Actor: Thank you.

Director Feng and his wife didn't sleep a wink all night.

His eyes were bulging!
It was blood red, just staring blankly like that.

My throat is dry and my temples are throbbing.

A breath caught in my chest and I just couldn't let it out.

Because of that anonymous letter they produced a few days ago, they've now returned to their own home.

Of course they put it there!
Moreover, it was Director Feng himself who disguised himself and went to Zhang Yuan's house in the middle of the night to slip the mailbox.

After receiving and understanding the letter, Zhang Yuan analyzed it for a long time.

After ruling out the possibility of Zong Shuai, his first thought was Feng Xiaogang!
When faced with such "suspenseful" moments, the simplest approach is to think using the logic of detective novels.

Whether in novels, anime, or movies, criminals always have a motive for committing crimes.

Most random crimes without motive become unsolved cases.

If there is a motive, there must be a reason.

The most common scenario is that whoever benefits takes action.

Just like how he went through all that trouble with Beijing TV, it was all to clear himself of suspicion for revealing Zhang Yimou's family affairs.

Otherwise, it would be easy to suspect him.

From a profit-making perspective, it seems that Director Feng doesn't gain any benefit from Zhang Yimou's affair.

But going from 1 to 10 is profitable, and going from -10 to 0 is also profitable!
Most middle-class people believe that their children must become capitalists or high-ranking leaders to advance further.

For capitalists and high-ranking leaders, the goal of raising the next generation is to avoid falling back into the middle class.

People in different positions have different goals.

This is also a common problem in large corporations.

A large forest has all kinds of birds, which will form various factions, and everyone has their own ulterior motives.

Zhang Yuan believes that Feng Xiaogang has been the core of Huayi Brothers for more than a decade, and is undoubtedly the "number one" in the film business.

The rivalry between Huang Xiaoming and Deng Chao for the top spot, and between Bingbing and Bingbing for the top spot, are all just petty tricks.

The higher-level resources are in Director Feng's hands.

No matter how famous you are, you still have to beg to get a role in Director Feng's films.

Conversely, whoever the Wang brothers cast in Director Feng's films or other important directors' projects is being supported.

Deng Chao realized from this point that he had no future in Huayi.

In the boss's mind, I am not a high priority.

Therefore, Director Feng held a very high position in Huayi Brothers.

Don't say he's not in management.

To give you an example, among non-investors, Director Feng is the shareholder with the largest shareholding in Huayi!

Even Fei Lin, the head of the brokerage department and an old friend of the Wang brothers, holds more shares.

A person's value isn't something you shout out or drink out; it's something you buy with money!
In a company, forget about old brothers and buddies; just look at who has the highest total income, and that's who gets the most attention.

Many long-term employees who have worked there for several years don't even earn as much as newly recruited fresh graduates. In that case, you're nothing in the boss's eyes, so get out of here.

But if Zhang Yimou were to come, could Director Feng still maintain his previous status as the "number one" director?

Although he has also established his own studio, he still relies on Huayi for resources.

Making a movie isn't about being a great director and finding a few big spenders to fund it.

Distribution, promotion, and theater operations all need to be handled by someone.

Zong Shuai had previously told him that Huayi's decision to make the brokerage team independent was, from an economic perspective, to expand the company and control risks.

From a management perspective, it is also for the purpose of resource redistribution.

A company's resources are limited, and since everyone was originally part of the company, they started competing for resources.

We still engage in robbery now, but because we are responsible for our own profits and losses, we cannot recklessly rob others without benefiting ourselves.

Director Feng has to think about it and see it. If the talent agency is split up, what if Zhang Yimou comes along and takes away my resources too?

Zhang Yuan analyzed that he definitely had this idea.

Moreover, Director Feng has a "previous record".

How did he make his fortune?
Logically speaking, in front of Wang Shuo, Cui Yongyuan, and other children of high-ranking officials from the General Staff Department, he was just an insignificant nobody.

He demonstrated his abilities and participated in the production by helping Wang Shuo recall and rewrite the "lost" story of the editorial department.

