Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

December 20th,

After filming wrapped up for "Love Like a Bouquet," the crew packed up and returned to Beijing.

As is customary, Zhuang Huai'an spent a few more days eating salted fish in the courtyard.

Then another piece of news came from outside: Anita Mui had passed away on December 30.

Time will not stop because of people's sorrow.

The year 2004 has arrived.

The Berlin Film Festival has announced the official end of its open call for submissions.

The film "Detachment" was sent out at the end of November. Zhang Liangying's original version of "Under the Sea" was used as the interlude. In case of any problems, the ending song used was the Phoenix Legend's adapted version of "Under the Sea" to offset the risks.

Zhuang Huai'an and Liu Yifei's duet "Coral Sea" served as a promotional song and also as an interlude in the conflict scene where the male lead asks a welfare agency to come and arrest the little girl.

After New Year's Day, the first snow of 2004 transformed Beijing into the old city of Beiping.

Company 91

Liu Yifei was wearing a fitted sweater, her face flushed from the warmth of the room's heating, and her big eyes were full of anticipation as she looked at Zhuang Huai'an.

"Um…"

Seeing Zhuang Huai'an take off his headphones, Liu Yifei couldn't wait to ask, "How was it, senior?"

"Not bad, it seems Old Li has taught you well."

"Oh dear, I'm not that good either."

The little girl looked happy. "Teacher Li said that I'm not particularly talented, but the songs you wrote really suit my voice."

How could they not be a perfect match? I picked out all the sweet songs for you.

Thinking of how Li Zongsheng ran away with his luggage a few days ago, Zhuang Huai'an couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Sure enough, even the most brilliant person will go crazy when faced with a student who has little talent.

"Okay," Zhuang Huai'an gave a thumbs up, "Have you thought of an album title yet?"

"Oh, do I need to choose a name?"

"Otherwise what? This is your first album, shouldn't you name it yourself?"

Zhuang Huai'an silently added in his mind, "This might also be the only album."

"I really hadn't thought about that." Liu Yifei was a little conflicted; choosing a name was such a hassle.

"How about we call her Liu Yifei?" Zhang Lu suggested from the side. "Or Crystal."

This is also a common practice for singers to name their debut albums, as using their real names can better increase listeners' impression.

Seeing that Liu Yifei was somewhat interested, Zhuang Huai'an quickly interrupted, "How about calling it Xiao Xiao? Didn't Lao Li say that we should use this song as the title track? Using the title track as the album name would be quite suitable."

"Okay, I'll use Xiaoxiao." Liu Yifei readily accepted.

Zhang Lu subtly rolled her eyes. The two of them were singing in harmony, why should a single dog like you interfere?

"Okay, Zhang Lu, you can coordinate with Hongxingwu on the rest and try to go public after the New Year."

"Okay, Brother Zhuang." Zhang Lu nodded.

From a business perspective, the two are currently just good friends. Although Red Star House serves only the young woman, it is still nominally someone else's company, and some things should be clearly separated.

91 Company is currently developing very steadily.

The artist department has Du Hua, and the production department has Zhong Lifang.

Relying on his wealth and influence, Zhuang Huai'an invested money in TV dramas that were destined to be hits, while simultaneously using the name of an investor to bring in artists from his company—a two-pronged approach.

Last year, in addition to its own productions such as "The Disguiser", "A Deadly Secret", and "Chinese Paladin", the company also invested in "Water Moon Cave" starring Yu Bo and "Snowflake Goddess Dragon" starring Dong Xuan, in which Yan Kuan also played the male lead Sima Changfeng.

The currently airing dramas "The Disguiser" and "Snowflake Goddess Dragon" are both huge hits.

The other three dramas are also in post-production. With 91 Company's reputation in the TV drama field, it shouldn't be a problem to sell them for a good price.

In terms of songs, Phoenix Legend took the lead in breaking into the mainstream. Through the recommendation of his good friend Sa Beining, Zhuang Huai'an sent the two to several singing programs on CCTV. With their catchy hit songs, the two became very popular in commercial performances at the county and city levels.

