The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 188, "The Accountant Assassin," a spin-off film set in a future cyberpunk world.

……

The 30-second trailer for Pacific Rim was like a bombshell dropped into the summer, causing quite a stir on gaming forums around the world.

The next day, February 7th.

VR gaming glasses featuring the fighting game "Real Steel" have been officially released.

In addition to the 100 million users who pre-ordered, 10 more sales slots were offered on the day of the event.

I thought that with 10 slots available per day, they would most likely not sell out.

After all, a pair of gaming glasses costs as much as $300, and 100,000 slots would cost $30 million, which is close to 200 million RMB.

If you can sell 200 million a day, that's 70 billion a year!
What kind of game can achieve such outrageous sales figures?

"Damn it! I set my alarm for 6 a.m. to try and get the gaming glasses, and I still couldn't get them?"

"London location, I've already snagged one! Haha, Ati, here I come!"

"My British friend upstairs, I'd like to add $100 to the price, plus postage, could you please ship to Los Angeles?"

These VR gaming glasses were already generating a lot of buzz when "Real Steel" was released last Christmas.

However, only one sample appeared online at the time.

Therefore, even though many players were practically drooling with envy, they could only watch the game's official staff exhibiting the products, their mouths watering incessantly.

Today, they finally managed to snag a pair of VR gaming glasses.

It also features the world's first virtual reality fighting game, which is the game version of last year's most popular movie, Real Steel.

Anyone who owns a pair of VR gaming glasses like these would be incredibly cool.

Walking down the street, hands in pockets, VR glasses on, you'll definitely be the coolest guy on the street!
"Boss, our VR gaming glasses are selling like hotcakes. I feel like we can start the Pacific Rim game project ahead of schedule."

In Los Angeles, it was just dawn, but James received a report from his subordinates that the VR gaming glasses that had just been put on the shelves were sold out in less than two minutes.

Moreover, the department in charge of games has been inundated with calls demanding that they increase the number of VR gaming headsets available for sale.

This shows just how popular this gaming headset is.

VR gaming glasses, paired with the hottest virtual reality fighting games!

It is expected that their product will sell very well in the next few years.

The gleaming green knife exudes an alluring fragrance. How many times in a lifetime can one have such a chance to make a fortune?

We must seize this opportunity and make a killing from him!
"Boss, Ubisoft in France is also working overtime on development. It's estimated that the console version of 'Real Steel' will be available for sale by October."

"If nothing unexpected happens, this console game should also be a hit."

"Starting in October, the trailers for Pacific Rim will bombard the world continuously... We have a sufficient publicity budget. If even one country's internet-addicted teenagers haven't heard of this movie, it's my job that's been neglected!"

When "Real Steel" was first released, it was able to be released simultaneously in 30 countries and regions around the world, thanks to Universal Pictures' strong distribution capabilities.

As for the movie "Pacific Rim," James swore to God that he would make sure Lu Zhiyuan received the same treatment as in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."

It should be released simultaneously in at least 54 major countries and regions around the world!
There's absolutely no need to worry about advertising costs.

YT Pictures still has hundreds of millions of dollars sitting in its books.

Aside from the game copyright and merchandise copyright, Real Steel earned the company at least $5 million.

Now, in terms of game copyrights, a second growth curve is beginning to emerge.

It's simply too exaggerated!
To date, it has sold over 3 million US dollars, at least half of which is profit.

Sci-fi movie series are definitely profitable!

LeBron James absolutely loves this feeling of making a fortune!
If he had stayed at Focus Features making art films, he probably would never have experienced this feeling of making money.

“James, you should report these things to President Zhao. She is the real boss. I'm only in charge of making movies.”

Lu Zhiyuan wasn't very interested in these business matters.

After a brief inquiry, he learned that the movie had made a lot of money, and that the company would fully support him no matter what he wanted to film next.

James would just listen to that kind of flattery and then forget about it; he wouldn't take it to heart at all.

Because he knew very well that if he had a sudden urge to be an art film madman and recklessly made a flop, the entire company would immediately distrust him.

Building trust is difficult.

Destroying it, however, is very simple.

As a director, whether you're making commercial films or art films, you can't afford to experience failure.

"Boss, I am absolutely loyal to you. Miss Zhao is just the company's nominal boss. But everyone in our company is absolutely certain that you will become the GOAT of film history!"

Great set of all time...GOAT, translated into Chinese, means the greatest of all time!
"Shut up!"

"I don't like bragging, nor do I like sycophants."

"Do your job well."

While being hailed as the best film director in history is an honor that Lu Zhiyuan has always pursued, given his current level, it would be a stretch to call him the number one Chinese film director.

How dare they call themselves the best in history?
It's laughable.

……

In Los Angeles, James was scolded by Lu Zhiyuan, but he wasn't angry at all; instead, he laughed.

