Actor: Thank you.

With a mix of trepidation and excitement, superstar Ruby Lin arrived at a quiet alleyway in Houhai.

She was wearing a coat with a fox fur collar and tall leather boots. She took two steps forward and raised her hand to knock on the courtyard gate.

With each tap of my knuckles, my heart beats a fraction faster.

After knocking several times, the door moved almost silently.

"Hello." Zhao Dandan poked her head out from the courtyard gate: "I'm Zhang Yuan's assistant."

"He told me to wait for you to come."

"Come in, let me show you around the house."

The tour guide started her work as usual.

All of this was included in her extremely high salary.

Lin Xinru was still a little dazed, but she was used to it.

After all, when I visited Xiao Wang's place before, I took her on a tour of the house as soon as I entered.

Rich people love this kind of thing.

However, Zhang Yuan, the owner, did not appear; it was only his assistant who took her out to play.

According to research, this house was originally the residence of a first-rank official during the Qing Dynasty.

The specifics are unknown, but according to the "Collected Statutes of the Qing Dynasty," the residences of Manchu officials, like those of other dynasties, were regulated by rank.

A duke or marquis's residence consisted of seven rooms and two halls. Generally, a duke or marquis's residence corresponded to the first rank or above, and the area was within 1 square meters.

An ordinary first-rank official's residence consisted of a gatehouse with three rooms and five bays, covering approximately 5000 square meters.

Princes and hereditary princes have even larger properties; tens of thousands of square meters are nothing special for them.

The situation was similar in the Ming Dynasty. Zhang Juzheng held the highest position in the government, and his residence was only about 10,000 square meters.

The Wei State Duke's Mansion, which belonged to the descendants of Xu Da, the King of Zhongshan, was eventually expanded to more than 80,000 square meters.

So Zhang Yuan asked around and guessed that it must have come from the residence of a first-rank Grand Secretary or an official of the same rank.

"This is the theater, which can seat a maximum of 30 people."

Lin Xinru glanced at it; it was bigger and more professional than the one Xiao Wang had.

"Brother Zhang Yuan said there are more 3D movies these days, so he's planning to renovate it and turn it into an IMAX theater," the assistant casually remarked.

Lin Xinru stared wide-eyed and shook her head slightly. This was outrageous.

Although she had never eaten pork, she had seen pigs run and heard about IMAX theaters.

At that time, IMAX in China was still mostly digital, and the cost of building a single theater was around 100 million to 150 million US dollars.

Later came second-generation laser, third-generation laser, and Dolby IMAX, each more expensive than the last, with the highest costing nearly 300 million US dollars.

Even putting aside what happened later, $100 million is still quite frightening!

Ruby Lin said she spent $100 million to build a movie theater at home.

The tickets are enough to last ten lifetimes!

I really don't understand the lives of the rich.

In fact, she only heard about it secondhand and didn't really understand it.

Zhang Yuan specifically asked Lao Han because he wanted to watch "Avatar" at home.

He was also scared when he heard the price; it wasn't worth it.

But Lao Han reassured him that it was a small matter, because while laymen might see it as a spectacle, insiders would understand the intricacies.

The price is a price, but it doesn't mean you have to actually pay that price.

Most cinemas receive the lowest-level equipment for free and sign revenue-sharing agreements, but even Lao Han doesn't know the exact amount each cinema chain receives, as there are strict confidentiality agreements in place.

Advanced equipment is not free and an initial installation fee is required, but subsequent costs can be offset by revenue sharing, and even ordinary equipment can be traded in for new equipment to offset the cost.

In fact, apart from the top-of-the-line Dolby Cinemas, other 3D equipment suppliers would be more than willing to let you use them for free.

They are part of the industry chain, connected to the film industry in Hollywood.

One side is trying to get you to use it, the other side is trying to get him to film it. They match them up, and it doesn't matter if the equipment doesn't make money, because once the hype is generated, the company's stock price goes up.

The 3D craze is something Hitchcock hyped up back in his day; it's not the first time.

So what Lao Han means is, don't be silly and buy the equipment.

This time, "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" isn't a 3D movie. You can just talk to the people at IMAX China and ask them to give you a free copy.

The other party's goal is to promote IMAX movies in China. If you're already making blockbusters, why would you need to buy them yourself?
He has to thank you.

That's the advantage of having someone knowledgeable around you; they can come up with good ideas.

Zhang Yuan was more than happy to get free foreigners.

He has already sent someone to contact IMAX China on behalf of the film industry on both sides of the strait. If a strategic agreement can be reached, sending a set of equipment is no problem.

