The entertainment industry: My 99 future timelines!

The table fell silent for a moment.

Mr. Qian had a beaming smile on his face.

Seeing this, Wang Jing immediately thought of speaking up, afraid that an "artist" like Li Xu wouldn't be able to stand this vulgarity.

But Li Xu put down his chopsticks first, coughed lightly to stop Wang Jing from speaking, and said with a smile:

"Mr. Qian, Miss Su's appearance and figure, especially her bone structure and head-to-body ratio, are excellent and very photogenic."

"If it's just a simple appearance and a few lines, I think it's a bit of a waste."

Upon hearing Li Xu's words, Wang Jing, who had been somewhat worried, was immediately dumbfounded.

Su Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up.

Shen Ao, who was struggling to peel open a king crab shell and stuff meat into his mouth, almost choked to death upon hearing this.

"Cough, cough..."

Mr. Qian frowned as he glanced at Shen Ao choking.

However, he hadn't expected that Li Xu, who had maintained a haughty and aloof expression since entering the private room, would say such a thing. Intrigued, he leaned forward slightly and replied:

"Hmm? What do you mean by that, Director Li?"

"Mr. Qian, I like to speak the truth. You know that you invested in my movie not because you expected to make a lot of money, but because you wanted to promote me."

"While I do value the art of filmmaking, I am absolutely responsible for the investors' money as long as it doesn't affect the film's quality."

"This is a minor supporting role I was looking for in my movie. The main features are beauty, charm, and a touch of sexiness. Mr. Qian, please take a look and see if this role is suitable for Miss Su."

Li Xu's voice was calm.

Although he was talking about investing, he spoke as calmly as if he were describing a movie scene.

After saying that, Li Xu took out an Apple laptop from his laptop bag, quickly unlocked it, opened a folder, and then turned the screen towards President Qian.

"Director Li, what you said is quite interesting, rather different from what other directors who want to invest in you would say."

"Xiaoxiao, come and take a look at this character too, and see what you think."

The corners of his mouth turned up.

Mr. Qian looked at the computer screen, sat up slightly, making his round belly protrude even more.

Meanwhile, his goddaughter Su Xiaoxiao, who was in his arms, shifted her position slightly, from leaning back to leaning sideways, her eyes also fixed on the computer screen.

On the screen, a visually striking concept image quickly caught Su Xiaoxiao's eye.

The background of the picture is a dim, retro ballroom with light blue smoke filling the room. A slender figure in a dark green cheongsam stands in the center of the ballroom, her posture elegant as she turns her head to look back.

Her face was obscured, only her red lips and the hazy, unspoken light in her eyes, as if separated by the dust of time, were visible. Beside her sat an old record player.

In the lower right corner of this concept art, there is a line of handwritten text: "Old Dreams and Startling Glimpses" - Du Minghao.

Su Xiaoxiao also leaned over to take a look, her breathing becoming slightly rapid.

She had seen many "opportunities," all of which were given to her after she became Mr. Qian's goddaughter.

However, those opportunities were either minor supporting roles in TV dramas or roles like "god-daughter" or "top courtesan" in movies, none of which were respectable.

But this one in front of me... is different.

Even from Su Xiaoxiao's limited perspective, which doesn't understand the film and television industry, it's definitely a great opportunity!

It's not just "a role" anymore; it's a dream, a dream too beautiful for her to dare to dream.

Dark green cheongsam, dim yellow light, a glance back through the smoke...

The concept art Li Xu provided was so beautiful it made her heart skip a beat.

She even recalled watching "In the Mood for Love" in a video arcade in the county town when she was seventeen.

On the screen, Zhang Manyu, wearing a cheongsam, walks down a dimly lit corridor; she has remembered that figure for many years.

Now, Li Xu tells her that she too can become that kind of "back view".

Even if it's only for a minute.

Even if it's just a minor supporting role in a movie.

She definitely didn't want to let it go.

Su Xiaoxiao suddenly turned to look at her godfather, President Qian, her eyes filled not only with anticipation but also with intense desire. "Godfather..."

Her voice trembled.

Mr. Qian reached out and gently patted his goddaughter Su Xiaoxiao's waist, indicating that he understood.

"This picture is..."

He squinted and asked.

"This is a clip from the music video of one of the songs by the male lead, Du Minghao, in our movie."

Li Xu explained.

"This song is called 'A Fleeting Glimpse of an Old Dream,' which is about the recollection and loss of illusory beauty. This concept art is an image of 'a fleeting glimpse of an old Eastern dream' that I specially designed for the protagonist of this music video."

As he spoke, Li Xu clicked on the computer folder again, displaying several simple animated storyboard images:

The first is a close-up of a figure looking back through the smoke, corresponding to a concept art image.

Secondly, the MV features the female lead wearing a cheongsam, lounging lazily like a cat next to an old gramophone, with close-ups of her exposed feet.

