Chapter 12: No War in Beiping
Chapter 12: No War in Beiping
Guan Shengbai stared at the caller ID for a moment, then paused in surprise.
Because this was a teacher at the former Beijing Film Academy.
He stood up, walked to a relatively quiet and deserted corner outside the film set, and answered the phone call he thought he would never make.
"Hello, Teacher Chen?"
A warm, middle-aged male voice came from the other end of the phone, carrying a hint of barely suppressed joy.
"Xiao Bai! It really is you! I thought you changed your number!"
"No, I've been using it all along. Teacher Chen, why did you suddenly..."
"I heard you went back to the film set to shoot a movie!!"
Chen Bing's voice was filled with genuine joy.
"Mimi told me you got a supporting role in Guo Jingming's movie!"
Guan Shengbai smiled and said, "Yes."
"Great, that's wonderful! Back then, with your temper, everyone said if you were willing to play a supporting role, pigs would fly!"
Chen Bing remarked half-jokingly, "Now it seems that hardship can indeed temper a person."
Guan Shengbai was silent for a moment.
Fragments of memories from the previous life flashed through my mind once again—
That arrogant young man who was full of vigor on the Beijing Film Academy campus and declared that he would never participate in a film unless he was the male lead.
That car accident turned the whole family upside down.
Those pairs of eyes that will never open again.
Guan Shengbai shook his head, trying to suppress those images deep into his memory.
"I'm sorry to have worried the teacher."
His voice was so calm that even he was a little surprised.
"Don't worry, don't worry!! Being able to stand in front of the camera again is great."
Chen Bing paused, then his tone suddenly became serious.
"It's like this, Xiaobai. The teacher recently handled a project."
"It's a period drama. The screenwriter is Liu He, and the directors are Kong Sheng and Li Xue. They are the top team from Shandong Film and Television."
Upon hearing these names, Guan Shengbai's fingers involuntarily tightened around his phone.
At this point in time, with Shandong Film & Television Production Co., Ltd. producing and Kong Sheng and Li Xue co-directing, the title of this work is practically self-evident.
No War in Beiping
The title of the play instantly popped into his mind.
Although he didn't come from the film and television production industry in his previous life, as a public relations professional, he was always very clear about the truly significant works in the industry.
"No War in Beiping" received a high rating of 9.0 on Douban in later generations, and its viewership ratings once topped the charts after it was broadcast.
It went on to win numerous awards, including the Feitian Award and the Golden Eagle Award, and was hailed as one of the masterpieces that represents the pinnacle of Chinese spy dramas.
The screenwriter Liu He, the directors Kong Sheng and Li Xue, and the producer Hou Hongliang are all very famous.
Based on this trio, Zhengwu Sunshine later created hit series such as "Nirvana in Fire," "The Disguiser," and "Ode to Joy," almost dominating half of the Chinese-language TV dramas of the 10s.
"The project is called 'No War in Beiping,' and it's a historical spy drama."
Chen Bing's voice continued to come through the receiver, confirming Guan Shengbai's judgment.
"The cast that the production team has already finalized is very strong, including several award-winning actors such as Liu Ye and Chen Baoguo, and we are also in talks with some veteran actors."
"However, there is one role that the teacher thinks is perfect for you."
"This character is the younger brother of the protagonist, Fang Meng'ao, and a young police officer in the Beiping Police Bureau. He doesn't have a lot of screen time, but he's a very complex and charismatic character."
"The teacher has already sent the script to your email. Take a look at it first. If you're interested, the teacher will try to get you an audition opportunity."
Chen Bing's tone became more serious as he spoke.
"Xiaobai, I know you've had a tough time these past two years. But we've all seen your talent, and it shouldn't be wasted like this."
"Moreover, this production team is excellent; they are all people who are dedicated to creating quality work. It's a chance for you to start over."
Guan Shengbai held his phone and remained silent for about five seconds.
In those five seconds, his brain had already been working at high speed several times.
