crew. He had met a lot of newcomers, in order to create a very approachable personality, also tried to help out with the crew when there was no scenes to film. But it was really rare for a newcomer like Tao Mu who could help people out at key moments every time. It could be seen that Tao Mu was very familiar with all departments of the crew, and it could be seen from this that this kid’s ambition was definitely not small. For example, in the future, he might expand from acting in films to directing or producing films.

In contrast, Cheng Baodong rejected Tao Mu’s maturity and deep sophistication. He felt that there was not the slightest vigor that young people should have in him.

However, the two people also reached an agreement: that was, with Tao Mu’s temperament and conditions he could definitely make a splash in the entertainment industry.

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“You are amazing!”

During lunch break, Qiao Miaowei, the female number 2 who was forcefully added into the crew by the investor, approached Tao Mu cautiously holding a box of lunch: “You don’t look to be very old, so how come you have such good acting skills?”

Probably because her backer was exposed too early and she herself was just a salesperson who sold LV bags before, as well as having no talent or acting skills at all, Qiao Miaowei’s position in the crew was very awkward. Those actresses who graduated from traditional film schools looked down on Qiao Miaowei’s background and her use of the casting couch to gain her role so they didn’t like to talk to her. The actors and actresses like Ning Yuan who cherished their public reputation also they didn’t like to talk to her either as well as fearing any misunderstanding from the investor behind her. Coupled with director Zhao Xin’s obvious dislike of her, the workers in the crew also communicated as little as possible with Qiao Miaowei. As a result, despite being the second female lead in the drama with a lot of scenes, she was left out in the cold by the entire film crew.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Qiao Miaowei herself also knew of the stigma attached to her origins. Except for the first few attempts made, she rarely approached the rest of the cast members so as not to embarrass herself. This time approaching Tao Mu was because firstly, Tao Mu had just joined the crew and his position in the entertainment industry was yet too small so he probably wouldn’t snub her; and secondly, Tao Mu’s acting skills were indeed truly amazing. Qiao Miaowei hoped to get some advice from Tao Mu, so that she could at least make it through the filming of her scenes in the drama.

When Qiao Miaowei walked in the direction of Tao Mu holding her box lunch it had already attracted the attention of many people from the crew. Upon hearing Qiao Miaowei’s question, the group of people’s ears also twitched at attention.

It was not like Tao Mu could tell the truth about his previous life where he was used to being suppressed by his actor colleagues, the accumulation of which eventually led him to gain valuable experience. Since the polishing of those ten years had yet to happen in this life, Tao Mu could only cheekily admit: “Probably because I am naturally talented.”

Qiao Miaowei: “……”

Behind them, a sneer sounded. Shang Xuanyue, who played the heroine in the drama, sneered mercilessly: “Someone should go back and look in the mirror.”

“You——” Qiao Miaowei looked at Shang Xuanyue angrily.

As a relevant star being backed by Summer Star Entertainment, Shang Xuanyue had been very successful in the past two years. The two dramas she acted in last year were ranked in the top three of the annual ratings. And at the beginning of this year, relying on the heroine role of one of the TV series, she had also won the Golden Lily Award. At this time her career was smooth sailing and her popularity was as high as the sky.

When Qiao Miaowei first joined the crew, her bankroller had instructed in every possible way that she could not offend Shang Xianyue. Therefore, even if Qiao Miaowei was humiliated by Shang Xianyue, she did not dare to respond. That forbearing appearance of not daring to be angry looked very pitiful.

It was currently their lunch break so all the other actors and staff in the crew sitting in twos and threes around the set directly witnessed this scene. However, everyone turned a blind eye or continued to watch the show with their arms folded. No one was willing to stand up for Qiao Miaowei.

Tao Mu sighed and said, “Ms. Shang is right.”

“What did you say?” Qiao Miaowei turned her head fiercely, and looked at Tao Mu in disbelief, both angry and fierce. She didn’t expect Tao Mu to add more insult to the injury.

Shang Xuanyue looked over with a smile.

Tao Mu continued: “Ms. Qiao’s problem is that you can’t make natural expressions and movements in front of the camera. This is also normal after all, Ms. Qiao has not studied at a film school and has not been trained in the system. When ordinary people face the camera, they would feel uncomfortable more or less. So what you have to do now is to go back and look in the mirror more. Rehearse the expressions and lines in the mirror. You can also ask your assistant to help you with the scenes. Whenever you finally feel less awkward is when you’ve got it.”

After a pause, Tao Mu added a few more words: “Of course, considering the problem of positioning, you’d better set up a few more cameras and watch yourself while practicing, then analyze your movements repeatedly. You can also find a few TV dramas and choose a few characters you like to imitate.”

When Tao Mu said this, he glanced at Shang Xuanyue again, and said with a smile: “Ms. Shang won the Golden Lily Award for “The Pattering Rain Comes To An End”, in which the heroine’s character is somewhat similar to Qing Ling in “The Legend of Heroes”. If Miss Qiao is interested, you may wish to analyze it a bit. If you are lucky enough to get a few words of advice from Ms. Shang, then at least for this drama it will be more than enough.”

Qing Ling was the second female lead played by Qiao Miaowei in the drama. The reason Tao Mu said this was not really to have Qiao Miaowei go ask Shang Xianyue for advice on acting. It was just to help Qiao Miaowei out of embarrassment, as well as praise Shang Xianyue lest Shang Xuanyue took any anger out on him because of this.

Qiao Miaowei could naturally see such smoothness and slickness in dealing with social relations. Instantly her anger turned into joy, smiling as she took the ladder offered: “It turns out that this is the case. No wonder Miss Shang asked me to look in the mirror. It shouldn’t be too late so I will go back to rehearse first. You guys talk slowly.”

