Coming Out to Mix It Up Requires a Background

Okay, a straight man has arrived.

Hearing Liu Yifei's question, Lin Feng was very happy.

He wanted to say a few words to Zhang Yang to score points, but he didn't want to just talk, which would put him at a disadvantage.

If Zhang Yang could join The Four Great Constables, it would be a matter of his reputation, and both Zhang Yang and Chen Jiashang would owe him a small favor.

"A'Yang is playing Zhao Kuangyin, Emperor Taizu of Song," Lin Feng said, staring at the monitor. "I originally designed him based on the image of Zhao Zilong with white horse and silver spear, using a sword and spear for the action scenes, and he did very well."

"However, before the official shoot, he mentioned the story of A Thousand Miles to Send Jingniang to me and reminded me that Zhao Kuangyin was skilled in both fist and staff, that fist is the mother of a hundred fists, and that the staff could conquer all under heaven across eighty-one provinces, so we changed the design."

"He's very good with both his fist and staff techniques. I don't think Emperor Taizu of Song himself could have done better."

Hiss.

Chen Jiashang, Liu Yifei, Lin Ziwei, and others gasped.

They all knew Lin Feng's personality. From a martial arts stuntman to a well-known martial arts choreographer in the industry, and then to an action director on set, his professional knowledge was solid.

Having been in the industry for a long time and with age, Lin Feng had become more adaptable in his dealings with people, but at his core, he still possessed the integrity of a martial artist. He wouldn't say things to curry favor, let alone when Zhang Yang was a "newcomer."

Whatever he said about Zhang Yang, he basically meant it.

It was precisely because of this that they were surprised.

Was Zhang Yang so formidable at such a young age?

The group of people stared at the monitor screen in unison.

They saw Zhang Yang wielding the Dragon Coiling Staff and showcasing his power, performing various high-difficulty moves on horseback while executing the previously designed staff routines, perfectly sending soldiers flying.

The entire set of staff techniques was performed with flowing movements, diverse changes in moves, and excellent visual effects.

Not only that, but Zhang Yang was also good at finding the camera, "showing off" while also ensuring his face appeared frequently, with his gaze and expressions on point throughout, keeping the audience engaged.

What surprised Chen Jiashang and the others even more was that this action scene hadn't stopped yet; it seemed to be a long take, shot in one go.

This not only tested the director's and cinematographer's skill and chemistry but also the actor's acting prowess.

"Swish!"

In the shot, Zhang Yang killed his way through seven times with a Dragon Coiling Staff. Finally, facing three enemy generals, he fought them one against three without any pressure and ultimately emerged victorious.

With a beautiful finishing move, Zhang Yang held the reins in one hand and the long staff in the other, shouting, "Kneel and surrender, and you shall live."

The extras on set immediately knelt down in droves.

The camera began to pull back, capturing the panoramic view, and then zoomed in on Zhang Yang's face.

Zhang Yang looked at the camera, recalling the feeling of Zhao Kuangyin after ascending the throne in his dream. His eyes flickered, his aura fully unleashed, exuding immense pressure.

"Good!" Lin Ziwei subconsciously clenched her fists.

Zhang Yang's stunning portrayal of Zhao Kuangyin would better highlight her perfect performance as Ma Fuyua.

"Cut!"

Lin Feng shouted into the microphone.

"Good," Chen Jiashang began to clap, his eyes full of admiration.

If Zhang Yang had come to audition for the role of Cen Chong, he would still have used Mu Panlong, as that was the person arranged by the investors.

In the entertainment industry, background comes first, then strength.

And now that Mu Panlong couldn't act due to his own issues, he had the opportunity to find a suitable actor himself. A few friends had offered to recommend suitable stunt doubles and actors, but none were as cheap and practical as Zhang Yang, who was both.

"He's indeed amazing," Deng Chao said with a smile, praising him without hesitation. "His movements feel much better than that actor from that island nation, and his height is a better match for me."

Joking aside, he was looking for his stunt double now. It was related to the brilliance of his action scenes and would become part of his performance. He would definitely prefer to use someone better rather than a connection.

