A perfect life begins with changing the timeline.

This was Li Mu's first direct experience of the film crew's opening ceremony.

At this moment, all the big names that could be named stood in the crowd, with Zhang Yimou standing at the very front. The cameras were covered with red cloth, and offerings were laid out on the altar... As for Li Mu and Bie Yan, they were accompanied by Zhou Wei, standing to one side.

When Zhang Yimou accepted the incense offered by someone else, Zhou Wei spoke up:

"No reporters, you can take pictures now."

"Okay, Xiao Li, take the picture."

Li Mu quickly lifted Bie Yan's F100.

This Nikon is much better than his outdated FM2, but it's also more expensive, costing over ten thousand yuan. I'm not sure if it was provided by the newspaper or if he bought it himself.

But... it's actually quite good to use.

After a few "click-clack" sounds, Bie Yan reminded him:

"Okay. We'll take a group photo in a bit, and then we'll be done. Director Zhou, is that alright?"

Zhou Wei smiled and nodded:

"Yes, that's fine."

So Li Mu put down his camera and, keeping his promise to "shut up" as instructed by Brother Bie, continued to watch as the crew, including Zhang Yimou, Zhang Weiping, and other actors, offered incense and set off firecrackers before uncovering the red cloth covering the camera.

The opening ceremony is now complete.

Finally, everyone stood together. Following Bie Yan's instructions, Li Mu stood with the crew's photographers. After snapping a few photos of the smiling group, the task was complete. Bie Yan, quite readily obliging, walked over to Zhang Weiping.

"Mr. Zhang, the photos are taken, we'll be leaving now. We wish 'Hero' a successful filming and great box office success!"

"Hahaha, thank you for the reporter's well wishes!"

Zhang Weiping seemed genuinely happy.

Then he instructed Zhou Wei to see Yan and Li Mu out.

As they approached the entrance to the Qin King's Palace, Zhou Wei pulled out two red envelopes from his pocket:

"Reporter Bie, Reporter Li, thank you both for coming all this way. Today is an auspicious day, please share in the joy. Here's a small token of our appreciation."

"Okay, then we won't refuse. Today is indeed a good day, and our crew will definitely finish filming smoothly."

Bie Yan smiled and accepted the red envelope, then Zhou Wei continued:

"So, when the press release comes out, should we communicate by phone, not with the reporters?"

"Yes, no problem."

Then, Zhou Wei personally escorted the two to the entrance of the Qin Palace, exchanged a few pleasantries, and waved goodbye.

After getting into the car, Bie Yan casually tossed a red envelope into Li Mu's hand and instructed him:

"You can write the press release, and then you can communicate with him about it."

"OK."

Li Mu responded and pinched the thickness of the red envelope as he put it into his pocket.

It's at least two or three thousand, quite a substantial sum.

"Brother, they're quite generous."

"Um."

As Bie Yan started the car, he responded with a "yes":

"The people at New Picture are all the same. When you have something to offer, they're not stingy. But if you're nobody, you're just another face in the road to them."

"Well……"

Seeing the puzzled look in Li Mu's eyes, Bie Yan continued:

"Especially that Zhang Weiping. Remember to be careful when dealing with him in the future. He's a ruthless scoundrel who will devour people without spitting out the bones."

"?"

Now Li Mu was truly puzzled.

As one of the famous "Two Zhangs," Li Mu naturally knew that this person was the man behind Zhang Yimou. But... to be honest, he had a pretty good impression of him.

The other person seemed to be from Northeast China; you could tell from their accent. They were all smiles, exuding a hearty and straightforward charm that wasn't off-putting.

Why did Brother Bie say that?

After noticing his gaze, Bie Yan explained:

"Do you know why Zhang Yimou and Gong Li broke up? It was him who stirred things up. He and his wife are a pair of smiling tigers."

"what?"

"Don't be surprised, I'm telling the truth."

"But... I heard that Zhang Weiping and Zhang Yimou know each other because Gong Li introduced them."

"That's why I told you to be careful when you associate with this kind of person in the future. Would you be capable of doing something like that?"

"Well……"

"I introduced you two, and you turn around and try to get Zhang Yimou to break up with me? I owe you a debt of gratitude, do you think this is something an ordinary person would do? Don't be fooled by Zhang Weiping's smiling face, he's actually quite wicked..."

Inside the Santana, Bie Yan lit a cigarette and began chatting with his new apprentice about gossip that was likely destined to remain unconfirmed.

For example, he would first encourage Gong Li to dance with a wealthy businessman, and then tell Zhang Yimou about it. Gong Li would think, "Yimou is so petty. It's just dancing, what's the big deal?" But Zhang Yimou would think, "How can Gong Li be so inconsiderate of your feelings?" and so on...

Li Mu was speechless with astonishment.

It can be considered...

"This is truly eye-opening. So Zhang Yimou and Gong Li are at odds? Are they just letting him stir things up between them?"

This guy... has a bit of a knack for tea.

The tea has arrived.

Bie Yan shrugged, seemingly sensing something, and said:

"So, communication is actually quite important between partners. Sigh~"

After sighing, he refused to speak further and fell silent.

I don't know what she's thinking.

Li Mu naturally didn't ask too many questions, and could only silently digest these gossips in his heart until they arrived at the hotel.

"Pack your things and meet downstairs."

"OK."

Then, around 10:30, the two drove together towards Yiwu.

On the way, Li Mu sent Fan Bingbing a message:

"Fan Ye, my interview is finished, I'm leaving now."

"So fast? I just finished my makeup."

"Yes, let's contact each other again on Tuesday and Wednesday. We'll confirm my trip to Yanjing then."

"Does Brother Li mean he can't contact you for the next few days?"

Upon seeing this message, Li Mu was taken aback.

"Of course not, I mean when it's time for serious business."

"You mean you can chat even when there's nothing important to do, right?"

"OK."

"Haha, that's good. Have a safe trip, Brother Li. I'm getting ready to head out."

"it is good."

After putting his phone in his pocket, Li Mu thought for a moment and asked Bie Yan, who was driving:

"Brother Bie, what do you think of Fan Bingbing?"

"she?"

Bie Yan was taken aback, then seemed to realize something, and said with a half-smile:

"What? You like her?"

Without waiting for Li Mu's reply, he waved his hand:

"Don't even think about it. She's a big star. She's only willing to talk to you because you're of some use to her. Besides, she's not simple either; she's ruthless. In fact, even Gong Li isn't as ruthless as her. Have you ever seen anyone who would risk being blacklisted to switch companies when they're at the height of their fame? So... the best approach is to keep your distance. After all, we're just collaborating."

"Well……"

Li Mu seemed to be deep in thought.