บท 50: Chapter 50 – He’s so good, no one is allowed to steal him!
Translator: Vian
Editors: namio
In his last life, Rong Xu had also set up a home theater in his house for him to watch movies whenever he's free.
This kind of home theater has high requirements for the equipment so that when it's playing a movie, the viewing experience won't be any worse than that of the movie theater. And due to its narrower space, it also allowed people to feel more immersed in the movie.
When Qin Cheng went to pick out a movie, he casually asked: "What kind of movie do you want to watch?"
It's only been less than a year since he came to this world. Rong Xu hasn't seen many movies and even fewer drama series. Thinking for a moment, he suddenly thought of someone and smiled: "When I was filming "Black Clouds", Xia Muyan and I had a scene together. She left a rather deep impression on me then. Do you have any of Xia Muyan's films here?"
Qin Cheng raised an eyebrow: " Left a deep impression?"
Rong Xu nodded lightly and explained: ���She has good acting skills and an even better temperament."
This praise Rong Xu said wasn't exactly true. In his judgment, Xia Muyan's acting skills were not linked to the awards and reputation she'd won. Her acting skills were without a doubt excellent, but it was not much better than Yu Siyu's and was also worse than Wen Xuan's. But Rong Xu was only a newcomer who just entered the circle right now. If he really said such things, it wouldn't just be offending people, he would also be seen as ignorant.
What Xia Muyan possessed that truly surpassed everyone else's was her temperament.
Some stars were born with a face suitable for the big screen. When they pose for fashion magazines, a sense of reality is there and their momentum comes out; When they are in a movie, one would feel that there is a deeper meaning in this movie, not some meaningless drama.
Xia Muyan belongs to this type of pure movie face that's suitable for acting on the silver screen and relies on it to earn her keep.
Qin Cheng pulled out a DVD from the shelf and put it into the DVD player. After the movie's theme song played, Rong Xu looked over at Qin Cheng in surprise but he only saw the latter sitting calmly on the single sofa chair calmly explaining: "I only have this one film that is her work."
This movie was called "Hongmen Banquet" which was based on the famous historical stories of "The Invitation to Hongmen Banquet" and "The Hegemon Emperor Bids His Concubine Farewell".
Xia Mayan was still young back then, and still haven't won the Golden Phoenix Award. In this film, she wasn't the heroine Yu Ji , but the second female lead Lu Zhi. This role was a turning point for her image. Prior to this, most of her roles were graceful and gentle, but this time she successfully played the decisive killer Lu Zhi and became one of China's top movie actresses.
It was also worth mentioning that the male lead of this film was sitting here at this moment watching the movie with Rong Xu.
Rong Xu: "..."
This kind of situation where you are watching the movie starring the other party together was very awkward, relatively speaking. But with the official start of the movie, the intense plot quickly attracted Rong Xu's attention, leaving no room for any other thoughts. Besides him, this Mister Film Emperor who played Xiang Yu in the film was also calmly watching, except his attention didn't seem to be focused on the movie as he kept on sneaking glances at the youth next to him out of the corner of his eye.
"Hongmen Banquet" was a movie Qin Cheng starred in seven years ago. At that time, he was only twenty and had not starred in "Musheng" yet. When the crew announced that he would play Xiang Yu, it was opposed by many fans and many unpleasant voices spoke up from within the circle.
Xiang Yu was a domineering man, a Hegemon Emperor. Can a barely twenty years old young man handle this role?
Facts proved that he can. Qin Cheng was later nominated for three awards with this film and won the favor of China's top Director Zhu Lao, who invited him to appear in "Musheng", finally becoming the world-class superstar Qin Cheng he was today.
Many fans have said that the character Qin Cheng played that people liked most was Third Young Master Lu Musheng, but the character women were most infatuated with was Xiang Yu.
Qin Cheng's "Hongman Banquet" brought to life a Hegemon Emperor of Western Chu who stole the hearts of countless female fans.
...In other words, this film was one of his most masculine films. It should be quite effective?
Qin Cheng silently thought to himself as he watched the fascinated youth.
The two hour movie soon ended. The Hegemon Emperor bids his Concubine Farewell, Suicide at Wu River; when this raging battle between the Chu and Han was over at the riverside, accompanied by the desolated background music, the camera slowly panned across, leaving only the water of the Wu River flowing together with history of time, ceaselessly moving forward.