Zhang Liangying's single "My Dream" received a very good response after its release. However, because the song is somewhat difficult to sing, it did not become particularly popular. Nevertheless, she has officially debuted. After the release of "Chinese Paladin", it is believed that she will be able to earn the title of OST Queen.

Now that he had achieved some success, Zhuang Huai'an planned to hold an annual meeting to celebrate. You can't just let the horse run without feeding it.

December 14th,

The Berlin Film Festival has announced its main competition lineup, and "Detachment" is among them.

In Hollywood, "Happy Death Day" was released, grossing $1350 million on its opening day, once again solidifying Sugar Heart's reputation for low-budget horror films in North America.

On this auspicious occasion, coinciding with the Little New Year in northern China, Zhuang Huai'an took the opportunity to host the first annual meeting of 91 Company, booking an entire banquet hall at the Beijing Hotel.

The employees all brought their families, making for a lively scene.

"Company 91 has been established for more than two years. From a makeshift team of just six people, including myself, Wang Zhiyong, Sun Hao, Zhang Songwen, Zhou Yiwei, and Lin Jiachuan, it has now grown into a full-service production company with 233 people in six departments."

The high ratings of "The Disguiser," the behind-the-scenes production of "A Deadly Secret" and "Chinese Paladin," and my films—all of this wouldn't have been possible without your tremendous support.

On the stage, Zhuang Huai'an lifted the red cloth covering the table, and everyone stared in amazement at the pink expanse exposed under the lights.

"For this year's annual meeting, I considered whether to do something fun to make everyone happy, but after thinking it over, I think giving out money is the most practical thing to do."

Pointing to the large pile of cash on the table, Zhuang Huai'an laughed, "There's a total of 5 million RMB here. We won't play any lotteries or anything like that; we'll just hand it out directly. Every company employee, regardless of position, will receive 20,000 RMB!"

"I, Zhuang Huai'an, may not be good with words, but I have only one thing to say: I will not keep this glory to myself!"

These words caused a stir among the audience, who cheered loudly.

"The boss is awesome!"

"The director is awesome!"

"I swear to be loyal to Company 91 to the death!"

"West! Sea!"

"loyalty!"

Seeing that what everyone was saying was getting increasingly absurd, Zhuang Huai'an quickly interrupted, "Stop, stop, stop, let's just give out the bonuses."

Fortunately, he had reported the annual meeting to the relevant authorities; otherwise, if the hotel had seen the commotion, they would have called the police and had him arrested.

"Let's start with the artist department. You set an example for everyone."

"Okay!" Zhang Songwen was the first to step onto the stage.

It's said that each person receives a bonus of 20,000, but the company's artists and management positions definitely receive more than that; their bonuses are much higher. Therefore, taxes need to be paid, and we need to wait for the company's accountant to calculate the after-tax bonus.

Zhuang Huai'an has always strictly followed the relevant regulations regarding the company's tax matters. For example, he needs to pay an additional 500 yuan in taxes for the 30 million yuan bonus distributed today.

This is the red line, and also the bottom line; it must never be crossed.

The audience was all beaming with joy.

Some employees who brought their wives and children looked especially proud. They worked hard outside, just for the smiles of their families.

After distributing the money, Zhuang Huai'an didn't waste any more time and immediately started the meal.

He didn't intend for the company's artists or employees to put on any performances or anything like that. Everyone had been busy all year, so there was no need for such formalism. Just eat, drink, and have fun.

"Senior, sit here." Liu Yifei, who had come to join in the fun, patted the seat next to her and extended a warm invitation.

"Hey Sisi," Wang Zhiyong teased, a strange glint in his eyes, "you're always hanging out with Zhang Lu, why don't you just join 91 Company?"

Zhuang Huai'an glanced at Wang Zhiyong. What kind of idea was this? How did his own Zhuge Liang turn into Sima Yi?

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei actually studied the feasibility of this idea and finally came to the conclusion that her mother probably wouldn't agree for the time being.

After the dinner,

Except for essential staff on duty, all other employees will begin a 12-day annual leave.

Artists don't have it so easy; they have all sorts of jobs to take on, which is why they get more bonuses.

Equal pay for equal work is unacceptable; the principle of more pay for more work is the true one.