It was Zhang Ji, Deng Xiaoqi, and Zhang Bichen who called out to him.
"The three of us have just decided to withdraw from the competition. Since this show is so unfair, there's no point in us staying any longer!"
Deng Xiaoqi said to Wang Shu with a serious expression.
She was very angry about what had just happened.
"Xiaoqi is right. We all support you!"
Zhang Bichen said to Wang Shu, with his arm around Deng Xiaoqi's shoulder.
"Me too!"
Zhang Ji added.
Wang Shu was touched by the actions of the three of them.
In this treacherous industry, it was truly rare to find such loyal friends.
"Thank you!"
Wang Shu sincerely expressed his gratitude to the three of them.
Afterwards, they all returned to the hotel to pack their things.
Since they had withdrawn from the competition, there was no longer any need for them to stay.
Wang Shu simply packed his luggage and booked a flight to Long Island Film City.
Just as he opened the door, ready to leave.
He found his temporary agent, Xiao Su, standing outside.
"What are you doing here?"
Wang Shu asked the young girl in confusion.
"I... I just wanted to see you off. I think Xiangnan TV has treated you unfairly!"
Xiao Su said shyly, lowering her head when Wang Shu asked her.
"You don't need to feel guilty, Xiao Su. This is Xiangnan TV's problem. You're just an employee, and I'm very satisfied with your work. If you don't want to work at Xiangnan anymore, you can always find me!"
Wang Shu walked up to Xiao Su, reached out to stroke her head, and comforted her gently.
"But, you should have been the first place..."
"There are no 'buts.' This world has never been fair, especially in the entertainment industry's pursuit of fame and fortune. You'll understand later!"
Seeing that the young girl was still dwelling on today's events, Wang Shu patiently explained.
Having lived two lives, Wang Shu was already accustomed to such situations. Such underhanded tactics were common in the entertainment industry.
He was just curious as to who the influential figure behind Wu Yifan was, that they could manipulate Xiangnan TV so easily.
It was so powerful that even a heavyweight director like Gong Tao couldn't resist and had to resign in anger.
Thinking of this, Wang Shu couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
After all, he was just starting out in this industry. If the person behind Wu Yifan was truly a powerful figure who could cover the sky with one hand.
Then, his career in entertainment would be over, and he would have to find another path.
However, if it was just a local power player within Xiangnan TV, then it wouldn't be something to fear.
Even if Xiangnan TV controlled a large portion of resources in the current entertainment industry, it didn't mean they could control the entire Chinese entertainment industry.
"Will you still sing in the future?"
Under Wang Shu's comfort, Xiao Su wiped away her tears, stopped crying, and looked up at Wang Shu, asking.
"Yes, I still have so many fans. If I don't sing, wouldn't that be letting them down?"
Wang Shu replied with a smile.
Then, at Xiao Su's insistent request, Wang Shu agreed to let her see him off at the airport.
He then took a plane to Long Island Film City.
Upon arriving at the film city, Wang Shu first went to the company office he had rented the day before.
However, when he arrived at the company, he found that Wang Baobao and Zhang Yimou were not there.
"Did these two run off with the money?"
Wang Shu's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly called Wang Baobao.
"Boss, we're at Beijing Film Academy. Yimou brought me back to school today to find staff!"
Wang Baobao said on the phone.
"Amazing, I was right about them. Their efficiency is reliable!"
Hearing that Zhang Yimou had already returned to school to recruit, Wang Shu was very satisfied.
After all, what he needed most right now was a complete production crew. Once he had a crew, he could find a few actors and start filming.
He didn't plan to cast any popular idols for this drama. Instead, he intended to discover some ordinary actors himself to expand his team.
So, Wang Shu wasn't idle in the afternoon. He walked directly into the actor information distribution center of Long Island Film City with a poster.
This actor information distribution center was essentially the information hub of Long Island Film City.
Most recruitment for extras, stunt doubles, or even roles like "dead bodies" were posted here.
Many unemployed extras would also come here to check for the latest recruitment opportunities.
Therefore, as soon as Wang Shu entered the hall, he directly posted his large poster on the bulletin board.
Soon, many passing extras flocked to the poster.
"Seeking the protagonist?"
"Room and board provided, two thousand per episode!"
"Is this real? Why are they recruiting protagonists here?"
When many extras saw this poster, they were all surprised.
