Nobody knows movies better than me

Chapter 135 The Beauty Trap

It wasn't until more than a week later that the news spread within the industry.

Some say Zhang Jun berated Boss Yang severely on the phone, others say the two almost got into a fight, and still others say Boss Yang slammed down the phone on the spot.

However, both parties remained silent; Zhang Jun did not mention it, and Boss Yang did not respond.

When a reporter asked Jackie Chan about it, he smiled and said, "It's a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding."

Whether it's a misunderstanding or not, everyone knows the truth.

But this incident did make many people re-evaluate Zhang Jun.

Previously, everyone only knew that this young man could make movies, and each one had a higher box office. Now they know that this person can not only make movies, but also curse people, and even curse big shots, which shows that he is not afraid of power.

The key point is that nothing happened after all the cursing.

Most young people would leave after hurling insults, but Zhang Jun just stood there brazenly, and Boss Yang couldn't do anything about it.

With achievements, works, and capital behind him, Zhang Jun can be this arrogant.

It can be said that as long as Zhang Jun abides by the law and maintains the resource circle he has built around himself, no one can do anything to him.

There was no movement from Boss Yang's side, the project continued to move forward, Cheng Long continued to perform, and investments continued as usual.

What does this show? It shows that they have the confidence, the leverage, and the capital to challenge anyone.

When people in the industry talked about this privately, one person said, "This young man is not someone you can mess with."

Some people disagreed: "He's just a director, how much authority can he have?"

The people next to him laughed and said, "Why don't you try it? See if they'll even acknowledge you."

The man then fell silent.

Zhang Jun, on the other hand, didn't take this matter to heart and continued with his own busy work, the casting process never stopping.

Half a month later, Zhang Jun received a phone call.

The call came from Hong Kong Island. The caller identified himself as Mr. Yang's assistant, saying that Mr. Yang had sent some things over and asked when it would be convenient for Zhang Jun to send someone to deliver them.

Zhang Jun didn't think much of it at the time, and just said that the things could be left at the company's front desk.

The next day, as soon as he arrived at Chenxing Film Studio, the receptionist greeted him and said that someone had delivered a file folder, saying it was for President Zhang.

Zhang Jun took it, opened it, and was stunned.

Inside was a property transfer agreement and a set of keys.

The address was in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Island. He didn't remember which development it was, but the area and valuation on the agreement caught his eye several times. The property was valued at over 20 million.

He turned to the last page; the transferor had already signed and stamped the document, and was just waiting for him to sign it.

Zhang Jun closed the file folder, picked up the phone, and called He Xuan: "Did you know that Boss Yang sent over some things?"

He Xuan said, "I know, his assistant contacted me beforehand. So, did you receive the package?"

Zhang Jun said, "The house is worth over 20 million."

He Xuan was stunned for a moment, then laughed: "Boss Yang is really going all out."

Zhang Jun said, "I have no intention of accepting it."

He Xuan said, "It's up to you. But I advise you not to rush to back out; ask President Ye for his opinion first."

Zhang Jun hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair, thinking for a long time.

He really didn't want to accept it.

It wasn't out of arrogance, but because he felt that accepting this gift was tantamount to owing Boss Yang a favor. If anything happened later, he wouldn't be able to directly retaliate like he did last time.

But if we don't accept it, will this matter really be over?

He thought for a moment, then picked up the phone and called Ye Bingcheng.

"Xiao Zhang, what's up?"

Zhang Jun briefly explained the situation, and concluded by saying, "Uncle Ye, I don't want to accept this. What do you think—"

Ye Bingcheng asked with a smile, "Xiao Zhang, let me ask you, if you don't accept it, what will Boss Yang think?"

Zhang Jun thought for a moment: "Wouldn't they feel I'm disrespecting them?"

Ye Bingcheng said, "More than that, he'll feel that you still hold a grudge and don't want to reconcile. Then, when you deal with him again, there will be a knot in your heart."

Zhang Jun didn't speak.

Ye Bingcheng continued, "What are business people most afraid of? They are most afraid of things not going well. If you accept his gift today, you can still greet each other with smiles tomorrow."

