Director of the Ark: A Journey to Success
Chapter 118

Casting Kung Fu Hustle: Wei Yenwu and his wife's roles revealed?

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Or... does he have other methods, and is confident he can control Chen Qi's will?

And... Chongyue also felt strangely. It was the first time he had met Chen Qi, but for some reason, when Chen Qi stood next to him, he felt a strange rhythm in his blood, and a feeling of closeness arose from the bottom of his heart.

Chongyue was very confused, but he didn't show it. Meanwhile, Chen Qi and his group had arrived at Lee's detective agency, and everyone was sitting together, enjoying the delicious food that Lee had prepared.

"Come on, Little Qi, Little Tal, have a few more bites. Lee's cooking is superb. Your uncle and I don't often get to see Lee cook for us personally. This time, we're really lucky to have him."

Wenyue, standing beside Wei Yenwu, seemed unchanged; even her tone was as gentle as Chen Qi remembered. This relieved Chen Qi, who had been quite worried about how he and Talulah would handle it if Madam Wen Yue raised her voice upon their return...

Aside from Madam Wen Yue, the atmosphere was somewhat awkward. Because Chongyue was present, Nian and Xi were quite well-behaved this time, only eating their food in silence. Chongyue didn't ask them how they were doing, and they remained silent as well.

The arrival of Huai Tianpei further exacerbated the awkwardness within the agency. Not far away, Waai Fu, Ahe Hong, and the other two were all staring at Huai Tianpei. It was the first time Ahe Hong had met Waai Fu's rumored father, but Waai Fu himself, upon seeing his father again, said nothing.

"Is this Waai Fu's father? He does look quite like him." A wasn't surprised by Huai Tianpei's appearance, but he was surprised by something else:

"But it sounds like he's been back in Lungmen for several days already. Why didn't she come to see Waai Fu right away? And now that she's at the agency, she hasn't bothered with Waai Fu's affairs at all. Instead, she's been busy talking to Director Chen Qi about the martial arts competition."

"Ah... eat your food." Seeing Ah's complete inability to speak, Hong stuffed a large steamed bun directly into Ah's mouth, then turned to Waai Fu with a worried expression and said:

"Waai Fu, don't take Ah's words to heart."

"--I'm fine, Ah. You're right, and I'm not surprised at all by his choice."

Waai Fu's eyes lowered slightly. She was already used to her martial arts-obsessed father's personality, and she spoke up:

"I started practicing martial arts when I could barely speak properly, and he was still by my side at the time... But in my memory, our interactions seemed to consist of nothing more than martial arts."

"He didn't come back for me. As he himself said, it's because he knows Director Chen Qi 'Chen Qi martial arts skills and came to compete with him... He didn't come specifically to see me; it was just a side trip."

"In his heart, martial arts are more important than me; I've known that for a long time."

Waai Fu said this, but it was impossible for him not to feel angry. Looking at Huai Tianpei, who was formally challenging Chen Qi at the dinner table, his desire to prove himself to his father intensified.

However, Huai Tianpei had no Kung Fu Hustle to consider his daughter's thoughts and instead challenged Chen Qi to a duel, continuing:

"Please grant this request, anytime. I came here specifically to compete with Director Chen Qi."

"... But I'm just a director, I'm not good at fighting." Chen Qi was also a little annoyed. He now understood that his "Protection" had piqued the interest of this martial arts fanatic, and he would definitely not let him go.

Chen Qi roughly knew Huai Tianpei's personality. This was someone who had chased Chongyue from Lungmen to Jade Gate and waited for three years just to have a match with him. If he didn't agree, Huai Tianpei would probably follow him all the way and annoy him to death.

Moreover, Huai Tianpei and Saria are different kinds of people who can be of help. Chen Qi let Saria come with the crew because Saria is capable and can be of great help. But what about Huai Tianpei?

He could probably be a professional action choreographer, but Huai Tianpei's heart wasn't in the production at all. Besides, because of his martial arts training, Huai Tianpei would likely have conflicts with many people on set, such as the powerful Talulah, Saria, and Patriot... Chen Qi didn't want these guys fighting every other day; what if someone got hurt?

