Chapter 30 – “Black Clouds”

Translator: Vian

Not edited (Because I don't know where Shem is, please tell me if you find any mistakes, but it should be readable.)

"Vie for Supremacy" was China's last big drama at the end of this year. As early as a year ago, back when the crew still haven't finished the preparations yet, there was already countless fans looking forward to it.

The director was Director Guo Long who was well-known within the industry, the female lead was the awarding-winning actress Tang Menglan, the male lead was the first-tier young star Dong Zheng, and the second male lead was the just as popular young star Ye Qiao. Even the supporting character was Rong Xu who had gotten instantly famous from the recent weekly drama "Ambush", and was the biggest dark horse this year.

In short, with the high expectations of tens of million viewers, "Vie for Supremacy" officially aired!

A majestic and awe-inspiring soundtrack, heroic and fierce special effect scenes; in the opening of the first episode, the scene that greeted the audience was a cruel war on the battlefield. Following the story development, the viewers were quickly introduced to Xiao Xiang, to Xie Jingxian, to Dong Lilan…

As the large veil over the world slowly withdrew in front of them, many viewers suddenly realized when the first first episode ended: "No way, so much time already passed!"

Continuing next would be the second episode.

This was the advantage of a daily drama, you can watch again once you finish, watch the next day, and keep on watching!

Quickly, the premiere day of "Vie for Supremacy" came to a close just like that. At twelve a.m., the national TV station's ratings were released online. Numerous viewers fervently talked about "Vie for Supremacy" online while also opening up the ratings list. When they saw the number, their eyes widened in fright, but then nodded like it was expected——

[That's true ah, with this cast even if the first episode's ratings hit 2.3, it's not that surprising ah…]

Yes, "Vie for Supremacy" average rating was 2.3! And the highest rating was 2.55!

These ratings could be said to be the top ratings this year. Even for "Ambush" that has just ended, and had the highest ratings for dramas in the same time slot across the country, its highest rating had only barely cross 2, while its average ratings had never went over 2. Compared to other dramas, "Ambush" was already extremely outstanding, but compared to "Vie for Supremacy", there was no comparison at all!

Furthermore, this was just the first day.

"Vie for Supremacy" was a daily drama, as long as the plot doesn't have too many holes, its ratings would continue to rise.

When Rong Xu learned about the ratings, he was a little surprised, but could still accept it. He was sitting in Luo Zhentao's office looking through some role notices as smiled, saying: "Actually, this is quite normal. I heard that the films Tang jie appears in has always have high ratings. Starting from her debut to now, as long as she appears in a drama, she has never failed."

Luo Zhentao laughed when he heard this: "Then you don't know enough about this, Xiao Xu, Tang Menglan this person is a bit too lucky, only one of her films did not get the highest ratings within the same time slot, everything else got first place. However, she is also a bit unlucky. Her movies' box office sales aren't that high, making it difficult for her to switch."

The two chatted for a while when Luo Zhentao picked an audition notice and said: "This notice is pretty good. You just entered the circle, to get notices this early is really good." Pausing, he then continued: "You just filmed two films in a row, and it's almost time to celebrate New Years Eve. Have you thought about taking a break?"

Hearing this, Rong Xu stopped flipping through the papers, then in the next moment he looked up and smiled: "How do you planning on spending the New Years Luo ge?"

Luo Zhentao didn't notice that Rong Xu was changing the topic, and smiled as he talked about his own plans. As he listened to Luo Zhentao's plans for New Years, Rong Xu's thoughts slowly drifted off.

Chinese people all loves Chinese New Year, to have a family reunion, and to be festive and lively.

But it was unlikely that he would return to the Rong Family. Even if he returned, it would not be a reunion, and it would definitely not be lively.

His New Years was destined to be spent alone. Perhaps he should take this time to shoot other film and celebrate it with the crew. That was also a pretty good choice. Thinking to this, Rong Xu picked a notice that he saw, and was just about to speak when Luo Zhentao's phone rang.

