Chapter 290: Against the Wind, No Words; With the Wind, Upward (Eleven Thousand Word Update)

As for whether Xin Zixing already has a boyfriend, Lu Yanhe naturally did not feel it was appropriate to ask her directly.

Chen Siqi was right; what if Xin Zixing herself did not want to tell others? Asking so rashly would be very abrupt.

After breakfast, Lu Yanhe sent Chen Siqi to the car heading to the airport.

Chen Siqi said, "You should hurry to school too; you have class at ten."

Lu Yanhe looked at her in surprise and asked, "How do you know I have class at ten?"

Chen Siqi: "Is there anything about you I don't know?"

Lu Yanhe: "..."

"Alright, I'm leaving." Chen Siqi waved her hand and got into the car.

Lu Yanhe helped her close the car door.

After the car drove away, Lu Yanhe was just about to turn back to the hotel when he suddenly saw two people standing behind a pillar ahead, holding cameras on their shoulders.

Besides Jump Up, the self-media editors' club run by the editorial team was also very popular.

However, by the time he walked out of the hotel, that hesitation was gone.

When Lu Yanhe looked over, the two of them seemed somewhat flustered, with the panic of being caught, appearing to want to leave in a rush.

They had opened their own accounts on various social platforms and were doing very well, frequently planning interesting topics and inviting big shots from various fields to discuss together. This didn't just refer to big shots in law or medicine, but anyone with some influence on social media would frequently receive their invitations.

Li Zhibai reacted, nodded, and said, "Then will you have to ask the film crew for leave?"

Yan Liang: "This month's filming will be finished, but Zhou Ping'an has booked me for another drama; I'm joining the crew again in October."

"What's wrong?" Li Zhibai, with a head full of bird-like hair, looked at Yan Liang sleepily.

"Mm."

Li Zhibai: "Take it easy. I won't talk to you anymore; I'm going back to sleep."

Lu Yanhe turned and went back to the hotel.

Lu Yanhe's relationship with the media and paparazzi was actually relatively peaceful; no violent conflicts had occurred.

"Mm."

Li Zhibai was stunned and looked at Yan Liang with some confusion, asking, "Don't you need to record Idol Era in October?"

Lu Yanhe smiled, raised his hand to wave at them, and greeted them.

Then on what basis should they not be treated well by the media circle?

Li Zhibai didn't wake up until nine-thirty, and he was woken up by Yan Liang.

"Bye." Yan Liang smiled, nodded, and left.

"Yes, but only recording one episode." Yan Liang said, "The cooperation agreement I signed with this program is to record one episode per month."

Li Zhibai: "That son-of-a-bitch Zhou Ping'an."

At this moment, deep in Yan Liang's heart, there was actually some struggle.

These actions made Lu Yanhe implicitly regarded as one of their own by the media circle.

Being sensible, generous, sincere, and polite in dealing with people earned them recognition in human relations.

"Where are you going?" Li Zhibai asked.

Chen Siqi said at a tea party held by Jump Up, "The things you discuss are valuable in themselves; if our thematic discussion brings us commercial returns, on what basis should we not share them with you at the same time?"

Being young, talented, hardworking, not relying on backers, and carving out a path on their own earned them respect for their character.

Most importantly, they never let people work for free; they would never use "expanding your influence" as an excuse to make them work without pay, and would always provide decent compensation.

"Then wait for me; I'll take you there."

For example, one issue of the magazine featured "Gossip Back Then," inviting many columnists from five or even ten years ago to review famous and influential journals and columns from the golden age of print media back then, along with some behind-the-scenes stories. Another issue invited several well-known entertainment reporters to discuss the relationship between entertainment reporters and artists.

A silent shadow passed through the bottom of Yan Liang's heart.

Li Zhibai let out a long yawn and said, "Alright then; when does your drama wrap up?"

Yan Liang said, "Old Lu has gone to class; I have to leave too. You handle it yourself later."

Having to return to the film crew and see those people again.

