Seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, I became a legend in the entertainment industry by avo

Chapter 135 Delaying Tactics

Lin Xiang looked at Zhang Qilin with a professional smile: "Mr. Zhang, I think I heard your question. The creative concept and copywriting were jointly reviewed and approved by the marketing department and the legal department. The term 'early experience' is a common expression in the industry to enhance the sense of immersion, and the audience can understand it."

"Look, we've signed the contract, and all the personnel and equipment are in place, so let's take a professional approach and finish today's filming first. We can discuss the details after filming is over."

His tone was gentle, but his words subtly reminded Zhang Qilin of the costs of breaching the contract and delaying the schedule.

Zhao Tongfu quickly tried to smooth things over: "Qilin, be professional. Let's get down to business first. We can discuss any ideas with the brand privately after filming, okay?"

As he spoke, he subtly tugged at Zhang Qilin's sleeve, his eyes filled with urging and warning.

That seemed to mean, "Don't cause trouble."

In an instant, everyone's eyes in the shed were focused on Zhang Qilin.

Seeing that Zhang Qilin remained silent, Lin Xiang's face darkened, and he pressed further: "Mr. Zhang, do you know how much loss we'll incur by stopping filming for a day? The venue fees, personnel costs, and equipment rentals add up to over ten thousand yuan. Will you compensate us for this, or will the Beijing People's Art Theatre compensate us?"

Zhao Tongfu, seemingly for his own good, said, "Xiao Zhang! Why are you taking this so seriously? Is it worth losing tens of thousands of yuan for a few lines? Don't be stubborn, just finish filming quickly."

Zhang Qilin could sense that the other party was really in a hurry, but he didn't know how many more days they could delay.

If the other party can use money to delay the news for a longer period of time, then it becomes that they are in breach of contract first, and they will have to pay compensation.

What he needs to do now is to prevent the brand from prematurely escalating the situation and finding an excuse to extract breach of contract fees from him.

He can also stall until the incident breaks out, allowing him to escape smoothly.

Zhang Qilin reached into his pocket and touched his phone.

Looking at Lin Xiang, she said, "Mr. Lin, it's not that I didn't want to film it. It's my first time filming a GG (Girlfriend) movie, and I didn't know there would be a problem with the lyrics. You didn't communicate with me about the lyrics beforehand either. This is because of a communication error between the two parties."

"Let's both compromise and take a step back. Let's pause filming today and give each other some time to reorganize and communicate. You can review the GG lyrics, and I'll also talk to the teacher and hear their opinion."

Lin Xiang frowned, feeling somewhat annoyed, but in order to finish filming GG quickly, he couldn't just lose his temper.

He could only suppress his anger and say, "Mr. Zhang, our publicity plan will start in two days. Time is tight, and we must finish filming GG today."

Just then, Zhang Qilin's phone rang.

Zhang Qilin answered the phone: "Teacher Feng, what's the matter?"

Zhang Qilin hummed in agreement a few times, then calmly handed the phone to Zhao Tongfu: "Director Zhao, Teacher Feng is looking for you."

Zhao Tongfu looked at his phone with a puzzled expression, but finally took the call: "Feed."

"Director Zhao, this is Feng Yuanzheng. Director Lin from 'Wotou Guild Hall' just contacted me. The rehearsal has been adjusted, and Zhang Qilin needs to come back immediately. Today's filming will probably have to be suspended."

Zhao Tongfu frowned, thinking to himself, "How could things be so coincidental?"

Zhang Qilin had just said he didn't want to film, and then the phone rang?

Although he had doubts, he dared not ask.

Although Feng Yuanzheng doesn't hold any official position now, he is one of the actors' team's key candidates for the next captain.

Zhao Tongfu could only force a smile and say into the phone, "Teacher Feng, look at the mess this has made. We were just getting ready for the GG shoot, and suddenly we have to send Zhang Qilin back. It's going to be hard to explain to the brand."

Feng Yuanzheng said on the other end of the phone, "Director Zhao, I understand your difficulties, but you also know how important 'Wotou Guild Hall' is to the theater. We can't let filming GG delay the play's rehearsals, don't you think?"

Zhao Tongfu had no way to refute these words.

