Huayu became famous overnight

Chapter 263 What do I care about the deluge after I'm gone?

"Postpartum comeback?"

Xu Ming was somewhat surprised.

"You didn't know? She got married last year. Her husband is a financial tycoon, and it's rumored that his net worth is over 10 billion," Guo Fan explained.

"I haven't paid attention to that."

Xu Ming shook his head; he actually quite liked the heartthrob.

I never imagined that I would be married and about to become a mother.

However, mentioning Zheng Xiaolong reminded him of something else: "How was the reception of Director Zheng's 'Empresses in the Palace'?"

"It will be broadcast on satellite TV at the end of this month. It was broadcast on local TV stations in November last year. Currently, it has a rating of 9.7 and has received rave reviews. There is also a lot of online discussion about it."

The person who answered was Xiao Juan, who had been following "The Legend of Zhen Huan" at Ming Ge's suggestion.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room clicked their tongues in astonishment.

The ratings for "Empresses in the Palace" are not yet inflated, which shows that the audience really loves it.

The large amount of online discussion proves it has the potential to become a huge hit.

"Help me make an appointment with Yu Zheng. Never mind, I'll go to their studio myself tomorrow," Xu Ming said, changing his mind halfway through.

As a shareholder of Yuzheng Studio, he has never been there.

In the past two years, the other party has helped him make a lot of money. The adaptation of films such as "Palace" series and "So Young" was all done by Yu Zheng himself.

The latter is now firmly labeled as his subordinate, and can be considered a close confidant.

"Yes." Xiao Juan nodded.

A thought struck everyone: given the usual style of Yu Zheng Studio, the boss's departure likely meant he was about to activate his Sharingan.

……

The next day.

Yu Zheng Studio's office space is not far from Qi Ming's.

A 20-minute drive is equivalent to a neighborhood in a large city like Beijing.

The moment Xu Ming appeared in the studio.

The office staff immediately erupted in excitement, as they all knew that Xu Ming was one of the shareholders of their studio.

After all, there are quite a few collaborative projects with Qiming.

But Xu Ming's presence or absence makes a world of difference. At least now that they've seen the former, they feel that their studio has barely escaped the label of being a makeshift operation.

"I came in a hurry and didn't prepare anything special, so I just brought some small gifts. Please don't mind them."

Xu Ming turned his head and said, "Xiao Juan, distribute this to everyone."

Xiao Juan took a bag and placed a small box on each person's table.

"Also, I've made a reservation for lunch so we can all have lunch together."

After Xu Ming finished explaining, he went into Yu Zheng's office.

Seeing this, someone couldn't help but open the box and peek inside.

"pen?"

The voice sounded confused and disappointed.

"Look closely, it's Montblanc, even the entry-level models start at over a thousand."

Those who knew their stuff scoffed and offered an explanation.

Instantly, joy appeared on everyone's faces, and voices such as "President Xu is so generous" rose and fell.

Hearing the voice behind him, Xu Ming's lips curled up.

This gift was specially purchased by the company for gift-giving. Although it only costs around a thousand yuan, it is often more effective than giving a thousand yuan red envelope.

Some people might think it's stingy to spend a thousand yuan on a cell phone, but nine out of ten people wouldn't be willing to spend a thousand yuan on a fountain pen, so it naturally seems expensive.

Most importantly, it's free, a free gift.

"AUV, I was wondering why the magpies were chattering this morning. Turns out it's because you're coming," Yu Zheng exclaimed dramatically.

"You're from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, so don't try to imitate the Beijing accent. It sounds awkward and out of place."

Xu Ming sighed and continued, "This month, the higher-ups issued a strict order that time-travel dramas and palace dramas are no longer allowed to air during prime time. The studio's production direction needs to be changed. Do you have any ideas?"

"What do you think of my martial arts dramas? Jin Yong's are pretty good, like 'The New Swordsman' and 'The New Condor Heroes'..." Yu Zheng said excitedly.

Thanks to Zhang Dahuzi, whenever a TV producer makes a name for himself, he always sets his sights on martial arts dramas featuring Jin Yong.

Xu Ming shuddered at the thought of the martial arts drama adapted by this guy.

Chen Qiaoen's version of Dongfang Bubai directly changed Dongfang Bubai's gender, and there is also Ren Yingying, who is said to be the ugliest in history.

The male actors were decently chosen, with Wallace Huo playing Linghu Chong and Chen Xiao playing Lin Pingzhi.

This guy is more interested in men than women.

The later "Little Dragon Girl" (a character from a popular TV series) is another story altogether. Although being famous for being controversial is still fame, ruining a classic is just too much to ask for.

“Producer Yu, listen to me, your talent lies in period romance dramas. Don’t waste your talent, martial arts dramas are not suitable for you.”

Xu Ming paused for a moment, then said, "At worst, if we don't incorporate any time-travel elements, the authorities shouldn't be too strict with us."

