Back to 17, My Brother is the Cult Leader

"Fang, our copyright transactions totaled $850 million!"

"So many! You're amazing, Ellie."

"Fang, this is mainly thanks to you."

"Ellie, I'm going to give you a bonus!"

"Haha, that's great, my boss."

But I want to tell you something else.

"What is it?"

"Royalty income, after deducting relevant taxes and fees, plus your screenwriting royalties and my commission, salary, and bonuses."

I calculated that we should be able to save around $600 million.

"Your screenplay royalties and book publishing royalties will be deposited into your personal account."

I have a plan for the money in the studio account; I want to film two more scripts as well.

The director and crew were readily available, the cost was low, and the timing was perfect.

I'd like to participate in Cannes and Venice. Fang, what do you think of this idea?

"Ellie, you don't need to work so hard."

"No, no, no, Fang, you don't need to worry about me."

Now is a great time, and I plan to go all out. You have to support me!

"Okay, Ellie, do whatever you want!"

However, take care of your health! Also, keep a close eye on the theatrical release of *Comet*.

"Don't worry. I'm keeping an eye on Warner's marketing and promotion."

"With the Silver Bear award, I can get a good price for 'Flying Colors'."

"Fang, thank you for trusting me!"

"Go Ellie!"

Fang Yuan shook his head after hanging up the phone.

This woman has gone mad.

In Fang Yuan's memory, 98 was a big year for various awards.

They are all highly competitive.

Whether it's Cannes or Venice.

The films "The Man from Earth" and "Buried" were both extremely difficult to win awards for.

However, Fang Yuan didn't pay much attention, as this year's harvest had already exceeded expectations.

I originally just wanted to use a few low-budget movies to fill my wallet.

It would be even better if there were awards.

In March, the run of "Lost in Thailand" came to an end.

The box office finally grossed 4850 million yuan.

This was thanks to the media hype in the early stages.

So, I'm truly grateful to Director Feng.

With a box office of 4850 million yuan, Fangyuan had a 30% share. According to the 1998 revenue sharing rules, Fangyuan ultimately received approximately 443 million yuan.

Perhaps it's because he didn't step forward to quell the criticism Fang Yuan received recently.

Mr. Zhang felt a little guilty, so he advanced Fang Yuan's share before the final settlement.

So, I became rich.

Fang Yuan was now confident, having more than 500 million RMB in cash on hand.

The overseas dollars haven't returned yet, so there's no rush to deal with them.

"The Moment the Comet Came" has been released in North American theaters.

The box office revenue for the first three days was $670 million.

Fang Yuan was very satisfied, considering the cost was only $7.

Once the season ends, they'll definitely make a fortune.

In early March, Fang Yuan handed over the manuscripts of three novels to Wang Jinghua.

They are "Be There or Be Square", "Endless Love", and "Big Shot's Funeral".

Ask her to contact a magazine to publish or serialize the story.

The priority is speed of publication; remuneration and the journal's ranking are not important.

I'll publish a few more in the second half of the year.

Come on, let's hurt each other.

Fang Yuan plans not to adapt these novels into films in the next few years unless there are special circumstances.

However, the script will be registered for copyright first.

To prevent a cornered dog from doing something rash.

One afternoon in early April, Fang Yuan knocked on Professor Chang's office door.

"Come in."

Professor Chang was sitting behind his desk looking at materials when he looked up at him, took off his glasses and put them on the table.

"Fang Yuan, have a seat."

Fang Yuan sat down opposite him, took a CD out of his bag, and placed it on the table.

"Teacher Chang, I have finished recording 'Beyond the Temple,' please feel free to offer your criticism and suggestions."

In the end, Fang Yuan asked a music professor for help to complete the score and arrangement.

Chang Li picked it up, glanced at it, said nothing, and put it aside.

"How could I dare to criticize Fang Da's work?"

"Speak, what is it?"