Qiao Miaowei awkwardly excused herself and immediately dragged her assistant away in a hurry. Shang Xuanyue folded her arms and looked at Qiao Miaowei’s slightly embarrassed figure with cold eyes. Raising an eyebrow, she smiled: “You are a softhearted person.”

Tao Mu’s eyebrows curved into a smile: “I’m telling the truth. Ms. Shang has superb acting skills, and your expressions and movements are very beautiful when filming, full of emotions. You must be classical actor, right?”

Shang Xianyue smiled. She found that Tao Mu was particularly good at resolving the hidden jeers in other people’s words. The skill of flattering was also level 10 and the ability to strike up a conversation was at least level 10.5.

“You don’t have to call me Ms. Shang. Everyone is filming in the same crew, so you can just call me sister Yue.” Shang Xianyue said as she simply sat down next to Tao Mu. Smiling she asked: “I heard that you were admitted to Beijing Film. Why didn’t you go to Yan Film?”

Generally speaking, Beijing Film made actors and Yan Film made stars. Shang Xuanyue could tell by just looking at Tao Mu’s face, if he went to Yan Film and then acted in a few idol dramas he would be incredibly popular. If he was lucky, maybe there would be a “Tao Mu’s Year”, just like her “Shang Xianyue’s Year” last year.

But it might be a different story with Beijing Film. As everyone knew, the actors who came out of Beijing Film generally followed the orthodox route, and most of the films and TV series they took were mainstream films based on realistic and sometimes serious subject matters. Basically, that kind of drama didn’t think too much about an actor’s appearance. Actors like Tao Mu who were too handsome and his aura too sharp would actually make the director and the producer suspicious——worried that Tao Mu’s looks would overwhelm and suppress the plot. Unless Tao Mu’s acting skills could be superb enough that it had people ignoring his looks.

Thinking of this, Shang Xianyue suddenly recalled the small disturbance that Tao Mu had made when he took the film still in the morning, and suddenly said, “It seems that you have confidence in yourself.”

If Tao Mu could suppress his overly handsome and attention grabbing looks with his acting skills, then choosing Beijing Film would undoubtedly contribute to his acting career. After all, with Beijing Film’s authority and influence in the Chinese entertainment industry, so long as Tao Mu could be branded with Beijing Film and become a key student of Beijing Film, then his accumulated contacts in Beijing Film would undoubtedly become his stepping stones for a soaring career.

Shang Xuanyue also thought of the gossip being spread outside that several big agents wanted to sign Tao Mu, but were declined by Tao Mu on the grounds of abiding by the school rules. She suddenly realized Tao Mu’s ambition.

While she called it ambition, it was in truth a big gamble. After all, not all people had such confidence that they dared to take three years of obscurity in exchange for a chance to become a possible future bigshot. Especially since during that three-year period, he must continue to refuse the temptation of becoming famous overnight. Shang Xuanyue didn’t know how long Tao Mu could last, but she firmly believed that if Tao Mu could really persist and successfully gain Beijing Film’s favor, Tao Mu would surely have a place in the Chinese entertainment industry in the future.

On the side Shang Xuanyue was secretly shocked by Tao Mu’s ambition. But she didn’t know that Tao Mu’s goal was more than to make a place in the entertainment circle——what he wanted in return for all his sacrifices must be half of the Chinese entertainment circle!

But these words were too early to say. As Tao Mu was still living in the present he had to play along with everyone around him.

The next scene was a scene between the assassin Wuming and the heroine. This was a mix of an action as well as speaking scene. Tao Mu had five lines and including punctuation there was only 10 words in total.

During the filming, because Shang Xuanyue intended to make friends, the atmosphere between the two was pleasant. Ning Yuan, who played the leading actor, watched on indifferently. He found that no matter how the camera lighting was adjusted, Tao Mu always had a way to find the most accurate and suitable position and angle. Even if the shots were not the most handsome, they were all undeniably memorable and had feeling.

The little tricks and schemes that had succeeded on those idol actors before seem to be useless on Tao Mu. And as Tao Mu continued to show off his sharp edges and brilliance, the attitudes of the lighting and camera crew who had subtly made it difficult for him began to change——this could be seen from Tao Mu’s more and more beautiful lighting and shooting angles from the cameras.

It could not be left ignored like this.

Ning Yuan knew very well that his instigating the crew members to make things difficult for Tao Mu could, from a certain perspective, also be seen as Ning Yuan showing off his speaking power in the crew.

During the entire shooting period, the director, as the undisputed ruler of the crew, must have his own speaking power; investors and producers, as the bankrollers and financial backers, must have their own speaking power; actors and actresses, as the important elements of a drama or film, must also have their own speaking power.

This was also the reason why despite Ning Yuan repeatedly instigating the lighting, camera and make-up crew to make things difficult for Tao Mu, Zhao Xin and the others did not stop it despite being fully aware.

But now, if Tao Mu could stand firm under the numerous difficulties presented by Ning Yuan, although it demonstrated Tao Mu’s own potential, it was also an invisible slap to Ning Yuan’s face. By then, Ning Yuan’s influence on the crew would be much less than before. More seriously, it would even affect Ning Yuan’s position in Summer Star Entertainment.

Ning Yuan was a prideful person and of course he could not accept this situation. On the same note, the agent behind Ning Yuan didn’t want to see Zhao Keping actually sign Tao Mu either as it would lead to his rival agent gaining more resources and more say in the company.

