Chapter 3: A Guide to Opportunities in the Entertainment Industry?

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"The Legend of Xuanxuan and the Heaven's Scar" is, in terms of quality, rather average. As the pioneer of weekly dramas, its influence doesn't compare to the Chinese Paladin series, or even to "Swords of Legends." Yet, looking at all the dramas in 2012, considering ratings and public attention, it stands as a successful and outstanding xianxia romance drama. It dominated that summer twelve years ago, beating out 99% of the prime-time dramas of its year, not to mention the regular ones.

On Hunan TV, the local ratings king, it set a national record for weekly drama viewership and held that record for three years. Its online streaming numbers broke multiple records, benefitting all involved: Liu Shishi, Tang Yan, Nazha, Lin Gengxin, Hu Ge, and others, all gained in different ways.

But the male lead of the drama happened to receive the least benefit, even relegated to the background as the secondary male lead.

Everyone watching assumed Hu Ge was the protagonist and Jiang Jinfu the secondary lead. Of course, this also had to do with Hu Ge's status, which earned him more screen time.

As a result, Tang Yan, the second female lead, was seen as the main heroine, pushing Liu Shishi, the actual lead, into a secondary role.

Both the male lead and the secondary male lead were titled "Emperors of the Earth," spawning a famous internet meme that endured for years:

Yuwen Tuo (Hu Ge): "To show respect, I can choose not to use the Xuanyuan Sword."
Xuanyuan Sword: "To show respect, I can choose not to use the Emperor of the Earth, Chen Jingchou (Jiang Jinfu)."

Thus, the protagonist became a mere backdrop, a contrast, a stepping stone for the secondary lead.

Naturally, Hu Ge’s fame played a big part in this.

Of course, Zhang Yang had his own strategy regarding this: he aimed to get his hands on the script version tailored for Hu Ge. After all, filming hadn't even begun, and the drama wouldn't air until next summer. Better to secure his position now.

With this in mind, Zhang Yang raised his glass to Jiang Jinfu, "Fuzi, have you locked in the lead role yet?"

"The contract is already signed," Jiang Jinfu replied with a satisfied smile.

"Congratulations," Zhang Yang toasted him again, then asked, "Do you know if Hu Ge has signed yet?"

"Don't even think about the second male lead," Jiang Jinfu, believing he’d seen through Zhang Yang's intentions, feigned regret. "Senior Hu Ge is in Hong Kong these days negotiating for a film called 'Behind the Glamour.' The deal was finalized today, and he’s already on his way back. He'll be at the company tomorrow to finalize the role of the secondary male lead."

Zhang Yang's eyes lit up.

If the role would only be finalized tomorrow, then it hadn't been signed yet.

Given the status difference between himself and Hu Ge at Tangren Media, Zhang Yang knew he couldn’t compete if the contract was already signed. But if he made a move before Hu Ge did, there was a chance, especially if Hu Ge himself offered the opportunity.

"Looks like I'll have to try for the third male lead, Zhang Lie," he mused.

Though aiming for the secondary lead, Zhang Yang feigned disappointment, drained his glass, and said, "Better than nothing. You three carry on—I'll go check with my agent about whether I can compete for the third male lead."

Since this concerned his career, the other three didn't try to keep him, just politely wished him a safe trip.

"Fuzi, I really admire you," said Zhang Bohan. "You're not even through your sophomore year, and you already get to play the male lead in a Tangren fantasy drama with such a strong cast. Stardom is just around the corner."

"We just can't compete," Zhang Zhe chimed in. "Even Zhang Yang can't match you."

Hearing Zhang Yang's name seemed to hit a nerve. Jiang Jinfu's face showed a hint of pride. "Don't say that. Yang is the student council vice president and was just voted into the top ten campus heartthrobs. His acting talent is recognized by the professors who keep urging him to join the drama academy. I can't compare with him."

"I heard he had some issues with Manager K, which is why he's half-shelved now."

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Zhang Bohan and Zhang Zhe immediately caught the implication.

