Chapter 189: Zhu Xiao Turns His Back on Darkness and Embraces the Light

Chapter 189: Zhu Xiao Turns His Back on Darkness and Embraces the Light

When Zhu Xiao received Tang Fei's text invitation for a meeting, he was in the midst of a gathering with the creative team behind the Six Paths Immortal Melody, on the verge of finalizing their agreement.

His company is currently lobbying for him to take on the role of the leading villain, the second male lead in the series.

He had gotten his hands on the early episodes' script for the male lead's secondary role.

As the male lead wielded the power of reincarnation to play his instrument, a string broke, and thus began its journey through the cycle of rebirth. In each life, he chased after the female lead, yet she was always fated to fall victim to his hand.

The strings of fate, after numerous cycles, remained displaced and eventually fell prey to the veil of ignorance, losing their divine essence. In this present reincarnation, they descended into the realm of demons, transforming the protagonist into a formidable demon lord.

Foreseeing a calamity befalling the righteous path, the demon lord took the initiative, launching attacks on various righteous sects. Amidst the chaotic battle, the female lead found herself caught amidst ordinary folk, swept up by the howling gale and flung skyward. In her disoriented state, she latched onto the sleeve of the demon lord.

"Help!" The sixteen-year-old heroine, terrified, desperately tugged at the demon lord's sleeve.

It was unprecedented for a mortal to come so close to a demon lord, let alone an ordinary one devoid of any magical powers. Normally, the aura of darkness surrounding the demon lord would annihilate anyone who approached. Yet, the female lead was unscathed, holding fast to his sleeve with surprising tenacity.

Involuntarily, he moved to brush off his sleeves, but at the sight of the female lead, he halted mid-action and unexpectedly pulled her onto his mount, the Cloud Eagle.

An unseen chord within him began to resonate.

Clutching onto the Cloud Eagle, the female lead trembled as she lay on its back, closing her eyes and letting out a string of startled screams amidst the fog, her cries echoing through the clouds.

The demonic army burst into laughter.

It wasn't until encountering the male lead's interference that the female lead opened her eyes. She stared unblinkingly at the male lead's face, her fear momentarily forgotten. The male lead, in turn, gazed at the girl, who had just recently been sent away, now adapting to her position on the eagle's back. How could she be here, aligned with the Demon Lord, and seemingly holding a position of some status?

"Turns out you're a disciple of the Demon Sect, well-camouflaged indeed. You even deceived me."

Misunderstanding the situation, the female lead was about to speak up, only to be met with a gust of wind in her mouth.

The Demon Lord then descended her to the ground, where she landed with a dizzying thud. Amidst the battle between immortals and demons, the female lead could barely make out anything. She watched anxiously, witnessing the outcome of the fight, as the Demon Lord retreated, wounded.

Daringly, she stepped forward to seek out the male lead. Immediately, cultivators from the Immortal Sect arrived, intent on eliminating the demonic presence. However, to their surprise, the injured Demon Lord returned to rescue the female lead. Just as the male lead was about to intervene, he witnessed this act and could only secretly smile at his own concern for the devil.

This is the early storyline of the secondary male lead. The plot holds its allure, and if executed well, it would undoubtedly attract a positive market response.

Zhu Xiao, however, had no desire to remain confined to the realm of idol dramas; he was eager to make a transition.

He learned that Zhong Xue would be starring in the production of "Dragon Slaying Saga." Although "Dragon Slaying Saga" is also a period drama, its plot and character complexity surpass those of idol dramas by a significant margin.

There's little room for versatility in idol dramas; appearance often takes precedence over performance. For someone with aspirations, such an approach can stifle one's charisma and limit acting skills to clichéd patterns.

Even Zhong Xue had a chance, yet he was surprisingly not even considered by Tang Fei. Some of his previous approaches might have inadvertently pushed people away from him.

Agent Hong's series of maneuvers included fueling the CP (couple pairing) rumors, staging fake behind-the-scenes moments, filming bogus on-set leaks, and fabricating shared interests that the two individuals simply did not have.

Someone who pulls such stunts consistently isn't likely the kind of actor Nine O'Clock has in mind.

And yet, he took the initiative to submit his resume.

After round after round of drama promotions, he's stirred up three controversies. His fan base is now riddled with conflicts and negativity. Though he has become popular, it's an unhealthy kind of fame. He can almost foresee the troubles lying ahead.