No matter what others said or how things went, it didn't matter. He knew best in his own heart what his relationship with Lu Yanhe and Li Zhibai was. No matter how others viewed him among the three, he knew who he was, and he knew who he was in the eyes of Li Zhibai and Lu Yanhe; that was enough.

At eleven forty, the dismissal bell rang.

Plus, after Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi started Jump Up, their magazine gradually became a rare powerhouse in print media capable of occasionally sparking topic discussions and heat, and they were very generous in advertising many books and magazines with no vested interests.

"Then how do you prepare for your stage performance?" Li Zhibai asked.

Yan Liang: "I'll prepare it during breaks in filming; I can only do it that way."

Yan Liang smiled and said, "That's good; I just hope for more work."

They were both stunned and looked at Lu Yanhe with some surprise.

On one hand, Lu Yanhe himself had no secrets that couldn't be reported; on the other hand, Lu Yanhe was young, an artist who put his hard work on the public screen and was known nationwide, so the media and paparazzi already had a filter for him and were very tolerant.

Paparazzi?

"Don't see me off like that; I've already called a car." Yan Liang said, "I see you can barely keep your eyes open right now."

Yan Liang said, "I have to go back to the film crew; I have scenes tonight."

Li Zhibai asked, "Are you going to the airport?"

Lu Yanhe finished his last bit of notes, put the cap back on his pen, packed his schoolbag, and prepared to go eat lunch.

Ji Qianxing suddenly turned her head from the front and asked, "Lu Yanhe, was yesterday your birthday?"

Lu Yanhe nodded in some surprise.

Ji Qianxing asked, "Why did you only invite Miao Yue and Zhou Mukai, but not invite us to your birthday party?"

She blinked her eyes.

The words Lu Yanhe said at the birthday party last night were recorded on video and forwarded online.

Although no one knew who recorded it, it didn't matter; Lu Yanhe had never told anyone that this event was confidential or that posting it online was forbidden.

However, the words Lu Yanhe spoke spread like wildfire online.

Just as many people at the scene had remarked, everyone said Lu Yanhe was truly gifted with words, a model worth emulating.

This also let many people know that yesterday was Lu Yanhe's birthday.

Lu Yanhe had not expected Ji Qianxing to suddenly ask him such a question.

He felt a moment of awkwardness.

Indeed, Lu Yanhe had not invited his classmates to his party.

On one hand, the inner venue had limited space, allowing him to invite only his closest friends; on the other, Lu Yanhe felt his relationships with the other classmates hadn't reached that level.

But of course, one couldn't say it like that.

Saying it outright would be too hurtful.

Lu Yanhe could only explain, "Yesterday's party was mainly for my work collaborators; Mu Kai works part-time as an editor at Jump Up, and Miao Yue because we are collaborating on a film. I did consider inviting everyone, but since they were mostly work friends who don't know each other, I ultimately decided against it."

This was the only reasonable explanation he could think of at the moment.

Ever since he rejected Ji Qianxing's confession during the meal after military training, she had been somewhat targeting him, even making a mountain out of a molehill.

In a situation like today's, normally, if you weren't invited, wouldn't you just silently pretend it never happened? You aren't Lin Miaomiao, able to righteously ask why you weren't invited.

Hearing Lu Yanhe's answer, Ji Qianxing curled her lips and said, "I thought you looked down on us classmates, feeling we weren't worthy of attending your birthday party."

Lu Yanhe frowned.

Ji Qianxing was definitely doing this on purpose.

Just as Lu Yanhe was about to say something, Miao Yue suddenly spoke up: "Yan He would certainly never look down on his classmates; he has always been very good to them. Several class dinners were organized by me only because he suggested them. However, after holding a party like this, he certainly couldn't invite you."

Ji Qianxing asked, "Why?"

Miao Yue said, "Does that even need asking? To avoid awkwardness, of course."

Miao Yue didn't directly mention Ji Qianxing's failed confession to Lu Yanhe, but everyone present knew what she meant.

