Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Chapter 85 August: Huayi's Shocking Moves

The sweltering weather has also stirred up the film and television industry.

Huang Shengyi's lawsuit with Star Shine Company is still pending, and he hasn't officially terminated his contract yet, but he's already signed with a new company.

Juli Films' actions have drawn considerable criticism within the industry, as no one likes someone who doesn't follow the rules.

The media, always eager for drama, reported on it extensively.

Yang Zi, the boss of Juli Films, also personally came forward to officially announce Huang Shengyi's next project—"The Fairy Couple," a joint investment by China International Television Corporation, China Central Television's Wonderful Film and Television Culture Center, and Juli Films.

Huang Shengyi plays the Seventh Fairy, while Yang Zi plays Dong Yong, acting alongside Huang Shengyi.

For a time, reports of a mute woman marrying into a wealthy family appeared on the pages of major news media.

[Yang Zi, president of Juling Group, makes a crossover appearance as Dong Yong, spending lavishly on Huang Shengyi!]

[Yang Zi tailored "The Fairy Couple" specifically for Huang Shengyi, and personally played Dong Yong...]

Compared to the reserved and subtle reactions of the media reporters, netizens reacted much more strongly to this matter: "The mute girl is blind! Even if she's trying to hook up with a big shot, at least the 'Fairy Sister' knew to hook up with a young and handsome director. How could Huang Shengyi be so blind?"

"Money really can buy you anything; you can play the male lead whenever you want!"

"This drama shows us what it means to have the final say when I invest."

"Does he have some misunderstanding about the concept of 'a handsome man and a beautiful woman'?"

"Comparing them, I suddenly realize Zhao Yanxi is actually quite handsome. It would be truly hateful if Liu Yifei had dated someone like Yang Zi!"

"What are you all saying every day? When did Liu Yifei start seeing Zhao Yanxi? They're just ordinary friends, okay?"

"If you keep spreading rumors about my wife like this, I'll get upset."

"My urine is yellow, use it to wake him up!"

"These netizens..."

Zhao Yanxi was both amused and exasperated. She wanted to praise their good taste, but then she thought that being more handsome than Yangzi... didn't seem like something to brag about.

However, quite a few new projects have opened in the past two months.

In terms of TV dramas, besides "The Fairy Couple", there is also Zhang Jizhong's "The Deer and the Cauldron", with Huang Xiaoming and Shu Changyue already joining the cast;

In terms of films, besides "Lust, Caution" which is already ready to start filming in Shanghai, Stephen Chow's new film has also begun its promotional campaign.

A family drama with an alien theme, and the new "Star Girl" has also been revealed.

She's not bad looking, but what's even more eye-catching is her stunning figure.

She was the same age as Liu Yifei, but in that respect, she was at least a level and a half ahead of Liu.

He is truly gifted!

The editing of "Painted Skin" went smoothly, and Zhao Yanxi remembered what Han Sanping had mentioned about the Venice publicity.

Having just some trailers is obviously not enough, so while editing, Zhao Yanxi first cut a short trailer of about ten minutes.

However, since there are no interludes yet, the trailer feels somewhat dull and boring.

After thinking about it, Zhao Yanxi decided that she should produce the theme song first.

The trailer for "Painted Skin," accompanied by the theme song "Painted Heart," is sure to sweep across Europe and America, and at least Southeast Asia!

Thinking of this, Zhao Yanxi immediately called Liu Yifei.

Although he met Zhang Liangying last time, he didn't leave his phone number without permission because she was Liu Yifei's friend.

There's no need for that; just have Liu Yifei relay the message directly.

I made a phone call, but no one answered?

Zhao Yanxi checked the time; it was 3 p.m. Ever since Xiao Liu returned from the film set, he had resumed his good habit of sleeping in late, but he hadn't taken a nap. What could he be doing at this time?

About half an hour later, Zhao Yanxi's phone rang.

"Sissi, what are you busy with?"

"Nothing much," Liu Yifei's smiling voice came through the phone. You could tell she was trying to suppress her laughter, but she couldn't.