As for how the script suddenly "disappeared," don't ask.

He's very good at using underhanded tactics to benefit himself.

I may not know others, but how could I not know you?

Zhang Yuan believes there is at least a 6% chance that Director Feng was behind it.

Moreover, he knew his own home address well, so he came over several times to play mahjong.

He originally planned to use the letter secretly after receiving it.

However, Cheng Hao worried that it might be a "divide and conquer" tactic, which made him change his mind.

it is good!
Then we can't just sit idly by; we have to take some action.

He thought that he was facing only three possibilities.

It was sent by Director Feng.

It wasn't sent by Director Feng, but the contents are genuine.

It wasn't sent by Director Feng, but the contents are fake.

If the content is false and it is indeed Hua Yi's counter-espionage plot, then the person who delivered the letter could not have been Director Feng, and he wouldn't even have known about it.

Because he wouldn't do it if asked.

So he sent the letter back exactly as it was written, and as a result, three reactions occurred.

It was sent by Director Feng, which panicked the other party; this is called waiting in comfort for the enemy to tire themselves out.

It wasn't sent by Director Feng, but the contents are genuine.

With Director Feng's keen eye, he would surely see through something and would immediately tell the Wang brothers.

Huayi will inevitably fall into a brief period of internal strife, and we must find the mole within.

One can then watch the fire from the sidelines and fish in troubled waters.

As for whether the messenger lives or dies, that's none of my business.

If it wasn't sent by Director Feng, but the content is fake.

Director Feng could also see through this, and he would take this fake news as fact and see the treatment that Hua Yi gave to Zhang Yimou.

In this way, even if he didn't do it, he would still want to do it and find ways to cause trouble.

This is called "removing the ladder after climbing onto the roof," or "turning the tables."

After Cheng Hao's words, he was still hesitant about whether the letter was real.

Now it's all good. He doesn't need to judge whether it's real or fake himself; he can just let Feng Xiaogang judge for him!

All I have to do is wait for their reaction.

That's why he deliberately showed his face to let the other party know that he was the one who delivered the letter.

He went home after delivering the letter.

Unlike Director Feng and his wife, he slept very well that night.

Director Feng and his wife stayed up all night until dawn.

I didn't even feel like eating breakfast; my mind was a complete mess.

"How about... we call Zhang Yuan and have a chat?" Xu Fan looked distressed.

"Why would you do something like this?"

"Stop talking nonsense!" Director Feng scolded, "You're all talk and no action. What's the point of saying this now?"

At this moment, Feng Xiaogang's demeanor is more like his character in "The Founding of a Republic," namely Du Yuesheng.

Xu Fan cursed inwardly, but he wouldn't let anyone say it.

"We can't contact them." Director Feng picked up the letter again.

The letter was the one he had mailed out, except that there were two large characters in the lower right corner of the paper.

"Read."

Is this my approval?
In ancient times, this was the emperor's reply to a memorial submitted by his ministers.

In modern times, this is a leader's reply to a subordinate's document.

Director Feng was utterly disheartened.

These two characters were definitely written by Zhang Yuan, and their meaning is quite clear.

"This secret... I'll eat you for the rest of my life!"

I'll hold this matter firmly in mind. From now on, I'll be the boss and you'll be the subordinate. That's how I'll treat you.

Then he remembered that the other party deliberately chose the same time, pretending to be sneaky, but actually delivering the letter to his door in a very casual manner.

This behavior is like a hunter toying with his prey.

By doing this, I'm brazenly telling you that I know everything.

"Unable to contact."

"Once we make contact, it will further prove that I sent the letter."

"They already know," Xu Fan said, her voice trembling with tears. "They won't report us, will they?"

"Tell those two that we won't need to bother them."

“Tear…” Feng Xiaogang gasped.

"cigarette!"

"Get me a cigarette."

Xu Fan reluctantly went to get the cigarettes.

After smoking two cigarettes, Director Feng's mind cleared up a bit and he came to his senses.