Moreover, Chen Qi's crew will be traveling to various countries in the future. What if Huai Tianpei offends people all over the world and can't be stopped? In conclusion, although Huai Tianpei is quite capable, Chen Qi does not intend to let him stay in the crew for long.

But... agree? Although Chen Qi is much stronger than before, Chen Qi has no confidence in defeating Huai Tianpei. If they really have to fight, Chen Qi will basically have to go to the system to redeem his combat power.

"Um, if Master Huai wants to fight, our crew has quite a few very capable fighters, why doesn't Master Huai ask them for help?"

"It's different." Huai Tianpei shook his head and immediately stated the reason why he specifically wanted to find Chen Qi:

"If I were to seek someone of formidable strength, I, Huai Tianpei, would ask myself honestly. While I possess some skill, I am not invincible. What I seek is someone who has reached the pinnacle of martial arts."

"A strong physique and natural talent are innate. For example, compared to Vouivre is naturally stronger. But 'martial arts' can allow Feline to overcome Vouivre's natural talent through training, enabling Feline to defeat the stronger opponent!"

"This is the limit of 'martial arts' that I pursue. I want to know if, when I reach the pinnacle of martial arts, I can transcend the boundaries of that race and surpass those who are born with racial advantages. I want to know how many levels the pinnacle of martial arts can allow me to cross."

"... So that's why Brother Huai came to Jade Gate to find me, wanting to challenge me. I see." This was the first time Chongyue had heard Huai Tianpei explain his pursuit of "martial arts," and he immediately understood why Huai Tianpei was so persistent with him.

Because Chongyue not only represents the pinnacle of Terra's race, but also the pinnacle of Terra's understanding of "martial arts." If Huai Tianpei can win a punch against Chongyue, he will have proven his theory to be correct—that martial arts, when practiced to the extreme, can transcend the limitations imposed on races by this land!

"Martial arts are meant to enable the weak to protect themselves when facing the strong, and also to give them the courage to fight back. That's my belief."

Huai Tianpei also shared his understanding of martial arts, and then bowed respectfully to Chen Qi again, saying:

"I seek the ultimate in martial arts, and I have also read some of the books 'Lion's Roar Technique' and 'Tai Chi' by director Chen Qi, and have also come to understand some of their mysteries."

"From these two martial arts manuals, I gleaned Director Chen Qi's understanding of martial arts. That's why I've come to visit and challenge him to a duel, hoping it will help me further my understanding of martial arts."

"For this, I, Huai Tianpei, am willing to give anything in return, I only hope that Director Chen Qi can offer some guidance."

Huai Tianpei also showed sincerity this time. He could tell that Chen Qi was different from Chongyue, who was wholeheartedly pursuing "martial arts". He did not take martial arts as his main profession, so he also started to negotiate with Chen Qi.

Standing before Huai Tianpei, Chen Qi was clearly tempted, pondering the help he needed and the cost of challenging Huai Tianpei...

"--Director Chen Qi, Brother Huai is quite persistent, and besides, I am genuinely interested."

Seeing Chen Qi hesitate, Chongyue suddenly spoke up and said with a smile, "I'd also like to see Director Chen Qi 'Chen Qi abilities. If Director Chen Qi can demonstrate his skills, then as the eldest brother, I won't worry about my two younger sisters going far away."

"In that case—alright then."

As expected, Chen Qi readily agreed to the competition after Chongyue made these remarks. Talulah and Chen Huijie, who were standing to the side, were a little worried, but Chen Qi gestured for them to stop talking.

Chongyue's words clearly meant that he wanted to test Chen Qi's abilities before he could confidently allow Nian and Xi to continue working with the crew. Based on this alone, Chen Qi had no reason to refuse.

At this point, it's not time to get away with refusals and modesty. Since his elder brother wants to see how capable he is as the person taking care of his two younger sisters, then he'll give it a try.

"Hey, hey, hey, you just agreed like that? Is it really okay?" Lee, who was standing to the side, was also startled upon hearing this, and immediately said with a troubled expression, "Director Chen Qi is a writer, you know. Although literature and martial arts are not separate, martial arts are about individual strength. What if something bad happens?"

"Officer Wei, Madam Wen Yue, you should at least try to persuade them..."

