Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

as predicted,

When Zhang Huijun saw the list, he laughed three times.

In order to successfully assemble this film crew, Comrade Zhang personally called the people on the list.

Just how valuable is this person's personal involvement?

Apart from Wang Zhiwen's symbolic request to see the script, everyone else readily agreed without making any further requests.

Tsk, no wonder it's a top-tier sect. No wonder those rogue cultivators in cultivation novels envy sect disciples who have powerful backers and backgrounds.

In an office that Old Wang had specially approved,

Zhuang Huai'an dialed his biological father's number.

"Hey, kid, what's wrong?"

"Dad, it's like this..."

Zhuang Huai'an gave a brief account of what had happened during this period, emphasizing the recognition and evaluation of his work by the principal, dean, and teachers, as well as the film's intention to be submitted for international awards.

After listening, Zhuang Kaixuan remained silent for a moment, then said in a slightly hoarse voice, "Good, son, you've made something of yourself and want to start a career. As your father, I support you. How much will that movie you want to make cost?"

"I did a rough calculation, and it will cost around 700 million."

"What?" Zhuang Kaixuan's deep voice suddenly amplified, "How much?"

"Uh..." Zhuang Huai'an stammered for a moment, "I've been thinking, and there are still some places where we can save money. Six million... five million five hundred thousand is also possible."

"Hahahahaha,"

Zhuang Kaixuan's laughter grew louder. "Little boy, when you told me this, I thought it would cost tens of millions. It's only 7 million. It's not expensive at all. It's just a matter of 30 tons of soil."

…Zhuang Huai'an remained silent…

I thought I was asking for too much, and that's why my dad was in a difficult position. Turns out I wasn't asking for enough...

"I'll put 1000 million in your savings account. Don't be stingy. Although your dad isn't very educated, I still know the principle of 'you get what you pay for.' Son, work hard and try to win that 'Gaga Award' or something."

Of course, don't be discouraged if you don't get it. You're still young, and I can still work. As long as you want to film, I'll support you in the future.

Zhuang Huai'an's nose suddenly felt a little sore. He rolled up his heavy eyelids and said with a slight sob, "Dad, thank you."

"You're my son, no need to thank me. Okay, that's all for now. I'm busy up the mountain, the signal isn't very good."

"Dad, you should take care of yourself too."

"Okay, okay."

Zhuang Huai'an listened to the busy tone on the phone and remained silent for a long time.

...

The next morning, Lao Wang called and asked him to come over. Zhuang Huai'an brought Wang Zhiyong to the office building.

As soon as I opened the office door, good heavens, smoke was puffing out from four chimneys.

"Huai'an, Zhiyong is here too, come over and say hello."

Wang Hongwei stubbed out his cigarette and introduced the men to them: "These two are the male lead and second male lead you specifically requested."

"Senior Brother Wang, Senior Brother Jiang, I am Zhuang Huai'an."

"Hello, Senior Brother Wang, hello, Senior Brother Jiang, I am Wang Zhiyong." Little Wang seemed a little reserved, following his older brother's greetings.

As the saying goes:

If students treat each other as siblings while still in school, their pay won't be too high.

When the production crew calls out to the director, it signifies their high status.

"Both of you are junior brothers, but Junior Brother Huai'an is truly a promising young man."

"The new generation surpasses the old, and we're about to be left stranded on the beach."

After shaking hands with the two men, Zhuang Huai'an looked at the big-headed man grinning foolishly to the side and immediately laughed as well.

This is Ning Hao, the number one tool for drawing, who has water in his head and is colorblind.

He forgot that his own mentor, Old Wang, was his benefactor.

Before Lao Wang could introduce them, Zhuang Huai'an extended his hand, "Hello, Senior Brother Ning, I've heard so much about you."

"Hey, hey, hello junior brother." Ning Hao shook hands somewhat awkwardly, showing no trace of the confident demeanor he would have in the future.

