Huayu: Just started as a stagehand, but the director's comeback system

Two days after their last phone call, Jiang Huai met Ning Hao at a restaurant. He had originally intended to treat him to a meal, but he couldn't refuse the other party's offer.

Inside the private room were only him, Ning Hao, and his wife. Huang Bo was supposed to come today, but it seemed that Huang Bo had received a gig for filming. Since both of them were his good friends, he figured there wouldn't be any problems because of him, so he happily went to film the gig.

"Director Jiang, the last time we met was at the film festival two years ago, wasn't it?"

"I didn't expect Director Ning to still remember me. Back then, he described you as a spirited young man."

"You flatter me, Director Jiang. You truly live up to the saying 'silent until you speak, then astound everyone.'"

Jiang Huai and Ning Hao were classmates in the same year, but Jiang Huai majored in voice acting while Ning Hao majored in photography.

Jiang Huai wasn't lying. Back then, Ning Hao, standing under the spotlight at the Beijing College Student Film Festival, was truly the center of attention, while Jiang Huai was just an onlooker.

"Yes, Director Jiang, I also heard Huang Bo mention your Crazy Stone. It's a fantastic idea, and the movie is sure to be a huge hit."

Seeing that the two had suddenly run out of things to say, Xing Aina quickly picked up her husband's wine glass.

She guessed that Jiang Huai, like them, had also heard about Xiang Huo's script from Huang Bo, and probably wanted them to help him write the script for his new one.

However, they were short of funds for their next film, and they couldn't keep relying on her husband to take on music video jobs.

"You two are truly in sync, husband and wife working together perfectly. I'll have a drink first."

Jiang Huai likes to talk to smart people; he doesn't even need to say anything explicitly, and the other person can guess his intentions.

Since Xing Aina was also present, none of them ordered any baijiu (Chinese liquor). Jiang Huai wasn't a very good drinker, and they were also afraid of making a fool of themselves by drinking too much.

"Come on, I'll have a drink with you. By the way, does Director Jiang have any new script that he'd like our help with?"

When Xing Aina mentioned it, Ning Hao also remembered their speculations at home. Once there's a first time, there's bound to be a second time when it comes to cooperation, so he took the initiative to bring it up, which also meant that he could lower his price.

"Since you've brought it up, I won't hide it anymore. I really do have something to discuss with you..."

"But it's not about the script. I want to start a company, and both of you are incredibly talented people I'd like to sign."

After speaking, Jiang Huai didn't rush to get an answer from the two of them. He took a sip of the tea in front of him and then pushed over the script for "Daylight Fireworks" and the contract that his lawyer had prepared.

The contract was for six years with few requirements. For the first two years, Ning Hao would serve as his assistant director, and for the next four years, any film company that produced Ning Hao's films would help him raise the necessary funds, until Ning Hao's two consecutive films suffered losses.

Of course, this contract is currently more like a draft. Jianghuai Company has not yet been established, so even if the other party signs it now, it will not have any legal effect.

"Director Jiang, how about giving us a little more time to think it over and give you an answer?"

Ning Hao and his wife first read the script for "Black Coal, Thin Ice," a sure-fire award contender. However, it was very different from their film "Incense," which could only win minor awards in Asia and the surrounding regions, while this film was aiming for the top three.

Ning Hao was somewhat tempted, but six years was not a short time, and it might even cover the period when he had the most inspiration.

"Hmm, let's not talk about food yet. I've never eaten at such an expensive restaurant before."

Seeing that the two were interested, Jiang Huai didn't say much more. He let them keep the script and contract. He had already sent the script for "Black Coal, Thin Ice" for review. If the other party wanted to plagiarize, he could sue them and maybe earn more than making the movie.

The meal was generally enjoyed by both hosts and guests, but Ning Hao and his wife, preoccupied with their own thoughts, didn't eat much, which benefited Jiang Huai.

This restaurant is expensive for a reason; it's much better than the small eateries I used to eat at university.

After eating and drinking to their hearts' content, Jiang Huai did not disturb the couple's discussion. With the couple watching him go, Jiang Huai took a taxi to the private restaurant where he had arranged to meet them.

Although he still smelled like he had been to other restaurants, Zhang Ziyi's membership card had such a large balance that eating at this private kitchen was practically free.

Not only do Ning Hao and his wife want to sign with Jianghuai, but Huang Bo also wants to.

Huang Bo is a certified superstar; he's the real big shot. Ning Hao and his wife's future with Jianghuai is still uncertain, so they're just sesame seeds for now.

Of course, we can't let the watermelon go, and we also need the sesame seeds.

After finishing filming GG, Huang Bo immediately went to the private restaurant he had visited with Guan Hu last time. Guided by the waiter, he arrived at his room, where all the dishes had already been served.

Before Huang Bo entered the room, he assumed Jiang Huai had already started eating. After all, the two of them had been hanging out together in school and never cared about such formalities. He never expected the other party to be so formal today.

"Brother Long, what's the good news today?"

Huang Bo was really hungry. He hadn't eaten a single bite all day while filming GG. He sat down and, without waiting for Jiang Huai to say anything, ate for a while before looking up at him.

"It's nothing serious. We didn't have a proper meal after filming wrapped up, so today's the perfect time to make up for it. I also have a document for you to look at later."

Huang Bo's contract was much simpler than Ning Hao's. It was also a six-year contract, and the company helped him connect with resources. The company would take 50% of the profits from the movies and TV series he starred in, and there weren't many penalties for breach of contract, only a mere 20 million.

He consulted other entertainment companies in the industry, and most of their contracts with actors were 70/30, and some were even 80/20.

Now that their own company has been established, it may not have many resources within a year. The two have a good relationship, so splitting the profits 50/50 with Huang Bo is reasonable.

Once my own company is established, when I sign other actors, the revenue split will definitely be 70/30. An 80/20 split might discourage the actors.

While eating noodles, Huang Bo glanced at the contract that Jiang Huai had written himself. Although it was rather hastily written, the contents were quite formal, especially the 20 million yuan penalty for breach of contract. His brother Long's character of not accepting even this small loss had not changed.

"Brother Long, you didn't meet with Haozi today just to sign him, did you?"

"Ah, not only him, but also his wife, after all, they were the ones who set up the incense offerings recently."

"Oh, that's great. If it works out, we can be colleagues."

Unlike Ning Hao, Huang Bo simply stuffed the contract written by Jianghuai himself into his pocket.

He knows his own situation best. With his looks, he could only get a C-level contract at most at other companies. Although Jianghuai is a new company, given their relationship, he'd be the first person they think of if they had any resources.

He's guaranteed to make a profit this time. As for the 20 million yuan penalty for breach of contract, what a joke! He has no intention of changing jobs, so he doesn't care at all.

Thinking that he had also made a fortune in Jianghuai, Huang Bo became increasingly happy and his appetite improved.

He was a little full just now, but now he feels like he could eat two more bowls of rice.