Benshan’s beloved disciple, starting from the 2009 Spring Festival Gala
Chapter 9 - re-release Success, Benshan Da Shu to Change Roles

Chapter 9  Pre-release Success, Benshan Da Shu to Change Roles

The news about Benshan Da Shu investing fifteen million to help his disciple Qu Ximing achieve his dream of making a movie quickly appeared on the front pages of major newspapers.

Benshan Media is not so airtight that rumors can’t spread, so rather than letting small rumors stir up trouble and being maliciously distorted, it’s better to openly show the world what’s going on.

Without spending a penny, these print media outlets competed to report on it, and freelance writers on the internet wrote article after article about it. The movie hadn’t even started filming yet, but it had already sparked a lot of discussions and perfectly capitalized on the buzz from the Spring Festival Gala.

The theme of the movie “No Money to Spare” was about pursuing dreams.

“Qu Ximing quits singing to become a director!”

“Qu Ximing embarks on a journey to fulfill his dreams, what about you?”

“Qu Ximing is being supported by his master to break into the movie industry!”

Online and offline media outlets seized on the marketing synergy between the skit characters and real-life individuals, benefiting from a huge surge in traffic.

It is safe to say that if you randomly grab a newspaper at the public restroom, there will definitely be an article about Qu Ximing.

In short, both within and outside the industry, everyone knew that Qu Ximing, under the mentorship of Master Benshan, was about to make a movie.

February 2nd, inside Benshan Media, in the meeting room, there were three people—Zhao Benshan, Qu Ximing, and another man… a tanned, short, and gloomy-looking man who seemed to be a little too old for the role. His name was Song Xiaobao.

Qu Ximing looked at the shy Song Xiaobao and roughly understood what Master Benshan meant.

Master Benshan spoke, “After careful consideration, I think it’s better if Yiming plays the boss role. He’s good-looking, in good shape, and it would be a shame to let him play the ugly character of Niu Geng. So, I’m thinking of having you, Song Shixiong, play Niu Geng. With your looks, playing the ugly character is not a waste, and it might even stand out.”

As for the evaluation of the master, Song Xiaobao didn’t feel bad at all. With his looks, he would never have a breakthrough unless he played an ugly character. However, Niu Geng was probably the protagonist of the movie, meaning… he would have to act alongside Qu Ximing?

Song Xiaobao was startled and asked, “Master, will I drag my junior down?”

At this point, Song Xiaobao was just a relatively unknown performer, but if he could land the role of Niu Geng, it would be a huge opportunity for him.

Master Benshan turned to Qu Ximing and asked, “Yiming, what do you think?”

Qu Ximing had considered bringing in Wang Baoyu, but this was a company investment project, and Master Benshan didn’t need help from Huayi. The supporting roles could be exchanged, but the lead role couldn’t be, as it needed to highlight the company’s own talents. Otherwise, how could they lead the team in the future?

Using Song Xiaobao as a substitute for Wang Baoyu could work.

Qu Ximing replied, “I’ll listen to Master’s arrangement.”

Master Benshan: “Alright, Niu Geng will be played by Song Shixiong, and you’ll play the boss role.”

Song Xiaobao jumped up and quickly assured, “Master, you can rest assured. I’ll definitely perform well. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I also thank my junior…”

Qu Ximing interrupted, “Senior, you’re giving the credit to me, but this is Master’s opportunity, not mine.”

Master Benshan chuckled and said, “Your junior is just like that. Although I’m the credited producer, I won’t be present on set most of the time, so you must cooperate with your junior.”

Song Xiaobao stood at attention and assured, “Yes! I will do everything my junior asks of me!”

Master Benshan: “Alright, you can go back to work now.”

Song Xiaobao walked out of the meeting room, holding back his excitement. Once he left, Master Benshan said, “Your senior started as an apprentice at 26, and now at 28, he’s been doing well for the past two years. He’s a decent person. You should take care of him.”

Qu Ximing nodded.

After discussing the role change, Master Benshan asked, “The movie is a hit before it even starts. Does it feel stressful?”

Qu Ximing shook his head.

“Actually, there’s no pressure. At least the box office is guaranteed. It won’t cause the company to lose all its money.”

Seeing that Qu Ximing wasn’t stressed, Master Benshan felt relieved.

“The preparations for the crew are almost complete. In a couple of days, discuss the supporting roles with the assistant directors and producers. Don’t rush.”

The news of Benshan Media preparing to cast for supporting roles spread quickly throughout Northeast China. Female performers from all over the region sent in their resumes.

For the male supporting roles, the company handled it internally. The female supporting roles, however, weren’t as good. The senior female performers from Benshan Media didn’t have the looks.

When Zhang Tianai’s mother heard the news, she helped her daughter send in a resume…