In other words, Tao Mu’s momentum in the crew of “The Legend of Heroes” must be curbed.

………

Because Wuming’s weapon was a pliable jian and the most important reason for Zhao Xin to value Tao Mu was also his action scenes, in order to better shape the role, Tao Mu had to spare more time in private to rehearse the pliable jian moves. Sleeping at 2am every day, and then getting up at 5am had now become the norm. In addition to practicing swordsmanship, he also did not forget to pay close attention to the changes in the M country’s stock market on the other side of the ocean as well as the international oil futures market.

Time was becoming less and less, but fortunately, his scenes in “Purple Cloud” was almost done. On the third day after Tao Mu entered the crew of “The Legend of Heroes”, his body double role in “Purple Cloud” was completely finished.

Although Tao Mu was only a body double, because Chen Yiqian was very optimistic about Tao Mu, he gave Tao Mu a small goodbye party. Though it was called a goodbye party, in truth it was actually just an extra meat dish added to the box lunch that day. During the period, Shen Yu also ran over and pulled Tao Mu’s hand to say goodbye. He also kept telling Tao Mu to take his phone number from the blacklist, otherwise he would go to the crew of “The Legend of Heroes” every day. It annoyed Tao Mu to no end.

On the other side, after leaving the “Purple Cloud” crew, Tao Mu also had more time to ponder the role of Wuming. Especially in the fighting parts. In order to practice the green python pliable jian’s moves more beautifully, Tao Mu also specially asked a teacher to teach him the flowing sleeves dance——mainly because there were too few teachers who taught how to use the whip. Moreover, Tao Mu felt that in the original description of Wuming’s moves it was not only vicious but also smooth and flowing, just like the movements of the flowing sleeves dance. As for overall aura and feeling, Tao Mu felt that he could adapt it to fit the role.

Regardless of how much criticism he had received from the people in his previous life, one thing about Tao Mu that they could not deny was that Tao Mu was a very hard-working person. Especially if it was for his “purpose and interests”, Tao Mu could be both cruel to others as well as to himself. So every night he shot night scenes until one or two o’clock into the middle of the night, and then get up to continue to practice martial arts movements at 4 o’clock the next morning. At the price of bruises appearing all over his body, in just seven days he had managed to completely grasp all the movements to such an extent that he was as familiar with them as he was of his own arm or finger.

The people in the crew all witnessed how Tao Mu was able to turn the originally already very beautiful martial arts moves to an even more stunning performance. Everyone sighed in their hearts even if they didn’t say anything out loud. Especially the martial arts stunt actors, including the stunt coordinators, were even more convinced by Tao Mu. Just when everyone felt that Tao Mu would be able to become popular overnight with the role of Wuming, a bad news came——

It was director Zhao who personally told him that he was no longer needed for the role of Wuming. He was replaced by the son of a major shareholder of Summer Star Entertainment, a rich fuerdai who wanted to show off and therefore entered the entertainment circle to play around.

………

When Zhao Xin talked to Tao Mu, Tao Mu was currently practicing with the body double for the main male lead. There was a big scene to be shot in the evening, the chase scene where the hero and Wuming met for the first time. They had to hang on wires to shoot the grand scene of the two people fighting around Jinling City in the studio. During this scene, extras were also required to play the palace guards and city guards holding torches and cooperating with the hero in the streets and alleys to capture Wuming——that’s right this was also a night scene. All of these varying factors added up to make the scene very difficult to film, so the crew had to put off filming it until now. It was also in order to let Tao Mu integrate into the crew as soon as possible which would help with filming this scene.

The facts all proved that Tao Mu’s performance had not disappointed anyone at all. In just over ten days, Tao Mu had entered his role, whether it was speaking scenes or fighting scenes, his performance was both stunning and amazing.

He was indeed a good potential star. Unfortunately, he was not very lucky.

Zhao Xin looked at Tao Mu in front of him and sighed slightly. The hard heart that had been trained over the many years in the industry felt a rare ripple of guilt: “……You also know that Summer Star Entertainment is the largest investor and producer of this drama. The person who will replace you is the nephew of Summer Star Entertainment’s major shareholder……”

Zhao Xin stopped talking and looked at Zhao Keping——in order to smoothly dismiss Tao Mu, Zhao Xin even called his old friend over. The main reason was that he was really embarrassed to have to persuade Tao Mu to leave. After all, after Tao Mu entered the crew, everyone had saw the hard work he had put in to play the role of Wuming.

It was a pity that no matter how sincere and hardworking one’s personal efforts were, it wouldn’t be able to stand up against a word from those with capital.

Zhao Keping also felt very guilty: “When the boss told me about this, I also strongly opposed it. But someone in the company informed them that you are not a contracted artist of Summer Star Entertainment and that I privately found someone to play the role of Wuming. They labeled it as selfishness, as disregarding the company’s interests. Some people also said that I deliberately targeted Ning Yuan.”

Ning Yuan was the male protagonist of The Legend of Heroes. He was also a very popular C-list actor who had squeezed into the B-list rank in the past two years. Because he had filmed several popular idol dramas and costume dramas, he was currently very popular and was in his rising period of his career. Tao Mu knew that Ning Yuan had been very hostile and wary of him since the day he joined the crew. He was probably afraid that Tao Mu would buy ads to step on him after the TV series was broadcasted——after all, Tao Mu’s performance in the crew was obvious to all, and Zhao Keping had always liked to engage in this kind of marketing tactics.

“Ning Yuan’s agent directly aired the matter in front of the big boss, leaving me no room for any maneuverings. In addition, you are not a contracted artist of Summar Star Entertainment, and the company wanted to make the big shareholders happy……” Zhao Keping emphasized to Tao Mu once again that he was not signed with Summer Star Entertainment, his expression guilty and regretful.

