Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 496 Conspiracy
The phone is still vibrating.

Wu Chen thought for a moment, leaned back in his chair, and picked up his phone.

As expected, Cai Yinong came for "Scarlet Heart" again.

Cai Yinong's laughter on the other end of the phone sounded somewhat tentative:

"Director Wu, we at Tangren Media would like to compete for the role of Ruoxi in 'Scarlet Heart'."

Cai Yinong seemed afraid that Wu Chen would misunderstand, so she spoke faster:
“Our team had previously analyzed this role and found it to be a perfect fit for Shisi’s image and temperament. Moreover, Tangren will definitely provide full support for the subsequent marketing efforts, integrating both online and offline channels.”

"Don't worry about the publicity resources, and we can also make concessions on the actor's salary."

On the other end of the phone, Wu Chen suddenly thought of something and casually said, "It's not impossible, but there's a condition."

“Please go ahead,” Cai Yinong quickly replied.

"We don't care about the pay," Wu Chen smiled, "What's a paycheck worth these days?"

"We need to leverage Tangren's behind-the-scenes team for a project-based collaboration. This includes not only 'Scarlet Heart,' but also another drama, with roles for art direction, costume design, script coordination, and lighting."

After he finished speaking, there was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone.

Cai Yinong's breathing became heavy.

She hadn't expected Wu Chen to propose such a condition; if it were any other one, there would still be room for negotiation.

Tangren's behind-the-scenes production team is the core competitiveness of Tangren in the industry. Many TV drama companies in the industry want to poach or borrow them. How could she easily agree?

Who knows what Wu Chen and Xiao Ma Ben Teng's people are up to?

What if this loan is never returned? It's not something that can be made up for with just one role.

"Director Wu, this might not be convenient." Cai Yinong's tone tightened.

Wu Chen's tone remained calm and unhurried: "Then forget it."

Those four simple words were like slamming the door shut on negotiations.

Cai Yinong remained silent for a moment, seemingly wanting to make amends, but after a brief conversation, he finally hung up the phone with a sour expression.

She had absolutely no chance of winning with this approach; she would either be completely manipulated or have no choice but to give up.

"Over there, with the poetic thoughts."

Cai Yinong frowned, still thinking of an excuse.

Meanwhile, Wu Chen tossed his phone onto the table, tapped his fingers on the armrest, and remained expressionless.

Liu Shisi is not irreplaceable in "Scarlet Heart". Putting aside other aspects, in terms of temperament alone, Dong Jie's coolness is just as good, and her acting skills are even better.

There are many actors who can act well in period dramas, so there's no shortage of actors.

The "big pie" that is "Scarlet Heart" has already attracted the attention of most of the TV drama industry.

Moreover, the companies behind the production company are no ordinary players; such a project deserves a greater investment.
While the production team is preparing behind the scenes of the TV series, casting for the on-screen roles will naturally take place concurrently or even in advance.

Zhong Lifang had been busy with this matter recently, but when she heard Wu Chen's words, she was slightly taken aback, her eyes narrowed slightly, and she smiled strangely.

"Tangren Media's post-production team is indeed very strong in the industry, especially in the period drama genre."

"Unfortunately, Cai Yinong refused to lend it." Wu Chen shrugged, looking indifferent.

“The core team, you know?” Zhong Lifang smiled. “How about I give it a try and see if Tangren really doesn’t want to?”

"Oh?"

Wu Chen did not object upon hearing this.

On the other hand, in the film industry, Hu Mei's "Confucius" stands out as particularly "tough," with no intention of clashing with "Avatar" in its release date, and is prepared to be released as scheduled.

They claim they want to put their "Eastern intellectual and cultural characteristics" and "Western technological and cultural characteristics" together in a competition.

Originally, this was just a clash between two films on a commercial level, but after this kind of packaging, it was immediately elevated to a confrontation of cultural stances.

