Actor: Thank you.

"I have no conflict with Ning Hao."

After Xiao Wang asked, Zhang Yuan didn't care whether he genuinely didn't know the truth or was pretending to be stupid.

In short, he answered sincerely.

Sincerity is not only a killer move, but also a universal skill.

Because sincerity leaves no room for error.

"It's just that career is like life."

"As we move forward, we may stop and go, and the friends around us may not always be there to accompany us."

"Perhaps we will part ways temporarily at some crossroads, or perhaps we will meet again by chance in some place."

"That's not necessarily true."

"No one is anyone's master; let each of us be well."

After hearing his words, Xiao Wang's smile remained, but the corners of his mouth twitched twice.

This guy always speaks with a veiled barb.

No one is anyone's master.

Is this referring to you and Ning Hao, or you and me?

"Good, it's rare to see someone so young with such a great attitude," Xiao Wang said politely.

"Okay, you go ahead and get busy."

"I'll treat the crew to dinner tonight, then we can talk."

Xiao Wang patted him on the shoulder, giving him a "I have high hopes for you" look.

I have high hopes for myself too... Zhang Yuan waved goodbye to the other person.

At the same time, I was thinking to myself.

"There's definitely something wrong with the movie 'No Man's Land'."

"And even Hua Yi can't solve this problem."

In fact, the movie "No Man's Land" proves one thing.

In the eyes of the higher-ups' propaganda apparatus, your film industry's annual market of several hundred billion is nothing.

How much money is that?

PetroChina's price increase will wipe out all your losses in one round.

The higher-ups aren't expecting you to do anything big with that little bit of money.

Our primary role for you is still the promotional and entertainment function of the cultural industry.

First, they must not cause trouble; ideally, they should also be able to go to sea.

If it can help promote Chinese culture overseas and spread Chinese civilization, then I will be very satisfied.

"No Man's Land" violated the taboo of "causing trouble".

The money you make is of no concern to the higher-ups, but if you cause trouble, they won't be so lenient.

There is a misunderstanding about this industry between those in the propaganda department and those who make a living from it.

However, the booming development of China's film and television industry has blinded many practitioners with the influx of hot money.

Therefore, Zhang Yuan was certain that Xiao Wang had already read the script.

After all, he had introduced Feng Xiaogang and Da Nao to them.

However, no problems were found with the work.

However, if you are overly enthusiastic, then there will be a problem.

"He was probably testing my attitude."

"It's not just about the attitude towards Ning Hao, but also about his works."

“It would be very unusual for me not to invest.”

"If you're so eager to introduce him to me, then there's definitely a problem."

"The Wang brothers aren't stupid."

This is also why he chose "sincerity".

Because sincerity leaves no room for error.

Shortly after saying goodbye to Zhang Yuan, Xiao Wang returned to his car and made a phone call to his older brother.

"Judging from that kid's appearance, he doesn't seem to have any problems."

"I don't recommend it, I don't shy away from it, I have no particular stance."

Wang Zhonglei described what he had seen and heard.

"I asked him how things were going with Ning Hao."

"His answer was basically the same as Ning Hao's, and it was also consistent with what we had learned from other sources."

On the day of the Lunar New Year dinner, there will be many people attending, and there will definitely be some who are cooperating with Huayi.

It wasn't difficult for the Wang brothers to find out what was going on.

Zhang Yuan did not keep it a secret either.

"For the time being, it seems there's no major problem."

"How's it going on your end?" Xiao Wang asked his older brother after finishing his sentence.

“I’ve spoken with Lao Han, and he will continue to invest in Ning Hao’s new film under the name of China Film Group, just like before.”

"And he said he had read the script and there was no problem."

“I also consulted other people, and they all said it wasn’t a big problem.”

"That's good."

"Let's observe it for a while longer."

"it is good."

Despite seeking confirmation from multiple sources and contacting them personally, the two remained extremely cautious.

The reason is that the movie "Shinjuku Incident" that Zhang Yuan had previously recommended to them flopped!
I've already learned my lesson.

Although the Shinjuku Incident did not lose much money.

Because the main pitcher is Chenlong.

The fact that Uncle Jackie lost a lot of money and couldn't be shown in mainland China is also related to director Derek Yee's artistic pursuits.

So no matter how much they researched, they still couldn't determine whether Zhang Yuan had deliberately sabotaged them when he recommended this film.

After all, their previous collaboration with Chen Long on "The Forbidden Kingdom" was profitable.

It may look fine, but there is a problem.

Regardless of the conclusion, greater caution is certainly warranted.

If Zhang Yuan were to push the project onto them again, just like last time, the two brothers would probably be even more suspicious than Cao Cao.

So when it was time for dinner that evening, Xiao Wang deliberately pulled Zhang Yuan to sit next to him.

He claimed that he had a high alcohol tolerance and could keep him company.

"Sister Bingbing, let me toast you."