The significance of "No War in Beiping" in later generations is self-evident.
Being able to participate in such a work, even if it's just as a supporting role, is far more meaningful than playing a minor character in a film like "Tiny Times" that is destined to be remembered as a terrible movie.
Moreover, he had a complete impression of the character Fang Mengwei.
Although this character has few scenes, he is outstanding enough and plays an important narrative role in the drama.
This is the kind of role that is easy for the audience to remember, but not one that is too difficult to perform well.
"Teacher Chen..."
Guan Shengbai spoke, his voice carrying just the right amount of emotion and solemnity.
"Thank you for remembering me."
"I will read the script and get back to you later."
"well!"
Chen Bing readily agreed, his voice tinged with satisfaction.
"You read the script very well. The teacher really thinks you're the only one who can play the role of Fang Mengwei."
After hanging up the phone, Guan Shengbai stood in the corridor outside the film set, looking at the four words "Teacher Chen Bing" on his phone screen, feeling a complex and indescribable emotion surging in his heart.
In his past life, he was the top public relations expert in the entertainment industry.
Behind the scenes, they strategize and manipulate public opinion with ease, as if reading the lines on their palms.
But he has never actually stood in front of the camera.
He didn't know what it felt like to stand under the spotlight.
He didn't know what the word "acting" meant for an actor.
But his predecessor knew.
The professional knowledge inherited from his predecessor, and his instinctive reactions to positioning, camera presence, and performance details, all told Guan Shengbai one thing.
He was born to stand in front of the camera.
If he was cast in "Tiny Times" because he woke up on set and was somewhat forced into it, then he had no choice but to act.
Choosing to take on and play the next role means that he has already actively integrated himself into the role of "actor".
"There is no war in Beiping..."
Guan Shengbai murmured these words to himself, a slight smile playing on his lips.
He didn't rush to open his email to read the script.
Because he knew that no matter what was written in the script, his answer would only be one.
After hanging up the phone, Guan Shengbai felt completely relaxed.
The absurd feeling of being overwhelmed by one uninvited romantic entanglement after another was completely washed away by the sudden enlightenment brought by this phone call.
He walked back to the set with light steps, even greeting the lighting crew member who passed by.
The lighting crew leader was somewhat flattered by his sudden enthusiasm, and almost dropped the reflector in his hand.
Then Guan Shengbai bumped into Guo Biting, who was walking out of the dressing room.
At this moment, Guo Biting had already changed out of her bathrobe, but had not yet had time to remove her makeup.
She was wearing a pale yellow down jacket, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, the ends of which were slightly curled.
Seeing Guan Shengbai approaching, she paused involuntarily, then subconsciously tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
She had repeated this action countless times, but never before had her fingertips trembled like this.
"Teacher Guan."
Just call me Xiaobai.
Guan Shengbai reluctantly corrected her again, then smiled at her.
That smile was clean and bright, carrying the warmth that only came from when he was in a truly good mood.
Guo Biting was momentarily stunned by that smile, and the tips of her ears involuntarily turned red again.
"So... Xiaobai, what about your scene today...?"
She wanted to say something, but found that her tongue seemed to be tied in knots.
"You acted wonderfully."
Guan Shengbai spoke first, his tone sincere yet measured, "Teacher Guo is someone who was born to do this job."
Upon hearing this, Guo Biting's eyes lit up for a moment, but then something suppressed them again.
She opened her mouth, as if to say something...
"Xiao Bai, come over here for a close-up!"
The executive director's voice came from afar.
Guan Shengbai nodded to Guo Biting, then turned and walked towards the center of the set, his steps steady and composed.
Guo Biting stood in the corridor, watching his figure gradually disappear into the blinding white light in the center of the film set.
Beneath her pale yellow down jacket, her heart was pounding.
It was as fast as if a restless rabbit was rampaging through her chest.
"A natural-born actor..."
She repeated those words softly, a smile unconsciously curving her lips.
EFB