Caught in Affairs with Superstar

"By the way, how’s Gu Huaichun doing lately, Director Liu?"

Liu Ziyang didn’t expect Zhou Yun to ask about Gu Huaichun.

He wasn’t sure if he should tell the truth.

On the surface, Gu Huaichun seemed to be doing just fine.

Although there were some criticisms, his popularity remained, and his projects were box office hits; he was still the face of Yuehai’s male actors.

However, given Liu Ziyang’s position at Yuehai, he naturally knew how Yuehai positioned Gu Huaichun.

The higher-ups had already reached a consensus that it was difficult for Gu Huaichun to advance further.

Transitioning to serious dramas or winning awards was not even considered.

They didn’t believe Gu Huaichun had the ability or potential to do so.

They thought it was fine for him to continue on this path, acting till his thirties or forties, and then slowly transition; he could still play handsome leads in idol dramas for another eight or ten years before then.

After all, Gu Huaichun had a good image, decent acting skills, and high popularity.

Such an actor could keep following this path and make money for the company.

The company had not treated him unfairly, and over the years, he had earned quite a lot himself.

However, Liu Ziyang knew this wasn’t what Zhou Yun wanted to hear.

Previously, Zhou Yun had scoffed in front of him, thinking that Yuehai was exploiting Gu Huaichun by having him act in projects purely for profit, never helping him take on roles that could improve his craft.

Liu Ziyang thought to himself, the company isn’t a charity; they signed Gu Huaichun to make money from him, right?

He couldn’t say this to Zhou Yun directly.

He said, "Xiao Gu is quite diligent, always actively looking for projects different from his usual ones, wanting to break through."

Zhou Yun said, "I’ve read the original novel of ’Flower City’. There’s a role for Xie Xing, a wealthy second-generation heir, and I think Gu Huaichun fits it well. Have you considered him?"

Liu Ziyang was taken aback.

Of course, he knew the role of Zeng Xing, a major male character in ’Flower City’ with significant screen time. However, since the story didn’t have a very clear male lead other than the female protagonist, he wouldn’t necessarily be considered the lead.

They hadn’t considered Gu Huaichun for this series.

Yuehai wanted to use this series for award contention and to promote new talents. In their view, Gu Huaichun no longer needed anyone to boost him, and it was better if he helped other newcomers in other projects.

Liu Ziyang said, "We haven’t started casting other roles yet. Xiao Yun, do you think Xiao Gu fits?"

"He fits perfectly! Show him the script, just say I recommended him for this role. I’ll also mention it to him later," Zhou Yun said. "He’s your own actor, and the role suits him. Why haven’t you confirmed it for him as soon as possible? Don’t let the profits go elsewhere."

Liu Ziyang smiled but didn’t respond.

He pondered how he should address this issue when he returned.

He could make the decision about this matter, but—

Liu Ziyang didn’t want Gu Huaichun to act in this series; it would be such a waste of resources and time.

Whether Gu Huaichun acted in it or not wouldn’t affect the series’ price. With Zhou Yun starring, it was already set to fetch top-tier prices in the industry, and if Gu Huaichun acted, they’d have to pay a substantial additional fee.

Even if Gu Huaichun was Yuehai’s own actor, they couldn’t short-change his fee.

Moreover, if Gu Huaichun took on this series, it would occupy two months of his schedule, reducing the number of other roles he could take.

This would be another loss for the company.

After all, Gu Huaichun could lead a series as a male protagonist, acknowledged by advertisers, representing another financial loss.

Liu Ziyang said, "We’re mainly concerned that since you’ve already collaborated with Xiao Gu in ’Eighth Heartbeat’, and everyone knows you’re friends, the audience might get visually tired."

"Visually tired?" Zhou Yun was a bit surprised. "How long has it been since Gu Huaichun and I last worked together? Are you saying the audience is already tired of us? If that were the case, wouldn’t they be tired of seeing me with Song Chi?"

Liu Ziyang: "..."

"Come on, talk about it," Zhou Yun said, not taking a hard stance but sweet-talking, "This script is excellent, and the character Zeng Xing has a lot of room to showcase. If Gu Huaichun does well, he might even bag an award."

Liu Ziyang: "... Alright, I’ll discuss it with him when I get back."

He thought to himself, what a pie in the sky he’s painting.