But Zhao Keping’s reasons were also very reasonable. This drama was originally invested by Summer Star Entertainment. Now Summer Star Entertainment’s young master wanted to come and play and happened to be attracted to Tao Mu’s role. And Tao Mu was also not an artist of the company. No matter from which point of view, Summer Star Entertainment had no need to help Tao Mu instead of themselves.

Zhao Xin actually felt more guilt than Zhao Keping. He originally insisted on using Tao Mu because Tao Mu’s performance really met his aesthetic and shooting requirements. However, Summer Star Entertainment’s major shareholder was wealthy and directly expressed his intention to invest in Zhao Xin’s original film. Zhao Xin had been preparing for this original film for more than two years, but he had not been able to find a reliable investor or film distributor. It had already become a sore point for a long time. Now someone voluntarily jumped out to offer the opportunity so Zhao Xin couldn’t not accept this olive branch.

When all was said and done, the relationship between Zhao Xin and Tao Mu did not reach the point where he would wrong himself to help Tao Mu.

Both Zhao Xin and Zhao Keping thought that Tao Mu would definitely make trouble when he heard the news, and even prepared themselves to be cursed at.

But they didn’t expect Tao Mu to not react at all but instead ask directly: “Then do I leave the crew today?”

Both Zhao Xin and Zhao Keping were stunned.

Zhao Xin looked at Tao Mu strangely: “Don’t you have complaints about us?”

“There is nothing to complain about.” Tao Mu’s expression was calm. Zhao Keping and Zhao Xin were worried that due to Tao Mu’s young age he would not be able to bear this kind of grievance. But they didn’t know that Tao Mu was not really 18 years old. But even as an 18 year old orphan in his previous life, Tao Mu’s life had never been smooth. It was not only once or twice when a good opportunity that he had would be stolen by someone else.

Since Zhao Xin and Zhao Keping specially found him to tell him about this decision, it proved that there was no way to redeem this matter, therefore it was not something he could change by making a big scene or begging. So instead of wasting energy and crying and complaining, Tao Mu made a decisive withdrawal.

Of course, there were some problems that must be solved before getting out.

“Although I don’t know what happened in the middle, but I don’t think the crew will dismiss an actor who has signed into the crew and performed very well for no reason.” Tao Mu said, smiling at the two of them. He even consoled Zhao Xin: “I think you must have worked hard to change matters and then weighed the costs and gains. The final decision must be more conducive to the filming of the crew.”

“It would be false to say that I’m not disappointed or sad. But I can’t cause trouble for everyone because of my own emotions. Besides, the crew will also pay money for breach of contract, so legally speaking, no one owes me anything. Although I am just a new college student and have not yet entered society, but I still possess the basic spirit of contract.”

How could everything in the world go as one wished? Since the situation could not be changed, Tao Mu could only win the hearts of the people. Because sometimes, being able to win the hearts of the people meant maximizing the benefits.

Sure enough, Zhao Xin was moved immediately after hearing Tao Mu’s remarks. He almost even confided his dealings with Summer Star Entertainment. Fortunately, at the critical moment, reason defeated emotion. Even so, Zhao Xin couldn’t hide his excitement and admiration of Tao Mu and patted Tao Mu on the shoulder: “Xiao Mu, you are such a good child……”

Zhao Keping did not expect Tao Mu’s reaction to be so open-minded and beautiful. To be honest, it really didn’t look like the actions of an eighteen-year-old boy. But when he thought of Tao Mu’s life experience, Zhao Keping could understand it. The children of the poor must work for their livelihoods early. Although Tao Mu’s reaction was not in line with Zhao Keping’s expectations, Tao Mu’s series of responses after learning about this incident were enough for Zhao Keping to see that the child had a high EQ. At least he was not a person who would be influenced by emotions.

He had good looks, had good acting skills, and knew how to work hard. In addition his emotional intelligence was enough to be visible to the naked eye. If such a person could not be signed to their company, it would be a big loss for Summer Star Entertainment and him, Zhao Keping.

Thinking about this, Zhao Keping showed an even more sorrowful expression, and said sincerely: “Xiao Mu, thank you for understanding us like this. This time, it was brother Zhao’s mistake. Don’t worry, brother Zhao will introduce you to other audition opportunities.”

Tao Mu smiled. Compared with this, Tao Mu was more concerned about another thing: “Seriously, what does director Zhao feel about my fight scenes?”

Zhao Xin wss still feeling very touched by Tao Mu. Hearing this, he blurted out the words from the bottom of his heart without thinking: “Very good. It can be called the first-class level in China.”

Tao Mu raised his eyebrows: “Much better than the one who replaced me, right?”

“It can’t be compared at all——” at this Zhao Xin stopped immediately. Looking at Tao Mu, he questioned: “What do you……what do you want to say?”

“Director Zhao, don’t worry, I won’t make it difficult for you. I just want to make a deal.” Tao Mu smiled at Zhao Xin.

After coming out of the director’s lounge, Tao Mu first went to the finance department to receive the money owed for the breach of contract. Finance had been notified, and the money was given easily enough. They also expressed a regretful attitude: “You act really well. Even if you don’t have this opportunity, you will definitely be popular in the future. Don’t be discouraged.”

Some people also said in an experienced tone: “This society is like this. It’s never lacking of people who take back doors wherever you go. You just remember that gold will shine sooner or later. When you become famous, this kind of thing will disappear.”

