Huayu Entertainment: It was the young actress who took the initiative.

Chapter 108 Chen Mo: So how are you going to thank me?

BJ, Xinli Media Conference Room.

The meeting room was filled with smoke, and the ashtrays were piled high with cigarette butts.

Director Sun Hao rubbed his temples and leaned back in his chair.

Screenwriter Wang Juan flipped through a stack of documents in his hand, his brow furrowed.

The producer from Tencent Video picked up his teacup, only to find it was empty, and put it down again.

"Tell me, who's going to play the male lead?"

Sun Hao sighed: "Since the project was first launched, we've met with no fewer than twenty actors. Some came on their own initiative, some were recommended, and some we found ourselves."

He paused, then slowly said, "But to be honest, none of them were particularly impressive."

Wang Juan sighed and continued, "The character of Fan Xian is too special. He needs to be handsome, but not effeminate; intelligent, but not slick; youthful, but not naive; skilled in combat, but not rough-looking."

He counted on his fingers, "The most crucial thing is that we have to be able to support this drama. The investment is so huge, if it flops—"

He didn't finish speaking, but everyone understood.

If it's ruined, it won't just be a problem for one show.

It's a matter of confidence in adapting Yuewen's male-oriented IPs into film and television.

This is a question about Tencent Video's strategic planning for the next few years.

It's a matter of livelihood for countless people.

The meeting room was silent for a few seconds.

The producer glanced around and then asked, "What did Zhang Ruoyun say?"

Sun Hao flipped through the files: "He was quite interested, and we've talked a few times. His acting skills are fine, his lines are fine, and he's very serious about his work."

He paused, then said, "But his appearance in period costume—is not exactly handsome."

This is one of the most core settings in the original novel about Fan Xian.

"Unparalleled in handsomeness."

Zhang Ruoyun's acting skills are beyond doubt, but his appearance—

It's not that they're not good-looking, it's just that they don't reach the level of "unparalleled handsomeness".

The producer, upon hearing this, also began to struggle: "Then let's keep looking, who else?"

Wang Juan thought for a moment, and a name popped into her mind: "How about Chen Mo?"

The meeting room fell silent for a second.

Then Sun Hao's eyes lit up, and he put down the money in his hand and sat up straight.

Chen Mo debuted as Donghua Dijun in "Eternal Love," then as Yan Xun in "Princess Agents," and most recently in that campus drama.

"Hello, Old Times" was also very popular.

"Moreover, he's been incredibly popular this year. Three hit dramas, the Magnolia Award for Best Supporting Actor, and his votes on Weibo's King pageant just surpassed Deng Chao's."

"His ancient costume appearance has been proven by both Donghua Dijun and Yan Xun, and he absolutely deserves the title of 'unparalleled handsomeness'."

His acting skills are also problematic. Although the Best Supporting Actor award at the Magnolia Awards isn't much in the entertainment industry, it's still the best among all the current top stars.

Sun Hao suddenly remembered something: "I remember the character Yan Xun he played. The contrast between his transformation and his transformation was huge. He portrayed the character's cunning, scheming, and forbearance perfectly."

Fan Xian also has a similar growth trajectory, which he can handle.

The producer was also thinking carefully, then couldn't help but nod: "In terms of appearance, Donghua Dijun's ethereal and noble air matches Fan Xian's image as 'the most handsome man in the capital.'"

After saying that, he asked with some curiosity, "How old is he?"

"22".

"Only 22cm?"

The group member next to him recalled for a moment and nodded affirmatively: "Yes, it was in 1995."

The producer looked at Sun Hao, somewhat curious: "Isn't he too young?"

Sun Hao thought for a moment and shook his head: "Fan Xian isn't that old either, and Chen Mo is actually older than Zhang Ruoyun."

Moreover, his acting skills are mature, and that has nothing to do with his age.

The producer paused for a few seconds, then asked, "What's his situation now? Does he have any projects filming?"

"It seems like you just finished filming 'Ashes of Love,' where you co-starred with Li Yitong from 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes.' You can ask her about it."

The producer stood up and walked around the conference room twice.

"Contact his agent and ask him to have dinner with you."

"The sooner the better."

"good!"

Chen Mo was resting at home when his phone rang.

It's Wang Lihua.

"Chen Mo, a project has come knocking on your door."

Chen Mo leaned back on the sofa: "What project?"