“I knew it. The boss wanted to pursue the greatest director in history. Schwarzschild even told me that he had a kill list in his notebook.”

"Christopher Nolan is his most recent target to eliminate."

Understanding and appreciating the boss's preferences is an essential skill for any high-level employee.

Otherwise, it's easy to flatter the wrong person.

For James, Lu Zhiyuan was a filmmaking saint who had no bad habits other than being interested in movies.

Hollywood may be glamorous and full of unspoken rules, but there are actually quite a few filmmaking geniuses like Lu Zhiyuan.

For example, Christopher Nolan.

He's that kind of person too.

"Boss, you're not in Hollywood, so you might not know, but Legendary Pictures is already regretting it. They should have accepted Wanda's investment."

For Hollywood locals like James, the fact that the Chinese conglomerate behind Lu Zhiyuan wants to enter Hollywood is actually a good thing.

This is equivalent to the entire industry having incremental capital.

This is definitely good news for industry practitioners, as it can expand the industry's capacity and allow them to get a raise when changing jobs.

Originally, Lu Zhiyuan and his team wanted Legendary Pictures.

Unfortunately, Legendary Pictures' offer was too high, scaring away Wanda and other investors. Instead, they partnered with Universal Pictures to form an independent studio, which is now YT Pictures!

In less than two years, YT Pictures' valuation has become almost the same as Legendary Pictures'.

People at Legendary Pictures have privately fantasized about what would have happened if they hadn't chosen to sell the company, but instead brought in Wanda Group to become their largest or second-largest shareholder.

In that case, wouldn't they have Nolan and Lu Zhiyuan, two great directors of science fiction films?

Spielberg and James Cameron, if they don't intervene, could even rival the seemingly invincible Disney if they joined forces.

such a pity.

……

Yanjing City.

Since the Lunar New Year, "Palace" has become a hit, and in the following six months, Yang Mi has been working non-stop, taking on many movies and TV series.

In addition, there are many other business activities.

She went from a promising young actress to a top-tier celebrity, earning a fortune.

After getting the money, she immediately bought a luxury house in the East Fourth Ring Road area and moved in overnight.

Because she had simply had enough of the old neighborhoods on Guangyi Street.

"Sister Zeng, Ruoyao, welcome to my home. Thank you both for your help all this time. I'd like to propose a toast to you both."

After moving into the new house, Yang Mi invited Zeng Jia and Zhao Ruoyao, her two good partners, over for a home-cooked meal.

Besides eating, the most important thing is that Yang Mi has a new plan and is going to talk things out with the two of them.

Zeng Jia tries to convince herself to open a studio every day.

However, she wants to own the majority of the studio's shares.

Yang Mi originally had no choice, after all, Zeng Jia had been her agent when she was with Rong Xinda, had been in the industry for many years, and had a wide network of connections.

She was able to get in touch with Mei Ya thanks to Zeng Jia's matchmaking.

After all, Zeng Jiaxian switched jobs to Mei Ya and became the artist director.

Yang Mi always felt that Zeng Jia was forward-thinking and had helped her at a crucial moment, so she was very grateful to Zeng Jia.

Right now, she wanted to run to Dilraba's studio and start working for Lu Zhiyuan, but she actually felt a little guilty about it.

"Sister Honey, is there something you want to tell us?"

Zeng Jia remained silent. Zhao Ruoyao, as Zeng Jia's assistant and Yang Mi's executive agent, had the lowest status among the three, so only she could speak at this moment.

In fact, it has already spread throughout the industry.

Miss Jing Tian recruited Yang Mi.

Otherwise, how could Yang Mi have been cast as the female lead in Su Lun's "How Long Will I Love U"?
This is not one of those third-rate movies made by those flops of Hong Kong directors.

Although Su Lun is not very famous, the producer of this film is the world-renowned director Lu Zhiyuan!

Since Lu Zhiyuan dared to stand up and endorse the film, it at least proves that the film's quality is definitely acceptable.

In Hollywood, this is nothing special.

However, if this were made in China, it would definitely be considered a high-quality urban romance film.

"Ruoyao, Sister Zeng, you must have heard. That's right, I've decided to join Reba's studio. This studio will soon be established as an independent cultural media company."

“Yuankun Media will be the largest shareholder, Dilraba will be the second largest shareholder, and I will also receive some shares as an artist shareholder.”

Since she was going to be working for someone else anyway, Yang Mi thought it over and over and decided that instead of partnering with Zeng Jia to start a company, she might as well work for the famous director Lu Zhiyuan.

Yang Mi was very happy.

At least, if I want to make movies in the future, no one will inexplicably blacklist me anymore.

The next time I run into Chen Kaige and his wife, that famous director's wife won't scold me for no reason... After all, I have someone to rely on now.

Just thinking about it is amazing.