"Yanxi, what time are you coming back this afternoon? I'm on my way home, I have something fun to tell you~"

"What's so funny?"

"Oh dear, it's hard to explain over the phone. It's best to talk in person. I'll come to your company."

"Forget it, let's go back to the villa. There's a bunch of people downstairs at the company."

Since the filming of "Painted Skin" wrapped up and the release date of "First Love" was set, there have been more "resident reporters" downstairs at the company. Whenever a senior leader from the company comes downstairs, they inevitably ask all sorts of questions.

Liu Yifei, a popular young actress of her caliber, already had rumors of a relationship with Zhao Yanxi. If the media were to photograph them together, it would likely lead to another uproar.

Forget about getting into the garage directly; there are more cameras and surveillance cameras at the garage entrance than there are in the company's own home!

After checking on the editing progress of "Painted Skin" on the third floor and ordering a coffee for each of her colleagues in the editing team, Zhao Yanxi left first.

Back at the villa, Liu Yifei couldn't wait to share this amusing story with Zhao Yanxi.

"At noon, Wang Zhonglei from Huayi Brothers suddenly called my mother and said that there was a big-budget production with an investment of 5 million yuan, and they were auditioning for the female lead, and they wanted me to give it a try!"

"My mom was so excited she barely ate lunch before taking me there. Guess what kind of movie I was auditioning for?"

"The Forbidden Kingdom!"

Zhao Yanxi said speechlessly, "What's there to guess?"

"Hehe, that's right, that's it!" Liu Yifei said excitedly, "I met Rob Minkoff, the director of 'The Forbidden Kingdom,' at Huayi Brothers. He's the same director who directed 'The Lion King.'"

"He thought my image and temperament were excellent and perfect for 'The Forbidden Kingdom,' and I passed the first round of auditions!"

"Hehe, I didn't expect that we wouldn't have to waste this money, and I would have the opportunity to act in this play."

Looking at the excited and radiant Liu Yifei, Zhao Yanxi couldn't help but feel a little dazed.

I seem to have underestimated the resources available for the film "The Forbidden Kingdom"—

Looking back from my own perspective, in this kung fu epic starring Jackie Chan and Li Lianjie, the female lead's role is, to put it nicely, nothing special. Who watches "The Forbidden Kingdom" just for the female lead?!

But he forgot that this was in 06.

Jackie Chan, Li Lianjie, over 500 million, Sino-US co-production... these elements are practically synonymous with international success. Which female star could resist its allure?

Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, and others were willing to take on films like "Memoirs of a Geisha" in order to make a name for themselves in the international film industry, let alone act alongside Jackie Chan and Li Lianjie in "The Forbidden Kingdom"!

Although the mother and daughter didn't say it to him, they definitely had feelings for the female lead, but they didn't say it because they didn't want to put any psychological burden on him.

This silly girl!

Zhao Yanxi smiled indulgently and shook her head, patting Xiao Liu's hair. "Well, Qianqian, good luck! I believe you're the best, this lead role is definitely yours!"

"Yes, I will try my best!"

"However, there's one thing I hope you and Auntie understand—" Zhao Yanxi said seriously, looking at Liu Xiaoli who had sat down next to her, "You were also present during the negotiations with Li Weida, so you should be clear about the position of domestic investors in this kind of project."

"If Huayi Brothers says that signing him guarantees you a role, don't believe them. In such a big production, Huayi Brothers only has the right to cast the second female lead at most. The right to cast the first female lead is definitely in the hands of Lionsgate and the director."

"Sissi, prepare well. Since Director Minkoff thinks you're suitable, there's a high chance you'll be fine!"

"I've studied his casting style before; he often prioritizes appearance over acting skills..."

Since Liu Yifei didn't want to put herself in a difficult position, Zhao Yanxi didn't plan to let Liu Yifei know that she would take action.

Even though the outcome was already determined in the previous life, I'll let Lionsgate provide an extra layer of insurance!

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