Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Entertainment Live!

It is the first and most authoritative large-scale entertainment information program in China, and its founder is the well-known Enlight Media.

However, at this time, Enlight Media was not yet the future leader in the film distribution industry; it was just a media company that had tasted the benefits of "separation of production and broadcasting."

As the actress who played "Little Dragon Girl," Liu Yifei's film "You Are the Apple of My Eye" was her first movie shot in mainland China, so she naturally received a lot of attention from the host.

"Why did Yifei choose to join the filming of 'You Are the Apple of My Eye'? Was it related to the help Director Zhao received during the accident in 'The Return of the Condor Heroes'?"

Liu Yifei glanced at Zhao Yanxi, then at the host Suoni, and smiled, "There's definitely a connection, but it's not a big one."

"The main reason is still in the film crew. Yan Xi and I are good friends. My good friend invited me to act in the movie, and my fellow crew members are all classmates."

It's less like acting in a movie and more like a class reunion. How could I possibly refuse such a great opportunity?

"Haha, that's true," Soni laughed, looking at Zhao Yanxi. "Director Zhao, do you think Yifei matches your image of Shen Jiayi?"

"Of course it fits perfectly, because I wrote this novel on the set of The Return of the Condor Heroes, and Shen Jiayi's image was based on Yi Fei."

"Think about the description of Shen Jiayi's appearance in the book: a hump nose, sloping shoulders, everted lips, and a somewhat puffy face... If this were on other girls, wouldn't they seem quite ordinary?"

"But what if this face belonged to Liu Yifei?! Wouldn't it be perfect?"

"Hahaha..."

"Haha...hahaha..."

Huang Bo, Zhu Yawen, and others burst into laughter, and even the host, Suo Ni, was amused. "It seems our Director Zhao really approves of Yi Fei's beauty!"

"Of course, I'm the number one fan of our fairy sister~" Zhao Yanxi said nonchalantly.

In his past life, he wasn't some high-ranking celebrity or important figure, and he didn't have any idol baggage. What's wrong with praising his idol a little?

Don't listen to his nonsense.

Liu Yifei glared at Zhao Yanxi reproachfully; it was so embarrassing to say such things on a TV show.

"What kind of company hires their idol to make a movie and then withholds payment? Sister Ni, do you know that they still haven't paid me for 'You Are the Apple of My Eye'? They even said that if 'You Are the Apple of My Eye' doesn't break 100 million at the box office, they won't pay me!"

"The box office has exceeded 100 million?" Soni looked at Zhao Yanxi in surprise and said, "It seems that Director Zhao has a lot of confidence in 'You Are the Apple of My Eye'."

"Of course! Just for that face alone, isn't it worth a hundred million at the box office?"

Zhao Yanxi proudly raised his chin and nodded at Liu Yifei, "Good brother, who's afraid of who?"

It's true that you said I withheld my pay;

When I said your face is worth 100 million in box office revenue, I wasn't lying!

Zhu Yawen, Luo Jin, Huang Bo, and the others standing to the side were all trembling as they watched the male and female protagonists, who were locked in a love-hate relationship, and dared not say a word.

Afterwards, Soni also asked the others about some behind-the-scenes stories and interesting anecdotes from the filming process.

For example, Zhu Yawen smashed the director's head in a fit of "revenge," and Zhao Yanxi gave Huang Bo her "first kiss" out of love.

"I couldn't eat for several days after filming," Zhao Yanxi said helplessly. "There's nothing I can do; actors have to serve the role."

"I'm also at a disadvantage, okay?" Huang Bo looked aggrieved. "The script they gave me said I could marry Liu Yifei, that's why I came."

"And the result? That's it?!"

"Hahaha, hahaha..."

Everyone smiled at Huang Bo, and the atmosphere at the scene was exceptionally harmonious.

......

As soon as the show ended, Zhao Yanxi saw Yang Siwei talking to a middle-aged man in his forties with a refined and scholarly air.

Judging from Yang Siwei's expression, he seemed to show her exceptional respect.

"Director Zhao, Yifei, let me introduce you," Soni said first, "This is our CEO, Mr. Wang."

Zhao Yanxi suddenly realized that the person in front of her was the bigwig who was being interviewed twenty years later—the movie "Ne Zha" grossed 150 billion yuan, which was a huge profit!

Zhao Yanxi extended her hand and said politely with a smile, "Hello, Mr. Wang, I am Zhao Yanxi."

Wang Changtian also extended his hand in greeting, saying, "Director Zhao, hello. I've long wanted to get to know a young talent like you, and I never expected to have the opportunity today."

"Mr. Wang, you're too kind. Let me introduce our production team to you. Yifei probably doesn't need much introduction, and this is Zhu Yawen..."