"Sister Zeng, Ruoyao, if you'd like, you can join Dilraba's studio with me. Dilraba would also like to welcome you."

Yang Mi felt she had made herself very clear.

I'm already planning to switch jobs to Dilraba's company anyway, so out of consideration for our past relationship, I can bring both of them over with me.

But if Zeng Jia and Zhao Ruoyao have ulterior motives, then I won't say anything more.

Mountains may be high and rivers may be long, but we'll meet again in the world of martial arts.

This meal was a farewell banquet.

At that moment, Zeng Jia and Zhao Ruoyao exchanged a glance and cursed inwardly at the same time.

Damn!

The money tree I painstakingly cultivated has run away with someone else.

However, if the two of them don't join Dilraba Studio with Yang Mi, then they will essentially be unemployed.

What value does an agent have if they don't have any popular celebrities on their team?
All my previous connections are now useless.

The entertainment industry is so realistic.

"Sister Honey, I'll definitely follow you."

Zhao Ruoyao immediately pledged her loyalty, feeling that following the renowned director Lu Zhiyuan meant a guaranteed income regardless of circumstances, with little risk.

If I earn a little less, I'll just consider it as paying insurance premiums.

Seeing that she was about to be left all alone, Zeng Jia could only agree in her heart, but said it very nicely: "Mimi, I'm worried about you going to another company alone. I hope the big director will treat you well. Otherwise, I still think it's easier for me to make decisions on my own."

"Don't worry. Although the big director is aloof and has a sharp tongue, he's very reliable when it comes to getting things done."

Yang Mi is quite confident about this.

The famous director used to have a crush on me, how could he treat me badly?
of course.

There's no need to tell others this, lest they think I'm daydreaming.

"Look, my artsy crush called me."

Not long after they started eating, Yang Mi's phone rang. She showed off to the two of them by pointing to the caller ID.

There's a very imposing note above.

——【GOAT Director Lu Zhiyuan】.

Dog director?
Zeng Jia and Zhao Ruoyao exchanged a glance, both looking somewhat bewildered. What kind of weird nickname is this?

"Ah Yuan, Brother Yuan, Master Yuan... no, President Lu, it's more imposing to call you that. May I ask, President Lu, what are your instructions?"

Once his contract with Meiya expires, he will become Lu Zhiyuan's servant, and everyone will soon become one family.

Yang Mi's voice became more cheerful.

Lu Zhiyuan's first question was: "When will 'Mysterious Island' be released?"

These words instantly made Yang Mi overjoyed.

"Mr. Lu, are you perhaps coming to my premiere? My God! I can't possibly be getting this kind of treatment, can I? Someone slap me across the face and see if I'm dreaming?"

Apart from Chen Kaige's "The Orphan of Zhao", Lu Zhiyuan has never attended anyone's premiere.

The main problem is that I'm not familiar with other people.

Of course, he also has people he knows very well, such as Miss Jing Tian.

But perhaps to avoid suspicion, Jing Tian never invited Lu Zhiyuan to the premiere of any of the movies she starred in.

Lu Zhiyuan didn't immediately respond to Yang Mi's wishful thinking, but instead asked, "Do you think 'Mysterious Island' is a good movie?"

This made Yang Mi instantly embarrassed.

As someone working in the film and television industry, Yang Mi still has basic aesthetic sense.

This is a terrible movie.

The biggest highlight of the entire movie is her own figure.

After all, the production cost was only 500 million, which can be considered a shoddy production! How could she possibly invite a famous director to the premiere of such a terrible film?

"Um, well... haha, the weather's nice today."

Yang Mi gave an awkward laugh and immediately dropped the subject.

Lu Zhiyuan called Yang Mi not to mock her for making bad movies.

Now, he said calmly, "If Meiya arranges another brainless, terrible movie for you, just refuse. Wait until the contract expires. It shouldn't be long, right?"

Yang Mi nodded and said seriously, "It won't be long. It will be over by the end of the year. I won't be taking on any more of their projects during this time."

Lu Zhiyuan has set high standards for himself, which means he's definitely going to take me to shoot a blockbuster film.

For early film actors, this face was extremely valuable.

Aside from movies, those actors rarely even accept commercials; directors don't like having their faces frequently appear in front of the public.

However, in this day and age, advertising endorsements are the main source of income for celebrities, and even if directors have such requirements, they cannot prohibit them.

No bad movies allowed; this is Lu Zhiyuan's bottom line requirement.

"If this involves breach of contract penalties, let Brother Kun help you negotiate. In short, stop making bad movies."

"Because you often act in bad movies, it's easy to ruin your reputation. In that case, it's hard for me to give you roles."

"do you understand me?"

Lu Zhiyuan's films aim to create miracles and break various box office records, so his requirements for actors are naturally also extremely high.

