Huayu: Starting with Hextech

This kind of performance-based cooperation model was still rare in the mainland film and television industry in 2009.

Most actors seek a stable salary; those who dare to use profit sharing instead of cash are either extremely confident or extremely reckless.

"Lin Xiao, you... think so highly of this drama?" Yu Zheng's voice was dry.

"What I admire is your discerning eye, senior brother," Lin Xiao smiled. "Beauty's Rival in Palace has already proven your production capabilities. I believe Palace will only be better."

In fact, he knew in his heart that this wasn't about being optimistic, but about knowing something was wrong.

I knew this drama would be a hit, I knew it would usher in a new era, and I knew the character of the Eighth Prince would become the white moonlight in the hearts of countless viewers.

But he couldn't say.

Yu Zheng remained silent for a long time, his fingers tapping lightly on the coffee table.

Finally, he slammed his hand on the table: "Alright! We'll do it your way! I'll give you the base salary as a third-tier actor in the industry, but the profit-sharing ratio... let's discuss it in detail!"

He stood up and paced back and forth excitedly:

"That way, you're completely tied to this show! For your own benefit, you'll have to give it your all and act well! Good for you, Lin Xiao, you've got guts!"

The contract details were discussed for another half hour before being finalized:

Lin Xiao played the Eighth Prince for a very low base salary, but he was entitled to 8% of the net profit after the series aired, provided that the ratings ranked in the top three in the same time slot.

"It's a pleasure working with you!" Yu Zheng gripped Lin Xiao's hand tightly. "Come next week to sign the contract, and then get ready to join the crew! Filming will take place in Hengdian, and the project will last about three months."

It was already four o'clock in the afternoon when I left the studio.

In winter, darkness falls early in Beijing, and the setting sun leaves only a dark red tinge on the horizon.

Lin Xiao had just reached the side of the street to hail a taxi when he heard the sound of high heels clicking on the ground behind him.

"Boss Lin~"

Yang Mi walked over with a smile, carrying a small chain bag.

"Back to the hotel?" she asked.

"Um."

"It's on my way, I'll give you a ride."

Yang Mi casually opened the back door of a black sedan parked on the roadside.

"Get in, I'll have the driver take a detour."

Lin Xiao hesitated for a moment, but still got into the car.

The car interior is spacious, and the heating is on full blast.

Yang Mi sat next to him, her faint perfume filling the enclosed space—a floral and fruity scent, sweet but not cloying, with a hint of allure.

The car slowly drove into the traffic.

"Teacher Yu was overjoyed this time."

Yang Mi looked out the window, her voice light and cheerful, "They hired a future top star with the salary of a third-rate actor. And they've tied you to their boat; you can't escape even if you want to."

Lin Xiao didn't respond.

Yang Mi turned her head and looked at him.

The setting sun cast a warm glow on his profile through the car window.

He had a high nose bridge, a clear and sharp jawline, and his Adam's apple moved gently as he spoke.

"Lin Xiao," she suddenly whispered, "does Tang Yan know you're going to be in this drama?"

Lin Xiao paused for a moment: "I haven't said yet."

Yang Mi smiled.

There was a certain unspoken meaning in that smile.

"Then I won't tell you."

She leaned closer, her voice low, her warm breath almost brushing against Lin Xiao's ear, "This is our little secret~"

Lin Xiao turned his head and met her eyes.

Her pupils were dark and bright, reflecting his image.

"Sister Mi," Lin Xiao said, "this is not appropriate."

"What's inappropriate?" Yang Mi tilted her head, looking innocent. "I'm just reminding you that our drama is a time-travel romance set in the Qing Dynasty, so there will definitely be intimate scenes. If Tang Yan finds out... she might get jealous."

As she spoke, she leaned back again, returning to a normal distance, as if her earlier closeness had been unintentional.

"But don't worry," she added, her tone relaxed, "I'll take care of you on set. After all... we're 'old partners'."

The car was parked in front of the hotel.

Lin Xiao got out of the car and said, "Thank you, Sister Mi."

"You're welcome." Yang Mi rolled down the car window and waved to him. "See you in Hengdian next week~ Remember our 'little secret'!"

The black sedan merged into the traffic and disappeared around the street corner.

Lin Xiao stood at the hotel entrance, exhaling a puff of white breath.

He knew that some things, once started, could not be stopped.

9 PM, Shanghai.

When Lin Xiao returned to Tang Yan's apartment, she was curled up on the sofa reading a script.

Upon seeing him return, she immediately put down her notebook and went to greet him.

"How did the talks go?" Her eyes sparkled.

"It's settled." Lin Xiao took off his coat. "Palace, Eighth Prince."

"That's great!" Tang Yan happily hugged him. "Teacher Yu's drama is sure to be a hit! You'll be playing the Eighth Prince... you'll definitely be incredibly handsome!"

Lin Xiao ruffled her hair: "The script is indeed quite good."

"When will you turn it on?"

"We'll sign the contract next week, and then head to Hengdian." Lin Xiao paused. "The filming period will be about three months."

Tang Yan's smile faded slightly: "It's going to take so long again..."

But she quickly cheered up: "It's okay, I'm starting filming soon anyway. 'Summer's Desire' starts filming next month, also in Hengdian! I can visit the set then!"

Suddenly remembering something, she asked, "By the way, who's the female lead?"

Lin Xiao remained silent for two seconds.

"Yang Mi".

The air fell silent for a moment.

Tang Yan's smile visibly froze for a moment.

Her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes, her eyes flickered, but she quickly returned to normal.

"Mimi..." Her voice softened a little, "That's great. She's the female lead, and you two are old partners, so your teamwork will definitely be excellent."

She looked up and tried to smile brightly:

"Mimi is my best friend. I feel at ease knowing she's taking care of you on set."

Lin Xiao looked at her.

Her eyes were bright, but deep inside there was a hint of panic that she couldn't hide.

She was trying to appear nonchalant, convincing herself it was nothing—it was just her best friend and her boyfriend filming a movie together, it was perfectly normal.

But Lin Xiao knew she was worried.

She recalled the way Yang Mi looked at Lin Xiao on the set of "Beauty's Rival in Palace," the jokes about how handsome her junior brother was, and the subtle intuition between women.

"Tangtang," Lin Xiao put his arm around her shoulder, "it's just work."

"I know." Tang Yan leaned on his shoulder, her voice muffled. "I'm just... a little reluctant to see you go for so long again."

She tilted her head back and tried to smile brightly:

"But it's okay! When I'm filming in Hengdian, I'll come see you whenever I have a spare moment! And bring you delicious food!"

Lin Xiao lowered his head and kissed her forehead.

"it is good."

As night deepened, Tang Yan fell into a deep sleep in Lin Xiao's arms.

But Lin Xiao could sense that even in her sleep, her body was not completely relaxed.

She held his waist tightly, as if afraid of losing something.

Outside the window, the winter night in Shanghai is quiet and long.

Lin Xiao stared at the ceiling with his eyes open.

The image of Yang Mi's bright face when she leaned close in the car that afternoon flashed through my mind, along with her words, "This is our little secret."

Then, the image of Tang Yan's restless sleeping face flashed through his mind again.

He knew that once you embarked on some paths, there was no turning back.

But he still stepped onto it.

There is no turning back.