Actor: Thank you.

"It's been a long time since I've seen you two."

Zhang Yuan welcomed the owners of the two companies to the dining table.

"Come on, let's have dumplings today."

"I wrapped them myself."

"Eat seven first, then cook seven more."

Zhang Yuan asked the aunt to bring a plate to each person.

Thin skin, generous filling, round and plump, just like a young girl's face.

As Zhang Yuan kneaded the dough today, looking at the large, white ball, his thoughts drifted back several times to the allure of the previous night…

But men still need to prioritize their careers.

And that's how we ended up here today.

"You made these yourself, so I have to try them." Big Dog Brother was very obliging and picked up his chopsticks to eat.

Wang Changtian, on the other hand, possessed a much more refined and scholarly air.

However, this guy's demeanor has changed recently; he's become more refined, but it's a stiff kind of refinement, which looks a bit fake.

The reason is...

"It's you who's kept me incredibly busy lately."

"I'm constantly running around trying to get the company listed on the stock exchange."

Yes, that's why.

He's constantly on edge because fiber optics is about to be listed on the market, and they're in the final sprint.

Zhang Yuan glanced at him and felt that this guy was getting a little shaky.

"Ah... going public, huh?" Zhang Yuan smiled as he poured the other person a drink. "It must be quite tiring."

“I even made a special trip to Wall Street before Youku went public.”

Wang Changtian: ...

You little brat.

This person toned down their "pretentiousness" a little.

How much will fiber optic cables be worth after they are put on the market?

Zhang Yuan recalls that the market value on the first day of listing was slightly more than half of that of Huayi on its first day two years prior.

Wang Changtian holds shares in Fiber Optic Media through Fiber Optic Holdings, holding approximately less than 50% of the shares.

After the IPO, his net worth was around 40 billion.

With whom?

My shares in Youku are worth several billion dollars, and they're US stocks. Zhang Yuan specifically mentioned Wall Street for this reason.

Besides, you haven't even gone public yet.

It's as if everyone owns shares in a listed company.

The two of them glanced at Big Dog, who remained silent, only eating his rice.

Would you really allow me to install this in my house?
President Wang actually had a good relationship with him, because this guy was from the Fudan University system, and Zhang Yuan had good connections with people in Shanghai, so they were somewhat related.

The key point is that Lao Wang isn't part of the imperial circle, so this is somewhat of a group seeking mutual support.

"Was the financing process going smoothly?" Zhang Yuan asked again.

"Smoothly... Hehehe." The person paused for a moment after replying.

Fiber Optics is an independently listed company and is seeking over 100 million yuan in financing from Beijing Bank.

The money was all in their hands thanks to Boss Chen, Little Dragon Girl's godfather.

Because in his early years, Mr. Chen was involved in the business of switching between banks in Beijing and Hong Kong, helping domestic companies, mainly state-owned enterprises, to list on the Hong Kong and US stock markets.

Zhang Yuan said that the other party understood immediately: "Your financing is related to my woman; we're on the same side."

Dog Brother felt anxious when he saw them talking about going public, but he couldn't get a word in edgewise.

He also wanted to go public, but unfortunately, his business wasn't doing well.

What makes Fiber Optics so impressive is that it is the first asset-light film and television listed company in China.

He doesn't buy office buildings or cinemas; his main assets are investments in TV programs and film.

Wang Changtian's contribution lies in his ability to successfully list cultural products on the stock market by relying on a light-asset model, setting a precedent for other Chinese film companies.

Of course, he later started buying buildings and land, but he didn't buy any before the company went public.

On one point, he and Zhang Yuan reached a consensus.

"Theatrical releases are a burden, too heavy," Mr. Wang said after talking about movies.

“This kind of thing shouldn’t be done by film and television companies; it should be done by real estate companies,” Zhang Yuan agreed.

"That's right." Old Wang raised his glass and clinked it with his.

"Have you considered going public? After all, your company did very well last year."

"No rush. We can't be rash about this. We need to be fully prepared." Zhang Yuan finished his drink.

"My principle is: either I don't do it, or I do it big and strong!"

Both of them glanced at him and could sense the young man's ambition.

In the entire Chinese entertainment industry, he's probably the only one who would say something that no one would dare to laugh at.

Dog couldn't stand them still talking about going public, so he deliberately changed the subject.

What kind of paintings are hanging in your restaurant?

"Abstract art or postmodernism, where did that come from?"

"Hey..." Zhang Yuan chuckled awkwardly, "An undergraduate student from the Central Academy of Fine Arts."

"Her father is a leader in a state-owned company."

"Oh..." Dog Bro understood: "I ripped you off a lot of money, didn't I?"

"Don't worry about it, it's all a small matter."

"Can this be marketed as a painting?" Mr. Wang shook his head and smiled.

"Are there any decent people left who study art these days?"

