Huayu Chunqiu, starting from being adopted by a fairy mother

Chapter 293 There Must Be a Teacher
Before the New Year, Liu Jing cleared away all the entertainment-related energy accumulated by the nine entanglements.

Halfway through 2007, Little Lion had 13215 points of entertainment spirit, while Yang Mi had 20279 points.

While filming in Hengdian, the little lion might casually visit other places or stroll around the streets, but the gains wouldn't be limited to just these things.

This shows that she is basically always on set or at the training ground and rarely goes out.

Yang Mi is different. She has spent almost the entire past six months at school. The workload in her second year of university is heavier and more crucial than in her first year.

She didn't even join the crew, yet she has accumulated so much; it seems she's been running around a lot.

Liu Shishi's favorability rating reached 89 points last year.

I gave her a bracelet as a birthday present, but her favorability towards me remained completely unchanged.

Liu Jing believed that the two had made a substantial breakthrough, and their favorability rating would only exceed 90 points once they hit all the bases.

Suddenly, my favorability rating increased a little, which was a bit inexplicable.

Liu Jing's expression was strange as he muttered to himself, "Could the bracelet I put in the little lion bag have just been discovered?"
The bracelet was given to me four months ago. It wasn't very big, and it came in a sandalwood box.

If Liu Shishi were to rummage through her bag, she would definitely find it.

The bag wasn't very big, but it contained quite a lot of things.

He recalled that when he rummaged through the bag, he found wet wipes, small packets of tissues, a wallet, perfume, keys, and various cosmetics.

To his surprise, there was also an unopened box of condoms in the bag.

The little lion was clearly well-prepared; after all, the man had asked her out for his birthday—dinner, shopping, and a movie—so things should fall into place naturally.

Liu Jing backed down that night, partly because he had a date with Zhang Min, and partly because of other concerns.

If it were an ordinary girl, he would be somewhere between a beast and worse than a beast, absolutely not human.

However, the little lion is rather conservative and has some traditional views on marriage.

Liu Jing couldn't give her a one-on-one commitment, so he hesitated to make a move, fearing that he would hurt her body and her heart.

He felt he wasn't a complete scumbag and that he would take responsibility without hesitation.

He was waiting, waiting for the meat on the chopping board to cook itself.

When that time comes, the little lion will be able to figure things out on its own, and the one-on-one problems will be easily solved.

"Young Master Jing, do you think I'm suitable?"

Yuan Shanshan chatted with Yang Mi for a few more minutes, but finally couldn't hold back any longer.

She found Liu Jing's expression interesting, as if something was going to happen.

Yang Mi sneered, "You probably asked a pointless question, you lost focus. You just said so much, I wonder how many words you actually heard."

She wasn't surprised by her roommate's behavior. She was very good at reading people, but she always misunderstood.

"What are you suitable for?" Liu Jing didn't hear it, he just felt that the two women were chattering away, even noisier than Yang Mi and Shu Chang's fight last night.

"When it comes to casting for 'Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre,' which role do you think I'm best suited for?" Yuan Shanshan flashed her most beautiful smile.

"Oh, you could try Ding Minjun," Liu Jing suddenly realized.

"What about the Four Beauties of Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber?" Yuan Shanshan persisted.

Ding Minjun is nothing; the Four Beauties of Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber are the real protagonists.

If she hadn't met Liu Jing, Ding Minjun would have been perfectly content. But now that she has, her ambitions can't be satisfied by a supporting role.

Don't you see your good roommate Yang Mi? She hasn't filmed many dramas for Rong Xinda. She got the roles in "The Condor Heroes," "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," and "Struggle" all because of Liu Jing's connections.

With these dramas as a foundation, Yang Mi not only gained national recognition but also solidified her position at Rong Xinda.

The new version of "Dream of the Red Chamber" was being remade, and there was a strong demand online for Yang Mi to play Xue Baochai, which is why Rong Xinda considered the project.

"Registration opens on July 9th. The four leading actresses must be no older than 22, and the child actors no older than 10. Applicants must have good looks and temperament, and especially possess some talent. Furthermore, they must be newcomers..."

“I’m a newcomer, I’ve never acted before. I started learning violin at six, and I’m twenty this year, a year younger than Mimi,” Yuan Shanshan quickly replied before Liu Jing could finish speaking.

