I'm not a drama freak, I can really see through the script

Chapter 246, Liu Dehua: I'm about to gain a monstrous genius-level strategic partner!
This round.

Li Xuan can be considered the biggest beneficiary on the surface.

As an actor, he has benefited immensely from this round of gains.

According to the principal, he can also be considered a leading actor in film, and there are many things that have proven this.

Next, scripts with lead actors should be coming in.

“Actually, you’re already half a main character now. No, strictly speaking, you’re already a main character.” Wang Fengsheng said to Li Xuan at this moment.

Strictly speaking.

Li Xuan is now the main character.

Success only affects what kind of projects you can get next.

What level is it?

How much will he get paid?

What kind of endorsements can they get?

"What kind of projects should I, as the protagonist, take on?" Li Xuan was pondering this question at that moment.

The Myth plus Kung Fu.

These two works directly propelled him to a certain position, a truly significant boost.

The next step involves deciding what kind of project to pursue, and whether that project will boost one's reputation or damage one's credibility. These are all choices to be made.

These are all interesting choices and decisions.

However, for the movie, you'll have to wait a little while.

Next, I'll be filming a TV series, which should be Liu Guanglong's "Plot Against".

It's a rather simple-sounding name.

However, spy dramas of this era did not have any fancy names. Perhaps this tradition was passed down to later generations, and the names of spy dramas are relatively simple, without so many fancy things.

From a modern perspective, it's quite a riddle.

As for next year's movies...
"I never imagined he could grow to this level; he's truly an unbelievable prodigy."

At this moment, Wang Haiyang of Huayi Brothers was also quite amazed by the scene before him.

He actually managed to get to this point through his own strength and purity. Even the most stubborn person would have no way of denying that Li Xuan is a born genius in the entertainment industry.

He is a natural actor.

A born prodigy.

Looking back at the incident involving him, upon careful consideration, it really was a case of biting a hornet's nest; resources were wasted in the process.

Of course, he didn't have much personal like or dislike for Li Xuan himself; in fact, he admired him more.

However, things don't always go according to one's will. One is merely a cog in a capital machine called Huayi Brothers, where profit is the ultimate goal.

His performance in "The Myth" was truly beyond expectations.

Even Xie Jinfeng couldn't control him.

Of course, the script also played a part. Both "The Promise" and "A Chinese Tall Story" are among the worst films ever made in recent years.

Being utterly defeated can be considered a combination of favorable timing, location, and popular support.

At this time, Wang Haiyang received a message to contact Li Xuan, who was of great value at the moment.

We can pay a premium; it's worth it to buy a horse's bones for a fortune.

"Capital is like that; it doesn't care about feelings, it only cares about pure profit. It doesn't like or hate you, it only distinguishes between value and valuelessness."

When Li Xuan returned home, he heard from Wei Ming that people from Huayi Brothers had come to make contact.

This perfectly matches Li Xuan's stereotypes about capital.

He had already pushed himself to the brink of death, and now he needs to make peace with just one sentence.

"So you're still saying you won't cooperate?"

"We can see if there are any good projects or good roles."

Li Xuan held the same attitude.

If you want to utilize my surplus value, then it depends on your offer, how much money you can offer, and what kind of role you can provide. Let's not talk about ideals or other unrealistic things. When it comes to mutual benefit, we have to agree on a price first.

You want to exploit my value.

And I also need a springboard.

Even if they eventually become enemies, it's because of their shared interests, not because of any sense of propriety; it's just a matter of some hardship.

Capital is even less ethical than Lord Duolong in Wei Xiaobao.

Currently, they have also presented their own solution.

"The Banquet" and "Curse of the Golden Flower".

Both films boast an all-star cast and crew, and regardless of the script, their commercial success is undeniable.

Fifth-generation directors Ma Xiaogang and Zhang Yimou are preparing a major production for next year.

The film "The Banquet" gave the role of Yin Jun.

The role of Yuan Cheng was given to him in "Curse of the Golden Flower".

They were all supporting roles, but frankly, many veteran leading actors don't get the treatment of playing named characters under the direction of these two top directors.

From the perspective of career development planning.

There's no reason to refuse; almost no one would refuse.

There was no reason for Li Xuan, among others, to refuse.

However, Li Xuan smiled when he saw the small additional conditions offered by Huayi Brothers.

damn it.

At this moment, Wang Haiyang was very confident that Li Xuan had agreed to this, and that the treatment he would receive would be absolutely unique.

To be a supporting actor for Zhang Yimou and Ma Xiaogang is a privilege that countless people would offer their wives and children for, and that many would beg for but could never attain. For a young actor, this is an absolutely dizzying level of treatment.

Even if we had any past grievances, we would all succumb to such generous treatment.

It's fair to say that if you act in the works of these two actors, you'll be a top-tier figure in the film industry, which is the ultimate success in the eyes of universal values.

He could be a supporting actor for Ma Xiaogang and Zhang Yimou.

It has already reached the ultimate level of success.

"Within three days, he will invite me for drinks, and then at the table, amidst the clinking of glasses, we will let bygones be bygones. The suppression from back then is just a bit of hardship. As long as he is a mature person, he should know that there are no eternal enemies."