However, as Lee spoke, when he, Talulah, Chen Huijie, and the others all turned their gazes to Wei Yenwu and his wife, they found that the two elders were now silent, neither stopping nor objecting—this attitude was quite obvious, they also had the same thoughts as Chongyue.

After all, Chen Qi's influence is considerable now, making him the undisputed leader of the most prominent force in all of Terra. Although a leader's strength is not necessarily a prerequisite, Wei Yenwu Wenyue are both eager to know whether Chen Qi has the ability to protect their niece, or at the very least, the power to roam freely across this land.

Just because they are not in danger now does not mean they won't be in danger in the future. Therefore, Wei Yenwu Wenyue both acquiesced to this opportunity, which was the best chance to test Chen Qi's strength.

"However, before the martial arts competition, I also hope to finish filming the movie, so I need Master Huai's help here."

"Speak freely!"

Huai Tianpei was overjoyed to see Chen Qi agree so readily and was ready to do anything for Chen Qi. However, to his surprise, Chen Qi simply smiled and immediately said:

"The movie 'Kung Fu Hustle' is still missing a top-tier villain. If Master Huai Tianpei could help out with the role, that would be perfect."

"As for the competition... I think our competition can serve as the final fight scene in this movie. By then, my movie will be filmed, and your competition will be completed. We'll kill two birds with one stone."

"Huh? Chen Qi, are you planning to star in the movie 'Kung Fu Hustle' yourself?"

Upon hearing Chen Qi's words, the sisters Talulah and Chen Huijie immediately realized what was going on. Everyone could sense Chen Qi's newfound confidence when they heard that he was going to play the lead role in this martial arts film.

After all... in most martial arts movies, the main character gets the most screen time, right? Is Chen Qi planning to fight from beginning to end in this movie?

In reality, what they didn't know was that Chen Qi only actually fought in the final fight scene of the movie "Kung Fu Hustle." "Kung Fu Hustle" was never a film about individual heroism. Although the fighting power increased dramatically as the movie progressed, the film didn't actually have a true "protagonist."

The movie "Kung Fu Hustle" is not a solo performance by heroes, but a story of heroes hidden in the streets who stand up to punish evil and promote good. Most of the important characters don't even have names, but each important character has a well-developed personality.

It seems I'll have to use my reputation points to boost my combat power... Chen Qi, who agreed to the duel, had already made up his mind. He originally thought he wouldn't need to use force to subdue others, but now it seems there will be times when he has no choice but to take action.

So... if we control it a little, a level that's enough to scare people should be sufficient, right?

"System, do you have the 'Buddha's Palm' technique? I want to redeem it. Also—please help me use some reputation points to increase my combat power."

[Understood. The "Buddha's Palm" technique has been delivered, and the martial arts manual has been transferred into the host's mind. The host can use a portion of their reputation points to increase proficiency, allowing them to quickly familiarize themselves with the martial arts moves.]

Chapter 201: Casting for "Kung Fu Hustle" —Wei Yenwu and his wife's roles revealed?

"Now that we've decided to make the movie 'Kung Fu Hustle,' our first priority is casting, and of course, most of that has already been resolved."

After agreeing on a time for the competition with Huai Tianpei, as expected, stopped bothering Chen Qi. However, he didn't leave because of this, but chose to stay with the film crew temporarily, ready to be called upon at any time.

Chen Qi now needs to address the casting issues for "Kung Fu Hustle". Chen Qi, Talulah, and others have returned to Wei Yenwu's residence, but the atmosphere there feels somewhat strange to Chen Qi Wei Residence.

There was no other reason than that there were simply too many people in the Wei Residence, and each of them was quite influential. Not only were Wei Yenwu Madam Wen Yue present, but also prominent figures in Lungmen such as Chongyue, Lee, and the Rat King. Chen Qi also saw Zuo Le from the Imperial Calendar Bureau, as well as Leizi Tai He, two law enforcement officers belonging to the Yan.

"Nowadays, Lungmen is a mixed bag. Many people from the underworld, upon hearing that Director Chen Qi is coming to Lungmen to film a movie, have also rushed to Lungmen, hoping to get a shot in the film."