Yang Mi glanced at him sideways. Why is he bringing me up when he's talking about his age? To make himself look younger, huh?

"Oh, then just log in to the official website the day after tomorrow to fill in the information and upload the materials. The registration period is ten days, and the initial screening will be conducted at the end of the month." Liu Jing said nonchalantly.

He's not very interested in TV dramas now. No matter how well a show sells, it might only gross tens of millions, which is just a small part of the entertainment industry.

If the movie is well-made, the box office will be in the hundreds of millions, easily generating tens of thousands of entertainment revenue, and maybe even hundreds of thousands.

With the domestic box office of "Hero" exceeding 100 million yuan in 2002, Chinese films officially entered the era of 100 million yuan box office revenue.

In 2004, there were "House of Flying Daggers", "Kung Fu Hustle" and "A World Without Thieves"; in 2005, there was "The Promise"; and in 2006, there were "Curse of the Golden Flower", "The Banquet" and "Fearless".

These days, which director isn't aiming for a 100 million yuan box office? With the rise of the domestic market, having already reached 100 million yuan is nothing.

Moreover, domestically produced TV dramas are difficult to distribute overseas, at most circulating only within Asia. But movies can be distributed globally, especially kung fu films, which still have an international market.

Several recent blockbuster films, including "The Forbidden Kingdom," "The Warlords," and "Red Cliff," are all targeting the global market.

Liu Jing also heard from Qianqian that she had received an invitation; someone wanted to invest 1 billion yuan to film something called "Mermaid Empire." No script, no crew, just a concept—and they dared to pass on this message to her.

“We’re alumni, do you think you could talk to the casting team and ask for special treatment?” Yuan Shanshan looked intently at Liu Jing, her eyes filled with an indescribable meaning.

Yang Mi's lips curled into a smirk. "Heh, you've probably hit the wrong jackknife. This slut does like women, but it's always passive. Besides, you're not his type. With women he's not interested in, this bastard can absolutely remain unmoved."

Shu Chang was just like that back then; it was only after they became siblings that this guy got interested.

When it comes to understanding Liu Jing, no one can compare to Xixi in terms of daily life.

In some respects, Xixi is not as good as Yang Mi.

"You can sign up for Zhang Wuji's group." Liu Jing smiled. Special treatment is certainly possible, but you don't offer me any special treatment.

The casting process was a grand affair, with Youku providing live streaming coverage throughout.

It's not just about casting; it's also about promoting the release of "The Yin-Yang Sacred Flame Order" and building momentum for the broadcast of "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber".

The results were very good. Many people were looking forward to the movie's release, and even before the production team had started preparations, several TV stations had already approached them to discuss purchasing the film.

This event was even more sensational than Yahoo! Search for Stars last year. Youku paid 10 million yuan for the broadcasting rights, a wine company offered 15 million yuan for title sponsorship, and there were other advertisers and sponsors as well. Spring and Autumn invested 30 million yuan and had already made a lot of money before casting even started.

The production team announced that outstanding candidates, even if not selected by the production team, will be signed by Chunqiu Pictures.

Once the news spread, the number of people paying attention skyrocketed, and the official website crashed several times due to the overwhelming number of visitors.

Later, NetEase provided technical support and upgraded the network, which enabled the official website to be accessed smoothly.

The casting for The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber was divided into six groups: the Four Beauties of The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, Zhang Wuji, and a child actor.

Each group consists of three judges: one chief judge and two deputy judges. The chief judge is a celebrity, and the deputy judges are members of the casting committee.

The casting team consists of the director, assistant director, screenwriter, and other staff.

Zhang Min was originally supposed to be a judge for Zhao Min's group, but she went abroad to have her pregnancy and couldn't participate.

Gao Yuanyuan wanted to invite Alyssa Chia to replace her, but Alyssa's child is over one year old and can't be separated from his mother.

So Zhang Min greeted Gigi Lai, who readily agreed.

Two years ago, Gigi Lai's younger brother founded CosMax Laser Medical Skin Care Center, which collaborated with Sharla Cheung's Flower Garden.

In late May of this year, her younger brother was seriously injured in a car accident. Gigi Lai suspended her acting career to help her brother manage his business.