"That's right. For an actor, the conditions you've given are the ultimate path that most actors wouldn't even dare to dream of."

Liu Lian, who was in the same department as him, paused and said, "But you really have high hopes for him. The resources you've secured are basically the maximum value you can offer."

The role of Yin Jun was originally intended for Huang Xiaoming, a star from the class of '96, but it was snatched away and was prepared for Li Xuan.

If I had to say something, it would be quite unexpected.

This cost a lot of money.

No matter what, Li Xuan's stats are still not as good as Huang Xiaoming's, after all, Huang Xiaoming is a big star from the class of '96.

A true prodigy, it would take a considerable price to replace him with resources.

I never expected him to think so highly of Li Xuan.

"I'm a little curious, why do you value him so much?"

At this moment, Liu Lian looked at Wang Haiyang with curiosity.

“You are different from me. Your understanding of Li Xuan comes from recent times.”

Liu Lian nodded. That was indeed the case. He had heard bits and pieces of information about Li Xuan from within the company before, but there was no point in paying much attention to him. Potential was the cheapest and most worthless thing in this era. It was really worthless, especially since he was being suppressed and ostracized by the Beijing elite circle.

In today's era where the Beijing elite circle is dominant, cutting off access to the gold circle means cutting off most of the future prospects in mainland China. It's like putting yourself in a dead end, a path that's practically suicide.

However, this is also where Li Xuan's strength lies. After being severely suppressed, he used the pressure to his advantage, turning the tide and reaching his current position. He has become a troublemaker, someone who is seemingly indestructible and grows stronger with each battle.
However, if capital wants to crush him, it's just crushing an ant. No matter how powerful an individual is, he cannot be separated from the system. Without the system, an individual is just an ant.

It's just that it seems the other party has value now, and there's no profit in crushing him. Liu Lian still knows the company and the logic of capital behavior.

If a certain action stops, it's definitely because there's no profit to be made or a loss has been incurred.

There will be no other reason.

“I can guarantee that if he can join our system, the benefits will definitely outweigh the drawbacks.” Wang Haiyang said leisurely at this moment: “I have witnessed Li Xuan’s rise from his student days, from university to now. I have been watching him. In my eyes, he is someone who has the potential to change the system in the future.”

"That's an exaggeration. You mean he can become someone on the same level as Zhao Yanzi, Zhang Mouzi, and Ma Xiaogang?"

"Yes, that's possible. That's why I spent a fortune to buy horse bones this time. I also trust my judgment and my opinion."

Originally, Wang Haiyang was quite confident.

As a result, they did receive a response and a phone call from Li Xuan.

The response was simple.

Sorry, I cannot.

After listening to the phone call, Wang Haiyang's smile vanished, his face stiffened, and finally he looked astonished and incredulous.

I wondered if I had misheard.

Not really.

No way. Say it again?
reject?

With such excellent qualities, how could you refuse?

"The personal image and future social media account takeover, as well as the personal image IP and advertising value, will all belong to Huayi Brothers. At the same time, the 'superior' condition offered is that future film remuneration will be split 50/50. And that's after tax, plus miscellaneous expenses."

Looking at the contract, Li Xuan couldn't help but chuckle. It wasn't surprising that capital could come up with such a good deal.

Moreover, their attitude is quite high; this is a case of "spending a fortune to buy a horse's bones," and it's a reconciliation with past conflicts.

I thought they'd come up with something good, but they just have this arrogant attitude.

Or perhaps, this is the best and most exceptional treatment that the person I'm dealing with has been able to come up with. I've already split the pay with you 50/50.

This is already the greatest favor we can receive.

In fact, this contract has many traps, the biggest of which is the use of personal image. Fortunately, I am a time traveler and know how terrible this contract is.

You might want a little something from him, but he'll take everything you own.

Ma Xiaogang and Zhang Yimou, this combination of punches is indeed hard for most people to withstand, but I am not an ordinary person. I have seen a lot and I am not so easily tempted by traps.

As expected, the nature of capital remains unchanged.

However, the movie at the end of next year.

That's true.
Ha ha.

When my influence is sufficient.

I don't need to do things that are "win-win".

I can win twice.

At that moment, Li Xuan made a phone call.

"Senior Ning Hao, are you ready?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end.

Then he said with a smile.

Junior, why are you only calling me now?

I'm ready.

My book, "The Mad Stone," is already ready.

We're just waiting for filming to begin.

My talent and scripts have been itching for a long time.

Huang Xiaoming has been feeling a bit anxious lately, especially after the release of Li Xuan's "The Myth," which has intensified that feeling.

That feeling of unwillingness was incredibly intense.

Incredibly intense.

It even created a sense of crisis.

The sense of crisis that arose when facing Li Xuan.

The peak of this sense of crisis came when someone told him that someone wanted to use the role he had reserved at the banquet to recruit Li Xuan.

Damn it, does he even deserve it?

Use the character I'm using for advanced gameplay.

To recruit him?

Isn't this a bit too much?

Isn't that a bit too humiliating?

Xiao Ming was furious.

