Pirates began to dominate the Chinese entertainment industry.

"What about a million-dollar salary?" Ji Yun didn't give up.

Xu Zheng's current salary is around 50-70 yuan. Although 100 yuan is a bit expensive, it is undoubtedly worthwhile for Xu Zheng's contribution to the "Lost in..." series. Even though many people online dislike him, no one denies his professional abilities.

Tao Hong sat on the single sofa without saying a word. Whenever she saw that Ji Yuncha was empty, she would gracefully come over to refill the tea.

Then he sat back down, glancing at Ji Yun every now and then.

Sister-in-law, stop looking, your brother is still here!

Xu Zheng shook his head again. He still had ambitions for his career, and if it was truly worthwhile, he was even willing to act for free. After all, his good resources were limited, and he often did this.

Liu Shishi kept glancing at Ji Yun, her expression anxious, wanting to help but unable to do anything. She could only watch helplessly from the sidelines, her pretty face tense.

Ji Yun gave her a reassuring look, indicating that there was no need to rush, and then said,

"How about changing the payment method?"

"Change it? What else?" Xu Zheng was a little confused.

"Actually, I intend to make this movie into a series. I have planned a second one called 'Lost in Thailand', which will take us beyond the Spring Festival travel rush and go abroad."

"If Mr. Xu is willing to take on this film, as long as it doesn't lose money, I can hand over the director's position for my next film!"

Xu Zheng suddenly looked up and stared intently into Ji Yun's eyes, trying to determine if he was joking.

"If Teacher Xu doesn't ask for a salary, the film's cost can be reduced to below 400 million. In other words, the film only needs to gross a little over 1000 million to break even."

Moreover, this film is easy to shoot and can be completed in a month, with the aim of being released within six months.

Furthermore, the film also features popular actors Wang Baoqiang and Hu Ge, who have considerable box office appeal. Under these circumstances, the chances of recouping the costs are very high.

I wonder if Mr. Xu would be willing to direct the second installment of the "Lost in..." series?

Ji Yun made this promise quite readily. After all, he was originally the director of "Lost in Thailand," and she was essentially exchanging his resources for his free labor.

You can save 70 or even 100 million!

A win-win situation, where you win twice, is feasible!

Having made up her mind, Ji Yun looked sincerely at the bald man opposite her: "It can be written into the contract!"

It is common knowledge that Xu Zheng wanted to be a director. As a native of Shanghai, he studied at the Shanghai Theatre Academy in Shanghai, settled in Shanghai after graduation, and even had his job at the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

However, at that time, the local film and television capital circle in Shanghai had not yet taken off.

In this situation, as an outsider, it's impossible for him to integrate into the major mainstream circles of the film and television industry, let alone obtain truly high-quality film and television resources. If he still has ambition, he can only change careers or become a director himself.

Although later generations know that he succeeded, almost no one believes it now. He tried directing in 04, starring and directing "Li Wei the Magistrate 2", but unfortunately, the results and reputation were mediocre, and his first attempt was a crushing failure.

Becoming a director became an obsession for him.

Xu Zheng indeed fell silent, his expression conflicted as he wanted to accept the offer but was also worried about Ji Yun's reputation.

After all, Ji Yun has many ways to circumvent the contract if she wants to.

"Your junior brother is so sincere, you should think it over carefully." Seeing the two were at an impasse, Tao Hong spoke for the first time, stepping forward with a smile and persuading them.

"Here's what we'll do, Lao Xu. You think it over carefully and give your junior brother an answer by this time tomorrow, okay?"

Xu Zheng breathed a sigh of relief and quickly agreed with a smile. He thought to himself that this kid was too amazing. He felt that the kid saw right through him. In just a few minutes, the kid had made him lose his composure. He was not like an ordinary student at all.

Seeing this, Ji Yun didn't say anything more, but just smiled twice in agreement and flattered the two of them a few more times.

Having worked in the industry for over a decade, he knows this is how film contracts are always negotiated: decisions are rarely made on the spot unless the person is an acquaintance. For future popular stars, negotiating their salaries alone could take one or two months.

He planned to deal with Wang Baoqiang first, so as not to expose his scheme.

After exchanging contact information with Xu Zheng, Ji Yun left with Liu Shishi.

Tao Hong warmly escorted the two to the door.

Just as Ji Yun was about to enter the elevator, he suddenly felt a piece of paper slipped into his hand.

He was startled and turned around to look.

He noticed Tao Hong standing behind him, smiling as she saw the two off, her face showing no unusual expression.

Xu Zheng, who was not far away, was still lost in thought and hadn't come to his senses, so he didn't notice the little commotion happening around him.

"Old Xu is busy with work, and I'm bored by myself. Junior brother, if you have time to come and play, I'll entertain you." Tao Hong's eyes sparkled, and she patted Ji Yun's shoulder twice with her fair hand, appearing very friendly.

Ji Yun understood what she meant and quietly put the note into her pocket. "Okay, sister-in-law."

The two went downstairs and got back into the car.

"Let me take you home first. Where do you live?" Ji Yun said to Liu Shishi.

"It's right over by the company, in the Yinyue Apartments in Minhang." Liu Shishi nodded obediently.

On the road.

The car remained completely quiet.

Liu Shishi lowered her head and suddenly said softly, "You haven't been saying anything, are you under a lot of pressure?"

Ji Yun paused, then said awkwardly, "I guess so."

He was too embarrassed to admit that he was thinking about the little note and was just a little lost in thought.

As for the pressure of filming, the worst-case scenario is losing all your money and having to start over. At most, you'll be ridiculed and mocked for a while. Although it's frustrating, that's life.

But Liu Shishi seemed to think he was in dire straits, and her gaze towards him was filled with tenderness and pity.

"I'm not busy lately. If there's anything I can help with, just let me know." Her voice grew softer and softer, like a mosquito buzzing.

Ji Yun paused for a moment, then, wanting to lighten the somber atmosphere, joked, "I need a personal secretary. Do you want to come? No salary, you know."

"Sure," Liu Shishi said, looking up with delight. "We can do it right now."

Is this girl really that eager to improve? Ji Yun glanced at her curiously.

Actually, as a future top-tier actress, Ji Yun doesn't have many memories of her. Compared to other actresses of the same generation, she seems to rarely appear in public.

But he clearly remembered that she was a female star who could overshadow all the other actresses born in 85 during her peak, and she had a group of incredibly powerful fans who had achieved amazing feats such as sweeping across the internet and taking on 23 fan groups single-handedly. Even after several years of silence, she still had a group of die-hard fans who never abandoned her.

However, these things seemed to have little to do with the shy and naive girl in front of him.

"Tomorrow, I have some personal business to attend to later," Ji Yun said.

"Oh, oh." Liu Shishi's tone remained light and cheerful.

She picked up Ji Yun's phone from the center console and they exchanged numbers.

"Call me if you need anything, and I'll report to your company tomorrow."

Aren't you being a little too hasty...?

Ji Yun suddenly felt a little worried. If Cai Yinong saw this, and found out that the top female star she had carefully cultivated had been tricked into working for free in the company, she might tear him apart with her own hands!

The car quickly stopped in front of the apartment building.

Ji Yun watched Liu Shishi wave goodbye before leaving with light steps.

He took out the slip of paper from his pocket, picked up his phone, and saved the number on it.

He thought for a moment, then instead of dialing, he sent a text message: "Sister-in-law, this is my phone number. — Ji Yun."