Huayu: A master director who debuted as a singer

Chapter 95 Fan Binbin, as if floating on clouds

Around noon, there was a gentle knock on the suite door.

Zheng Hui said, "Go in."

The door was pushed open, and Lin Dashan strode in, holding a brown paper document bag in his hand.

"Boss, Zongming has reached an agreement with that Hong Kong producer."

Lin Dashan walked to the coffee table and put down the brown paper bag: "This is a copy of the investment agreement that was just signed, as well as the script outline and project preparation document for 'Young Justice Bao'. Brother Zongming asked me to bring them up for you to take a look."

Zheng Hui nodded and reached out to untie the white thread binding the file bag.

He pulled out the document, his gaze quickly sweeping over several key terms of the investment agreement: one or two million, a 33% share, and the right to designate the female lead.

Li Zongming was indeed efficient in his work.

Zheng Hui instructed Lin Dashan, "Go next door and call Binbin over."

Lin Dashan responded and turned to leave.

Less than a minute later, Fan Binbin followed Lin Dashan into the suite.

Her eyes were filled with trepidation and anticipation. Zheng Hui had told her to wait for news in her room that morning, and those few hours felt like centuries to her.

"Zheng Hui, you were looking for me?" She walked up to Zheng Hui, her voice a little tense.

Zheng Hui pointed to the pile of documents: "Take a look, these are the resources I found for you. You are the female lead."

Fan Binbin's heart jumped. She bent down and picked up the top document.

Project preparation plan for "Young Justice Bao".

She turned to the first page, her eyes quickly searching the list of creators and cast.

Producer: Chan Yung (former senior producer at Cinema City and D&B Films in Hong Kong).

The director, prop master, and other behind-the-scenes personnel listed their Hong Kong origins.

This team was actually assembled by veteran film and television professionals from Hong Kong. In the eyes of people in the mainland entertainment industry today, Hong Kong and Taiwanese film and television teams are the truly professional ones.

She scrolled down and saw the section on actor preparation.

The male lead, Bao Zheng, is reportedly being considered for casting as Nicky Wu, a popular Taiwanese actor.

Supporting male role Zhan Zhao: It has been decided that Shi Xiaolong will play the role (signing has been completed).

It goes without saying how popular Nicky Wu is now, but Shi Xiaolong has become even more famous throughout the country since starring in "Whirlwind Kid" and "New Shaolin Temple". He can be said to be the most popular child star in China, without exception.

She originally thought that Zheng Hui's talk of promoting her might just mean finding some makeshift production team, or some unknown drama like "The Kitchen God" that Pikachu Company mentioned.

She had also seen the information about the Pikachu King project. It was basically just a few old actors putting on a show and making grand pronouncements, but in reality, it was crudely made and had a rustic feel to it.

But this "Young Justice Bao" in front of us, just looking at the cast that even Shi Xiaolong signed, you know it's not in the same league at all.

Fan Binbin put down the proposal, looked up at Zheng Hui, and her peach blossom eyes glistened with tears: "Zheng Hui—is this really for me?"

Zheng Hui said, "It's written in black and white. I said I'd support you if you wanted acting roles. This is just the beginning."

Fan Binbin suddenly stood up, walked a few steps to Zheng Hui, squatted down, and tightly grasped Zheng Hui's hands.

"I'm sticking with you from now on. Whatever you ask me to do, I'll do it."

Zheng Hui patted the back of her hand and pulled her up: "Alright, stop crying here."

Go change into something more formal, and Brother Dashan will take you to the restaurant downstairs later.

Producer Chen Yong is having dinner over there; go and get to know him.

He instructed, "Remember, if Chen Yong asks, just say you're an artist recently signed by Li Zongming's company. Don't say anything else."

Fan Binbin nodded vigorously, turned around and ran back to her room. In less than ten minutes, she changed into a proper outfit and followed Lin Dashan, who was waiting outside the door, downstairs.

Inside a private room in the Chinese restaurant on the second floor of the VIP Building Hotel.

