Reborn in the Hong Kong entertainment industry in the 1980s

"Cut!"

The director shouted, and the crew immediately packed up.

Hu Xiaoxiao has finished filming all her scenes; she wrapped up filming today.

"Director Shao, I'm treating everyone to dinner tonight," Hu Xiaoxiao said as she untied the wires.

Director Shao instructed the crew to pack their things, saying, "Of course I want to go to dinner, but we need to film a few more night scenes tonight. After the entire series is finished, I'll have Charlie treat everyone to dinner."

Xu Xiuqin, the actress who plays Jiang Huanyue, clapped and cheered: "That's great! If Charlie is treating, I'll order a whole table of shark fin and abalone."

Director Shao was in a good mood and said with a smile, "No problem, I agree on Charlie's behalf."

"Huh? Did the sun set in the east today? How generous!" veteran actor Cao Wenshan joked.

Director Shao sincerely said, "Everyone worked very hard and put their heart into this drama. You deserve a big meal."

In this drama, not a single actor faltered. Not only were their action scenes exceptionally well-done, but their dramatic performances were also better than ever before. Even the extras with only one or two scenes had their moments of brilliance.

It's fair to say that this is the most comfortable and hassle-free drama that Shao Yitao has ever directed. As a professional director, he was already able to predict the audience's reaction after the drama aired.

Just as Shao Yitao had predicted, the show was a hit with both audiences and industry professionals as soon as it aired.

Hu Xiaoxiao perfectly embodied the effects the director and screenwriter envisioned. Her martial arts were the best in the entire series, not only were they spectacular, but she also exuded an ethereal beauty. Her appearance and styling reached new heights of beauty.

Hu Xiaoxiao is 100% beautiful and ethereal.

Mingxu also delivered a perfect performance, completely overturning his previous image as an upright and chivalrous young man in this drama.

He portrayed the character with great success, showcasing his versatility to both audiences and industry professionals, and greatly expanding his acting range.

What surprised audiences and industry insiders the most was the performance of the other actors in the drama. Each actor delivered a brilliant performance, bringing their characters to life. Although this drama is not an anniversary production, it has surpassed the standards of an anniversary drama.

Some people asked those actors, especially veteran actors, how they suddenly seemed to have unlocked their full potential and undergone a complete transformation.

The actors humbly said, "It's because the director filmed well and the screenwriter wrote well that I acted well."

But a bitter tear welled up inside: Before, no one always tried to steal their roles; they were afraid of losing all their opportunities, so they had no choice but to work incredibly hard…

It's pitiful that they're so old, and finally—they've become famous.

The benefits of becoming famous are obvious. Not only can you get commercial performance opportunities, but you can also get roles with more screen time, which increases your income significantly.

Hu Xiaoxiao and Ming Xu, who played the lead roles, started taking on advertisements again. Because they played lovers in two consecutive dramas and their appearances were very compatible, the media gave them the title of "screen couple".

Couple stickers and posters featuring the two of them are everywhere. Brands also invite them to their promotional campaigns, which is very effective at attracting attention.

While other actors were trying their best to take advantage of their popularity to get commercial performances and make more money, Hu Xiaoxiao went to find Charlie.

"Charlie, you promised that if 'The Legend of Long Yijiang' did well in the ratings, you would give him a leading role in a drama. Now you can keep your promise."

Charlie put down his teacup, both amused and exasperated. "Can't you take a break? The new show hasn't even finished airing, and you're already rushing to the next one?"

Hu Xiaoxiao poured Charlie some tea and said, "I've always been very hardworking and diligent, you know that, right?"

Strike while the iron is hot. What if Charlie changes his mind later if we don't settle on the leading lady soon?

Although both dramas in which she played the lead role achieved impressive ratings, she was somewhat tired of always playing supporting roles.

She also considered that while the martial arts drama market is currently doing well, audiences will eventually tire of her if she films too many. She needs to capitalize on the audience's initial interest in her and their continued enjoyment of her by quickly filming a few leading female role martial arts dramas. Once martial arts dramas become saturated, her acting skills will have honed, making it a perfect opportunity for a career transition.

Hu Xiaoxiao had planned her life very carefully.

“But a female-led martial arts drama…” Charlie hesitated. Martial arts dramas are usually carried by male actors. How could a woman carry a martial arts drama? No one has done this market yet, and the risk is very high.

Although he thought highly of Hu Xiaoxiao, he had more concerns. "Xiaoxiao, why don't you act in a few more dramas with Mingxu? You can use the on-screen couple thing to boost your popularity. Once you've built up enough buzz, I'll definitely give you a leading role in a drama."

Hu Xiaoxiao crossed her arms and sat opposite Charlie with a half-smile, saying, "Charlie, you always say you're as good as gold, but now you're going back on your word. If you keep lying, all your teeth will fall out."

“I’m just thinking about you. I’m worried that if you can’t carry the show, your image will plummet. You have so many endorsements, and if your image falls to rock bottom, it will greatly affect your commercial value.”

Hu Xiaoxiao said confidently, "Charlie, the success of my two consecutive dramas is enough to prove my ability to carry a drama, and my commercial value is enough to prove my popularity among the audience. The ratings when I participated in the Miss Hong Kong pageant were also very impressive. If you don't dare to invest in someone as talented as me, then frankly, your position as deputy director will have to be replaced sooner or later."

Charlie chuckled. "So, if I don't give you a show, I won't even have the deputy director position? Okay, since you're so confident, and I did promise you, let's consider giving you a show with a strong female lead."

Hu Xiaoxiao quickly said, "Don't think about it anymore, let's finalize it now."

"Do you think starting a drama is that easy? First, you need to find a suitable director. The directors under my supervision are good at filming men, but when it comes to filming women, they can only capture their charm. You also need to find a suitable screenwriter. Otherwise, it's just a female lead wearing a man's skin, and you can imagine how bad the result will be. The most important thing is the script. A good script needs to be polished. If the script is bad, the drama is already half ruined."

Charlie thought for a moment and then said, "I'll let the screenwriting department know and have them select a screenwriter who can write women's plays. I'll let you know once it's decided."

Hu Xiaoxiao recommended Yao Wenlong, saying, "I think he's good. I've had a pleasant collaboration with him several times, so why not let him be the lead writer?"

Most importantly, Yao Wenlong was willing to listen to her opinions and understand her acting style. In her first leading role drama, Hu Xiaoxiao appeared confident on the surface, but she was very cautious in her heart and tried her best to do well in every aspect.

If she does well in her first drama, the company will proactively provide her with resources later on without her having to fight for them.

Similarly, if things don't go well at the start, it will be very difficult to get things going later.

Charlie agreed, "Okay."