During the dinner, Zhang Yuan took the initiative to come to Li Bingbing's side.

"Ha, did you even wash your hands before offering me this toast?"

Seeing that the other person was also joking, Zhang Yuan knew that the matter was over.

Li Bingbing was perceptive; after a moment's thought, she realized that the boss probably needed to see Zhang Yuan about something, which was why he was giving him special treatment.

In addition, she had just watched the replay, and her performance in that scene was indeed phenomenal.

She had no idea she could perform like that.

Even I was surprised when I saw it.

Why do good actors need to meet good directors?

Because someone has to bring out the actor's potential.

Oranges grown south of the Huai River are sweet oranges, while those grown north of the Huai River are bitter oranges.

A good director is one who allows actors to surpass their previous selves and unleash 120% of their potential.

Just like Brother Qian, everyone says he's a good straight man.

However, without Guo Laoshi as his partner, he wouldn't have achieved his current level of skill.

Qian Ge was strong in his early years, but not as strong as he is now.

It was through the two of them working together, clashing, and growing on stage.

Li Bingbing is not an unreasonable person.

Although Zhang Yuan's methods were despicable, they were remarkably effective.

The key is that ordinary people, even directors on set, wouldn't dare to use such a despicable trick; only he did.

This unleashed potential earned her praise, but she also felt that her performance surpassed Zhou Xun's.

I felt much better after that.

After a few drinks, the two stopped talking about the past and returned to their previous state.

"It's you." Su Youpeng stepped forward with a sly smile. "If it were anyone else, Bingbing would have already lost her temper."

"Do you believe I dare to take this to Huayi?"

"I believe, but it's no use."

"Hehehe..." Youpeng punched him on the back.

That's right, Wang Zhonglei even praised you, it's true that suing him wouldn't have made a difference.

"Your method is a bit unethical, but it is indeed effective."

"As long as it's effective, that's all that matters." Zhang Yuan shrugged; he always prioritized efficiency.

In fact, his methods are not new, just like the "collapse therapy" used on Fan Wei in Zhao Benshan's skit "Heart Disease".

I'll mess things up for you first, then I'll change things up.

Who says Uncle Benshan's sketches are vulgar? They're actually quite sophisticated.

"Come on, let's raise a toast to Zhang Yuan, who has worked so hard."

"I just heard from the director that he even learned Japanese specifically to play the role well." "That's great, I'm very touched." Xiao Wang found another excuse to get closer to him.

"Come on, let's have another drink just the two of us."

She grabbed him and poured him a full glass of white wine, then put on a show of deep confiding in him.

"Zhang Yuan."

"We've known each other for a long time."

"We've collaborated many times before, and it seems this collaboration is going very smoothly as well."

"You could call us good friends?"

"Of course, we're definitely good friends," Zhang Yuan quickly replied, raising his glass.

"Since we're friends, I have to tell you the truth."

"Now that your cooperation with Ning Hao has been interrupted, I have high hopes for him."

"However, there are quite a few companies outside pursuing Ning Hao."

"I thought that since we are friends, we should help each other."

"Why don't you step in and talk to Ning Hao on our behalf?"

"After all, you also have shares in our Huayi. If I reach a cooperation agreement with Ning Hao, it will be a great deal, and you won't lose out."

"Don't try to refuse."

“I’ve heard that Ning Hao and you have a pretty good relationship, and he’s very willing to listen to what you have to say.”

Zhang Yuan's expression remained unchanged.

Although what the other party said was basically correct, why should I help you persuade Ning Hao?
wrong.

Theoretically speaking, Xiao Wang has a high alcohol tolerance and shouldn't get drunk easily, nor should he be confused.

He knew perfectly well that my relationship with Hua Yi was one of both rivalry and friendship, and that it was impossible for me to help persuade Ning Hao, yet he still asked that question.

If I agree, that would be unreasonable.

If I disagree, it would be against human nature.

I'm working on someone else's film set right now, so it's not appropriate for me to refuse outright.

The correct approach would be to pretend to be drunk and get away with it.

But he didn't pretend to be drunk; instead, his eyes were incredibly clear.

This surprised Xiao Wang greatly, and it clearly exceeded his expectations.

Seeing the surprise in the other person's eyes further confirmed Zhang Yuan's suspicions.

"That old bastard is testing me!"

Given this, he adopted the same attitude as before.

"Mr. Wang is absolutely right."

"Friends should help each other."

"You help me, I'll help you."

"That's what you call a give and take."

"Is that so?" His sudden question caught Xiao Wang off guard.

"of course."

"You came to me about Ning Hao's matter, and coincidentally, I also have something I'd like to ask you for help with."

As he spoke, Zhang Yuan, who had just been holding a wine glass in one hand, sat in his chair with a relaxed air.

Now, however, he changed to holding the cup with both hands and stood up very solemnly.

