HuaYu: Starting with Photography to Navigate the Entertainment Industry

Chapter 26: Narrative of Growing Up

"Well..."

Zhou Man had heard the word "third place" from Xu Lang more than once. She didn't understand why Xu Lang was so certain that Zhang Hanyun would get third place.

"Maybe he just said it casually."

In fact, Zhou Man would be very satisfied if Zhang Hanyun could get third place.

Therefore, when Xu Lang asked her about her goal, she always said "to aim for the top three".

As for the "champion" that Xu Lang just mentioned, she didn't even dare to think about it, and she also believed that it was just something Xu Lang said casually.

But seeing that Xu Lang was about to quit, she couldn't accept it. After all, she wouldn't be able to explain herself when she went back.

"Teacher Xu, Teacher Xu~~~!"

Zhou Man quickly stopped Xu Lang and said sincerely, "Your analysis is absolutely right. You're not just a photographer, you're practically a master of artist management."

"Since you've said that, you must already have some ideas. Please take the time to tell me your thoughts so I can report to General Manager Li. As for whether it can be changed, that's up to General Manager Li."

Xu Lang wasn't an unreasonable person; he knew that overturning the original plan was a major decision that no manager could make alone.

"Okay, then I'll share my thoughts."

Xu Lang returned to the podium, picked up the chalk, and wrote on the backdrop:

Coming-of-age narrative promotional video:

Part One: Past Events - "A Glimmer of Light in the Lost Path";

Part Two: Awakening Chapter - "The Light of the Stage";

Part Three: The Growth Story - "Growing Towards the Sun";

Upon seeing these contents, Zhou Man, though unaware of their meaning, couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

She stopped just staring at it and took pictures of everything on the blackboard with her phone, then immediately sent them to General Manager Li Xiaolin.

On the other side, Zhang Hanyun was so surprised by the words Xu Lang had written that she couldn't close her mouth.

Gradually, her eyes began to redden, and her breathing became rapid.

Just then, Zhou Man's phone rang. She picked it up and saw that it was General Manager Li Xiaolin calling.

Zhou Man didn't dare to delay and quickly answered the call. Before she could speak, Li Xiaolin's hurried and excited voice came from the other end:

"Did Teacher Xu Lang write this? Turn on speakerphone, I want to talk to him."

"Oh, okay, Mr. Li, please wait a moment."

Zhou Man had never seen Li Xiaolin so anxious and excited before. The phone rang as soon as the picture was sent.

"Teacher Xu, this is Li Xiaolin, the general manager of Tianzhong Culture."

Xu Lang really knew Li Xiaolin. He was a legendary figure in the Chinese entertainment industry, known as a "golden agent" and "super agent." He had single-handedly created superstars such as Andy Lau and Anita Mui behind the scenes, and was undoubtedly the "star-making mastermind" of that era.

"Hello, Mr. Li."

"Hello, Ms. Xu, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

Li Xiaolin was very polite, and his voice trembled slightly:

"Zhou Man just sent me your suggestions on Zhang Hanyun's image (persona). To be honest, I was quite surprised. Although I haven't heard you talk about it in detail yet, I'm already very interested."

Don't worry, as long as the plan is sound, we'll immediately revise Zhang Hanyun's image. You can rest assured about the execution.

"With Mr. Li's words, I feel relieved."

Xu Lang didn't stand on ceremony and pointed to the content on the blackboard, saying:

"Our company's current packaging of Zhang Hanyun is very successful, but it seems thin and the character is not convincing. Moreover, because of her age and academic performance, she is more likely to be attacked."

So, I designed this coming-of-age narrative trilogy:

Part One, "A Glimmer of Light in the Lost Path".

This section primarily uses a series of images to depict the rebellion and confusion of adolescence.

We don't shy away from negative stories; instead, we downplay them and portray the "delinquent girl" in the stories as a "15-year-old girl who can't find her way, doesn't like studying, and uses rebellion to disguise herself." This allows all parents to immediately empathize, thinking, "My child was like that during their rebellious phase," and completely lower their guard.

This is the beginning of breaking out of its niche.

Part Two: The Light of the Stage.

This is the soul of the entire photo series, a turning point in Zhang Hanyun's life.

The photos should capture the feeling of "her standing on the stage, finding what she truly loves for the first time, her confusion dissipating, replaced by light," making it immediately clear to everyone:

It was this stage, and the act of singing, that pulled her out of her confusion.

Let everyone see her transformation.

Part Three: "Growing Towards the Sun"

This is the final piece in the entire photo series and also the main promotional video for the finals.

The film captured her "after finding her direction, she worked hard to improve herself, sang earnestly, and studied diligently," transforming her from a "lost little girl" into a "national good daughter recognized by parents across the country." It retained the sweetness and cuteness that students liked while completely winning over parents who held the power to vote.

