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Chapter 152 New Film Preparation

Two days later, in the afternoon, Wang Zhonglei met with Li Jun again.

The location was the same teahouse, but this time Wang Zhonglei arrived early, and the tea was already brewed.

He was dressed more neatly than last time, his beard was shaved, and his hair was cut. Although the fatigue in his eyes was still there, he looked more energetic.

"Director Li, please have a seat."

He stood up, his movements somewhat hesitant.

"Mr. Wang, you're too kind." Li Jun sat down opposite him.

The tea is top-quality Longjing tea; the emerald green leaves unfurl in the glass, and the tea soup is clear and bright.

Wang Zhonglei poured tea for Li Jun, his hands still trembling slightly, but more steadily than last time.

"I've considered what you said."

Wang Zhonglei got straight to the point, "I want to give it a try."

Li Jun picked up his teacup: "Have you thought it through?"

"I've thought it through."

Wang Zhonglei took a deep breath.

"I've made many mistakes in my life and I owe a lot to many people, including Master Cheng, you, and many other actors I've worked with."

director.

Master Cheng is recovering now, and you're helping me. I think maybe this is God giving me an opportunity to do something right.

His tone was sincere, devoid of his previous scheming and slickness, as if he had removed all his masks.

"Do you have any specific ideas on how to do it?"

Li Jun asked.

"have."

Wang Zhonglei took a notebook out of his bag and opened it.

"Although I've mainly worked on commercial films over the years, I've also met many new directors and screenwriters. Some of them are very talented, but they haven't had the opportunity."

I have a list of about twenty people, all of whom I believe have potential.

He pushed the notebook over.

Li Jun flipped through the pages; each page contained information about a creator.

Name, age, representative works, characteristics, and contact information.

Some of the directors Li Jun had heard of were emerging directors who had won awards at independent film festivals; others were complete strangers, discovered by Wang Zhonglei at various film festivals and project pitching events.

"I've also compiled a list of projects suitable for beginners."

Wang Zhonglei continued.

"Low budget, realistic subject matter, no need for big stars, but a good story is essential."

I had rejected these projects before because I didn't think they would make money.

But in retrospect, it might be precisely these projects that are capable of nurturing truly good directors.

Li Jun flipped through the pages one by one.

Some stories are about the lives of food delivery riders, some about the plight of young people in small towns, and some about the emotional needs of the elderly.

They are all vivid and down-to-earth Chinese stories.

"What about the funds?" he asked.

"I still have some savings, about five million."

Wang Zhonglei said.

"With your willingness to invest, that should be enough to get started."

We can try out two or three projects first.

We don't prioritize box office success, we prioritize positive word-of-mouth and nurturing new talent.

"Profit model?"

"In the long run, it's about investing in talent."

Wang Zhonglei said.

"If we can cultivate a few promising directors, we can prioritize investing in or sharing profits with them on their subsequent works."

In addition, these films can also generate some revenue from overseas distribution and online copyrights.

Most importantly, I want to make a few films that will stand the test of time, like your "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers."

These words surprised Li Jun. Wang Zhonglei's change was greater than he had imagined.

"Have you decided on a company name yet?" Li Jun asked.

"not yet."

Wang Zhonglei shook his head.

"What suggestions does Director Li have?"

Li Jun thought for a moment: "How about 'New Sprout'? Newcomers to the film industry are like new sprouts, needing soil and sunshine. We are also like new sprouts in the industry, trying new models."

"Sprouting————"

Wang Zhonglei repeated.

"Okay, let's call it New Sprout."

"What about the shareholding structure?"

"You invest, take a majority stake, and act as the art director to guide the direction."

I hold a small stake and am responsible for the day-to-day operations.

Wang Zhonglei said, "This is what I owe you."

"No." Li Jun shook his head.

"We'll split it 50/50. You contribute your experience and resources, and I'll contribute my capital and reputation. We're partners, not superiors and subordinates."

Wang Zhonglei was stunned: "Director Li, this—"

"Mr. Wang, what's past is past."

Li Jun said.

"From now on, we are companions, doing something meaningful together."

Wang Zhonglei lowered his head and wiped his eyes with his hand.

When he looked up again, his eyes were firm: "Fine. I, Wang Zhonglei, have never admired anyone in my life, but I admire you."

Director Li, I won't let you down.

The two then discussed some more details.

Wang Zhonglei is very familiar with the industry and knows the production process, distribution channels, and policy trends like the back of his hand.

His experience, combined with Li Jun's artistic vision, is indeed a good combination.

"For the first project, do you have anyone in mind?"

Li Jun asked.

"have."

Wang Zhonglei turned to a page in the notebook.

