How can you ascend to heaven when you are a star?

Chapter 423 Retreat

After consulting with his boss, Liu Haiyang immediately arranged for the company's legal department to revise the agreement and deliver it to Zhang Wen before noon, fearing that something might go wrong if things dragged on.

"Teacher Zhang, look, if there are no problems, can we sign this transfer agreement?" Liu Haiyang asked cautiously, his tone revealing his eagerness.

All he wants now is to sign the agreement quickly and get away from this troublesome place.

Here, Song Haoran had already suffered a setback, and the boss had no choice but to back down; he didn't want to stay here and suffer any longer.

Zhang Wen read through the agreement word by word. It clearly stated that Tianxi Media voluntarily withdrew from the "Perfect Days" project, and the initial investment of 30 million yuan would be paid by Zhang Wen in a lump sum. The company would no longer enjoy any rights related to the project, nor would it bear any subsequent risks...

He checked the amount and payment method several times, and only after confirming that everything was correct did he look up at Liu Haiyang and say with satisfaction, "Mr. Liu is indeed efficient. I like dealing with people like Mr. Liu."

"Of course, of course, it's all for the good of the project, and it's best to part on good terms," ​​Liu Haiyang said with a forced smile.

Zhang Wen chuckled, took out a pen from his pocket, and signed his name in the "Party B" section.

On the surface, he was Mr. Wu's representative, taking over the projects from Tianxi Media on Mr. Wu's behalf. In reality, he took over the projects from Tianxi Media himself, and it had nothing to do with Mr. Wu.

If there is anything to it, it's that he has been using Mr. Wu's name to put pressure on Tianxi Media.

"Alright." Zhang Wen handed the agreement back to Liu Haiyang and said with a smile, "I hope that in future cooperation, Mr. Li won't act like that."

"..."

Liu Haiyang's lips twitched involuntarily; he didn't dare to respond to the other person's words at all.

This kid dares to criticize the boss, and even dares to go against the boss, but he wouldn't dare.

As the old saying goes: There are no secrets that stay hidden forever.

If President Li finds out that he and Zhang Wen were secretly playing cricket fighting, will he still trust him in the future?

Liu Haiyang handed the agreement to the accompanying legal counsel, who immediately stamped it.

The moment the red official seal was affixed, he let out a long sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

it is finally over.

Liu Haiyang stuffed the company's copy of the agreement into his briefcase, zipping it up quickly as if afraid someone would snatch it away.

"Mr. Zhang, I'll head back to the company now. As for the money..."

He is no longer the producer of this TV series, so there is no need for him to stay here.

"Don't worry, it'll arrive within three days. I'm not short of money." Zhang Wen folded the agreement and put it in his pocket.

"Yes, yes." Liu Haiyang stopped talking and led the company's legal counsel out of the film set.

Zhang Wen turned around and saw Bai Lu and Han Xiaohua sitting together. Both of them were looking in his direction, as if waiting for the final result.

He walked over and pulled a chair from the side to sit down.

"All done?" Bai Lu asked in a low voice.

"Mm." Zhang Wen nodded.

Although Bai Lu had known for a long time that her boyfriend wanted to buy the TV series rights from Tianxi Media, when the moment actually arrived, she didn't feel much joy, but rather a lot of complicated feelings.

Regardless, Tianxi Media is a well-known entertainment media company in China, and it is very professional in film and television operation, having produced many high-quality dramas and classic films.

Was it a bit impulsive to kick Tianxi Media out of the project when "Perfect Days" was about to wrap up filming?
It's best to leave professional tasks to professional companies.

Emotionally, she naturally supported her boyfriend's decision, but rationally, she was worried about the fate of the TV series.

If this drama is delayed indefinitely, wouldn't all her efforts over the past six months be in vain?
However, despite her thoughts, she did not voice them.

"Brother Zhang, now that you're the producer of this TV series, what are your plans for the future?" Han Xiaohua asked with concern.

To some extent, he and Bai Lu shared the same idea; neither wanted the TV series to be overlooked.

Bai Lu considers this TV series a turning point in his career, and he sees it as a work to compete for awards, and even a representative work in his directing career.

"Director Han, you'll still be in charge of post-production, but since Tianxi Media was involved before, we'll now hand it over entirely to your studio," Zhang Wen said after thinking for a moment.

Han Xiaohua nodded. The studio had new business and would have extra income, which was a good thing for him. However, he was more looking forward to the other party's next arrangements, which was the key point.

"As for the broadcasting platform, I've already made arrangements; it'll be on Beijing TV," Zhang Wen continued.

"what?"