Lin Xinru is just a public figure in the film and television industry; she only knows that it is incredibly expensive, but she doesn't understand the deals behind it.

The idea of ​​building an IMAX theater at home is something she can't forget.

"This is the swimming pool, and there's a sauna, a hot spring pool, and a treatment room..."

Ziwei noticed that Xiao Wang also had a swimming pool, the kind used for home use.

But Zhang Yuan's side has a full-size swimming pool with warm water and other equipment.

I thought a mansion with a swimming pool was already amazing, but I never imagined there was always something even better.

"How big is this house?"

After walking around, Lin Xinru felt slightly sweaty despite wearing thick clothes, and her feet in high heels were a little sore.

Thinking to himself, "How come this place is so big?" he asked.

"It occupies less than 7000 square meters," the assistant replied.

“7000…” Lin Xinru frowned and thought for a moment.

Mr. Wang said it's 10 mu, which is more than 6000 square meters.

The two houses are actually about the same size.

but……

Although I'm from Taiwan, I've been to Beijing countless times, so I naturally have some understanding of it.

Xiao Wang's house is in Shunyi.

Beijing is divided into ring roads, the most common being the second and third ring roads.

Shunyi has no ring road...

At that time, it only went as far as the Fifth Ring Road; the Sixth Ring Road was built later.

Xiao Wang's manor villa is located outside the Sixth Ring Road.

Zhang Yuan's house is in Houhai, within the Second Ring Road.

It's more than 4 ring roads away from there!

The sizes are similar, but the locations are vastly different, so the prices are naturally worlds apart.

Lin Xinru pondered, no wonder President Wang "backed down" as soon as he heard Zhang Yuan's name.

Reasonable!

He doesn't have the same resources as others.

It seems Zhang Yuan is the real big fish.

Because money equals power.

"Oh, you're here. Sorry to keep you waiting." Zhang Yuan patted his clothes as he stepped out of the elevator in the underground parking garage.

Fan Xiaopang was following behind.

"Ruby, it's been a long time." Fan Bingbing was also tidying her clothes.

She arrived early and insisted on "celebrating" the huge sales of cosmetics on Singles' Day.

"Let's celebrate," Zhang Yuan said, suggesting they go to the bedroom, while she said they should go to the garage.

They got so engrossed in playing in the car.

"You're here too." Lin Xinru saw her "maid" and glanced at Zhang Yuan and her condition.

Both of them had rosy complexions, their breaths were intimate, and there was a sense of blissful intimacy between them.

"What if they want me to play with them later...?" Her heart pounded with anxiety.

Zhang Yuan had his assistant receive them mainly to buy himself time to celebrate.

We sat down in the tea room and were served some black tea.

"Something happened the other day?"

"Huh?" Lin Xinru was taken aback by his question.

"If there's nothing else, why are you only arriving now?" Zhang Yuan took a sip and put down his teacup.

"Yes, something came up; the crew is quite busy."

"Oh, it'll be a hassle for you to make the trip yourself." Zhang Yuan didn't take it seriously, so he said, "Whatever."

"I have a few questions for you." He looked curious.

"Please tell me."

Seeing Lin Xinru's unusually proper attitude, Fan Bingbing, who was standing beside her, suppressed a laugh.

Ziwei thought he was going to ask some questions about the drama "The Glamorous Imperial Concubine".

She had prepared for a long time before coming and was confident that she was fully prepared.

But Zhang Yuan almost strained her back as soon as he opened his mouth.

"Is it true?" Zhang Yuan asked with utmost seriousness.

"what?"

"Was it when you were filming the kissing scene in 'My Fair Princess'?" Zhang Yuan repeated his question, looking directly into the other person's eyes.

"I'm not questioning you, I just want to broaden my horizons."

"Hahaha...no." Ziwei told the truth.

Zhang Yuan pulled a large pair of pipe wrenches from under the table.

"Don't be afraid. In my next role, I'll be playing a laid-off worker, so it's perfectly reasonable for me to carry tools with me."

Lin Xinru swallowed hard.

"Just kidding." Zhang Yuan chuckled.

"Isn't it funny?" he asked when the other person didn't laugh.

"Hahahaha, that's funny, that's funny..." Ziwei quickly broke out in a cold sweat while awkwardly laughing.

My mother!
He's much more terrifying than Boss Wang.

At most, Mr. Wang is just bragging and pretending to be a big shot.

This person was very practical from the start, hitting me right where it hurts.

"It's funny, just laugh it off, but don't lie in front of the media in the future."

"Especially words that are deliberately meant to cause misunderstandings and hurt others."