As a box office guarantee for the theater, "Wotou Guild Hall" will definitely be given priority for rehearsals.

Moreover, Feng Yuanzheng didn't get to his current position by being a nice guy.

An honest person can never become a leader in a class.

Thinking of this, Zhao Tongfu nodded and said, "I understand, Professor Feng. I'll go and coordinate with the brand right away."

"Thank you so much for your understanding, Director Zhao. I'm sorry to have troubled you," Feng Yuanzheng said politely before hanging up the phone.

Although brand representative Lin Xiang was unwilling, he felt that if he pushed too hard and strained the relationship before things were settled, things would be difficult to handle later.

The atmosphere in the Beijing People's Art Theatre's conference room was somewhat somber the next day.

Vice President Wang, Pu Cunxin, Yang Lixin, Feng Yuanzheng, Zhao Tongfu, and Zhang Qilin all sat at the conference table.

"That's how it is. Now the brand is demanding that the shooting be completed within two days, citing the contract and shooting schedule, otherwise they will hold us responsible and demand compensation for our losses," Zhao Tongfu said helplessly.

Vice Dean Wang glanced at Zhang Qilin, then turned to Feng Yuanzheng: "Teacher Feng, how come I didn't know about the rehearsal adjustments for 'Wotou Guild Hall'? Besides, Zhang Qilin is just studying there; his presence or absence doesn't really matter."

Yang Lixin chimed in with a smile: "Yesterday, Director Lin suddenly had an inspiration and made some changes to the plot. As the substitute for all the actors, Zhang Qilin must understand all the content so as not to affect the next rehearsal."

Vice President Wang's face darkened after hearing this.

As far as he knew, everything went smoothly yesterday, and there were no changes at all.

But the rehearsal was not his responsibility, so he couldn't get a word in edgewise, and there was no point in pursuing it further.

The most important thing right now is the endorsement deal.

He turned to Pu Cunxin: "Vice Dean Pu, the brand is putting pressure on us, and the penalty for breach of contract is indeed substantial. My question is, did Zhang Qilin agree to their demands and proceed with the bidding?"

Pu Cunxin didn't speak, but looked at Zhang Qilin.

Zhang Qilin was also very anxious, as there were still no related news reports by the time he came in for the meeting.

When he explained to Teacher Feng last night, he made up a reason on the spot, saying that he had asked someone to inquire about the brand's reputation.

My friend just sent me a message saying that there are some bad rumors about this brand in Hong Kong recently, and he advised me to stay away from it.

But he didn't know the real situation there. Given Vice President Wang's relationship with the brand, he certainly wouldn't believe what he said.

This could even offend Vice President Wang, who might try to sabotage his recruitment process.

Zhang Qilin pondered for a moment and said, "Vice Dean Wang, this is my first time shooting a GG video, so I'm inevitably nervous. I hope we can communicate in detail with the brand and confirm the GG keywords beforehand—"

"That's impossible. The brand has already said that if we don't shoot within two days, they will pursue legal action for breach of contract. Who will compensate us then?"

Zhao Tongfu interrupted Zhang Qilin.

A brief silence fell over the meeting room.

Vice President Wang began by saying, "This time, the brand is interested in your image and potential, as well as the reputation of Beijing People's Art Theatre."

These words are mild, but they carry significant weight.

Zhang Qilin understood.

Vice President Wang reminded him that refusing to film GG was not just a personal matter, but also concerned the cooperative relationship between the Beijing People's Art Theatre and the brand, as well as Vice President Wang's reputation.

Feng Yuanzheng frowned, about to speak, but was stopped by a look from Pu Cunxin.

Pu Cunxin picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and then said, "Vice Dean Wang, what Xiao Zhang just said isn't entirely unreasonable. Although GG's endorsement isn't acting, the audience isn't just watching the actors, but also the reputation of the Beijing People's Art Theatre."

Vice Dean Wang looked at Pu Cunxin: "What does Vice Dean Pu mean?"

"What I mean is," Pu Cunxin smiled, "that being cautious isn't a bad thing. As the spokesperson, it's Zhang's right and responsibility to have doubts about the lines. If something goes wrong later, won't the Beijing People's Art Theatre also have to bear the responsibility?"

