Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Time flies when you're having fun. After their trip, the young couple returned to Beijing.

In early December in Beijing, the wind felt like knives on your face.

When Zhuang Huai'an arrived at the company at 9:30 a.m., Zhong Lifang was already waiting for him in the office.

"Boss, Director Kong Sheng has arrived and is waiting for you in the meeting room. He is accompanied by Hou Hongliang, a producer from Shandong Film Studio."

These two?

At this point in time?

Could it be?

Zhuang Huai'an smiled inwardly; the bait he had thrown out had worked. "Let's go, let's go see him."

In the reception room, Kong Sheng was sitting on the sofa drinking tea. Next to him sat a middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a black down jacket, who looked refined and cultured.

Zhuang Huai'an pushed open the door and entered; the two of them stood up at the same time.

"Director Zhuang, I apologize for the intrusion and for disturbing you." Kong Sheng smiled and extended his hand.

"Director Kong, it's been a while." Zhuang Huai'an smiled and shook hands with him, then looked at Hou Hongliang, "This must be Producer Hou, right? It's an honor to meet you."

"Director Zhuang, you're too kind." Hou Hongliang extended his hand, his attitude very humble. "I've long admired you, and I'm so glad to finally meet you today."

"Hey, everyone here is a friend, let's not stand on ceremony, sit down and chat." Zhuang Huai'an waved his hand heartily, and the four of them sat on either side, with the clerk bringing tea.

"Director Kong, I heard that 'Relay Chase' has finished filming? Are there any difficulties with post-production? I have a lot of talent in this area. Let's finish it as soon as possible and release it sooner." Zhuang Huai'an picked up his teacup and asked casually.

"Post-production is underway, but... sigh..."

Kong Sheng sighed, shook his head and gave a bitter laugh, "Director Zhuang, I'm not counting on getting the film scheduled in theaters."

Zhuang Huai'an was a little puzzled. "Director Kong, why do you say that? We talked before that I would support this movie to the end, and the renovation of our own theaters is already in the final stages, so we can definitely make it in time, right?"

"Sigh...it's a long story," Kong Sheng sighed again. "Relay Chase is based on a true story. To put it simply, the Sixth Princess took a liking to this movie, so..."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Huai'an suddenly realized that they had been recruited by the state.

"But don't worry, they offered a good price, so your investment will definitely not be a loss," Kong Sheng added.

These words deeply moved Confucius, who wished he could bow down in reverence.

These days, how many investors are willing to spend millions just to make a friend?

Even if Zhuang Huai'an is a coal mine owner, Kong Sheng is not a delicate female celebrity!

"But Brother Kong, you didn't come all this way just to talk to me about this, did you?"

"Director Zhuang has an excellent eye," Kong Sheng composed himself, offering a compliment before continuing, "To be honest, there's a project I'd like you to take a look at this time."

"No problem!" Zhuang Huai'an laughed heartily. "Like I said before, I'll invest in any project that's suitable!"

The two exchanged a glance, and Hou Hongliang was deeply moved. He thought to himself, "He truly is a timely helper in the capital, a little Meng Chang in the circle!"

Looks like this trip was worthwhile!

Hou Hongliang took a thick document out of his briefcase, placed it on the coffee table, and pushed it over.

"Director Zhuang, it's like this."

Hou Hongliang’s voice was steady and clear. “Our Shandong Film and Television Studio is preparing a TV series called ‘Crossing the Guandong’. The screenwriter is Gao Mantang, who has been writing the script for three years. The director is Director Kong. The lead actors are tentatively Li Youbing and Sarina. Other actors are still being selected.”

"Going to Northeast China?" Zhuang Huai'an pretended to be puzzled, picked up the documents and flipped through them. "I've heard stories like this before, they're quite meaningful."

"You're absolutely right."

Hou Hongliang nodded, "Professor Gao Mantang is from Shandong. His elders are descendants of those who migrated to Northeast China. In order to write this script well, he interviewed hundreds of elderly people and revised the outline more than a dozen times."

"What else is there to say! Just for Teacher Gao's dedication, I'm investing in this drama!"

Without even looking at the information about this drama, Zhuang Huai'an asked directly, "What is Producer Hou's budget? Just name a number, and I'll have someone transfer the payment immediately."

