I really don't want to be the top streamer anymore

For Zhu Yu, the fact that Xu Kong came to her house today to see her was the best explanation.

"Don't make trouble, Minmin will find out later."

Although she said that, in reality, Zhu Yu's self-proclaimed resistance to Xu Kong's behavior was powerless.

Of course, Xu Kong hasn't really reached that level of being so outrageous.

After taking a quick sip, he stopped his original action before Minmin came back.

……

“How does it feel to receive the award?”

"I didn't expect Sister Yu to be so photogenic."

It would have been fine if Xu Kong didn't mention it, but once he mentioned it, Zhu Yu felt a little helpless.

This time, including two major awards, I helped Xu Kong win many awards in a row. Just the frequency of business trips everywhere made me exhausted.

What’s more, one has to face various social engagements within the circle.

Everyone thought that as Xu Kong's agent, she would definitely be able to influence Xu Kong's decision, so they rushed to curry favor with her.

But in fact……

Well, if you want, you can influence it.

Of course, it’s not the identity of a so-called agent, but just whispering in someone’s ear, which is more effective than any agent.

But the key point is that Zhu Yu would definitely not do that.

In fact, if possible, she didn't want to have any influence on Xu Kong.

For example, Xu Kong had directly made her the de facto manager of Fengge's artist department, which made Zhu Yu feel quite burdened.

Of course, Xu Kong acted as if nothing had happened and said that he valued Zhu Yu's original ability, which had nothing to do with other aspects.

As for whether it is related, of course it is.

Zhu Yu’s ability is one aspect, but on the other hand, the relationship between the two will indeed make Xu Kong give such a relatively important position to someone he trusts enough.

It’s not about winning over his own people within the company. After all, Song Fuquan is another boss, so Xu Kong doesn’t need to spend the effort to do so.

Just from the perspective of the company's management and the execution of various matters at the time, choosing someone you absolutely trust can reduce most of the trouble.

Moreover, Zhu Yu’s greatest advantage is that he firmly believes in almost all of his decisions and executes them without any hesitation.

Don't underestimate this, it is more useful than you think.

For example, in such a turbulent time, Fengge was able to quickly terminate the contracts of some artists and quickly arrange the allocation of various resources.

What is needed is someone like Zhu Yu who is almost independent in the entire artist department, does not have much friendship with the artists under it, and is trustworthy.

……

"How dare you say that? I don't want to go next time."

When Zhu Yu heard Xu Kong mention the award, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at him.

But from Xu Kong's perspective, it did look more like coquettishness.

Of course, he also knew that Zhu Yu was just complaining, and in fact, if there was a need later, she would still go.

The main reason is that there is no one more suitable except Zhu Yu.

As Xu Kong's agent and the manager of Fengge's artist department, Zhu Yu's identity is indeed more suitable.

If it were someone else, even someone like Shang Yuxin, it would be easy for netizens to make random guesses.

"I'm serious. I see many netizens saying that Sister Yu can debut directly."

Xu Kong continued with a smile.

Although Zhu Yu already has a child, she is not that old actually. Plus, perhaps because she exudes a certain intellectual beauty, she is quite charming as a young woman.

Some netizens who are obsessed with looks are not just saying this casually.

With looks like Zhu Yu, if she could create a good personal image and package herself well, she would have a lot of fans.

……

"Don't make fun of me!"

But it was obvious that Zhu Yu had no such thoughts.

For her, even though she was the manager of Fengge’s artist department before, and although she did not have much real power, she was still able to come into contact with many artists in the company.

But I didn’t feel anything special throughout the whole process.

Just treat it as an ordinary job.

What matters most to her is the salary the company gives her, which allows her to provide a good life for herself and her daughter in a place like Beijing.

I never thought about how far I would go.

I don't have such big ambitions, I just want to live my own life well.

Of course, even now, she still thinks the same way.

But because of the relationship with Xu Kong, there have indeed been a lot of changes.

The financial pressure, which had always existed, although not very severe before, has indeed disappeared for the most part.

