Actor: Thank you.

In any industry, connections and relationships are intertwined, and those with connections reap the benefits.

Zhang Yuanyou remembers that in his previous life, when he was in elementary school, the fattest classmate in his class was a chef at a state-run restaurant.

Leave a spoon handle for this kid every day.

"Spoon handle" is a colloquial term that literally refers to the small ladle used by cooks for stir-frying.

Leaving a spoon handle means that when a cook is cooking each dish, he first puts out half a spoonful of the sauce and then into a small lunchbox or thermos that he has prepared in advance.

The same dish, whether the quantity is large or small, is just a matter of the chef's choice.

They cook dozens of dishes a day, and each dish has only a little "waste," which customers don't notice. The managers of state-run restaurants also turn a blind eye, since the waste belongs to the state, not themselves.

Think about how much you can bring home in a day.

They fed that grandson until he was fat and bloated.

Zhang Yuan suspected that this kid had played a part in the later collapse of the state-run restaurant.

Even in the kitchen, everyone has to take advantage of small deals. How can you expect everyone to have their own selfish motives when making a movie?
The problem is that Zhang Yuan's personal motives conflicted with those of the two people in front of him!
Wang Jinhua glanced at Teng Huatao, who had just been beaming with pride and being praised by Zhang Yuan.

What did I say?

What did I tell you before I came?

Look at you, always thinking about good things.

Teng Huatao also snapped out of his smiling state.

"Hey... it's great that you're willing to invest and grant the copyright usage rights."

"But about the female lead."

"What?" Zhang Yuan raised his eyebrows sharply upon hearing this.

His entire demeanor changed!
Previously, he was as amiable as an ordinary junior, like an actor in the gentle manner when facing a big agent and director.

At this moment, however, he suddenly changed his tune, exuding an air of authority without anger, and adopted the demeanor of a company boss.

"Our project isn't even started yet, and there's already a problem with the female lead?"

"what is the problem?"

"Could it be that you brought people with you?"

"Oh!" Zhang Yuan pointed.

"Did you take bribes from Hua Yi and come here to humiliate me on purpose?!"

"Are you planning to use people from Huayi?"

"Sister Hua, do you want Li Bingbing to star in this role?"

"She's now Huayi's person, and you're the one who promoted her."

"Maybe we should just give up. I'll just let this copyright rot in my hands!" He rattled off a string of words, leaving the two of them no chance to catch their breath.

After saying that, he got up to see the guest out.

He was quite satisfied with his acting skills because Wang Jinhua didn't notice anything amiss.

Sister Hua just felt that this kid was a bit neurotic, had he been driven crazy by Hua Yi?
"No, no, no, don't rush, and don't go."

“If anyone should leave, it should be us. This is your home.” Sister Hua quickly got up to stop them.

Being a seasoned veteran, she immediately changed the subject, using her most effective emotional appeal.

"Zhihua talks about you all the time, and he often goes to see your movies."

“My son also asked when he could come to your house for dinner again.”

"Sit down and let's talk, there's no rush."

Sister Hua mentioned her son and husband and pressed him down.

"We're here today to pay a visit."

"If we can get the important business done, that's great. If we can't, catching up with old friends is not bad either."

Sister Hua gave Teng Huatao a wink.

In this situation, don't let things get out of hand; stay calm first.

“Yes, yes, let’s get to know each other and become friends.” Teng Huatao also changed his expression.

After chatting about everyday things for a while, Zhang Yuan's expression gradually softened.

Seeing that the time was right, they brought up the old matter again.

"Let's get back to the movie 'Love is Not Blind'."

"My requirement is simple: I will invest, at least half of my funds."

"But since I've already spent the money, I have to support my people."

"This is a valid point anywhere in the world."

“I have a few candidates now: Song Jia, Jiang Xin, Cheng Hao…” Zhang Yuan casually rattled off a bunch of names of actresses under his wing.

"Anyway, we can choose within this range and discuss it."

Zhang Yuan said with considerable conviction.

"The actresses you mentioned are all very talented and quite famous."

"But whether it's suitable is another matter," Sister Hua said with a smile. "I think we could broaden our selection."

"Because I told Hua Tao that I would also contribute money."

"Just like you said, if you've paid money, you have to support your own people. That makes sense anywhere."

Sister Hua even used his knife to perform fancy tricks, which were much more skillful than Teng Huatao's.

“No, this is a matter of principle and cannot be changed.” Zhang Yuan refused outright, his attitude firm.

"Actually, I don't think this is a matter of principle."

“I know you. You like this book, so you hope it will be good.”

"On this point, the three of us actually share the same goal."

Seek common ground while reserving differences, and pretend to be allies.

"Why don't the three of us work together to come up with a solution that satisfies everyone?"

"The purpose of doing things is to make everyone happy."

Zhang Yuan also pretended to think.