In addition, Gigi Lai is getting married and has already intended to retire from the entertainment industry, so she basically does not participate in entertainment activities.

The judge for Zhou Zhiruo's group was Zhou Haimei, not Gao Yuanyuan.

Gao Yuanyuan replaced Zhang Min as the producer of "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" and the person in charge of casting.

After filming "Under the City Wall," she immediately took over some work at Chunqiu and is now extremely busy, living and working at the company.

Chingmy Yau was a judge for Xiao Zhao's group. She had long since retired from acting to focus on being a wife and mother. But even retired celebrities can be exceptions when summoned by the government.

Chen Zihan was a judge for Yin Li's team, while Liu Jing was originally a judge for Zhang Wuji's team. However, due to scheduling conflicts and the need to accompany Zhang Min, the role of head judge was given to Big Beard.

The bearded man was about to cry. "I'm the director, but I feel like I'm just a figurehead. They didn't include me in the casting process; they only let me decide on minor supporting roles."

Thank you to the production team, the production crew, and Mr. Gao for finally giving me the opportunity to choose the lead actor.

"Haha, it seems that Young Master Jing also thinks I'm quite suitable for Zhao Min." Yuan Shanshan said with a grin.

Yang Mi was speechless; you really know how to understand.

"The selection process is divided into a preliminary round, an elimination round, and a final round. The competition is fair, just, and transparent, and will be broadcast live online. The judges' opinions are only one factor; the most important factor is the audience's votes, which carry significant weight in the total score. Therefore, choosing the right track is crucial. I suggest you register for Zhou Zhiruo's group." Liu Jing gave his advice earnestly, out of consideration for Yang Mi.

If nothing unexpected happens, the role of Zhao Min should be given to Zhang Jiao.

No! Her name is Zhang Tianai now, a newly changed stage name, and she's preparing to debut.

With Zhang Min about to go abroad, she will also be stepping down from her position as secretary, and is currently in the process of handing over her work.

Bai Bing has already signed her, making her an artist under Chunqiu Entertainment.

Zhang Jiao is very decisive; she not only changed her name on her ID card, but also her age.

The casting team initially wanted to use complete newcomers, newcomers with no acting experience, and who were no more than eighteen years old.

Later, the production team felt that this was too risky, so they relaxed the casting criteria.

Zhang Jiao was born in 88 and is nineteen years old this year. Because she knew about this rule in advance, she changed her birth year to 90.

Once the casting criteria were finalized, Bai Bing asked her if she wanted to change it back, but she said no.

Zhang Jiao told Bai Bing, "Sister Dong, I'm not going to compete with actresses born in the 80s. They're all too scary. I'll join the 90s group instead."

Bai Bing considered it carefully and agreed with Zhang Jiao.

Leaving aside the post-80s actresses, only Fan Bingbing has emerged, but the post-85s actresses are quite formidable.

Liu Yifei is far ahead, with Shu Chang and Yang Mi close behind. With these three whales and sharks in the running, the post-85 actresses are destined for greatness.

The current landscape of female celebrities in the Chinese entertainment industry is exactly the same as it was around 2000. The "Big Flowers of '75" are all at their peak, leaving their peers with no chance to rise to prominence.

The same is true within Chunqiu. The five women born in the 75s were the first generation of artists, and now each of them can stand on their own.

Tang Yan and Tong Liya, both born in the 80s, are second-generation artists who have only recently debuted, so resources should be allocated to them.

Chunqiu is not in a hurry to cultivate the third generation of post-90s artists. Zhang Jiao has joined the team and is definitely the first of the third generation.

"Okay! Thank you, Young Master Jing." Yuan Shanshan looked delighted, then hesitated for a moment, "Are you free tonight? It's almost vacation time, let's have dinner with Mimi. Our two dorms can also have another get-together."

"No! He just finished filming 'Under the City Wall,' went back to Yandu to rest for two days, and then went to Hengdian the day after tomorrow." Yang Mi, who had been silent until now, couldn't help but speak up.

Luckily, my roommate didn't say she'd treat her separately, otherwise she might have turned on her right then and there.

My roommate got the role from Liu Jing, that's her own skill. She won't interfere, nor will she actively help her.