"Can a respectable person really learn art like this?"

"Disgusting!"

The three of them toasted, and there was no need to ask any further questions; they knew there was something going on behind the scenes.

But this incident also livened up the atmosphere.

The three of them started cursing together and immediately became close.

"I've called you two here today to discuss a few things."

"First of all, the vice president of Hengdian Group had previously approached me to discuss signing a strategic cooperation agreement."

"Invest a certain amount in Hengdian World Studios within a certain number of years, at least hundreds of millions."

"What I mean is, ask if you two are interested in doing it together, since filming requires a location."

"Especially period dramas."

"This..." The two hesitated, after all, it was a big expense.

"No rush, take your time to think about it, and let's talk about it slowly."

"However, a public collaboration with Hengdian Group would definitely help the company's listing or stock price," Zhang Yuan cautioned.

After hearing this, the two seemed to ponder it and became somewhat interested.

"There's one more thing, do you know Legendary Pictures in North America?"

"They produced '300'."

"I know!" Big Dog, who has a background in photography, gets excited when he mentions it because the artistic style of "300" is quite unique.

Zack Snyder's work has its own unique style in terms of camera movement and color tone.

“I often go to North America, and I heard that Legendary Pictures is interested in expanding into the Chinese market.”

"Behind the legend is Warner Bros., as you should know. Warner Bros. and China Film Group have been cooperating for several years, and they must have referenced this plan."

"What do you mean?" Wang Changtian asked, resting his chin on his hand.

"What I mean is, I'd like to try and secure a collaboration opportunity."

"If we succeed, I'll take the lead and we'll all make money together."

"If I'm interested, I'll give it my all, and my two older brothers will support me from behind."

"Let's cooperate more often." He raised his glass.

The two felt they had a good deal either way, and since Zhang Yuan was indeed more familiar with Hollywood, they raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp.

Anyway, you go charge, and we'll follow behind.

But this guy's ambitions seem to be growing bigger and bigger. Will this thing work out?
……

After resting for a few days, he arrived at the Beijing Film Studio's filming base.

"Good luck with your startup!"

Amid cheers, the crew of the TV series "Qian Xuesen" finally began filming.

Because in a place like the Beijing Film Studio, there were no superstitious activities like burning incense or roasting pigs.

Who knows what people will say if word gets out?

We set off some colorful fireworks and took a group photo, and that was it.

Director Zhang Jianya and producer Huang Jianxin stood in the middle.

He and Cheng Hao stood on either side of him.

After a simple ceremony, they went to change clothes to prepare for filming a few shots.

“You seem particularly happy today.” Zhang Yuan changed into an American-style suit from the 3s or 40s.

It has shoulder pads and is thicker than a modern suit.

Double-breasted design, Hollywood style, high-waisted, and vertically wide legs.

Every era has its own designs. In the early days in the West, suits made of silk were popular, but silk is prone to pilling after a little use.

So for a long time in North America, pilling on suits was considered fashionable.

Pilling means our suit fabric is good.

This is the aesthetic of that era; looking back, people from that time often seem silly.

The wool and silk blend suit he changed into felt really nice.

"Of course I'm happy." The older sister gently tidied her permed and then updo hairstyle.

This kind of big, wavy hair is very common on her; the character "Wanrenmi" had big, wavy hair back then.

She has acted in TV series, movies, and stage plays, so she is very familiar with this kind of look.

To be honest, if someone has a very delicate and demure appearance, they really can't pull off this look.

If Zhao Liying were to play the role, she would look like she's trying to act like an adult; if Jiang Xin were to play the role, she would look both rustic and stout.

Cheng Hao is the only one who is quite suitable in every way.

She has a full bust, waist, and hips when wearing a cheongsam, but not too exaggeratedly, and her appearance is also quite elegant and rounded.

The older sister looked him up and down and was quite satisfied.

This outfit really suits him; it's perfect.

"It's been so many years since we last acted together."

"It's a rare opportunity."

"We're here to work," Zhang Yuan reminded them earnestly.

“My professional skills are evident to all; you should tell yourself that,” Cheng Hao retorted.

"We're playing a married couple now, so shouldn't we practice married life more often?" Zhang Yuanyi said earnestly, "It's also a kind of work experience."

"Hehe, you just want to experience it." The good sister rolled her eyes charmingly.

Take some promotional photos and videos.

We tested a few more shots in the studio.

In this play, Mr. Qian's appearance can be roughly divided into two parts.

He wore suits every day while overseas in the early stages, but changed into military uniform when he returned to China.

On the first day of filming, representatives from several departments, including aerospace, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the General Staff Department, and the General Armament Department, came to visit.

While he was testing the light, several middle-aged and elderly people were whispering among themselves.

Then the makeup artist from the crew ran to his side.

"Teacher Zhang."

