Huayu 2011: Starting with Hilarious Men

With the end of the first season of "Hilarious Men", Zheng Nan had already anticipated that many people would contact him afterward.

Zheng Nan currently does not have an agent or agency and has to handle her work independently.

To ensure her sleep quality and avoid disturbing her roommates, Zheng Nan has been turning on Do Not Disturb at 10 PM and turning it off at 8 AM every night.

Why does it only close at 8 a.m.?

Isn't it normal for college students to have trouble getting up at 8 a.m.?

Before going to bed last night, Zheng Nan had wondered which major platform would contact him first, but he didn't expect it to be Jiang Jinfu.

Zheng Nan and Jiang Jinfu don't interact much. The last time they chatted was when the first episode of "Hilarious Men" was released, and Zheng Nan politely informed Jiang Jinfu, who was making a guest appearance.

"What could he possibly want from me? It's not like he's abusing me, is it?"

Still a little groggy from just waking up, Zheng Nan thought for a few seconds before answering the phone.

"Hey, senior, what's up? Why are you calling me so early?"

"You're still not up?" Jiang Jinfu asked, somewhat surprised, then realized, "I forgot that 'Hilarious Men's Show' ended last night. You must have been busy until very late. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I just woke up."

"Junior brother, do you have time today? Sister K wants to meet with you. I wonder if it's convenient for you?" After a brief chat, Jiang Jinfu revealed the purpose of his call.

The "Sister K" mentioned by Jiang Jinfu is Cai Yinong, the core person in charge of Tangren Media.

Cai Yinong is no ordinary person. She studied fine arts in her early years and later entered the Hong Kong film and television industry as a feature reporter.

In 1998, he co-founded Tangren Film International Ltd. with director Li Guoli, which later developed into Shanghai Tangren and Tianjin Tangren.

The positioning is also very accurate, focusing on high-quality period dramas aimed at a younger audience.

Starting in 99, the company successively launched TV series such as "The Legendary Twins", "Lotus Lantern", "The Mermaid", "The Book and the Sword", "The Peerless Swordsman", and "Dandelion", gradually establishing a production and distribution system.

In 2005, Tangren Media launched "Chinese Paladin," which brought Hu Ge and Liu Yifei to the forefront of the industry. It also pioneered the adaptation of video games into fantasy dramas, becoming a phenomenal hit and officially establishing Tangren Media's position as the "number one fantasy drama brand."

Tsai Yi-nong is also known as the "Godmother of Costume Dramas".

Zheng Nan had no reason to refuse a meeting with such a discerning, capable, and influential person.

"Of course I have time. Even if K-sister doesn't have time, she'll make time to see me. Where shall we meet?"

"At 11 o'clock, I'll send you the location of the private chef on QQ."

Someone's treating, saving me a meal, and it's a private chef too. Zheng Nan couldn't rhyme in the fourth line, so she gave up trying.

After hanging up the phone, I got up to wash up and looked at the other three people still lazing in bed in the dormitory.

"Suddenly I feel a bit pathetic. I'm a freshman in college, and instead of going to internet cafes or bars on a Sunday, I have to go to work!!!"

Feeling resentful, Zheng Nan decided to shout!

"grass!"

"Old Zheng, are you trying to get yourself killed?!"

"If you're so capable, then don't run away!"

…………

At 10:50, Zheng Nan arrived at a courtyard according to the address.

From the outside, the private kitchen looks no different from an ordinary house, but once you step inside, it's a completely different world.

There are so many private chefs in Shanghai. Zheng Nan had never seen one when she was in Northeast China.

"Junior brother, please have a seat. Sister K has something come up and may be a little late," Jiang Jinfu said as he came out to greet him.

Compared to his irritable appearance while wearing a mask and hat during our last meeting, Jiang Jinfu now seems to be in high spirits.

"Senior brother is so happy, he must have encountered something great." In fact, Zheng Nan knew that at this point in time, Jiang Jinfu should have already signed with Tangren Media and confirmed his role as the male lead in "Xuan-Yuan Sword", otherwise he wouldn't have been able to contact him for Cai Yinong.

"Junior brother, I'm only telling you this, but you absolutely mustn't tell anyone else," Jiang Jinfu said in a deliberately low voice, also wanting to show off. "I've already signed with Tangren Media, and I've even signed a contract to play the male lead in a big-budget TV series."

Zheng Nan feigned surprise, then repeatedly congratulated him: "Congratulations, senior! A sophomore is playing the male lead. You're the next Hu Ge!"

Everyone likes to hear compliments; a compliment costs nothing.

Being praised by ordinary people is nothing unusual; Jiang Jinfu has heard plenty of praise in his daily life. But being praised to his face by someone who is somewhat famous causes him to release a much larger amount of dopamine.

The two chatted for a while, and Cai Yinong arrived late at about 11:20.

"I'm sorry, there was an unexpected situation at the company that caused the delay," Cai Yinong apologized as soon as she entered.

"It's alright. It's been a long time since I've seen Brother Jinfu. Let's catch up." Zheng Nan stood up and shook hands.

"I heard from Jinfu that he has a junior who is incredibly talented; he directed and starred in his own film while only a freshman," Cai Yinong said with a smile. "At first, I didn't believe it. What kind of good work could a freshman produce? But after watching 'Hilarious Men,' it's really good! And seeing him in person today, he's even better!"

Zheng Nan believes ordinary people who say "Hilarious Men" is good, but when Cai Yinong says it, Zheng Nan doesn't believe it at all.

Web series can't compare to TV dramas these days, not to mention that Tsai Yinong isn't a typical TV drama producer.

It was just a few polite words exchanged when they first met.

Everyone flatters those who praise them, and Zheng Nan returned the compliment: "President Cai, you flatter me. I'm just a novice, I don't deserve your praise. You are truly capable, every TV series you produce is a classic, especially the 'Chinese Paladin' series..."

Cai Yinong has seen many people who achieve early success.

There are plenty of people who get arrogant, conceited, and act like big shots after becoming famous!

It's rare to see a freshman college student who can produce a wildly popular web series with just 26,000 yuan, and remain humble and composed in the face of Cai Yinong's praise after it becomes a hit.

This raised Cai Yinong's opinion of Zheng Nan to a whole new level.

"Let's get down to business." Cai Yinong looked at Zheng Nan with admiration. "I admire your talent, and I know you haven't signed with a management company yet. What do you think of Tangren Media?"

Tangren Media, being a Shanghai-based company, has maintained a stable cooperative relationship with the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

From Hu Ge to Jiang Jinfu, almost all the newcomers promoted by Tangren Media are students from the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

"Tangren Media is very good." Zheng Nan said frankly. In the field of TV dramas, Tangren Media is almost invincible.

"What do you think if Tangren Media wants to sign you?" Cai Yinong asked directly.

"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Cai. It is my honor to be noticed by you. However, I would like to ask a question." Zheng Nan did not answer directly.

In a conversation, if you want to take the initiative, never just agree with the other person's answers.

"Ask away." She didn't think Zheng Nan would refuse, because Tangren was a golden brand she had built, and it had always been successful.

Cai Yinong felt that Zheng Nan would at most ask Tangren what conditions they could offer and what the revenue share would be.

"If I plan to make a movie, how much support will Tangren Media provide?"