Now, if he wants to make a movie, he can basically choose any actor in the world.

However, as a Chinese director who has finally made a name for himself, he is inclined to take Chinese actors with him so that they can all make money around the world together.

Not to mention, Yang Mi is about to become one of his employees.

It definitely has a high priority.

"Mr. Lu, I understand your good intentions. Don't worry, apart from the movie 'The Great Wudang,' which I have already signed a contract for, I will turn down all the other film contracts that are currently under negotiation."

"In addition, I try to halve my business activities so as not to affect my condition."

“I will make enough time to come to your side, listen to your teachings, and receive your artistic guidance.”

Lu Zhiyuan has a peculiar habit.

If he takes a fancy to a certain actress, he won't think about sleeping with her. Instead, he will take her with him, take her to art exhibitions, travel around the world, and explore the world together.

In this process, one subtly influences the other person's thinking and cultivates their temperament through one's own artistic flair.

Reba and Hanikezi were brought up by him in this way.

As it turns out, his approach has some scientific basis.

However, for actresses on the rise, wasting time going out to play is equivalent to losing a lot of money.

Making the right choices is a true test of an actor's character.

"This is what you said."

"Let me make this clear from the start: if you dare to work on another project while I'm working here, you're dead."

Lu Zhiyuan's threat was not just empty talk.

I can't say for sure about other things, but if he just says hello to Zhao Shanshan, and Zhao Shanshan then says hello to Wanda, Yang Mi's future movies will most likely not get any screenings from Wanda.

Because Wanda's interests are more deeply intertwined with Lu Zhiyuan's.

Who would dare to cast an actress who has been blacklisted by Asia's top cinema chain?

"Mr. Lu, please don't scare me. How could I dare to take on your film?"

Yang Mi really hadn't thought of that.

If Lu Zhiyuan kicks her out of the crew, it would be tantamount to her becoming a huge joke in front of the entire entertainment industry.

She still wants to lose face.

"After the release of 'Mysterious Island,' can you take two months off, stop doing business deals, and stop trying to become a singer? Just come to my company every day. Can you do that?"

Yang Mi's acting skills are very poor.

Compared to Liu Shishi, she only had brighter eyes and looked smarter and more cunning.

Although Liu Shishi is blind, she has a great sense of atmosphere when she cries, and she is very expressive when playing characters who are half-dead.

In this respect, they have won another round.

At the same time, both actresses delivered their lines poorly. Liu Shishi lacked vocal power, and Yang Mi's voice was noticeably nasal, making it easy for viewers to lose immersion in the story.

It's really despairing.

Lu Zhiyuan could only use the same patience he had when he was training Hanikezi, keeping Yang Mi by his side and constantly helping her correct her bad habits.

At the very least, we need to make sure she doesn't break character.

"no problem!"

"Mr. Lu, I'll come to the company tomorrow to serve you tea and water."

Yang Mi never imagined that "Mysterious Island" would achieve a box office of 500 million yuan with a production cost of 9000 million yuan.

This box office performance surpasses that of Lu Zhiyuan's "The Coffin in the Mountain," which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and generated significant public buzz.

It's as if Yang Mi alone, relying on her figure, achieved a box office miracle.

It can only be said that Yang Mi was indeed very popular in 2011.

……

7 month 12 day.

The film "Mysterious Island" was released and grossed 1246 million yuan on its opening day, shocking everyone.

"It's over!"

"The movie actually became a hit!"

When Yang Mi heard the news, she was stunned for a long time.

I really never expected this.

The filming of "Mysterious Island" took less than two weeks from start to finish. How could such a terrible movie achieve such high box office?

With a box office of over 10 million on its opening day, it is very likely to exceed 100 million under normal circumstances.

Yang Mi remembers clearly that two years ago, "Crazy Racer" grossed over 100 million yuan, and the media praised Ning Hao, calling him a genius director.

Now things are looking up; I'm probably about to achieve something terrifying.

"Honey, I've received a lot of business calls and they're asking if you have time?"

Because the movie became a hit, Yang Mi showed off her figure in "Mysterious Island," earning her the nickname "Big Honey."

Yang Mi was bombarded with a barrage of advertising endorsements and business opportunities.

It almost knocked her unconscious.

However, Yang Mi suddenly remembered that she had promised Lu Zhiyuan that for the next two months, she would do nothing but go to Lu Zhiyuan's side and receive artistic inspiration from the famous director.

What to do now?
Watching the money slip away, Yang Mi felt as if her heart was being torn apart.

"It's a hallucination, it must be a hallucination."

"Maybe the box office figures are inflated. The truth will be revealed the next day, and the film will flop."

"That's exactly what Miss Jing Tian's 'Warring States' is like. It was a flash in the pan, then it crashed into the Mariana Trench and was ridiculed for a long time."