Wang Lihua's voice carried a hint of excitement: "Joy of Life".

Chen Mo was stunned for a moment.

Joy of Life?

The hugely popular web series in his previous life propelled Zhang Ruoyun to become the go-to leading man for top-tier male-oriented IPs.

What do they want to talk about?

"The male protagonist. Fan Xian."

Chen Mo's grip on the phone tightened slightly.

Fan Xian.

Fan Xian, who is incomparably handsome, cunning, intelligent, shrewd, and loyal.

Fan Xian, the character who has captivated countless readers.

"How did they find me?"

Wang Lihua laughed: "What do you think? You have four dramas this year, three of which are hits, and you have won the Magnolia Award for Best Supporting Actor. Your Weibo popularity is so high."

Her period drama costumes are endorsed by Donghua and Yanxun, her popularity is supported by student fans, and her acting skills are proven by awards.

She paused for a moment, then said, "Who else would I turn to if not you?"

Chen Mo paused for a second, then asked, "When?"

"They're in a hurry, they said tomorrow is fine. They'll decide the location, a private restaurant near the China World Trade Center."

Chen Mo nodded: "Okay, let's go talk."

"Okay, I'll reply to them."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Mo leaned back on the sofa and stared at the ceiling.

Joy of Life.

Fan Xian.

Of course he wanted to play this role.

Whether or not you can win them over depends on how well the conversation goes.

the next day.

At 6 p.m., at a private restaurant in Guomao.

Chen Mo and Wang Lihua arrived at the private room ten minutes early.

The private room was small but elegantly decorated, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the dazzling nightscape of the CBD.

Wang Lihua sat down, opened her notebook, and checked the information one last time: "Joy of Life, a top-tier IP from China Literature Group, a project invested in by Tencent Video. Director Sun Hao and screenwriter Wang Juan are both top talents in the industry."

She looked at Chen Mo and said, "The people who came today are Sun Hao, Wang Juan, and Zhang Hong, a producer from Tencent."

Chen Mo nodded.

Wang Lihua closed her notebook: "Their willingness must be very strong. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been in such a hurry to arrange the filming. But regarding the salary, it will probably take several rounds of negotiation."

Chen Mo picked up his teacup and took a sip: "Hmm, let's hear what they have to say first."

Six o'clock sharp.

The door to the private room was pushed open.

Three people walked in.

The man walking at the front was a middle-aged man, slightly overweight, with a gentle smile: "Teacher Chen Mo, President Wang, it's an honor to meet you."

He strode over and extended his hand, saying, "I'm Sun Hao, the director of 'Joy of Life'."

Chen Mo stood up and shook his hand: "Hello, Director Sun."

Sun Hao stepped aside and introduced the person behind him: "This is Wang Juan, our screenwriter."

Wang Juan was a middle-aged man in his forties, dressed simply, wearing glasses, but with sharp eyes.

He shook hands with Chen Mo: "Teacher Chen Mo, I've seen your work. The process of Yan Xun's descent into darkness in 'Princess Agents' was well written, and even better acted."

Chen Mo smiled and said, "Teacher Wang, you flatter me. I have read many of your works."

The last one is Zhang Hong, a producer at Tencent.

He was in his early forties, wearing a dark suit, and his smile carried the shrewdness typical of a businessman.

"Mr. Chen Mo, Mr. Wang, please have a seat."

Everyone took their seats.

The waiter poured tea and left the private room.

Zhang Hong spoke first, skipping pleasantries and getting straight to the point: "Mr. Chen Mo, Mr. Wang, let's get straight to the point. I'm sure Mr. Wang has already introduced the 'Joy of Life' project."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Our purpose today is very clear—we want to invite Mr. Chen Mo to play the role of Fan Xian."

Wang Lihua nodded: "President Zhang is very straightforward. We've also looked into this project; it is indeed a large-scale production."

Zhang Hong laughed when he heard this: "We wouldn't dare to invite Teacher Chen Mo unless it's a big production."

He looked at Chen Mo and couldn't help but praise him, "Teacher Chen Mo's performance this year is remarkable."

Four dramas, three of which were blockbusters, and he won the Magnolia Award.

Her image, acting skills, and popularity were all at their peak.

Sun Hao chimed in from the side: "The most crucial thing is the period costume. Teacher Chen Mo's appearance is perfect for Fan Xian."