Chen Yong was already flushed from drinking. He raised his glass, adopted a humble posture, and clinked it with Li Zongming's.

"Mr. Li, this toast is for you! Wishing us a great success in our collaboration!"

Li Zongming picked up his wine glass, about to speak, when the door to the private room was pushed open.

Lin Dashan walked in first, stepping aside to make way. Fan Binbin, wearing high heels, calmly entered the private room.

"Brother Zongming, I've brought the person over," Lin Dashan reported.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yong put down his wine glass and immediately stood up.

He recognized the person as Jin Suo from "My Fair Princess".

Now, having shed her maid costume and donned modern attire, Fan Binbin exudes a captivating and alluring charm compared to her youthful days in "My Fair Princess," making her utterly mesmerizing.

"Oh my! This must be Miss Fan! I've heard so much about you!" Chen Yong greeted her warmly.

Li Zongming also stood up and introduced with a smile: "President Chen, this is Fan Binbin, whom our company just signed. Binbin, this is Chen Yong, the producer of 'Young Justice Bao'."

"Hello Mr. Chen, I look forward to your guidance on set in the future."

Fan Binbin extended his hand and gave Chen Yong a light handshake.

"Of course, of course! It's an honor for our entire crew that Miss Fan is playing the female lead in our production!" Chen Yong said politely as he invited the two to sit down.

However, in those few short seconds after everyone sat down, Chen Yong noticed a few details.

First was Li Zongming.

As the boss who just spent two million and the controller of the agency, Li Zongming should theoretically adopt a superior and controlling attitude when facing the newcomers he just signed.

In the entertainment industry, when a boss brings a newcomer out to social events, the newcomer is essentially treated like a mere accessory, serving tea and water as a basic duty, and being scolded by the boss is commonplace.

But Li Zongming didn't!

When Fan Binbin approached the dining table, Li Zongming subconsciously leaned back slightly, making room for the person next to the head of the table.

Moreover, when speaking to Fan Binbin, Li Zongming, though speaking in the tone of an elder, maintained a certain distance and even showed a hint of respect!

Secondly, there's that assistant named Lin Dashan.

Judging from his appearance and physique, he definitely came from the military; he works as a bodyguard, not the kind of assistant who serves others.

After pushing open the door to the private room and waiting for Fan Binbin to walk in safely, he looked at Li Zongming and said, "Mr. Li, I'll wait outside first."

Chen Yong worked as a producer at Cinema City and D&B Films in Hong Kong for over a decade, and he was used to seeing how gang leaders and film moguls dealt with women.

Back when Charles Heung brought Sharla Cheung to the film set, the producers, directors, and thugs from the triads all treated her the same way!

That was definitely not the attitude one would have towards an artist under their management or a money-making tool; it was the attitude one would have towards a "boss's wife." Chen Yong's mind raced.

Li Zongming previously claimed to have come from the media circle, which means that although Li Zongming has connections (such as being able to get the president of Pearl River Film Studio to help him), he is definitely not the kind of person who can easily pull out two million in cash.

Based on this strange way of getting along, Chen Yong instantly figured out the key to it.

There's definitely a huge water pipe behind Li Zongming!

The person who didn't show up was the one who actually pulled out the two million investment.

And this Fan Binbin is not just an ordinary signed artist; she is the woman that the big spender wants to promote!

Having figured this out, Chen Yong's smile became even brighter, even carrying a hint of flattery.

"Miss Fan, please have a seat!"

Chen Yong immediately instructed the waiter to bring clean bowls and chopsticks: "Oh dear, I was just talking to President Li about how our female lead in this drama, Chu Chu, is a quirky and clever heroine who dares to love and hate."

I watched Miss Fan's performance in "My Fair Princess," and her eyes and figure were simply the epitome of delicate beauty!

Fan Binbin was a little taken aback by Chen Yong's sudden and intense praise. Was Jin Suo related to the female knight-errant?

But she still smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, you flatter me. I still have a lot to learn."

"No, no, no! Miss Fan is too modest!"