In addition, there is a new space in life, which is a big change compared to before, but life habits and various aspects remain the same as before.

Zhu Yu was already very content and never thought about getting anything more.

When it comes to being content, as someone who has started from scratch and made it through, I can see it more clearly than most people.

……

Since we were at Zhu Yu's house, of course she would cook for us herself.

In fact, Xu Kong had eaten Zhu Yu’s cooking several times. After not having it for a while, he still missed it very much.

Of course, for Minmin, the happiest thing is that her older brother comes home to play with her again.

Xu Kong is sure to spend the night here.

Fortunately, after the previous few visits, all toiletries were available.

The guest room had been idle for a long time, but since Xu Kong came for the first time, Zhu Yu had been diligently cleaning it and changing the sheets and quilt covers.

Strangely, Xu Kong couldn’t find the little gift he gave to Sister Yu this time.

But come to think of it, I couldn’t let go at the beginning and was rejected many times.

But since the switch was completely turned on, Zhu Yu only put up symbolic resistance afterwards.

With Xu Kong, it seems understandable that those original little gadgets were left idle.

……

Of course, although everyone knows the tacit understanding, the necessary procedures are still required.

At least Zhu Yu has to accompany Minmin to sleep first.

The guest bedroom and the master bedroom are separated by only a wall, and Zhu Yu has to endure hardship every time.

But it seems to have become a habit.

After all, that’s how I went through it when I was in the company.

Controlling myself from making any sound has become a subconscious thing.

As for Xu Kong, he took it as a challenge too much. He liked to see Zhu Yu unable to control herself and suddenly making noises, and then covering her mouth in panic.

Zhu Yu is not like other people. She always thinks about revenge or has a strong desire to win.

In comparison, she would rather endure it silently.

Allow Xu Kong to push his limits. This is determined by his personality, and Xu Kong will not change anything.

Or maybe this is what makes Zhu Yu unique. Every time she endures things silently, even feeling shy and blushing but still being well-behaved and obedient, that is one of the things that touches Xu Kong XP the most.

……

After spending New Year's Day with Sister Yu, Xu Kong only had one day of vacation left.

But there is nothing else to do at this time.

It was a rare day off for Xu Kong where he could really relax.

It has to be said that Xu Kong really hasn't had any time of his own for a long time.

In the previous life, as a top star, his schedule was full of various activities.

But in this life, although there are no more boring announcements, I actually have almost no free time.

However, Xu Kong didn't intend to continue like this.

Retirement is already planned.

But after all, he is only in his early twenties, and although Xu Kong never said it, he does feel that he is enjoying it.

It can be said that most people who become stars have vanity and desire to show off, and Xu Kong is no exception.

It's just that the way of presentation is slightly different.

……

Back in Hong Kong, the filming of "Infernal Affairs" went relatively smoothly.

The wrap-up party was probably the most grand one Xu Kong had ever had since he became a director.

However, everything was handled by Cao Bentao. Fengxiang Pictures is indeed no longer glorious, but these face-saving matters will still be taken care of.

Xu Kong didn't have much reason to refuse.

After all, they are the investors and have the right to speak. On the other hand, the reason why Cao Bentao did this was almost just for Xu Kong's face.

If you refuse, it may sound like you are doing it with good intentions to save the other party money, but the biggest impression it will give people is that you are not giving face or are looking down on them.

……

"Director Xu, this time has passed so quickly. It's such a pity. If there is a chance, I hope we can work together again next time."

"Of course, I have no problem with the investment budget. As long as you ask, I will give you the amount you want."

Cao Bentao's words were a bit euphemistic, but he made his meaning clear.

It's just that we think the cooperation on "Infernal Affairs" went very smoothly, so what we are talking about now is the second cooperation in the future.

However, Cao Bentao himself knew clearly that Xu Kong was not short of so-called investment at all. He was his own boss and it was no longer the same as before.