However, news eventually came that Li Xuan hadn't agreed. Is he really a complete idiot? A supporting role for two top directors like Zhang Yimou and Ma Xiaogang, and he actually got rejected? This Li Xuan is fucking ridiculous.

"Talented, but lacking vision and arrogant."

At this moment, Huang Xiaoming thought, "How dare you be so arrogant?"

Where did you get the guts?
Huayi Brothers is second only to China Film Group in China. Moreover, due to the special nature of China Film Group, Huayi Brothers can act without any restrictions, making it the undisputed number one asset.

Number one in Beijing, number one in China.

Regardless of the reason, it would be extremely foolish to refuse Huayi Brothers' offer, especially when they have shown sincerity.

Arrogance and pride.

That kid is fucking hilarious.

"But now, you should also take our junior brother seriously. He has already proven a lot with his own strength." Next to him was Chen Kun, who had come to have a drink with Huang Xiaoming today. He was going to film Yun Shuiyao next.

The biggest interlude in today's discussion is probably about Li Xuan.

When Li Xuan is mentioned...

At this moment, the calm and collected demeanor on his face had largely disappeared.

He could no longer ignore this junior from the class of 02.

At least in the realm of film.

He really is extraordinary.

The eccentric man was curious: if everyone were the lead actor, who would have better acting skills and a better script to support them, and who would have stronger box office appeal?

In other words, Chen Kun admitted to something.

Junior, you've caught up with us.

The next plan is to film "Plot Against". Before that, I need to read through all the spy novels by Mai Jia.

This author is not obscure at all; he is the father of modern spy novels, equivalent to Jin Yong in spy novels. No, equivalent to Huanzhu Louzhu.

He was a pioneering figure.

The real mountain-opening monster.

Their status was undeniably lofty.

His works are truly amazing.

Aside from espionage and intrigue, there was also the filming of the movie "Buried Alive".

"I'll lend you people, so you won't have to worry about your crew not having anyone available."

"Thank you, Andy Lau."

"You're welcome. Our bet should still be valid, right?"

"That's what Andy Lau said on the other end of the phone," he joked.

"Of course it's effective."

At this moment, Li Xuan smiled slightly: "However, you only have one chance. After this one, you won't have another chance."

"Then I'll wait and see."

This time, we still need Andy Lau's help.

However, this time he raised his demands.

Not only his own "Buried Alive", but also "Crazy Stone".

I've packaged everything together for you to invest in.

Andy Lau's requirements are also very simple: if we win, we can all make money together; if we lose, I don't want anyone else, I just want you.

Compared to Huayi Brothers' contract, the terms Andy Lau offered were practically those of a partner.

If Huayi Brothers was trying to squeeze out their remaining value, then Andy Lau really wanted to collaborate with them and carve out their own niche.

The layout is different.

Unfortunately, Li Xuan still felt that he should cooperate with Andy Lau, be his right-hand man, and start a business together.

The vision is still too narrow.

Or perhaps it's too limiting.

Andy Lau has always cared about Hong Kong, past, present, and future; that's the only place he's attached to.

So cooperation is possible, but creating a shared future is another matter.
But undeniably, despite their different paths, he is indeed a very charming man.

"He will become my strategic partner." At this moment, Andy Lau was in a very good mood, feeling very happy just sitting in his own company.

Lin Jiadong, standing next to him, had a strange look on his face.

"Your expression is just like that of a woman who has been drooling over you in a bar, finally getting into your car. That lewd look is exactly the same."

Lin Jiadong found it a bit unbelievable. He never expected that one day he would be able to read a lewd expression on Liu Dehua's face. This in itself was a very unbelievable thing.

"Don't put it so harshly. If you said the goddess got into my luxury car, that would be a more accurate description."

At this moment, Andy Lau smiled slightly.

"This goddess is intelligent, beautiful, and has extraordinary talent. She is the envy of everyone, but she doesn't have much experience. She is too young and impatient. She wants to make a profit in her first movie. But it's not that simple. From actor to director, from director to producer, these are all paths that must be taken step by step. It's not something that can be done easily."

Liu Dehua felt that Li Xuan's ideas were too idealistic and too presumptuous.

The way this world works is not that simple.

The operation of the film market is not that simple.

But you only realize the value of some losses after you've suffered them yourself.

At least for now.

Li Xuan suffered this loss.

For Andy Lau, this is a good thing, isn't it?

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but laugh out loud.

After speaking with Andy Lau on the phone, arrangements were made regarding the live burial and the mad stone incident.

Andy Lau was responsible for assembling the crew and securing investment. He was in charge of mobilizing all resources except for filming. Of course, as a gamble, if they lost this time, they would have to sell themselves to Andy Lau and become his strategic partner.

After doing all this, we prepared to set off to film "The Assassination." Before that, we had to keep an appointment at another location.
Before filming the assassination, they had to go on a date first.

As for the person you're dating.

Li Xuan looked at the girl in front of him, dressed in a pure white dress, who had been waiting for a long time.

The girl had been waiting here for a long time.

His eyes seemed to be gazing into the distance, as if he were still somewhat anxious and uncertain.
(End of this chapter)