Chen Yong picked up the serving chopsticks, placed a piece of roast duck on Fan Binbin's plate, and said, "Miss Fan's temperament is definitely enough to carry this show!"

Don't worry, I'll have someone revise the script immediately, and I guarantee that I'll make the scenes for the character Chu Chu as outstanding as possible!

I personally oversaw the clothing and styling, using only the finest materials to ensure you look absolutely stunning in the photos!

Chen Yong has now completely shed his producer persona.

Now that you've figured out she's the boss's wife, why bother pretending?

If you serve this lady well and flatter her in the right place, you won't have to worry about that mysterious big spender not giving Chen Yong some resources in the future.

For the next half hour or so, the atmosphere in the private room reached its peak.

Chen Yong became the number one sycophant, praising Fan Binbin in every word, from her appearance to her acting skills, from her current potential to her future career, practically turning Fan Binbin into the number one leading lady in the mainland film and television industry.

Watching Chen Yong's expression, Li Zongming knew perfectly well that this seasoned veteran of the Hong Kong entertainment circle had figured out what was going on, and this was exactly the effect he wanted.

With this sense of awe, Fan Binbin couldn't tolerate any grievances on set.

The main courses have been served, and everyone has almost finished eating.

Li Zongming glanced at his watch, feeling that the time was right, so he put down his chopsticks and coughed lightly.

"Mr. Chen, we enjoyed the meal very much today. We can now consider the cooperation completely settled."

Li Zongming turned to Fan Binbin: "Binbin, you have to catch a flight to Wuxi early tomorrow morning to film 'Little Li Flying Dagger'."

The film crew was doing costume fittings.

Don't go out this afternoon. Go back to your room and get some rest to recharge.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yong immediately understood and stood up.

"Yes, yes, yes! Filming is physically demanding, so rest is the most important thing!"

"Ms. Fan, please go back and rest! You don't need to worry about anything regarding 'Young Justice Bao.' The production team is all set up, and I'll let you know when you'll join the crew!"

"Thank you, Mr. Chen." Fan Binbin stood up and said goodbye to Chen Yong again.

Watching Fan Binbin's departing figure, Chen Yong turned to Li Zongming and said, "Mr. Li, don't worry. Miss Fan will receive top-notch treatment in my production team."

"All those messy, scandalous things that happen on set have absolutely nothing to do with Miss Fan!"

Li Zongming gave Chen Yong a meaningful look, then picked up his glass: "Mr. Chen is a sensible man. Come on, let's drink this one down."

""

Fan Binbin returned to his room, his heart still pounding wildly in his chest.

It felt like being on a cloud, like a dream.

Just last year, she was terrified of a lawsuit involving exploitation and contract termination, and just a few days ago she was desperately considering whether to offer herself to her disgusting boss in exchange for resources.

Now, she has not only landed the lead role, but is also being treated like a star by that Hong Kong producer!

She would never forget Chen Yong's fawning face, the way he practically worshipped her.

And all of this is because of the man upstairs.

Fan Binbin stayed in the room for less than ten minutes before he could no longer contain his excitement.

She changed out of her formal attire and into an extremely form-fitting silk slip dress, casually draped a bathrobe over it, pushed open the door, and slipped into Zheng Hui's suite with practiced ease.

Zheng Hui was sitting on the sofa, flipping through a film book published by a professor from the Beijing Film Academy.

Hearing the noise, he looked up, but before he could speak, a fragrant breeze wafted over him.

Fan Binbin threw herself into his arms. She didn't say anything, but expressed her gratitude and infatuation through her actions.

If her self-sacrifice a few days ago was due to desperation and a lack of other options;

So today, she willingly surrendered her soul and body to the man before her, who had descended into her life like a god.

The sadness of impending separation was mixed with the joy of acquiring resources.

Today, Fan Binbin showed unprecedented initiative and enthusiasm.

She wanted this man to know that she, Fan Binbin, was not only ambitious but also grateful; she wanted this man to become completely accustomed to her presence and never be able to leave her again.

As evening fell and the city lights began to twinkle, Li Zongming, who had drunk quite a bit of Moutai with Chen Yong at noon, returned to his room and fell into a deep sleep.

