In the entertainment industry, the silly system claims it's the immortal realm.

Chapter 103 Your Excellency is passing by my Hehuan Sect...

Bangkok.

in the hotel.

Gao Yuanyuan lay on the bed, her laptop screen lit up, playing an old Hong Kong movie.

These days, there's no such thing as copyright, so Goddess Gao's videos naturally come from pirated copies.

She was wearing Wei Yi's white T-shirt, the sleeves of which were a bit long, and her two bare legs were dangling and swinging.

Suddenly she looked up.

"Wei Yi, I want to sign with your company."

Wei Yi was leaning against the headboard reading the daily report from the cast and crew of "Palace" sent by Li Hua when he heard this and paused for a moment.

"Didn't you say you wouldn't sign with a company and didn't want to be tied down?"

After terminating her contract, Gao Yuanyuan remained a free agent. Many companies in the industry wanted to sign her, but she refused to sign any of them.

The reasons are always the same few sentences, repeated over and over again.

What I don't want is to be managed, to avoid social obligations, or to have my schedule arranged by others.

"That's because the companies I worked for before were too troublesome."

Gao Yuanyuan rolled over, lying face down on the pillow and looking at him, her eyes sparkling. "Your company is different. And—"

'

She paused, then lowered her voice, "If I sign with your company, I can legitimately stay by your side."

Wei Yi put down his phone and looked at her.

He meant that if they signed with my company, they could legitimately stay by my side.

There are so many people who want to stay by your side.

At least Yang Mi's four roommates probably think the same way.

"However, I have conditions."

Gao Yuanyuan held up one finger, her expression turning serious. "I've told you before. I'll only do one or two films a year at most. The rest of my time is my own to manage. Traveling, taking photos, spending time with friends. You can't fill my schedule too full, or I'll renege on my promise."

"make a deal."

Wei Yi tossed his phone aside. "Anyway, the company doesn't need you to make money."

Gao Yuanyuan feigned anger and raised her bare foot to kick him.

Wei Yi seized the opportunity to grab her ankle and pulled hard.

She slid into his arms, the collar of her white T-shirt askew, revealing half of her fair shoulder and plump white breasts.

With a swift movement of his hand, Wei Yi stripped off the nightgown.

This is exactly what is meant by practice makes perfect.

Gao Yuanyuan didn't resist, she just giggled: "Here we go again! Didn't you tell me yesterday that I could rest for a day?"

"That was said yesterday. Today is a new day."

"You're cheating!"

"Um.

""

Gao Yuanyuan's signing ceremony was held directly in Bangkok without her even returning to China.

Wei Yi originally intended to hold a grand celebration.

Gao Yuanyuan is now at least a first or second-tier actress, only slightly inferior to Fan Bingbing, and far superior to Yang Mi at this time.

Even though she became far more popular than Bao Qiang, who was in the same time period in a parallel universe, thanks to her one-shot filming, her status and level were not as high.

This was before Fan Binbin officially signed with the company.

After Gao Yuanyuan joined, she became the most popular artist in the company.

Besides, she was his woman and Daoist partner, so Wei Yi was willing to spend some money to satisfy her vanity.

Unexpectedly, Gao Yuanyuan refused.

"It's too noisy, unnecessary, I don't like it."

The final signing ceremony was shockingly simple.

Gao Yuanyuan, Wei Yi, and Li Hua, along with her agent as witnesses, signed the papers at a table in front of the Detective Chinatown crew.

Li Hua had flown in urgently from Yanjing the night before, and he was completely dazed when he got off the plane.

He asked Wei Yi over the phone, "Boss, should we prepare anything for the signing ceremony? Flowers? A red carpet? Reporters?"

Wei Yi handed the phone to Gao Yuanyuan, who said, "Senior Brother Li, just bring a pen."

Li Hua: "————"

Who are you? Just call me senior brother. Are you also from Beijing Film Academy?

Oh, you're Gao Yuanyuan, not from Beijing Film Academy!

But you're the woman of the Beijing Film Academy's heir?

That's fine.

He answered "senior brother" very readily.

Thus, the signing ceremony for the most prestigious, near-top-tier actress to date, by Hehuan Film & Television, was held in a film set in the back alley of Bangkok's Chinatown.

The table was a folding table brought in by the props team, and the pen was something Wei Yi casually pulled out of his pocket; it took him a couple of tries to get the ink to flow.

The onlookers were crew members. Wang Baoqiang was squatting in the front row eating sunflower seeds, while Liang Jiahui stood behind him with a teacup in his hand.

Wei Yi posted a blog post that same day.

