Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

"We're eating. Mom made lotus root soup, braised pork, cured meat sent by Grandma, and steamed fish. Oh, and Changchang is here too."

A private restaurant in Shanghai.

Zhuang Huai'an couldn't help but smile as he read Liu Yifei's reply.

Seeing her boss like this, Zhang Lu poked his thigh under the table.

Zhuang Huai'an immediately snapped out of his daze, inwardly cursing himself for being so spineless. Seeing Ren Zhonglun looking at him with curiosity, he calmly put down his phone and explained:

"Excuse me, Professor Ren, I received some work-related messages from the US."

"Oh?" Professor Ren asked with interest, "I've heard that Director Zhuang's low-budget horror films were huge hits in Hollywood. Could this one be the same?"

"I guess so. The new movie is finished, and they asked me when I plan to release it online." Zhuang Huai'an smiled. He wasn't lying; he was just subtly changing the subject. Yang Chen had indeed sent him that message ten minutes ago.

Upon hearing this, Professor Ren looked envious. He had been in charge of the Shanghai Film Studio for more than half a year, and his only notable achievement so far was "Gone Girl." But in reality, this film had nothing to do with him; it was just a case of him piggybacking on the success.

Professor Ren also wanted to get involved in the big-budget film "The Martian," but while he was still haggling with the veterans at Shanghai Film Studio, 91 Company had already announced that its share of "The Martian" was gone.

Professor Ren had given up hope, but Zhuang Huai'an's visit to Shanghai for a meal rekindled his chance.

Zhuang Huai'an's approach to Professor Ren was naturally driven by ulterior motives, but he couldn't rush things; he could only wait and see if Professor Ren was perceptive enough.

After several rounds of drinks,

Professor Ren couldn't help but ask casually, "Director Zhuang, I heard that for 'The Martian,' apart from China Film Group which paid the full price, the other companies invested at a premium?"

"Here he comes," Zhuang Huai'an thought to himself with a smile, and said, "Professor Ren is well-informed. 91 Company hasn't announced this to the public."

"I only heard about it from a friend."

I have a friend at the classic dinner table.

"Old Han is in a very critical position right now, so it's normal for him to be protective of his reputation."

After criticizing Han Sanping, Professor Ren revealed his true intentions: "But Shanghai Film Studio is different. As a local enterprise, it is feasible for us to provide some other support. Director Zhuang can also consider Shanghai Film Studio."

Wow, Professor Ren is indeed a scholar; he can make a few words go in circles.

Since a department-level leader had spoken up, Zhuang Huai'an didn't stand on ceremony. After all, he had come here to try and win over Shanghai Film Group.

"That's easy to say. I had a very pleasant collaboration with Shanghai Film Studio when filming 'Gone Girl'."

Zhuang Huai'an handed Professor Ren a cigarette and lit it for him. "But there really isn't any more investment in 'The Martian,' and the filming period for this movie is destined to be quite long. I'm thinking of starting filming after the new year, and with the post-production special effects, it will probably take about ten months."

Professor Ren immediately grasped the key point in his words: filming for "The Martian" wouldn't start until after the New Year, but it's only August now!

"What does Director Zhuang mean?" Professor Ren probed, "Were other films also in preparation during this period?"

Talking to smart people is so reassuring, Zhuang Huai'an nodded approvingly.

"Is it an art film or something else?"

"I don't think so, it's just a pure romance film."

"what?"

Professor Ren was stunned. "You know, three of the most famous directors in the world, with two Golden Horse Awards, are going to make a romance film?"

Seemingly sensing his thoughts, Zhuang Huai'an smiled faintly and teased, "Professor Ren seems to have forgotten that I'm only 20 years old this year."

Oh right, Ren Zhonglun suddenly realized that Zhuang Huai'an's movies have become increasingly depressing since his debut, to the point that many people have overlooked his age.

Zhuang Huai'an explained with a smile, "Moreover, this film is different from traditional romance films; it should be said that it leans towards realism."

"Is that so?" Professor Ren nodded. He felt that what Zhuang Huai'an said might be similar to the type of novel, "Gone Girl".

A lame joke: Gone Girl is a romance film.

"No matter what genre it is, as long as it's Director Zhuang's film, Shanghai Film Studio will support it unconditionally, providing money, manpower, and effort. It's all up to you, Director Zhuang." Professor Ren made up his mind, regardless of the situation, he would get on the bus first.

"Okay," Zhuang Huai'an nodded with a smile, "Professor Ren's words are enough."

The bigwigs only set the projects at the dinner table; the specific collaborations were handled by their subordinates. The two tacitly agreed not to discuss the matter further.

The dishes have five flavors,

Zhuang Huai'an put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth. Seeing that he had finished eating, the others at the table also put down their chopsticks in unison.

Tsk, status.

"Professor Ren, distinguished leaders," Zhuang Huai'an raised his glass and said with a smile, "I have an appointment with a senior student from the university later. Shall we call it a day?"

"Alright." Professor Ren was in high spirits after the deal was settled. He raised his glass and said, "I propose that we all toast Director Zhuang to wish this collaboration a success."

"Great, the collaboration is a success."

Everyone raised their glasses and drank the wine with a smile.

After another round of pleasantries, Professor Ren escorted Zhuang Huai'an to the hotel entrance, where Zhuang Daqiang and Zhuang Dali had been waiting for a long time. Since the last kidnapping incident, the two brothers had been protecting Zhuang almost constantly.

"Director Zhuang, I'll be waiting for your good news."

"Professor Ren, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

The two shook hands and said goodbye.

On the way back to the hotel,

Zhang Lu couldn't help but ask, "Brother Zhuang, this project with Shanghai Film Studio, you arranged it specifically, didn't you?"

"You figured it out?"

"What are you saying? I graduated from Renmin University, how could I not see such a small problem?"

"If you can see it, Professor Ren must have seen it too."

Zhuang Huai'an rubbed his temples wearily. Even though he was known as the "Little Wine God of Qianzhou," he was still struggling to keep up with so many alcohol-tested warriors in the company.

"Professor Ren is truly remarkable," Zhang Lu said admiringly. "Knowing that we were the ones eager to cooperate, he still humbled himself and spoke first."

"Then tell me, what's the point of me doing this?"

"Bring in allies."

Facing her boss's test, Zhang Lu was well-prepared: "Although Shanghai Film Group has declined, Shanghai is still an economic center. Connecting with them will benefit the company's future development."

"Yes, but not entirely."

Zhuang Huai'an added, "Although China Film Group and Wayi Film Group are in our fold, China Film Group is too powerful. Private enterprises like Wayi Film Group have no say in front of China Film Group. In order to maintain our initiative, therefore..."

Zhang Lu laughed and said, "So Shanghai Film Studio is that catfish!"

"Wow, congratulations! You've even learned to answer first!"

Zhuang Huai'an wasn't surprised that Zhang Lu had such vision. After all, she was someone who could work as a regional director in a foreign company. She only became his assistant because of her interest, so her ability was definitely not a problem.

Bringing in film and television production is absolutely a win-win situation with only one drawback; it still requires sacrificing some benefits to solidify the depth of cooperation.

Is the ultimate gift-giving gift money or sex?

Neither.

It's to deliver results!