The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 207 The £1800 million Water Lilies, this is my dowry!

……

"That's all for now. Meeting adjourned!"

After finishing their business, everyone left.

"Hey bro, let's go out for dinner."

Xin Yukun did not speak at all during the meeting.

What's there to say?

Those glamorous businesses are not worth evaluating at all.

Besides, he doesn't own any shares.

As for YT Pictures... he probably indirectly holds about 1% of the shares.

With such a tiny share, his say is practically zero; any words he utters are meaningless. He might as well fully support Lu Zhiyuan.

While Lu Zhiyuan eats meat, at least he can have a sip of soup.

After the meeting, Xin Yukun immediately pulled Lu Zhiyuan away.

……

Inside the office.

Zhao Shanshan looked at Jing Tian and asked with a smile, "Tian Tian, ​​'Time Raiders' is about to be released. Do you have any special requests for the premiere or anything like that?"

In the original timeline, "Time Raiders" was released on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.

However, in this timeline, during the Chinese New Year, Pacific Rim is showing in theaters and it's impossible for Starlight Entertainment to be competing against itself.

A terrible movie like "Time Raiders" trying to piggyback on the success of "Pacific Rim" and then using the "Ms. T" name for promotion... will not only fail to attract any attention, but will most likely be met with criticism from the audience.

Jing Tian might squander the little bit of goodwill she's built up with the role of Miss T in an instant.

Therefore, Starlight Entertainment arranged for "Time Raiders" to be released after "Pacific Rim" finished its run.

Now, the time is almost right.

"No, no. I don't even want to go to the premiere."

With the iconic role of Miss T, Jing Tian doesn't have particularly high expectations for other film and television dramas; as long as they can solidify her popularity, that's enough.

She absolutely must not take the initiative and damage the image of her classic character, Miss T.

obviously.

In "Time Raiders," her character, Princess Lingzhi, is a stark contrast to Ms. T's aloof and domineering image.

The reputation will definitely not be very good.

Most importantly, her level of trust in the director was almost zero.

"Tian Tian, ​​as the female lead of the movie, and given your recent popularity, wouldn't it be inappropriate if you didn't attend the premiere?"

Zhao Shanshan also knew that "Time Raiders" was likely to be a flop.

Because the director of this movie was a complete novice.

They tried to emulate Stephen Chow's nonsensical style, but ended up with a hodgepodge that's barely recognizable as a movie; the quality is about the same as a web series.

If this kind of nonsensical comedy film were made in the 90s, it might have fooled some viewers.

But it's already 2012.

Audiences have been bombarded with Hollywood blockbusters for years, and their aesthetic standards have long since risen. Even sci-fi blockbusters with a super high level of realism like Pacific Rim can no longer satisfy the audience's ever-increasing demands for movies.

Not to mention cheap comedies like "Time Raiders".

Some people might even think that watching pirated content is a waste of time.

"Alright then. But I'll only do two shows at most. Xi'an and Beijing, I'll hold a fan meeting."

Jing Tian thought about it for a moment and reluctantly agreed.

"Okay, I'll arrange it. We'll release it before the Lantern Festival. If the movie gets good reviews, it should be able to attract some box office revenue on Valentine's Day."

Zhao Shanshan didn't have any expectations for this movie.

You're losing money.

Losing money is no big deal.

For low-budget films like this, she could keep Miss Jing Tian filming from the beginning of the year to the end, until she was sick of it.

How much money can we lose?
At most, a single film will lose 2000 million.

For the current star-studded lineup, it's just a small amount of money.

……

"Brother Kun, why did you bring me here?"

After calling Lu Zhiyuan out, Xin Yukun didn't take him to eat at all. Instead, he stepped on the gas, turned two corners, and arrived at the foot of the Yuangao Technology Building.

“My dear brother Yuan, you’re a star. You’re not a shareholder, yet you traveled all this way to listen to their meeting and discuss how to divide the money.”

"But don't forget, you own 30% of Yuan Technology, making you the second-largest shareholder."

"Even though you, as the second largest shareholder, don't care about this company at all, you still have to show up when the company holds a shareholders' meeting, right?"

