Chinese entertainment industry has been booming since 2008.

"Sister K, to be honest, these past few days, so many people have been coming to me asking for roles that they've practically worn down my doorstep."

Yang Mi first complained for a while, then changed the subject, her tone becoming firm and sincere: "Sister K, although I am the producer, I don't have much say. For a role like the second male lead with a lot of screen time, Zhang Yang has already cast someone. I really can't do anything about it."

Her words were impeccable, both pointing out her own difficulties and using Zhang Yang as a shield. In terms of saving face, she gave Cai Yinong plenty of face.

Hearing Yang Mi say that, Cai Yinong's smile faded slightly, but she still maintained her composure: "I understand, I understand. It's a big production, so it's only right to have strict requirements."

The atmosphere became slightly awkward and stagnant. Yang Mi knew that a complete refusal would offend people, so she immediately took out the "dessert" she had prepared beforehand.

"However, Sister K, we also have a character named Yin Qianshang in our drama. He doesn't have as much screen time as Ouyang Shaogong, but his character is very outstanding. He is both righteous and evil, and he is the 'key character' in the drama. If Yuan Hong is interested, he can try out for this role. I think it might be more suitable for him to perform."

Looking at Yang Mi's sincere gaze, Cai Yinong knew that this was the biggest concession Yang Mi could make. If she pushed any further, things would really end badly.

"Okay, thank you very much, Mimi. I'll remember this favor."

With the matter settled, the next step was to exchange pleasantries. Both of them were very busy, so after a few polite words, Cai Yinong got up to take her leave.

After seeing Cai Yinong off, Yang Mi returned to the private room in the coffee shop. She rubbed her temples wearily. At that moment, Zeng Jia walked in and handed her a cup of coffee.

"Did you manage to handle it?"

Yang Mi took the coffee, took a sip, and said with a hint of helplessness, "Mmm."

After saying that, she sighed and said somewhat dejectedly, "This is just the beginning. Who knows how many more monsters and demons will come knocking on my door next? It's so annoying. I'm starting to regret being the producer. I was really unprepared. I've been forced into this role."

Looking at the arrogant Yang Mi, Zeng Jia rolled her eyes at her, annoyed: "Alright, there are no outsiders here, why are you pretending with me?"

"Oh, Jia-jie, can't you let me pretend for a moment? Didn't you see how humble Cai Yinong was just now? Ah, it's so comfortable to be superior."

Zeng Jia really wanted to say, "You still have someone on top of you," but she wasn't the kind of person who would just say whatever came to mind. She changed the subject and said, "Mimi, Rongxinda has contacted me again. They want to put someone in the TV series. You know her, Li Lin, the young Xue Baochai in 'The Dream of Red Mansions'. Rongxinda wants Li Lin to play the role of Fuqu."

Li Lin?

I vaguely remember Yang Mi!

"In that case, ask Rong Xinda what Li Lin can offer. I believe they will understand. After all, there are too many actresses in the entertainment industry who want to make it big; it's not like Li Lin is indispensable."

...

2009, April 3.

In the banquet hall of a five-star hotel in Beijing, the lights were dazzling and the crowd was bustling. On the huge backdrop, the words "Epic Production 'The Great Biography of Sun Tzu' Launch Press Conference" were displayed in a magnificent manner.

In front of the long stage, a dense array of cameras and microphones from various media outlets were set up. As a TV series with an investment of up to 5000 million yuan, this press conference brought together almost all the mainstream media in the industry.

The director, screenwriter, and the main cast sat on the stage in turn. Jing Tian, ​​dressed in a carefully selected custom-made dress, sat near the center. Her makeup was exquisite, and her smile was appropriate, but her gaze kept drifting towards the entrance.

Just before the host was about to announce the official start of the press conference, a commotion broke out at the entrance.

The spotlight suddenly intensified, as bright as day, and all the cameras instantly turned around; Zhang Yang had arrived.

He wore a well-tailored dark suit without a tie, and the top button of his shirt was casually undone. Compared to the slightly formal attire of the crew on stage, his outfit showed respect while also being casual and individualistic.

With his usual faint smile, he calmly walked onto the stage, shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with the director and producer who stood up to greet him, and finally, his gaze fell on Jing Tian.

When Jing Tian's eyes met Zhang Yang's, her heart skipped a beat. She tried her best to maintain her composure, stood up, and extended her hand: "Zhang Yang, thank you for coming."

Wishing you a successful launch.

Zhang Yang gave her a light handshake, which was short-lived and polite but distant. He then took his seat in the guest area under the guidance of the staff.

Zhang Yang's arrival undoubtedly added fuel to the already highly anticipated press conference, causing many reporters who had prepared their questions to rethink how to ask Zhang Yang.

Soon, it was time for the media Q&A session.

The initial questions revolved around the series itself, including its grand historical perspective, excellent production quality, and the contemporary significance of Sun Tzu's spirit. The director and lead actors answered these questions flawlessly.

However, when the Q&A session was opened to all the media, the atmosphere changed abruptly. Almost half of the reporters raised their arms high, their eyes fixed on Zhang Yang in the guest seats.

The reporter who managed to get a question asked a sharp one in a flash: "Zhang Yang, first of all, congratulations on the phenomenal success of 'My Love from the Star' in Korea, a beautiful example of 'reverse cultural export'! As the creator, what do you think is the secret to the success of 'My Love from the Star'? Can this success be replicated in other domestic dramas, such as historical dramas like 'The Art of War'?"

The room fell silent instantly. The question, though seemingly flattering, was actually tricky. It tested Zhang Yang's understanding of his own success while subtly comparing him to "The Great Biography of Sun Tzu," a work he had not participated in, thus planting the seeds for potential conflict.

Zhang Yang took the microphone, his expression unchanged, and his tone steady: "Thank you for the compliment. The success of 'My Love from the Star' is inseparable from the entire team's commitment to content quality and their exploration of telling Eastern emotions using modern audiovisual language. It was an attempt within a specific context."

Zhang Yang cleverly attributed the credit to the team and downplayed his personal involvement. Then, he changed the subject and looked at the main creators on stage: "As for replication, I believe that every excellent work is unique. 'The Great Biography of Sun Tzu' is rooted in our profound history and culture. Its depth and scope are incomparable to 'My Love from the Star.' I believe that as long as the creative team is in awe and polishes the script and production, any type of excellent work can find its audience and even go global."

The response was neither arrogant nor humble, affirming "My Love from the Star" while also showing sufficient respect for "The Legend of Sun Tzu," demonstrating extremely high emotional intelligence.

To be honest, Zhang Yang himself was embarrassed by what he said. It was because the original version of "The Great Biography of Sun Tzu" was a complete flop. If someone were to dig up this interview in the future, they would definitely say that he had a secret deal with Jing Tian.