"Fucked!"

His wife's words reminded him.

Contact me to prove that I sent this letter.

If I don't contact him, I'll have to show the letter to Xiao Wang to prove that I didn't do it.

Otherwise, if I keep the letter hidden, it would still show that I have a guilty conscience.

But if I show it to Xiao Wang, they'll definitely investigate, and eventually they'll find out it was me who did it.

So now I'm either walking into Zhang Yuan's trap or walking into Hua Yi's trap.

So whatever he does, he will make sure Zhang Yuan knows whether he did it or not.

A stubborn mind leads to blockage in both ends.

"This is fucking bastard!" Director Feng cursed.

"I deceived everyone, but he used a counter-strategy."

"This actor is perfectly capable, but instead of studying the script, he's turned to military strategy!"

For Director Feng, such actions were a "last resort."

The main problem is that the Wang brothers raised the issue of Zhang Yimou too high!

A board meeting was held to obtain the support of all shareholders.

Upon hearing that it was Zhang Yimou, the shareholders unanimously expressed their determination to secure the deal and their willingness to invest resources.

When he asked, he found out that the treatment was better than his own.

The other party is acting not only for the company, but also for themselves.

Especially in the past year, he has repeatedly fallen behind in his encounters with Zhang Yuan.

In addition, when Ruby Lin approached him before, he refused to help.

This incident became a thorn in my side, and it has stayed there ever since.

They could not bear being forced to back down.

So this is not just a recruitment drive, but also an emotional backlash.

Once you get emotionally involved, the conversation can become much bigger.

They even went so far as to say, "We will build a film and television industry chain with Zhang Yimou at its core."

It was used to attract Zhang Yimou, and also to boost the stock price after success.

But these words sounded very harsh to Feng Xiaogang.

What is he good at?
Low-budget light comedy.

What is Zhang Yimou good at?
High-cost, large-scale period dramas.

In Huayi's industrial chain outlook, whether it's cross-border IP creation, film and television city planning, or theme park planning, Zhang Yimou's ideas are definitely more suitable.

As a result, a strong sense of crisis arose in Director Feng's heart.

This forced him to take action.

The shock he experienced was more severe than Zhang Yuan had guessed.

People die for money, birds die for food! After he arrives, I'll have to step aside. Is that acceptable?
When those above boast and brag, those below break out in a cold sweat.

He was a despicable person to begin with, and then he became an "insider."

A day or two later, Zhang Yuan was leisurely listening to a report in the courtyard.

There was no movement from Huayi; as always, everything remained calm and peaceful.

Director Feng remained silent, his expression stagnant.

He picked up the phone.

If you don't contact me, I'll contact you.

"Director Feng, I'd like to wish you a Happy New Year in advance."

"Hello……"

Hearing the conflicted look in the other person's voice, Zhang Yuan became even more certain.

Are you free during the Chinese New Year this year?

"Come to my house for a game of mahjong. It's the same old address, one you know well. I won't have anyone pick you up; I reckon you'll make it in the dark."

Feng Xiaogang: ...

This is targeting me.

"I... well, I'm quite busy during the Chinese New Year, so I might not have time," the other person said, declining the offer.

"No time?" Zhang Yuan raised his voice, startling the other person.

"How about this, I'll make it more formal and write a letter by hand as an invitation, which will be sent to all the guests."

Even if you don't come, keep the letter as a memento.

Feng Xiaogang: ...

"We'll contact you then."

"Let's keep in touch. Bye-bye."

Zhang Yuan put down his phone and laughed loudly!
"Now we can have some fun."

"If there's anything I want to know in the future, do you dare to tell me? Hehe."

I got up and stretched my muscles.

"Dandan, go outside!"

He left with his assistant and bodyguards.

Now that the "parameters" on Huayi's side have been determined, it's easier to make adjustments.

Heading to Wuxi immediately.

After the plane landed, he contacted Zhang Yimou, who had been extremely busy lately, and told him that he had arrived in the area and wanted to have a meal with him.