In fact, he knew very well what Wang Jinhua wanted to do.

The matter is very simple: the two guys in front of me each have someone they want to curry favor with.

Teng Huatao certainly wanted to promote Wen Zhang, who became a huge star after starring in his drama.

Wang Jinhua's choice to promote someone was even clearer: Bai Baihe!
Because Sister Hua's two original generals, namely the two Bing, have now become powerful and are either planning to or have already become independent.

So she has to cultivate the next star.

He then set his sights on Bai Baihe, who was using the opportunity to infiltrate the imperial circle.

This person, to say how good-looking... well, not really.

She's had her nose augmented and her eyes done; in the entertainment industry, where beauties abound, she can't compare to the likes of Bingbing and Fan Bingbing.

But she's very good at handling things!

She has a background in dance and started attending the affiliated high school of Beijing Dance Academy at the age of 12. She met Zhang Yimou when he was casting for "Happy Times".

Although I wasn't selected.

Because Dong Jie was ultimately chosen for the role in this play.

Even though she wasn't selected, she still caught the attention of Zhang Yimou, who felt she had acting talent and suggested she try for the Central Academy of Drama or the Beijing Film Academy.

This person actually went, but didn't get into the acting class; instead, they ended up in the musical theatre class.

Then, through performances and making friends, she met her future husband, or rather, her ex-husband.

In the entertainment industry, ambition is not a negative word, but a quality.

Sister Hua had also seen this kind of ambition in Zhang Yuan, and it was far greater than that of anyone she had ever met.

In short, she accepted Bai Baihe.

Not only did they accept it, they also provided the "top-of-the-line" version.

After collaborating with and then parting ways with Orange Sky, Sister Hua poached Wang Jiange, Orange Sky's director of brokerage business.

This woman is even more heavyweight.

Both parents are prominent figures in the arts and culture world with semi-official positions.

Zhang Yuan has no connections, so all the agents under him are self-employed.

As a big shot like Sister Hua, who is a core member of the imperial circle, her subordinates are naturally all people with close connections.

They all end up in the same circle.

Sister Hua directly handed Bai Baihe over to Wang Jiange and instructed him to nurture her with all his might.

Therefore, Bai Baihe was truly a darling of the imperial circle during her peak.

Sister Hua gave her the best resources.

However, Zhang Yuan wasn't interested in Miss Bai.

Because she is clearly not as good as the two Bingbings.

She lacks Li Bingbing's ruthlessness and Fan Bingbing's magnanimity.

Furthermore, her character isn't great, and in terms of acting skills, she's actually not as good as Bing or Fan Bingbing.

Bai Baihe is very selective about the roles she plays; they have to be specific and suitable for her.

To be specific, she's a green tea bitch, leaning more towards the tomboyish type.

They've done a lot of dirty work, both openly and secretly.

The character must be someone who appears innocent or righteous, the way she usually pretends to be, her comfort zone.

In short, he's a ruthless person, but not as ruthless as the two Bingbings.

Zhang Yuan's actions were not directed at her, nor did he have any objections to her.

It's not about ruining a female star's future. It's about harming nature and people; what's the point if it doesn't harm Wen He?

He has no grudge against them.

Therefore, his claim that he must have his own female celebrities act in the roles was actually an act.

The character Bai Xiaoxian is one that most people might not be able to portray with the same nuance as Bai Baihe.

The only person Zhang Yuan could think of was Wang Luodan, who has been quite popular recently.

Because the character is supposed to be cheated on by her boyfriend and best friend, being too beautiful or glamorous would lower the character's credibility.

Fan Bingbing was cheated on. The audience glanced at her face, cursed, and went to get a refund.

Untrustworthy.

Even actresses who appear somewhat assertive can't come.

Therefore, if Song Jia and Jiang Xin were to play the roles, they would surely die.

He knew perfectly well that he and his ilk were not suitable.

He originally acquired the copyright simply to make money.

Now, I have another idea.

Besides making money, it's also a good way to win over allies.

He was tough only to make a better offer.

Sister Hua patiently persuaded him, and even stayed to drink several cups with him.

Teacher Dong Zhihua and his son Dong Zijian are both eating instant noodles at home.

After one day of persuasion, he still wouldn't play along. After two days, I brought the father and son together and tried to appeal to their emotions.

The chubby boy from back then is now a skinny young man who isn't very tall or handsome, and is somewhat shy.

Another day later, Sister Hua said she was bringing two friends to meet her.

Zhang Yuan guessed and asked a few questions, and he knew it was Bai Baihe and her husband.

He then said that women could come, but men were out of the question.

Sister Hua immediately stated that they were a legitimate married couple and could not have extramarital affairs, even if they were investors.

Zhang Yuan: …

Give me back my time with her?

I'm the one who suffers!

I might not be able to outmaneuver her.

He doesn't allow men to come, just because he doesn't want D-dog to come into the house.