When our team reviewed it, we all agreed that this was the person we were looking for.

Wang Juan nodded in agreement: "The character of Fan Xian needs to be handsome, have a youthful spirit, and also be able to portray his later cunning."

Teacher Chen Mo has already proven with Yan Xun that he can handle such a complex growth trajectory.

The three of them chatted away, each speaking with apparent sincerity.

After listening, Wang Lihua smiled and said, "We are honored that the teachers think so highly of Chen Mo. Shall we talk about the specifics?"

Zhang Hong nodded: "Okay. We've looked into Chen Mo's current market value; his fee is definitely not low."

He paused for a moment, then stated his proposal: "Our initial proposal is: a salary of 1800 million yuan and a filming period of four months."

Wang Lihua picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said nothing.

Seeing this, Zhang Hong added, "Mr. Wang, this price is already considered the price for a Tencent Video S-level project."

Wang Lihua put down her teacup and smiled: "President Zhang, you should know what Chen Mo's current market value is."

With the official announcement of his endorsements with Gucci and Audemars Piguet, coupled with the popularity of the TV series "My Huckleberry Friends," his commercial value has surged once again.

She paused, then said, "2500 million. That's our bottom line."

Zhang Hong's smile froze for a moment.

He looked at Sun Hao and Wang Juan and exchanged a glance.

Then he took a deep breath: "Mr. Wang, 2500 million is indeed a bit too high."

Our budget is very tight; of the total investment of 400 million, most of it will be spent on production.

Special effects, costumes, props, and set construction are all areas where money is burned.

He spoke sincerely, "If Professor Chen Mo could lower the price a little, we can further reduce the budget in other areas."

Wang Lihua shook her head: "President Zhang, 2500 million is not an exorbitant price. Chen Mo's current popularity is worth that amount."

The atmosphere in the private room froze subtly.

Sun Hao then turned to look at Chen Mo, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Chen Mo remained silent, holding his teacup and listening quietly to their back-and-forth exchange.

At this moment, he put down his teacup.

"Mr. Zhang, Director Sun, Teacher Wang."

All three people looked at him at the same time.

"I have a suggestion."

Zhang Hong's eyes lit up: "Please go ahead, Teacher Chen Mo."

Chen Mo thought for a moment and slowly said, "2500 million is indeed not a low amount. But I also know that the production of 'Joy of Life' is under great pressure and the budget is tight."

He paused for a moment, then said, "So, I'll try a different approach."

Wang Lihua glanced at him but didn't say anything.

Chen Mo continued, "I can accept a salary of only 1800 million."

"But for the rest, the bet is placed on an episode-by-episode basis."

"A bet?"

Chen Mo nodded: "That's right. The minimum viewership per episode is 10000 million. For every additional 10000 million views beyond 1000 million, I'll get an extra 200 million in pay."

o

He paused for a moment, then added, "There's no upper limit."

The private room was silent for a few seconds.

Then Zhang Hong's eyes lit up.

Sun Hao and Wang Juan exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

This solution is brilliant.

For the production team, the fixed cost of 1800 million is 2500 million less than 700 million.

Budgetary pressures have been significantly reduced.

The extra money is only added for amounts exceeding 10000 million, which means that Chen Mo is helping them share the risk.

If the show becomes a hit, giving him more money would be totally worth it.

Even if the show doesn't become a hit, they won't lose money.

For Chen Mo, this plan is also very worthwhile.

After all, his previous work, "Joy of Life," was a huge hit, and he believed that if he were to star in it, it would be even more popular, because he was confident in his ability to draw audiences.

Moreover, once the news of the performance-based bet gets out, it will be a plus for his public image.

After all, actors who dare to take risks are those who are confident and have a solid foundation.

Zhang Hong was silent for a few seconds, then he looked at Sun Hao and Wang Juan.

Sun Hao nodded slightly, and Wang Juan also nodded.

Zhang Hong took a deep breath, turned to Chen Mo, stood up, and extended his hand.

"Professor Chen Mo, I agree with this plan. It will be a pleasure to work together."

Chen Mo stood up and shook his hand: "It's a pleasure working with you."

Sun Hao and Wang Juan also stood up and shook hands with Chen Mo.

The atmosphere instantly relaxed.

Zhang Hong said with a smile, "Teacher Chen Mo, it's a pity you're not in business with a brain like that."