This is a complete and utter breakthrough.

At the same time, all the negative rumors and accusations were disproven.

Even the expert judges see a promising future in Zhang Hanyun, and will therefore have higher expectations and be more lenient with her.

After Xu Lang finished speaking, Zhou Man, who was present, Zhang Hanyun, who was never listening attentively, and Li Xiaolin on the other end of the phone all fell silent.

At the scene, and on the phone receiver, all that could be heard was heavy breathing.

Zhang Hanyun, sitting in the audience, was moved to tears. She felt that no one in the world, including her parents, understood her as well as Xu Lang in front of her.

Just then, a "snap" sound came from the phone, followed by Li Xiaolin's shout:

"Good! Good! Good!"

Three "good"s in a row, the sound was so loud that it made the phone's speaker buzz.

"Teacher Xu, you are truly a genius. What you did is not the work of a photographer, but the work of an entire talent agency team. This is a perfect packaging plan that does not require any changes."

Okay, really okay!

You could hear the excitement in Li Xiaolin's voice over the phone. Zhou Man also understood Xu Lang's plan, and her eyes were full of admiration as she looked at him.

"This plan is absolutely brilliant!"

This transformation immediately enriched and fleshed out Zhang Hanyun's image, making her an absolute darling of all parents.

As she was thinking, Li Xiaolin's order came through the phone again:

"Zhou Man, just as Teacher Xu instructed, scrap all the previous packaging plans for Zhang Hanyun. Complete all the detailed plans, implementation plans, and promotional plans by tomorrow night, and finish shooting all the photo sets within two days."

...

As expected of his extensive experience, Li Xiaolin instantly overturned all previous arrangements and rearranged them by giving Zhou Man orders.

Although the task was arduous, having a goal and new ideas gave her the motivation to work, and Zhou Man didn't worry about getting things done.

After speaking with Zhou Man, Li Xiaolin then said to Xu Lang:

"Teacher Xu, don't worry, I, Li Xiaolin, am not a stingy person. We will officially adopt your plan. No matter what the effect is, I will calculate the cost for you."

Of course, if the results exceed expectations, our costs will also increase accordingly.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Li."

Zhang Hanyun's matter was settled just like that.

The next day, Zhou Man, with dark circles under her eyes, came to see Xu Lang, carrying a thick case file, and began to discuss the specific filming details with him.

This busy period lasted for two more days.

Finally, on the third night, all three sets of growth narrative photo albums were completed.

Upon seeing the finished product, Li Xiaolin, Zhou Man, and Zhang Hanyun were all incredibly excited and full of praise.

"Amazing! This photo is absolutely stunning!"

A set of six photos, a total of eighteen, vividly captures Zhang Hanyun's transformation from confusion to hope, and then to determination.

No caption is needed; just looking at the pictures is enough to move you.

Tuesday evening.

Zhou Man took Zhang Hanyun back to Chengdu. Before leaving, Zhang Hanyun bowed deeply to Xu Lang.

Although they didn't speak, both Xu Lang and Zhou Man understood what she meant.

"Haha, don't try to be sentimental with me. Come back to me when you're older and fuller-figured, and I'll give you a different style."

"Definitely, I'll only hire you to film from now on."

Zhang Hanyun's words terrified Xu Lang. If everyone who had ever worked with someone did this, wouldn't Xu Lang be exhausted to death in the studio?

Overall, however, Xu Lang was still full of expectations for this matter.

"I wonder if my participation will affect Zhang Hanyun's final ranking?"

After two busy days, Xu Lang was also a bit tired, but fortunately, he had gained a lot in these two days:

First, Zhou Man's shooting fee arrived in the account, three sets of eighteen photos, originally priced at 10,000 yuan per set. Later, Li Xiaolin added Xu Lang's proposal fee to the total, making it 60,000 yuan for the three sets of photos.

If this promotional plan is well-received by the market, the subsequent bonuses will be determined based on the final rankings.

Third place: 20,000;

Runner-up: 50,000;

Champion: 100,000

This is a considerable sum, enough to cover Xu Lang's expenses for the next stage.

Secondly, the system's evaluation rewards were settled.

He gained one physical attribute point and one appearance attribute point.

After adding the medication, Xu Lang immediately felt refreshed, and all his previous fatigue disappeared.

Feeling this sensation, Xu Lang's heart stirred involuntarily.

"Wow, these attribute points actually have this effect? You're amazing! With this, can we completely eliminate 'post-sage time'?"

I'll have to save some attribute points from now on; they'll come in handy at crucial moments.

As Xu Lang walked towards his dormitory, he was lost in thought.