"This girl is named Su Xiao. She is 27 years old and graduated from the Directing Department of Beijing Film Academy three years ago."

She has made several short films, all of which have won awards.

I have a script called "Spring River Flows North," which tells the story of a small town on the banks of the Yangtze River amidst the changing times.

I've read the script; it's very well-written, grounded in life, and full of warmth.

"Su Xiao?" Li Jun felt that the name sounded familiar.

"By the way, she is also one of the collaborators on Ms. Jane Zhang's new album."

"7

Wang Zhonglei said.

"That's the girl who wrote 'Paper Boat'."

Li Jun remembered.

Zhang Liangying mentioned that Su Xiao is a very talented young musician, and she never expected him to also write scripts and make movies.

"Is she willing to cooperate with us?"

"I contacted her, and she was very cautious."

Wang Zhonglei gave a wry smile.

"When she heard it was me, she refused outright. She said—she didn't want to work with people from 'Huayi'."

That's not surprising.

Wang Zhonglei's past image was so bad that it's understandable that talented young people wouldn't want to associate with him.

"I'll contact her."

Li Jun said.

"Perfect timing, I'd also like to involve Liangying's new studio. Film and music can work together."

"it is good."

After we finished discussing business, the tea had gone cold.

Wang Zhonglei refilled the water, his movements much more relaxed than before.

"Director Li, there's something I'd like to ask you."

"6

He hesitated for a moment.

"Can I go see Master Cheng?"

Li Jun looked at him.

Wang Zhonglei's eyes held concern, guilt, and a sincere desire to make amends.

"I'll ask him."

Li Jun said.

"Master Cheng is an open-minded person. If he's willing, I have no objection."

"Thanks."

Wang Zhonglei breathed a sigh of relief.

"In addition, I will make up for Master Cheng's medical expenses."

It wasn't a lot of money, but it was something I should do.

"it is good."

As I left the teahouse, dusk was approaching. In springtime Beijing, the evening breeze was gentle, like a feather caressing my face.

Wang Zhonglei stood at the door, watching Li Jun get into the car, and suddenly said, "Director Li, thank you for giving me this opportunity."

Li Jun rolled down the car window: "It wasn't me who gave you the opportunity; you seized it yourself."

The car entered the traffic flow.

Li Jun looked at Wang Zhonglei's figure getting smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror and felt a sense of emotion.

Everyone makes mistakes, but what matters is whether you have the courage to turn back and the determination to change.

Wang Zhonglei is changing. Perhaps it's not too late.

That evening, Li Jun called Zhang Liangying and told her about Wang Zhonglei and the plans for the new company.

"Wang Zhonglei?"

Zhang Liangying was somewhat surprised.

"You really want to cooperate with him?"

Li Jun said.

"His experience and resources are very useful for us in training new talent."

"You are always willing to trust people."

Zhang Liangying's voice softened.

"However, since you've made up your mind, I support you. I'll contact Su Xiao. She trusts me more."

"Okay. You arrange a time to meet her together."

Two days later, Li Jun met Su Xiao at a coffee shop.

She was younger and more shy than Li Jun had imagined.

With short hair, a round face, black-rimmed glasses, and dressed in a simple plaid shirt and jeans, he looks like a recent college graduate.

But her eyes are sharp, with a sensitivity unique to creators.

"Hello Director Li, hello Sister Liangying."

Su Xiao sat down, somewhat reserved.

"Su Xiao, don't be nervous."

Zhang Liangying smiled as she poured her tea.

"Director Li is a very nice person."

"I know."

Su Xiao nodded.

"I've seen 'Bodyguards and Assassins' and 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers,' and I really liked them."

"Thanks."

Li Jun said.

"I've also heard your 'Paper Boat,' it's very well written."

Su Xiao's face flushed slightly: "I just wrote that casually, I didn't expect Sister Liangying to like it."

After exchanging pleasantries, we got down to business.

Li Jun explained the plans for "New Sprout Pictures" and also mentioned Wang Zhonglei's involvement.

Upon hearing Wang Zhonglei's name, Su Xiao immediately frowned: "Wang Zhonglei? The one from Huayi?"

"Yes, but he's different now than before."

Li Jun explained.

"He wanted to incubate new talent and make high-quality, low-budget films. We collaborated; I guided the artistic direction, and he was responsible for operations."

Su Xiao remained silent for a long time, then shook her head: "I'm sorry, Director Li, I can't accept this."

Why?

"because----"

Su Xiao bit her lip.

"I have a friend who is a very talented screenwriter. She worked with Huayi Brothers and got ripped off badly."

Wang Zhonglei exploits newcomers, plagiarizes ideas, and delays payment of royalties.

