Huayu: A master director who debuted as a singer

Chapter 91 "Young Justice Bao"

Only Fan Binbin's suppressed sobs remained in the room.

Zheng Hui sat on the chair by the bed, looking at the crying girl on the bed, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts.

He had seen too much gossip and dirt about that Pikachu King's film company online in his later life. The boss's behavior and reputation were notoriously bad both inside and outside the industry.

Let her sign the contract? That's definitely not an option.

Whether it's because of the physical relationship that happened between the two of them last night, or out of an investment in her future, Zheng Hui can't just stand by and watch her jump into that fire pit.

Since we can't get her to sign with another company, we'll promote her ourselves.

But what resources do I have right now?

He has resources in the music industry, but he can't very well let Fan Binbin sing, can he?

Although he had just passed the Beijing Film Academy's interview, he was still a prospective college student who hadn't yet enrolled, and he didn't have any production crews in preparation or connections that he could immediately monetize.

Zheng Hui began searching his mind, trying to see what TV dramas he could get involved in at this stage.

In early 1999, what kind of movie was in the preparation stage? The investment was small, the return was high, and most importantly, there was a brilliant female lead who was suitable for Fan Binbin.

Looking at Fan Binbin's still sobbing face, a name popped into his mind—Li Lianhua.

She was later known as one of the "Two Bing" actresses.

Immediately afterwards, Li Lianhua's famous work, "Young Justice Bao," also clearly emerged in Zheng Hui's memory.

Zheng Hui's eyes lit up. That's it! "Young Justice Bao"!

Based on his understanding of the drama from his previous life, it should currently be in the preparation stage. The producer is named Chen Yong, originally a senior producer from Hong Kong, who just came to the mainland this year and founded Oriental Pearl Culture Communication Co., Ltd. in Guangzhou.

This series, "Young Justice Bao," was the first drama that Chen Yong produced after establishing his company in mainland China, and it was also his first foray into acting.

Zheng Hui carefully searched through his memory for information about the drama. Although the production cost of the drama was not publicly disclosed in later generations, it could be roughly estimated based on the prices at the time, the actors' salaries, and the level of costumes and props. The total investment would definitely not exceed six million RMB.

What is six million to Zheng Hui now?

His two albums sold like hotcakes in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The revenue from cassette tapes and CDs alone amounted to tens of millions. With an investment of only a few million, he could have easily taken over the entire production of this drama.

Of course, the other party would definitely not want to work for someone else, but taking 30% or 40% of the profits and the female lead shouldn't be a problem.

Moreover, this drama is not a bad one. When it was broadcast in 2000, it immediately won the national ratings championship that year. It was definitely a profitable investment that could bring huge returns.

Taking the role that originally belonged to Li Lianhua and giving it to Fan Binbin would not only perfectly solve her current predicament, but also make her famous overnight and completely free her from the constraints of the maid Jin Suo image.

This drama requires acting skills, but also doesn't require them too much. The male lead needs to be a good actor, because he's the one who makes most of the dramatic moments.

As for the remaining female lead and supporting actors, as long as they are handsome and beautiful, this drama is actually a detective idol drama.

After figuring out all the details, Zheng Hui stood up and said, "Binbin, listen to me."

Fan Binbin stopped sobbing and looked at him.

"Don't sign a contract with that Pikachu King, or any of those random bosses. I'll handle your problem."

"If you want to act, if you want to be the leading lady, I'll support you."

Fan Binbin stared blankly for a few seconds, then shook his head with a wry smile.

"Zheng Hui, don't be silly. I know you're very famous now and make a lot of money singing. But singing and acting are different."

She sat up in bed, looking at Zheng Hui with a complicated expression.

Do you think the film and television industry is so easy to get into? Do you think money can make someone famous?

In the past few years, I've been in the film and television industry and on film sets. I've heard of and seen far too many bosses like you who come in from outside the industry with a lot of hot money.

They thought that throwing money at it would produce results and turn aspiring actors into big stars. And what happened?

"In the end, they were all ripped off by those producers and directors, ending up empty-handed, without even making a ripple. All those so-called promises were just worthless pieces of paper!"