Banning time-travel dramas is possible, but banning palace intrigue dramas as well is unrealistic.

In fact, based on Xu Ming's understanding of the later hit TV series, palace intrigue dramas would likely experience another surge in popularity.

“It doesn’t matter if the film is good or bad, as long as I have this IP, I can make a lot of money. Several companies have come to me for help…” Yu Zheng tried to persuade Xu Ming.

"The company has always adhered to a strategy of producing high-quality films. If the films are well-made, the money we are supposed to make will be substantial. If the films are poorly made, no matter how much easy money we make, we will lose it all in various ways."

Xu Ming looked at the other person earnestly and said, "China's film and television industry is still developing. A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan, Lao Yu."

He actually understands why domestic filmmakers are so short-sighted in their pursuit of quick money, even at the cost of destroying the industry's roots.

It's very simple. We've lived on meager rations for half our lives, and these past two years have been a rare period of prosperity. Who knows when this craze will subside?
Moreover, the entertainment industry is very much about timing; this group of people may be popular with audiences in the last two years, but in a couple of years, it may be replaced by another group.

Of course, we should take advantage of the opportunity to make a fortune while we can.

As for the foundation of the film and television industry?
What's it to them?
There's a classic question on Zhihu: If there's a button that, when pressed, will give you 100 million, but the Earth will be destroyed in 100 years, would you press it?

I'm going to press it down like crazy.

One hundred million?

I'll do it for ten thousand.

I don't care about the deluge after I'm gone.

This is the thinking of most people in the domestic entertainment industry, and when most people think this way, those who are wavering will also be swept along.

After all, if he doesn't dig this hole, someone else will, so it's better to let him dig it.

Xu Ming dares to speak so casually because he is well aware that the film and television industry will continue to rise and that audiences will have an increasing demand for high-quality content.

The reputation of practitioners will also bring them great benefits.

Therefore, Xu Ming never wavered on this strategy, and would never allow anyone to undermine it.

"If you insist on going your own way, then I'm sorry, our cooperation may have to come to an end."

Xu Ming was prepared to cut ties immediately if the other party did not agree.

"I was just guessing, but the studio is definitely following in your footsteps."

Yu Zheng waved his hand as if he had never mentioned the topic, and then said, "I actually have two scripts for period romance dramas here. Can you take a look?"

As he spoke, he rummaged through his drawer and took out two manuscripts.

"One was written by my own team, and the other was submitted by the screenwriter of 'Du Lala's Promotion Diary'."

"Let me see."

Xu Ming took the script and flipped through it, saying, "Have you seen Zheng Xiaolong's 'Empresses in the Palace'? We internally predict that this drama has the potential to be a huge hit, so we can refer to this genre and make one."

He had no doubt about Zheng's ability to borrow and recreate ideas. This guy was similar to a plagiarist in the online literature world; his imitations might not be as good as the originals, but they were of above-average quality and produced a large quantity.

Yu Zheng had no doubt about Xu Ming's judgment.

He immediately searched online for video resources of "Empresses in the Palace".

The two looked at their own things, and the room fell silent.

The atmosphere wasn't broken until Xiaojuan knocked on the office door, reminding the two that lunchtime was approaching.

"The second book is pretty good; it can elevate someone's career."

Xu Ming closed the manuscript, already having made his judgment.

The second script was "Legend of Lu Zhen," which made Zhao Liying a star.

As for the first book, a serious look appeared on his face: "This 'Palace 3: The Lost Daughter' looks a bit like 'Plum Blossom Mark' to me?"

To say something is a bit like that is just to save face for Zheng.

They're practically identical now.

The show was good, and it even won the ratings champion in 2014, but it was really hard to accept that it was later found to be plagiarized.

It's important to know that the standards for judging plagiarism in TV dramas are very strict.

Especially considering the outstanding performance of "Palace 3: The Lost Daughter," which was backed by Hunan TV, the fact that it was still judged to be plagiarized suggests that there is only one problem: the plagiarism went too far.

This proves that they've already reaped the benefits and are now planning to go down this path to the bitter end.

"Ahem, I borrowed a little bit," Yu Zheng said without batting an eye.

“I have to remind you that ‘Plum Blossom Mark’ is a work by Qiong Yao, which is different from TVB. She has always valued copyright, and her fame and experience are there, and she has direct communication channels with the cultural department.”

Xu Ming looked at Yu Zheng, whose expression was changing, and said quietly, "You are different from other producers. You earn more than them, and you became famous faster. The key is that your reputation is not good. There are quite a few people watching you."

If I were to sue you for plagiarism, I'd have a sure thing.

"W-what TVB? I don't quite understand."

Yu Zheng stammered a little, then said, "I'll revise that manuscript again, and if it really doesn't work, I'll put it aside."

Xu Ming was too lazy to expose this guy. The other guy's original work, "The Palace of the Qing Dynasty," was a copy of TVB's "War and Beauty," and later it became a path dependency.