Yang Mi could only prepare herself mentally in advance.

Hopefully, "Mysterious Island" will flop, which would be fair to the film's production costs and the director's skill.

But things didn't go as planned.

The box office for "Mysterious Island" surged to 2200 million yuan on its second day. On the third day, it didn't drop much, stabilizing at 2100 million yuan.

The box office reached a staggering 5600 million yuan in its opening weekend! It's unbelievable!
Although, compared to real blockbusters, the opening weekend box office of 5600 million is negligible.

But this is a super terrible movie with a production cost of 500 million, a shooting time of less than two weeks, and a director who doesn't even exist!

"Honey, you have no idea how popular you are!"

"Since the contract with Yuankun Media hasn't been officially signed yet, why don't you reconsider?"

"So what if the other person is a famous director? You're not the same person you used to be. You're a true top star now!"

"You should make all the money you could in your lifetime in these two or three years. After that, whether you become a star or a complete flop, you can relax at home and do nothing... My advice is to strike while the iron is hot and make a killing in the next two months!"

"I've calculated it for you. If you run all the gigs, you can earn at least 2000 million in two months!"

As Yang Mi's agent, Zeng Jia can take a cut of any of Yang Mi's commercial endorsements.

Deep down, she hoped that Yang Mi wouldn't listen to Lu Zhiyuan and would focus on making the money she deserved, which was the right thing to do at this stage.

As for Lu Zhiyuan's empty promises, whoever wants to eat them can go ahead and eat them.

"This……"

Yang Mi started to feel conflicted.

On one hand, there's a bright future. If I'm chosen by a great director, my future is limitless. But the future is unpredictable; nobody knows what will happen.

On the other hand, there are tangible business endorsements that are readily available and attainable. With just two months of hard work, one can earn 2000 million.

How am I supposed to choose?
……

"Zhiyuan, you look very handsome in those black-rimmed glasses."

Having just finished filming "The Legend of the Feast at Hongmen", Liu Yifei came to Yuankun Media, wanting to invite Lu Zhiyuan for coffee.

After declining Lu Zhiyuan's invitation, Liu Yifei suddenly felt relaxed.

That's how friendships should be: just casual acquaintances, no vested interests involved, drinking, eating, and visiting art exhibitions—that's the most relaxing way.

Once work and interests are involved, things become impure.

She still prefers this relaxed atmosphere.

At that moment, after she entered Yuankun Media, she saw that only Lu Zhiyuan was in the company. Lu Zhiyuan was wearing black-rimmed glasses and holding a notebook in his hand.

Lu Zhiyuan clearly doesn't need glasses, so why does he wear black-rimmed glasses?
Even if you want to look cool.

He's the only one in the company, who is he putting on an act for?

Surely it's not just for my benefit, a show for myself?
"Huh? You're checking the accounts? Isn't this the kind of thing Kun usually does for you? Could it be that you're doubting Kun?"

Thinking about this, Liu Yifei's mind immediately filled with endless gossip.

"It's not an audit."

"I'm just looking for a feeling."

Lu Zhiyuan put down the ledger, took off his black-rimmed glasses, and looked up at Liu Yifei: "You know the profession of accountant, right? They deal with ledgers every day."

"I know."

Liu Yifei nodded: "Accountants and lawyers, I deal with these two kinds of people all the time. They are very difficult to deal with, and their fees are very high."

Lu Zhiyuan couldn't help but laugh.

Legal and accounting fees are unavoidable expenses for American households.

Ordinary Chinese workers rarely have these two kinds of expenses.

"Oh, I see. You're making a new movie! Is the main character an accountant? But being an accountant is just his cover; his real identity is... an AI robot?"

Liu Yifei suddenly had a flash of inspiration, thought of something, and then covered her mouth and burst into laughter.

Lu Zhiyuan's nickname is "Robot" because he especially likes to film robots in movies, and he does it exceptionally well.

"You are really smart."

To Liu Yifei's surprise, Lu Zhiyuan nodded and admitted: "I want to make a spin-off movie for the Pacific Rim series."

"Otherwise, this future cyber world would be somewhat hollow."

"I hope that, like Marvel, we can add some spin-off characters to this world."

"Just now, Brother Kun tossed me a ledger and asked me to take a look at the company's expenses. He hoped I would spend more money, otherwise, if our company's income is too high and our expenses are too low, it would make other companies of the same type seem useless."

"So I thought, in the cyber world, what kind of people are the best at accounting? Of course, it's those AI robots."

"But those AI robots possess terrifying combat capabilities, so how could they be content to be just accountants? Therefore, he must have a side job."

"The Accountant Assassin is a spin-off film I'm going to make."

After completing the trilogy, Lu Zhiyuan planned to wait a year or two for the sequel, Pacific Rim 2, to allow the market to digest the information.