"I didn't expect Little Brother A'Yang to be so capable now," Liu Yifei chimed in softly.

"If he weren't so capable, I wouldn't have replaced him to play Zhao Kuangyin and even increased his screen time," Lin Ziwei said, taking credit for herself.

Liang Xin Quan and others maintained their expressions, but inwardly scoffed.

Nazha, on the other hand, kept stealing glances at Liu Yifei, feeling a bit nervous.

The better Zhang Yang performed, the more she worried that her "treasure" would be coveted.

"This is Liu Yifei; how could she possibly like Brother Yang?" Nazha comforted herself.

"Brother Lin, what do you think? Should we keep this take?"

Zhang Yang walked over to them, holding his long staff, looking dignified, heroic, and imposing.

"Alright, it was worth preparing all morning. Let's move to the next location," Lin Feng nodded with satisfaction.

Zhang Yang nodded slightly, then looked at Chen Jiashang: "Director Chen, do you think I'm suitable?"

Regardless of whether things worked out, he had to be proactive at this moment; he couldn't wait for the great director to speak.

"Your fight scenes are completely fine. As for the stunt double role, we can decide now. As for the role of Cen Chong..." Chen Jiashang deliberately paused.

Zhang Yang didn't rush, looking at Chen Jiashang with a smile, which made the latter even more satisfied.

"Alright," Lin Feng interjected at the right time. "It's just a minor supporting role; you don't have to make it like you're casting the male lead. I can vouch for A'Yang; his dramatic acting is just as good as his action scenes."

Chen Jiashang pointed at Lin Feng and said, feigning anger, "Considering you recommended A'Yang to me, I won't hold this against you this time."

"Hold it against me? You should be treating me to drinks tonight," Lin Feng teased.

"Sure, sure, sure," Chen Jiashang replied with a helpless expression, as if he had been cornered.

The others chuckled along without saying a word.

Next was the filming of Zhang Yang's dramatic scenes, with only a few additional shots.

One was after he was crowned, alone in the imperial study, reminiscing about "Ma Fuyua." After all, the drama was titled The Legend of Dugu, not Emperor Taizu of Song.

Chen Jiashang and his team didn't leave; they watched Zhang Yang's dramatic performance.

"His eyes conveyed emotion, his expression was spot on, and his lines were excellent," Chen Jiashang said, very satisfied.

From a purely cinematic perspective, he felt that Zhang Yang's image and acting were a waste on Cen Chong. He could even play the male lead, Leng Xue, without issue, but unfortunately, he wasn't famous and had no connections.

However, with such good potential, Zhang Yang could break through if he seized the right opportunities. Chen Jiashang didn't mind building a good relationship early on.

The same thought crossed Liang Xin Quan and Lin Ziwei's minds, leading them to treat Zhang Yang with more warmth.

During dinner that evening, Lin Ziwei even offered to consolidate Zhang Yang's scenes so he could join the cast of The Four Great Constables in a few days.

Before parting, Chen Jiashang asked Zhang Yang to speak with his agent and the relevant production staff about signing the contract. He asked, with a hint of probing, "Do you need me to put in a word with your company?"

President Cai Yinong of Tangren was a formidable woman in the industry, which meant she was difficult to deal with and had too many ideas.

"This small matter definitely won't trouble Director Chen. I'll just make a call to report it," Zhang Yang replied with an unchanged smile.

Chen Jiashang nodded. "Put in some extra effort here. Leng Xue has a lot of fight scenes, and Cen Chong's role is also substantial. You need to join the crew quickly."

Zhang Yang understood his meaning: finalize the contract as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen complications.

"A'Yang, bye!" Liu Yifei waved goodbye to Zhang Yang with a casual gesture.

"Goodbye." Zhang Yang watched Chen Jiashang and the others leave.

At the restaurant entrance, only he and Nazha remained.

Without hesitation, he called Cai Yinong.

At Tangren company, Cai Yinong, who was about to head home, looked at her phone.

Upon seeing "Zhang Yang" on the caller ID, a smile spread across her face, and her fatigue vanished. "He finally couldn't resist. I've been waiting a long time for this call."