She bit her lip and continued, "Besides, I really want to be famous. I want all those who look down on me and ostracize me to regret it! I also want to make money and earn back my parents' retirement money."

Most importantly, I don't want to waste any more time.

She stared intently at Zheng Hui: "I'm afraid you'll go to great lengths, spend money, and use your connections, only to waste my time in the end. An actress's golden age is only a few years; I can't afford to waste it."

"Moreover—" Fan Binbin lowered his head: "I just terminated my contract with Ms. Qiong Yao's company. Even if I pay the 200,000 yuan, do you think they will just let it go?"

They have connections in the film and television industries in both Taiwan and mainland China. If they don't have a powerful backer in the film and television industry, they won't succeed.

Even if you throw money at me to make a movie, they can still find ways to stop the TV stations from buying it and prevent it from airing. Without powerful connections, you can't make me successful.

Finally, she looked up and forced a smile at Zheng Hui: "Zheng Hui, you're a good person, I appreciate your kindness."

As for what happened last night—it was all my own choice, so don't overthink it or feel anything's wrong. Just treat it as a dream.

After listening, Zheng Hui did not immediately explain to her that he had been admitted to the Beijing Film Academy and would soon have access to top-notch connections within the academic circle.

He also didn't tell her that he could predict which movies would become hits and which would flop in the coming decades.

Saying all this now would only make me sound like a bragging liar; it would be pointless. Only the facts can dispel her doubts.

"I understand everything you're saying."

Zheng Hui pulled a few tissues from the bedside table and handed them to her: "I only have one question for you, your 'Little Li Flying Dagger' production team shouldn't have started filming anytime soon, right?"

Fan Binbin took a tissue and wiped away her tears while answering, "Not yet, the director said I'll officially start filming and costume fittings next week."

Zheng Hui nodded: "That's good. Then you can stay in Beijing for a couple of days. Take good rest and get some rest during these two days."

"Go take a hot shower first, then eat something and get some sleep. I'll go find some resources for you. Give me two days. After two days, take a look at the resources I've found for you and then decide whether you want to stay."

After saying that, Zheng Hui pushed open the door and walked out, closing the door behind him.

Zheng Hui walked quickly to the door of Li Zongming's room next door and knocked.

"Come in," came Li Zongming's voice from inside the door.

Li Zongming was writing something in his notebook when he saw Zheng Hui come in, so he put down his pen.

He slept in the next room, so Li Zongming knew, of course, that Fan Binbin had spent the night in Zheng Hui's room.

But he is a sensible person. As an agent, the best attitude to deal with a boss's private life is to turn a blind eye, as long as it doesn't affect his work or public image.

So he simply asked, "Up so early? What's the plan?"

Zheng Hui walked to the sofa and sat down: "Brother Zongming, go and find out about someone for me now."

"Who?" Li Zongming brought over the notebook.

"His name is Chen Yong." Zheng Hui recalled the information in his mind: "This person used to be a producer in Hong Kong, and he just came to the mainland this year."

He founded a film and television production company in Guangzhou called Oriental Pearl Culture Communication Co., Ltd. Could you help me investigate his background, the more detailed the better?

"A producer from Hong Kong, a newly registered company in Guangzhou—okay, give me half an hour."

Li Zongming didn't ask Zheng Hui why he was suddenly interested in a Hong Kong person who worked in film and television. He simply picked up the phone on the table, searched through his contacts, and started dialing numbers one after another.

"Hey, Lao Liu, it's me, Zongming. Yes, yes, I'm still in Beijing. I want to ask you something—"

"Brother Wang, busy? Have you heard of a film and television company called Oriental Pearl?"

Zheng Hui sat on the sofa, quietly listening to Li Zongming talking to various deities on the phone.

About forty minutes later, Li Zongming hung up the last phone call, picked up the now-cold tea on the table, took a sip to moisten his throat, and then looked at Zheng Hui: "I've found out. This Chen Yong is considered a senior filmmaker in Hong Kong."

His resume is impressive; he worked as a producer at both D&B Films and Cinema City in his early career. From 1991 to 1999...

During that period, he served as a producer at Changsheng Film Company, and produced several films that performed well at the box office.