"Oh, you know him? That saves me the trouble of introducing you."

Pulling Zhuang Huai'an to sit next to him, Wang Zhiyong conspicuously squeezed in next to Ning Hao. Old Wang said, "I called you here today at Zhiwen's request. He said he wants to meet you, the author, in person."

"Hongwei, that's not right of you," Wang Zhiwen said with a smile, tapping him. His slow, deliberate voice was very magnetic, like he was reciting a movie line. "I want to see Junior Huai'an, but that's not a request, that's a plea."

"Oh, since you've said that, Brother Zhiwen, I must have misspoken. Let me offer you a toast." Old Wang laughed heartily, picked up the Kung Fu teacup on the table, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Senior brother, you flatter me. You are a senior, and whether it's a request or a plea, summoning Huai'an is just a matter of a word."

When facing his seniors, Zhuang Huai'an was very humble. A good reputation is built on praise, and being polite will make the road ahead easier.

The so-called "jianghu" (江湖, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry) is all about human relationships and social customs.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Wang Zhiwen got down to business: "I've read the script, and it's indeed very profound. I accept your invitation."

"Me too." Jiang Wu nodded with a smile. Despite having the character "Wu" in his name, he is actually quite reserved and introverted. People often joke that Jiang Wen is neither cultured nor martial, and the two brothers should change their names.

"Thank you both for your support. As for the schedule, Zhiyong will coordinate with your assistants to ensure that it does not affect your other work arrangements."

"Senior Brother Wang, Senior Brother Jiang, please take care of us." Temporary producer Wang Zhiyong stood up and handed Zhuang Huai'an and his own business cards to the two of them, who politely returned their cards.

Zhuang Huai'an handed out cigarettes to the group, and they continued to puff away.

Zhuang Huai'an had thought Old Wang was just a chain smoker, but after seeing Wang Zhiwen finish a cigarette with three consecutive long strokes today, he realized there were always people more powerful than him.

"Teacher, I'm still stuck on those two teenage actors. Could you recommend some?"

"That's exactly what I was going to tell you."

Faced with the ladder offered by his good apprentice, Old Wang said with a smile, "You asked Teacher Cui for help, and he didn't charge you for his services. You can ask Teacher Cui for advice on this matter. It's only good if there's give and take."

Old Wang's words had a hidden meaning, which Zhuang Huai'an immediately understood. He meant to use this minor role to repay Teacher Cui's favor, and to deal with the future relationship later.

"Okay, I understand."

The master and apprentice exchanged a knowing glance and then changed the subject.

Drinking tea, smoking, chatting, and gossiping—the morning passed by quietly.

After declining the dinner invitation from the master and apprentice, Wang Zhiwen and Jiang Wu left together.

"Alright, Zhiyong, go open the doors and windows to let in some fresh air."

Wang Hongwei slumped onto the sofa, unbuttoning the top button of his Zhongshan suit. "I called you here today to recommend a cameraman. After all, a large film crew isn't like a short film; it takes dozens of people to manage."

He pointed to Ning Hao and introduced him, "Although he's from the photography academy, he's also quite skilled at videography. Of course, I'm just making a recommendation; you guys can discuss the specifics yourselves."

"Director," Ning Hao took a videotape out of his bag and placed it on the table, "These are some of my previous works, you can take a look."

"We can't keep looking. For a teacher to personally recommend someone like this, Senior Brother Ning must be incredibly talented. Starting tomorrow, Senior Brother Ning will work with Zhiyong to help with the preparations, how about that?"

"I can!"

Seeing Ning Haole scratching his head with amusement, Zhuang Huai'an also laughed.

Even if he didn't know Ning Hao, since his mentor had spoken up, he had to be sensible.

In interpersonal relationships, don't be afraid of people with connections; the key is where you place them.

Moreover, Ning Hao's strength has been affirmed by many seniors.

Can't go wrong.