Third, the camera pulls back, and she finds herself in the center of a magnificent cage-like stage filled with retro elements, facing the void, her red lips slightly parted, as if chanting something, and then everything is swallowed up by smoke.

Looking at these pictures, Su Xiaoxiao's eyes began to reveal an involuntary longing, while President Qian's expression gradually turned serious.

"This music video doesn't have any specific dialogue, but there are two lines of ethereal Peking Opera chanting that are integrated into the melody of the song. If Ms. Su doesn't know Peking Opera, we'll do the voice-over in post-production."

"This scene, which lasts for more than a minute, is stunning enough to allow Ms. Su to smoothly enter the film and television industry and gain a certain level of attention, even though it does not participate in the main narrative."

Li Xu glanced at President Qian and his goddaughter Su Xiaoxiao, and seeing the expressions on their faces, he knew that his investment deal was probably secured.

But before the money arrived in his account, Li Xu dared not relax. He immediately opened the "Love Notice Clothing Design" folder on his computer, quickly flipped through the various clothing pictures, and finally locked onto a few cheongsam pictures.

These cheongsam design sketches are completely different in style, appearance, and color.

Furthermore, detailed textual annotations were made for everything from the fabric pattern to the style of the frog buttons.

"In addition, Mr. Qian and Ms. Su, please take a look. This is the cheongsam I designed for this role. I will not buy a ready-made product, but will have it custom-made to ensure that every inch of the fabric has quality and every reflection is just right under the camera."

"hiss……"

Wang Jing and Shen Ao, standing to the side, couldn't help but gasp in shock.

Before they arrived, they knew that Li Xu had prepared two insignificant supporting female roles in exchange for the coal boss's investment.

To their surprise, the character was so outstanding and the design was so detailed that even the details of the costume had been fully considered.

At this moment, President Qian couldn't help but beam with joy.

While stroking the slender waist of his goddaughter Su Xiaoxiao, whose eyes were full of longing, he was also carefully looking at the concept art on his computer.

He may not understand art, but he does understand what beauty is and what class is.

The computer images before him, with their meticulous design details, made only one word come to mind: style!

If he could film his goddaughter Su Xiaoxiao in this style, he would have a lot of face when he got together with his brothers and bosses, and he could brag about it countless times!

Thinking of this.

Mr. Qian immediately looked up, his eyes filled with approval for Li Xu:

"Director Li, you did a really professional job! Awesome!"

"Unlike many so-called film directors who, when dealing with us coal mine owners, only care about getting money and then just give us a couple of shots and call it a day, you're a genuine person! I really like you!"

shook his head.

Upon hearing Mr. Qian's words, Li Xu earnestly replied, "Mr. Qian, for me, film is an art form worth pursuing throughout my life—the art of light and shadow!"

"So every frame in my movie has to be taken seriously. Even though it's for money, I won't force an unsuitable person into my movie. Otherwise, I'm not just fooling you, Mr. Qian, but fooling the audience who are willing to pay."

"Besides, I think Miss Su is really talented. Even in our entertainment industry, she has a top-notch figure and looks."

"If I don't use the language of film to extract and amplify her most stunning moments and turn them into a 'visual symbol' that the audience can't forget after watching her, then that would be the greatest disrespect to you, to Ms. Xiaoxiao, and to my own film."

Hearing Li Xu's words, Su Xiaoxiao looked at him with admiration, and President Qian nodded repeatedly.

He took a sip of Moutai, smacked his lips, and patted Li Xu's shoulder heavily, saying, "Director Li, I, Lao Qian, don't understand your industry, but I know one thing: anyone who can make a name for themselves in any industry must have their own principles."

"That's very good! I love hearing that!"

"Respect! I, Lao Qian, love hearing the word 'respect'!"

"Director Li, from now on, we're friends. Remember to call me if you ever need anything, especially in Shandong Province. My name, Old Qian, will definitely carry weight!"

"As for film investment, well, as long as Director Li puts his heart into making this film, even if the box office is not satisfactory, Director Li can still come to me, Old Qian, if he needs to raise investment in the future. Supporting culture and art is what the country encourages, and I, Old Qian, also encourage it!"

With that, Mr. Qian laughed heartily and waved his hand, saying, "Producer Wang, where's your contract? Give it to me, let's sign it now!"

"How much did you say before? A three million investment, right?"

"This number is not good, it's too little. For Director Li's sake, I'll give you five million directly. And your crew won't have to pay for Xiaoxiao's cheongsam costumes. You can find anyone you like, and I, Lao Qian, will pay for everything!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Jing's face lit up with excitement and joy.

He eagerly pulled out the investment agreement he had prepared in advance from his briefcase, handed it to President Qian with a smile, and was inwardly full of admiration for Li Xu's actions.

He's been in this industry for over a decade and has seen too many directors and investors deal with each other—some are so aloof they look down on them and end up failing to secure funding; others are so humble they have no bottom line and end up making terrible films.

