Pirates began to dominate the Chinese entertainment industry.

Tao Hong.

She is a well-known actress who came from the national synchronized swimming team. She played the Little Dragon Girl in "Spring Bright Pigsy" and was also the unrequited love of a certain tough guy actor.

They were a well-known playboy couple in the industry, but after having a daughter a year later, they gradually faded out of the entertainment circle.

"Hello, Sister Tao Hong. I am Ji Yun, the owner of a local film and television company. I was introduced by Cai Yinong, the owner of Tangren Media. I currently have a film project and would like to invite Mr. Xu Zheng to star in it."

I couldn't get through on the phone, so I apologize for the intrusion.

Ji Yun said politely.

"Please come in, please come in." Tao Hong sized up Ji Yun a few times, and after hearing their purpose, she warmly invited the two of them to come in and sit down. As she closed the door, she casually asked, "Isn't Tangren a television drama company? Do they also make movies?"

"This film was invested in by my company and co-produced by Tangren Media. The woman next to me is Liu Shishi, an actress from Tangren Media." Ji Yun knew that her own brand didn't have much influence yet, so she continued to use Tangren's name and influence.

He took out the script and placed it on the coffee table.

"This is a comedy film with two lead actors, both with significant roles. We would like to invite Mr. Xu Zheng to participate."

"Okay, okay. I'll go call him." Tao Hong poured a cup of Longjing tea for the two of them and then gracefully went into the bedroom.

"Old Xu, get up quickly, the guests are here."

"Even if the Heavenly King himself is here, I need to sleep!"

A sharp slap rang out, followed by a murmur of whispers, presumably as people quietly gave each other instructions.

A moment later, Xu Zheng, with black eyes and rubbing his arms, reluctantly walked out.

He was wearing a fluffy pajama set, which, combined with his bald head, created a strangely comical effect.

The unassuming bald man in front of you is actually a big name in the domestic comedy field and in the future film industry.

Although his character and reputation are sometimes questioned, many directors still aspire to reach his level.

Ten years later, Ji Yun saw him at a large ceremony. At that time, he was riding high on the success of "Dying to Survive," and Ji Yun was far behind him. Unfortunately, no matter how hard Ji Yun tried, in the eyes of capital, he was just a dispensable assistant director.

But this time, things will be different. Ji Yun wants to build her own biggest asset.

"Hello, Teacher Xu, I'm Ji Yun, also a student in the 07 acting class at the Shanghai Theatre Academy." Ji Yun pretended not to see the dark circles and bruises on his face and stood up to greet him.

Liu Shishi also got up, looking quite like a well-behaved and sensible secretary.

Great, you're in character!

"Hello, hello, I'm just looking at the script, you guys have some tea."

Xu Zheng paused for a moment when he heard that the student was from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, gave an awkward smile, and quickly picked up the script and began to read.

Ji Yun sat there idly, glancing around.

The room's furniture and furnishings were carefully arranged, mainly in warm-toned wood, creating a cozy atmosphere that was clearly the work of a woman.

An apartment of over 130 square meters is quite expensive in the prime JA district, which is considered by many locals to be the number one district in Shanghai. Actors' incomes aren't particularly extravagant these days, but their expenses are quite high, especially for actors like Xu Zheng who rely on acting skills; probably half of his fortune is tied up in real estate.

He was thinking that if the other party was unwilling to accept the offer later, he could try again by raising the price.

Xu Zheng was quick to learn; after all, he was a veteran comedian with a solid foundation in stage plays, and his knowledge was quite extensive.

"The story is good, but..." Xu Zheng suddenly paused.

"Teacher Xu, business is business, let's just do things officially." Ji Yun knew that he was worried that she was a current student at her alma mater and might say something wrong that would be reported back to the school.

Xu Zheng nodded in satisfaction, his expression much more relaxed.

Successful people dislike those who lack boundaries. Ji Yun, despite being a junior at the same school, chose not to use his position and instead addressed him as "teacher" instead of "senior brother," which actually earned him some goodwill.

He tentatively asked, "What works has your company produced?"

While a good script is important, the reliability of the company behind it is also crucial.

"The company was passed down to me after my father passed away. We used to mainly deal in DVDs and DVDs... but now that online streaming has come along, we have to consider transforming our business. This is our company's first venture."

Xu Zheng nodded noncommittally, then asked, "How much is the investment? Who's the director?"

"We've estimated that five million is more than enough for a low-budget film like this. As for the director, it's me."

"You?" Xu Zheng froze, staring wide-eyed as he looked Ji Yun up and down. "You...are you twenty?"

"Well, Ms. Xu, when the actors are excellent enough, and Tangren has a mature production team to support them, does it really matter who the director is?"

Having been in the directing circle for over a decade, Ji Yun knows that among all the filming crews, the director's profession is the most unique, arguably having the highest ceiling and the lowest floor.

If you want to make a timeless classic, then who the director is is crucial.

But when the production team is luxurious enough, with the best actors, the best script and story, and a whole bunch of the best assistant directors and production crew, then even if the director is just walking a dog, the movie won't be too bad.

If the director is just a figurehead, a good assistant director can do everything.

After all, Ji Yun had indeed seen a certain movie where a new director, six senior assistant directors, an elite team, and top-notch costumes, props, and sets produced a film that broke box office records, leaving many in the industry speechless.

But it also drastically reduced the prestige of the directing profession.

"Moreover, we have already finalized deals with two other lead actors. One is Wang Baoqiang, who became a sensation last year with 'Soldiers Sortie,' and the other is Hu Ge, who has just recovered from his injury and is making his first public appearance. The woman next to me is the rising star that Tangren is currently promoting." Ji Yun pointed to Liu Shishi.

Liu Shishi was a little confused and had already quietly drifted off into a state of mental blankness.

When did Wang Baoqiang and Hu Ge reach an agreement? How come she didn't know?

That's what she was thinking, but when she met Xu Zheng's gaze, she suddenly felt a tightness in her chest.

We know now is not the time to undermine them.

She immediately straightened her back and gave a smile that was both guilty and confident.

She wasn't helping to lie; she was simply admitting that she was a rising starlet promoted by Tangren Media.

This younger brother just loves to speak the truth. Hehe.

"The risk is still too great." Xu Zheng pondered for a while, then shook his head.

"The director is a newcomer, doesn't that mean the others have more say?" Ji Yun laughed, trying to make herself look like a young person who just wanted to be a figurehead.

He certainly couldn't really relinquish control of the production team.

But the most important thing now is to lure the actors in. Once they sign the contracts and arrive on set, it's up to him, the investor and director, to make the decisions.

"I'm sorry." Xu Zheng gritted his teeth, but still didn't back down.

He already had experience with low-budget films. Two years ago, he happened to see the script for "Crazy Stone," found it very interesting, and proactively called the director, offering to join the project without any payment.

Looking back, the film did perform well at the box office, but it didn't help him much; everyone only remembered Huang Bo.

Moreover, although Ning Hao, the director of "Stone," is directing a commercial film for the first time, he has already directed a lot of movies and music videos, and has even won international awards for his art films. He is a veteran in the industry.

Ji Yun's resume was completely blank, which was not convincing at all. It seemed more like a rich young master playing around. Naturally, he had no interest in playing along.

Instead of wasting time like this, you might as well go to a club and seek comfort from the girls.