Ji Qianxing glared at Miao Yue, flushed with anger and shame.

"What do you mean?"

Miao Yue replied, "What do you mean? Asking Lu Yanhe in front of the entire class after lessons why he didn't invite everyone to his birthday party—isn't that just to make everyone uncomfortable and dwell on this matter? But Lu Yanhe is already a celebrity and the chief editor of Jump Up; his social circle is vastly different from ours. How could he be like us, inviting all classmates to a birthday party? When you start working and hold a party, will you invite all of us?"

"Why not?" Ji Qianxing's features twisted slightly in that moment due to her intense anger.

Miao Yue said, "Then I hope you remember your words today; if you hold a birthday party in the future and don't invite our entire class, I'll come ask what you were thinking."

Ji Qianxing froze, realizing she had been trapped.

Miao Yue turned to look at Lu Yanhe and said, "However, we haven't had a class dinner since the semester started; how about we find a time for everyone to eat together?"

Lu Yanhe nodded and said, "Sure."

The other classmates responded one after another.

Compared to Ji Qianxing, Miao Yue indeed had stronger influence in the class.

Her popularity was something Ji Qianxing couldn't compare to.

"Ji Qianxing has always been hung up on the fact that you rejected her, unable to let it go."

Miao Yue told Lu Yanhe this in the cafeteria.

Zhou Mukai also nodded. "Previously, when Zhou Qingcheng and I were doing a social survey together, Ji Qianxing was in our group; she would occasionally probe me for news about you."

Lu Yanhe couldn't help but feel somewhat surprised. "Why would she do that?"

"She probably hasn't given up on you yet," Miao Yue said. "Or perhaps because you rejected her in front of so many people, she felt she lost face and has been trying to get it back."

Lu Yanhe shook his head. "I rejected her very tactfully back then."

"No matter how tactful, a rejection is still a rejection; everyone isn't a fool, of course they know the situation," Miao Yue said.

Lu Yanhe uttered an "Uh."

Miao Yue asked, "This kind of situation must be common, right?"

"What kind of situation?"

"Girls who like you."

"It's alright, not as many as you imagine," Lu Yanhe hurriedly denied.

Zhou Mukai said, "He's either reading in the library or working outside; others basically have no chance to interact with him."

Miao Yue laughed. "It can be like that too."

She said, "I thought that in the entertainment industry, that arena of fame and fortune, many girls would like you."

"That's all demonization by the media," Lu Yanhe said. "At least, the situation I've seen isn't like that."

Miao Yue nodded and said, "Yesterday's birthday party made me realize that people in your entertainment circle aren't full of scheming and intrigue as portrayed in movies and TV dramas. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed; I thought I could watch a drama unfold."

"How could that be?"

Miao Yue asked, "Did you know that our junior sister agreed to star in Young Lady Ning?"

"Huh?" Lu Yanhe froze, looking at Miao Yue in astonishment.

Miao Yue said, "You still don't know? Lin Miaomiao agreed to He Han just yesterday."

Lu Yanhe was slightly surprised.

??????? ￠〇

Miao Yue said, "I heard she agreed only after learning that you would also be acting in this film."

Lu Yanhe uttered an "Uh."

Zhou Mukai asked, "What's wrong? Does that junior sister also like Lu Yanhe?"

"I don't know, but there might be some element of that," Miao Yue said, resting the back of her right hand under her chin in a contemplative pose.

Lu Yanhe: "..."

In the afternoon, He Han told Lu Yanhe this news.

"Our film can finally start shooting," he said, extremely excited.

Lu Yanhe asked, "Director, when do you plan to start filming?"

He Han replied, "I don't know; I've already told Long Yan to wait for when they transfer the money. However, I've already secured a sum from the foundation, so we could actually get started. Just wait a moment while I finalize the production team."

Lu Yanhe said, "My scenes should only take one or two weekends, right?"

"Yeah, you only have two scenes," He Han said. "I'll let you know in advance when the time comes."