Jiang Jinfu was jealous of Zhang Yang and wanted them to know that, even as a Tangren artist, Zhang Yang had less freedom than an independent actor.

They exchanged a glance and began to alternately flatter and disparage, figuring that with Zhang Yang absent, they could make Jiang Jinfu happy and perhaps earn a recommendation to the crew.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yang walked alone along the street, half his mind focused on the "Entertainment Industry Opportunity Guide," which he’d flipped to the second page.

He knew clearly that using conventional methods to secure the secondary male lead in "The Legend of Xuanxuan and the Heaven's Scar" would not be easy, though he did have some tricks up his sleeve. Still, with a cheat in hand, he might as well use it.

The booklet was titled "Entertainment Industry Opportunity Manual."

As the name suggested, it would guide him to opportunities in the entertainment world.

A little fame depended on effort, but true stardom depended on fate—and this "opportunity" was the so-called fate!

[Time: March 9, 2011, 21:17
Location: In front of the National Stadium, Imperial Capital
Guide: (To be unlocked/1 Character Point)]

[Time: March 9, 2011, 23:11
Location: Back entrance of XX Nightclub, Hong Kong
Guide: (To be unlocked/1)]

[Time: March 10, 2011, 10:24
Location: In front of Liu Shishi’s exclusive artist lounge, Tangren Media, Shanghai
Guide: (To be unlocked/1 Character Point)]

[Time: March 10, 2011, 13:22
Location: Third floor, Hunan TV building, emergency stairwell
Guide: (To be unlocked/1 Character Point)]

[Time: March 10, 2011, 17:40
Location: Room X, fourth floor, XX Club, Imperial Capital
Guide: (To be unlocked/3 Character Points)]

Five pieces of information appeared on the booklet.

These were the opportunities in the next twenty-four hours, all entertainment-related, each precisely marked with time and place.

"I see," Zhang Yang thought. "The locations and times of these opportunities update in real time, but I can’t know exactly what will happen in advance."

"But if I spend a Character Point, I’ll directly gain a method to seize the opportunity—and maybe grasp it."

In that instant, Zhang Yang thought of many things.

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He guessed that these so-called opportunities were likely moments when someone in the entertainment industry would be at a certain place and time, facing a difficulty or even danger.

Armed with foreknowledge, he could wait for the moment, solve their problem, and gain their gratitude and friendship—or perhaps acquire leverage over them.

In China’s relationship-driven society, this Opportunity Guide could help him quickly build connections, so he could always say, "I have a friend," or "Do me a favor," wherever he went.

Was this really how it worked? The only way to know was to try it.

"I can't make it in time for the opportunities in the Imperial Capital or Hong Kong, even if I fly now."

"The ones at Tangren Media and Hunan TV are too close in time; I can only choose one."

"The last one—XX Club—is members-only. Even the most basic membership costs a million yuan, and to get to the fourth floor, even that may not be enough. That opportunity is out of reach for now."

"…"

After a moment’s thought, Zhang Yang knew his choice was clear.

He was already in Shanghai, and as a Tangren actor preparing to snatch a role, returning to the company was the natural move.

"Come to think of it, what has Shishi been up to lately?"

Standing under a large tree, Zhang Yang rubbed his brow and began to consider.

If he could deduce what trouble Liu Shishi might encounter, he could devise a solution and save a Character Point.

But clearly, despite their friendship, he didn't know enough about her current situation to analyze anything.

"One shouldn't be stingy when it matters."

"If I can get Liu Shishi to speak on my behalf, my chances of landing the role will be much higher."

Opportunities favor the prepared.

So—

"Unlock," Zhang Yang murmured to himself.

[Time: March 10, 2011, 10:24
Location: In front of Liu Shishi's exclusive artist lounge, Tangren Media, Shanghai
Guide: Buy a pack of daily-use, cotton-soft surface, non-mesh sanitary pads, length between 240 and 350 millimeters, from the Sutra Pavilion series.]

Zhang Yang: ???

Is this opportunity supposed to send me to my doom?