Therefore, if we want to continue the cooperation in the future, it is highly likely that a full investment like "Infernal Affairs" will not be possible.

The only thing we can do is to invest with Fengge.

Generally speaking, investing together is the best way to share costs and risks.

But the problem is that Xu Kong now really does not need other companies and investors to share the risk.

Because this will result in a decrease in profits.

The most important thing is that even if you are not Xu Kong himself, you know that Xu Kong’s current movies or TV series are unlikely to lose money as long as they do not fail many times in a row.

……

"Mr. Cao, there will definitely be opportunities for cooperation in the future."

Xu Kong replied with a smile.

Xu Kong did not mention anything about investment shares.

I just simply talked about cooperation.

If there is cooperation, there will definitely be no harm given Fengxiang Pictures' influence in Hong Kong and the company's resources.

But it is definitely impossible for his own works to continue to receive investment from Fengxiang Pictures.

In fact, if we hadn't agreed to this cooperation in advance, it would have been highly likely that it would not have been possible.

The main thing is that this time, letting Fengxiang Pictures fully invest in his new movie is really equivalent to doing a favor.

Although Feng Ge is investing his own money, the filming might not be so smooth, and it might take a lot of time just to find suitable actors.

But the final result is that it is absolutely impossible to lose money.

When the script was taken out, both Cao Bentao and Xu Kong knew this very well.

……

"That's for sure. With our brotherly relationship, we can easily discuss cooperation in various aspects in the future. As long as Director Xu asks, Fengxiang Pictures will definitely not refuse."

Cao Bentao did not make clear what Xu Kong meant by his words.

Of course he could hear that they would most likely not be able to participate as investors in Xu Kong's future works.

But this was to be expected.

But it is not necessary to invest in Xu Kong's works.

In addition to this method, there are many other ways to cooperate with Fengge.

And after seeing Feng Ge's future potential under Xu Kong's influence, no matter what kind of cooperation it is, it will bring more benefits than disadvantages to their Fengxiang Pictures.

The most important thing is that Cao Bentao has met so many people that he can naturally tell that Xu Kong is quite different from those company bosses who put profits above all else.

Just from the fact that the other party is still willing to keep their promise this time, choosing to ask for investment from Fengxiang Pictures, and the movie script they came up with is of the level of "Infernal Affairs".

I knew that Xu Kong was a man who absolutely valued loyalty.

The word "loyalty" may even sound a bit nostalgic now, but it was actually quite important in the golden age of Hong Kong's entertainment industry.

But as time goes by, it can almost be regarded as a joke.

When Cao Bentao was young, he also took righteousness as the main criterion for doing things.

This is also the reason why Fengxiang Films has a large number of veteran Hong Kong actors who now have little commercial value.

This allowed Cao Bentao to develop Fengxiang Pictures into one of the largest film and television companies in Hong Kong, but also made Fengxiang Pictures the first company to decline.

But in the end, up to now, it is the biggest reason why Fengxiang Pictures still exists.

So, Cao Bentao really seemed to see some of his past self in Xu Kong.

This is also the reason why he cares so much about Xu Kong.

If Xu Kong really only had ability, the most he could do was to curry favor and do superficial work.

But this young man is indeed very much to Cao Bentao's liking.

……

"They are so enthusiastic. The guys at Fengxiang Films are really nice. Now that we have finished filming and have to go back, I am a little reluctant to leave."

Guo Zihao was obviously drunk at the wrap party.

As the person appointed by Xu Kong and the person in charge of all matters of the entire crew, Guo Zihao had become familiar with some local crew members of Hongcheng Fengxiang Film during the filming.

Therefore, being able to give such a high evaluation proves that there was really nothing wrong with what they did during the process.

Of course, Xu Kong could also guess some things. Because of Guo Zihao's special nature, he would definitely receive some special treatment.

But it is enough to give us a glimpse of the whole picture, and we know that Fengxiang Pictures attaches great importance to this cooperation. At least Cao Bentao has probably already given specific instructions beforehand.

...(End of chapter)