When he opened his eyes, the room was already dark.

He picked up his phone from the bedside table and turned on the screen.

An unread text message lay there quietly, sent by Zheng Hui: "Binbin agrees to sign the contract, bring it over."

Li Zongming immediately got out of bed, went to the bathroom to wash his face, and shook off the lingering effects of the alcohol. He took out the entertainment agency contract that he had discussed with Zheng Hui long ago from his briefcase, walked out of the room, and came to the door of Zheng Hui's suite.

After knocking twice, Zheng Hui opened the door. On the sofa in the living room, Fan Binbin was dressed neatly, but her hair was still a little wet.

Li Zongming walked into the living room, placed the contract in his hand on the coffee table, and pushed it in front of Fan Binbin.

"Ms. Fan, this is the agency contract drafted by the company. Please take a look." Li Zongming resumed his businesslike tone.

Fan Binbin picked up the contract and turned to the first page.

"Five-year contract, 20/80 profit split?"

She looked up, her face full of surprise.

"That's right, the company takes 20%, and you get 80%." Li Zongming leaned back on the sofa.

Fan Binbin previously worked at Qiong Yao's company, where he received a 30% commission, and in some commercial activities, he could even receive half.

Of course, she wasn't really pulled off any commercial activities, because Qiong Yao's company didn't assign her any commercial roles.

"Don't be surprised blindly, look at the supplementary terms at the end," Zheng Hui said from the side.

Fan Binbin turned to the last page: During the contract period, the company is responsible for providing Party B with film and television production resources with a total investment of no less than ten million yuan each year, and guarantees that Party B will play a major role.

A production crew worth ten million!

In this year's budget, an investment of ten million is definitely a big production. Later, the "Swordsman" production team, with an investment of twelve million, still made the media exclaim that it had a star-studded cast and a huge business empire.

Without hesitation, Fan Binbin picked up the pen on the coffee table and signed his name at the signature line.

Two copies were made, and after signing them, she handed one copy to Li Zongming.

Li Zongming took the contract, carefully checked the signatures and dates, and then put it into his briefcase.

"Welcome to the company." Li Zongming stood up and nodded to Fan Binbin.

He turned to Zheng Hui: "Boss, there's a lot to do next. Tomorrow I'll go to the labor market and look for a few quick-witted people. You and Binbin both need a full-time assistant. Dashan is a grown man after all, and he can't handle some of the finer details."

Zheng Hui nodded in agreement: "You take care of this. Make sure the people you recruit have a clean record."

"There's one more thing. Your lawsuit to terminate your contract with Qiong Yao's company can't just end quietly like this."

Fan Binbin was stunned for a moment: "It's because the court has already mediated and the money has been paid."

"Paying compensation is a legal matter; what we need to fight is a war of public opinion."

"Starting tomorrow, I will use my media connections in the South and Beijing. I will first find a few entertainment tabloids to leak details about how Qiong Yao's company exploits newcomers and demands exorbitant breach of contract fees."

Once the buzz builds, I'll arrange for several major newspapers to follow up with in-depth reports.

"Starting tomorrow, you will be a girl who harbors dreams but is ruthlessly suppressed by capital and ultimately has to go bankrupt to pay breach of contract penalties."

"I will use my pen to elevate you to a moral high ground. I will make the people of the whole country sympathize with you and make Qiong Yao the target of public criticism."

Only in this way can you transform from a minor, insignificant character into a topic of public discussion.

Fan Binbin listened intently; she had never encountered such a high-level public relations operation before.

"Chen Yong is keeping an eye on the film crew, and I'm handling the media. Ms. Fan, you only have one task: to film well on the 'Little Li Flying Dagger' set, build connections, and avoid trouble, but don't be afraid of trouble either."

When this media storm hits, I'll send a reporter to the set to interview you. You know how to cry, how to act aggrieved—I don't need to teach you, do I?

The confusion in Fan Binbin's eyes has faded, replaced by a blazing ambition.

"I see."

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