Chapter 144: I Choose Variety Shows

Chapter 144: I Choose Variety Shows

"I'd like to read the drama first. Do you have the script?" Tang Fei was uncertain about variety shows and instinctively chose her comfort zone.

Zhou Weichuan took out the printed script. "It's an original script with no source material to refer to."

"The screenwriter is Liu Ling, a specialist in fantasy dramas with a great track record. Her works are always popular hits that boost the careers of the stars involved. She's someone that rising stars hope to collaborate with."

Tang Fei listened and nodded, feeling a hint of pride.

So I'm also sought after as a lead actress! And by a well-known screenwriter at that. It made her heart sing.

She began reading the first three episodes. The story revolved around a six-stringed ancient zither that suddenly appeared in the world.

The six strings corresponded to the six realms, while the intervals between them represented the five elements. Striking the strings could send people into the cycle of reincarnation. This primordial zither created a rift in the cycle managed by the heavens and the underworld, shaking the authority of the celestial deities.

The various immortals began to question the existence of the heavens. Were the heavens not meant to govern? Were the rules of the universe innate, and had someone created the heavens solely to enslave all living beings, stealing the natural laws that should have belonged to nature itself?

Thus, the Heavenly Court dispatched the Six Realms Deity, imbued with the power of the Six Realms, to retrieve the Primordial Ancient Zither for celestial use, putting an end to such rumors.

The male lead was the Six Realms Deity, while the female lead had transformed from the very zither.

Upon the Deity's arrival before the zither, it sensed his presence and began to move without a breeze, its strings vibrating, sending the Six Realms Deity into the cycle of rebirth.

Possessing authority over the Six Realms' laws, he exploited a gap to strike the zither with Six Realms energy. As he left, he carried the zither along into the cycle of rebirth.

Entering the cycle, in their first life, the Deity was a humble weed, and the zither was a colorful fragment of stone. They coexisted together.

Soon, the weed withered and perished.

In the second life, the Deity was human, and at the age of three, his family brought home a colorful stone fragment which captivated him. In his curiosity, he swallowed it, leading to an untimely death.

For the third life, the Deity was a monarch, while the zither, now a man (requiring the female lead to disguise as a male), became a rebellious subject, ultimately leading to the monarch's downfall.

In the fourth life, the Deity was a great general, and the zither was a divine sword forged by the enemy army. No armor could withstand its blade, and on the battlefield, the Deity met his end with a sword through his chest.

In the fifth life, the Deity was a massive serpent in the mountains, having practiced for several decades. An earthquake caused a cave collapse, severely injuring the serpent.

A month later, a young herb-gatherer dug out the snake gall, killing it in the process. "Mother's illness can be cured now. Such a large gallbladder will surely enhance the efficacy of the medicine."

In his sixth life, the Divine Lord reincarnated as a cultivator, displaying an unparalleled talent. He practiced in the largest immortal sect on Earth. One day, he sensed that a major calamity was imminent in his destiny.

To spare his sect from any repercussions, the Divine Lord voluntarily requested to retreat for ascetic practice in the remote and toxic southwestern lands.

On his journey, the Divine Lord encountered an infant girl abandoned in a wooden basin, on the verge of capsizing into the water. This infant was none other than Guqin in her current life. The Divine Lord also foresaw that this child was the key to his impending calamity. If he were to kill her, he could overcome his tribulation and effortlessly return to the Heavenly Realm.

However, when the baby struggled in the water, her tiny sinking form dissolved his intent to kill. Tribulations not only entailed killing but also emotional trials. Taking a life at this moment would signify an unresolved emotional tribulation and a descent into the path of demons.

The Divine Lord rescued the infant, cradling her in his arms as she slept soundly. At that moment, the wind howled, and the mountains resonated, as if a faint melody of a zither echoed through the heavens and earth.

Moved by the impulse in his heart, the Divine Lord casually plucked a stone from the mountain, transforming it. The stone revealed a jade within, which then automatically detached, revealing a jade pendant.

The Divine Lord inscribed a character for "qin" on the jade slip, then he delivered the infant girl to a childless wealthy scholar's home.

"May you grow up safely, never to cross paths with me again."

The Divine Lord departed gracefully.

The scholar's family embraced the baby girl, exclaiming her as a divine gift from heaven.

Sixteen years later, the girl had blossomed into a flower-like beauty. Named after the character on the jade slip, she was the only daughter of the Gu family, Gu Qin.

Upon learning that she was adopted and sent by a deity, the girl insisted on finding this deity to inquire about her birth parents.

