Actor: Thank you.

Bona Film Group is a film production and cinema chain company, so it did not previously have an artist management business.

Therefore, Yu Dong didn't have much say at this meeting about "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate," especially on topics related to the actors.

This made him very upset.

Especially after seeing Zhang Yuan make frequent requests, he felt that he was being taken advantage of.

In fact, Yu Dong had considered this possibility before.

One of Bona's key agenda items this year is to establish its own brokerage firm, which has already begun operations.

Seeing that Huayi's outstanding artist management has helped the company go public, Bona also wants to go public this year and needs to boost its performance.

But after looking around, I found that the good restaurants already had long queues!
Good artists are already taken.

Huayi, Huajie, Rongxingda, Guangxian, Hairun... these veteran brands have collected almost everything that can be found on the market.

Change the target direction.

I'll just find one that's already independent!
We found Fan Bingbing immediately.

There's no way around it, she's the most popular among actresses, especially after Liu Qianqian's rise was interrupted and Zhang Ziyi's scandals occurred, she now has a unique and outstanding momentum.

Yu Dong was quite polite and personally invited her to dinner and a chat.

As a result, the other party explicitly rejected his request to invest in their company.

"Zhang Yuan and I already have a deep partnership, so we shouldn't need funds for the time being..."

Hey!
And you too, you brat!
Besides those established companies, Zhang Yuan, who was young and didn't have much of a background, also became a "stumbling block" for him.

He was even more resentful after learning that Zhang Ziyi had also dated him.

Why!
Two top actresses have gone with him, but we at Bona Film Group can't find anyone.

Later, Bona Film Group gathered a bunch of "acting talents," including Yuan Li, Yuan Quan, Huang Yi, Xin Baiqing, and Zhang Shi... but none of them had much commercial value.

Therefore, Bona's brokerage business has always been rather lackluster in terms of economic value.

Moreover, they only hire middle-aged people, who have little potential for development.

So seeing Zhang Yuan fighting for roles for his artists and excluding candidates he didn't like made him very unhappy.

It seems that Lao Han is even more unhappy that he's going along with his wishes.

“There’s one more thing…” Zhang Yuan said to Fan Xiaoxuan, then raised his hand again.

"Oh, our boss Zhang really has a lot of opinions," the man said sarcastically.

"I'm sorry, what I was offering were suggestions, not opinions," Zhang Yuan immediately corrected.

"These two words are fundamentally different."

“The opinions are guiding; among everyone present, only President Han is qualified to offer opinions.” Zhang Yuan gestured towards President Han.

"All we can offer are suggestions; whether or not they are listened to is up to the leadership."

Are you still trying to pull this on me?
Then I'll take this a step further and start by teaching you how to use words in your speech.

Be meticulous, don't you understand?

I'm subtly praising Lao Han, what can you do about it?
"Alright, get to the point, tell me your next suggestion," Old Han interrupted.

Because of Huayi's recent incident, he felt that Zhang Yuan was the most sensible among the young people.

Investment is the same; it comes as quickly as it's called for, so we have to offer our support.

"I've partnered with Nicholas Tse from Hong Kong to run a special effects company, which has an office in Shanghai."

"The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate project involves many special effects details, and I hope to give my company a learning opportunity."

The foreign special effects company hired for "A Chinese Ghost Story" was a South Korean company that had worked on the special effects for "Harry Potter".

"Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" was even more impressive. They hired an American company and brought in several foreigners who had worked on "Avatar" to direct.

The results are clearly good; the foreigners aren't just there for nothing.

Because "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" is based on a martial arts film, but Tsui Hark has already started to take the fantasy route.

Especially after "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame", the works began to be completely transformed into fantasy.

The setting of "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" includes an ancient kingdom covered by desert, somewhat similar to the "Candle in the Tomb" series.

With such great special effects and foreign involvement, our company must strive to improve.

You need to connect with the top players in the industry to make progress.

He recently visited the office in Shanghai and found that the supervisors were mostly seasoned veterans from Hong Kong.

Many of the hands-on workers are young people from all over the country.