It was in the news recently; its reputation is terrible.

Not long after, Ruby Lin said something like that on a TV show.

This is what Huang Bo meant when he said, "When you become famous, you're surrounded by good people."

But if you don't become famous, hmph.

I don't like people who are full of lies.

"I understand." Lin Xinru lowered her head like a primary school student.

Fan Bingbing glanced at the two of them and wanted to give Zhang Yuan a thumbs up.

They had only met briefly, and the other person had already "disciplined" them on one issue.

That's real skill!

The logic is actually very simple: she was wrong.

I've found your mistake, so you have no grounds to argue.

Of the entire cast and crew of "My Fair Princess," only Zhang Tielin, who played the Emperor, was not among them.

Now you can't be so arrogant anymore.

Fan Bingbing was secretly pleased to see the other person acting this way, but she still offered words of advice.

"Ruby definitely didn't do it on purpose. You know those shows often ask tasteless questions."

"Yes, I was ambushed, I wasn't paying attention," Lin Xinru replied, playing the innocent victim.

"Alright, then I'll ask you a tasteful question." Seeing that he had achieved his goal of getting to the other person's mindset, Zhang Yuan moved on.

"I ask you, why are there rich people in this world?"

Lin Xinru blinked her big eyes a few times, not quite understanding what he meant, but still managed to answer.

"Because rich people are smart and know how to make money."

"Where does the rich man's money come from?" Zhang Yuan moved slightly closer, his attitude assertive.

"From stocks, companies, and businesses?"

"No!" Zhang Yuan shook his head.

"The rich get their money from the poor."

"This is a relationship of exploitation and being exploited; the rich devour the surplus value of the poor."

According to Marx's theory, capitalists profit by exploiting the surplus value of workers.

"Therefore, only by exploiting the poor can the rich be created, and the creation of the rich will create more poor people."

"The so-called surplus value is like this: if you make a movie, spend 1000 million, and earn 1 million, then the 9000 million is theoretically the surplus value."

"By taking away Yu Zheng's team, you have taken away his labor force and his opportunity to earn surplus value."

"So, you're robbing money from Yu Zheng, and even more so from me."

“You robbed me in the field of economics.”

"As for the robbers, I believe no one will show them any mercy."

"That's why I asked you to explain it to me."

"I'm giving you, this 'robber,' a chance to explain."

Please do not lie.

Zhang Yuan directly exposed her true nature.

Sweet, charming, elegant, and glamorous—these are merely her outward appearances, like the mask on the mask of a painted skin.

In reality, she was nothing more than a selfish creature who would lie, plunder, and exploit for her own benefit.

Faced with this overwhelming sense of pressure, Lin Xinru took several deep breaths before daring to speak.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"I told you not to lie," Zhang Yuan said coldly.

Sorry, it wasn't intentional.

Was it an accident?
shit.

"I want to make money, I want to make big money by making movies, and I want to be a boss."

"Initially, we didn't have any resources of our own, so we had to rely on other people's teams," Ziwei said dejectedly.

"That's more like it," Zhang Yuan nodded.

"But you're wrong about one thing. It's not about using, it's about stealing someone else's team."

"Then you should know that everything comes at a price."

"Besides, I gave you a chance, but you still waited so long to come to my door."

"I didn't know it was you. If I had known, I would have come to your door immediately," Lin Xinru quickly explained.

Zhang Yuan's lips twitched slightly, but he quickly suppressed his expression and regained his composure.

I don't know if it was me...

"What did Yu Zheng tell you?"

He said his boss was looking for me.

"Yes, that's right. Then why didn't you come?"

"I didn't know it was you."

"Is this my problem?" Zhang Yuan retorted.

At the same time, I already had a plan in mind.

Ha, trying to play these tricks on me.

It seems I need to use some tricks on this scoundrel; I was too polite to him before.

"No, no, I should have inquired earlier."

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore." Zhang Yuan swiped past it.

Even if he knew, he couldn't expose Yu Zheng's ulterior motives now.

"You must want to keep filming now."

"Yes, please be lenient and talk to Director Huang of Hunan TV so that they can continue to buy my show."

"Who is Director Huang?" Zhang Yuan asked, looking puzzled.

"You don't recognize him as the head of drama production and acquisition at Hunan TV?"

“I don’t know such a low-ranking official.” Zhang Yuan shook his head.

Ruby Lin: ...

"It's okay, I'll consider it."

"But as I said, everything comes at a price."

"Now it's time for you to pay the price for your mistakes."

"You don't need to guess, I'll just tell you straight."

"You can continue filming 'The Glamorous Imperial Concubine' this time, or you can use the same team."