Luo Zhentao picked it up and went outside. When he came back, Rong Xu was going to tell the other about the film he decided on, but he saw Luo Zhentao's excited face and shining eyes aimed towards himself, happily telling him: "Xiao Xu, there's a good movie that want to invite you to audition for it. How about it, do you want to go?"

A movie that can make Luo Zhentao this happy was definitely not an ordinary movie.

Rong Xu was surprised: "Which movie?"

As if he realized what Rong Xu was thinking, Luo Zhentao explained: "The investment in it is not much, but the Director and decided female lead are both very good. The script is also very good, and most importantly, the role's character is very good. The movie is called "Black Clouds", the role they want you to audition for is the male lead. You probably heard of the name "Black Clouds" before, it's exactly the debut song of that popular singer who died from illness a few years ago."

Before when he was recording "Extremely Entertaining", Rong Xu was extremely worried then. If Tang Menglan was to off-handed say some household-name song, it was still unknown if he could sing it. However, let's say that Tang Menglan didn't say "Resonance of War" but instead "Black Clouds"… lucky, it just so happens that Rong Xu also knew this song.

The original owner was someone who liked to listen to heavy metal rock 'n roll songs, "Black Clouds" was one of the few love songs he has ever heard.

This song was extremely influential in China. From the original's memory, when the singer died from illness three years ago, you could hear this song playing no matter where you went throughout China.

Ling Xiao, the absolute top self-made singer in China for over twenty years. He won the Golden Melody Awards for seven consecutive years, and was the King of Music who received many awards for a total of fourteen years. His death was like a huge earthquake for the music scene at the time. It could be said that the Chinese music scene was hit hard, and was only slowly recovering in the recent years.

Twenty-five years ago, Ling Xiao debuted with "Black Clouds". In the beginning, he was only playing his guitar and singing at B-City's subway entrance. Later, a video of his singing was posted on the internet by someone. The song touched countless people, and he soon signed a contract and started his singing career.

Ling Xiao's talent was extraordinary, every one of his songs was able to move people's hearts. Although he was not especially handsome, his gentle and clear voice could always touch the deepest feeling hidden in the bottom of people's hearts, it would let people slowly feel at peace and rid of all their restlessness.

However five years ago, Ling Xiao was diagnosed with lymphoma. Two years later, he died in the spring three years ago at only forty-one years old. When he died, the fans cried bitterly nonstop. The entire entertainment circle mourned for him, many foreign stars had also regretted his departure. Even Qin Cheng had rushed back to China from Hollywood to participate in this Music King's funeral.

That's why Luo Zhentao said: "The film's investment isn't big because the budget for the actors isn't much. Many big-named stars seem to have already confirmed that they would appear due to their friendship with Ling Xiao. So whether it was Ling Xiao's own appeal or those big-named guest stars, both will be enough to guarantee a high box office for the movie."

The movie was to commemorate Ling Xiao, but after all, it was still necessary to reap in some benefits. Luo Zhentao's analysis was correct, this movie would definitely not have a low box office. But Rong Xu still felt that there was something weird: "Why would they want me?"

Luo Zhentao laughed and replied: "The Assistant Director just called me and told me it was because they heard your duet with Tang Menglan on "Extremely Entertaining". Xiao Xu, I also think that you can try going into the music circle in the future. You have excellent skills and your voice is very good as well."

This answer made Rong Xu very surprised, he thought for a moment then nodded: "We'll go to the audition then."

Luo Zhentao slightly released his breath, he smiled and continued to tell Rong Xu about the script, saying that the crew would send it over in the evening. When he needed to send Rong Xu home, Luo Zhentao stared at the elevator button, but did not press it.

Rong Xu smiled and inquired: "What's wrong, Luo ge?"

Luo Zhentao smiled and pressed the button: "Music is something that can move people. I used to like listening to Ling Xiao when I was younger as well. Xiao Xu, it would be great if you can pass the audition. I believe that you can play him well." Pausing, Luo Zhentao suddenly seemed to have thought of something. He turned around to carefully scrutinize Rong Xu for a long time when his face suddenly twisted.