These young people need to be given the opportunity to learn so that they may be able to "take their place" in the future!
Furthermore, the Chinese film and television market will see a large number of fantasy works in the future, creating a huge demand for similar special effects, making it a blue ocean market.

Boss Zhang is extremely worried about how to feed his employees.

Upon hearing this, Yu Dong became even more annoyed.

Because Bona doesn't have this kind of business.

People have a tendency to think inertia. If they get to power through connections and background, they are unlikely to be doers or to put their full effort into developing the industrial chain.

My success is due to connections, so of course I will continue to maintain those connections.

"Is your company any good?"

"This project has very high requirements, so we can't afford to mess things up."

"That's why I said I'm learning, broadening my horizons by watching masterpieces by famous directors." Zhang Yuan remained unmoved, not even raising an eyelid in the face of his questioning.

I also dug a hole for him.

"Also, because special effects are very important, I suggest that we assign a separate supervisor or producer to this project."

"I would like to suggest a candidate for everyone's consideration."

"Brother!" Yu Dong said with a sneer, "That's going too far."

“You are an investor, but this is not just your show.”

"How many people are you planning to bring in?"

"Are we still filming or not?"

"How about we, Bona, step aside and let you play by yourself?"

“Okay, whatever you think, I have no objection.” Zhang Yuan didn’t respond at all.

Paying attention to idiots doesn't mean I'm putting myself on their level.

"But please don't interrupt me, I haven't finished speaking yet."

"I suggest that Ms. Han Jia Nu be assigned to this task."

Yu Dong: ...

"Because she has worked on the set of the Hollywood film 'Fast & Furious,' she is one of the few professionals in China with experience on major overseas film sets."

"I think she's a good fit, but of course, this is just a suggestion."

"Next, I would like to suggest discussing the issue that President Yu mentioned earlier, Bona's plan to withdraw." Zhang Yuan then glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.

Zhang Yuan was so choked up that he couldn't even speak to Yu Dongding.

The key is that it's reasonable; they've even come up with excuses for Lao Han.

He has experience working on overseas film sets, and this "experience" was arranged by him.

You can withdraw.

If you dare to back out, I'll borrow money to make up for the investment!

What are you pretending for? It's not like I'm afraid of you.

"Ahem, well..." Old Han cleared his throat: "Yu Dong, when we're discussing issues, don't always get worked up."

"As for what Zhang Yuan said, write it down and we'll discuss it later."

Old Han felt comfortable.

Zhang Yuan had previously asked him to be a consultant, which was related to his retirement, a topic he was reluctant to discuss. But today, his words and actions are consistent and make sense!
The older people get, the more sentimental they become.

If we don't consider emotions, are we supposed to focus on drive, physical health, and the future—things we're about to lose?
Bringing up old grievances and resting on past laurels is the norm.

If you're going to talk about feelings, of course you want others to do the same, so that the younger generation doesn't surpass the older one and leave you stranded on the beach.

In most people's lives, they first focus on their own family, and then on the greater good.

Zhang Yuan's current behavior is very much in line with Lao Han's image of a young person who respects the elderly and cares for the young.

"Since you're speaking now, I also have something I'd like to ask you."

Old Han took a sip of tea, then stared straight at him.

"What's your thought about the matter of whether you should act in 'Flying Swords of Dragon Gate' that I asked you to consider before?"

"Oh, that's what it is." Zhang Yuan smiled in response, but then looked at Yu Dong.

"I think I'd better not act anymore."

“I’m afraid that if I act in it, Mr. Yu will start threatening to withdraw his investment again, and I can’t bear that responsibility.”

Yu Dong: ...

Why is there a surprise call back?

Old Han sneered, "Why did you provoke him?"
He's from the Chinese Quyi Association; he can perform crosstalk and storytelling. Do you think you can outwit him with your words?
His senior brother has managed to slap the media in the past two days with just his words.

"Seriously, stop joking." Old Han came to Yu Dong's rescue.

“Well…” Zhang Yuan nodded, his expression serious.

A few days ago, after Lao Han asked him about this matter, Zhang Yuan thought about it carefully.