The caption was just one sentence: "New colleagues, old friends. @GaoYuanyuan"

The comments section exploded.

"This is way too casual!"

"That's it for the signing ceremony? She's supposed to be an artsy goddess, for goodness' sake!"

"Exactly! Liu Yifei invites a huge ton of media to her birthday party, it's like a movie premiere!"

"This is what true Buddhist-like detachment looks like—"

Gao Yuanyuan replied below: "It's just signing a contract, not getting married."

Netizens also shared this post, commenting, "So when are you getting married?"

Gao Yuanyuan didn't reply.

Three days after signing the contract, Gao Yuanyuan flew back to Yanjing.

She spent almost two months with Wei Yi in Bangkok and started to miss her parents.

When she left, she clung to Wei Yi at the airport, refusing to let go. A passing passenger recognized her and took a picture with their phone.

That evening, another post appeared on Tianya: "Gao Yuanyuan hugs a mysterious man at Bangkok airport, suspected new romance exposed."

Wei Yi was too lazy to care anymore.

Anyway, a new scandal will come along and overshadow it in a few days.

Gao Yuanyuan returned to Yanjing and spent two days with her parents before officially reporting for duty at Hehuan Film and Television.

Li Hua had already prepared an office for her.

It's not big, only a dozen square meters, facing south, with the window directly facing the woods in Chaoyang Park.

On the first day Gao Yuanyuan moved in, she rearranged the office.

Sofa, bookshelf, coffee machine, and a bunch of green plants.

Two sketches Wei Yi took of her are hanging on the wall: one is a sketch he drew on an airplane, titled "Sketch When I Was Afraid," and the other is a work photo taken in Chinatown.

There's also a coffee machine. If you hang a "Yuanyuan Coffee" sign at the entrance, you can cosplay as a small coffee shop.

A few days later, Fan Binbin visited Hehuan Film and Television.

She pushed open the door and saw Gao Yuanyuan squatting on the ground watering a pot of green ivy. She was stunned for a moment.

"You're making yourself at home?"

Gao Yuanyuan looked up and smiled frankly: "Yes. The company is like home. You are my family too."

She stood up, dusted off her hands, and said in a serious tone as if stating a fact, "Bingbing, from now on, you can come to me if you need anything at the company. You take care of building your career, and I'll take care of looking beautiful."

Fan Binbin rolled her eyes.

"I haven't even signed the contract yet. And do you think I'll believe you just because you say that? Last time you said I was here to join you, not to break you up," and what happened?

Gao Yuanyuan tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said seriously, "I really did come to join. I didn't break anyone up, did I?"

Fan Binbin was once again rendered speechless by her unique answer.

She stared at Gao Yuanyuan for a long time, and finally pointed to the potted green ivy in the corner and said, "That one is about to die."

Gao Yuanyuan looked down and saw that half of the leaves had turned yellow.

"Oh, I've been watering it too much these past few days. I thought it would grow better and more lush the more I watered it, just like me."

Fan Binbin:

'

You really should have said "water" instead of "hand over"!

Fan Binbin took a deep breath, feeling that if she stayed any longer, she would get sick from anger.

She quickly slipped away.

In the blink of an eye.

It's mid-August.

Bangkok.

The final scene of "Detective Chinatown".

Late at night in Chinatown, the lights of tourist boats float on the Chao Phraya River.

Qin Feng and Tang Ren sat on the stone steps by the river, with the city's most vibrant neon lights behind them and the dark river water in front of them.

Qin Feng spoke.

"What...what are you planning to do now?"

Tang Ren grinned, revealing his gold tooth: "What else can I do? Continue being Chinatown's number one detective. Uncle, you're not leaving, are you?"

Qin Feng remained silent.

He looked down at the police badge in his hand, his fingertips rubbing back and forth on the cold metal.

The roar of a tuk-tuk could be heard in the distance, and the neon lights fell on the river, scattering red and green fragments.

"Click."

Wei Yi stood up from behind the monitor.

The set was silent for a full three seconds.

Then he picked up a megaphone and announced: "Detective Chinatown—Filming wrapped!"

The crowd cheered.

Wang Baoqiang jumped up from the ground, and Liang Jiahui smiled, revealing his teeth, a rare sight for him.

The crew members high-fived each other, and Chen Acai shouted in Chaoshan dialect, "That's a wrap! That's a wrap!"

Xiao Wang ran in from the alleyway carrying a case of iced soda, and almost tripped over the cable.

Wei Yi stood in front of the monitor, looking at the group of people who had stayed with him in Bangkok for almost three months, and smiled brightly.