Finally, in order to make the child happy, a group of old aunts and young ladies from the finance department took the initiative to take out their smartphones to take a group photo with Tao Mu in the name of auctioning it online when Tao Mu became famoud.

“At least it can prove that we had good eyesight, discovering the superstar when he was still young.”

“Sign it with your autograph and maybe a photo can sell for more than 10,000 yuan.”

How could someone spend 10,000 yuan to buy a group photo?

Tao Mu smiled, but he was very grateful for everyone’s careful consideration of his emotions. He took a group photo with everyone very seriously and signed it.

When Tao Mu came out of the finance department, basically the whole crew was already aware of the gossip about Tao Mu being kicked out. Unlike the financial ladies who had neutral interests, the cast members reacted in various ways. There were people who really felt sorry for Tao Mu, mostly actresses, and there were some who didn’t care about it at all. There were also those who slid in front of Tao Mu and expressed their hypocritical regrets. Their reactions were all very diverse.

Tao Mu dealt with it one by one and there was neither of the bitter tears nor resentment as everyone imagined. When he returned to the dressing room in a low-key manner, bathed in the regretful eyes of the people that were either sincere or hypocritical, he found a young man with a decent appearance but dressed from head to toe in famous brands and had an arrogant temperament sitting in his place.

“You are the original actor of the assassin Wuming?” The young man playing with his mobile phone impolitely looked Tao Mu up and down and raised his eyebrows, saying aggressively: “I heard that you are a martial arts stunt actor and your fight scenes are very good. How about you being my body double? Money is not a problem.”

Oh, it turned out that this young master was the legendary “nephew of the major shareholder of Summer Star Entertainment.”

Tao Mu glanced at this “big nephew” and calmly refused: “I can’t be your body double.”

“Why, you looking down on me? Or are you angry with me?” Big nephew sneered and threw the phone on the dressing table. He leaned his back on the dressing chair and propped his legs up on the table like some bigshot: “To tell you the truth, I actually don’t care what role I can play. Entering the entetainment industry is just a whim and everything is arranged by the people below. So even if you want to be angry with me, you can’t. After all, this drama is still invested by my uncle. Am I right?”

Tao Mu didn’t say a word.

“Big nephew” continued: “You came out to work, isn’t it just for the money. There is really no need to fight with me. I have money and you have the ability. I want to ask you to be a body double. The price is up to you. “

“It’s not about money.” Tao Mu stood in the dressing room, looking at the young man sitting in the chair: “You look to not even be 175cm tall, right?”

Big nephew: “???”

Tao Mu continued: “I am 182cm. Standing in front of the camera I will only appear higher than this number. So I can’t be your body double. In your case, the director will probably arrange for you a short body double. But don’t worry. Everyone in the martial arts team under director Zhao has good skills.”

Big nephew: “……”

…………

He took off his costume and makeup. Tao Mu left the furious “big nephew” behind him, and calmly exited the crew——but he was stopped by an RV at the entrance of the Studio City.

The door of the car was opened, revealing Ning Yuan’s handsome face: “Get in the car?”

Tao Mu did not move: “Is it necessary?”

Ning Yuan chuckled. Even sitting in the RV, the gaze he looked at Tao Mu with was still somewhat condescending: “You don’t need to be so hostile to me. I admit, I really don’t want you to stay on the crew, of course my agent and I have also made some arrangements for this. I will not deny this. What I want to tell you is that Zhao Keping knew about my agent going to the big boss from the beginning. With his status in the company, if he really wanted to protect you, even the big boss will give him this face. After all, Summer Star invests in a lot of TV dramas, and even if they want to please the major shareholders, they didn’t have to take your role. What is strange is that Zhao Keping said nothing from beginning to end.”

Speaking of this, Ning Yuan looked at Tao Mu curiously. He wanted to find some clues in Tao Mu’s expression. But Tao Mu was expressionless.

Ning Yuan snorted: “Do you know how Zhao Keping dealt with those female artists who just joined the company but didn’t obey the arrangements?”

Tao Mu continued to have a dead fish face.

Ning Yuan said: “I am not instigating discord. I just don’t want to be used as a tool for nothing. A person like me, even if I do bad things, I must do it plainly and clearly. Zhao Keping is not suitable for you. With your personality, if you sign with him, there will be conflict sooner or later. You don’t want people like Zhao Keping to have a hold on your weaknesses, do you?”

“What are you doing if you are not instigating discord?” Zhao Keping only said a few words to Zhao Xin, and immediately hurried out to find Tao Mu. But he didn’t expect to encounter this scene where Ning Yuan was trying to provoke discord in front of Tao Mu.

“I’m telling the truth!” Ning Yuan sneered: “What kind of person is Zhao Keping, others might not know, but could the artists of Summer Star Entertainment not know? You want to use the previous slap and then give a sweet method on Tao Mu, huh? It’s a pity that I don’t think Tao Mu is someone you can control.”

After Ning Yuan finished speaking, he closed the car door without waiting for other people’s reaction and signaled the driver to leave.

Zhao Keping, who was about to come forward to argue, was sprayed with car exhaust. He wiped his face angrily amd turned his head to explain to Tao Mu: “Don’t listen to this kind of vile character instigating discord. I didn’t manage the matter well this time. Don’t worry, I will definitely compensate you with a better audition opportunity. What a villain like Ning Yuan says must not be taken to heart. He is just worried that after I sign you, I will persuade the company to support you and the resources will all be allocated to you. You will definitely be more popular than him——”

“No need.” Tao Mu chuckled: “I said that before my junior year, I would not sign any talent agency. We two have known each other these days, and I thought we had reached a consensus on this matter. “

Zhao Keping was taken aback when he heard these words.