"However, according to our intelligence, there are quite a few unscrupulous individuals among them who may pose a threat to Director Chen Qi. Therefore, we will be protecting Director Chen Qi's safety throughout this period. Those who want to ambush you may use methods we cannot even imagine."

"If Director Chen Qi feels anything is wrong, or experiences any unusual physical symptoms, please let us know immediately, and I will come to address the issue as soon as possible."

Zuo Le explained this to Chen Qi, but didn't tell Chen Qi that his threat wasn't those martial arts figures, but his second brother, who was hiding somewhere. Zuo Le didn't intend for Chen Qi to have any contact with the other, more troublesome fragment of "Sui," and preferably not even the slightest interest.

Based on Chongyue's understanding of his younger brother, the latter wouldn't be foolish enough to possess Chen Qi... It's more likely that he'll take advantage of the current chaos and use the large number of martial arts figures in Lungmen to find another opportunity.

The purpose of Zuo Le and his group is to keep a close eye on whether Chen Qi is possessed, and to control Chen Qi in time so that Chongyue can remove the possession from his second brother. Once that's done, everything will be fine.

"Since everyone says so, then I'll start arranging the roles and scenes."

"Because the setting of 'Kung Fu Hustle' is Lungmen, I don't plan to use Xi's powers for filming this time. Xi's powers are much more convenient for some scenes, such as battlefields and science fiction backgrounds, but this time, we must use real locations."

"Uncle Lin, are there any old tenement buildings in the slums? The kind that are about to be demolished but have been forgotten about?"

"Yes, there are." The Rat King nodded in agreement. He knew the situation in the slums very well, and he was also very clear about the areas where Infected lived in high concentrations.

"There's an old place called 'Rat Stronghold,' where seventy or eighty Infected live. It should have been demolished long ago, but because there are so many Infected living there, it's been delayed until now."

"... What, you're not planning to film there, are you?" The Rat King belatedly realized that Chen Qi would never ask about things unrelated to filming, and was somewhat taken aback.

"Why not? It's just a bit of a hassle, Uncle Lin, to let Infected know we need to use that place for filming, and we hope they can cooperate." Chen Qi confirmed the filming location and then added:

"Also, I would like to borrow your gang members, Uncle Lin. My only request is that they prepare a full set of suits and an axe."

"... That's easy." Although the Rat King didn't know what Chen Qi was planning, it was clear that Chen Qi had contributed a lot to this film, which was a good thing for the Rat King.

After all, Chen Qi's filming this time was directly supported by the Emperor of Yan. In other words, filming with Chen Qi now is equivalent to receiving royal funding. All filming costs will be directly funded by Yan. Moreover, this would be a great contribution to a gang like the Rat King, which would help him to clear his name later.

"I'll have my men talk to those Infected today. Yuxia will take you with her tomorrow. All my men will follow your orders."

"Thank you, Uncle Lin." Chen Qi nodded, but at that moment, the Rat King suddenly looked troubled. However, he ultimately decided to speak, saying:

"Well... Yuxia has a small request. She said she hopes to act in your movie this time as well. Director Chen Qi, what do you think...?"

"Ah, that's right, I was just about to say that. If it's alright, Uncle Lin, would you do me the Rat King of playing a martial arts master in my movie?"

Seeing that the Rat King wanted to arrange a place for Lin Yuxia, Chen Qi seized the opportunity to extend his invitation to the Rat King, immediately flattering him as he said:

"Uncle Lin, your internal strength is profound, but most people only know you for your Originium Arts. I'd like to cast you as a master of internal strength in this movie."

"By the way, General Zuo Le, I previously asked you to find a master qin player. I wonder if Zuo Le have found one?"

"... Regarding this, Director Chen Qi, I originally intended to go and find him, but I was stopped by the owner of Penguin Logistics, a man who calls himself 'The Emperor.'" Zuo Le, somewhat embarrassed, bowed to Chen Qi as he mentioned this.

"'Use an instrument? You guys don't ask me to play an instrument? Do you look down on me, the Emperor? Don't think I only play rock and rap. You weren't even born when I was playing an instrument! I have to go see Chen Qi's movie!'... That's what he said."