"However, the Hong Kong film market has been sluggish in recent years, so this year he followed the trend and came to the mainland, set up a business in Guangzhou, and registered the Oriental Pearl Company."

"According to what I've heard, he's currently preparing to film a period suspense drama, something like 'Young Justice Bao,' and he's out there taking out the script to raise funds."

"How's it going?" Zheng Hui pressed.

"It hasn't been very smooth. Some mainland bosses, seeing his past experiences at D&B Films and Cinema City, are indeed tempted and plan to invest some money to test the waters."

However, Chen Yong is probably used to being assertive in Hong Kong and has a high demand for control over the production team. Therefore, he has not been able to reach an agreement with the bosses on the investment ratio and the say in the project, and the matter is currently at a standstill.

This production is in the stage where everything is ready except for funding.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Hui felt reassured, as it perfectly matched his memory.

He looked at Li Zongming and asked, "Brother Zongming, based on your understanding of the current state of the mainland film and television industry, if I plan to invest in this film and need a female lead, how much do you think I should invest? And what's the most suitable way to invest?"

Upon hearing this, Li Zongming did not answer immediately; he glanced at Zheng Hui.

He had seen too many transactions involving men and women in this industry. Zheng Hui came early in the morning to inquire about a TV series that was seeking investment, and he specifically asked for the female lead. In the next room, a beautiful actress who had just terminated her contract was sleeping.

The logic behind this is self-evident: Zheng Hui wants to promote Fan Binbin.

"Investment is easy to talk about. As long as the money is in place, in this industry, it's only natural to want a leading lady, as long as she's not too bad in looks and acting."

Li Zongming's tone became serious: "But before we settle this score, Zheng Hui, I need to ask you a personal question first."

"Go ahead and ask."

"You're planning to promote that Miss Fan next door simply because of our friendship last night, and you want to use this movie as a one-time compensation and severance pay?"

Or do you genuinely believe she has the potential to become a big star and intend to promote her long-term?

Zheng Hui looked at Li Zongming with some confusion, not understanding why Li Zongming would ask such probing questions.

"Just what to say about last night? What about long-term support?" Zheng Hui retorted.

Li Zongming took out a cigarette from the pack, lit it, and took a deep drag. He was organizing his thoughts: "Actually, during my time back in my hometown for the Spring Festival, I also thought about our current cooperative relationship."

Li Zongming exhaled a puff of smoke: "When we first started working together last year, I did help you out a bit."

I also took a cut from finding commercial performances, arranging media interviews, and finding endorsements. Last year, I earned in just two months what I couldn't earn in the previous ten years.

But Zheng Hui, to be honest, your success today, your appearance on the Spring Festival Gala, and your album sales of tens of millions are all due to your own talent. Good songs are your greatest asset.

"And now? There's less and less I can do for you. With your current status and value, you don't need to go to ordinary commercial performances at all. Going too much would only lower your image."

If you want to make money now, just have PolyGram arrange a concert for you. One concert tour can earn you more money than a month of commercial performances.

"So, at this stage, you don't actually need an agent like me who takes a cut."

Li Zongming bluntly pointed out the current situation between the two: "What you really lack is an executive agent or senior assistant who has some experience in the industry and can help you run errands and carry out specific tasks."

"He's the kind of person who, if you pay him a fixed salary of several thousand or tens of thousands of yuan each month, will take care of all the miscellaneous tasks perfectly."

Zheng Hui fell silent. Li Zongming's words were extremely insightful, something he had realized after releasing his second album.

He didn't think he could become famous so quickly. His two-year contract was about to expire, and it would be perfect time to change contracts or agents.

But the Spring Festival Gala and his second album brought him so much success that he no longer needs a partner agent to help him plan his route, arrange interviews, and find commercial performances and endorsements.

However, out of consideration for their past relationship and because Li Zongming was indeed useful, he never mentioned it.

"What does this have to do with Fan Binbin?" Zheng Hui asked.

"It's a big deal. If you're promoting Fan Binbin just because of a one-night stand last night, and you just want to get rid of her by giving her a leading role, then just pretend I didn't say anything."

"I'll talk to Chen Yong for you. We'll throw in a million or two to buy the lead actress and the investment, and that'll be the end of it."