With such "ambition," the bureau was naturally pleased and readily gave its approval.

Not long after, Xu Dong's call came in quietly. "Boss, we've received an unwritten rule that the 2D version of *Avatar* needs to be pulled from theaters early to make way for *Confucius*."

"Let's just give in."

Wu Chen chuckled to himself.

The theme of "Confucius" is actually quite good and has a lot of potential. If it had been made well, it might have been a huge success. It's just a pity that the finished product is, to put it bluntly, a truly terrible movie.

With this kind of quality, a direct confrontation would most likely only result in a "heroic sacrifice".

Zhong Lifang's side also acted quickly.

Rumors, which seemed to have come out of nowhere, quickly caused a stir in the TV drama industry—Xiao Ma Benteng had its eye on Liu Shisi, who became a sensation last year with "Chinese Paladin 3," and wanted her to play Ruoxi in "Scarlet Heart."

The news caused quite a stir in the TV drama industry.

When Yang Mi heard about this, she first raised an eyebrow, then her lips curled up slightly, and she muttered to herself:
"Hehe, my sister finally started arguing after all."

Liu Shisi was very excited and quickly found Cai Yinong, thinking that Tangren Media had helped her secure the core resources.
Seeing Liu Shisi rushing over, Cai Yinong's expression turned even more unpleasant.

Zhong Lifang

Cai Yinong felt particularly bad when he thought about the information his assistant had found out.

This woman is not easy to deal with; you can tell from her methods in the film industry.

"Sister Cai."

Liu Shisi's nickname was quite deliberate, and Cai Yinong immediately saw through her little scheme.

Unfortunately, Cai Yinong didn't have time to think about that and explained the situation.

Finally, she reached out and pressed Liu Shisi's shoulder, her tone softening, almost appealing to her emotions and reason:
"Shisi, the behind-the-scenes team is the foundation of Tangren. Their demands are too much. If they are trying to poach people, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"You can understand me, right, Shisi?"

She would never agree to such a collaboration.

In her view, this is no different from being cheated on.

The film and television industry is ultimately a circle that relies on resources and a strong team. Once the core is taken away, it's like cutting off your own roots.

Liu Shisi's expression shifted from initial anticipation to disappointment, and then to deep confusion.

People see things differently depending on their position; this is true for everyone.
"Are they going to cast Liu Shisi from Tangren Media for 'Scarlet Heart'?" Liu Yifei asked curiously that evening.

“Is it okay?”

Wu Chen raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, Changchang mentioned it when I talked to her. You've already confirmed it, otherwise why would the news have leaked out?"

"Sure?"

Wu Chen smiled and shook his head, leaving Liu Yifei even more puzzled.

The news has been spread with great detail and conviction.
"Who do you think is suitable to play Ruoxi?" Wu Chen suddenly asked. As a TV series aimed at female viewers, it wouldn't hurt to hear their opinions.

"It depends on what kind of audience you're trying to attract," Liu Yifei paused, then began her serious analysis.

"For example, in terms of a cool and aloof temperament, Dong Jie, who acted with me in 'The Story of a Noble Family,' fits the role very well; and Hu Jing has a particularly good aura in period costumes. I think they are both good."

Liu Yifei's analysis was essentially a waste of time.

They all look good and are very suitable.

Wu Chen couldn't help but chuckle.

Just then, the phone rang. It was Zhong Lifang, and her words were very direct.

"Director Wu, it seems there's really no chance. Cai Yinong still cherishes Tangren's behind-the-scenes team."

This open scheme is essentially unsolvable.
Wu Chen felt that it would be great if the company had a high-level executive like Zhong Lifang.

Business is inherently ruthless; a "nice guy" can't run a large company, but the boss can't be too ruthless either. Having someone who plays the "bad cop" is a good thing.
As for the emotions of Liu Shisi and Cai Yinong from Tangren Media, Zhong Lifang didn't mention them at all.
(End of this chapter)