His decision was... not to act.

But pretend you're acting!
I don't need to carry the box office for this movie, nor is there any obligation for me to act in it.

Moreover, the character Yu Huatian is still useful.

That's why he pretended to act; maintaining this attitude, he made a phone call to Rong Xingda.

They found Li Xiaowan. At this point, Chen Kun was still theoretically his artist, even though his contract was about to expire.

"We originally approached Chen Kun for the role of the second male lead; you should know that," Zhang Yuan said to the top agent.

"But now Mr. Han wants me to invest and act in the film."

"He's also thinking about the box office, don't overthink it."

Li Xiaowan felt extremely helpless after hearing this.

How to do?
Even if Lao Han speaks out himself, it's useless for him to refute it.

Moreover, in terms of box office revenue, Zhang Yuan is indeed more capable than Chen Kun, and he has his reasons. His skills and physique are also better than Kun Kun's.

This is a big production, everyone wants to act in it, and everyone wants to work with Li Lianjie.

You can try to snatch it, but you can't beat them.

But what do you mean by calling on purpose?
Want to show off to me?

Zhang Yuan then continued.

"President Han supported my casting. I personally checked the situation and found that Tsui Hark is a great director and the investment is so large, it's going to be a good film."

"I think it's good too."

“But…” Zhang Yuan first praised the play and the character, but then changed the subject.

"I don't necessarily have to act."

"You don't have to act, or you can even recommend Chen Kun to act as an investor."

"After all, we've known each other for a long time and are friends, so it's only right that we support each other."

Li Xiaowan knew his power well; his sudden politeness couldn't be anything good.

So, what is the price?

"Don't be nervous," Zhang Yuan reassured him.

Li Xiaowan felt a headache coming on; even a seasoned veteran like herself was flustered in front of a young man.

"You should know that Huayi has been targeting me lately."

"I received five nominations for the Hundred Flowers Awards, and they actually want to take away my chance to win."

"This isn't targeting me, it's targeting the Hundred Flowers Awards."

"If this happens, it is an insult to the award and a discrediting of its credibility."

"Professor Li, as a senior figure in the industry, you must step in and turn the tide."

Make many friends and make few enemies.

A white horse is not a horse. The Wang brothers are members of the imperial circle, but the imperial circle is not just these two brothers!

It's as if you own the entire Chinese film and television industry.

After weighing the pros and cons, Zhang Yuan discovered a very simple reality.

If the importance of this role to oneself is B, then for Kun Kun, it is at least S.

This is a mismatch in demand.

There is also an information asymmetry.

Neither the other party nor their agent knew that they were indifferent to the role.

That's why he has to pretend to act, because if he does, people will believe him.

Thus, he inexplicably gained an important negotiating bargaining chip.

"Teacher Li, I do not desire titles and honors, but only wish for peace on the seas."

"I hope that the Chinese film and television industry will get better and better, so that everyone can get better and better."

"Fairness and impartiality are important aspects of this."

Zhang Yuan elevated the theme directly.

Li Xiaowan didn't believe it...

He even said, "Being granted a title is not what I desire..."

You're quite the actor, aren't you?

If I really don't grant you a title of nobility, how can Haibo be appeased?

It's probably going to get into the demon child's mind!

Li Xiaowan understood his meaning and agreed to the exchange.

The role was given to Chen Kun, and he came to support him.

But for the Hundred Flowers Awards, Li Xiaowan needs to exert her influence and use her connections.

He's from the old capital, and he also came from the Beijing Film Studio, so he knows a bunch of old guys.

It may not be able to completely overcome the "financial power" of Huayi after its listing, but more people mean more strength.

Take your time.

The other party would naturally agree to these conditions. They would do the work behind the scenes and receive real benefits in return. Why not do it?

After reaching an agreement with Li Xiaowan, Zhang Yuan did not stop there. Instead, he called Chen Kun again with the same words.

Old Han asked me to act, do you think you can still do it?
Chen Kun was so anxious that he kept scratching his head.

He knows this feeling all too well. If Zhang Yuan has his eye on me, do I still have a chance?

impossible!

