HuaYu: Starting with Photography to Navigate the Entertainment Industry

Meanwhile, Xu Lang, along with Yang Ying, followed Wang Jia back to the conference room.

As everyone guessed, Yili's spokespersons did indeed lean towards him and Yang Ying.

This result was not unexpected for Xu Lang.

After all, what he brought out—Yang Ying herself, GG songs, and camera skills—were all top-notch in the entertainment industry.

After finalizing some details, both parties reached an agreement and signed an endorsement agreement on the spot.

As Yang Ying left GG Company with the agreement in hand, her legs were still weak.

A 300 million yuan endorsement contract!

"Am I that valuable now?"

Yang Ying couldn't believe it.

"Am I a top-tier celebrity now?"

Yang Ying couldn't help but point at Xu Lang, speaking in a threatening tone:

"Hey Xu, I advise you to treat me better from now on, or this big star will dump you!"

"You?!"

Seeing Yang Ying's tail practically sticking up in the air, Xu Lang couldn't help but laugh.

He reached out and gave her head a hard push, saying with a smile:

"You dare to dump me? I advise you to think about it carefully."

Everything you eat, use, eat, and receive—wasn't it all given to you by me?

"If you behave yourself and know what's good for you, you'll serve me better. If you annoy me one day, I'll send you back to being a car model."

Xu Lang's words were not an exaggeration.

Yang Ying's ability to buy photo albums, appear on Hunan TV, and secure endorsements—all of these were orchestrated by Xu Lang.

Xu Lang's photography and videography skills accounted for at least half of the factors.

Take this endorsement deal with Yili, for example. Without the GG song and the powerful effects showcased by the camera technology, how can Yang Ying compete with Liu Yifei?

Of the 300 million yuan endorsement fee, at least 200 million yuan belonged to Xu Lang.

Just like with Ito-Yokado's 150 million endorsement deal, Xu Lang also received 50 of the photography commission.

100 million is the amount that Yang Ying should be charging for her current endorsement fee!

Upon hearing Xu Lang's words, Yang Ying, who had been standing upright, immediately bent over, and with a playful smile, grabbed Xu Lang's arm, saying with a charming laugh,

"Brother Lang, I'm a good boy, I know what's good for me. I'll go back with you now and serve you well, okay?"

"That's more like it!"

In fact, Xu Lang knew that Yang Ying was just joking.

The two usually joked around when they talked, and Xu Lang didn't take it seriously at first.

But ever since Huayi Brothers came along, Xu Lang has had to be more careful.

Now, Huayi Brothers is using the guise of acquisition to try and gain an advantage. If they find that they can't get anything out of me, or if the value shown by my artists exceeds their expectations, then they're likely to succeed.

That's without a doubt.

Huayi Brothers will then target them for acquisition.

Xu Lang's management contracts with these individuals were the kind that had little binding force.

At that time...?

Xu Lang had no intention of gambling on these people's humanity!

After all, any measure that tests human nature is a stupid act.

Moreover, how can one expect celebrities in the entertainment industry to be loyal to him?

I'd rather believe I'm Qin Shi Huang!

Especially Yang Ying, don't be fooled by her current docile appearance.

But in her previous life, she didn't know what got into her head, but she went to see the Crazy Horse Show and broke up with Huang Xiaoming, which brought her back down from the top to being a car model.

Therefore, Xu Lang took this opportunity, half jokingly and half warning, to give Yang Ying a little nudge.

Yang Ying was no fool; she knew that Xu Lang was right.

More importantly, she also saw Xu Lang's unparalleled value and development potential.

Only then did he obediently admit defeat!

On his way back, Xu Lang had made up his mind.

"Women, especially female celebrities, admire strength. If you want them to submit, you have to be stronger than them!"

"At that point, you won't be able to run away even if you fight!"

Back home, Xu Lang and Yang Ying embarked on a unique celebration to commemorate the endorsement deal:

A fierce battle of intestinal entanglement!

