Volume One: High School Days Chapter 88: Casting the Actors

On the first day back at work after the New Year, Liu Sheng announced the launch of the first film of 2013, a project he had personally planned. The news sent the entire company into a frenzy, for Liu Sheng’s talent was acknowledged worldwide. With his transition from animation to live-action films, every fan of his work grew wildly excited.

As Liu Sheng sat in his office, his phone suddenly rang—a call from an unfamiliar number in Xunhai City. Though he didn’t know the caller, he was certain it was from Huayong Group, and instinctively assumed it was Butler Jin.

“Hello, is that Butler Jin?” he asked.

A chuckle greeted him. “Hehehe, Liu Sheng, it’s me, Hu Hong.”

Liu Sheng was momentarily stunned, thinking, “What’s going on? Old Master Hu is calling me personally!” He was clearly both surprised and flattered.

“Liu Sheng, first of all, congratulations on another breakthrough with your animated films. I hear you’re now preparing a live-action movie—I’m truly pleased and very much looking forward to your work.”

“I’m doing this for the future of Liuyao World Film Company, and likewise to strengthen Huayong Group.”

“Enough with the pretty words,” Hu Hong cut in. “Men die for wealth, birds for food—some things never change. But your talent is truly admirable, a rare genius perhaps seen only once in a century!”

After a few brief and tactful words, the call ended. Liu Sheng fell into troubled thought. His talent was well recognized, and as the administrator of Chong City, stars of every rank were vying for a role in his film. With so many outstanding actors, he genuinely didn’t know whom to choose.

He went home, preoccupied. Ren Xiadong and Tang Xin noticed his mood and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Liu Sheng confided his dilemma. Tang Xin immediately suggested, “Why not cultivate your own stars instead of using others?”

Her suggestion made Liu Sheng pause, then, as if struck by inspiration, he turned to Ren Xiadong. “What do you think of Tang Xin’s figure?”

Ren Xiadong replied, “Great—full bust, shapely hips, a real goddess!”

“Do you think she could become a star?” Liu Sheng pressed.

Ren Xiadong answered quickly, “I don’t know about on her own, but with your talent, she’ll definitely make it!”

Suddenly realizing something, Ren Xiadong pointed at Tang Xin. “The lead actress?”

“Exactly,” Liu Sheng replied decisively.

Tang Xin was instantly thrilled, bouncing around in excitement. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a big star! Hahaha!”

With the lead actress settled and the male lead chosen—a current popular heartthrob—the problem of the second female lead became a challenge. Once word spread that the lead actress had been cast, every other actress began competing fiercely for the second female role.

Among them, an eighteen-tier starlet caught the attention of Liu Sheng and Ren Xiadong. Her name was Ge Shiqi, 165 cm tall, weighing 100 pounds, and strikingly beautiful. What set her apart was that, unlike the others who subtly hinted at accepting hidden rules for the role, Ge Shiqi alone refused to compromise her principles. Liu Sheng admired people of principle most, so Ge Shiqi won the part.

When the new school term began, Liu Sheng’s film officially started shooting. Liu Sheng was the director, Ren Xiadong the assistant director, and Tang Xin had even taken a leave of absence from school to participate.

During filming, many actresses tried to get close to Liu Sheng and Ren Xiadong in hopes of advancing their careers.

One day, the third female lead knocked on Liu Sheng’s door and, upon entering, began undressing without preamble. Exasperated, Liu Sheng texted Tang Xin: “Sis, help me out here!”

Just as the third lead wrapped her arms around him, Tang Xin’s knock sounded at the door.

“Wait, someone’s knocking. Put your clothes back on, I’ll get the door,” Liu Sheng said, prompting the actress to hurriedly dress.

When Tang Xin entered, she announced, “Honey, let’s not sleep in separate rooms tonight.”

Seeing the other woman, Tang Xin feigned anger, pointing at her and scolding Liu Sheng, “What’s going on here! So this is what you do behind my back? Didn’t you say I was your only woman?”

Liu Sheng, matching her act, replied, “Darling, let me explain! She was just here to discuss the script. You have to believe me!”

The third female lead backed him up immediately, “Sister-in-law, Liu Sheng always treats me like a younger sister. We really were just discussing the script. I won’t disturb you two any longer—I’ll go now.”

Once she left, Liu Sheng thanked Tang Xin, “Thank you. Your acting is truly exceptional!”

Tears welled in Tang Xin’s eyes. “You think I was acting? My feelings for you are real. If I hadn’t come, would you really have slept with her?”

Liu Sheng was taken aback by her emotion, but before he could reply, Tang Xin pressed on, “I like you, but you’re indifferent to me! Is it because you think I’m dirty, that my past isn’t clean enough?”

Liu Sheng’s heart ached for her. “I don’t despise you—truly. In my eyes, you’re pure, even the goddess of my dreams.”

Tang Xin immediately embraced and kissed him, and, excitement mounting, they fell onto the bed together.

“I’ll take care of you, protect you, and never let you be hurt again,” Liu Sheng promised.

And so, Liu Sheng and Tang Xin spent the night together.

The next morning, Liu Sheng went to call everyone to work. Stepping outside, he saw the third female lead emerge from Ren Xiadong’s room.

He said to her, “Well, Ren Xiadong is my sworn brother. Since you’ve won him over, I’ll give you a little preferential treatment in the future—but don’t pester him.”