He came from a great distance, showing great sincerity, and it was difficult for Zhang Yimou to refuse.

In the evening, in a private room of a high-end local restaurant, Zhang Yuan ordered a table full of fine wine and dishes to entertain the Grand Preceptor.

"It's just the two of us today."

"Have a good drink," Zhang Yuan said, opening a bottle of commemorative Moutai.

Zhang Yimou took a sip, and his face wrinkled up with a series of deep lines, like freshly plowed yellow earth.

It's not that they don't like drinking baijiu (a type of Chinese liquor), but it's a habit of people from Shaanxi to wrinkle their faces and savor the liquor when they drink strong liquor.

Those who don't know him might think he doesn't like to drink.

"Director Zhang, as you know, I respect you." Zhang Yuan raised his glass and downed it in one gulp.

“We are familiar with each other. I remember when you came to my house before, we made noodles and ate noodles together. I still often think back to that spicy flavor.”

He had been trying to get closer to Gong Li through her, hoping to use her to improve his relationship with Zhang Yimou.

"Yes, it's rare. We don't usually have this opportunity," the Imperial Advisor said, taking a sip of his drink.

“We have a friendship. Although I am a junior, I also have great ambitions.”

"You have a long-term vision and lofty aspirations."

"Logically speaking, we should have hit it off immediately!"

"So, I won't mince words, I'll just tell you straight."

He stood up from his chair, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed.

"I would like to cordially invite you to join our cross-strait film industry and do business with us."

"This..." The old master and Hua Yi had a good talk, but he hesitated a bit.

Seeing him like this, Zhang Yuan actually thought it was good.

If they have already decided to go to another company, they will not hesitate, but will refuse directly.

No rejection is an opportunity.

It's like dating; if you don't outright reject someone, there are always possibilities.

"As you know, Mr. Jiang Zhiqiang is a long-time partner of yours in the film industry on both sides of the strait, and we are very familiar with each other."

"So you're not in an unfamiliar environment, and besides, I'm here for you."

Zhang Yuan looked at the other person with utmost sincerity.

As for its sincerity... you'll know if you've seen "Puss in Boots," a spin-off of "Shrek."

His state was similar to that of the protagonist, the cat that resembled Zorro, who deliberately widened his eyes to act cute and deceive others.

"Moreover, you can listen to the conditions I'm offering first." He reached out and grasped the old man's arm.

Even the Imperial Advisor could feel his intense body temperature.

He's just a middle-aged straight man. If a girl in her teens or twenties were to be looked at and touched by him like that, she would be "graduated from being innocent" that very night.

“I said before that we would cover all your fines this time.”

"No matter how much the fine is, we will cover it for you."

"No need to pay it back, just consider it part of the bonus for filming later."

After some thought, Lao Zhangzi realized that Hua Yi had said the same thing, but the difference was that the other party treated the fine as a loan, asking him to repay it when he had the money, and only asking for a very low interest rate.

In comparison, Zhang Yuan's conditions are slightly better.

"Also, if you're willing to come, I plan to give you a brand new position."

"As the chief art director for film companies on both sides of the strait, you can review all of the company's works and offer professional opinions."

"The annual salary for this position is 550 million."

"If you are involved in production or supervision, there will be a separate bonus for each film, which will be calculated separately."

After thinking it over, Zhang Yimou learned that Huayi Brothers offered him a 500 million annual salary plus a bonus.

His side is just a little bit more than the other side.

"Also, your family is in Wuxi, but you often have to travel to Beijing for work."

"The company will arrange a villa in the suburbs of Beijing for you to live in."

"There's also an official vehicle, with a budget of 200 million. You can choose any one you like and buy it."

"Maintenance and fuel costs will all be reimbursed."

Zhang Yimou felt something was off.

Huayi said they would arrange a luxury apartment for me in Beijing, as well as a car worth millions.

The conditions this kid offered were a level better than the other one.

"Also, your next film, regardless of its content or subject matter."

"In addition to the regular director's salary, the company will give you 9% of the total box office revenue as a bonus."