In the evening, Wang Changtian hosted a gathering for everyone, which Zhao Yanxi gladly accepted.

Although Enlight Media has not yet ventured into film and television distribution, its core resources in publicity and distribution are undeniably number one in the industry.

Building a good relationship with such a company can be quite beneficial for the company's future film distribution.

......

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, Wang Changtian revealed his true colors.

"I greatly admire Director Zhao's talent, but talent alone is not enough to make a name for yourself in this industry."

"Resources and funds are both extremely important."

Zhao Yanxi smiled but didn't reply. He didn't think he could out-argue these seasoned business shrews at the dinner table.

When you don't know the other person's purpose, the best response is to let them continue talking and give yourself enough time to think.

"I wonder if Director Zhao would be interested in accepting investment from other companies to expand and strengthen his studio?"

Zhao Yanxi chuckled. He thought the first company to throw money at him would be an established film and television company like Huayi, but he never expected it to be Enlight Media, a company on the fringes of the film and television industry!

"Director Zhao, please don't misunderstand," Wang Changtian explained when he saw Zhao Yanxi smiling but not speaking, "I didn't mean anything by it, it's just..."

"We appreciate Mr. Wang's kindness," Zhao Yanxi said, raising her glass and nodding slightly. "It's just that although my studio is small, it doesn't really need investment right now."

"If we ever need you, you will definitely be our best choice!"

Wang Changtian seemed to have anticipated this outcome, and smiled nonchalantly, saying, "Since that's the case, then I won't force you."

"If Director Zhao's future projects lack investment, we will definitely consider Enlight Media!"

"no problem."

......

After drinking, Zhao Yanxi couldn't drive.

Fortunately, Yang Siwei got his driver's license in college. Although his skills still need improvement, there weren't that many cars in Beijing these days.

"Director Zhao~ It seems someone's about to take off; they've already caught the eye of a financial tycoon!"

"So-so~" Zhao Yanxi said smugly, "But I don't need a big shot. Before long, I'll be the biggest big shot in the film and television industry!"

"Tch~"

Although she spoke with disdain, Liu Yifei's eyes shone even brighter and brighter—indeed, a confident man is the most handsome!

Sitting in the passenger seat, Shu Chang looked at the two people in the back seat being affectionate through the rearview mirror and could only mutter to herself, "Auntie, Zhao Yanxi isn't bullying your daughter."

"But your daughter's... you know, she's got that... allure."

...

Two days later, "Entertainment Live" was broadcast on television.

As the first entertainment news program in China, "Entertainment Live" still has a large audience;

The fact that Liu Yifei's interview was announced well in advance significantly boosted the ratings for this episode.

To avoid negative public opinion, Liu Yifei specially registered a blog account on Sina Blog, which had just been launched, and forwarded a clip from this episode to explain for Zhao Yanxi: "Haha...100 million box office is just a joke~"

"Yan Xi was indeed facing a tight budget while filming the movie, and as his friend, of course I wanted to support him. I'll get my share of the box office revenue!"

Countless netizens flocked to the scene upon hearing the news!

"I think Director Zhao is right. Liu Yifei's face alone is worth a hundred million. For the sake of youth, for the sake of the school beauty, I'm going to take all five of my girlfriends to see it!"

"Even though I don't have five girlfriends, I'm still willing to support two movie tickets!"

"Zhao Yanxi kissing Huang Bo? Ugh, just thinking about that scene is cringe-worthy."

"What a love-hate relationship between idols and fans! Director Zhao is a fan of Liu Yifei, and I'm a fan of Liu Yifei too, so does that mean I'm also a director?"

"A hump, sloping shoulders, a pouty mouth... Now that you mention it, Liu Yifei really is ugly. You guys like a girl this ugly? Forget about liking her, I'll just keep liking her myself..."

Time flies by amidst Yang Siwei's various hype and promotions.

The 24th arrived quickly!

As for the originally planned premiere, it was cancelled after some communication with Yang Siwei.

The movie "You Are the Apple of My Eye" has been generating a lot of buzz online recently, so if the premiere is too shabby, it won't be very meaningful.

It was too grand and cost too much money.

More importantly, although Zhao Yanxi and Liu Yifei have decent popularity and status outside the entertainment circle, they don't really have any powerful friends within the circle.

Liu Xiaoli recently rejected signing invitations from Tangren, Huayi, and Orange Sky for Liu Yifei, and these big companies probably won't send many big names to personally support her.

Without these big names present, entertaining oneself behind closed doors wouldn't be very effective.

Instead of wasting money on the premiere, they should hire more online trolls to create hype!

Right after midnight, "You Are the Apple of My Eye" officially premiered!