"Clearly, Mr. The Emperor is also very interested in starring in your film, Director Chen Qi; he seems to want to reserve a spot..."

"... The Emperor? And the Rat King? This combination Tai He, does it?"

However, Chen Qi also blinked. He had originally planned to have the Rat King and another internal martial arts master who used the zither play the "Heavenly Cripple and Earthly Defect" combination in "Kung Fu Hustle". The Rat King's claws were very suitable for one of them, while the other zither player had more scenes, so he needed to consider it more carefully.

But the Emperor... Chen Qi just thought about the scene of the Emperor and the Rat King appearing together on screen, and he already found it inexplicably funny.

It's quite interesting, but Chen Qi is worried: can the Emperor really handle it? Just as Chen Qi was thinking this, Wei Yenwu, who was standing beside him, finally spoke up:

"The Emperor also discussed this matter with me... He also said, 'So many experts from other places have come to Lungmen. We can't let those stinky outsiders steal the limelight from our Lungmen experts. We need to make an appearance in that kid Chen Qi's movie, to keep the scene in check, and to prevent those people from making any rash moves!'"

So you guys are just engaging in regional discrimination, huh? Wei Yenwu, you're supposed to be a ruler of Lungmen, aren't you going to say anything?

Chen Qi understood the meaning behind it. However, the reason why Wei Yenwu did not refute this point was that he felt that the Emperor's statement, "to prevent those experts from making any rash moves," was correct.

Nowadays, Lungmen is a mixed bag, full of experts. Wei Yenwu and the others who participated must show their strength to prevent those experts from causing trouble. This is the right thing to do—after all, no one knows who that "Sui" will possess, thus leading to a chaotic farce.

Therefore, the right thing for Wei Yenwu and his group to do now is to display their strength to prevent these experts pouring into the Lungmen from making any rash moves. This way, if anyone makes any unusual moves, they can react immediately, and other experts will be willing to lend a hand—martial artists admire those who are more capable, and they will naturally obey Wei Yenwu's orders.

The nature of these experts here has changed. Helping Chen Qi with his filming is secondary; being wary of "Sui's" actions is the most important thing.

"In that case, I'll arrange it this way for now. However, even the Emperor needs to audition."

Chen Qi had no choice but to reluctantly agree to the proposal. Just then, he felt a tap on the shoulder, and there stood Chen Qi Lee, his face beaming, looking at Chen Qi with a wide smile.

"Director Chen, you see, since Mr. Lin has already put in such a good word, I'll also do you a favor and put in a good position for you. What do you think?"

"Look, my Waai Fu... oh, she's that Huai the Martial Arts Fanatic's daughter. She also wants to act in your movie. I had a couple too much to drink before, so I just casually agreed. Do you think this is easy to arrange?"

"This girl, putting aside everything else, is quite Kung Fu Hustle her legs. You could even give her a small role in your movie. I can't go back on my word, can I?"

"Speaking of which, Lee, I happen to have the same problem that I need your help with."

Seeing that this was the perfect opportunity, Chen Qi immediately grabbed Lee 'Lee hand, shook it very sincerely, and then said:

"I happen to have a role that suits you. Don't worry about Waai Fu; I've already made arrangements for her. Someone as young and Kung Fu Hustle in martial arts as her is perfect for a role in my movie."

"Regarding staffs, I remember one of the experts who came from Shangshu, named 'Shang Zhong,' is quite good; he's skilled with staffs." Zuo Le immediately replied at this moment. However, Chen Qi seemed to have already made up his mind about casting.

He discovered that the people in the room all seemed usable, and he could make each of them an important character in the movie. Especially considering that many minor characters in the movie had martial arts skills, he felt that his idea could be realized.

"Then it's decided. Let's first select the roles for the characters we've already decided on— Wei Yenwu, and Madam Wen Yue, these two very important roles are entrusted to you."

"You brat, you're still trying to mess with these old bones."

When Wei Yenwu saw that Chen Qi had finally brought up his name, he knew Wei Yenwu couldn't escape this time, so he pretended to be helpless and stood up.

What? Why pretend to be helpless? Because Wei Yenwu's attitude towards making movies has changed after seeing so many of his old brothers from Lungmen get involved.

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