Yang Ying kept her promise and served Xu Lang so well that he was in ecstasy and couldn't stop.

The smoke of battle has cleared.

Yang Ying lay on top of Xu Lang, murmuring something.

"Brother Lang, I really can't live without you anymore. I don't even want to go back to Changsha. What should I do?"

Xu Lang thought for a moment, then said:

"You really shouldn't go back these next few days. The roles for 'Lotus Lantern' are about to be finalized, and I've reserved one for you."

Upon hearing this, Yang Ying's face immediately lit up with a smile. She climbed onto Xu Lang's body and leaned close to him, asking:

"Brother Lang, I knew you were the best! What role is it? Leading lady or supporting actress?"

"Not the female lead, not the second female lead, she's the Flower Fairy, a... uh... decorative character!"

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Ying couldn't help but purse her lips, somewhat dissatisfied.

Seeing this, Xu Lang patted her bottom and said:

"The main focus of your career development will no longer be on acting skills; your advantage is your face."

This Flower Fairy doesn't have many scenes, but she always makes stunning appearances, which is perfect for you.

Your job is simply to amaze everyone with a stunning look, that's all.

Yang Ying knew that Xu Lang had already planned for her career, and now that Xu Lang said this, she immediately stopped thinking about it.

"Okay, whatever you say goes."

"Um."

Xu Lang nodded and continued:

"As for returning to Changsha? That's easy to resolve!"

"Easy to solve?"

Yang Ying was genuinely surprised by Xu Lang's statement.

If they don't go back to Changsha, does that mean they're abandoning the newly established "Happy Kitchen"?

Then Xu Lang said:

"I'll talk to Director Wang later and ask them to move the recording studio to Beijing. That would save you the trouble of traveling back and forth, wouldn't it?"

"Huh? This is allowed?!"

Seeing Yang Ying's jaw drop in astonishment, Xu Lang smiled and thought to himself, "..."

"What's the big deal!"

From now on, all the TV stations will have their own filming studios in Beijing. After all, these kinds of variety shows rely on celebrities, and going to Changsha isn't as convenient for everyone as going to Beijing.

Thinking of this, Xu Lang continued:

"Once your position is more secure, we can set up our own production team, record our own programs, and then sell them to various TV stations."

This way, we can break free from the control of the television station.

"Huh? You can play it like that?"

Listening to Xu Lang's words, Yang Ying felt her vision suddenly broaden considerably.

"If what Brother Lang said really comes true, then I won't just be a small-time host anymore; I'll be a boss!"

Thinking about this, Yang Ying felt that following Xu Lang was definitely the right choice.

"Brother Lang, you're so kind. I'll follow you for the rest of my life."

"Haha, I told you, if you make me feel comfortable, you'll have everything."

"Yeah, don't worry, I'll definitely make you leave, haha!"

Yang Ying smiled, shrank back, turned and snuggled into the quilt, and began a new round of "serving"!

In the following days, Xu Lang began to busy himself with matters related to "The Lotus Lantern".

However, the auditions after the New Year will no longer be for ordinary actors, but for some major roles with the participation of important figures.

Thanks to Xu Lang's efforts, the people he wanted were quickly confirmed.

He secured the role of "Chang'e" for Liu Tao in the drama;

They secured the role of "Dingxiang," the second female lead, for Tang Yan in the drama.

They secured the role of "Fairy of a Hundred Flowers" for Yang Ying in the drama;

As for the female lead, Xu Lang didn't touch her. After all, he also understood a principle...

"Replacing someone is like layoffs. You can't cut the main arteries. If you replace the female lead, the overall effect of the show will suffer, and that's not what he wants."

Xu Lang didn't pay attention to the female lead in "The Lotus Lantern"; his focus was entirely on the Third Holy Mother.

In mid-March, Park Si-yeon, a candidate for the role of the Holy Mother, arrived at the casting call.