Video Editor

Hangzhou, June 2016.

Su Ning woke up from a deep sleep, and as soon as she opened her eyes, she immediately felt a change in her body...

The sluggish feeling of gradually aging in the dungeon world disappeared, replaced by the lightness and vitality of someone in their early twenties.

He sat up, looked around, and found that it was the study he knew so well.

The room was decorated in a luxurious, modern style, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the sunrise over West Lake. On the solid wood desk sat his wedding photo with Chen Xiaojun…

In the photo, both of them are wearing traditional Chinese wedding attire and are smiling broadly.

This is his home in the main world.

The year was 2016.

He spent over sixty-seven years in the dungeon world, while only sixty-seven days have passed here.

"Afu," he called softly.

The smart panel on the wall lit up, emitting a familiar and gentle electronic voice: "Master, welcome back. Body status scan complete: age 22, physical fitness rating A+, all indicators normal."

Where is Xiaojun?

"The lady of the house was working overtime in a meeting at the company last night and is currently resting in the bedroom. She is expected to wake up in two hours," Afu reported. "Should we wake her up now?"

"Let her sleep." Su Ning got out of bed and went into the bathroom.

The reflection in the mirror showed that I had regained my youthful appearance...

No gray hair, no wrinkles, and clear, sharp eyes.

Seventy-four years of life experience in the dungeon world are etched in his eyes, but his body remains young.

Although this has happened many times, the contrast is still quite amazing.

After taking a shower and changing into her pajamas, Suning went into the study.

"Report on the status of industries in the main world."

"Retrieving data." Afu responded quickly. "Da Ning Capital: Total assets under management of RMB 327 billion, mainly investing in new energy, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology sectors, with an annualized return of 28.4%. Tiangong Auto: Cumulative deliveries of new energy vehicles of 153,000 units, the second-generation flagship model 'Geovanna B' was launched last month, with orders exceeding 10,000 in the first month."

"What about the film and television companies?"

"The 'Bizarre and Wonderful' film and television company, in collaboration with Shandong Film and Television Group, has completed preliminary preparations for the project 'The Story of Minglan'," Afu said, pulling up detailed documents. "The script adaptation is complete, Zhang Kaizhou has been selected as the director, and the main Song Dynasty street scene has been built in Hengdian. Currently, we are stuck in the casting stage—Shandong Film and Television Group insists on using actors signed with Daylight Entertainment, while the female lead, Chen Xiaojun, hopes to use more newcomers from the company."

Su Ning nodded; all of this was within his expectations.

His experience in the dungeon world made him more adept at this type of business negotiation.

What has Lin Yunxiao been up to lately?

"Ms. Lin Yunxiao finished filming the urban drama 'Ode to Joy' two months ago and has been performing Yue Opera with the troupe ever since. She expressed her desire to participate in 'The Story of Ming Lan' through her agent, but hasn't specified a role." Afu paused. "Master, should I arrange your schedule?"

"Contact Xiaojun first... wait, she's awake."

Footsteps echoed down the corridor, and the study door was pushed open.

Chen Xiaojun stood at the door in her bathrobe. She was stunned when she saw Su Ning, then her eyes lit up: "You're back? Why did this business trip take so long, a full sixty-seven days?"

"There are some things that need to be taken care of." Su Ning smiled and opened her arms.

Chen Xiaojun walked over and hugged him, carefully examining his face: "You look... a little different. Your eyes are more composed."

"I miss you," Su Ning joked.

"Come on." Chen Xiaojun patted him lightly. "By the way, you've just come out of seclusion. The casting meeting for 'The Story of Minglan' is at the company at 2 pm today. People from Shandong Film and Television will also be there. You have to help me make the selections."

Has the male lead been cast?

"Not yet, it's at a stalemate." Chen Xiaojun sat down on the sofa. "Shandong Film and Television wants to use Wang Kai, but I think his temperament is too refined and not suitable for the arrogant nature of someone from a military family like Gu Tingye. We do have a few good newcomers in our company, but they are too inexperienced, and Shandong Film and Television is not comfortable with them."

Su Ning poured herself a glass of water: "What do you think of my portrayal of Gu Tingye?"