Lu Zhiyuan essentially got the shares of Yuang Technology for free.

Because the initial funding for the company's development was provided by Gao Yuanyuan. The company's technical team was brought over by Gao Yuanyuan's older brother.

Lu Zhiyuan was just the organizer.

of course.

Lu Zhiyuan has also made significant contributions to the company.

Leveraging his reputation as an internationally renowned director, he helped the company sell a large number of robotic dogs, enabling the company to become profitable within two years.

Although the earnings are not much, only tens of millions a year.

Lu Zhiyuan's 30% stake would only net him 300 million... No wonder he wouldn't care about such a small amount of money.

However, the significance of this company lies not in making money.

Instead, it helped Lu Zhiyuan to better shoot his robot movie... During the filming process, the company provided a lot of real and detailed data, which helped Lu Zhiyuan's robot movie become full of detail.

In conclusion, this company is of strategic significance to Lu Zhiyuan.

Unfortunately, because of Gao Yuanyuan, Lu Zhiyuan hasn't visited the company for almost a year and a half since filming "Real Steel".

Thinking about it carefully, it really shouldn't have been done.

"Let's go upstairs. What are you afraid of?"

Xin Yukun put his arm around Lu Zhiyuan's shoulder, telling him to relax, and then pulled him upstairs without saying a word.

……

The two arrived at the conference room.

Because Yuan Technology is a small startup with only a few core management personnel. Furthermore, the meeting room was quite small, so everyone was crammed together.

I don't know who arranged it.

After Lu Zhiyuan came in, there was only one seat left, next to Gao Yuanyuan.

Faced with so many people's gazes, Lu Zhiyuan couldn't show any unusual behavior, so he could only sit down quietly.

Hey!
Gao Yuanyuan still uses the same perfume; it hasn't changed at all.

Poison Girl.

It gives you the feeling of being instantly captivated.

Smelling the perfume, Lu Zhiyuan completely lost track of what the people upstairs were saying.

He was like he had been poisoned.

"This is how the company is doing this year. Overall, the company has thoroughly tested and perfected its business model. Although the current profits are not high, the prospects are promising."

In the past two years, with the global popularity of robot movies like "Transformers" and "Real Steel," high-tech robot dogs have also sold well.

It has even gone international.

After all, their robot dogs are priced at only one-tenth of Boston Dynamics', giving them a very high market competitiveness.

"Mr. Lu, is there anything you'd like to say?"

Gao Yuanyuan's older brother, showing great respect, looked over, hoping Lu Zhiyuan would say a few words.

The company's profitability is entirely due to Lu Zhiyuan's help in advertising.

"Cough cough."

After being gently nudged on the shoulder a few times by Xin Yukun, Lu Zhiyuan came to his senses, cleared his throat, and said a few meaningless pleasantries.

"The company is doing very well, so I, as an outsider, won't say anything. In addition, I would like to express my special thanks to everyone here for their technical support of the movie Pacific Rim."

During the post-production special effects, Far East Technology also sent several programmers to the special effects company [Event Horizon] to discuss with the special effects team for a long time.

The movement pattern of those mech hunters was finally determined.

After all, Far East High Technology has a lot of knowledge about the robot's motion parameters and the detailed working status of the servo motors.

"In that case, meeting adjourned!"

There are still many bugs to fix. Gao Yuanyuan's older brother has no time to chat with Lu Zhiyuan in the office.

This task of entertaining guests was naturally left to his sister.

That is, Gao Yuanyuan, the major shareholder of Yuangao Technology!
……

"Brother, I'll wait for you outside."

Xin Yukun patted Lu Zhiyuan on the shoulder, asking him to stay a little longer.

It was obvious that Gao Yuanyuan had something to say to him.

After everyone else left, Gao Yuanyuan glanced at Lu Zhiyuan, then suddenly stood up and took off her coat.

"what are you doing?"

Lu Zhiyuan immediately tensed up.

Gao Yuanyuan chuckled lightly, a teasing look on her face: "Are you nervous to see me? This is the company conference room, what could I possibly do to you? Besides, you're a grown man, what are you afraid of?"