A good movie can make those watching feel deeply moved and ponder over the details. This film was obviously a superior work. Rong Xu still remembered the laughter and anger of each character. Even the seemingly simple and ordinary Liu Bang was a multi-faceted person and a three-dimensional character.
Not to mention the main characters Xiang Yu and Yu Ji.
After finishing the movie, the two left the home theatre. While making coffee, Qin Cheng casually asked: "How was it, what do you think of the movie?"
Rong Xu naturally had a lot to say after watching such a good film. He took the coffee Qin Cheng passed him. His eyes were bright and seemed to be a little excited as he sincerely praised: "This is a really excellent movie. Xia Muyan's acting was really good, I never thought she could perform Lu Zhi so well. It's no wonder she won the Best Supporting Female Lead for the Effie Awards and Golden Phoenix Awards with this role."
Qin Cheng stared blankly as he heard this, then said: "When she was filming, she was NG-ed by the Director many times. Her acting skills really did improve a lot."
Rong Xu nodded: "So that's the case. No wonder I felt that her emotions and expressions got better towards the end. There's also Lin Xiao's Yu Ji, she also performed really well. Although I felt that it was a bit lacking when she's with Xiang Yu in the beginning, but the 'Hegemon Emperor bids his Concubine Farewell' scene was really heartbreaking.
Qin Cheng: "…That's all?"
Confused, Rong Xu held the white porcelain cup and looked up at Qin Cheng. He saw the man stare back at him with a steady, deep gaze, but somehow Rong Xu saw a hint of… expectation?
Thinking for a moment, Rong Xu added: "Your Xiang Yu was performed really well." This sentence was genuine and sincere, with an earnest tone that came completely from the heart, "I couldn't tell that you were only twenty years old at the time, your acting was excellent."
Luo Zhentao once told Rong Xu that although Qin Cheng has always been at the pinnacle of the entertainment industry in China right now and even on the global stage, it was no longer Qin Cheng's golden era. Ever since "Musheng", Qin Cheng had stopped so desperately acting in movies. There was only one movie a year and he rarely accepted TV programs, as if he had entered retirement in advance.
His current age was the true starting point for many stars.
But Qin Cheng had already reached the end of his road and could no longer move forward. There were no evenly matched rivals beside him. He needs to show the older seniors respect, and among his juniors, don't even mention reaching his position, there was not a single male actor who could win three Best Male Lead awards.
For those under Qin Cheng's age, there's a deep chasm between the male actors in China's movie industry. It seemed to be full of promise, but there was no one truly outstanding.
So when Rong Xu saw this "Hongmen Banquet", he realized the true meaning of Luo Zhentao's words for the first time. Five, six years ago was Qin Cheng's golden era. With his grand ambitions and determination at that time, he resolutely and decisively cleared the way, reaching the pinnacle no one could reach with "Musheng".
Rong Xu couldn't help but wonder, if the one he met was the Qin Cheng back then, what would it feel like?
He's afraid he would only be even more excited and strive to work even harder.
Qin Cheng no longer had any motivation because he felt that there was no room for further progress. There was a lack of excellent directors, a lack of excellent scripts, a lack of excellent crews, and a lack of excellent rivals.
Then if it was him, could he ignite this man's fighting spirit?
Rong Xu took a sip of the coffee as he secretly thought to himself.
And Qin Cheng naturally didn't know that he had lifted a rock only to drop it on his own foot. He just wanted to attract the youth with his own movie, but he never thought that while the other person was attracted, the one he appreciated was the him seven years ago! And he even wanted to met the him from seven years ago!
At that moment, the two people each had their own thoughts.
Rong Xu was thinking about how to help this man regain his original ambition and motivation, while Qin Cheng was silently thinking: The Xiang Yu I played received a lot of praise. Everyone had said that he was very handsome… How come there's no reaction from him at all?
There was a long silence in the living room until Rong Xu's phone rang, breaking the quiet. The ringtone was the background music from an episode of "Vie for Supremacy". The melodious flute played, the sound elegant and moving. It was Wanqi Yao's character song.
Rong Xu saw the two words "Luo ge" on the screen and paused, then he said to Qin Cheng with a smile: "I'll go take this call."
Rong Xu quickly walked out onto the balcony. He was on the phone for a full ten minutes. When he returned inside, he started changing his clothes.
Seeing this, Qin Cheng gently placed down the coffee cup and asked: "Going out?"Rong Xu smiled and nodded: "Yes, Luo ge will be coming to pick me up to go to the company soon. There's something he needs to discuss with me."