Chen Xiaojun suddenly looked up, her eyes wide: "You? You're serious?"

“Of course I’m serious! You didn’t think I was joking when I told you last time, did you?” Su Ning nodded. “Besides, I’ve read the original novel. The character Gu Tingye has layers—in the early stages he’s a playboy in the capital, in the middle he’s down on his luck and patient, and in the later stages he’s a powerful minister in a marquis’s mansion. His age ranges from eighteen to forty, and my current condition is just right for playing the role.”

"But you're the investor, the boss, and you're playing the male lead..."

“Can’t the boss act? Don’t forget I was originally an actor.” Su Ning laughed. “Besides, think about it, I play the male lead and you play Minglan, this couple will generate a lot of buzz, right? We can save a lot on publicity costs.”

Chen Xiaojun's eyes lit up, but then she frowned: "Then I have to reconsider how to act as the female lead... I was prepared to act with a young heartthrob, but I need to adjust my aura if I'm acting with you."

“That’s what professional actors should consider,” Su Ning said. “As for Shandong Film and Television, I’ll talk to them personally.”

"They have very strict requirements. For Noon Sunshine's productions, the casting power is basically in the hands of producer Hou Hongliang."

"Hou Hongliang values ​​the quality of the work. As long as I can convince him that I can act well, I'll have a chance." Su Ning was very confident. "I'll attend the meeting this afternoon."

Chen Xiaojun thought for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "If you can really act, then the role of Man Niang... I think Sister Yun Xiao is suitable."

"Lin Yunxiao?"

“Yes! Her beautiful yet melancholic temperament is perfect for playing the mistress Manniang.” Chen Xiaojun said, glancing mischievously at Su Ning. “And the two of you will definitely have chemistry when you act together.”

Su Ning knew she was joking and said frankly, "There can definitely be something that comes together in terms of acting. But ultimately it depends on the director and producer's opinion."

"Then I'll contact Yunxiao and ask her what she thinks."

"No rush." ​​Su Ning checked the time. "I'm hungry. Is there breakfast?"

"Auntie made some porridge, I'll go heat it up." Chen Xiaojun got up, walked to the door and then turned back. "To be honest, I'd be really happy if you could go back to acting. I always feel like you've neglected what you're best at all these years because you've been doing business."

"Pick it up now."

After the meal, Suning first dealt with some backlogged documents.

Afu has already transferred some of the technical data from the dungeon world into Tiangong Auto's R&D system in batches...

These are all mature new energy technologies that can enable the next generation of products to lead the industry by two to three years.

At 10 a.m., he dialed Lin Yunxiao's number.

"President Su? What a rare guest." Lin Yun's voice was tinged with laughter. "Xiaojun told me you were away on a business trip. You're back?"

"Just got back," Su Ning said. "I heard you're interested in 'The Story of Minglan'?"

"Xiaojun told you? I really like that script, it's about domestic intrigue in the Song Dynasty, and the production quality is excellent." Lin Yun smiled and paused, "But the female lead's age is set too young, it's not suitable for me to play the role. As for the supporting actress... it depends on which role it is."

"What about Manniang?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds.

"Gu Tingye's mistress, that scheming woman who eventually went mad?" Lin Yun's tone turned serious. "This role is challenging... You suddenly asked me this, could it be..."

"Xiaojun and I will both be at the casting meeting this afternoon. I want to play Gu Tingye, but she suggested you play Manniang."

Lin Yun chuckled: "You two are really going to take on all the main roles! But seriously, if you play Gu Tingye, I'm actually interested in playing Man Niang. Let's see how I torment you."

"Then come to the company this afternoon? Let's meet the production team together."

"Okay, I'll be there at two o'clock."

After hanging up the phone, Su Ning asked Afu to pull up the scenes between Gu Tingye and Man Niang from the original novel of "The Story of Minglan".

The life experiences he gained in the dungeon world gave him a deeper understanding of these complex relationships.

……

At 1:50 PM, in the conference room of the Bizarre and Strange Film Company.

When Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun arrived, Shandong Film and Television producer Hou Hongliang and director Zhang Kaizhou were already there and looking at the actors' information.