Gao Yuanyuan took off her coat while flipping her hair.

For some reason, even though she only made some simple little gestures, they always exuded femininity and were captivating.

Lu Zhiyuan stood to the side, watching quietly without saying a word.

At this moment, Gao Yuanyuan straightened her clothes, put her coat back on, and turned to look at Lu Zhiyuan with a smile: "Zhiyuan, have you ever heard a quote from Shakespeare?"

"If a person thinks too much, he will lose the joy of being human."

Good guy.

After holding it in for a year, she finally couldn't resist and found another Shakespearean quote to retaliate against Lu Zhiyuan.

This woman has a rather strong competitive spirit.

"Xiao Gao, are you sure you want to talk to me about Shakespeare?"

Lu Zhiyuan couldn't help but want to laugh.

Gao Yuanyuan had lost countless times to her own attacks, but she was not discouraged at all and kept fighting despite repeated defeats.

Who gave her the courage?

"I know I can't argue with you. Today, I'll use the most primitive method."

At this moment, Gao Yuanyuan gave Lu Zhiyuan no chance to retaliate and went straight up and grabbed Lu Zhiyuan's collar.

Eyes facing each other.

Both of their pupils were flashing.

Gao Yuanyuan parted her red lips slightly, stared at Lu Zhiyuan, and spoke again: "I believe that the human heart, like a rock, can be worn through by dripping water."

"When you look at me, your eyes are darting away... You're saying things you don't mean, but your hands are behaving honestly."

Looking down at Lu Zhiyuan's hands, Gao Yuanyuan chuckled softly, a half-smile playing on her lips: "Do they feel comfortable to touch?"

Depend on!
You suddenly rush up and grab my neck, what can I do with my hands?
Of course, it was an instinctive reaction to push you away.

Since we're going to push it away, of course we have to push it forward... You can't blame me for that, right?
At that moment, Lu Zhiyuan didn't know whether he should remove those hands from Gao Yuanyuan's chest.

"It's okay, go ahead and touch it. I don't mind."

"Online, some people mock me for reaching the age where I'm like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Yes, I admit it. I am at the age where I'm like a wolf in sheep's clothing, but all I want to do is eat you."

Gao Yuanyuan said a few particularly explicit things.

This left Lu Zhiyuan speechless.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Gao Yuanyuan stood on tiptoe and wrapped her arms around Lu Zhiyuan's neck.

"As Shakespeare once said, love is like charcoal; once it's lit, you have to find a way to cool it down. Otherwise, if you let it burn unchecked, it will burn my heart to the point of being scarred."

Seeing you once should at least let me cool down a bit. Otherwise, I'll be in a daze every day and won't know how to get through the days.

“Two months ago, I was filming ‘Caught in the Web’ with director Chen Kaige. Every time I filmed scenes related to cyberbullying, I would immediately think of those things, and my mind would be filled with the image of you calling me stupid.”

"Back then, the whole world doubted me, but you believed in me steadfastly. I even tried to close my eyes tightly and forget you completely."

"But when I'm lost in thought, I can't help but think of you."

“Zhiyuan, I swear to God, I have tried so hard to quit you... but in the end, I failed.”

Gao Yuanyuan gave a bitter smile and took a few steps back.

Then, she took out a very well-packaged picture frame from the corner and placed it on the table very carefully.

“Zhiyuan, you were avoiding me before, and you even returned the gifts I sent you.”

"If you knew what I sent you, I believe you would regret it so much that you wish you could turn back time."

Gao Yuanyuan couldn't help but laugh, gesturing to Lu Zhiyuan with her eyes: "Open it and take a look. You should like it."

At this moment, Gao Yuanyuan seemed to have calmed down.

What she just said probably brought out the emotions that had been building up inside her for a long time.

After venting these emotions, based on Lu Zhiyuan's experience, she would likely fall into a state of emptiness.

It is safe for the time being.

"Thank you. Actually, you didn't need to spend money..."

As Lu Zhiyuan spoke, he casually opened the painting.

Everyone knows that he was a failed art student who once aspired to be a painter, but the path to becoming a painter is just too difficult.