This statement neither directly refuted Vice President Wang nor left room for Zhang Qilin to maneuver.

Zhao Tongfu chimed in, "Vice Dean Pu is right, but time is of the essence. The brand has a two-day deadline. Even if we're being cautious, we still need a plan, right?"

Yang Lixin then spoke up with a smile: "Old Zhao, does the contract state that filming must be completed within two days? If not, have other celebrities been required to do this? What, do you think we at the Beijing People's Art Theatre are easy to bully?"

After he said that, the entire room fell silent.

Vice President Wang's expression changed.

Yang Lixin's words have escalated to the point of questioning the dignity of the Beijing People's Art Theatre. Anyone who is pressuring Zhang Qilin is simply thinking that the Beijing People's Art Theatre is easy to bully.

Vice Dean Wang pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhang Qilin: "Xiao Zhang, you want to communicate with the brand in detail to confirm the GG keywords, that's fine, but you need to give the brand a definite answer on how long it will take to complete the filming?"

Zhang Qilin knew that this question had to be answered.

The only problem is that he doesn't know how long the other party can keep the money in check.

He said that if the time is too short, it will be exposed and GG will be released, which would be bad for him.

Vice President Wang would definitely disagree if I went into too much detail.

So how should we answer that?

He thought for a moment before saying, "Vice Dean Wang, I will negotiate the lyrics with the other party as soon as possible, and we'll film it once we've reached an agreement."

Vice Dean Wang remained silent for a long time before finally sighing, "Okay, I understand what you mean."

He looked at Zhao Tongfu: "Contact the brand and ask them to send someone to negotiate the 'GG' lyrics with Zhang Qilin. Finalize the draft as soon as possible and start filming as soon as possible."

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Zhao Tongfu nodded quickly: "Okay, I'll take care of it right away."

Vice President Wang stood up, walked over to Zhang Qilin, and patted him on the shoulder: "Xiao Zhang, caution is a good thing, but you also need to know your limits. It's not easy for the Beijing People's Art Theatre to cultivate a young actor, and I don't want to see you narrow your path because of this kind of thing."

These words are quite meaningful.

After the meeting, Lin Xiang, accompanied by a professional editor, came to the Beijing People's Art Theatre and, standing beside Zhang Qilin, discussed the GG term.

Zhang Qilin used every excuse he could think of, but only managed to delay things for one day.

Fearing that things might change if he delayed, Lin Xiang brought his filming team directly to the Beijing People's Art Theatre the next day to film.

Upon seeing Zhang Qilin, he greeted him with a professional smile, saying, "Mr. Zhang, you wanted to negotiate, and we have. The lyrics have been revised according to your wishes; can we film now?"

Zhang Qilin knew he couldn't avoid it any longer and sighed inwardly.

Under Zhao Tongfu's arrangement, everyone laid out a green cloth backdrop in an empty room.

Zhang Qilin sat in front of the camera, with a green screen behind him.

Zhang Qilin mechanically read the GG words from the teleprompter.

Lin Xiang stood behind the monitor, arms crossed.

He didn't care what kind of expression Zhang Qilin gave him, as long as this person could finish filming GG, even if he had to look like he was on the execution ground, he would accept it.

Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open from the outside.

As soon as the publicity director, Yi Yangbo, entered, he shouted, "Stop everything! Don't film anymore!"

Lin Xiang shouted in dissatisfaction, "Can't you see we're filming GG? Are you going to take responsibility for the wasted time?"

Zhao Tongfu walked up to Yi Yangbo and asked, "Director Yi, what happened?"

Yi Yangbo said anxiously, "The news that Badao shampoo contains carcinogens has already topped the trending searches."

Lin Xiang's expression changed, and he immediately picked up his phone to check it.

Zhao Tongfu also looked shocked: "Director Yi, is this news reliable?"

Yi Yangbo took out his phone: "The news has spread, and there are related reports everywhere online."

Upon hearing this news, Zhang Qilin could finally hold his head high.

Just then, he noticed Lin Xiang quietly taking a videotape out of the camera and moving it toward the door.

Zhang Qilin suddenly stood up, pointed at Lin Xiang and shouted, "Stop him! Take the videotape back!"

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