Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

On the day Zhuang Huai'an was discharged from the hospital, the motive of the two robbers was finally revealed.

The reason it took so many days was not because the police officers were not strict enough, but because the two men were beaten unconscious for a day and a night before waking up. The taller man, in particular, was probably in shock due to Zhuang Huai'an's restraints, and his brain was somewhat lacking in oxygen, which caused him to wake up, but his consciousness was still somewhat confused.

Although the short man was clear-headed, he was just a lackey who only knew how to follow orders and had no idea what the tall man's specific plan was.

"Damn it! What bad luck, what a fucking bad luck!"

Zhuang Huai'an looked at the transcript in his hand and was completely convinced.

It turns out that these two robbers had the same idea as the paparazzi in the bushes: they planned to ambush Xiao Yanzi, who was having a date at the restaurant next door, since women are easier to win over.

The tall man recognized Zhuang Huai'an, but not because he was more famous than Xiao Yanzi. In the tall man's own words, anyone who can appear on CCTV's financial channel must be richer!

What a terrible stroke of bad luck!

So just as Wu Ruopu helped Zhang Tieling avoid disaster, he also helped Xiao Yanzi avoid a calamity.

Zhuang Huai'an felt like he had eaten a pile of poop. He accepted being kidnapped, but he felt incredibly uncomfortable for saving Xiao Yanzi from disaster!

"Director Zhuang..."

The police officer who came to close the case looked at Zhuang Huai'an, who had a displeased expression, and asked somewhat awkwardly, "If you don't have any other questions, please sign here and I'll go back."

"Oh, I'm sorry, officer," Zhuang Huai'an said apologetically, coming back to his senses, "I'm not trying to be difficult, it's just that this matter is too..."

"It's alright, Director Zhuang, I understand." The police officer was very understanding. "After all, no one would feel comfortable in this situation."

"Oh, thank you for your trouble." Zhuang Huai'an signed the record and handed it over.

"Alright," the police officer nodded. "To be frank, these two robbers won't get away with this, but please be careful about your safety in the future."

"Thank you for your trouble, comrade. I have already hired two bodyguards and will try my best not to cause trouble for the government in the future."

"You can't say that. The people's police serve the people." The police officer smiled and waved his hand, then said, "Now that we've finished with official business, I have a personal matter to discuss."

"Please go ahead." Zhuang Huai'an handed over a cigarette, which the other party did not refuse.

"It's just that your matter has become too big a fuss. In order to serve as a warning to celebrities, we will accept some media interviews as appropriate. In addition, our superiors are also planning to do a special interview with CCTV, the one on Sa Beining's 'Today's Talk'. The leader asked me to pass on a message to you, and would like to invite you to attend."

Zhuang Huai'an secretly sized up the seemingly young policeman. Goodness, his shoulder insignia were only 23 centimeters long, and his age… something to think about…

"Okay," he agreed without hesitation. "Cooperating with the police's publicity efforts is also a citizen's duty and responsibility."

Zhuang Huai'an took out his phone and handed it over, smiling, "Let's exchange phone numbers so we can coordinate. May I ask your name?"

"Er Dong Chen, whose given name is Xiao Tu Chen."

Chen Chen smiled as he took the phone, entered his number, dialed it, and then handed it back.

"Officer Chen Chen, thank you for making this trip."

"It's my duty."

The two shook hands, and Zhuang Huai'an escorted him downstairs.

Just as they were about to go upstairs, Yu Bo walked in with a capable-looking middle-aged man.

"Guo'er, you're here."

Yu Bo walked over and introduced the middle-aged man behind him with a smile, "This is President Zhou of Zhouyi Films. Before I signed with our company, I had worked with President Zhou several times."

"Director Zhuang, I've heard so much about you." Zhou Yi warmly extended her hand.

"As a senior figure in the film and television industry, Mr. Zhou's reputation is truly renowned."

The two shook hands, and Zhuang Huai'an invited him upstairs for tea.