"What are you trying to do?" Xiao Wang sensed something was wrong and toned down his act of pretending to be drunk.

"I have a favor to ask, Mr. Wang, and I would like to ask you for a small favor."

In front of so many people, and in such a formal setting, everyone present stopped eating and turned their attention to the scene.

Seeing that things had come to this point, Xiao Wang had no choice but to clear his throat, put on a friendly smile, and gesture for them to proceed.

"No need to be so serious, let's just speak frankly."

"Then I'll be so bold as to say it." Zhang Yuan not only didn't relax, but became even more solemn.

At the same time, he pointed his wine glass at Wang Zhonglei.

"I would like to ask President Wang and Hua Yi to let Liu Qianqian off the hook!"

call……

His words were forceful, yet they seemed to silence the large private room.

He spoke, and everyone else fell silent!
Because everyone has heard about the Little Dragon Girl to some extent.

Hua Yi's ban this time is a big deal. She personally contacted all the big shots in the entertainment circle and told them not to promote her or give her any opportunities, otherwise they would be going against Hua Yi.

Coercion and bribery were involved.

Meanwhile, after learning this news, many people who were originally competitors with Boss Chen or Little Dragon Girl in their careers also began to exert their efforts.

After all, you have such good resources. If I help you get things going, those resources might end up in my hands later.

Several young actresses are eager to make their moves, while several established actresses have already begun to take action.

And it's not just targeting Xiaolongnu herself; some people are also spreading rumors that Boss Chen is operating illegally, facing various lawsuits, and has even been arrested and imprisoned.

If they want to sabotage all the resources you acquire from the source, they won't want you to recover.

Whenever an artist gets into trouble, the most excited and jumping around are definitely their peers.

However, there is a group of people who still have some reservations.

Those were the people who had a decent relationship with Zhang Yuan.

These people, finding him inactive, had no choice but to remain inactive as well, and observe further.

Now, Zhang Yuan has made his move!
And it was in public, face to face, and directly that he asked Xiao Wang.

This news spread throughout the industry in less than an hour, maybe fifteen minutes.

Li Bingbing moved her eyes and immediately turned her head away.

"He's quite the romantic..." my older sister thought to herself.

The other main actors pretended not to hear.

Su Youpeng's expression shifted slightly; he was also surprised that Zhang Yuan would say it in public.

Shouldn't this be discussed privately?

If you say it in public, won't you make President Wang feel awkward?

Hiss... But in this way, the ball that the other party had just thrown to him, namely the matter of talking to Ning Hao, has been completely kicked back.

I was in a passive position before, but now I'm in a proactive one.

Zhang Yuan maintained the gesture of offering a toast with both hands, deliberately adopting a humble posture.

A few seconds later, Xiao Wang's face darkened, and his previous smile vanished.

He also did not accept the wine offered by Zhang Yuanjing.

“This matter concerns Hua Yi and the other actors; it has nothing to do with you.”

Although he still had a faint smile on his face, his words were already very cold.

Of course I won't agree!
Zhang Yuan kept his head down, but stole a glance at the other person.

He never expected the other party to agree.

I wouldn't harbor such unrealistic fantasies.

Why should you solve it with just one sentence?

Xiao Wang's words were laced with sarcasm, while Zhang Yuan continued to hold his wine glass. This scene made many of the attendees quite uncomfortable.

It was very tense; many people had sobered up.

"Isn't there any room for negotiation?" Zhang Yuan pressed.

"I told you, this is not your business."

"Okay." Zhang Yuan then put away his wine glass and sat down again.

"It seems Mr. Wang still doesn't consider me a friend."

"Never mind, I've wasted my sincere feelings."

"Perhaps you are right, there are some things I shouldn't interfere with."

"Actually, Ning Hao and I aren't that close, and I can't really interfere in his affairs."

Oh!
Xiao Wang frowned.

Are you threatening me?

I won't budge on Liu Qianqian's matter, and neither will you, Ning Hao.

Not only are you refusing to budge, but judging from your expression, you're also planning to make things worse, aren't you?

Kid, you're something else.

"There are some things I should get involved in, and some things I shouldn't. You're still young, and you probably need to learn more about this." Xiao Wang shed his previous confidant persona and adopted the demeanor of an industry veteran.

"Yes, we still need to learn through work."

"Huayi is my best teacher."

"But there are some things I don't care about. If I feel unhappy about them, it's not like me."

Wow, you want to challenge me to a duel?
Wang Zhonglei looked at him with great interest.

"Okay, you can try to manage it."

"Just treat it as a workout."

"Okay."

"Okay."

The two smiled at each other and raised their glasses together.

The baijiu (Chinese liquor) is pungent and burns through the throat and into the stomach.
It brought a sensation that was both warm and burning.

The people present were puzzled as to why the atmosphere suddenly took a sharp turn for the worse.

Judging from the current situation, it seems a storm is brewing... (End of Chapter)