This director only directs blockbusters.

"If it doesn't work out, come back," Yang Ning laughed. "Then Chairman Han will give you another job."

Han Shanping laughed and shook his head: "You kid... alright. I'll give you the green light with China Film Group. Company registration, taxes, qualifications—I'll have someone handle it for you. Venue—"

He paused for a moment, then said, "There's a three-story building near the West Fourth Ring Road. It used to be a records room, but it's been empty for three years. If you don't mind, you can use it for now."

Yang Ning picked up his teacup: "How is the rent calculated?"

"The first year is rent-free," Han Shanping said. "The second year will depend on the situation. But there's one condition—China Film Group has the right of first refusal to invest in projects produced by the studio."

"That makes sense." Yang Ning clinked glasses with him. "Deal."

After finishing the tea, the business was settled.

Han Shanping saw Yang Ning to the door and suddenly said, "Xu Qin asked me to have tea a couple of days ago and asked about you."

Yang Ning paused in his steps.

"What did she say?"

"She didn't say it explicitly," Han Shanping said, looking at him. "But I can tell she has expectations of you. This woman has considerable influence in Beijing's social circles; you'd better make good use of her."

"Understood." Yang Ning nodded.

---

After leaving Han Shanping's office, Yang Ning didn't rush to leave.

He stood by the window in the corridor and made a phone call to Xu Qin.

It rang four times, then I answered.

"Hey, Director Yang," Xu Qin said lazily, "Filming's wrapped up, and you finally remembered me?"

"Sister Qin, don't tease me," Yang Ning laughed. "Are you free? I'd like to chat with you."

"Now?"

"Now."

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone.

"Same place as always, I'll be there in half an hour."

The usual spot was the coffee shop at the Jianguo Hotel, quiet and private. When Yang Ning arrived, Xu Qin was already there.

She was wearing a light gray cashmere suit, her hair was loosely tied up, and she was holding a cup of black tea, looking out the window.

"Sister Qin." Yang Ning sat down opposite her.

Xu Qin turned her head and looked him over: "You've lost weight. Are you tired from filming?"

"It's alright." Yang Ning ordered an Americano. "Sister Qin, the studio arrangements are settled."

"I've heard about it." Xu Qin took a sip of tea. "It's a building provided by Third Master Han, and Jiang Zhiqiang is co-investing. It's a good start."

"But we're missing someone." Yang Ning looked at her.

Xu Qin put down her teacup and smiled: "What kind of person are we missing? A producer? An accountant? Or... someone who can keep things under control?"

"We lack everything," Yang Ning said, "but what we lack most is someone who can connect all of these things."

"You want me to join you?"

"It's not about joining as a partner." Yang Ning looked at her seriously. "I want you to be a co-founder. You'll be in charge of the studio's daily operations, resource allocation, and external communications. I'll focus on creating content."

Xu Qin didn't speak, but gently traced her name on the rim of the teacup with her finger.

Outside the window, the winter sunlight was faint.

"Yang Ning," she finally spoke, "do you know why I helped you?"

"I know." Yang Ning nodded. "If it weren't for your introduction, I wouldn't have even been able to meet Master Han. I'll remember that favor."

"It's not just about feelings." Xu Qin looked at him. "I've seen too many talented young people, full of energy, but they don't know the rules, and in the end they all get hurt. You're different—you're talented, but you also know your limits, you know when to go for it and when to back down."

She paused.

"So I'm not helping you, I'm investing. Investing in a director with potential, a project with a future."

"Now," Yang Ning said, "I'd like to ask you to invest in a studio. A studio that not only makes movies, but also cultivates new talent, builds a brand, and establishes a foothold in the Chinese film market."

Xu Qin smiled.

That smile contained both appreciation and scrutiny.

How will the shares be divided?

"You get three, I get seven," Yang Ning said, "but you have the final say on the operation. I'm only in charge of creation and the final decision."

"Where's the money? How much start-up capital?"

"Five million," Yang Ning announced. "I'll put in three million, you put in two million. Jiang Zhiqiang will add another three million, making a total of eight million in start-up capital."

Xu Qin raised an eyebrow: "Where did you get three million? My salary and profit sharing for 'Purple Cloud' only amount to about two million, right?"

"I'll mortgage the house for the rest," Yang Ning said calmly. "Anyway, I'm a bachelor, so I have nothing to be afraid of."

Xu Qin stared at him for a long time.

Then she picked up her teacup and gently touched Yang Ning's coffee cup.

"Okay," she said. "I'll do it."

---

It was already 3 p.m. when I came out of the coffee shop.

Yang Ning sat in the car, not in a hurry to start it. He took out his phone and scrolled through his contacts.

The next call was to Liu Yong.

It rang seven or eight times. I answered it, but the background noise was very loud, like being in a video store.

"Feed? Director Yang?" Liu Yong asked loudly.

"Brother Yong, where are you?"

"Inside the shop! They're packing things up, damn it, all these pirated DVDs..."

"Don't bother packing," Yang Ning said. "The studio is booked, a three-story building in the West Fourth Ring Road. I'll reserve the biggest office for you; you'll be the art director."

There was silence for a few seconds on the other end of the phone.

"Director Yang... are you serious?"

"Seriously," Yang Ning said. "Eight thousand a month, plus project bonuses. Are you in?"

"Damn it!" Liu Yong roared, "I've been wanting to quit selling DVDs for ages! When am I supposed to start work?"

"Tomorrow," Yang Ning smiled, "bring your gear and come find me on the West Fourth Ring Road."

After hanging up with Liu Yong, he called Han Duoduo.

The little girl answered very quickly.

"Duoduo, the studio thing's settled." Yang Ning got straight to the point. "I'll set up a special effects lab for you. You make the equipment list, and you hire the staff yourself. Are you coming or not?"

Han Duoduo took a deep breath: "Come on! But what about my uncle..."

"I'll talk to Chairman Han," Yang Ning said. "Just tell him if he wants to do something real."

"Yes!" Han Duoduo's voice trembled. "Director Yang, I... I definitely won't let you down!"

"Okay, it's settled then."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Ning wrote down names in his notebook: Xu Qin, Liu Yong, Han Duoduo, Chen Qiming, Lao Xu...

One name at a time, like building blocks.

Finally, at the bottom he wrote: Yang Ning.

What is the name of the studio?

He thought for a moment and wrote down two words: Ningyuan.

Tranquility leads to far-reaching goals.

Simple, yet powerful.

Just like the path he was about to take.

My phone vibrated again.

It was a text message from Fan Binbin: "I heard you're opening a studio? Congratulations."

Yang Ning looked at the message, thought for a moment, and replied, "Thank you. Hope to collaborate again sometime."

The reply was very polite and clear.

Fan Binbin quickly replied: "Understood. Best wishes."

Four words, a very dignified ending.

Yang Ning put away his phone and started the car.

As the car drove onto Chang'an Avenue, the winter sun shone through the windows; it wasn't warm, but it was bright.

He knew that from this day forward, he would have to walk his own path.

But with Xu Qin at the helm, Liu Yong and Han Duoduo carrying the load, and Han Shanping and Jiang Zhiqiang providing support—

This road may not be difficult to travel.

At least, he had his own foundation.

Only with a foundation can a tall building be built.

He stepped on the gas, and the car merged into the traffic.

Ahead, in the direction of the West Fourth Ring Road, a three-story building was waiting for him.

Waiting for them.