Tao Mu continued: “Ning Yuan is right. The two of us are really not suitable.”

Zhao Keping frowned and opened his mouth to explain. Tao Mu waved his hand and interrupted: “It’s not that I have doubts about brother Zhao’s methods. The agent and the artist cooperate with each other and engage in a power struggle with each other. I understand this. I just simply feel that with my personality, maybe I don’t need an agent who is too tough.” Especially an agent who after knowing his wishes, still ignored his request and engaged in small maneuverings behind his back.

Tao Mu’s thinking became clearer and clearer. He looked at Zhao Keping: “We are actually the same kind of people. Unfortunately, like-minded people may not be harmonious.” Compared with superb skills, Tao Mu was more inclined to an agent who would obey and act accordingly to his will. Otherwise, he would have agreed to Wen Shijin’s offer. After all, the old fox Wen, who was always smiling, was much better than Zhao Keping in the way of managing people. At least Wen Shijin would not be caught in using underhanded means by so many people.

Of course, it might also be that Zhao Keping didn’t take him seriously from beginning to end. Thinking that by drawing a few enticing offers and then using power to suppress, he would be able to train an artist to his liking. It was a pity that Tao Mu was not really eighteen years old, and he was not in a rush to get ahead and be the hero in a feel good faceslapping story.

He was obsessive and stubborn. Once he set a goal, there was absolutely no turning back. It would not change course just because of Zhao Keping’s tricks. And Zhao Keping would never allow his artists to make their own decisions. So in the final analysis, this was the fundamental reason why he and Zhao Keping couldn’t work together.

After bidding farewell to Zhao Keping, Tao Mu returned to the rental house in silence all the way. Since Tao Mu finished “Purple Cloud”, Da Mao and Xiao Pang had also withdrawn from the “Purple Cloud” crew. However, the two did not find a new crew, mainly because H Town was too hot at the end of July. The two melon-eaters felt that there was no need to make it difficult for themselves, so as a result they ended up playing games in the Internet cafe downstairs every day. Occasionally, they would post bragging posts on the H Studios forums and receive young girls who came from outside regions with dreams of becoming celebrities. They would help them solve problems such as renting a place and then exchange contact information with each other on the way.

In the evening, they would be at sister Ping’s small restaurant. While enjoying the air-conditioning and listening to the old group of extras chatting among themselves, they collected some entertainment gossip that could be used for entertainment after a meal as well as enrich their melon eater big V account. Because the two updated the news from the entertainment circle that netizens were most interested about, in just half a month, the fans of the two have exceeded 50,000. The two really enjoyed the “Internet celebrity” treatment.

When Tao Mu returned to the rental house, the room was quiet and the dirty clothes were thrown all over the floor. It could be seen that the two melon eater big V did not clean up the room before going out.

Tao Mu picked up a rattan basket in his hand, threw all the clothes inside, and placed it in the corner of the bathroom.

As it was the hot summer season, the room was stuffy and there was no wind. It caused Tao Mu to be very sweaty so he also took a shower in the bathroom. The bruises all over his body tingled in pain under the stimulation of the hot water.

Tao Mu put the ointment on his bruises himself, but while the other parts were fine the ones on his back was a little out of reach. And because of the need to hang on wires during filming, the back and inner thighs were often the hardest hit areas with bruises. For awhile Tao Mu struggled with his back turned to the mirror. Suddenly an unspeakable angry flame bursted in his heart, and he threw the medicinal liquor and cotton balls dipped in Chinese traditional medicine on the ground.

The glass bottle filled with medicine shattered, and the brown liquid medicine splashed everywhere with the broken glass shards. The soft cotton ball rolled silently on the concrete floor into the corner. Fine dust particles floated in the air under the sunlight.

Tao Mu sat on the bedside expressionlessly, staring at the corner with empty eyes. He found that the more sunlight there was the more dust particles that were usually invisible or not noticed became more visible to the naked eye.

Being small and insignificant was not a sin. Incompetence was. And being angry was just an expression of rage at his own incompetence.

Tao Mu breathed silently and deeply reflected on the reason for his anger. Then he silently sat down at the desk, turned on the computer, and continued to observe the stock market.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

With the expansion of the economic crisis, starting from the second half of the year, foreign capital had been madly withdrawing from China. The market had dropped from more than 6,000 points to less than 2,000 points, and the entire stock market was looking very bleak. However, even if the overall market was not good, there would still be a few stocks going upstream. Tao Mu, who had memories of his previous life, was very familiar with these stocks. What he needed to do was to put all his money into these stocks, and then withdraw in time before the stocks fell.

TN: This was a monster chapter, was almost tempted to split it into parts 😣

Anyway, bonus chapters coming up!

If you would like to show some ♡  then please consider supporting this translator! ლ(⌒εー)ლ

Prev

The next morning, after Tao Mu finished the filming of “Purple Cloud” he immediately moved to the set of “The Legend of Heroes” next door.

Zhao Xin asked the Craft Service workers for a schedule of Tao Mu’s filming in “Purple Cloud” to schedule Tao Mu’s scenes with his crew according to the time, ensuring that the two crews did not conflict.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Although this treatment was not special for the leading actors and actresses and important supporting actors on the crew of “The Legend of Heroes”, but it was still a first among the small actors. As a result, many small supporting actors felt a little discontented, whispering about the matter in private. But in front of Tao Mu, they all put on a completely different, friendlier attitude.