He could only settle for the next best thing.

Therefore, he would definitely not refuse if you gave him a famous painting.

Clearly, Gao Yuanyuan had completely grasped his mindset.

However, the next second...

After opening the package, Lu Zhiyuan was stunned and stood frozen in place when he saw the painting in front of him.

At that moment, he even felt like he couldn't breathe.

"Mo, Monet?"

"No...impossible. I've never seen this painting before!"

"But this brushstroke. Especially the misty water, the light reflected... no one in the world can capture this feeling." "So, this is a privately owned piece that has never been shown to the public before?"

"Where did you get it?"

Lu Zhiyuan turned his head in disbelief, unable to tell whether he was moved, excited, joyful, or thrilled.

He couldn't even find the words to describe his feelings at that moment.

—For those who are nearsighted, take off your glasses, adjust your visual focus, and look at this painting again; it will open up a whole new world for you.

"It is a private collection that has never been seen on the public before."

"I spent £1800 million to buy it a while ago!"

This hard-hearted man finally changed color.

Seeing the expression on Lu Zhiyuan's face, Gao Yuanyuan felt gratified and raised her neck slightly, looking as proud as a little swan.

Although she is not as rich as Miss Jing Tian.

However, she was willing to spend money on Lu Zhiyuan.

"The auction house said that this was a painting that had never been exhibited before, painted by Monet in 1904."

"And in 1936, it was sold by Monet's son to a French nobleman."

"Not long after, Germany invaded France. The Nazis regarded Impressionism as 'degenerate art' and confiscated such works on a large scale."

"In 1945, the Allied Art Conservation Group was tracking down artworks looted by the Nazis during the war, and this painting was recovered from a cellar in a castle."

Gao Yuanyuan explained the origin of the painting in great detail.

Such detailed information couldn't possibly have been fabricated by her.

Moreover, as a disciple of Impressionism, Lu Zhiyuan can say with absolute certainty that this is an authentic work by Monet.

Such as fake replacement.

"Zhiyuan, do you like this gift?"

Seeing that Lu Zhiyuan's hands were trembling, Gao Yuanyuan's lips curled into a smug smile.

They've got it completely figured out.

When I strike, it's a thunderous blow!
Thanks, Kun, for the idea.

"Of course I like it. But this gift is too expensive. I dare not accept it. However, I can't go against my conscience and say that I don't want it."

Lu Zhiyuan didn't know how to describe his feelings at that moment.

However, he was determined to have this painting.

"Hey Gao, no matter how much you spent, I'll add 20% and transfer it to me."

Monet's paintings are extremely rare on the market.

Moreover, it's a piece from a private collection.

For Lu Zhiyuan, he could give up all his possessions to exchange for this painting.

At this moment, he even felt a little fortunate.

I'm so glad I'm a director, and a super director at that, who has made a lot of money.

But where did Gao Yuanyuan get so much money?

£1.8 million is close to 1800 million RMB in this day and age.

With so much money, she has most likely taken out all the money she has earned over the years.

What a crazy woman.

However, being able to buy such a rare treasure is definitely worth more than its price.

“Zhiyuan, let me make this clear: this is my dowry. Of course, I will only give you this painting. You can refuse it, but you cannot use money to humiliate me.”

When Gao Yuanyuan heard that Lu Zhiyuan wanted to pay more to take the painting, she smiled and went up to cover it up again.

Just pretend she never took it out.

"Young Gao, Mr. Gao, Sister Yuanyuan..."

If Lu Zhiyuan had never seen this painting, he could probably have coldly faced Gao Yuanyuan and harshly scolded her.

Because Gao Yuanyuan was of no value to him.

But now, he really wanted to grant Gao Yuanyuan's every wish, only asking her to be lenient and let him take the painting away.

Otherwise, he would definitely lose his appetite and sleep for the next few days.

"Zhiyuan, your weakness is far too expensive."

"I went bankrupt to acquire this painting. Do you think I went through all this trouble just to earn a 20% commission from you?"

After a year of waiting, Gao Yuanyuan finally managed to exploit Lu Zhiyuan's weakness.