One day, she secretly slipped out of the house with a bundle on her back. Following the clues, she found the river where the wooden basin was placed and ventured into the poisonous fog-infested region, eventually falling unconscious due to the toxins.

In the midst of the toxic fog, the Divine Lord, who had chosen to meditate in seclusion, discovered Gu Qin. This marked his second heart tribulation; once again, he couldn't bear to stand idly by and rescued her, sending her out of the area.

Gu Qin, because of the connection to the ancient qin, possessed exceptional physical resilience. Upon the toxins' dissipation, she regained consciousness. She stealthily opened her eyes to find herself enveloped in a cloud of soft, cool mist created by the Divine Lord's magic. His heavenly visage was so close that it captivated her gaze.

"Awake, depart on your own."

The mist enshrouding Gu Qin dissipated, causing her to cry out as she landed on the ground. The figure of the Divine Lord had already vanished.

"Immortal Elder Brother? Are you an immortal?"

That concludes the first three episodes.

Despite its seemingly haphazard title, the story surprisingly exerts a compelling charm. Indeed, it's crafted by a renowned screenwriter. Though it's categorized as a fantasy romance drama, the narrative is genuinely captivating.

"I believe this script is excellent. Why do you still want me to consider a variety show?" Tang Fei closed the script, feeling that the story evoked a strong sense of femininity, with its thrilling and sweet encounters between the male and female leads.

Well, girls tend to find it hard to resist.

"Have you ever considered how this TV drama might shape your future image? It could potentially limit your possibilities."

Both your Si Cui and Li Xiuyun portray ancient beauties with elements of fantasy and immortality. If you consistently engage in similar drama genres, it might restrain your growth as an artist.

Fantasy dramas rarely bag awards, but solely for the purpose of ratings, "Si Cuichuan" has already demonstrated your ability to draw viewers. Unless there's an unexpected turn of events, "Psychic Fever" is also unlikely to fare poorly in terms of ratings.

The Happiness Hotel is currently vying for the opportunity to air on national television. Sitcoms have a wide audience, and as long as they meet the standards, they can achieve decent ratings.

I'm showing you the script for consideration because it's well-written, and the production team is reliable. The advantage of this project is that it offers an opportunity to collaborate with a top-tier production team, thereby expanding your network.

There are pros and cons, and you can weigh them yourself."

Zhou Weichuan presented a detailed plan, outlining objectives for this year and the next five years, along with a hexagon diagram illustrating Tang Fei's capabilities.

He listed factors such as popularity (online buzz, TV ratings, box office), accolades (TV and film awards), commercial value (endorsement image), industry influence, contemporary standing in film and TV arts, and historical significance in the field.

Currently, Tang Fei only had data on her popularity, while the rest were virtually non-existent.

"You should focus on winning awards now to gain industry influence," Zhou Weichuan suggested.

Tang Fei propped her cheek on her hand and glanced at Zhou Weichuan. After being looked down upon by Director Ding Shiwu, not only was she motivated, but her boss seemed equally driven.

He wanted to give her the leverage and voice she needed in the industry.

A hint of sweetness passed through Tang Fei's heart.

"Tell me about the variety show then."

"This program is supported by the state, aimed at developing tourism spots and film shooting locations in the western impoverished areas. The Jiangzhou Film Base is in charge of the support, with the collaboration of the Jiangzhou Broadcasting and Television Group and the Western Broadcasting and Television Group for production.

A drama series will also be filmed on site. The variety show serves both as promotion and as a platform for casting actors for the drama.

From what I've learned, the Western Broadcasting and Television Group is investing, and the best production company within the system, National Drama Thousand Shadows, will take charge. It's a story about women with disabilities overcoming adversity and family conflicts in the western poverty-stricken regions.

If you perform well, there's a high chance that the drama could win awards, and it would completely redefine your image as a beauty. During a phase where ratings aren't the top priority, striving for awards, establishing a versatile image, and enhancing your acting skills to gain industry recognition is the optimal path for growth."

"Why do you still seek my opinion if you have such a clear understanding of the situation?"

"Because it was agreed upon when we signed the contract that your development would be under your own control." Zhou Weichuan leaned forward, mimicking a server taking an order. "Time Culture is a service-oriented talent agency."

"Alright, then I choose the variety show."

"But didn't you like the story a lot?"

"I'm convinced by your argument."

"Should I respond to them then? Don't you think it's a pity?"

"Oh, come on, Boss, you're so bothersome! You're tempting me even after I've made up my mind! Hurry up and reply, or I'll regret it in the blink of an eye!"