Tao Mu had seen many such people in his previous life so he didn’t feel bothered. The only thing that he did mind was that when taking the film still, the makeup artist specially darkened his skin tone with black powder. The cameraman in charge of taking the still also deliberately maneuvered the lens in an unflattering angle. Tao Mu was obsessed with photography for a while in his previous life and played around with SLR cameras. He knew very well what angles would be able to take good shots. According to this cameraman’s shooting method, after the photo came out, Wuming’s film still would definitely appear much shorter than reality and his face would also appear much bigger.

The photographer and the makeup artist would certainly not do this for no reason. Looking at it from another perspective, those who could instruct the photographer and makeup artist to do so in private must have an important role in the crew. After considering the conflict of interests and then using the deductive method, Tao Mu could come up with only one person who had the motivation and the ability to target him.

Tao Mu sneered in his heart and then casually struck a pose with the green python pliable jian in his hand, turning sideways slightly while staring sharply at the camera. The camera clicked and the cameraman and the post-production supervisor looked at the computer screen at the same time——

In front of a dark background, Tao Mu stood sideways, most of his body melting into the darkness and only the side of his face with disfigured makeup was facing the camera. His eyes were deep and face expressionless, one hand gently stroking the green python pliable jian wrapped around the other arm. Because of the angle of the light and the lens, the Tao Mu in the photo looked a little short and his outline also seemed slightly blurred——

But these were not the most captivating details. The most captivating thing was Tao Mu’s eyes which stared into the camera, appearing as pitch-dark as bottomless pools of icy waters that had been still and frozen for a thousand years. Additionally, because of his position standing sideways his body was arched into an arc. The cameraman hadn’t noticed anything at first when taking the photo but after looking at the photo at this moment, he seemed to see a poisonous snake lurking in the dark waiting for an opportunity to strike. From the shoulders to the elbows and down to the waist, every curve was imitating the position a python made when ready to strike at its prey during hunting. The icy cold it invoked was suffocating, both soft and flexible but at the same time full of strength. From head to toe the whole body was conveying a vicious decisiveness that could kill with one blow.

The cameraman and the post-production supervisor in front of the computer, as well as the melon eaters standing in the studio originally planning to watch a good show all let out shudders at the same time. There was no sound that could be heard in the studio that originally had at least some noise——everyone was stunned by the cold-blooded and intimidating aura that erupted from Tao Mu.

Especially those who had met Tao Mu’s eyes. They were instantly struck with the illusion that they were being stared at by a real python, and they, as the prey, was about to be swallowed whole, their life in imminent peril.

The group of people rubbed the goose bumps on their arms at the same time. They all felt a cold current spreading from their tailbone to spread over the whole body, even the fine hairs on their skin stood up from the fear.

Some celebrities and idols could be discredited by makeup, lighting and camera angles. But for a professional actor who had reached the level of a film emperor, even if the pictures were only of his hand or foot, he would still be able to give you a commanding performance, his screen presence obvious to all who saw it.

Faced with the unspoken but tacitly understood difficulties some certain colleagues liked to give to their rivals, Tao Mu was too lazy to care or make a fuss. Instead, he directly fought back head on in the most effective and irrefutable manner. This was his confidence in his award winning level acting skills.

The crew members who originally wanted to watch a good show all fell silent. Every one of them looked at each other and exchanged looks and gestures. The cameraman and the lighting technician who had already accepted the benefits and promised to carry out their end of the deal were now the ones in a difficult dilemma. While privately praising Tao Mu’s film still, they were also feeling worried. That Tao Mu could still have his film still come out this impressively despite the makeup artist, cameraman, and lighting technician deliberately making things difficult was enough to see just how talented he was.

Under normal circumstances, they would not be willing to offend an actor with such a handsome face and impressive acting skills, even if he was just a fledgling rookie. The entertainment industry was always changing. It was hard to say whether or not that little actor that you stepped on would become popular overnight. At that time, those who had the capital and means to get in his good graces once again could naturally do so, but for insignificant little cannon fodders like them, if the other really had intentions for revenge, then the consequences would truly be dismal.

It was precisely for this reason that the cameraman and lighting technician as well as the post-production supervisor were unwilling to offend Tao Mu completely.

In any case, they already did what they promised to do. It was Tao Mu himself who had the ability to break out of the siege. Thinking about it this way, the cameraman in charge of taking the stills immediately laughed and said: “Perfect! This film still truly has the right feel. Tao Mu, have you ever been a model before? You are very good at finding the best lighting and angles.”

Tao Mu curved up a corner of his mouth and said with a half smile, “I used to take promotional photos for people to make some pocket money. I’m a newcomer, and some famous photographers won’t bother with unknowns like us, so there’s no choice but to find food myself.”

The words “find food” that Tao Mu used was jargon for those in the industry, meaning that during shooting when the camera was not attentive enough then one must find a beneficial pose or angle for oneself. By saying this, Tao Mu was also pointing out that he was fully aware of their intentions and manipulations when taking the still, but he didn’t want to bother about it.

The cameraman also didn’t expect Tao Mu to be so seasoned despite his young age. Suddenly he felt a little bit ashamed. He smiled sheepishly and said: “I think this film still was taken very well. Do you think we should keep it like this? Don’t you still have a scene later? Then we should not waste time.”

The implications on his words were: I am just following the orders of others. Since you are able to get out of the situation with your own strength, then I will not continue to make it difficult for you. But I also can’t take the pictures over again, as I won’t be able to explain to the other side.

There was a hint of goodwill in this remark. Tao Mu was still a new face so although he didn’t like these people, he didn’t want to get into conflict over such a trivial matter either. It was not in line with Tao Mu’s style to take his anger out on cannon fodders and toadies when he couldn’t do anything about the actual instigator. Of course, he was not the kind of weakling that would eagerly accept the goodwill of others just with a few words. So in a bland tone he replied: “You are the professional, naturally you have the final say.”