Qin Cheng didn't ask any further, but looking at the relaxed smile on the youth's face, he faintly knew that it shouldn't be anything bad. Before long, Rong Xu went out. After he left, Qin Cheng sent a text message. Ten minutes later, he received a call.
At the other end, Xu Jin methodically reported: "It seems Zhao Chuyun called Luo Zhentao. When "Black Clouds" was filming, Zhao Chuyun missed her old friend and was afraid of getting too emotional so she didn't get involved with the crew's filming. But yesterday, she listened to Rong Xu's "Lost Wings" and seemed to have thought of something, so they're most likely going to talk about their cooperation."
Qin Cheng slightly raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding what was going on. He spoke a few more words with his manager and was about to hang up when he heard Xu Jin suddenly laugh on the other side of the phone, seemingly to casually ask: "Qin Cheng, what exactly is your attitude towards Rong Xu, what… do you think of him?"
A hint of surprise flashed past the pair of dark phoenix eyes. Qin Cheng walked over to the window.
The huge french windows reflected the tall man's figure, his handsome face, and his impeccable temperament. He looked out over the city for a long time, asking back in a low voice: "What should I think of him?"
Xu Jin laughed and jokingly replied: "How do I know what you think of him. But I do know that this Rong Xu is a very powerful newcomer with great potential. Don't you feel a sense of crisis? From what I see, maybe in five years… no, maybe in only three years, he can reach your current position. Speaking of which, I've been working extra hard to make money lately. Do you know why?"
Qin Cheng indifferently humored him: "Why?"
Xu Jin happily laughed: "Because my wife was promoted! You didn't know right? My wife just got promoted last month and is now preparing to venture out and open up a law firm with her friends. My wife is so powerful, if I don't work harder, how can I deserve her? She's so good, others will definitely steal away my wife if I fall behind! How can I let that happen hahaha!"
Qin Cheng: "..."
Xu Jin's laugh quieted down and didn't continue hinting. He and Qin Cheng have known each other for so many years. They're not only partners, but also friends. In the past year or so, he also thought of how to ignite this man's zeal. Now that a hard-to-find opportunity showed itself, he would firmly seize it.
After a long silence, Qin Cheng spoke: "What do you think about that script Director Zhao sent you before?"
Xu Jin replied immediately: "They still haven't found a male lead, the crew plans to start filming next month. Regarding the previous film we arranged with Old Liu, it'll be another half a year for the filming to begin since the preliminary preparations are more complicated." He spoke in a rush and very eagerly, like he was afraid the other would take back what he said the next second.
After a moment of silence, Qin Cheng spoke: "This script isn't bad. Who's the female lead? Tell me by tomorrow, if they're not bad then pick up this film."
Xu Jin was overjoyed: "Okay!"
After hanging up, Qin Cheng looked up to watch the bustling city.
In the entertainment circle, there will be newcomers appearing everyday and there will be old stars dying out everyday. Currently, Rong Xu had arrived at Huaxia Entertainment and was about to meet the industry's gold medal manager that brought up Ling Xiao. At the same time, a certain man who took a break for five years finally picked up his second script of the year.
And online, a message from "Black Clouds"'s official Weibo appeared on the homepage of all their followers.
["Black Cloud"'s crew: Part one of the ultra-luxury guest stars lineup is announced! Is your male god and goddess here? A powerful strike by the first black cloud! [Video Link]@Rong Xu, @Yu Siyu, @Jennifer Akron,@Xia Muyan, @Liu Zhen…]
The author has something to say:
Qin Orangeorange: Baby will work hard! Baby will never let Rongrong be stolen away!
Rongrong: I feel that Qin Cheng was even more handsome six or seven years ago ah~
Qin Orangeorange: QAQ Baby is handsome now too!
Translator's Addition:
Vian: And on this day, the translator is back~
The Invitation to Hongmen Banquet – Also known as the "Banquet at Hongmen", "Hongmen Banquet", "Hongmen Feast" was a historical event that took place in 206 BC at[鴻門 – Hóng mén – Swan goose Gate] outside Xianyang, the capital of the Qin dynasty (Roughly at Hongmenbao Village, Xinfeng Town, Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi province in present-day China.) The main parties in the banquet were Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, two prominent leaders of forces who rebelled against the Qin dynasty from 209–206 BC. The event was one of the highlights of the Chu(Xiang Yu)–Han(Liu Bang) Contention.