"Brother Bo, could you call Mr. Yang up here for me?"

"Okay." Yu Bo left with good judgment.

When Zhou Yi entered the office, Zhuang Huai'an didn't rush to speak. Instead, he made tea and exchanged the usual pleasantries.

Yesterday he also figured out why Monday Films approached 91 Company.

Yu Bo.

Zhou Yi has collaborated with Yu Bo many times. For example, in the popular drama "Xiao Shiyi Lang" this year, Zhou Yi personally selected Yu Bo to play Lian Chengbi. However, Zhou Yi Films is a pure film and television production company and does not have agent contracts, so Yu Bo has always been a free agent.

For this drama "Shuiyue Dongtian", Zhou Yi also wanted Yu Bo to play the male lead. After learning that Yu Bo had already signed with Zhuang Huai'an, Zhou Yi had some ideas. Since "Shuiyue Dongtian" is a fantasy drama, special effects are indispensable, so the investment will be larger.

On Monday, feeling uncertain, I was hoping to attract some investment.

Anyway, I'm using your actor as the male lead, so it's reasonable for you to invest a small share, right?

As the two were brewing tea, Yang Chen walked in. Zhou Yi was also quite astute, taking the initiative to start a serious conversation.

Yang Chen was to discuss the investment amount with the other party; Zhuang Huai'an didn't participate, instead looking at the complete script that Zhou Yi had brought.

To be fair, the screenwriters at Zhouyi Films are really talented. The various settings in the script made Zhuang Huai'an want to poach their talent.

Yang Chen and Zhou Yi argued about the investment share all morning, until Zhuang Huai'an couldn't stand it anymore and interrupted their conversation.

"Since Mr. Zhou wants to bring 91 Company into the project, then you can certainly think outside the box. What is your company's total budget?"

"This show has 30 episodes and is estimated to have 300 special effects shots. I plan to keep the cost per episode around 50 yuan."

Actually, Monday's idea was 35 to 40 per episode. Exaggerating a bit like that wasn't to scam investors, but just to give myself a better image.

"That's 1500 million," Zhuang Huai'an shook his head. "Too little, too small a scope."

He looked at Zhou Yi and said bluntly, "To be honest, I am very interested in this film. If you, Mr. Zhou, are producing it independently, I can understand your desire to cut costs. But if you want to bring 91 Company on board, then I disagree."

From the very beginning of the company, I had one goal: to produce only high-quality products—visually stunning, with compelling storylines and charismatic actors!

On Monday, I gave an awkward smile, inwardly thinking, "Fine, fine, everyone knows your 91 Company is a big and powerful company. If you had a choice, who wouldn't want to make a high-quality product?"

"So, what does Director Zhuang mean?"

"When I was reading the script just now, I already had the corresponding scene layout in my mind."

Zhuang Huai'an put on a little show of arrogance and continued, "Here's the deal: I'll name a price. If President Zhou agrees, we'll cooperate. If President Zhou is reluctant, then forget it. You can't force a relationship."

"Director Zhuang, please go ahead."

"The total investment is 21 million, with a 10% fluctuation limit. The investment shares will be split 50/50 between the two companies. Since it was your company that conceived the script idea, I only need 40% of the copyright. Company 91 will only be responsible for the investment and will not interfere in the production team's affairs. How about that?"

hiss~

Even though I had expected it on Monday morning, I still couldn't help but be surprised.

At 70 per episode, this price is already the production cost of top-tier TV dramas in mainland China. You should know that the Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils produced by Zhang Dahuzi this year only cost 80 per episode to produce.

After a moment's thought, Zhou Yi gritted his teeth. If a top-tier director wasn't afraid, why should he? He'd take a gamble.

It's done!

On Monday, he took a deep breath, stood up with a serious expression, and extended his hand: "Director Zhuang, President Yang, it's a pleasure to work with you!"

"Mr. Zhou, it's a pleasure doing business with you!"