Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Zuo Shandiao was a master at getting things done.

the next day,

CCTV sent people, and not just Channel 8, but the head of the purchasing department of Channel 1. That's quite a high-level delegation.

"Director Zhuang, I have long admired you, and I am so glad to finally meet you today."

"Why are you being so formal, senior sister? Just call me by my name."

The person who came was named Chen Siyu. She was also a graduate of the Beijing Film Academy and was a senior in the Broadcasting and Television Directing major of 92.

Han Sanping even sent a message to Zhuang Huai'an, saying that this strong woman was related to director Hu Mei and that it was appropriate to befriend her.

Tsk, "Circles".

Invite Chen Siyu to the conference room. Zhong Lifang and two employees brought in a plasma TV and first played two episodes of "Liancheng Jue". Seeing that Chen Siyu was not very interested, they started playing "Chinese Paladin".

Chen Siyu's eyes lit up immediately. "Liancheng Jue" wasn't very good; it was a traditional Jin Yong martial arts drama, and a tragedy at that. But "Chinese Paladin" was different. This kind of fantasy concept was extremely rare these days, not to mention that 91 Company had spent a lot of money on special effects.

After the first two episodes of "Chinese Paladin" were released, Chen Siyu was still somewhat unsatisfied. Based on her more than ten years of experience in the industry, she believed that this drama would definitely be a hit.

"Huai'an...Director,"

Chen Siyu remained humble, simply using a more informal form of address, "CCTV-1 wants these two dramas, but the price may not meet your expectations."

Previously, Zhong Lifang organized a screening event, which was attended by local TV stations. The highest bid came from Shanghai TV, offering 48 yuan per episode for "Liancheng Jue" and 55 yuan per episode for "Chinese Paladin," but Zhong Lifang did not agree to either of them.

As a fellow high-ranking official in the television industry, Chen Siyu had naturally heard the news. She came today not only because of Han Sanping's influence, but also to make friends with Zhuang Huai'an and see if the two dramas were as amazing as others said.

"It's alright, senior sister."

Zhuang Huai'an smiled and said, "What we need is a platform. As long as your offer doesn't disappoint the crew's hard work, I can accept it."

The implication is that I can compromise, but you must also show your sincerity.

Chen Siyu understood, and after thinking for a moment, she gave her answer.

"The first episode of 'A Deadly Secret' costs 450,000 yuan per episode, airing at 8 PM prime time. The rebroadcast the following afternoon costs 50,000 yuan per episode. 'Chinese Paladin' costs 500,000 yuan per episode, with the same treatment."

Zhuang Huai'an raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

CCTV-1's prime-time slot is considered a high-class luxury in the television industry, attracting countless poor men who flock to it in hopes of getting a glimpse of its beauty.

The treatment Chen Siyu offered was like a cold and aloof older sister opening her arms to wait for you... cough.

"Okay, I agree."

The initial broadcast price doesn't matter, as long as it's not too excessive. TV dramas rely on revenue; with promotion from CCTV, the real income comes from second and third runs.

"Then it's a pleasure to cooperate."

Chen Siyu was also quite happy. In her heart, Liancheng Jue was a safety net, while Xianjian was the weapon to conquer new territories.

Zhong Lifang was in charge of the subsequent contract signing. Given Zhuang Huai'an's current status, the fact that he personally received Chen Siyu was all because of her background at the Beijing Film Academy. It's no exaggeration to say that even if he went to CCTV, he would be dealing with at least the deputy director or director and other high-level figures.

After the contract was signed, Zhong Lifang came to report.

"Boss, Manager Chen's idea is to have the crew participate in a few promotional programs."

"That's only right, you can arrange it. As for the main actors, let Du Hua coordinate the schedule."

They're used to casting familiar faces in "Wolong and Fengchu," and the two dramas they're filming this time are also cast with familiar faces. "Happy Seven Fairies" is still the duo of Hu Ge and Yuan Hong, and Xiao Zi is playing Yan Danchen.