"President Hou, Director Zhang," Su Ning said, taking the initiative to shake hands.

"Mr. Su, it's an honor to meet you." Hou Hongliang, in his early fifties, wore glasses and looked very refined. "I heard from Mr. Chen that you have new ideas for the project?"

"Yes! I do have some ideas."

Everyone took their seats.

At this moment, Chen Xiaojun, who was standing to the side, explained directly, "Regarding the male lead, Gu Tingye, we recommend someone—Su Ning." Hou Hongliang and Zhang Kaizhou were both stunned.

"Mr. Su, is that you?" Zhang Kaizhou confirmed.

“Yes.” Chen Xiaojun pushed the prepared materials over. “This is a collection of Su Ning’s early works, including Jiang Weimin’s ‘Parents’ Love’ and Taozi’s ‘Under the Zhengyang Gate’…”

Hou Hongliang flipped through the documents, his brows furrowing slightly: "I know President Su's acting skills are indeed excellent. But the role of Gu Tingye requires him to play a character from eighteen to forty years old, a large age span, and the physical demands are also high..."

“Physical fitness is no problem,” Su Ning replied. “I maintain a workout routine of at least ten hours per week, and I’ve learned horseback riding and archery. As for my perceived age—”

He adjusted his posture, and his eyes and demeanor changed instantly. "This is Gu Tingye, the eighteen-year-old playboy of the capital."

His tone was flippant, and his eyes held a cynical air.

After a three-second pause, his breathing became heavy, his shoulders slumped slightly, and his eyes became weathered and restrained: "This is Gu Tingye, who was expelled from his family and is now wandering outside."

Then, he straightened his back, his gaze sharpened, and exuded an imposing aura: "This is Lord Gu, who holds sway over the Marquis's mansion and wields immense power in the court."

The three performances lasted less than a minute before the meeting room fell silent.

Director Zhang Kaizhou's eyes lit up: "This transition... is very natural."

Hou Hongliang was also moved: "President Su has indeed grasped the core essence of the character. However, the filming period is long, requiring five to six months on set, and your company affairs..."

“The company has a professional team, and important decisions can be made remotely,” Su Ning said. “Since I want to act, I will devote myself to it wholeheartedly.”

Just then, there was a knock on the conference room door, and Lin Yun smiled.

She was dressed simply today, but her outstanding temperament made her stand out as soon as she entered.

"President Hou, Director Zhang," Lin Yun greeted them with a smile, and naturally sat down next to Su Ning.

Chen Xiaojun then introduced, "Regarding the role of Man Niang, we felt that Yun Xiao was very suitable. She is beautiful and tragic, making people both hate and pity her."

Hou Hongliang looked at the three people in front of him—Su Ning, Chen Xiaojun, and Lin Yunxiao—all of whom were skilled actors and naturally attracted attention.

He quickly calculated in his mind: the acting skills were up to par, the image was suitable, and the commercial value was enormous...

"I need to see a scene with him," Hou Hongliang finally said. "The scene where Gu Tingye and Manniang break up. Let's try it here now."

This was an impromptu test, but Su Ning and Lin Yun exchanged a smile and both laughed.

"Do we need to prepare anything?" Zhang Kaizhou asked.

"No need." Su Ning stood up, using a corner of the conference table as a backdrop. "This will do."

Lin Yunxiao also stood up, smoothed his hair, and his eyes changed instantly.

No props, no costumes, just the two of them, an impromptu performance.

With his back to Lin Yunxiao (Manniang), Su Ning (Gu Tingye) asked in an icy voice, "Tell me the truth, is Changge'er really my son?"

Lin Yunxiao (Manniang) smiled sadly, her eyes filled with tears yet stubborn: "Does the Marquis mean he's abandoning us, mother and child, by asking this now?"

"I want to hear the truth."

"The truth?" Man Niang suddenly became agitated. "The truth is, I've followed you for twelve years! Twelve years! I gave you the best years of my life, and now that you've married a noblewoman, you're going to abandon us?"

Gu Tingye turned around, his eyes filled with pain and anger: "I gave you land and shops, so you could live a life of comfort, but you were greedy and lied to me time and time again!"