But he had never met someone like Li Xu before.

First, impress with top-notch professional design, then elevate the other party by saying "Su Xiaoxiao is a good material that cannot be wasted" and "visual symbols", and finally add the finishing touch with "respect".

He was neither humble nor arrogant, his professional skills were overwhelming, his aesthetic sense was captivating, and in the end, the investors even felt that they "owed him a favor."

In Wang Jing's view, this was not negotiation, but a lesson in attracting investment!

He taught coal mine owners what movies are, what art is, and what "style" is. He also taught Wang Jing and Shen Ao what it means to make money while standing up!

That skill, that rhythm, truly left Wang Jing in awe.

-

Sign the contract and stamp it!

After the contract was signed, the atmosphere in the private room reached its peak. Everyone, including President Qian, Su Xiaoxiao, and Li Xu, was all all smiles.

As the party was ending, Mr. Qian, reeking of alcohol, put his arm around Li Xu's shoulder and smirked, "Little Li, with a brain like yours, isn't making movies such a waste of your talent?"

"If you ask me, after you finish filming this movie and complete your debut, why don't you just go work with me on coal mining projects? I guarantee you'll earn more than you do making movies! In a few years, you'll easily be worth tens of millions."

Hearing Mr. Qian's words, Li Xu smiled without saying a word, only responding with a smile.

However, at that moment, Mr. Qian's next casual remark made him instantly wary.

Having clearly drunk too much, Mr. Qian noticed that Li Xu smiled but remained silent when he received the invitation. He suddenly leaned close to Li Xu's ear and said, "That's true. Although my coal mine is profitable, the truly powerful people in our country are the officials."

"Director Li, you're such a talented and handsome man. No wonder not only my goddaughter Su Xiaoxiao kept staring at you, but even Miss Chang'an Jing paid special attention to you..."

"Forget it, let's not talk about it anymore. This young lady is someone we can't speak to; she's a person with immense influence..."

"Am I being noticed? In Chang'an? Reaching the highest levels?"

As soon as Mr. Qian said this, Li Xu's eyes froze for a moment, almost imperceptibly.

These keywords, when strung together, point to a fairly clear conclusion: Li Xu has memories of the future, even if most of them are only related to movies, which has allowed him to roughly pinpoint a person's name.

However, his expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn't heard those words at all.

A while later...

Because Mr. Qian had drunk quite a bit and was unsteady on his feet, Su Xiaoxiao had to help him up, so the banquet was finally coming to an end.

With Su Xiaoxiao's help, Mr. Qian insisted on seeing Li Xu and his group to the door, and then called over a waiter, instructing him to drive Li Xu and his group home.

Got in the car.

Amidst the rumbling of the car's fuel tank starting, Li Xu glanced sideways through the car window.

Seeing Mr. Qian being helped by his goddaughter Su Xiaoxiao, Li Xu couldn't help but think of a scene.

It's like an antique dealer showing off his most prized porcelain collection to a customer.

Turning his gaze away, the image only flashed through Li Xu's mind for a second before he calmly erased it.

He had seen too many similar scenarios in the world of fame and fortune in his future memories.

Exquisite objects, clearly marked prices, and enthusiastic displays—beneath these lie cold ownership structures and the flow of human desires.

Li Xu was too lazy to think about these unnecessary things.

He was just a director who had just secured a great investment using his professional approach; the joys and sorrows between the artifacts and the collectors were none of his concern.

He made no comment on either the investor, Mr. Qian, or his goddaughter, Su Xiaoxiao.

-

late at night.

After being driven back to his rented apartment by Mr. Qian's waiter, Li Xu, still slightly drunk, lay down on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

When he woke up again, the moon was already high in the sky.

Feeling a bit hungry, Li Xu got up and decided to make himself some noodles.

But when he opened his phone, he only saw several messages popping up in his QQ account, sent by Wang Jing and Shen Ao.

Wang Jing: "Good news! Director Li! The filing for our film 'Love Announcement' has been approved. The process was incredibly fast, without any delays!"

Shen Ao – “Li Xu, all the pre-approval procedures for our film to obtain the film license are complete. Adding the eight million from China Film Group and Boss Qian, we now have a total of fourteen and a half million in our accounts!”

"We can definitely fill the tank to the brim and go all out! Brother, let's work hard together from now on! If we succeed, we'll bet on Heaven on Earth; if we fail, we'll just ask Boss Qian for donations!"

Looking at these two messages, Li Xu smiled slightly and replied casually.

But just then, a text message came from an unknown number:

"Congratulations Director Li on successfully securing investment and passing the filing process. I wish you great success with your filming. I will continue to follow your progress."

The sudden text message made the smile on Li Xu's face instantly fade.

He stared at the text message for two seconds, then swiped his thumb up, tapped the number, and dialed.

But what came through the receiver was a standard, cold electronic female voice: "Sorry, the number you dialed is not in service. Please check and dial again."

The number is invalid.