Huayu: Live a carefree life

Two days later, Suzhou Zhihou Investment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMC Holdings, signed a share transfer agreement, and Lu Jie officially became a partner of Daylight Entertainment.

This deal was made because both parties were willing and interested, so the transaction was completed very quickly.

When Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng first met Lu Jie, they were worried that he would be arrogant and force women into his life, since it was already rumored that this young billionaire was involved in the entertainment industry just to promote women.

After several exchanges, they realized they had misunderstood. This young man was a very reasonable and rule-abiding person, even more so than many second-generation industry professionals.

"President Lu, these are the company's projects for next year, three in total." Hou Hongliang handed three thin project brochures to Lu Jie. "Let's start with the project that recently started filming, 'Qing Ping Le,' adapted from the novel 'The Lonely City,' which is about to undergo final casting confirmation."

Lu Jie nodded and opened the project proposal for "Serenade of Peaceful Joy." "Let me see. It's set during the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song, right? Wang Kai plays Emperor Renzong, and the female lead is Empress Cao... Jiang Shuying?"

"Yes, it's a resource exchange with Lemon Pictures. We've only decided on the male and female leads so far. We're also preparing to put the second female lead, Princess Fukang, and the third female lead, Consort Zhang, for auditions." Hou Hongliang cheerfully poured Lu Jie a cup of tea. "If you need, Mr. Lu, you can send someone to try out. As long as they fit the role, it doesn't matter if their acting skills are a little lacking."

Lu Jie thanked them for the tea and continued to look through the character profiles of the two female roles. "I'll take the third female lead first. I know a girl from the Shanghai Theatre Academy. According to industry insiders, she should have the figure and temperament of a leading lady, and she also has an oval face. She should look outstanding in ancient palace costumes."

Lu Jie took a sip of tea, then smiled faintly, "His name is Wang Churan. He's not a complete newcomer; he acted in a web series before and also appeared on variety shows."

After recalling for a moment, Hou Hongliang nodded in affirmation, "Wang Churan, that name sounds familiar, it seems quite suitable. Let's basically settle on it then, but we still need to go through the motions of an audition, just to make things look good to the public."

"Mr. Hou, you don't need to worry about that. I'm only responsible for providing them with a relatively fair competitive environment. If they still can't get the roles, it's their own problem and they can't blame anyone else." Lu Jie smiled and waved his hand. "Although I'm new to film and television investment, I still understand the basic principles of acting. The most important thing is that the role is suitable, otherwise the criticism will far outweigh the positive returns."

Hou Hongliang was finally relieved after hearing this, and happily toasted Lu Jie with tea instead of wine, saying, "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Lu. Please have some tea."

After drinking his tea, Lu Jie continued, "The second female lead doesn't seem very likable. Mr. Hou, could you give me a copy of her script? I'll send it to my girlfriend and let her decide for herself. I'll give you a definite answer within three days."

"No problem, I'll send you the scripts for the three projects next year right away. Just keep it a secret, Mr. Lu." Seeing that Lu Jie was indeed consistent in his words and deeds, Hou Hongliang readily returned to his desk and sent him all the finalized scripts for the three projects. "As for the role in 'Qing Ping Le,' just give me a definite answer within a week."

Having received the script, Lu Jie wasn't in a hurry. He listened to Hou Hongliang chat about interesting things in the film and television industry, as well as investment advice for film and television companies.

Lu Jie also told him that Lemon Pictures in Shanghai was also in talks to purchase a portion of their shares. "Lemon wants to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. My team has experts in this area, so the progress is going smoothly. I believe there will be a result by next week at the latest."

Hou Hongliang didn't react much, only thinking that this young man was really willing to spend money to promote a woman. "Then I must congratulate President Lu in advance. Lemon's production team is quite good in the industry, and their ability to produce dramas is also excellent."

The two chatted for a while longer before Lu Jie got up to say goodbye.

…………

Lu: The script for "Qing Ping Yue" (final draft).pdf

Lu: Xinbao, take a look at the character of Princess Fukang, the second female lead, and read it together with the original novel "The Lonely City".

Hu: (Dazed) Brother, I don't think I've even joined my first film crew yet, and you've already found me a new job? This is too much of a rip-off! (Poor)

Lu: (pats head) First see if you like it. If you like it, then prepare well for the audition. If you don't like the role, then don't play it.

Lu: Let me make this clear first, this isn't a pre-arranged role for you. If you like it, then prepare well for the audition. What I'm giving you is the complete script, which includes the screenwriter's understanding of the character. If you can't even pass this open-book exam, then I have no face to continue asking you for roles, understand? My little Hu.

Hu: (obediently) Yes, yes, brother, don't worry, I will definitely study it carefully.

Lu: Brother, you are now a partner of Daylight Entertainment. If you don't like it or feel it's not suitable, you don't need to force yourself. There will be plenty of roles for you to play in the future.

Hu: (obediently) Mmm, brother is the best boyfriend in the world!

Hu: Brother, can we go back to Beijing this week? I want kisses, hugs, and to be lifted up high! (shy)

Lu: (pats head) When you come back this weekend, I'll make sure you fly high! (smirks)

Hu: You big bad guy (shyly)

Lu: That's all for now. Let me know what you think when you get back this weekend.

Hu: Okay, brother, you should also take care to rest.

…………

Lu: Chu Ran, I've found you a job.

Ship: ...Dude, you're way too fast!

Lu: Hehe, am I really that fast? Okay, okay, I'll be very, very slow tonight! (Evil grin)

Boat: (Knocks on head) (Knocks on head) (Knocks on head)

Boat: Brother, thank you!

Lu: What are you being so polite about? Just tell me, isn't it great being my woman? (Showing off)

Boat: (Sweating) Awesome!

Lu: (picking his nose) Zhang Guifei, the third female lead, get ready. You're basically cast, but you still need to go through the audition process. From now on, you'll represent me, understand?

Boat: (Rolls eyes) I know, I'm not stupid!

Lu: Good, good, good, you even dare to roll your eyes at me! Very good, very good! (Evil)

Ship: (Poor thing)

…………

After reading the script outline for "Like a Flowing River 2", Lu Jie made a video call to Chen Yao.

Chen Yao answered almost instantly. Her pretty face, wearing a natural-looking makeup, appeared on the video. "Husband~"

Lu Jie smiled and nodded. "You picked me up pretty quickly. How was your stay at home?"

Chen waved the printed script in her hand. "It's pretty good. I'll spend time with my parents every day, and then work on the script to prepare for filming. Honey, I'm going back to Beijing next Tuesday. Do you miss me? Hehe."

"Yes, I miss you. What should I do?"

"Then, should I come back early?"

"It won't make a difference if you stay home and spend time with your parents. You'll be busy after this."

"I'll send you a script in a bit. It's for a period drama produced by Daylight Entertainment, and filming will start around the end of next year."

Chen Yao was shocked. "A period drama produced by Daylight Entertainment? A serious drama?"

"Yes, I think you can play the role well in 'Like a Flowing River 2'. First, finish filming this current historical drama, and then prepare well for the new role." Lu Jie didn't ask if you wanted to act in such a silly question. Any actor with ambition would not refuse to act in a serious drama.

"Mmm, thank you, honey!"

"See, why are you being so polite with me? If you want to thank me, just show your appreciation."

"Mmm, hehe~"