Otherwise, releasing movie sequels too quickly will bore the audience.

However, he needs to keep the audience in suspense at all times, so making a spin-off movie is necessary.

For spin-off films, box office revenue doesn't need to be too high.

Just like with "Thor," as long as it breaks even at the box office, that's fine.

The profits mainly come from the copyright of derivative products.

The production cost of "Thor" was $1.5 million, while the spin-off film he needed to make, "The Accountant," only cost $3000 million.

Even if he loses everything, he doesn't care.

"An accountant, wearing black-rimmed glasses, meticulous, calm and detail-oriented... Do you think I fit the bill?"

Liu Yifei took the black-rimmed glasses from Lu Zhiyuan's table, put them on her nose, and then smiled at Lu Zhiyuan.

At first, Lu Zhiyuan didn't know why she was laughing.

But soon, he knew.

Suddenly, Liu Yifei put her hands behind her ears and stylishly tossed her long black hair behind her head.

"Am I cold enough? Professional enough? Do I meet your requirements for the role?"

Liu Yifei became increasingly unrestrained in front of Lu Zhiyuan, no longer pretending to be a goddess and starting to act like a crazy woman.

Lu Zhiyuan carefully examined Liu Yifei, noticing her black-rimmed glasses, and shook his head slightly: "What an accountant needs is calmness, intellect, and the ability to inspire trust."

"But your sequined outfit... I don't know how to describe it. In short, this is not an accountant's everyday attire."

“Peter Marx’s pop art lines and psychedelic style are interesting, but when paired with clothing, they always feel a bit ostentatious.”

"Ms. Liu Yifei, please pass on the above message to your stylist. Tell them to be careful not to release you in sequined outfits again."

"It really gives people a feeling of light pollution."

Who's being called pretentious?

Who is being accused of light pollution?

I think you want to die!

Liu Yifei stomped her feet in anger, wishing she could transform into a minotaur and smash her head against Lu Zhiyuan to death.

"How can someone like you find a girlfriend? I really admire Miss Jing Tian, ​​how can she put up with you?"

Lu Zhiyuan was criticizing himself, and Liu Yifei didn't hold back either; she had to criticize back to make it fair.

Anyway, she couldn't get anything from Lu Zhiyuan.

After venting her frustrations, she felt incredibly satisfied.

Looking across the entire entertainment industry, who dares to criticize the renowned director Lu Zhiyuan like this?

Only I, Liu Yifei, have enough influence.

"Robot, it's almost time. Want to eat? There's a new Michelin-starred French restaurant that just opened on the next street. I'll treat you to a five-course set meal."

For top chefs, guests don't need to order casually.

Just tell the chef how many dishes you want to eat today.

The chef will make arrangements based on the ingredients he has.

After all, top chefs are definitely more professional than their guests when it comes to dining.

"Next time. I'll treat you next time."

Lu Zhiyuan was about to get up and go to the dinner appointment when his phone suddenly vibrated and a text message from Yang Mi popped up.

He had no choice but to refuse Liu Yifei.

"A Michelin-starred French meal? You think I just invite anyone to eat like that? You're a really problematic person."

Although Liu Yifei complained, she thought to herself that Lu Zhiyuan was probably worried about things going wrong.

After all, Miss Jing Tian is currently filming outside. If Lu Zhiyuan were to have a lavish meal with her at a Michelin-starred restaurant and then be photographed by paparazzi...

The Shaanxi-style aged vinegar in his house is so potent it's practically exploding.

"gone."

Liu Yifei swung her bag, turned around, and went downstairs.

She got into the elevator and asked her assistant, muttering, "Is my outfit really that sparkly?"

The assistant nodded subconsciously, then quickly shook her head: "It doesn't flicker, it's just right."

Liu Yifei turned her head and looked at her assistant with a smile: "Tell me, should I believe you, or believe the one in there?"

The assistant only knows how to praise himself.

To be honest, the only one who doesn't understand romance is probably the one inside.

……

Not long after Liu Yifei left.

Yang Mi hesitated for a moment before reporting to Lu Zhiyuan.

She tiptoed into the company and found the entire floor empty, with only Lu Zhiyuan in the huge office.

"Mr. Lu, I've come to serve you tea and water."

Yang Mi went up and greeted them playfully.

She actually struggled with this decision for a long time.

However, when she thought of Dilraba's glamorous life, and then of how she herself would have to do something that would make Lu Zhiyuan look down on her for a mere 2000 million, she hesitated.

She felt that her life couldn't continue like this.

So, she gritted her teeth, ignored Zeng Jia's various attempts to entice her, and went to Lu Zhiyuan's company to make it a fait accompli.

Don't give yourself a chance to regret it.

"Liu Yifei had just left before you arrived. She even wore the black-rimmed glasses you're wearing now."