Even though Zhang Yimou hadn't drunk any alcohol, his face was all scrunched up.

Is it so accurate?
Are you an actor or an auditor?

Huayi said they'd give me 8%, and you just happened to get a little more.

"And lastly, and most importantly."

“If you come, then you are one of us.”

“We must give you the highest treatment among our own people.”

"That means you'll become a shareholder in Cross-Strait Films!"

"As long as you work for the full term of the contract, I will give you a 2% equity incentive."

"You should know how much Director Feng's shares were worth after Huayi Brothers went public."

"If the film companies on both sides of the strait were to go public, this 2% stake would be worth at least several hundred million."

Zhang Yimou hesitated.

This time it wasn't much; Huayi also said she was willing to give around 2%.

However, this 2% must be based on performance and requires a performance-based agreement.

If his subsequent works fail to meet his box office, profit, or annual revenue targets, he will not receive the full amount, or even any at all.

Feng Xiaogang was an original shareholder, while you joined later, so naturally the situation is different.

So Huayi felt pressured to get it.

But it's really valuable!

Zhang Yuan is willing to give it, but there's a problem.

Huayi is a listed company, you are not.

What if your company doesn't go public in the future?
Then I'll be useless?
This 2% stake isn't worth hundreds of millions, at most tens of millions.

Zhang Yuan saw through his thoughts and added.

Life is full of choices.

"Every gain comes with risk."

"If you want to make big money, you have to take risks."

"All I can say is that I will do my best to take the company public, and I believe I can do it."

"With the company's current performance, this is not a problem."

Zhang Yimou thought about it and realized it made sense.

His company raked in over a billion yuan in box office revenue during today's Lunar New Year film season alone...

"There's more," Zhang Yuan reminded him.

"The treatment and benefits will definitely be different if you join a company before it goes public versus after it goes public."

"Just like joining the Party in 21, I followed the organization and fought the whole game."

"I joined the Party in 49, and now that the situation has stabilized, I'm here to reap the benefits."

"The treatment for the two will definitely be different."

Zhang Yimou's expression changed; he was all too familiar with this matter.

Because several members of their family were "Whampoa Military Academy" graduates, but they were all on the Kuomintang side.

That's why his family was later forced to go to the countryside because of their bad class background.

But I understand the principles and can figure them out.

But what makes humans human, unlike computers and machines, is the presence of emotions, rather than simply being represented by binary 0s and 1s.

I understand the reasoning, but I still feel uneasy.

Although Zhang Yuan offered slightly better terms, I still felt that Hua Yi was a safer bet.

After all, they are a listed company with a large and successful business.

Despite being known as the "National Director," Zhang Yimou isn't the type of person who takes on a boss-like personality.

Unlike Zhang Yuan, who would rather be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix.

Zhang Yimou is getting old, and given his personality, he naturally prefers stability.

If it weren't for seeking stability and preferring to stay in one's comfort zone, would one have tolerated Zhang Weiping for so many years?

The kind of middle-aged or older person who has worked at a company for over a decade without a raise and only dares to complain a few times in private.

They dare not quit their jobs, dare not confront their superiors, and dare not ask for a raise.

They were terrified of being fired and unable to find work if something unexpected happened.

That's just his personality.

It's understandable that people prefer large companies.

Ordinary job seekers tend to prefer state-owned enterprises, foreign companies, and listed companies.

No one says they absolutely have to start a small business when they're applying for a job.

Most people would choose a large company without hesitation.

Compared to Hua Yi, Zhang Yuan and his Cross-Strait Film Industry Group are just small companies.

In addition, there was the hurdle in Zhang Yimou's mind: he felt a little uncomfortable about working under Zhang Yuan, a young junior.

So after Zhang Yuan finished speaking, he ate his food and drank his wine, but remained somewhat silent.

Zhang Yuan wasn't annoyed; he knew that simply offering conditions wasn't enough.

Looks like I'll have to unleash my ultimate move... (End of Chapter)