86: Zhang Songwen's Reflections

"That fast? Is progress on Season Three going smoothly?" Chen Le was somewhat surprised and asked.

"Quite smoothly. Boss, if you're worried, you can take a look at the finished episodes," Zhang Li said.

Hearing Zhang Li's words, Chen Le waved his hand and said, "No need. I trust Director Xu Gang; his abilities won't let me down."

"Alright, Boss," Zhang Li nodded.

"By the way, Sister Li, how are the earnings for 'unexpectedly' Season Two?" Chen Le remembered the second season's profits and quickly asked.

"I was just about to tell you about that, Boss. The earnings for Season Two are all accounted for. I'm still busy verifying the profits for 'unexpectedly' Season Two. The viewership for Season Two is even higher than Season One. The click-through revenue and ad revenue are estimated to be quite substantial. We'll know the exact results after verification!" Zhang Li said, holding a folder.

Hearing Zhang Li's words, a satisfied smile appeared on Chen Le's face. "Good. You need to pay extra attention to the web series aspect. The future potential of web series is immeasurable."

"Alright, Boss," Zhang Li nodded.

She then continued to talk about some matters regarding company personnel changes and salary disbursements. Chen Le listened and nodded along.

He also offered his opinions where appropriate.

But overall, Zhang Li was managing things very well. There were basically no problems requiring his concern.

Only major decisions she couldn't make on her own needed Chen Le's final approval.

"Sister Li, the launch of Season Three is in your hands. I believe you won't let me down," Chen Le said with a smile, looking at Zhang Li and entrusting her with this important responsibility.

He believed Zhang Li could secure the maximum benefits for the company.

"Alright, Boss. I have experience with this; you don't need to worry," Zhang Li nodded... Meanwhile, at the film set of Zhang Songwen's new project.

An assistant drove him to the set in a motorhome.

As he arrived at the main gate of the set, Zhang Songwen saw a staff member smiling and walking up to greet him.

"Teacher Zhang, you're finally here! I'm your fan. Could you give me an autograph?" the staff member asked with delight, pulling out a postcard—merchandise from 'lost in thailand.'

Seeing this, Zhang Songwen smiled and nodded, saying, "Sure!"

After saying that, he signed his autograph.

The staff member was overjoyed.

With 'lost in thailand' being so popular now, his friends would definitely be impressed to know he got Zhang Songwen's autograph.

Just as he stepped onto the set, a smiling production assistant approached him warmly. "Teacher Zhang, you've arrived! Your restroom is all prepared for you. This way, please."

Zhang Songwen was slightly taken aback, then smiled. "Oh, you're too polite. Just call me Songwen."

The production assistant shook his head earnestly. "That won't do, Teacher Zhang. You're the lead actor of our crew."

Subsequently, the production assistant led Zhang Songwen into the meticulously prepared restroom.

Upon entering, Zhang Songwen saw the interior and couldn't help but exclaim, "This... this is too luxurious!"

The restroom not only had a sofa and coffee table but also a bookshelf filled with books. Lush green plants adorned the corner, making the whole room look very cozy and elegant.

He walked to the bookshelf and glanced at the books, finding most of them were genres he enjoyed reading.

This surprised Zhang Songwen greatly. Had they specifically researched his preferences?

Faced with such treatment, Zhang Songwen was quite astonished.

At that moment, Director Qian Yun walked in, beaming. "Teacher Zhang, are you satisfied with the restroom? If you need anything, just say the word."

Zhang Songwen quickly stood up, feeling somewhat embarrassed. "Director Qian, you're being too polite. I'm actually quite simple; just having a place to rest is enough."

Director Qian patted his shoulder and said straightforwardly, "That won't do. You're our lucky star now! Your joining has brought a lot of traffic and buzz to our crew!"

Zhang Songwen smiled, but his heart was filled with reflection.

He knew this respect and treatment were brought by the ongoing, roaring success of 'lost in thailand.'

People say 'lost on journey' changed Wang Baoqiang's fate, but hasn't it also changed his, Zhang Songwen's, fate?

Recalling his acting career, Zhang Songwen couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.

He had always dreamed of becoming an actor, touching audiences' hearts with his performances.

However, reality had dealt him blow after blow.

Although he was a Beijing Film Academy teacher with decent acting skills,

who would invite an obscure, older actor like him?

Plus, his appearance wasn't particularly outstanding, making it even harder to get roles.

No one was willing to promote him, nor give him a chance to prove himself.

Unlike now, where numerous crews were seeking him out, just to ride the coattails of 'lost in thailand's' popularity.

All of this started from meeting Chen Le. He felt Chen Le was his true benefactor. If Chen Le hadn't invited him to star in 'lost on journey,' he definitely wouldn't have the treatment he enjoys today.

During the subsequent script discussion meeting, Zhang Songwen felt an unprecedented level of respect and freedom.

He presented his understanding of the character and the performance style he wanted to try.

The writing team listened attentively, and Director Qian even nodded in praise. "Teacher Zhang, your ideas are fantastic! Let's revise it according to your suggestions!"

Zhang Songwen was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected he could even modify the script according to his own ideas. This crew was truly determined to keep him.

After the meeting ended, Zhang Songwen sat alone in the restroom.

Finally, it was time for Zhang Songwen's scene. After reading the script, he began acting. After finishing this segment, Director Qian called "Cut!"

After this scene was filmed, Director Qian walked over, beaming, and asked, "Teacher Zhang, what do you think of this scene? Are you satisfied?"

Hearing Director Qian's words, Zhang Songwen was taken aback.

Why ask me? Shouldn't satisfaction be determined by you, Director Qian?

At that moment, Director Qian seemed to sense Zhang Songwen's doubt and said with a smile, "Teacher Zhang, you're also part of our writing team now. I feel this scene is quite good, but if you're not satisfied, we can reshoot it."

"Is that possible?" Zhang Songwen was very surprised.

Although this crew wasn't a major one, surely they didn't have to listen to him about everything?

Hearing this, Director Qian nodded repeatedly. "Of course! Teacher Zhang, if you're not satisfied, we'll shoot until you are."

Zhang Songwen nodded after hearing this.

He then looked at the monitor, reviewing the just-filmed scene for quite a while, and decided to reshoot it.

In the subsequent filming, Zhang Songwen was exceptionally demanding of himself, not letting a single detail slide, striving for perfection.

Finally having a crew that let him express himself freely, his perfectionist drive regarding acting skills emerged.

Initially, Director Qian was just humoring him, but as filming progressed, he became genuinely impressed, infected by Zhang Songwen's meticulousness.