Huayu Entertainment: Starting with Exorcising Evil from a Film Queen

Zhang Ze thought for a moment and then dialed Chen Kun's number.

After hearing his purpose, Chen Kun readily agreed to help him inquire.

The next morning, Chen Kun called back and recommended someone to him: Sun Ping, known in the industry as Sister Sun. She had mentored newcomers at Huayi for several years before leaving to work independently due to differences in their philosophies. She had a certain network of connections and was a very pragmatic person.

Zhang Ze asked for the contact information and immediately called the other party.

The woman on the phone sounded very capable. When she learned that Chen Kun had introduced her, she did not agree immediately, but said that she would look at the artist's information first before making a decision.

She said she would fly over from Beijing the next day to talk in person.

That evening, after learning that Zhang Ze would be meeting with his agent the next day, Zhao Liying, a rare workaholic, took the initiative to coordinate with the production team and set aside half a day for him.

After all, she knew that this agent was mainly found for her.

The next day, Sister Sun arrived as promised.

She was around forty years old, dressed in a well-fitting business suit, her hair neatly styled, and exuding an aura of shrewdness and competence.

Zhang Ze received her in his newly rented office.

The office was empty, with only a few newly purchased desks and chairs, and even the water dispenser hadn't been installed yet.

Sister Sun looked around without showing any disgust, and calmly sat down opposite Zhang Ze.

"Mr. Zhang, let's get straight to the point."

She took out two documents from her briefcase; they were Zhang Ze and Zhao Liying's information, marked with red pen.

"Mr. Zhang, you have excellent qualities. You have good looks and acting skills, and you also have a work like 'Chinese Paladin 3' as a foundation. As long as you have the resources to follow up, it's only a matter of time before you become a big star."

She had a very high opinion of Zhang Ze.

Then, she pushed another document to the front.

"But this Miss Zhao..." Sister Sun's wording was objective and direct, "She has more problems."

Zhao Liying, who was pouring water for them, froze for a moment while holding the disposable cup.

"In terms of appearance, a round face is not an advantage in today's market, and the range of roles will be relatively narrow."

"He has no formal training in acting and relies entirely on talent and experience, so his potential is limited."

"Most importantly, I had no background or connections, and all the roles I played before were minor, unremarkable characters."

Sister Sun analyzed each point one by one, her calmness bordering on cruel.

She looked at Zhang Ze. "Mr. Zhang, I need to know, did you sign her out of personal feelings, or do you genuinely believe in her commercial value?"

"This determined the direction of my future work."

The atmosphere in the office was somewhat tense.

Zhao Liying lowered her head, silently placed the water glass on the table, and unconsciously stirred her fingers.

Zhang Ze did not answer immediately.

He picked up Zhao Liying's file, glanced at the photo attached to it, and saw the girl in the photo smiling brightly.

"Sister Sun, have you ever read web novels? Do you know anything about web novel adaptations?"

He suddenly asked a completely unrelated question.

Sister Sun was taken aback, not understanding why he suddenly changed the subject, but still answered professionally, "I am paying attention, but it is still a niche market. There are very few successful cases of adapting online novels into film and television, and the risks are too great."

"That won't be the case for long."

Zhang Ze put down the documents. "In the next three to five years, online literature IPs will become the most popular resource in the film and television industry."

"By then, audiences will get tired of seeing these same old V-shaped faces and female lead scripts."

"The market needs new faces and new story types."

He pointed to Zhao Liying, "Her face isn't without its advantages, but the current market doesn't have any suitable scripts for her."

"She has a friendly appearance and will be very popular with the audience."

"When those adapted dramas become popular, this down-to-earth girl-next-door image will be more popular than those aloof leading ladies."

"As for acting skills, they can be honed. Connections can be built."

What I value in her is her resilience and the potential for the future.

Zhang Ze's words made Sister Sun re-examine Zhao Liying, who had been sitting silently beside her.

Zhao Liying also raised her head. She looked at Zhang Ze, feeling a strange mix of emotions.