At that moment, all she wanted to do was burst into laughter.

“Sister Yuanyuan, how about this, I’ll tailor-make a leading lady movie just for you and make you an international superstar.”

"what do you think?"

These personnel were originally intended to promote Yang Mi.

Now, replacing the female lead with Gao Yuanyuan would be completely stress-free.

Lu Zhiyuan had already almost finished conceiving that movie, and it was ready to be filmed at any time.

"No need."

"I'm past the age of chasing my dreams."

"Whether I can become a big star or not is no longer important to me."

Gao Yuanyuan remained unmoved, a slight smile playing on her lips as she looked at Lu Zhiyuan: "My condition remains the same. This is my dowry. If you like it, you can take it first. I trust your character."

As she spoke, Gao Yuanyuan gently touched Lu Zhiyuan's face.

I stroked down his cheek, and when I reached his chin, I couldn't resist giving it a gentle pinch.

It feels really good.

You naughty little robot, you can't escape my grasp.

"Zhiyuan, don't keep me waiting too long."

"Otherwise, if this painting were stolen or damaged, someone would be heartbroken, wouldn't they?"

Damn!

That wicked woman! Absolutely wicked!

I really want to kill her!

That smile on her lips is just so infuriating.

But, for Monet.

Lu Zhiyuan sighed and said frankly, "Sister Yuanyuan, the world-famous painting is innocent. If you have any complaints about me, you can come at me directly."

If Gao Yuanyuan ruins this painting, Lu Zhiyuan won't know how to explain it to the entire art community.

This is a loss for all of humanity!
How could I bear to part with it?

Gao Yuanyuan smiled, glanced at Lu Zhiyuan, and then at the painting in the corner: "You are the most important person to me."

"And that painting, to me, was just a dowry that I never gave away."

"If I can't get married within two years, I'll have no choice but to take it out on this painting."

Damn!

Who would do that?

Shameless!

"Little Gao, you can't threaten me. My eyes may not be that sensitive to other things, but when it comes to paintings, I can copy them instantly after just one glance."

"The mountains are high and the rivers are long, we will meet again."

After Lu Zhiyuan finished speaking, he turned and left.

Very assertive.

……

Get out the door.

Lu Zhiyuan pulled Xin Yukun into the car, wishing he could beat him up.

"Brother Kun, do you even know what you've done? You encouraged Gao Yuanyuan to spend 1800 million pounds to buy a painting of 'Water Lilies'!"

"And she used this painting to threaten me."

Although Gao Yuanyuan didn't say it, Lu Zhiyuan understood instantly from Xin Yukun's actions and strange look.

Xin Yukun is Gao Yuanyuan's strategist.

"A Monet painting worth £1800 million... as a dowry, it must be one of a kind in the entire entertainment industry, right?"

"Xiao Gao is so sincere towards you, I don't know, what more could you want?"

Even Miss Jing Tian might not be able to afford such a generous dowry. Gao Yuanyuan practically went bankrupt, taking a gamble for Lu Zhiyuan.

Xin Yukun felt that if this wasn't true love, then what was?
Even if you asked Miss Jing Tian to leave the entertainment industry, marry Lu Zhiyuan, and become a good wife and mother, she might not be willing.

And what about Gao Yuanyuan?
All I can say is that being love-struck and eager to get married really makes a difference when it comes to being in love.

It's absolutely insane and mad.

However, the person who is favored is truly someone to be envied and jealous of.

If a woman treated him like that, he could quit bathhouses immediately and never go there again.

"Brother, Gao Yuanyuan would be a good wife. She looks like the gentle and virtuous type. At home, she would definitely take good care of you."

"From now on, you won't have to suffer the injustice of drinking soup anymore."

"From now on, you can say whatever you want at home, and you can curse whenever you want. If you don't want to drink the soup, just throw it away."

"Eat fish if you want to eat fish, eat meat if you want to eat meat."

"I can swear to God with all my experience of seeing countless women in my life, Gao Yuanyuan, I will definitely serve you well."

“You can completely trust me as an expert.”