If you don't accept it, this matter will remain unresolved indefinitely.

He paused for a moment: "Besides, what they gave was a house, not cash. A house is an asset, a tangible thing, not something that can be smuggled out."

There's nothing shameful about accepting it.

Zhang Jun was silent for a moment, then said, "I understand."

Ye Bingcheng smiled and said, "Alright, keep it. You can repay the favor another time."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Jun looked at the bunch of keys on the table and suddenly found it a little funny.

He recalled how he had been cursing Boss Yang on the phone that day, never imagining things would turn out this way.

At that time, he thought, "You think you can control me? I'll just yell back at you, and then I'll go back to what I was doing."

After I finished cursing, not only did they not retaliate, they even gave me a house.

The things happening in this circle are getting more and more interesting.

He pulled out the agreement and read it from beginning to end.

The property development is called Xiaolu, valued at 23 million. The transferor is a company under the Yang Laoban Group, and the transferee's section is blank, waiting for him to fill it in.

Zhang Jun picked up the pen and signed his name in the transferee column.

After signing, he put the agreement and the key into the drawer and continued reading the documents.

Ye Xiaoyi came over in the afternoon and asked, "Have you taken possession of the house?"

Zhang Jun nodded.

Ye Xiaoyi asked, "What are your plans? Will you live in it yourself or rent it out?"

Zhang Jun thought for a moment: "Let's leave it for now. It'll give us a place to stay when we go to Hong Kong Island for business."

He Xuan laughed: "Sure, I'll stay at your place when I go to Hong Kong for business in the future."

Zhang Jun smiled and nodded: "Whatever, it's just sitting empty anyway."

That was the end of that matter. After that, Zhang Jun was busy with casting and began the pre-production preparations for the film.

The production team for "Run, Dad!" is casting four daughters, ranging in age from their early twenties to their early teens. The age range is significant, and the actresses need to be able to run and act.

Zhang Jun's requirements were: those who could run were chosen first, and those who couldn't run were rejected. Among those who could run, he would choose those who could act, and among those who could act, he would choose those with talent.

When this got out, it caused quite a stir in the industry.

"Bad Genius" is still airing, and the newcomers Yang Mi, Wen Zhang, Jiang Yan, and Wang Kai have all become famous.

Yang Mi, in particular, went from an unknown actress to a hot new star overnight.

Who wouldn't be envious?

Now Zhang Jun is starting a new movie, and Cheng Long is joining the cast. It's clearly another project that can promote someone.

As a result, all sorts of people emerged.

Some called directly, some asked others to pass on messages, and some tried to find connections indirectly.

Some recommended a niece, some introduced a grandniece, and others said their daughter had been training in track and field since she was little and could run very fast, asking if she could give it a try.

Zhang Jun refused them all.

The reason for the rejection was simple: the casting process was open, everyone was treated equally, anyone who wanted to act could audition, and if they were chosen, they would be cast; if not, they would have to wait for the next round.

That sounds grand and dignified, but everyone knows what it really means.

Don't try to force anyone in; it won't work no matter who tries.

Some people, unwilling to give up, bypassed Zhang Jun and went to find Ye Xiaoyi.

Ye Xiaoyi's father is the owner of Chengxin Real Estate. In recent years, his cinema chain has grown bigger and bigger, and his status in the industry has also risen accordingly.

If we can get through to Ye Xiaoyi, there might still be a chance.

After hearing the purpose of the visit, Ye Xiaoyi smiled politely and said, "I don't care about this. You should talk to Director Zhang directly."

The visitor said, "Mr. Ye, please say a word for me, just one sentence will do."

Ye Xiaoyi shook her head: "It's not up to me. Director Zhang makes his own decisions."

Before the visitor could say anything more, Ye Xiaoyi had already stood up to see him off.

Later, some people, unwilling to give up, went to find He Xuan again.

He Xuan is the general manager of Guanzhi Pictures, and she is responsible for producing all of Zhang Jun's films. Producers are supposed to handle specific matters, so she should have some say in casting.