"Just call me by my name, it's too awkward."

"The staff said your appearance doesn't resemble Mr. Qian's."

"what happened?"

"They said your hairline is too low and you have too much hair."

Zhang Yuan: ...

So you're saying my hairstyle doesn't make me look smart?

“It’s just a test shoot anyway, so let’s just change it according to what they say.” He didn’t argue at all.

His low-key and easy-going nature is mainly due to the high status of the advisory group for this production.

Who is there?

Academician Wang Jiasheng was the chief designer and commander of Tianlian-1.

Xu Dazhe, former president of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

Kong Xiangyan, First Deputy Director of the Satellite Overall Design Office, Space Design Institute.

Li Yili, chief deputy director of the Shenzhou spacecraft design team and chief designer of the emergency rescue system.

This is not all.

These few individuals are all top scientists in China's scientific research field, capable of leveraging billions of dollars and hundreds of leading scientists.

Should I argue with these people?
Then I might as well stretch out my leg next to the railway tracks and trip the Harmony Express train; that would be more satisfying.

Just believe whatever people say.

Even if he doesn't come in person, my word still counts.

"Here's what we'll do: cut your hair and thin it out a bit."

"As for your hairline, didn't you wear wigs?"

"It was used for the styling of Mr. Qian in his later years, when he had white hair."

“You’re in the early stages now, with black hair, it’s different.”

"Oops." Zhang Yuan scratched his head.

"Then there's only one way."

Do you know how Lao Ai disguised himself as a eunuch when he entered the palace?

The makeup artist shook her head, not understanding.

Lü Buwei presented Lao Ai, this "important figure," to the Empress Dowager by having him disguised as a eunuch.

But eunuchs don't have beards, and Lao Ai was a man with extremely high levels of testosterone.

Shaving it won't do; leaving a dark patch will immediately indicate a problem.

Because eunuchs' faces are as smooth as peeled eggs.

So it has to be pulled out.

But plucking each hair individually makes it look more like the real deal.

This was written by Sima Qian; it reflects the wisdom of our predecessors.

Mr. Qian had a high hairline. If I shaved it high, it would look like the barbarians' wives in TV dramas with their hairlines all receding, a bluish-green mess.

It's very obvious in front of the camera.

Damn it, I'm going all in.

Ordinary acting isn't worth it, but playing Old Qian requires putting in some effort.

This play must stand the test of the audience and history; it cannot be a haphazard production.

"Shave first."

"Shave it into a suitable shape."

"Then use beeswax, that stuff you women use to pluck leg hair."

"Apply it to the roots, and it will look right."

A man has to be tough on himself.

Unlike Lao Ai, you don't need to use tweezers to pluck hair. Waxing is also a form of plucking, but it removes hair in patches.

"That's hair, not leg hair."

"It hurts a lot."

"I can hold back, you can come."

"And what if it doesn't grow back after you take it off?" The makeup artist felt pain just hearing that.

"If it can't grow out, it can't grow out." Zhang Yuan raised his voice: "Then I'll have the same hairstyle as Qian Lao, that's glorious."

Zhang Yuan could only pin his hopes on his hair follicles and the amount of hair he could pull out.

Upon hearing his words, several onlookers nodded in agreement.

Well done.

True spirit.

No wonder he was chosen by the higher-ups.

"Does it hurt?"

After a while, I saw him return, and his hairline had receded considerably. I asked him with concern.

"good."

It actually hurt quite a bit; I almost made him turn red and warm.

"Back when Chen Baoguo was filming 'The God Whip,' he wore down his buttons to make them thinner and stuffed them into his eyes in order to play a blind man. He even did that," he said, trying to comfort himself.

Back then, there were no white contact lenses. After filming for several months, Chen Baoguo suffered permanent damage to his left eye and almost went blind. It took him several years to recover to 0.8.

With that kind of spirit and seriousness, his acting will definitely be good.

It's not that I'm encouraging self-harm, but most people who become top performers in their fields are ruthless.

"You're always right, but I still hope you can protect yourself and take good care of yourself." The older sister turned her eyes away, unable to bear to look.

"As long as everyone is satisfied, that's fine. If the actor's physical discomfort is not his own, it's the character's fault."

"I understand, I understand." She glanced around; the advisory team seemed quite satisfied, so she let it go.

but……

She suddenly saw someone with a worried expression.

They weren't just worried; they looked at them with a somewhat gloomy expression.

His eyes seemed to hold an unyielding ice.

They just stared at it coldly.

“Look at that person.”

"Who?"

Zhang Yuan also saw it under her instructions.

"You've tried so hard, and you're still looking cold and dissatisfied?"

"Don't be so sensitive. Maybe she has something on her mind and is already unhappy," Zhang Yuan comforted his good sister, who was always worried.

This also added a layer of vigilance... (End of Chapter)