We ended up having dinner at a restaurant outside.

"I think Lily is suitable for the movie 'Love is Not Blind'."

"She has the potential to become a big star."

Ms. Bai was indeed adept at handling social situations, constantly offering toasts and saying kind words, but also pretending to be drunk at the right time, leaning on her husband's shoulder.

After several meetings, Zhang Yuan felt that things were about right and his expression became increasingly moved.

They deliberately left an opening for Sister Hua.

"Zhang Yuan, I actually figured it out."

Another day, Sister Hua came to his house for tea.

"You seem quite satisfied with Lily too."

"Actually, this film was a low-budget production, not a commercial blockbuster."

"I was watching this show, and I just thought Baihe was a good fit."

“If you want to support your own artists, I can help you find opportunities in other big-budget films,” Sister Hua offered.

"That's fine, but there aren't many opportunities for blockbuster films, right?"

"No matter how hard we try, my people can't get roles in any of the big-budget films produced by Huayi."

Sister Hua gave an awkward smile.

"Not necessarily. You see, I've had some disagreements with those two brothers before."

"Now that it's over, it's over."

"That's you... Alright, I understand."

"How about this?" Zhang Yuan raised three fingers.

"First of all, if you plan to use your artists, I can accept that."

"But the condition is that you withdraw from investing in this film and hand it over entirely to my Cross-Strait Film Company."

Sister Hua thought to herself, "Is this a condition?"
Could it be that he has high hopes for this film?

"But you must fully cooperate with the publicity campaign."

"Bai Baihe's salary is based on a tiered system."

"Based on the film's box office performance."

"If the film's box office doesn't break 100 million, she can only get the minimum basic salary."

"Okay!" Sister Hua readily agreed.

It is precisely because of her magnanimity that the actresses she nurtures also possess magnanimity.

"And, most importantly," Zhang Yuan raised his last finger, "I need your help."

……

A few days later, Xiao Wang had dinner and chatted with some friends, discussing business.

"Mr. Wang, you're doing really well lately."

"By joining Alibaba, Huayi will surely become the aircraft carrier of China's film and television industry in the future."

"What kind of talk is that?" Unexpectedly, Xiao Wang, who was being flattered, still had a stern face.

"Isn't our Huayi now an aircraft carrier?"

"Yes, right now."

"Ha ha ha ha……"

The private room was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

People praise others, and the more they are praised, the more arrogant they become.

These two guys are getting a little cocky now.

“Let me tell you, our vision at Huayi now extends beyond movies.”

"Next, we need to develop physical industries such as games, animation, and even film studios and amusement parks."

"Everyone who follows Huayi will be guaranteed to make a fortune!"

Everyone stood up in unison and raised a toast together.

"Okay!" Xiao Wang poured himself a full glass without anyone trying to stop him.

"Clothes make the man, and a saddle makes the horse."

"I want to tell everyone that we have some good news to share recently."

"We plan to buy an office building and establish our new headquarters in Huayi!"

"We're already looking for someone. Once it's settled, we'll all come and have some fun together."

Actually, this idea is not wrong: acquire fixed assets.

With Alibaba's involvement, the two brothers had more money and their investments were more secure, so they cleverly spent their money elsewhere.

The bulk of the expenditure is on buying property.

Even if a company takes out a loan to buy a property, it can significantly increase its assets on paper and boost its stock price.

Furthermore, buying property in Beijing is a good deal as it means waiting for the property to appreciate in value.

Everyone gasped in amazement; this was incredible! Xiao Wang's already rosy face turned even redder.

“Director Huang, come, let’s have a drink alone.” Xiao Wang deliberately got up and went to stand next to an older man.

And very politely, he specifically addressed the other party by their "professional title".

What kind of council member?
Member of the Film Association Council.

"Thanks to you for helping me with a small problem this time."

"The connections surrounded a self-important little kid."

Xiao Wang raised his glass to toast the other person.

But the other person looked somewhat awkward.

"No, no, I was just helping to say hello."

"It might not be useful..." he added softly.

"Huh, what do you mean?" Xiao Wang had drunk quite a bit, but he wasn't completely confused.

"Hey..." he chuckled awkwardly, "Well, the thing we talked about before has encountered some resistance."

"How could there be any resistance against a child with no background?"

In Xiao Wang's eyes, Zhang Yuan was just a child.

But in the eyes of this film association director, Zhang Yuan is a "little boy," the kind of little boy who brings warmth to the island nation.

No foundation?
Then why are Li Xiaowan, Wang Jinhua, Teng Huatao, and Li Xuejian all speaking up for him within the association?
Xiao Wang was stunned after hearing this.

what!
what happened?

Where did these people come from?
Xiao Wang's head was spinning; the alcohol hit him hard instantly.

So, who is surrounding whom now?

However, what really got him excited was just about to happen... (End of Chapter)