It's just that they have money.

Gao Jie sent Zhang Siyuan the casting requirements.

Fang Chen flipped through the entire book from beginning to end, reading it carefully.

The requirements were very detailed. It wasn't the kind of nonsense about the male lead being handsome and the female lead being beautiful. Instead, each character had a specific age range, temperament type, acting style, and even details like walking posture, speaking rhythm, and eye characteristics.

"Do as he says, don't be too rigid about the schedule and salary." Fang Chen was very satisfied with Zhang Siyuan's work attitude.

Gao Jie replied quickly: "Received. But according to these standards, there are a few roles that will be hard to find."

Fang Chen thought for a moment and replied, "Then let's relax the age requirement, and keep the other standards unchanged."

Gao Jie sent a "I understand" emoji.

The next day, Gao Jie sent another message: "President Fang, Director Zhang said he wants to discuss the casting direction with you. When are you free?"

"Let's do it today, online."

At 2 p.m., Fang Chen sat in his study and turned on his computer.

Two images appeared on the screen.

Gao Jie was in the conference room of Firefly Cinema, with a whiteboard covered with sticky notes behind her. Zhang Siyuan sat next to her, looking more energetic than when they last met. His jacket collar was turned up, but his hair was still unkempt, with his bangs hanging down and covering half of his forehead.

There was a notebook open in front of Zhang Siyuan, about two-thirds of the way open. Judging from the wrinkles on the pages, he had read the top page many times, and the paper was almost soft from turning it so many times.

After a few pleasantries, Zhang Siyuan said, "President Fang, I don't think Tong Jun from your company is qualified to play the male lead."

Gao Jie glanced at him with some surprise.

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"His lack of formal training is not the problem; the problem is that his acting skills still need improvement."

Fang Chen pondered for a moment but did not raise any objections.

He valued Tong Jun because of Tong Jun's good attitude; even when playing a small role in a bad movie, he would seriously try to understand the character, not because of his appearance or acting skills.

If we want to make "The Silent Truth" a good film, we must strive for excellence, and Zhang Siyuan's judgment is correct.

But Fang Chen couldn't let the actors he personally signed feel disheartened.

"Are there any suitable roles for him in that script?"

"The second male lead is acceptable, but it would be better to give him a third billing role with a highlight performance."

Fang Chen thought for a moment and said, "Let him compete head-to-head with the other actors who auditioned for the second male lead. If he's a good fit, cast him as the second male lead. If not, do as you said."

"Alright then," Zhang Siyuan continued, "I've shortlisted three candidates for the male lead. One is a classically trained actor who has starred in suspense dramas and has a cool demeanor. Another is a stage actor who hasn't acted in film or television before, but I've seen his audition footage, and he has depth. The third is a newcomer who has a good appearance but no experience."

One is experienced and reliable, one is capable, and one is good-looking.

Zhang Siyuan was unsure of Fang Chen's preferences, so he simply presented three options for him to choose from.

"Which one do you think is more suitable?" Fang Chen asked.

Zhang Siyuan didn't hesitate: "Secondly, acting skills are up to par."

"Then let's go with him."

Fang Chen didn't ask to see the audition footage; he didn't need to know that.

All he needed to know was that Zhang Siyuan thought it was okay, and then he would say yes.

He provided the funding, he didn't act in the film.

Those who contribute money have responsibilities.

Put your money in the right hands, then let go.

The faster the release, the farther the person runs.

"He's asking for a pretty high salary," Gao Jie added from the side.

"Give it to them if they're due. Can the schedule work out?"

"Noh"

"Okay. It's settled then."

The casting meeting lasted less than half an hour.

Zhang Siyuan also went through the supporting roles, listing out the candidates for each role, and he could clearly explain the advantages and disadvantages of each candidate as soon as he opened his mouth.

Fang Chen barely interrupted, occasionally asking if the schedule was okay or if the salary had been discussed, and the matter was settled in just a few words.

Whether Tong Jun plays the second or third male lead depends on his own abilities.

Wang Shiyi is Fang Chen's handpicked female lead, and there's no room for discussion on that.

Zhang Siyuan didn't mind; it was reasonable for investors to want to promote actresses.

Moreover, he is promoting students from professional performing arts schools, so at least their appearance and lines shouldn't be a big problem.

As soon as the meeting ended and Fang Chen shut down his computer, he received a message from Zhao Xiaole.

Zhao Xiaole sent a screenshot, this time not from Moments, but from a private message dialog box.

Fang Chen didn't know the person who sent the message.

Zhao Xiaole circled the text in red: "Hey bro, do you still have any of those blueberries your dad sent? I need to give some to some clients."

"Brother Chen, this guy is an investor in Hengdian. He's even wealthier than my dad. He came to us himself."

Thanks.

He quickly relayed the message to Huang Zi'ang.

Huang Ziang replied quickly: "Your gift boxes are selling better than regular grade one fruit. You've sold over two hundred boxes in just a few days. That's incredible."

"But you didn't make much money, did you?" Fang Chen asked.

"really."

Two hundred boxes, nearly 30,000 yuan, is not even a fraction of the money he invested.

After all, fruit has low added value, and people can only eat so much of it, so the majority of the profit comes from retail.

The main purpose of making gift boxes is to build brand awareness.

Fang Chen then asked, "Has the connection to the supermarket been established yet?"

"It's working now, and the feedback has been good. One company even provided us with a dedicated shelf space."

Fang Chen replied, "OK."

Things went more smoothly than expected.

But trouble soon followed when Zhang Zhenghao sent a request for help from the United States.

"There's a bit of a problem here."

"explain."

"The certification process is complete; all the materials are in order, and we even expedited it, but the efficiency here... you know, it can't compare to that in China. They said it would take two weeks, but there's been no progress at all. When I asked, they said 'processing,' and when I asked how much longer, they said 'not sure.'"

"Mr. Gu has also been urging us, saying that without the certification, the channels can't be promoted. He has everything prepared and is just waiting for our approval."

"Did you pay the express fee?" Fang Chen asked.

"They gave it to us. Fifty thousand US dollars, not a penny less. They took the money, so they'll still be slow."

Zhang Zhenghao was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone, as if he was rummaging through something.

The rustling sound of paper coming from the other end of the receiver, across the Pacific Ocean and most of the American continent, sounded like someone behind him opening a package of documents that hadn't been touched in a long time.

"I asked Mr. Gu, and he said there are several companies in the area that specialize in this kind of certification consulting, similar to immigration companies. They help you prepare materials, connect with agencies, and track progress. The fees are not cheap, but he recommended one to me, saying that its reputation is okay."

"Find the one with the best reputation."

Zhang Zhenghao paused for a moment, then said, "I haven't discussed the quote with him in detail yet, so I don't know how much it will cost, but I have this feeling that I've been ripped off by this guy surnamed Gu?"

This time, it was Fang Chen's turn to remain silent.