"I'm greedy?" Man Niang gave a bitter laugh. "I just want a proper status so my son can be recognized as a member of the family. Is that greed?"

The two looked at each other, one filled with anger, the other with despair.

There was silence in the conference room.

The performance ended three minutes later.

Su Ning and Lin Yunxiao returned to normal, as if the fierce confrontation had never happened.

Hou Hongliang took a deep breath and clapped.

"Excellent." He said sincerely, "President Su, Teacher Lin, your acting skills are truly superb. Especially the complex feeling of love and hate intertwined, it was very well done."

Zhang Kaizhou nodded in agreement: "Gu Tingye's arrogance and pain, and Manniang's beauty and scheming, are all well-portrayed."

Hou Hongliang and Zhang Kaizhou exchanged a few words in hushed tones, then Hou Hongliang looked up and said, "So, President Su will play Gu Tingye, President Chen will play Sheng Minglan, and Teacher Lin will play Manniang—I agree to this combination in principle. But we need to sign a formal contract, including clauses on full-time participation in the production and cooperation in promotion."

“No problem.” Su Ning extended her hand.

"Pleasant to work with."

The overall situation has been decided.

The meeting also discussed details such as the selection of other supporting actors and the filming schedule, and it was nearly evening when it ended.

After seeing off the people from the film studio, Chen Xiaojun breathed a sigh of relief: "It's finally settled. You have no idea how many times we argued about the male and female leads. Director Zhang favored Feng Xiaofeng and Zhao Liyin."

Lin Yun smiled at Su Ning and said, "To be honest, your performance just now surprised me. You truly deserve to be called the most talented actor."

"I've gained more life experience," Su Ning said simply. "By the way, how about we have dinner together tonight? Let's celebrate."

"Okay," Lin Yun readily agreed with a smile.

Lin Yunxiao has now completely come to terms with it, since there's no point in dwelling on it.

Now that it's in Suning's hands and they're powerless to resist, they might as well enjoy it.

That evening, the three of them ate at a private restaurant.

During the meal, they talked about filming plans, their understanding of the characters, and interesting stories from filming together many years ago.

Chen Xiaojun suddenly asked, "Yunxiao, if you play Manniang, you'll have kissing and intimate scenes with Su Ning. Aren't you embarrassed?"

Lin Yun smiled elegantly as she picked up some food, her face showing no sign of discomfort. "Professional actors, after all! We worked together quite well in 'Ode to Joy.' But you, watching him and me being lovey-dovey, aren't you jealous?"

“It’s just a movie,” Chen Xiaojun laughed. “And I know that he’s my husband in real life.”

Lin Yunxiao naturally understood what Chen Xiaojun meant, and then the three of them looked at each other and smiled.

After the meal, Lin Yunxiao's assistant came to pick her up.

As she was leaving, she turned back to Su Ning and said, "Before the official filming begins, should we go over the scenes beforehand to get a feel for the role?"

"Okay, you set the time."

The car drove away.

Chen Xiaojun, arm in arm with Su Ning, strolled along the streets on a summer night.

"I never imagined you still have such a passion for acting," she said.

“I didn’t expect it either.” Su Ning looked at the lights in the distance, “but it feels good. Acting is about creating another world, another life.”

Just like the Forrest Gump instance world he just finished.

But this time, it's happening in the real world, through art.

"Oh, right." Chen Xiaojun remembered something, "Afu sent me the company's report for this month. Da Ning Capital and Tiangong Auto are both doing very well. Your head housekeeper is really amazing. Where did he recruit such talent?"

"It really helped a lot! Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to relax so easily," Su Ning said.

After all, only in this way can he focus on filming for five months and immerse himself in the world of the dungeon without any distractions.

Only then can one return to the career they originally loved.

The night breeze was gentle as Su Ning held Chen Xiaojun's hand and walked home.

The past sixty-seven years in the world of dungeons have been a period of accumulation, strategic planning, and the transformation of wealth and resources.

Now, it's time to return to life, to return to one's original aspirations, and to return to the things that initially brought him joy.

Acting, loving, running a business, enjoying life.

This is the world he truly wants.

...(End of chapter)