This strong sense of wealth and status startled the two men once again. After exchanging a glance, Hou Hongliang spoke:

"The initial budget is 4000 million RMB, of which Shandong Film and Television will contribute 2000 million RMB. For the remaining shortfall, we originally wanted to co-produce with CCTV, but their conditions were too demanding. They not only wanted exclusive first broadcast rights but also wanted to lower the price. Director Kong mentioned you to me, saying that Director Zhuang is straightforward and does not interfere with the creative process, so we came here."

Zhuang Huai'an smiled and glanced at Kong Sheng: "Director Kong is giving me face."

"This isn't just polite talk, it's the truth." Kong Sheng said earnestly, "After you invested in Relay Chase, you never interfered with the creative process from beginning to end, and you never even stepped into the editing room. It's hard to find an investor like that these days."

Zhuang Huai'an smiled, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and put it down. His tone became serious. "Brother Kong and I trust each other. Since you two have come to me, I will definitely submit this proposal, but there are two small conditions."

"That's only right, please tell me." Hou Hongliang immediately took out paper and pen, ready to take notes.

"First," Zhuang Huai'an raised his index finger, looked at Kong Sheng and smiled, "you must be the director of this drama. You can't be changed halfway through. This has to be written into the contract."

Kong Sheng was taken aback. "Director Zhuang, are you worried I'll be replaced halfway through?"

"You could say that. I'll say it again: I'm investing in you as a person, not the project itself."

Kong Sheng was moved again. Looking into Zhuang Huai'an's sincere eyes, he hesitated for a long time before finally nodding heavily to express his gratitude.

Seeing his old friend's attitude, Hou Hongliang sighed inwardly. As a producer, he was far more astute than Kong Sheng, who came from a technical background. After this scene of a scholar dying for his confidant was performed, it would be several times more difficult for Shandong Film Studio to renew Kong Sheng's contract next year.

"Director Zhuang, what about the second one?"

Hou Hongliang's question brought the two back from their idyllic reunion. Zhuang Huai'an smiled and continued, "The second rule is also simple: if there are suitable roles, you should give priority to using artists from my company. But this is a request, not a requirement. I am also a director, and everything is based on the suitability of the role."

"sure."

Hou Hongliang nodded hurriedly. Even if the investors forced people in, there was nothing they could do. Zhuang Huai'an's understanding attitude made him want to be Kong Sheng's subordinate, not to mention Kong Sheng.

Who could resist a boss who is generous, sensible, and not foolish?

Hou Hongliang composed himself, put the blank notebook away, and continued:

"Director Zhuang, your two conditions are practically useless; I can make the decision myself. The only issue is the payment method. We'd like to pay in three installments: 40% upon start of filming, 30% midway through filming, and 30% upon completion. Is that acceptable?"

This is a common payment method in the industry, but Zhuang Huai'an was not happy about it. He thought, "If you're going to help someone, you should help them to their doorstep."

"Producer Hou, go ask around in the industry. Which of the projects invested in by Company 39 involves installment payments? If the others in the industry find out, they'll think I can't afford to invest. Full payment! Right now!"

Seeing the two women's delighted expressions, Zhuang Huai'an waved his hand and turned to Zhong Lifang, "Have Attorney Yu Jun draft the contract. You coordinate the details with Producer Hou. Make sure the penalty clause is clearly written, and once the company seal is affixed, transfer the money immediately!"

"Okay, boss." Zhong Lifang nodded; she was already used to her boss's style.

It's supposed to be full payment, but if you're really tempted, graduates from Tilanqiao Technical College will show you what a key national training institution truly means!

"Brother Kong, Producer Hou, is it settled then?" Zhuang Huai'an looked at the two of them.

"It's settled!"

The two nodded simultaneously. Hou Hongliang, beaming, raised his teacup and gestured to Zhuang Huai'an.

"Director Zhuang, thank you for your trust. I won't say more. Let's have some tea instead of wine. It'll be a pleasure working together!"

"It's a pleasure working with you!"

Zhuang Huai'an smiled and bumped hands with him.

Da Bao Bei's skills are really useful. When I go to Chengdu someday, I must go to the Zhaolie Temple to offer incense as a sign of respect.

Ugh?

Where is the Zhaolie Temple?