Xin Yukun knew very well that Lu Zhiyuan had been compromising and flattering Miss Jing Tian in order to advance his career.

Drinking soup every day?
Is this interesting?

Could it be that Lu Zhiyuan himself wanted to drink it?

Seeing a big director fall into such a state makes his brother feel terrible.

"Brother Kun, thank you so much!"

Lu Zhiyuan was speechless.

Xin Yukun always has his own set of fallacies and heresies, and this logic actually works.

"No need to be polite. We're brothers for life."

Xin Yukun put his arm around Lu Zhiyuan's shoulder and took the elevator downstairs.

With no one around and no fear of surveillance cameras in the elevator, he whispered, "Ah Yuan, I've seen how much you've sacrificed for your career all these years."

"Now that you've had three consecutive successful commercial films, you've proven your strength to the world."

"In short, we've made it big and we don't have to be at anyone's beck and call anymore."

In the past, they needed the help of Starlight Brilliant to develop their businesses.

Now, Xin Yukun has already seen the signs; without their help, Starlight Brilliant is a complete waste from beginning to end.

The situation has completely reversed.

Jing Tian has a powerful background, but there are plenty of people with powerful backgrounds!

Given Lu Zhiyuan's current achievements, as long as he doesn't change his nationality, the national propaganda department, from top to bottom, will have to protect him.

No one could possibly suppress him.

"Xiao Zhang, drive carefully on the road. Mr. Lu has something important to discuss today."

After seeing Lu Zhiyuan off, Xin Yukun gave the driver a special instruction.

Waving from afar, and seeing Lu Zhiyuan's car disappear at the intersection, Xin Yukun turned to get his car, ready to find a place to have a good time for the night!

Just then, Xin Yukun suddenly received a phone call.

He glanced at it and immediately burst out laughing: "Haha, backup number 2, couldn't resist."

After laughing, Xin Yukun answered the phone and heard Reba's mesmerizing voice, a series of rapid and swift tongue-twisting words.

Although he couldn't understand it, Xin Yukun knew that Reba was definitely swearing.

"My little darling, stop scolding me. I'll come over and explain in a bit."

……

Half an hour later.

Xin Yukun arrived at Reba's house.

Zhang Tianai poured him a cup of tea, then sat quietly to the side of the sofa, staring with curious eyes, ready to listen to the gossip.

Dilraba changed into a very loose set of clothes, and even placed a pair of boxing gloves next to her, looking at Xin Yukun with ill intent.

If Xin Yukun couldn't give her a satisfactory answer, she would put on her gloves and unleash a barrage of physical attacks.

"Why would a perfectly normal girl like you practice unrestricted combat?"

Before filming the movie "Upgrade", Dilraba was losing weight, practicing martial arts, and was also taken by Lu Zhiyuan to the 798 Art Center to immerse herself in the artistic atmosphere.

After undergoing rigorous training, she truly succeeded.

However, at this moment, Xin Yukun was under a lot of pressure.

"Reba, it's not that I don't want to help you, it's just that I'm powerless to do so."

After drinking a cup of tea, Xin Yukun said with a hint of helplessness, "Do you know? Gao Yuanyuan gave him a painting of Monet's 'Water Lilies'!"

what?
Upon hearing this, Dilraba and Zhang Tianai both jumped up.

"Has Sister Tea gone mad?"

"How much does a Monet Water Lilies painting cost? I've asked around, and it's at least $1000 million. Is she trying to ruin her life?"

While Dilraba was still saving money, Gao Yuanyuan had already made her move.

Now, Dilraba seemed to understand why Lu Zhiyuan went to see Gao Yuanyuan... They had clearly agreed that he would block Gao Yuanyuan.

Hey!
That's Monet!

Dilraba believes that she is the person who understands Lu Zhiyuan better than anyone else in the world.

She was well aware of the impact Monet's "Water Lilies" would have on Lu Zhiyuan.

How could he possibly hold back?
It's really not his fault.

In the end, I lost to a painting!

At that moment, faced with the choice between feeling humiliated and being angry, Dilraba chose to feel humiliated.

(End of this chapter)