I was already cast in "Painted Skin," but they still managed to get rid of me. They wanted to mess with me, but that's like spinning a top in circles.

"However," Zhang Yuan paused again, as if trying to pique the interest.

“I had Da Bai tell you that I would find a way to make it up to you.”

“I introduced you to Chenlong’s ‘1911 Revolution’ before, where you played the second male lead.”

It's the Wang Jingwei he didn't want to play...

"Now I can make it up to you again by acting in 'Flying Swords of Dragon Gate' for you."

"But there are conditions."

"What do you want to do?" Chen Kun's mind was completely blank.

"Your contract with Rongxingda is about to expire, right?"

"Will you sign with the company again after the contract expires?"

Chen Kun thought he wanted her to be his artist, so he quickly denied it.

"No, I don't plan to sign with any company again. I want to make my own way in the world."

"Like Fan Bingbing, open your own studio and company."

"Okay!" Zhang Yuan replied excitedly.

A promise is a promise, double happiness!
“I own shares in Fan Bingbing’s company.”

"Your studio can operate like this too!"

“In that case, we’ll do it the way you said, following Fan Bingbing’s case.”

“We’ve partnered on this project, not just for ‘Flying Swords of Dragon Gate,’ but I’ll also recommend any suitable roles or projects to you in the future.”

"We'll be one family from now on."

Zhang Yuan sold this play and this role twice.

One fish, two ways; eat both ends.

After the "Painted Skin" incident, Chen Kun is now quite wary of him and says he needs to think about it.

Zhang Yuan told him that roles don't wait for anyone, so he should think of one quickly, or he would play the role himself.

With his personality and mindset, he can be easily pushed to his limits.

Zhang Yuan knew that his studio was more than just a studio.

Just like Yang Mi Studio, which later became Jaywalk Studio.

Chen Kun Studio later collaborated with Zhou Xun to become Dong Shen Future.

If we catch him, we can make more moves in the future.

With their intelligence, he and Zhou Xun could easily outmaneuver them.

Sure enough, Chen Kun called him back in just two or three days.

This indicates agreement to the "marriage".

Kun Kun thought about it himself, and also went to ask "The Brain".

The response was that it could be done.

Fan Bingbing is doing quite well now, and besides, roles can't wait; if you miss one, who knows when the next one will come.

Besides, you'll definitely need funds and resources when you become independent in the future, so this is perfect for you.

Zhang Yuan achieved his strategic goal, gaining the support of Rongguoda and also getting Kunkun registered under his name.

It would kill two birds with one stone, but Chen Kun was advised not to leak the news yet and to take it slowly.

As agreed, he also presented his ideas at the meeting.

"Chen Kun is doing well."

“Yu Huatian is a eunuch from the Western Depot, so he needs to have a bit of a feminine air about him. I’m not as good as him in that respect.”

"I've discussed it with Teacher Li Xiaowan, and we've decided that he should play this role."

After Zhang Yuan finished speaking, Lao Han was so surprised that he didn't say anything.

"Okay, write it down." Old Han took a while to speak.

Knowing that taking a step back would be better, and that Li Xiaowan was also a trusted confidante, was a good thing.

Ha, this kid knows how to team up, not bad.

He glanced at Yu Dong again, "Why are you always targeting me?"
They always say things that undermine unity.

They're younger than you, and they handle things more thoughtfully.

After the meeting, Lao Han chatted with him for a while, implying that he had made great progress and become more mature.

It's okay if he doesn't act this time; we'll consider him again when there's a better opportunity in the future.

Traitors and counter-revolutionaries are out of the question... Zhang Yuan made his demands, and Lao Han said he was being picky.

But in the end, he said he understood and that it was a good thing to make progress.

He then secretly told him about his daughter, and the old father was extremely worried.

Zhang Yuan expressed his understanding and said that he would arrange more opportunities for the other party to be exposed to good works in the future.

He handled everything well, managing to get everyone he needed to work with.

However, unlike his flourishing business, the Deyuan Society was steadily declining... (End of Chapter)