Bai Lu and Han Xiaohua were completely stunned, their eyes filled with shock.

For actors and directors, the importance of top-tier satellite TV channels is self-evident. Beijing Satellite TV has consistently ranked among the top in viewership for many years, and being able to broadcast on it means that the channel already has a high level of attention and a solid reputation.

"Beijing TV? This... how is this possible?" Bai Lu's voice trembled as she looked at her boyfriend in astonishment and asked, "When did you contact them? How come I didn't know?"

Han Xiaohua also looked at Brother Zhang with curiosity. He knew a few acquaintances at Beijing TV and planned to introduce them when Brother Zhang couldn't find a new home for the TV series.

“How could you not know?” Zhang Wen looked at Bai Lu and said, “Have you forgotten how the Future Girls Group got on Beijing TV? I contacted the deputy editor-in-chief again and gave a brief introduction to the drama ‘Perfect Days’. She was very interested after listening to it. As long as we submit a sample of the drama, there shouldn’t be any major problems, and it can be broadcast on Beijing TV.”

After this reminder, Bai Lu finally remembered that her boyfriend had indeed met the deputy editor-in-chief of Beijing TV through a buyer of the "Life Essence".

It turned out to be the case.

"The deputy editor-in-chief of Beijing TV?" Han Xiaohua was slightly taken aback and asked tentatively, "Brother Zhang, are you talking about Gu Tao, the deputy editor-in-chief?"

"Yes, that's her. Director Han, you know her too?" Zhang Wen asked after hearing this.

Han Xiaohua nodded.

Of course he knew Deputy Editor-in-Chief Gu. He was a key figure at Beijing TV, and any TV series that wanted to be broadcast on Beijing TV needed to get his approval.

If Teacher Zhang knew Deputy Editor-in-Chief Gu, then he wouldn't need to worry about the follow-up issues of the TV series "Perfect Days".

“As Deputy Editor-in-Chief Gu said, she values ​​the content and quality of the TV series, and Song Haoran’s little scandal won’t affect the overall situation,” Zhang Wen said.

"Don't worry, Brother Zhang!" Han Xiaohua patted his chest and assured him, "I will personally oversee the post-production to ensure that every shot can withstand scrutiny."

"Then I'll have to trouble Director Han," Zhang Wen said with a smile.

If he had no other options, why would he kick Tianxi Media out of the game?
In fact, when he learned that Li Lehua had arranged for Song Haoran to get close to Bai Lu, he contacted Gu Tao and they have communicated several times so far.

He not only introduced the highlights of the drama "Perfect Days" to the other party, but also introduced the main creators of the drama one by one.

Han Xiaohua is a household name in the TV drama industry, and the quality and content of his directorial works are widely recognized.

Bai Lu, Chen Zhenghao, and Wang Haoyu, the main actors, also have a good reputation and popularity among young actors.

An excellent story, a great director, and outstanding actors completely dispelled Gu Tao's concerns, leading to his decision to give him a chance to submit a sample episode to the television station. They promised that as long as the overall direction was correct, it would be broadcast. This would have been impossible for anyone else.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the earth, adding a touch of gentleness and beauty to the scenic landscape of the film and television base.

As director Han Xiaohua shouted "Filming wrapped!", the set erupted in thunderous cheers, and the long-suppressed emotions were finally released.

The staff high-fived each other in celebration, and the actors clapped and cheered, expressing their gratitude to everyone around them.

Zhang Wen presented Bai Lu with the flowers he had prepared. Upon seeing them, Bai Lu was overwhelmed with emotion, as memories of the past six months on set flashed through her mind.

There were hardships in assembling the crew, the hard work during filming, the frustration of hitting a bottleneck, and the joy of breaking through one's own limitations.

In short, I gained so much.

"Thank you!" Bai Lu said sincerely, holding a bouquet of flowers.

If I had to say who I should thank the most in the past six months, it would undoubtedly be my boyfriend, Zhang Wen.

It's fair to say that without her boyfriend's help, there would be no film crew, and without his dedication, she wouldn't be where she is today.

"Why are you being so polite with me?" Zhang Wen put his arm around the woman's shoulder.

In his view, the other party had already given him the person, and that was the best way to express his gratitude.

"Thank you all for your hard work over the past six months. You've all worked so hard!" Surrounded by people, Han Xiaohua stood on a chair and said loudly, "Tonight is the wrap party, everyone drink until you drop!"

After saying that, he raised the thermos cup containing goji berries.

"You won't come home until you're drunk!"

Everyone echoed their agreement, their faces beaming with smiles.