Rong Xu slightly furrowed his brows. Without waiting for him to ask, Luo Zhentao sighed regretfully: "It's a pity. Xiao Xu, the feeling when you and he sing are similar and after these days of getting along, I also feel that you can pass with your acting. Your only shortcoming would be…"

Speaking till here, Luo Zhentao suddenly stopped. Rong Xu smiled and ask: "What is it?"

Luo Zhentao let out a long and deep sigh: "You're too handsome, it doesn't quite match with Ling Xiao's image ah!"

Rong Xu: "..."

There are very few people who are perfect. God gave Ling Xiao a heaven-defying talent for composing and a touching voice, but didn't give him a handsome appearance.

Ling Xiao's looks was very ordinary, it was a common face that would be completely inconspicuous when placed in a crowd. But when Rong Xu went to the audition, the senior makeup artist laughed and told him when doing his makeup: "Back when I was still an assistant, I met Ling Xiao once before. Ling Xiao was a very good person, he would always quietly sit there and there would even be times when people overlooked that he was a superstar. He would also help people move things. Once, the leader of our makeup crew was in a hurry so he threw his jacket at someone in the passing. At that time, he didn't know that he actually threw his jacket to Ling Xiao."

Rong Xu's heart trembled slightly.

The makeup artist continued: "When our makeup leader came back, his whole person was scared silly when he saw Ling Xiao. Back then, Ling Xiao had just won the third Golden Melody Award, and was the brightest star in the entire China music scene. He thought he was definitely finished to actually dared make Ling Xiao hold his jacket. However, Ling Xiao waited patiently for half an hour to personally returned the jacket to him and even told him that it was cold outside, you must not take off your jacket just because you think it will be troublesome, please remember to wear it."

Rong Xu lowered his gaze. At the side, Luo Zhentao softly sighed.

As she went on, the makeup artist felt choked with emotions when thinking about the Music King's death, still unable to forget.

When the makeup was done, the makeup artist looked at Rong Xu and couldn't help but be a little dazed. She smiled: "You two don't look alike, but I saw a video of you singing on "Extremely Entertaining". Rong Xu, I pray that you can pass the audition."

Rong Xu's clear eyes reflected her sincere appearance, he couldn't help but smile, softly laughing and nodded: "Thank you."

Soon, Rong Xu went to the audition room under the guide of a crew member. However behind him, the makeup artist stared at his retreating back in a daze. The assistant come over and asked: "What are you staring at, Senior?"

The makeup artist suddenly snapped backed from her daze: "It's nothing, I just felt that this Rong Xu and Ling Xiao are a bit alike. Ling Xiao back then was also like this, he wasn't as handsome as Rong Xu, but the air around them is the same… a little gentle, and makes people want to get close to them."

The assistance was confused: "Really? I saw that it was always you Senior who was talking. That Rong Xu didn't talk much ah."

The makeup artist was speechless: "Does not talking immediately means they're cold? Okay okay, let's go back."

***

At the same time, an airplane was quickly crossing the vast Pacific Ocean, and slowly landed at the Capital Airport. This time, they didn't choose to use the VIP aisle. A tall and handsome man wearing a black trench coat was pulling his suitcase as he walked through the crowd.

Very quickly, someone discovered his figure, and in the next second, it caused a huge commotion at the airport.

...…

The plane arrived at noon, but it was only till around three or four that Qin Cheng was able to get in the car and return to his apartment. Immediately after putting away his luggage, he turned on his computer, and without further ado, searched up the word "Ambush". In the next second, he had already clicked on the final episode to watch.

There was no change in expression on the handsome and indifferent face as Qin Cheng quietly watched the episode. He silently watched Ping City being breached, silently watched Huo Xi walk down the ramp, silently watched the soldier kick Huo Xi's knees, forcing him to kneel down… wait wait wait, as if he would 'silently' watch here!

Qin Cheng's pupil contracted and he immediately started typing. A moment later, a comment appeared among the many barrage of comments.

[Kicked him! You actually kicked him! Why would you kick him!!! ]

He's so handsome, such a lovely person, how can you be willing to kick him!!!

Then he saw Huo Xi's suicide scene.

Qin Cheng: "..."

The video close, this drama has already ended here for him.