After all, the content on the poster was very attractive. They only earned two hundred yuan a day as extras, and the poster offered two thousand yuan per episode!
As a result, many people rushed to Wang Shu's company.
Seeing the sudden crowd at the door, Wang Shu couldn't help but sigh at the reputation of Long Island Film City.
The poster had only been up for a few minutes, and already thirty to forty people had arrived.
Wang Shu calmly walked out and asked the extras to form a line one by one.
Then, he brought two chairs and placed them in the empty living room.
"How many of you have acted as soldiers?"
Wang Shu asked the extras in line.
"Does playing a Japanese soldier count?"
Someone in the crowd asked.
"It counts. Those who haven't can leave!"
Wang Shu waved his hand, and a dozen actors turned and left.
"Report, I served two years as an enlisted soldier!"
Just as Wang Shu was about to ask the next question, an actor suddenly said loudly.
"Excellent. Those who have served in the military can step forward!"
Wang Shu said directly. His play was about military life, so prior military experience was ideal.
As soon as Wang Shu finished speaking, several extras stepped out from the crowd.
"Alright, the rest of you can disperse. These few can stay!"
Wang Shu continued with a smile, as there were still about ten people remaining.
The main characters in the drama "Soldiers Sortie" were only six or seven.
Therefore, he intended to choose those six or seven people from the remaining individuals.
The rest, after hearing Wang Shu's words, left with disappointment.
"Boss, are there any big stars in this drama of ours?"
After everyone else left, a man among the remaining individuals asked curiously.
"Once this drama airs, you will all be big stars!"
Wang Shu paused slightly and then replied.
Upon hearing Wang Shu's words, the few who remained were immediately excited.
Because many of the roles they had played before were minor characters with no lines, no close-ups, and no significant screen time.
And this time, they had the chance to play the lead roles. Their hearts were filled with excitement, as every extra in Long Island yearned for such an opportunity.
They all dreamed of one day becoming successful and becoming international superstars!
Afterwards, Wang Shu selected six extras from the remaining ten or so who had physical appearances that more closely matched the characters in the "Soldiers Sortie" from his previous life's Earth.
Then, he directly signed performance contracts with these extras.
Of course, the contract content was downloaded from the internet by Wang Shu.
The extras he had chosen were very eager to sign their names upon learning that they would receive a signing bonus of one thousand yuan just for signing the contract.
By the time all this was done, night had fallen.
Wang Shu closed the company door and leaned back lazily in his chair.
The roles for the TV series were now mostly finalized. All that remained was for Zhang Yimou to assemble the crew and choose an auspicious day to begin filming.
He would use this time to write the complete script.
Throughout the night, Wang Shu worked hunched over the old office desk, using the slow computer to write the entire script of "Soldiers Sortie," episode by episode.
The next morning, when Wang Baobao and Zhang Yimou, who had returned from Beijing, pushed open the door.
Wang Shu was still hunched over, his tired body completing the final touches of the script.
"My goodness, boss, you haven't slept all night?"
Zhang Yimou was stunned when he saw this scene and asked Wang Shu with a look of shock.
"I've almost finished the script. How is it on your end?"
Wang Shu asked as soon as he saw Zhang Yimou had returned.
"We've almost finished recruiting the crew. The school has also given me a lot of support. We can start filming anytime!"
Zhang Yimou said directly.
As soon as he returned to school yesterday, he began recruiting. He was surprised by the outcome. The moment he posted the recruitment notice, a group of junior students and classmates called him.
In less than half a day, the positions were basically filled.
Furthermore, his mentor, upon learning about this, helped him apply for a startup subsidy from the school.
"I was indeed right about you, Yimou. You'll definitely become an international director in the future!"
Wang Shu affirmed Zhang Yimou's efficiency. Being able to assemble a complete crew in less than a day, even if it was a makeshift one, was a testament to his ability.
As a director, this organizational skill was an indispensable talent.
If a director lacked organizational skills, they would never be able to make a good film.
"Wang Baobao, starting today, you will enter training."
Wang Shu then turned his attention to Wang Baobao. Last night, he had made arrangements with those actors.
Starting today, they would undergo military training for a period of time.
To prepare for the upcoming filming.
It was also to have them train together, increase their rapport, and familiarize themselves with each other, so that they wouldn't seem out of place during filming.