A good script is like a discerning judge for a thoroughbred horse; it's something you can only hope to encounter, not seek out.
Actors at Jiang Ling's level are no longer concerned with remuneration or ratings; what matters is a good script.
Given a rare opportunity to be part of an excellent production, she would willingly act for free, or even pay to be involved.
Hua Ruyi might not possess the highest artistic achievements or the best directing skills within the filmmaking circle, but his films are undeniably popular.
In the entertainment industry, capital reigns supreme and traffic dictates trends. Artistic merit and cinematography are all superficial; the true key to success lies in securing ratings and generating tangible profits.
Every film directed by Hua Ruyi brings substantial returns to his investors and capital partners, naturally leading them to show him great deference and elevate him to prominence.
Artists under Liuyun Media have benefited from Hua Ruyi's films on multiple occasions.
Facing such a Midas-touch director, Ge Ying dared not be negligent.
Instead of summoning Jiang Ling to the set or having Hua Ruyi seek her out, she arranged for the two of them to meet face-to-face for a proper discussion.
In a top-tier music restaurant in a high-end shopping mall in Shanghai.
Jiang Ling, Hua Ruyi, and Ge Ying sat at a round table.
Jiang Ling, gazing at the tall, well-built, and striking middle-aged man before her, couldn't help but be surprised.
If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she would never have believed that this man, exuding so much masculine energy, was Hua Ruyi, the director most adept at filming ancient costume idol dramas.
How could someone so overtly masculine have chosen such a delicate and flamboyant name for himself?
It was like Zhang Fei, wielding his eight-foot-long serpent spear, delicately posing with fingers like a flower, uttering, "A peach so cool, so refreshing."
Ugh...
The image was too beautiful to bear.
Despite the internal turmoil, Jiang Ling betrayed no emotion.
Fortunately, Hua Ruyi couldn't read minds; otherwise, knowing Jiang Ling's thoughts, he would surely have exploded.
His parents named him 'Ruyi' because they had lived a very difficult life and hoped their son would have everything go his way, bringing him peace and joy as he grew up.
The name originally carried a good meaning, but unfortunately, his surname was Hua.
When Hua encounters Ruyi, those who don't know the context might assume it refers to a woman upon seeing the name.
The stark contrast between his masculinity-charged exterior and his name created a significant effect.
Hua Ruyi, with his rough exterior, was also very direct in his speech.
He looked at Jiang Ling calmly and asked, "Are you satisfied with the project I'm planning to film?"
Seeing his direct question, Jiang Ling nodded, "Very satisfied. It's been a long time since I've encountered a script that made my heart race so much."
Hua Ruyi smiled and said, "Since you're satisfied, let's sign the contract."
Jiang Ling's gaze fixed on Hua Ruyi's eyes as she asked, "Don't I need to audition?"
"No need. I trust that with your talent, you will be able to embody the role of Wu Meiniang," Hua Ruyi said confidently.
"You trust me so much?" Jiang Ling smiled.
"Yes, I never misjudge. If I say you can do it, then you definitely can."
Hua Ruyi's directing style was unconventional, and his actor selection process differed from other directors.
While other directors considered star power and fan following first, then acting skills, Hua Ruyi was different.
Acting skills were important, but not the most crucial aspect for him.
His unique method was to find actors who matched the characters in the script.
He didn't consider popularity or fan base; he only looked at whether the actor's external appearance and temperament closely aligned with the character.