The wrap party was held at a Chinese-owned hotel in Bangkok.

Chen Acai booked the largest banquet hall, with red tablecloths and round tables. Dishes were served one by one, all in Chaoshan style, trying to cater to the Chinese palates of the entire group.

Wei Yi, holding a wine glass, went around to each table to offer a toast.

When it was time to toast Leung Ka-fai, the award-winning actor stood up and said in Mandarin with a Hong Kong accent, "Director Wei, if you ever need a film, feel free to contact me. Name your price."

When it was Wang Baoqiang's turn to be toasted, Baoqiang was already flushed from drinking and slurred, "Director Wei! The best decision I ever made in my life was following you! From now on, wherever you go, I'll go!"

Wei Yi patted him on the shoulder and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp.

Just as things were getting lively, a burst of laughter suddenly came from the doorway.

Albert Yeung walked in with a glass of red wine, followed by Xie Tingfeng and several Emperor Entertainment artists.

"Director Wei! I hope you don't mind my intrusion in visiting?"

Albert Yeung was dressed in a dark Tang suit today, his hair was neatly combed, and he was all smiles, making it impossible to tell that he had made a "surprise attack".

"We happen to be filming in Bangkok as well. We heard you wrapped up filming today, so we came to join in the fun."

Wei Yi put down his wine glass and went to greet him, smiling on the surface, but he knew exactly what was going on in his mind.

This person isn't here to join the fun. He's here to make a good impression. He was blocked by Chow Yun-fat at the Hong Kong Island party last time, so this time he's come to Bangkok to confront him.

"Mr. Yang, it's an honor to have you here. Please have a seat."

Albert Yeung didn't stand on ceremony and sat down next to Wei Yi, with Xie Tingfeng sitting beside him.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Albert Yeung put down his wine glass and got down to business.

"Director Wei, how about we handle part of the Southeast Asian distribution for your film with Emperor Entertainment? I know, of course, that Bona Film Group and China Film Group also have distribution channels here. But shouldn't we have as many film distribution partners as possible?"

He paused, his smile unwavering, "I still have some influence in this area. Emperor's channels are readily available in Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia."

Wei Yi didn't respond.

Albert Yeung wasn't in a hurry and added, "If it really doesn't work out, Director Wei, you can name your terms for your next film. Emperor Entertainment is willing to support you unconditionally."

System pop-up window.

[The leader of the Heavenly Demon Sect, Albert Yeung, has released a strong signal of courtship. He controls vast cultivation resources in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, and his current stance is: to actively court him. It is advised that the host maintain a friendly but not overly intimate relationship. While the Emperor Group is rich in resources, its sectarian style is ruthless; long-term cooperation requires careful evaluation.]

Wei Yi picked up his wine glass and clinked it against Albert Yeung's.

"Mr. Yang, the distribution of 'Detective Chinatown' has already been signed with China Film Group and Bona Film Group. My personal agreement is useless; they all need to agree. However, we can sit down and have a good talk about the next film later."

Albert Yeung laughed heartily: "Great! I like straightforward people! Director Wei, be sure to let me know when the time comes!"

"Definitely, definitely."

It was already past midnight when the wrap party ended.

Wei Yi had just returned to his hotel room when his phone rang.

An overseas call. Han Sanping.

"Did Albert Yeung come to see you?"

Han Sanping's voice clearly indicated that he had heard rumors. China Film Group also had people in the film crew; news travels faster than a plane.

Wei Yi recounted what had happened.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.

"Emperor Entertainment does have distribution channels in Southeast Asia. They're even better than ours and Bona Film Group. You could actually consider a three-way joint release."

Wei Yi leaned against the headboard, looking at the ceiling: "Third Master, I don't really like people with the surname Yang."

Han Sanping hummed in agreement. There was a knowing gratitude in that "hmm," as if to say that it's normal for young people to have tempers, but business is business. However, he didn't offer any further advice.

"Okay, since you've put it that way, of course I support you. By the way, I'm planning to move 'Detective Chinatown' to the National Day release date, what do you think?"

"I'll listen to Third Master."

"There's one more thing," Han Sanping paused, "Didn't you save ten million in subsidies in Thailand? Spend that money. Do a good job with post-production; don't skimp on it. This film can't just be sold domestically; I want to test the waters overseas."

Wei Yi sat up straight: "Third Master, are you trying to use 'Detective Chinatown' as a model?"

"Right. Hollywood can make action comedies, why can't we? Your film is set in Chinatown, which is inherently a cross-cultural subject. If the post-production is done well, I'll personally handle the overseas distribution. So you can't skimp on post-production, understand?"