Chen Mo smiled and said, "Mr. Zhang, you flatter me. I just want to make a good film and earn some money on the side."

Everyone laughed.

We sat down again, and the dishes began to be served.

Zhang Hong raised his glass: "Come on, Mr. Chen Mo, Mr. Wang, let's toast to you. Wishing you a successful collaboration on 'Joy of Life'."

Everyone raised their glasses.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Sun Hao talked about his understanding of Fan Xian: "The most fascinating thing about the character of Fan Xian is that he always maintains the clarity of an outsider."

He transmigrated here and knows the rules of this world, but he doesn't abide by them.

He looked at Chen Mo and said, "He lives an upright life in this absurd world in his own way."

Chen Mo nodded: "I've read the original novel. What touches me most about Fan Xian is his protection of those around him. He may scheme against everyone in the world, but he will never betray those who are truly kind to him."

Wang Juan's eyes lit up: "Yes, yes, yes! That's exactly the feeling! Teacher Chen Mo's interpretation is very insightful."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Fan Xian's growth trajectory is very long, from Danzhou to the capital, from a pawn to a player, from feigning ignorance to wielding his sword. We plan to film three seasons, each with different changes."

Chen Mo nodded: "The role of Fan Xian is indeed worth three years of playing."

Zhang Hong listened from the side, his smile growing wider and wider.

Dinner was over at 9 p.m.

It was almost ten o'clock when Chen Mo got home.

He changed his shoes, hung his coat in the entryway, and went into the living room.

I had just sat down on the sofa when my phone vibrated. It was a message from Li Xin: "Are you home?"

"exist."

"Then I'll come over."

Chen Mo looked at the message and replied with a smile, "Okay."

He stood up, turned on the living room light, and then drew the curtains.

Then he went to the kitchen, poured a glass of warm water, put it on the coffee table, and sat on the sofa to wait.

A moment later, the doorbell rang.

Chen Mo walked over and opened the door.

Li Lin stood outside the door.

She was wearing a long beige down jacket, wrapped up tightly, with only her face showing.

She had a smile on her face, but her eyes held an undisguised excitement.

Chen Mo stepped aside: "Come in."

Li Qin walked in, took off her down jacket in the entryway, revealing a lace nightgown underneath.

She changed into slippers, walked into the living room, and sat down on the sofa.

Chen Mo sat down next to her: "Why are you here so late?"

Li Qin looked at him, her eyes shining: "I have good news."

"What good news?"

"I got the role of Lin Wan'er in 'Joy of Life'."

Chen Mo paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Congratulations."

Li Qin looked at him, a hint of slyness in her eyes: "Guess why they chose me?"

Chen Mo knew the answer, of course, but he deliberately said, "Because you're a good actor?"

Li Lin shook his head.

"Because you're pretty?"

Li Lin shook his head again.

"because----"

Li Qin interrupted him: "Because you are the male lead."

Li Qin continued, "My agent received the call this afternoon."

There were several candidates for Lin Wan'er, and the competition was quite fierce.

But then they heard that the male lead had chosen you, so they made the decision.

She paused for a moment, then continued, "Because I've worked with you before, we have better chemistry. They felt that we could portray the chemistry between Lin Wan'er and Fan Xian."

Chen Mo listened, his feelings a bit complicated.

He knows the rules of the entertainment industry.

Often, casting involves not only acting skills but also chemistry.

He and Li Lin played Yuan Chun and Yan Xun in "Princess Agents".

In addition, she was originally from Sony Music, so the production team's choice of her was indeed reasonable.

Li Qin looked at him, her smile growing wider: "My agent said I'm doing this all thanks to you."

"She said I'm really lucky. I became a huge star the first time I acted with you, and this time I got this role thanks to you."

"Your agent is quite eloquent."

"She is telling the truth."

After Li Qin finished speaking, she sat on Chen Mo's lap: "Chen Mo, thank you."

Chen Mo looked at her, his hands already starting to wander, and Li Qin's eyes slowly began to glaze over.

Chen Mo leaned close to her ear and whispered, "So, how are you going to thank me?"

Li Lin's face began to flush, her eyes almost welling up with tears. She quickly grabbed Chen Mo's mischievous hand and then glanced at the water glass on the table.

She got up, picked up a cup, took a sip of water, then squatted down in front of Chen Mo and started busying herself.

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