The wrap party was held at a hotel near the film and television base, with dozens of tables packed to capacity.

Everyone toasted and chatted about funny stories from filming. Even Han Xiaohua, the very strict director on set, mingled with everyone at this moment.

Zhang Wen even went from table to table toasting guests with a wine glass in hand.

A large portion of these staff members are employees of Tianxi Media. Now that this connection has been established, he might be able to poach some of them when he starts his own company, saving him the trouble of recruiting.

The wine glasses clinked gently in the air, making a crisp sound, as if celebrating the completion of filming.

At that moment, everyone forgot their positions and their unhappiness.

The wrap party lasted for four hours, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. If many people didn't have to go to work the next day, the celebration might have gone on even later.

"Director Han, post-production is in your hands. Call me if you need anything, I'll be there anytime," Zhang Wen said to Han Xiaohua.

"Don't worry, Brother Zhang, I promise I'll treat this drama like my own son," Han Xiaohua said, putting his arm around Zhang Wen's shoulder.

Perhaps because she was too happy, Han Xiaohua drank a bit too much tonight. Not only was her face flushed, but she was also walking a little unsteadily.

Zhang Wen saw Han Xiaohua's assistant by the roadside, so he handed the person over to him and waited until the car drove away before getting into Bai Lu's van.

"Let's go home," Zhang Wen said in a good mood.

However, when he sat down, he saw Bai Luxiu's brows furrowed beside him, and his assistant Zhao Linlin sitting in the passenger seat, looking as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.

"What's wrong?" Zhang Wen asked, puzzled.

The TV series has wrapped up filming, a joyous occasion, so why am I suddenly unhappy? I was perfectly fine in the hotel just now.

"Look." Upon hearing this, Bai Lu handed over the phone, a hint of anger on his face.

Zhang Wen frowned slightly, took the phone, and started looking at it.

"Breaking News! The crew of 'Perfect Days' condoned Song Haoran's bullying of staff!"

"Extra revealed: Song Haoran overturned someone's dinner table on set, but the director and lead actor turned a blind eye!"

"An insider revealed: The publicity staff were fired because they were actually scapegoats put forward by the production team."

One sensational headline after another appeared on Weibo, with similar content, all accusing Song Haoran of being arrogant on the set of "Perfect Days," while the production team chose to cover it up and condone it.

Although it's just old videos and photos from a few days ago, it still attracted a lot of attention.

The public was already skeptical of the explanation that "the publicity staff used the official Weibo account of the production team to post articles supporting Song Haoran without authorization." Now, with the revelations from extras and insiders, public opinion has exploded.

"My God! How could the film crew do this?"

"No wonder Song Haoran is so arrogant. It was the production team that tolerated him. They're all birds of a feather."

"They bullied the staff when nothing was wrong, but now they're using the publicity staff as scapegoats after something happens. Don't the director and lead actors feel any remorse?"

"How can a production crew like this produce anything watchable? I really misjudged Director Han and Bai Lu; you are both accomplices."

"..."

As Zhang Wen looked at the news content, his face grew increasingly grim. His fingers swiped rapidly across the phone screen, and his eyes grew colder and colder.

"Wasn't Song Haoran's matter already closed? Why is it being brought up again now?" Bai Lu asked in confusion.

"Is that even a question? Someone must be pulling the strings behind the scenes!" Zhang Wen said with a sneer.

"Huh?" Bai Lu was a little confused.

Is someone sabotaging us?

She knew that the last time Song Haoran trended on social media, it was because her boyfriend was behind it. But the company had already terminated its contract with Song Haoran, and her boyfriend had long since given up. So who would it be this time?

“Song Haoran’s reputation is already ruined. All his endorsements have terminated their contracts with him and even demanded compensation. He’s like a rat in the street now. Who would still do this to him?” Bai Lu asked in confusion.

“This isn’t targeting Song Haoran, but the entire production team, the TV series ‘Perfect Days,’ and even the director and you,” Zhang Wen said.

Bai Lu was taken aback. Looking at the headlines again, they were indeed all related to the film crew.

This is a smear campaign against the production team!
"Who is it? Could it be Song Haoran trying to take us all down with him?" Bai Lu asked worriedly.

“He doesn’t have the guts. If I’m not mistaken, it should be Li Lehua,” Zhang Wen said coldly.

"Li, Li Lehua? No way?" Bai Lu asked in surprise.

"The transfer agreement was signed at noon, and news of defaming the production team popped up that evening. Who else could it be but her?" Zhang Wen said through gritted teeth.

I originally wanted to save face for each other, but now it seems there's no need!
……

(End of this chapter)