Before the banquet, Liu Bang had conquered Wu Pass(a mountain pass) and seized control of Guanzhong and the Qin capital Xianyang. The last Qin emperor surrendered to Liu Bang. At the same time, Xiang Yu also won a battle with the Qin army and was displeased at this news. This and that happened, a traitor from Liu Bang's army defected to Xiang Yu's side, urging him to kill Liu Bang while Xiang Yu's uncle was a good friend of Liu Bang's advisor and warned him so Liu Bang pretended to pose no threat to Xiang Yu.
During the banquet, Liu Bang met Xiang Yu at Hong Gate, where Xiang Yu had prepared a banquet to entertain him. Liu Bang continued his pretending and said how it was just someone trying to sow discord between them.
Xiang Yu's advisor Fan Zeng hinted many times to Xiang Yu to kill Liu Bang as the banquet went on but Xiang Yu ignored him. So Fan Zeng had Xiang Yu's cousin perform a sword dance to find an opportunity to assassinate Liu Bang. However, Xiang Yu's uncle also joined in and blocked the cousin whenever the latter thrust his sword towards Liu Bang.
Some more stuff with Liu Bang's General as Xiang Yu admires him while said general implicitly hints that Liu Bang would not challenge Xiang Yu's authority. Xiang Yu made no comment.
Liu Bang later said that he needed to use the latrine so he left the banquet with the general. General reminds Liu Bang that their lives were in Xiang Yu's hands and they should escape as soon as they had a chance.
Before his escape, Liu Bang gave his advisor a pair of jade tablets and a pair of jade measuring cups, telling him to present them to Xiang Yu and Fan Zeng. THe advisor presented them and apologized on Liu Bang's behalf for leaving without bidding farewell. Xiang Yu accepted the jade tablets but his advisor threw the jade cups to the ground and cut them to pieces with his sword, predicting that Liu Bang would take away the empire from Xiang Yu one day.
The Hegemon-Emperor Bids His Concubine Farewell – Or "The Hegemon-King Bids His Concubine Farewell" [霸王别姬- Bà Wáng Bié Jī], also known as Farewell My Concubine.
It tells a part of Xiang Yu's battle with Liu Bang. In this scene, Xiang Yu was surrounded by Liu Bang's forces and on the verge of total defeat, so he calls forth his horse and begs it to run away for the sake of its own safety. The horse refuses, against his wishes. He then calls for the company of his favorite concubine, Consort Yu. Realizing the dire situation that has befallen them, she begs to die alongside her master, but he strongly refuses this wish. Afterwards, as he is distracted, Consort Yu commits suicide with Xiang Yu's sword.
This particular scene has been made into a traditional Chinese opera. I don't know if it is true in history or not but if it is, it should be after the Hongmen Banquet and during the Battle of Gaixia where Xiang Yu lost and his Consort Yu did commited suicide.
Another popular search that would come up is the novel "Farewell My Concubine" by Lilian Lee and its film adaptation. The story is centered around the play, not the actual history and the main characters are Peking opera actors. Sad stuff, it's set during one of those gay is a big no-no times.
Suicide at Wu River – After the whole "Farewell My Concubine" time at the Battle of Gaixia, Xiang Yu retreated to the bank of the Wu River (near present-day He County, Chaohu City, Anhui) and the ferryman at the ford prepared a boat for him to cross the river, strongly encouraging him to do so because Xiang Yu still had the support of the people from his homeland in the south. Xiang Yu said that he was too ashamed to return home, He refused to cross and ordered his remaining men to dismount, asking the ferryman to take his warhorse back home.
Xiang Yu and his men made a last stand against the Han forces until only Xiang Yu himself was left alive. Xiang Yu continued to fight and sustained several wounds all over his body. Just then, Xiang Yu saw an old friend among the Han soldiers, and he told him, "I heard that the Emperor of Han (Liu Bang) has placed a price of 1,000 gold and the title of "Wanhu Marquis" [萬戶侯 -Wàn hù hóu – Marquis of 10,000 households] on my head. Take it then, on account of our friendship." Xiang Yu then committed suicide by slitting his throat and a brawl broke out among the Han soldiers at the scene due to the reward offered by Liu Bang. Xiang Yu's body was said to be dismembered and mutilated in the fight. The reward was eventually claimed by his friend and five others.
After Xiang Yu's death, Western Chu surrendered and China was united under Liu Bang's rule, marking the victory of the Han dynasty.
Vian: I tried to condense everything, I really did. QvQ
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