"It'll be a casual dinner tonight, it won't take long." Yuan Shanshan persisted, no one wouldn't want to latch onto a powerful figure.

If Yang Mi and Liu Jing weren't having an affair, she would definitely have relentlessly pursued him and offered herself up.

She still has some principles; after all, she hasn't left campus or entered society yet.

However, she was well aware that Liu Jing wouldn't have sat with her if Yang Mi hadn't been there.

Unable to ascertain the extent of their entanglement, Yuan Shanshan would not act rashly.

"No, he's going back to school to adjust and calm down," Yang Mi refused again.

“As expected, every great director is different.” Yuan Shanshan was tactful; if she continued, she would become annoying.

Her emotional intelligence is indeed not as good as Yang Mi's, but when faced with someone much better than herself, even someone with poor emotional intelligence will become sensible.

Having achieved her goal, Yuan Shanshan didn't want to be a third wheel, so she quickly ate a few bites of rice and left.

After Liu Jing finished one plate, he went to get another, and finally made a bowl of egg drop soup before pushing Yang Mi out of the restaurant.

"Isn't Yuan Shanshan pretty? She's the campus belle of our class of 05. She's second only to Zhang Xuan in popularity, much higher than me," Yang Mi said with a smile.

She wasn't particularly concerned about whether she was the school's most beautiful girl. Currently, among the students at the Beijing Film Academy from the classes of 03, 04, 05, and 06, she is the most famous.

With this prestigious title, she didn't care about being called a school beauty or a top student.

"He is indeed better looking than you," Liu Jing admitted.

"You've got your eye on her? Should I find an opportunity? Someone like her doesn't need you to take responsibility. She'd be happy to have a friendly match with you." Yang Mi snorted. I don't attract you with my looks. So what if she's prettier than me?

"Holy crap, Yang Mi, when did you switch careers to become a madam?" Liu Jing was shocked. The words were so blatant that he couldn't take it.

“Men who are out in the world often have affairs. It’s better to find someone clean than a prostitute. Who you choose doesn’t matter, so naturally choose someone reliable.” Yang Mi’s expression was enigmatic, her words full of seduction. “If I were your wife, I wouldn’t care. You can do whatever you want outside, as long as you don’t bring back any diseases, and as long as you still consider your family home. If you want a casual fling with someone, I can help you create opportunities. I have plenty of methods; just give me the word…”

There was a downhill slope ahead, and it was quite steep.

Liu Jing didn't want to listen to Yang Mi anymore. Based on what she said, he knew this woman absolutely couldn't be made the official wife.

This isn't just a problem with values; it's a complete lack of values.

"Yang Mi, what would you do if I let go?"

"Uh! Big brother, I was just joking to lighten the mood. Look at you, you have no sense of humor at all." Yang Mi stuck out her tongue, her attempt at flirting ending in failure once again.

She was used to failure, and her brother's words had two meanings.

The first implication is that if the older brother doesn't push the wheelchair, she, a cripple, will inevitably follow the path downhill, and the outcome is predictable.

The second meaning is that her older brother thinks she is too unruly and will not care about her in the future, which is even more painful than a serious injury.

Yang Mi was always proud of her success in seducing her older brother, but she suffered through one night, only to be free from suffering for the rest of her life.

If I lose my elder brother's protection, I'll truly have to face the long and arduous road ahead, like Qu Yuan, constantly searching for answers.

She had already tasted the benefits of her elder brother's protection, and wanted to enjoy it for the rest of her life.

The first meaning can be ignored, but the second meaning cannot be ignored.

She felt that she and her roommate were not on the same level when it came to striking the right balance.

"A road leads to the ends of the earth, two hearts are bound together..."

This wasn't the school's public address system; it was Liu Jing's phone ringing—it was the ringtone he had just changed.

Once, twice, three times...

"Big brother, do you really like this song that much?" Yang Mi wanted to cover her ears; this was never going to end.

"I don't want to answer unfamiliar numbers," Liu Jing explained.

"They've called several times in a row, so they must be strangers." Yang Mi liked this song this morning, but now she doesn't like it at all.

The caller was indeed not a stranger, but Shishi's mother.

She first exchanged a few pleasantries with Liu Jing, and her attitude was quite good, much better than in their previous meetings.