"Where will this film be shot?"

He Han said, "I plan to shoot it in Yuming; it's convenient."

Lu Yanhe asked, "Have you already scouted the locations?"

"Yeah, I've been looking at them for the past six months," He Han said. "Lin Miaomiao suddenly agreed to act in this film; I heard it's because of you."

Lu Yanhe said, "I don't know about that."

He Han said, "Stop pretending; Lin Miaomiao told me directly."

Lu Yanhe said, "Director, I have no such intentions toward her."

"I know," He Han said. "That's exactly why I'm calling you. Are you... okay with it?"

"What do you mean, okay or not okay?"

"She's playing the female lead; are you okay with that?" He Han asked.

Lu Yanhe said, "Can I even decide this? Isn't it up to you?"

He Han said, "Although I really do want Lin Miaomiao to play the female lead, if you feel uncomfortable, I... Actually, I had already given up on making this film. Liu Bige should have told you before, right? I'm already writing a new script."

Hearing this, Lu Yanhe pondered for a moment, then said, "Lin Miaomiao and I never said we couldn't act in a film together. For 'Miss Ning,' you refused to shoot for so long because you couldn't find a female lead who inspired you. Now that you've finally found one, it would be a pity if you didn't make it just because of me."

"That would indeed be a pity," He Han said.

Lu Yanhe asked, "Do you have some reservations about this film?"

"Hm?"

"Knowing you, now that Lin Miaomiao is willing to act, why would you hesitate to shoot just because you're worried about the relationship between me and her? Shouldn't you be pestering me relentlessly until I agree to shoot?" Lu Yanhe pointed out.

He Han immediately denied it: "How could I be that kind of person!"

Lu Yanhe said, "You are."

He Han said, "I'm not."

"Liu Bige told me all about how you pestered Lin Miaomiao relentlessly," Lu Yanhe said. "Is 'Miss Ning' encountering some other trouble?"

He Han fell silent as expected, and only after several seconds did he say, "There's a slight problem on Long Yan's end; they're somewhat unwilling to provide filming funds for my movie now."

"Didn't you say you secured filming funds from a foundation in France?"

"That only covers part of it; it's not much," He Han said. "Long Yan had agreed earlier, but because I dragged things out for too long, they changed their minds."

So it was a funding issue after all.

Lu Yanhe asked, "Is the shortfall significant?"

"It's nearly five million short," He Han sighed. "So I'm thinking maybe I should switch to a more commercial script."

Lu Yanhe listened to He Han's words and fell silent for a moment.

Earlier, He Han hadn't mentioned anything about this aspect to him at all.

He had even acted extremely enthusiastic, as if they could start shooting immediately.

If he hadn't noticed something was off, he wouldn't have known when this film would actually start production.

"Such a large shortfall... I was going to say maybe you could just waive my salary for this film, but that would be like trying to put out a cartload of firewood with a cup of water."

"I'll have to look for more investors," He Han said. "But it will probably be very difficult. The female lead is a girl who has never acted in a film, and you're only making a cameo in two scenes; it's hard to secure investment."

The future was far from clear.

Lu Yanhe very much wanted to magnanimously say that he would take responsibility for the remaining investment.

Unfortunately, he didn't have that kind of money.

He had earned some money, but he couldn't possibly throw it all into this film project that didn't look very profitable.

"I'll think of another way myself. Regardless, thank you for agreeing to act in this film so readily," He Han said.

The twists and turns in the preparation for "Miss Ning" were the most Lu Yanhe had encountered among all the film and television projects he had been involved with.

When Lu Yanhe told Chen Ziyan, she immediately identified the real crux of the matter.

"Initially, Long Yan was willing to provide He Han with part of the filming funds partly because Liu Bige acted as an intermediary, and partly because they valued He Han's connections in the French film circle, essentially investing in a new director," Chen Ziyan said. "However, because He Han kept delaying production due to being unable to find a suitable female lead, Long Yan's assessment of him continuously dropped. Later, they probably used that as an excuse to stop investing."