What other development afterwards? There's none, Huo Xi is already dead. What other endings was there? This was the ending!

Not a moment later, a comment appeared in the "Ambush" official Weibo——

[Lotus Seed Paste and Orange Stuffing: You're all bad people, why did you let my family's Rongrong die! Why! He's so good, so handsome, who can be willing to let him die! I'm going to send you blade, I'm going to send you blade!!! ]

Coincidentally, "Ambush" Assistant Director Li was log into the official Weibo, and accidentally saw this comment. He laughed and motioned to his son next to him: "Look, the current netizens are really interesting. Three days ago, they all said that they want to send us blades and dynamites. It's really too amusing haha. They also have to the ability to send it ah."

Three days later, "Ambush" screenwriter stared at the open express package with a tearful face.

How could someone really send him a note with the word "Blade" on it ah!

Logically speaking, who the hell was such a weird and crazy person! How the hell is this a blade, are they coming to sell meng or sell stupidity?!

—Eh that's not right, why does this person know his address?!

Let's not think too carefully about it...

These were all things that happened later, no need to talk about it right now. Right now, Rong Xu had just stepped through the audition room's door. And in B-City, a cellphone continued to ring in a quiet apartment. Quickly, Qin Cheng pressed the answer button, and in a low voice, asked: "What is it?"

It seems to be a bit noisy over on Xu Jin's side, so he answered rather loudly: "The "Black Clouds" crew just came to ask me if you would could appear as a guest actor. You don't have many scenes, just participating in the funeral when filming starts will be good enough."

The man knitted his brows and thought for a moment, answering in a low voice: "I can, you can just help arrange a time for me then."

Xu Jin: "..."

A moment later: "Great Elder you still don't have time?! Let's talk about it, your next film still has three months before it starts filming. In these three months, do you plan to endorse something, or participate in a variety show, or… work hard and pick up a new film?"

Qin Cheng raised an eyebrow: "I'll attend a variety show, are you relieved?"

Thinking of the man's indifferent face, Xu Jin suddenly shuddered: "Forget it, don't you ever go on a variety show or else your image will be destroyed thoroughly." After talking for awhile, Xu Jin suddenly remembered: "Oh that's right, I heard that Rong Xu would also be auditioning for the role of Ling Xiao this time. I remembered that you mentioned that Madame Qin is very concerned about him right, it just so happened that you can go and see how he's doing ah haha."

The sharp phoenix eyes widened and his lips pursed. Qin Cheng confirmed: "He wants to audition?"

Xu Jin answered as if it was a matter of course: "En yeah, it seems there are three actors auditioning, he's one of them. But getting the role is quite uncertain. He's a newcomer, and have never acted in a movie. The Director only saw that the feeling when he sings was a bit similar to Ling Xiao, that's why he decided to let him audition."

"...Tell me the result immediately after."

Xu Jin: "What?"

The cold and noble man slightly lowered his gaze, spitting out each word clearly: "I seem have a lot of leisure time the next three months, maybe… I can do another movie."

Xu Jin: "..."

Who was the one that said they were too busy with had no time and had even needed someone else to help arrange a time from him to do a guest appearance ah!

The author has something to say:

Qin OrangeOrange: He's so cute, so handsome, how can you let him die! SendBladeSendBladeSendBlade

The screenwriter who was looking at the mountain of "Blade" notes: ... [Are you sick ah ah ah!!!]

Translator"s Addition:

Vian: New work! New work! New work! And it's one of my favorites!

Also, I'll be busy with school for a while so chapters might not necessary be out on Monday.

Golden Melody Awards – An honor awarded by the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan to recognize outstanding achievement in the Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and Formosan-languages popular and traditional music industry. The GMAs are awarded on the basis of votes by members of jury, and it has constantly been recognized as the equivalent to the Grammy Awards in the Chinese-speaking world. – Wiki-san

Barrage of comments – It's this system where comments appear on the screen. They all scroll through the screen really fast and can be overwhelming if there's a lot.

I can, you can just help arrange a time for me then. – I know what Xu Jin says after doesn't really make sense, but it was like this in the raws.