"clear."

The film crew chartered a plane to return to China the following afternoon.

As soon as Wei Yi exited the arrival gate of the Capital Airport, he saw Li Yi's old Volkswagen parked on the side of the road.

Li Hua leaned out of the car window, his dark circles almost reaching his chin.

"Boss, filming for 'Palace Lock' is almost finished."

He started the car and merged into the traffic on the airport expressway, continuing his report, "When are we going to release the theme song for 'Honey's Record'? Also—"

Li Hua glanced at Wei Yi in the rearview mirror. "Wang Zhonglei called again, asking if we could collaborate on the publicity for 'Detective Chinatown'."

.

Hua Yi is still not giving up.

Wei Yi leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed.

"Publicity and distribution are negotiable. As long as China Film Group and Bona Film Group agree, having another publicity and distribution partner is not a bad thing. Investment is out of the question."

Li Hua understood.

"clear."

Outside the car window, the sunset over Yanjing was a golden-red hue.

The city lights came on one by one, and the buildings in the distance appeared and disappeared in the twilight.

Wei Yi opened his eyes and looked at the familiar sky.

The day after returning to China, Wei Yi locked himself in the editing room.

Since the film is intended for release during the National Day holiday, there are only forty days left.

Post-production, color grading, special effects, and voice-over—everything had to be rushed.

A few days passed in the blink of an eye.

Li Hua called him.

"Boss, filming for 'Palace Lock' is almost finished. Would you like to come to Hengdian around then?"

Wei Yi looked up from in front of the monitor and rubbed his sore eyes.

"We'll see. Oh, by the way, senior brother, do me a favor and give Tingting a break. Also, tell her there's a notice she needs to come back to Beijing."

"no problem."

Why don't you ask why?

"What the hell am I asking? You're the boss, she's the boss's wife, what am I supposed to ask?"

"Senior brother, you have a high level of comprehension."

"Of course! Otherwise, how could I be your senior brother?"

Li Hua was very proud of himself over there.

At the end of last year.

He resigned from his position as assistant director on the set of "Curse of the Golden Flower" and went to work as an assistant to Wei Yi, a newcomer.

Many people in the industry, including some of his friends, don't understand it.

Some people even mocked him, saying that he, a veteran in the industry and from a film and television family, was actually fawning over a newcomer.

What happens next?

After Li Hua's film "One Shot" broke box office records, he was appointed general manager of Hehuan Film & Television.

Such sounds gradually disappeared.

When Detective Chinatown was released, major domestic film and television giants frantically contacted Hehuan Film and Television and Wei Yi.

In the end, they could only go to Li Hua first. Even Wang Xiaowang, an industry giant, had to politely call him Manager Li.

A bunch of film and television company bosses and leaders wanted to invite this guy surnamed Li to dinner, massage, and foot bath.

He did this so that Wei Yi would say a few good words for them.

Li Hua's social status changed from being called a "big fool," "blind," and "a complete idiot" when he first resigned.

They've become the current CEO Li, Director Li, Producer Li, and Boss Li.

He is only thirty-five years old this year.

Yet he had already directed a mid-sized TV series with a total investment of over 30 million yuan, becoming a true director earlier than his classmates and many senior students.

Life is full of ups and downs.

But Li Hua did not become arrogant because of this; he knew his own limitations very well.

He knew that his success was not due to his family background or his own abilities.

It's not because of the platform.

He knew very well that he was standing on the shoulders of giants.

Moreover, whenever he tries to wag his tail slightly...

His boss's junior apprentice could occasionally deliver a blow that left him utterly devastated.

It made him think things like, "Holy crap, they can do that?", "Holy crap, is this even possible?", "Holy crap, is this genius?" and so on.

There's nothing to be proud of.

So now, when he's speaking to others, his favorite phrase is often, "You're finished. My junior brother Wei is going to chop someone up when he wakes up."

"Your Excellency is passing by Hehuan Film and Television. It would be far too arrogant of you not to come in and kowtow to my Junior Brother Wei."

Oops, wrong movie set.

But that's the gist of it. He, Li Hua, has a nickname at the Beijing Film Academy.

He was nicknamed "Brother Li Yi, who wins by lying down".

Li Hua didn't mind at all.

He even told his friends on several occasions:

So what if I win by doing nothing? You can't even do nothing if you want to! I have Junior Brother Wei carrying me, I'm useless but I'm proud of it!

He was so angry that a bunch of people cursed him for his incredible luck, saying he must step in dog poop every time he went out.