Everyone in the industry knows about these things. I don't believe he'll change.

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was firm.

Li Jun understood her concerns.

Wang Zhonglei's past infamy cannot be erased overnight.

"Su Xiao, I understand your concerns."

Zhang Liangying spoke.

"But people do change. Director Li gave me a chance, and I'm willing to believe in him."

If you're really worried, we can sign a special contract—the artistic creation part will be entirely decided by you and Director Li, while Wang Zhonglei will only be responsible for administration and finance.

Furthermore, the funds are overseen by Director Li's studio to ensure transparency.

Su Xiao shook her head again: "I'm sorry, I need time to think about it."

The meeting ended unhappily.

After seeing Su Xiao off, Zhang Liangying sighed, "That child is too stubborn."

"It's not stubbornness, it's self-protection."

Li Jun said.

"Newcomers are too vulnerable in this industry and are afraid of being taken advantage of. What we can do is prove that we are different through our actions."

"Then what should we do? Change the director?"

"No, it's Su Xiao."

Li Jun was very determined.

"I've seen her short films, and she's definitely talented."

Moreover, the subject matter of "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" is excellent, and I'd like to film it.

"But she doesn't want to."

"Then let her see our sincerity."

Li Jun said.

"Liangying, I want to visit her hometown."

"Her hometown?"

"The script describes a small town on the banks of the Yangtze River, which should be her hometown."

I want to go see that place, meet her family, and find out why she wrote this story.

Zhang Liangying's eyes lit up: "You want to win her over with sincerity?"

"right."

Li Jun nodded.

"Furthermore, I also want to do research for the film. If I'm really going to make a film, I need to understand the place."

Two days later, Li Jun and Zhang Liangying flew to Chongqing, and then transferred to Su Xiao's hometown, a small town called "Yunyang".

The town is located on the banks of the Yangtze River, built against the mountainside, with bluestone-paved roads, stilted houses, and an old wharf.

The river water is very green in spring, and cargo ships slowly sail across the river, their whistles sounding long and drawn out.

The air is filled with the scent of river water and the fragrance of yellow oak trees on the bank.

Following the address on Su Xiao's resume, they found her home, an old house by the river, with a wooden sign hanging at the door that read "Su's Clinic." It turned out that Su Xiao's father was an old traditional Chinese medicine doctor in the town.

Pushing open the door, the aroma of medicine filled the air.

An elderly man in his sixties was taking a patient's pulse when he saw a stranger, looked up, and asked, "Who are you looking for?"

"Are you Dr. Su? We are Su Xiao's friends."

Li Jun said.

The old man's eyes lit up: "Xiaoxiao's friend? Please have a seat! Let me finish seeing this patient."

The old man was Su Xiao's father, Su Wenshan.

After seeing the patient, he warmly served him tea.

Xiaoxiao mentioned you on the phone.

Su Wenshan said.

"I didn't believe you when you said a big director was coming to our little town."

"Dr. Su, we've come to see you and also to see the place where Xiaoxiao grew up."

Zhang Liangying said.

"Is her screenplay 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains' about this place?"

1

Yes, yes.

Su Wenshan nodded.

"This child grew up by the river and has a deep affection for this place."

After going to study in Beijing, he came back every year, saying he wanted to write down and film the stories of his hometown.

He led the two to the back door, where there was a small balcony facing the Yangtze River.

The river flows mightily, and on the opposite bank are verdant mountains.

"Look, this is the scenery Xiaoxiao has seen since she was a child."

Su Wenshan pointed to the river.

"When she was little, she would sit here all day long, watching the boats, the water, and the mountains. She said the river could talk and tell stories."

Looking at the scenery before him, Li Jun suddenly understood the deep affection in Su Xiao's script.

This isn't an outsider observing; it's a child away from home longing for home.

"Dr. Su, has Xiaoxiao told you about her career development in Beijing?"

Li Jun asked.

"I did say that."

Su Wenshan sighed.

She said the entertainment industry is complicated and difficult to navigate. But she enjoys making movies, saying that movies can record the times and the lives of ordinary people.

Her mother and I both support her, but we're also worried she might get taken advantage of.

"If we had a project and wanted to invite Xiaoxiao to film it, do you think she would be willing?"

Zhang Liangying asked.

"That depends on what kind of project it is."

Su Wenshan is very down-to-earth.

"If it's a story she wants to film, she'll definitely be willing."

If not, she wouldn't do it no matter how much money you offer. This child, like me, is stubborn.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside. Su Xiao pushed open the door and came in, then froze when she saw Li Jun and Zhang Liangying.

"Dad, they—"

"Xiaoxiao, your friend has come to see you."