Lu Zhiyuan took the glass of water that Yang Mi handed him and said in a calm and unhurried tone.

What do you mean?
Liu Yifei just left?
Is she also coming here to serve tea and water?

How can I compete with her?

Which man could resist Liu Yifei's fawning over him?

Lu Zhiyuan had no idea what Yang Mi was thinking. He gestured to her and said, "Sit in my chair and put on these black-rimmed glasses so I can take a good look at you."

what?
What do you mean?
Are you trying to sexually harass me in the office?

So, you like office ladies who wear glasses?
I'm not that kind of person.

But since we're already here, let's see what you're planning to do first!
Lu Zhiyuan's nickname in the martial arts world is "Little Crispy," and Yang Mi has been fighting in the alleys since she was a child, smashing the heads of countless boys her age.

Why would she be afraid of Lu Zhiyuan?

At this moment, she took the pair of black-rimmed glasses from Lu Zhiyuan and sat down casually in Lu Zhiyuan's office chair.

"Pick up the ledger and help me calculate the accounts. I need a result in five minutes. Is there anything wrong with this ledger?"

To Yang Mi's surprise, Lu Zhiyuan didn't engage in any underhanded tactics at all, and actually asked her to settle accounts.

Yang Mi was completely dumbfounded. How would I know how to do this?
"Didn't you hear me? You only have five minutes. I need an answer. This is an interview, do you think I'm joking?"

"If you don't pass this interview, just turn left, take the elevator downstairs, and go home."

Lu Zhiyuan said a few words in a cold tone.

Yang Mi seemed to wake up from a dream and picked up the ledger, pretending to be serious.

She couldn't help but roar inwardly, "What kind of interview is this? I'm an actress, and you want me to do accounting for you?"
I haven't studied that!

Row!
I'll calculate your fortune, until you go bankrupt!

Yang Mi glanced down.

The ledger is real, and it lists a lot of data, some of which are clothing-related expenses, and some are extra expenses of the film crew.

A major expense is the cost of renting a 3D camera.

Depend on!
What kind of crappy camera is this? It costs $3 a day to rent?
The ledger is absolutely genuine; it contains expenses from Yuankun Media and is a collection of bills and reports from the filming of "Pacific Rim".

Yang Mi felt dizzy and her forehead was slightly sweaty from watching.

She was a little lost at first, but as the expenses in the ledger were things she had come into contact with before, she gradually became familiar with them.

We've really entered the accounting phase.

She has always been good at math since she was a child, and this ledger is actually quite simple. After all, Lu Zhiyuan himself is not an accountant, and Xin Yukun just showed him the general data.

Actually, it was just to give him a little pleasure.

Looking at how much money the company spent and how much money it made last year, Lu Zhiyuan, as the big boss, should feel a great sense of accomplishment.

"Dude, you spent so much money to make 'Pacific Rim'? The Jaeger crew alone cost $2000 million?"

"You spent $500 million to shoot just 15 seconds of footage in Iceland?"

Although Yang Mi hadn't calculated the bill clearly, she was truly dumbfounded by the list of expenses.

spendthrift!
What a spendthrift!

Zeng Jia almost broke her promise to Lu Zhiyuan in order to earn an extra 2000 million RMB.

As it turns out, they spent $500 million just to film one scene that felt right.

The differences between people are truly enormous.

"Don't stare so wide-eyed, tone it down."

"Your overall facial contours are three-dimensional without being overly rounded, with a small, slightly tucked chin that, combined with your smooth oval face, makes you look youthful yet refined."

"But you need to be careful about the range of your facial expressions."

"You're staring so wide-eyed and your mouth is slightly open, like a childish little devil."

Lu Zhiyuan stared coldly at her face like a robot, and Yang Mi thought she had found evidence that he had a crush on her.

To everyone's surprise, the moment he opened his mouth, Yang Mi's vision went black.

coming!

He analyzed Gao Yuanyuan in the same way back then, and finally delivered a fatal blow to her.

I hope he'll be gentle with me and not say anything too hurtful.

Otherwise, I'll just suffocate him with my chest!

"Honey, you're really annoying me."

“I used to think your peach blossom eyes were beautiful and charming. However, this is completely at odds with the role I prepared for you.”

"Your charming peach blossom eyes and upturned eyeliner are too playful."

"I don't need that feeling."

"Could you be a little more reserved with your gaze? When you look at me, don't give me that seductive look."

Fortunately, there were only the two of them in the office.

Otherwise, Yang Mi felt that she would be in a situation where she couldn't clear her name even if she jumped into the Yellow River.

Who seduced you?
That's always how I see people.

You're the one with something to hide, don't wrongly accuse your mother!
"Honey, could you go get your makeup redone?"

"Use earth-toned eyeshadow, such as gray-brown. In addition, change the eyeliner to an inner eyeliner, extending it horizontally by about one millimeter at the outer corner of the eye to soften the upward curve of the corner."