"But! If you really think Miss Fan has potential, then we can't play it this way."

"Oh?" Zheng Hui's interest was piqued. "What's your suggestion?"

"Let's start a company, let's partner up and open a legitimate talent agency," Li Zongming said, expressing his idea.

"I've been thinking about my career transition lately. I have a lot of media resources, but I don't have any artists who can give me a chance to showcase my talents."

You have a huge reputation and cash flow, but how many nails can you hammer if you're all made of iron?

We can cooperate. After the company is established, with you, Zheng Hui, as a top-notch figurehead, we won't have to worry about attracting good talent.

Moreover, we can legitimately sign Ms. Fan to our company.

"Once she becomes a contracted artist with our company, everything else will be much easier."

I'll take full responsibility for her future career planning, media relations, and liaising for interviews. Do you know what her current situation is?

Zheng Hui recalled what Fan Binbin had just said: "She just terminated her contract with Qiong Yao and lost 200,000 yuan."

"Yes! But look, apart from a very few people in the industry, how many newspapers have reported on this? Almost none! Why?"

Because in the eyes of the editors at the newspaper, she was just a supporting character in "Princess Pearl" who served tea and water, and no one was willing to waste precious space on her.

If she were to try and make a living on her own, this quiet contract termination would only cause her to slowly disappear from the industry.

"But if I were to run it, the situation would be completely different."

I wasn't idle last night either. I asked someone to find out the details of her contract termination with Qiong Yao. That Taiwanese company was truly ruthless; they not only didn't provide resources but also exploited her for a share of the profits.

"Believe it or not, as long as she signs with us, I dare not say that we can immediately surpass Qiong Yao in the competition for film and television resources, after all, she has been cultivating the industry for so many years."

But in the media, on the battlefield of public opinion, I, Li Zongming, have absolute confidence!

"Give me half a month, and I can mobilize mainstream newspapers in the south and Beijing to make the news about Qiong Yao's company terminating its contract with Fan Binbin a major social news story in mainland China!"

I can tear Qiong Yao and her cronies apart so badly they wouldn't even recognize their own mothers! I can use my pen to portray Ms. Fan as a naive and innocent girl who resists power, suffers unfair treatment, and is exploited by unfair terms!

"As long as the public's sympathy is stirred up and they feel disgusted with the arrogance of Hong Kong and Taiwan capital, Fan Binbin will no longer be a little maid; she will become a topic of discussion and a symbol!"

By then, the amount of attention and online buzz she generates will be greater than if she starred in ten different dramas!

Zheng Hui was somewhat surprised. In 1999, Li Zongming was a natural-born brand promoter, possessing such advanced public relations thinking and media control.

For the next half hour, the two began discussing matters concerning the new company in the room.

Li Zongming immediately set about registering a brokerage company with the Administration for Industry and Commerce or buying one directly. In terms of share distribution, Zheng Hui, as the main investor, would provide all the industry resources and investments he could use, holding 70% of the shares.

Li Zongming contributed his media connections, public relations skills, and daily operations management expertise to acquire a 30% stake.

After finishing his discussion, Li Zongming said, "Regarding this investment in 'Young Justice Bao' to promote Fan Binbin, if it were you, Zheng Hui, who were to step forward this time, you should directly take the money to Chen Yong and request a change of the female lead."

Once this gets out, or if the media captures your contact, the public will immediately see Ms. Fan as your kept woman.

This kind of reputation is devastating for an actress, and even more so for someone like you, a high-quality idol.

"But if I were to go, the situation would be completely different. Once the company is registered, Ms. Fan would be a contracted artist under my management."

As the owner and partner of the agency, I used the company's funds to negotiate cooperation, request resources, and exchange for the leading lady position.

This is perfectly normal business practice; no one can find fault with it, and there will be no gossip or rumors that could bother you.

""

Zheng Hui made the decision: "Great, let's do it this way. You go and handle the company matters, and also finalize the investment for 'Young Justice Bao.' Binbin won't be here for more than a few days before he joins the 'Little Li Flying Dagger' crew."

Li Zongming nodded, packed up his materials, and went out to take care of his business.