HuaYu: Starting with Photography to Navigate the Entertainment Industry

"You invested 300 million?"

Hearing this, Ning Hao was startled.

He hadn't expected that his junior brother would be so powerful.

What I never expected was that he would actually invest in me?

However, along with the surprise, he also felt a sense of sadness.

"He invested in me not because I'm a good actress, but just so he could promote his drama 'Struggle'. Sigh!"

Now, in Ning Hao's eyes, Xu Lang is a spendthrift.

For a TV series meant for practice, they actually spent 300 million to hire a helper. Isn't that just wasting money?

However, as the saying goes, people die for money and birds die for food. Ning Hao has been trying to attract investment for "Crazy Stone" for more than a year, and many companies have rejected him.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were at their wits' end.

As for Andy Lau's "new director" plan, there's still no definite news, so he doesn't dare to gamble!

Thinking of this, he involuntarily leaned forward, his face filled with excitement as he stared at Xu Lang.

"Junior brother, you're not joking, are you?"

"How could it be a joke?"

As Xu Lang spoke, he took out his phone and showed Ning Hao the balance he had on his bank account.

Ning Hao looked over and saw the bank card balance:

3116925 yuan!

"Once it's settled, the money can be deposited into your account anytime."

Upon hearing this, Ning Hao's breathing quickened, and he thought to himself:

"Don't even mention just promoting the TV series 'Struggle,' I'd do it even if it meant 'sacrificing myself'!"

Thinking of this, he couldn't wait to say:

"Junior brother, it's settled then. Don't worry, I will definitely do my best to help you with the drama 'Struggle'."

Upon hearing Ning Hao's words, Xu Lang was overjoyed.

"This is a huge windfall!"

"Crazy Stone" was a dark horse in the first place, and getting it for 300 million is practically a steal.

Not to mention, they also got involved with Ning Hao, a potential dark horse.

Asking him to help film "Struggle" is basically getting something for nothing!

Killing two birds with one stone, a huge profit!

"It's settled then."

Xu Lang was even more eager and pulled Ning Hao to sign the agreement on the spot.

It's 11 p.m.

Xu Lang took the signed agreement and saw Ning Hao off.

"Snapped!"

He flicked the agreement in his hand with his finger, feeling increasingly smug.

But while feeling smug, Xu Lang was also thinking about the money in his pocket.

"After giving away that 300 million, I only have a little bit of change left in my account. I really need to make some more money!"

Right now, Yang Ying is the one most likely to make money in the short term.

"I've built up so much for her, with her image and the current level of attention, why hasn't any guy come knocking on her door yet?"

Xu Lang found it somewhat strange.

This doubt was quickly dispelled.

The fifth day of the Lunar New Year.

Xu Lang saw Qin Feifei, Tang Yan, Liu Yan, Zhang Liangying, Yang Ying, and others off one by one.

On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, the first day back to work, Xu Lang received two phone calls.

The first call came from Zhou Fang, the head of the planning department at Ito-Yokado.

"Mr. Xu Lang, I am Zhou Fang from Ito-Yokado. The Christmas and New Year's event that Ms. Yang Ying organized for us was a great success."

Now that the contract renewal period is over, we'd like to renew it with you. When is a convenient time for you to come over and sign the renewal contract?

"Ito-Yokado?"

Upon hearing the name and Zhou Fang's words, Xu Lang immediately remembered it.

In early December last year, Yang Ying became a model for Ito-Yokado's Christmas event, which lasted for two months and cost her 50,000 yuan.

Now you actually want to renew your contract?

Why aren't you going to mention the price?

5 yuan, are you offering it for free?

Xu Lang was furious!

In truth, Ito-Yokado really got a great deal.

In early December, Yang Ying was still a relatively unknown model. At that time, it took Xu Lang a lot of effort to get the 50,000 yuan price tag.

However, Yang Ying's popularity soared after the revamped "Happy Camp" aired on New Year's Day.

Meanwhile, Yang Ying's GG for Ito-Yokado was still within expectations.

Ito-Yokado essentially benefited from Yang Ying's later fame for free.

However, you can't really blame her, since Yang Ying wasn't famous at the time.

Xu Lang was well aware of this, and he acknowledged it!

But now you're chasing after me to renew the contract without mentioning the price, which clearly means you want to maintain the original price.

Isn't this bullying?

"Does he really think I, Xu Lang, am a fool?"

Thinking of this, Xu Lang sneered inwardly and replied directly:

"Renewing the contract? Sure."

"Official endorsement contract, 2 years, one TV commercial, that's it, 2 years image rights, 2 offline events, what's the price?"

Xu Lang pondered for a moment, then said directly:

"100 million!"

"Well..."

Zhou Fang on the phone was immediately stunned by the number 100.

To be honest, from her perspective, the original price was impossible, and she could accept a price increase.

The reason they didn't mention the price upfront and only talked about renewing the contract was because they were trying to deceive people if they could.

But now, Xu Lang has suddenly offered a price of 100 million, which has far exceeded Zhou Fang's expectations.

"Mr. Xu, please don't joke around."

"I'm not kidding. This price is really not expensive. I guarantee that in a few days, when Yang Ying's other programs or TV dramas are released, you won't be able to get this price."

Since the other party was being dishonest, Xu Lang started spouting nonsense.

However, Zhou Fang still agreed with the reasoning Xu Lang gave.

After all, Yang Ying is a rapidly rising star, in the prime of her career, so it's only natural that her market value is increasing.

but. . .

"Mr. Xu, I understand what you mean, and we also believe in Ms. Yang Ying's future potential, but this price far exceeds our expectations. I need to report to headquarters."

"Okay, sure. But you need to hurry, because my price could go up at any time. If you ask again next time, it might not be the same price!"

Xu Lang also instilled a strong sense of urgency in the other party.

"Well..."

Zhou Fang was truly intimidated by Xu Lang.

"Mr. Xu, please give me three days to finalize this price. We will definitely do our best to finalize it quickly."

"Three days?"

Xu Lang chuckled and thought to himself:

"You think you can scare me with your 'small life'?"

Thinking of this, he not only directly rejected Zhou Fang's suggestion, but also added:

"No, there are too many guys looking for Yang Ying right now, I can't guarantee this price for three days."

The faster you go, the lower the price will be.

After saying that, he hung up the phone.

Hmph, they're all about being tough and playing mind games!

Zhou Fang, on the other end of the phone, was first taken aback by the dial tone, then felt a surge of resentment.

"Who's the client? Who's the boss? Don't you understand?"

But despite her complaints and frustrations, she dared not delay the matter.

After all, Yang Ying's failure during the Christmas season brought a significant increase in sales to Ito-Yokado.

The contract renewal with Yang Ying was ordered directly from headquarters.

Zhou Fang, a planning department manager, dared not interfere in this matter.

So she rushed toward the general manager's office.

At the same time, Xu Lang received a second phone call.

After listening to the phone call, Xu Lang's face showed a strange mix of emotions—surprise, hesitation, and anticipation.

"I never imagined things would turn out this way!"