"The upward curve of the corners of your eyes makes you look just like a fox spirit."

"I don't need that feeling."

Lu Zhiyuan didn't make fun of himself, but only said that he looked like a fox spirit, which made Yang Mi feel strange.

and many more.

At that moment, Yang Mi suddenly remembered that Lu Zhiyuan had just said that this was an interview.

Upon thinking of this, Yang Mi immediately cleared her mind of all her complaints and hurriedly took out a makeup box from her bag.

"No need to go to the bathroom, just do your makeup here."

"I watched you put on makeup."

Seeing that Yang Mi was about to get up and leave, Lu Zhiyuan pressed down on her shoulder, telling her not to worry about these trivial matters and to just do it here.

"Hurry up and get it done, stop looking at me."

Lu Zhiyuan stepped back two meters, leaned back in an office chair, and held a glass of water in his hand. He drank the water while silently watching Yang Mi.

Yang Mi felt uncomfortable under their gaze, but she still gritted her teeth and started changing her makeup.

About 10 minutes later.

Her eye makeup was changed according to Lu Zhiyuan's requirements.

"Not bad, you've toned it down a bit."

"Also, your eyes should convey calmness and focus. Look at me, I'll teach you... Here's a little trick, pretend you're a camera."

"When you look at me, imagine the focusing process of a camera, simulate that feeling, and slightly narrow your eyes to show the sensation of your pupils contracting."

"Don't blink."

"Hold on for more than 10 seconds, staring at my finger. Focus, stay focused, and don't let your eyes wander."

"Slightly tuck your chin in, yes, just a little bit, to give your face a slight sense of relaxation. Don't open your mouth wide, keep it naturally closed. Don't tense it up too much."

"Think back to when I was a child, the classroom was incredibly noisy, and the teacher stood on the podium, gazing intently at everyone... that atmosphere, that restraint and rationality."

"Did you feel it?"

"so beautiful."

"I should give you a close-up, then you'll see how good your eye acting was just now!"

Yang Mi's acting skills may be poor, but her eyes are truly expressive.

With proper guidance, she might become a master of eye contact, on par with Zhou Xun.

"Take a break, my accountant."

"Remember this feeling today."

"For the next two months, I will train you continuously until you meet my requirements... If your performance exceeds my expectations, I will give you a surprise."

After Lu Zhiyuan finished speaking, he gave Yang Mi a drawing.

"This is Seurat's world-famous painting, 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.' With this painting, he brought the Impressionist era to a close."

"When you get back, take a good look at this painting... If you can understand it, one day you will surpass Zhou Xun!"

Can I, Yang Mi, surpass Zhou Xun?
real or fake?

As someone in the industry, Yang Mi is very clear about how strong Zhou Xun's acting skills are.

Zhou Xun's acting skills are not something she learned later in life, but rather a pure talent, as if she were born with them.

It is essentially a work of art.

Yang Mi's requirement for herself is simply to be a qualified product, someone who is willing to make the audience buy her products; that's enough.

However, the famous director said he could surpass Zhou Xun.

Whether it succeeds or fails... please allow me to have a beautiful dream first! Hopefully, I'll never wake up from this dream!

……

Yang Mi was easily fooled by Lu Zhiyuan, and with the painting in her hand, she walked away with light steps.

After returning home, she suddenly realized something.

"Seurat, did he bring an end to Impressionism?"

"Impressionism, isn't that just Monet's school of thought?"

Monet is arguably the most brilliant painter in the world. Even someone like Yang Mi, who doesn't know much about the art world, has heard of Monet.

But who is Seurat?
What makes him capable of ending Impressionism?

Yang Mi was completely baffled, but since she had a computer, she could search online.

She received her answer shortly afterward.

—Impressionism liberated the senses. Seurat, on the other hand, only recognized methods based on mathematical and physical laws.

Lu Zhiyuan uses the word "feeling" all the time; it's practically his catchphrase.

Seurat, on the other hand, was an anti-impressionist, an extremely rational person who used mathematics and physics to draw, resulting in paintings full of mechanical feel.

At that moment, Yang Mi suddenly thought of something.

"hateful!"

"Is he trying to tell me that he can't find the feeling in me? So he can only use his aesthetic skills to forcibly mold me into the way he wants me to be?"

Lu Zhiyuan has such a sharp tongue!
If I hadn't been able to search for information online, I probably wouldn't have even known that he would silently criticize me for not being able to connect with him.

It was all for naught that I was so moved on my way back.

Bad guy!

Supervillain!
Once I become a superstar, I'm definitely going to write a memoir about how you used to look down on me!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Thank you to [Pei Yuanqing 13 years old] for becoming the first Alliance Master of this book!
(End of this chapter)