"But we will let you use this team by investing in Dongyang Huanyu Technology."

"So you have to pay consultant fees, which is 50% of your share of the revenue from this part of the film."

Lin Xinru almost vomited blood.

Cut it in half.

Fan Bingbing sneered, thinking to herself, "Go ahead and be happy."

Such a good thing as cutting something in half is only possible for someone with a decent conscience like Zhang Yuan.

If someone else just kicks you out, then everything will be mine.

They even pressured you to work for me for free, making movies and acting in films.

"This part is compensation for Yu Zheng. Since you came to me to talk about this, I have to help him fight for his interests."

Even if he tries to outsmart me, one thing is one thing.

"What I'm about to talk about is my situation."

Lin Xinru looked ashen-faced. "Is this still not over?"

Or I'll go take a shower now.

"As you can see, whether it's online platforms or television stations, I have connections that you can hardly match."

"So, to avoid you encountering similar difficulties again, please..."

"I have a suggestion for you."

Ziwei thought to herself, "Weren't my difficulties created by you?"
This is what it means to tackle difficulties head-on, and even create difficulties if they don't exist.

He treats both his career and women the same way; the key is to make sure he gets involved.

"Work with me."

"I'm investing in your newly established studio."

"To ensure you won't run into trouble later."

"Or if we encounter trouble, we can face it together."

Of course we should incorporate them.

The more power you have, the better!
The more celebrities associated with it, the better.

Ruby Lin is undoubtedly a top-tier actress, and for a long time to come, she will be a first-rate talent in both television dramas and low-budget films.

She can create value for me, and I don't even have to find a way to get close to her. She personally delivered a handle to my door because of her greed. It would be foolish not to seize the opportunity.

Fan Bingbing probably guessed that he would do this.

Because Zhang Yuan usually raises the bar high, but rarely goes all out.

Unlike some people who are all smiles one second and then throw bricks at you the next.

He's the kind of person you can chat and eat with as long as you're convinced of his abilities.

Zhang Yuan told her that this is called "great tolerance."

Lin Xinru was a smart woman, and she immediately breathed a sigh of relief when she heard him say that.

So that's how it is; they value money over their lives.

It's not like she wants to sleep with me.

That makes sense. Mr. Wang can't help me with anything, not even with the Hunan TV issue.

So I've left and am working independently now.

Because whether it's in Huayi or not makes little difference.

But Zhang Yuan's situation is different.

He easily tortured me to the point of near death, which proves that he also has the ability to help me torture others.

Her thoughts were somewhat similar to Yu Zheng's.

"That would be my honor!" Ziwei immediately put on a smile.

"Very good." Zhang Yuan saw her expression change in a second and didn't care whether she was sincere or not.

In a lifetime, how many truly sincere people can one find?

"Then let's handle the contract and shareholding matters as soon as possible. I'll have the legal department liaise with you."

"And another thing," Zhang Yuan pointed back at Fan Bingbing, "Our boss Fan's cosmetics brand will be opening a store in Wangfujing soon."

"You old friend, remember to come and support us."

"Definitely." Lin Xinru nodded in agreement.

To create hype for a grand opening, it's essential to have a bunch of female celebrities endorse the event.

It would be perfect if Ziwei and Jin Suo appeared together in the same frame, making it even more popular.

I invited her to have a meal at my house.

Lin Xinru glanced around the restaurant.

Xiao Wang's side claims to be able to seat 30 people, while Zhang Yuan's side is as spacious as the lobby of a mid-range hotel, capable of seating at least a hundred people.

The more I look at it, the more I feel that Zhang Yuan has a greater sense of ambition.

He debuted later than me, so it seems like I've been wasting my time...

At this moment, a sudden inspiration struck him; after learning that Fan Bingbing and he were having an affair,

Zhang Yuan noticed, but pretended not to.
After finishing their meal, they said goodbye, intending to return to Hengdian to handle matters related to the film crew.

She's a pretty capable woman.

Without this decisiveness, one wouldn't be able to start their own company.

"Dandan, come here." Zhang Yuan called his assistant to his side and whispered a few words in her ear.

"Remember?"

"I understand," the assistant nodded in reply.

"Xinru, have my assistant go to Hengdian with you. She will meet with Yu Zheng in your place and tell him what we have agreed on in person."

"Dandan, please take care of Sister Xinru on the way."

After watching the two leave, Zhang Yuan's expression gradually turned cold.

"What's wrong?" Fan Xiaopang asked, sensing something was off.

"It's nothing, the kid was just being naughty and needed a spanking." (End of Chapter)