The actress, somewhat moved, replied, “Don’t worry, unless Director Ren calls me, I won’t contact him first.”

At lunch that day, the male lead started acting up, demanding crayfish for his meal. Out in the wilderness, there was no way to find such a dish, but to keep production moving, his assistant scoured the hills until they found spicy crayfish for him.

Watching the male lead devour his meal, Liu Sheng picked up his own lunchbox and sat among the extras, asking, “Is it good?”

“It’s delicious!” they replied.

“As long as you enjoy it. You’re all excellent actors. Remember, when you’re famous, don’t make things hard for others. Don’t be like certain people who think the crew can’t go on without them.”

At this, the male lead retorted, “Director Liu, what do you mean? Are you talking about me? Fine! I quit right now!”

Liu Sheng merely smiled, his expression indifferent, as if to say the choice was entirely up to him.

The male lead’s agent quickly whispered, “He’s a trusted associate of Old Master Hu from Huayong Group. If you offend him, you’ll never work again. Apologize!”

Before the male lead could respond, Liu Sheng spoke: “This is a mutually beneficial arrangement. I chose you to attract audiences and boost box office sales. My reputation is world-renowned. You’re working with me for your own career. If you leave, do you think the audience will side with you or with me?”

The male lead, finally understanding, bowed deeply to Liu Sheng. “I’m sorry, President Liu—I wasn’t thinking things through.”

He then shared his crayfish with the extras. Liu Sheng, pleased by his gesture, said, “You’re self-aware, and I won’t make things difficult for you. In fact, this film will make you a sensation.”

After three months of filming and overcoming countless obstacles, Tang Xin had lost weight from exhaustion, which made Liu Sheng feel even more protective. Tang Xin, feeling Liu Sheng’s warmth, thought every bit of hardship worthwhile.

Liu Sheng didn’t want to let anyone down. Since he and Tang Xin had become truly involved, he resolved to treat her with absolute sincerity, hiding nothing.

After another month of post-production and editing, on the first day of summer vacation, a film titled “Conquering the Tropical Rainforest” premiered. Both director and screenwriter were Liu Sheng, the world’s foremost master of animation.

The film gained a massive following, making Tang Xin, the male lead, Ge Shiqi as the second female lead, and even the third lead into household names across the country.

Liu Sheng’s first live-action film raked in 6.8 billion at the box office, leaving other film companies in awe and eager for a chance to collaborate. Old Master Hu praised him highly: “Liu Sheng’s talent is heaven-sent—unmatched for five hundred years before and after!”

With this, Liu Sheng firmly established himself in Chong City, dominating the business world there. Yet he never made things difficult for other companies or executives; as long as they abided by the peace treaty and competed fairly, he turned a blind eye.

One summer day, Liu Sheng received a call from Wang Chen.

“President Liu, I heard you took over Meyer Films and renamed it Liuyao World Film Company. Looks like your power is out of my league now—the administrator of Huayong Group, quite a position! I suppose I’ll have to bow before you in the future.”

“Brother Wang Chen, don’t say that. We’re brothers—what’s mine is yours. When you graduate and come back, we’ll create a bright future together.”

“Alright, you said it. Don’t pretend not to know me then! By the way, I watched your film. It was outstanding and thrilling. Clearly you’ve made another leap forward. I need to work harder myself—I can’t let you leave me too far behind!”

After some friendly banter, Liu Sheng asked, “How is Liu Meng?”

Wang Chen paused before answering, “She’s right here beside me, listening in. She’s very happy for you. We’re both well—planning to get married after she graduates. Don’t forget the wedding gift! Hahaha!”

“I truly am happy for you both. Don’t worry, I’ll give you a big red envelope!”

After hanging up, Liu Sheng returned to his bedroom, where Tang Xin was lying in bed. Lifting the covers, she teased, “Your Majesty, your humble servant has warmed the bed for you. Please, come rest.”

Liu Sheng chuckled, “You always know how to tempt me beyond reason.”

With Tang Xin by his side, fame and fortune in hand, Liu Sheng prepared to enter university as an ordinary student, eager to enjoy campus life. This time, he would not encounter a girlfriend who left him for someone else, and Ren Xiadong would also have a chance to meet Tian Yun ahead of time.

On August 31, Liu Sheng and Ren Xiadong, holding their admission letters, entered Chong City Normal University, both majoring in psychology. Liu Sheng had given up sports, believing psychology would prove more useful in his future career and official life.

In their dormitory, they found two roommates already there.

“I’m Liu Sheng, and this is Ren Xiadong,” he introduced.

The dormitory housed four, with bunks for sleeping and desks below for computers.

“Welcome! I’m Wang Jiaxu, but just call me Old Nine,” a slightly chubby man said. Liu Sheng took in his round face and friendly demeanor.

The other man introduced himself, “I’m Zhao Xiaojia, known as the Love Saint! That’s because I’ve been rejected ninety-nine times, but I never give up!”

At this, Liu Sheng and Ren Xiadong both gave him a thumbs-up.

Zhao Xiaojia wasn’t tall, but his features were gentle and refined.

“I hear from your accents you’re both from the north?” Liu Sheng asked.

“We’re both from Xunhai City in the north!” Zhao Xiaojia replied.

At that, Liu Sheng and Ren Xiadong smiled, “So are we!”