So some people invited her to dinner, some gave her gifts, and some tried to get close to her indirectly.

He Xuan refused to accept any of the offers, refused to go to any of them, and ignored them completely.

Until one day, she met a special "lobbyist".

He Xuan got off work a little late that day, and it was already dark when she left the company.

She walked to the parking lot, and just as she opened the car door, someone suddenly appeared beside her.

He Xuan was startled and took a step back.

The man stood under the streetlight, looking to be in his early thirties. He had a decent appearance, was dressed appropriately, and was holding a bouquet of flowers.

"Hello, Mr. He."

He Xuan frowned: "Who are you?"

The man smiled and said, "My name is Chen Jianming, and I'm an actor. I apologize for bothering you, but I'd like to have a chat with you."

He Xuan looked at the flowers in his hand, then at his face, and roughly understood what was going on.

"What are you going to talk about?"

Chen Jianming stepped forward and handed over the flowers: "Mr. He, I know that Director Zhang's new film is casting. My sister is a track and field athlete and has excellent potential. I'd like to try to get her in."

Could you please—

He Xuan didn't accept the flowers, but took a step back: "The casting process will be open to all applicants and auditions. Just have your sister apply."

Chen Jianming gave a wry smile: "Mr. He, please don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to pull strings. I just want you to put in a good word for me, to give me a chance—"

He Xuan looked at him and suddenly laughed: "Are you using your good looks to seduce me?"

Chen Jianming was stunned for a moment, then blushed.

He Xuan laughed out loud: "Wow, you're really going all out for your sister."

Chen Jianming stood there, holding flowers in his hands, unsure whether to go forward or retreat.

He Xuan walked around to the driver's side, opened the car door, and glanced back at him: "The flowers are nice, keep them for farewell. Let your sister register; if she gets in, that's her skill; if she doesn't, don't blame me."

After saying that, he got into the car, closed the door, started the engine, and drove off.

In the rearview mirror, Chen Jianming was still standing there, holding flowers in his hands, staring blankly at her taillights.

He Xuan shook her head and laughed for a long time.

The next day at the company, He Xuan told Zhang Jun about it as a joke.

Zhang Jun laughed after hearing this: "A honey trap? How did they even come up with that?"

He Xuan said, "It's not just this one. A few days ago, someone invited me to dinner, gave me a bag, and tried to subtly establish kinship with me. They used all sorts of tricks."

Zhang Jun leaned back in his chair: "It seems this play is getting a lot of attention."

He Xuan said, "Of course! How could your movies not get a lot of attention?"

Zhang Jun smiled but didn't say anything; this was indeed a fact.

He Xuan looked at him and suddenly asked, "You really don't plan to use acquaintances?"

Zhang Jun thought for a moment: "Using acquaintances is fine, but only if they're suitable. If they're not suitable, it won't make a difference who comes."

He Xuan nodded: "Okay, Jiang Tao and I will keep an eye on the casting. There are quite a few applicants from all over the country."

There are over a thousand students from sports schools, drama schools, and regular schools combined.

Zhang Jun said, "We'll do a screening first. Those who can run will stay, and those who can't will be eliminated immediately. The rest will then do auditions."

He Xuan nodded: "Okay."

She stood up, walked to the door, and suddenly turned back: "Oh right, Chen Jianming's sister really did come to register."

Zhang Jun raised an eyebrow: "Really?"

He Xuan reviewed the information: "The girl is fourteen years old, trains in track and field, and has won awards in the province. I've seen her profile; she has good potential."

O

Zhang Jun nodded: "Then let's follow the procedure. If she gets the job, it's hers; if she doesn't, don't make an exception for her."

He Xuan said, "I know."

People in this industry will go to any lengths for a role, but Zhang Jun doesn't actually dislike it.

Having desires is a good thing. It is desires that drive people to work hard, strive, and try every means to climb the ladder.

He was the same, except he relied on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These people relied on connections, relationships, and all sorts of underhanded tactics.

There is no right or wrong, only success or failure.

>