It's like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

The so-called B-level resources the company offers him are merely draining him continuously.

He was far from being the focal point of cultivation.

When luck turns and one becomes successful, they are incessantly exploited.

It seemed that Zhu Xiao was on the verge of encountering the very tale that had once involved Yao Hui and Tang Fei, a prospect that filled him with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. Despite having a remarkable script already vying for his attention, he couldn't help but secretly submit his resume to the production of "Dragon Saber," driven by an inexplicable draw to the project.

Ideally, Duan Yu would be the best choice, or even Mu Rongfu could be acceptable. He must pivot his acting trajectory, extricating himself from the perilous situation of starring in romantic dramas that serve as gateways to cloud-based dating simulation games, where he himself becomes a part of the game's mechanics.

Sister Hong's amiable and warm face became repulsive in his eyes.

His company, backed by major internet giants, indeed had no shortage of resources, but their approach was terrifying. They treated artists as gaming products and managed fans as players, while he himself was the one being 'played with'—this was the real-life, immersive version of an otome game.

To please the players, he had to mold himself according to their preferences.

Then, he needed to keep them happy so they would be willing to spend money.

But how did this relate to acting? To his future career in showbiz?

Could one still be called an actor if they became a mere selfless game product?

Anyone with a slightest sense of ambition would not desire it.

Zhu Xiao saw things clearly; he was unwilling to become a mere mannequin tailored to cater to players' preferences, unwilling to act within the play and then be bound to follow the script even beyond its confines.

Thus, upon receiving Tang Fei's message, Zhu Xiao promptly made his decision.

"Apologies, Director Nie, I have a more favored role in 'The Heavenly Dragon's Eight Parts.' I would like to give it a try first. Regrettably, I must decline your kind offer, and for that, I am truly sorry."

Nie Xiangyin watched, helpless, as Zhu Xiao unlocked his phone, and then seemed to change his mind. She turned to Liu Ruhong, who was equally baffled. "Zhu Xiao, what are you saying? The company wants you for the Six Dao Immortal Melodies. Dragon Tales is a wuxia drama—it's passé, nobody watches those anymore. There's nothing that can come out of the nine o'clock slot. Why would you even consider that? Did Tang Fei and Zhou Weichuan come to you? You couldn't say no to them, could you?"

Liu Ruhong tried desperately to signal with her eyes, but Zhu Xiao instead bowed to both Liu Ruhong and Nie Xiangyin, saying, "Director Nie, Sister Hong, it was my own initiative to submit my application. I am a devoted fan of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, which is why I made this decision. I apologize, but I have a stronger preference for Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils."

"Zhu Xiao, don't be foolish. The Six Paths Immortal Melody is a major investment with grand production, on the verge of commencing filming, and contracts are about to be signed. How can you suddenly decide not to act? Have you considered your professional ethics? How am I supposed to negotiate roles for you in the future?"

Nie Xiangyin, upon hearing the mention of Dragon Eight Chronicles and Nine Points, let out a derisive chuckle before slamming her hand on the table and declaring, "Any actors who have been involved with Dragon Eight Chronicles or Nine Points will not be considered by Nie Gao Films! Sister Hong, you may return. I wish Zhu Xiao great success and fame. Our Six Paths production cannot accommodate such a prominent figure."

"Thank you, Director Nie, and thank you, Sister Hong. I'm heading to the interview now," Zhu Xiao nodded to both of them, then opened the door and left.

Liu Ruhong found herself on the receiving end of a harsh lesson. She looked at Nie Xiangyin and said, "Director Nie, children will always be childlike; they're still young. I implore you to be understanding."

Each person has their own aspirations; if he wishes to join the 'Eight Parts of the Heavenly Dragon,' let him be. You're aware of the unpleasantness between Nine Points and me. Any project that involves Zhou Weichuan will be met with our unconditional boycott.

"Director Nie."

"Off with you now!" Nie Xiangyin said, her chest heaving as she held the teacup.

Zhu Xiao's disregard for face reminded her of Zhou Weichuan's arrogant and overbearing demeanor, which made her grind her teeth in frustration.

What a fine script, accompanied by such earnest invitations, yet Tang Fei, Zhou Weichuan, and Zhu Xiao all avoided it like the plague!

"Soon enough, you'll regret this. When my 'Six Paths of Immortal Melody' becomes a sensation across the land, you'll have your tears to shed. Making wuxia dramas in this day and age? The audience isn't buying it anymore."