Fang Yuan didn't beat around the bush: "Teacher Chang, I'd like to discuss something with you."

There's a TV series being produced during the summer vacation, and we'd like to ask Zeng Li and a few of her classmates from the acting department to help out.

"Zeng Li?" Chang Li leaned back in her chair, looking at him. "She told you?"

"I've spoken with her, and she said she'll listen to you. The show is called 'Eighteen-Year-Old Sky'."

As he spoke, he took a book out of his bag and placed it in front of Chang Li.

"The main producer of this film is Shanghai Film Studio, while Zijincheng Pictures and I both have a share. I am the screenwriter."

"I reserved a few spots for the Central Academy of Drama's acting department. After all, it's better to keep the good stuff within the family, right?"

"Oh dear, then I must thank screenwriter Fang on behalf of your senior brothers and sisters."

"Teacher, please don't say that. This isn't about what happened to me last time. Our school was just standing up for what's right, wasn't it?"

"Does the Beijing Film Academy have them too?"

"I plan to fill two spots at the Beijing Film Academy, and we have three here. The director will come over for auditions in a few days."

"I've read this novel. Tell me, which classmate are you planning to choose? Which role do you want?"

"Professor Chang, I have an idea. Could you take a look and see if it's suitable for me? After all, you're a professional."

"Tell me, who are they?"

"When General Manager Zhu from Shanghai Film Studio came last time, he suggested that Bao Jianfeng should play the lead role of Gu Yuetao. I think that would be more suitable."

Chang Li nodded, not in a hurry to express her opinion.

"I'd like Zeng Li to play the female lead, teacher Pei Pei; Huang Xiaoming from Beijing Film Academy to play Shi Yanfeng; Yan Danchen to play Lan Feilin; and Chen Hao, a freshman, to play Wu Dandan or Wang Chen. I haven't decided on the other spot yet."

"We'll have to wait for the director to confirm, and some students might refuse to act, so we'll make adjustments then."

"Teacher Chang, what do you think?"

Professor Chang pondered for a while.

"Has the script been written?"

"Finished writing."

The office was silent for a few seconds.

Fang Yuan knew what she was thinking.

He took the initiative to speak up: "Teacher Chang, I know our school's rules, freshmen and sophomores are not allowed to take on acting roles."

But summer vacation shouldn't be included in this category, right?

I just wanted to finish filming this during the holiday so it wouldn't interfere with my classes or final exams.

Chang Li glanced at him and tapped her fingers lightly on the table twice: "You seem to know the rules quite well."

"I asked in advance. I'm afraid of crossing the line, so I need to do my homework first."

"As expected of the Berlin Silver Bear-winning screenwriter, you have excellent taste! I have no objection to casting Zeng Li and the others."

Fang Yuan felt relieved: "Thank you, Teacher Chang."

"Don't thank me yet." Chang Li raised her hand to stop him, her tone unhurried, "I have a condition."

Fang Yuan sat up straight: "Please speak."

Chang Li looked at him and said, "When I was a junior in college, I had a short play I wanted to write. Could you help me write it?"

Fang Yuan was taken aback.

"What's wrong?" Chang Li asked when he didn't speak, "You don't want to?"

"No," Fang Yuan quickly shook his head.

"I just didn't expect this. Okay, no problem."

Chang Li raised an eyebrow: "Aren't you going to ask what the subject matter is? How long? What are the requirements? What if I ask you to write something you can't write?"

Fang Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Professor Chang, you are a professor in the Department of Performing Arts. If you ask me to write a short play, I definitely have to accept it."

Whether I can write it or not is my own business; I promised, so I have to keep my word.

"Okay, it's settled then."

Fang Yuan nodded.

Chang Li added, "But I must remind you, my requirements are not low."

If what you write isn't good, I won't give you any face just because of what happened today.

Fang Yuan smiled and said, "Of course. If you're not satisfied, feel free to criticize me; I'll take it."

"Alright, you can go back now."