However, this time they chose Qiong Yao's work, and with the government increasingly emphasizing intellectual property rights, they've really hit a brick wall.

"Shelving it is unnecessary, but major changes are necessary."

Xu Ming paused for a moment, then said, "With your abilities and the capabilities of your writing team, you can win over the audience in many areas without needing to borrow from others. Try to believe in yourself."

Even if we fail, we can hold on. We had to take this step sooner or later, didn't we?

Looking ahead to the future works of Yu Zheng Studio, it is clear that they will still be able to maintain quality in an era of decline in the film and television industry.

This shows that Yu Zheng isn't lacking in real skills; he knows what the audience likes to watch.

The reasons for copying are twofold: one is to save time, and the other is to believe in things that have been successful before, but not in oneself.

"I understand." Yu Zheng nodded hesitantly.

If he were to make the decision himself, he would most likely go down a dead-end path.

But since Xu Ming had spoken up, he had no choice but to take it into consideration.

Based on his success last year, the former is undoubtedly the leader in the industry, and his every word and action serves as a role model.

If everyone in the industry takes shortcuts to reach the top, those below will naturally follow suit, and crooked paths will inevitably become the norm.

However, Xu Ming's appearance has led many people to refocus their attention on content creation.

Putting aside everything else, the status of screenwriters in mainland China has at least been greatly improved.

Unbeknownst to many, Xu Ming had already influenced many people.

……

Although Xu Ming sent "Palace: The Lost City" back for a complete overhaul, "Legend of Lu Zhen" was launched in full swing.

Chen Xiao was decisively cast as the male lead.

Xu Ming only learned that the latter had signed with Yu Zheng Studio when he met him at lunch that day.

In addition, there are two actresses, Yuan Shanshan and Yang Rong.

However, none of them are suitable for the role of Lu Zhen.

Putting aside his professional ethics, he is very serious about his projects and has always been picky about casting.

"Several female artists from the company auditioned, but he didn't choose any of them?"

Upon hearing Xiao Juan's report, Xu Ming tapped his knuckles on the table and said in a deep voice, "See which one he takes a fancy to, and find a way to get him to sign with the company. The company will be responsible for the penalty for breach of contract."

He wondered where Zhao Liying, the original female lead, was now. She must have already left Huayi.

However, regardless of which company they work for, their net worth won't be high.

Her only well-known role is Qing'er in "New My Fair Princess".

That being said, there aren't many actresses like Zhao Liying, and her popularity with the audience is second only to Yang Mi.

"clear."

Xiao Juan nodded.

"By the way, what time does Fan Bingbing arrive at the company?" Xu Ming asked.

The other party's studio had arranged with the company a few days ago for an audition today.

"They said it would be 2 PM."

Xiao Juan glanced at the time. "It should be soon."

Said that Cao Cao Cao Cao arrived.

With a ring, the receptionist called to inform Fan Bingbing and her assistant that they had arrived at the company and were heading towards the elevator.

Xu Ming was very considerate and arrived at the elevator early to wait for him.

The door opens.

To be honest, seeing that face again gave Xu Ming a sense of disorientation, as if he had lived through another world.

At 12 years old, he was at the peak of his looks and temperament, and he certainly looked authoritative.

"Mr. Xu, it's been a long time. You look even more handsome than you did at the Hundred Flowers Awards last time," Fan Bingbing said with a light laugh.

Indeed, Xu Ming was just rising to fame in the industry when he won the Hundred Flowers Awards.

She is now the new queen of the Chinese entertainment industry after ascending to godhood.

If it weren't for being implicated by his master, he would be riding high right now.

Even though he dared not show his face easily, the commotion Xu Ming made in Hollywood made many celebrities in the industry feel that he was worth associating with.

Especially actresses like Fan Bingbing who are eager to develop their careers internationally.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be worth her personally going to audition for a TV series like "My Love from the Star".

"There's no other way; I have to make a living based on my looks."

Xu Ming joked to himself and gestured for them to come inside: "I can't compare to you. Last year, you were on the covers of five major women's magazines and two major men's magazines. You're the new darling of the fashion world."

"I don't even know if you're praising or criticizing me. Last year, the film industry was practically named after you. Who in the industry dares to compete with you?" Fan Bingbing said with a wry smile.

She had always thought she had developed quite rapidly in recent years, but compared to Xu Ming, she could only say that comparison is the thief of joy.

"Heh, it's just an empty reputation."

Xu Ming smiled faintly, "By the way, Xu Zheng has a movie coming out, and he mentioned to me before that he wanted to invite you to have a cameo role. Do you have time?"

“Sure, I don’t have any events planned for the end of the month, so I can come anytime,” Fan Bingbing readily agreed.

She was looking for an opportunity to get closer to Xu Ming, so naturally she wouldn't refuse.

(End of this chapter)