Then he asked if Liu Jing had seen Shi Shi, and Liu Jing answered honestly.

Finally, Shi's mother exchanged a few more pleasantries before hanging up the phone.

Liu Jing was completely confused and immediately called Liu Shishi, but her phone was switched off.

"Shishi and her mother had a fight, most likely because of you." Yang Mi touched her chin with her little hand, imitating Conan.

"How did you know?" Liu Jing asked in surprise.

“Because I’ve done this before, she’s probably at a friend’s house right now, and her mother definitely doesn’t know or would ever guess who this friend is,” Yang Mi concluded.

"I hope nothing bad will happen." Liu Jing was worried. He felt that Yang Mi was right; it must be related to him.

"No, as long as she doesn't come looking for you, nothing will happen," Yang Mi replied confidently.

"What do you mean? Her mother is coming to find me?" Liu Jing asked, puzzled.

"It's safe for her not to contact you, but it's dangerous for her to contact you. She'll either be disappointed or devastated, and in severe cases, she might lose her virginity." Yang Mi smiled mischievously.

"..." Liu Jing was speechless. That made perfect sense.

The two talked about Liu Shishi all the way back to their car.

Yang Mi fastened her seatbelt. "Where are we going this afternoon? We have such a long afternoon, we can't waste it in bed."

"I'll go to the company this afternoon and take you home first," Liu Jing explained.

"I don't want to stay home alone. Take me to Shu Chang's place and let her take care of me." Yang Mi's eyes darted around. Liu Yifei wasn't in Yandu. Only a fool would go home.

Without Liu Yifei around, I'm the rightful wife, so of course I have to enjoy myself.

"Don't worry! I won't fight with Liu Shishi, and I definitely won't fight with Shu Chang." Yang Mi noticed her older brother's hesitation.

Liu Jing didn't care. He made a phone call to Shu Chang, and the message he received was hilarious.

The reply came in a clear, serious voice: "Dear incomprehensible user, the number you dialed has activated secretary service. To contact the owner for filming, press 1. To invite the owner to dinner, press 2. For business cooperation, press 3. For other matters, press 4. For assistance, press the asterisk key. If Yang Mi is with you, please hang up immediately."

“222…” Yang Mi quickly responded.

"Beep beep..."

Upon detecting that Yang Mi was nearby, the other party hung up the phone.

"Hey! Are you targeting me?" Yang Mi was furious. She was small, which was bad enough, but she was even more petty.

You were at a disadvantage in the fight last night, but I didn't gain anything either; now I'm the one with the limp.

"If they don't welcome you, don't force yourself on them," Liu Jing said with a chuckle. It was quite amusing.

"Take me home." Yang Mi gritted her teeth. Shu Chang, I originally wanted to go easy on you, just wait and see how I'll make fun of you later.

"When will this cycle of revenge end?" Liu Jing said, feeling compassion for humanity.

"Screw you." Yang Mi said disdainfully.

Liu Jing sneered, drove the car to a secluded corner, and gave Yang Mi a good scolding.

How dare she speak so disrespectfully to her elder brother! She should be made to swallow back every insult she hurled.

buzzing...

[The bond skill "There must be someone I can learn from" has been generated. Please check your inbox.]

[There Must Be a Teacher: When Liu Shishi wins a major award, you can learn a skill related to that play. Prerequisite: In a three-person scenario, you must be involved in the production of this play, and another person you have a connection with must play an important role.]

Gold has a price, but knowledge is priceless. Liu Jing felt this skill was incredible.

But the prerequisites are hard to meet, and he feels that the system is relentlessly destructive.

"Big brother, shouldn't I be the one coughing? Why are you coughing so much?" Yang Mi said with a gloomy expression, throwing the empty mineral water bottle into the trash can.

"I'll take you home first, then treat Shuchang to dinner tonight, and then pick you up to Baiyujing." Liu Jing said excitedly.

The adaptation of "My Love from the Star" was interrupted due to the filming of "Under the City Walls," but it's time to pick it up again.

He owed Fan Xiaopang a movie, and this movie was the one he used to pay off his debt.

Although Fan Xiaopang later got the role of Pei Rong, Liu Jing didn't owe her anything, but it's his own woman, so there's no need to worry about it.