So he was thinking that far ahead.

After pondering for a long time, Sister Sun finally nodded.

"I understand." She put away the documents. "Since Mr. Zhang sees things so clearly, I'm willing to take the gamble with you."

"However, let me make this clear first: initially, I will focus my main efforts on Ms. Zhao, helping her find suitable scripts. As for you, Mr. Zhang, with your qualifications, I believe you will have many opportunities to come to me on your own initiative."

"No problem." Zhang Ze didn't mind at all. "I'm leaving the studio in your care, Sister Sun."

Zhang Ze doesn't need an agent to help him. He's already incredibly talented. If he still can't find acting roles, then it would be a laughing stock.

Once "Chinese Paladin 3" airs, Zhang Ze's problem will probably not be a lack of acting opportunities, but rather what roles to choose.

The matter concerning the agent has been settled.

The basic framework of the studio has been initially completed.

Sister Sun was extremely efficient; that very afternoon, she had Zhang Ze and Zhao Liying take new promotional photos.

Subsequently, she used her connections to help the two of them open personal Weibo accounts and obtain official verified accounts.

It's important to know that at this time, Weibo was still in the trial operation stage, and the first batch of users were basically celebrities or large companies with a certain status in the industry.

The studio's official account was also created simultaneously.

The first Weibo post was a group photo of Zhang Ze, Zhao Liying, Sister Sun, and Xiao Wen and Xiao Jing.

The photo was taken in an empty office. Although the background was simple, everyone had a smile on their face.

The caption was simple: "A new beginning, please take care of me."

After posting the message on Weibo, Zhang Ze used his connections to call Yang Mi, Hu Ge, Tang Yan, Liu Shishi, and others.

Soon, these popular celebrities reposted the Weibo post and sent their blessings.

"Congratulations to Boss Zhang on your grand opening! @Zhang Ze" This is Yang Mi's message.

"Congratulations! We look forward to collaborating more in the future! @Zhang Ze Studio" This is from Hu Ge.

"Go for it! I'm rooting for you guys! @Zhao Liying @Zhang Ze" This is Tang Yan's message.

With the support of these individuals, the studio's account began to see a rapid increase in followers.

This is the first time Zhao Liying has received so much attention.

Her greatest pleasure after work each day is scrolling through Weibo on her phone and reading comments from netizens.

"Who is this Zhao Liying? I've never heard of her."

"For Yang Mi and Hu Ge to share this, they must be someone important, right?"

"This girl is so cute! She has a round face, I love her!"

Looking forward to your new work!

These days, the online environment isn't that bad, and Weibo is still a relatively new thing, so people are generally quite friendly.

Looking at the encouraging and expectant messages, Zhao Liying felt full of energy and longing for the future.

With Zhao Liying's information in hand, Sister Sun began tirelessly visiting various film and television production crews.

Reality is harsher than imagined.

For a whole week, Sister Sun brought back only bad news.

Most production teams rejected Zhao Liying as soon as they saw her round face with baby fat, citing that her image didn't fit the role.

Occasionally, a few actors are willing to give audition opportunities, but these are usually minor roles with very few lines.

Although Zhao Liying didn't say it, she couldn't hide her disappointment.

She also started checking Weibo less often after work each day.

That evening, Sister Sun dragged her tired body back to the office, but her face showed a rare hint of joy.

She placed a script in front of Zhao Liying.

"The opportunity has arrived."

"A modern urban drama, a commissioned production of Hunan TV, with a good production team."

Sister Sun quickly explained the situation, "The female lead has already been cast, and now we're missing a female supporting actress."

"I sent you your trailer, and the director felt that your image and temperament were a good fit for the role. He told us to go to Shanghai for an audition in three days."

Zhao Liying's hand trembled slightly as she picked up the script.

She was already somewhat insecure, and even worried that she might only be able to play minor roles for the rest of her life, but now, all those worries have vanished.

Along with Zhao Liying's audition invitation came another piece of good news: "Chinese Paladin 3" was broadcast.