In The Deer and the Cauldron, Shu Chang played Shuang'er. It's unclear what methods Sun Hao used, but he managed to get Jiu Yi Jie to play Princess Jianning. At this time, Jiu Yi Jie had not yet become Fan Bingbing. Perhaps he wanted to use this drama to get in touch with 91 Company.

The other actresses weren't important; they were all stuffed in by the coal mine owners. After the actors played the roles of Zhuge Liang and Feng Yuxiang, those who were suitable were given supporting roles, and those who weren't were given some decorative roles.

Zhuang Huai'an had also met those actresses, and tsk, all I can say is that the coal boss's aesthetic sense is... well, let's just say it's terrible.

Therefore, he repeatedly urged Zhuge Liang and Feng Chu to stay true to their original intentions.

With this, everyone at Madou Media now has their own representative work, and their future path is up to them.

Mid-month,

After filming wrapped up for "The Deer and the Cauldron" and "Happy Seven Fairies," Zhuang Huai'an handed over the footage to the company and gave Wolong and Fengchu a short vacation. They were ready to film "The Return of the Condor Heroes" when they returned.

Cao Long's gang has grown considerably. Knowing Zhuang Huai'an's style well, Cao Long's underlings are all diligent and honest people, afraid of accidentally losing their secure jobs.

To avoid having to travel back and forth, the training camp was set up at a horse farm near Xiangshan Film and Television City. The owner was a shrewd businessman. After learning that it was Zhuang Huai'an's film crew, he built a large steel-framed shed overnight and even installed several high-powered central air conditioners.

Of course, all of these will cost money.

Beijing Airport

Zhuang Huai'an escorted Liu Yifei and her daughter to the boarding gate, and chatted incessantly with the little girl.

"Before we go to the training camp, I want to make three rules for you."

"Which three chapters?"

"First, don't be reckless; protecting yourself is the most important thing. Second, don't be too stubborn; taking care of your health is the most important thing. Third, don't overwork yourself; you're still growing, so don't ruin your health for the rest of your life by filming a movie."

Liu Yifei's eyes widened. "Isn't this just one request?"

"There are three requirements."

Zhuang Huai'an said seriously, "But the core principle is that you are the most important."

When Liu Yifei met Zhuang Huai'an's burning gaze, her face instantly turned red. This bad guy, her mother was right there.

"If it doesn't work, we'll use a stunt double. I already had Wu Yue find a few skilled female students in Shichahai. I also told Cao Long that you're not allowed to do any dangerous stunts. In addition, I had Brother Yang order a set of bionic wire equipment from the United States, the kind from The Matrix. Try it out when you get there. If it's not comfortable, we'll modify it. If we can't modify it, we'll redo it."

Listening to Zhuang Huai'an's rambling, Liu Yifei didn't find it annoying at all. On the contrary, she felt sweet inside. This man had always looked so confident and in control. She had never seen this side of him before.

"Okay, okay," Liu Yifei nodded frantically to herself, but pretended to complain, "Why have you become as long-winded as Mom?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Liu Yifei felt a murderous aura descend upon her. Turning her head, she saw Aunt Liu staring fiercely at her. Instinctively, she shrank her neck and returned a fawning smile.

Aunt Liu was speechless. It was one thing for the two of them to be all lovey-dovey in front of her, but this brat even called her a nag.

Sigh, Huai'an is such a good kid, how did he end up with his own little cabbage?

"Sissi, this time you really have to listen to me."

Zhuang Huai'an emphasized with utmost seriousness that he had already changed Liu Yifei's trajectory, and he didn't want this girl to suffer the same pain and injury as in her previous life while filming a TV series; it was completely unnecessary.

If it weren't for the numerous buffs that The Return of the Condor Heroes could provide, Zhuang Huai'an would never have wanted her to film this movie. However, it's somewhat a pity that Liu Yifei lost her destined role as Little Dragon Girl.

So he used all his abilities to take precautions in advance, and combined that with his charm and the friendship he had built over the past two years, he tried to morally blackmail Liu Yifei.

"Okay, I promise."

Liu Yifei looked directly at Zhuang Huai'an and nodded heavily.

You are more important than being dedicated to your work.