The cameraman pretended not to hear Tao Mu’s ridicule and just turned a deaf ear. Turning his head he commanded: “Alright, let’s call it a day.”

In order to keep up with the progress, the general crew was divided into two groups, A and B, during filming. Tao Mu took the film still in group B, while Zhao Xin and the leading actors and actresses shot their major scenes in group A.

When Tao Mu rushed to group A after finishing with the still, he happened to make it in time to see Ning Yuan, the actor who played the leading male, and Yu Ze, who played the second male role. Sitting in front of the monitor, Zhao Xin glanced back at Tao Mu: “I heard that your film still turned out really good?”

Tao Mu smiled slightly: “The cameraman said it was okay.” There was no mention of the little discord during the shooting.

Zhao Xin let out a sneer, saying: “Work hard. No matter where or what situation, you having ability is the most important thing.” Once you had the ability and status, once you built a big reputation in the entertainment circle, this kind of thing would definitely not happen again.

On the other hand, it was precisely because a certain someone did not have enough ability therefore he was always fearing this and that and constantly making small maneuverings behind people’s backs. However, this kind of small scheming could only work on those little unknowns who lacked ability. Those who were truly talented and had the skills like Tao Mu would always stand out from the crowd.

Tao Mu also believed deeply in this remark as well. Instantly, he nodded in agreement: “I will work hard.”

Ning Yuan, who was on the set, also learned from his assistant about Tao Mu’s photo shoot. Seeing Tao Mu at this moment, he couldn’t help feeling a little irritable and as a result ended up NG-ing.

“Cut!” Zhao Xin glanced at Ning Yuan and Yu Ze, and said, “Ten minutes to rest. The next scene will be with Tao Mu and Ning Yuan.”

Affected by the cost of shooting and the shooting location, the crew could never dream of filming the scenes in plot order. All the scene schedules must succumb to space and the film set. For this reason, Tao Mu’s first scene was not his first appearance in the drama. Instead it was the scene after Wuming and the hero fought in which the hero gave a dialogue regarding his appreciation for the other.

Location: Outside Jinling City

Ning Yuan, as the hero, held a folded fan in one hand as he stood tall and elegantly: “Your martial arts has reached great heights and you should not be an unnamed person. Why have I never heard of your reputation in jianghu?”

Tao Mu had no expression on his face: “I am an assassin.”

“Oh?” Ning Yuan raised an eyebrow in great interest: “What do you mean by that?”

Tao Mu continued to be expressionless: “The assassin Wuming——”

“Cut!” Zhao Xin glanced at Ning Yuan, who had dropped the prop fan to the ground.

Ning Yuan apologized to everyone with an apologetic look: “I’m sorry, my hand accidentally slipped.”

Zhao Xin didn’t say anything, the clapper-loader walked to the camera with the clapper board, and knocked the board again——

Ning Yuan continued to stand elegantly and also threw in a fancy move with the fan. He smiled confidently, saying: “Your martial arts has reached great heights and you should not be an unnamed person. Why have I never heard of your reputation in jianghu.”

Tao Mu had no expression on his face: “I am an assassin.”

“Oh?” Ning Yuan suddenly moved forward and meandered behind Tao Mu where he leaned familiarly towards Tao Mu’s ear—— only for Tao Mu to dodge away.

“Cut!” Zhao Xin shouted at Tao Mu, “What are you dodging for?”

Tao Mu frowned: “He is too close to me. According to the personality of Wuming he would never allow a person who he meets for the first time to walk around behind him and get in so close.”

Ning Yuan spread out his hands with an innocent look: “I am also trying to portray Mu Qingyang’s character. Mu Qingyang is an unrestrained and suave character. After meeting such an interesting person he would naturally want to tease him a bit.”

What the two said was very reasonable, but Ning Yuan was the leading actor as well as a new idol favored by the investor Summer Star Entertainment. Zhao Xin couldn’t criticize Ning Yuan, so he gave Tao Mu a look: “Act your parts and don’t add extra things outside the script casually.”

Tao Mu did not comment.

So the scene was shot for the third time.

But the result was that Ning Yuan had another problem. This time, he deliberately blocked Tao Mu’s figure from the camera while moving, only for Tao Mu to take back the camera with a light turn of his body. On the other hand, Ning Yuan accidentally lost his footing when he followed Tao Mu’s turn and ended up appearing much shorter than the other in the camera——this scene was naturally useless.

And then they shot a fourth and fifth time……Ning Yuan tried all of his tricks, having originally thought that Tao Mu, a young newcomer who had no experience filming with the camera, would not have a stable performance in front of the camera. He wanted to disrupt Tao Mu’s filming rhythm, thereby suppressing Tao Mu’s screen presence.

But he did not expect Tao Mu to perform consistently. On the contrary, after being NG-ed repeatedly, he himself was disrupted and now he couldn’t find the feeling anymore.

The very simple scene was filmed all morning, and even the crew’s lunch was delivered yet they were still not finished. Zhao Xin glanced at Ning Yuan, who had tried to gain an advantage only to end up worse off and then at Tao Mu, who had remained expressionless the whole time, perfectly conforming to his character’s role. He grabbed the big loudspeaker and shouted: “Cut!”

“It’s lunch break. Everyone rest for an hour.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Even before the last words were spoken, Ning Yuan directly threw the prop fan to the ground and head directly towards his personal recreational van with a dark expression on his face.

Not even wanting to eat lunch.

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