After all, when adapting this play, he based it on Fan Xiaopang.

He can live without Yang Mi at night, but he can't live without Shu Chang; he needs Shu Chang to provide him with inspiration.

When Fan Xiaopang's contract with Huayi expired, he did not immediately establish a film and television company, but instead created a studio as a transitional measure.

"Rouge Snow" is the first drama produced by Fan Bingbing Studio, with a total investment of 30 million yuan, and Fan Xiaopang served as the producer.

The production began preparations last year, and Fan Xiaopang oversaw every aspect, from costumes and sets to casting and makeup.

Especially in terms of costumes, she frequently visited the Chunqiu Costume Factory to participate in drawing, designing, and coloring materials, and made hundreds of costumes for the main actors.

This is her first film as a producer, so she is taking it very seriously, fearing a bad start.

"Why don't you just send me to Baiyujing?" Yang Mi muttered, looking at Liu Jing with ill intent. "You're not worried that I'll go through Liu Yifei's things, are you?"

"You'll bear the consequences; feel free to look through it," Liu Jing warned.

"What consequences? She can't possibly kill me, can she?" Yang Mi said dismissively.

Liu Jing chuckled, but there was no smile in his eyes. "Mimi, I don't want to upset Qianqian, and I hope you won't either. If she's unhappy, I'll be unhappy too."

Liu Jing's gaze was like a bucket of cold water, completely waking Yang Mi up.

She thought she wouldn't get carried away, but she actually did.

Liu Jing noticed this and promptly pulled on the kite string to lower the temperature.

"I understand." Yang Mi bit her lip, feeling utterly defeated.

She came to realize some of the truth and felt it would have been better to remain oblivious, because the truth was too cruel.

Her status in the entertainment industry is already comparable to Liu Yifei's.

But Liu Yifei's place in men's hearts is nowhere to be seen.

She fought with Shu Chang, she argued with Liu Shishi, and men can be very impartial.

She couldn't imagine what the consequences would be if she ended up like Liu Yifei.

There's no need to imagine anymore; the man just gave us the answer, and he'll be unhappy.

Liu Jing acted as if nothing had happened, taking Yang Mi back to Fenglingdu and even pushing her wheelchair all the way to her house.

I also checked the refrigerator; it was quite full, much better than Shu Chang's.

After finishing everything, he drove back to the company and went straight to the post-production department.

As night fell and the streetlights came on, Liu Jingcai finished get off work.

If it weren't for Shu Chang's call, he could have worked even later.

"Xiao Bai, order dinner for Yang Mi..." Liu Jing glanced at his watch and realized it was already past eight o'clock.

"You've told them three times, but everyone's already finished dinner." Bai Bing rolled her eyes. In the midst of all this busyness, you still remember your big brother.

"Okay! I'm going back now. You keep an eye on Yuanyuan and tell her to get some rest." Liu Jing stretched and walked out, adding, "You should also get some rest; you have dark circles under your eyes."

The assistant escorted the boss to the elevator, watched the numbers change, and chuckled, "At least you have a conscience; you still know how to care about me."

Liu Jing arrived at the underground parking garage, pressed the car key, and the car lights flashed, startling the people who had been waiting for a long time.

"Senior brother."

"Why are you here?"

Liu Jing was startled; the little lion was sitting on the ground, leaning against the back of the car.

Thankfully, she wasn't dressed entirely in white, otherwise it would have been quite terrifying.

"I'll wait for you." The little lion got up, his legs and feet were numb, so he could only hold onto the trunk.

Liu Jing stepped forward to help him up; his little hands were icy cold, and his body was cold too.

It was hot outside, but the underground parking garage was cool, even a bit cold.

The little lion was wearing a light blue T-shirt, which wasn't warm at all.

Liu Jing helped her into the car, complaining, "You wait here for me. If I hadn't come back, would you still be sleeping here?"

The little lion pursed his lips. "I don't know if you'll go home tonight, or which woman you'll be sleeping with. But you should come to the company. Luckily, I guessed right."

"Why don't you come find me?" Liu Jing sighed.

"I...I ran away from home because I don't want anyone else to see me." The little lion's head was practically drooping to his chest.

(End of this chapter)