Lu Yanhe nodded.

"The most critical reason is that He Han never signed a contract with Long Yan," Chen Ziyan said. "Unlike Liu Bige, who has already signed with Long Yan, their support for nurturing their own new director is naturally much greater."

Lu Yanhe understood what Chen Ziyan meant.

Chen Ziyan said, "To be honest, as you can see yourself, unless 'Miss Ning' wins awards, its box office won't be high. Breaking ten million is normal, twenty million would be a small miracle, and if it hits thirty million, I could even run a marketing campaign claiming you're a box office powerhouse."

Lu Yanhe didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"But since it's an art film, it doesn't matter; poor box office performance is normal. The key is that the role you're cameoing in allows you to showcase your skills and achieve a breakthrough," Chen Ziyan said. "Let's hope things go smoothly for He Han and he can secure funding soon; otherwise, if it really falls through, it would be a pity. That guy does indeed have some talent."

Filmmaking is like that; it absolutely cannot be accomplished by just one talented person.

It's not like writing a novel, where only the author is needed.

Chen Ziyan said, "By the way, 'Sanshan' is being submitted to the Situer International Film Festival."

Unlike the three major film festivals in Europe before Lu Yanhe's transmigration, in this world, there are four most influential international film festivals. Among these four, only the Venice International Film Festival has remained; Cannes and Berlin are gone, replaced by three other festivals that have taken their places.

The Situer International Film Festival is one of them.

If the three major European film festivals before Lu Yanhe's transmigration were famous for their art films, the current four major international film festivals are more comprehensive, each with its own characteristics.

The Venice International Film Festival still maintains its traditional, classic, and artistic selection style, just as it did in the other timeline.

The Sitges International Film Festival is renowned for its avant-garde, cutting-edge, and innovative spirit.

The film "Sanshan" indeed resembles a bizarre dream, filled with all sorts of strange and grotesque plots and shots.

Sending this film to the Sitges International Film Festival is perfectly normal.

Chen Ziyan said, "In recent years, our domestic films have mainly participated in the Hexi International Film Festival; this coincides with the explosive growth of our domestic box office market, where everyone is making commercial films, and very few go to the Sitges International Film Festival."

The Hexi International Film Festival is also one of the four major international film festivals; however, it focuses on reputation among audiences and critics, being the only one of the four major festivals that selects its award winners annually through votes from one hundred critics and two hundred audience members.

In recent years, Chinese-language films have achieved much at the Hexi International Film Festival, especially in the 【Audience Choice Award】, winning three out of the last ten editions.

Lu Yanhe asked, "Is 'Sanshan' going to the Sitges International Film Festival for the Main Competition Unit?"

"It should be; given Director Wang Zhong's credentials and his international renown, it is unlikely they would place his film in any other unit, especially since his output is so low," Chen Ziyan said with a smile. "Except for the Hexi Film Festival, which isn't suitable, the other three major festivals would all fight for Director Wang Zhong's films; Sitges wouldn't mess around."

Lu Yanhe nodded, indicating he understood.

Many people often use whether a film is selected for the Main Competition Unit as the standard for judging the quality of a film at that year's festival.

In reality, it can only serve as a standard for judging the status of the film's director at that year's festival.

Film festivals and films have a relationship of mutual benefit.

Many good films, because their directors lack sufficient status and influence internationally, may be assigned to other units.

Conversely, some films are truly mediocre, but if their directors wield great influence, refusing them entry into the Main Competition Unit would cause them to go to other festivals; to safeguard the festival's own influence, no matter how bad the film is, you must place it in the Main Competition Unit.

Being an artistic director for any film festival is not easy; one must ensure the festival's influence by balancing current heat and renown with future stars and a constant influx of fresh blood.

This requires a great deal of balancing.

After hearing Chen Ziyan speak at length, Lu Yanhe gradually came to understand the status of film festivals within the film industry.

Simply put, it is like a massive gathering hub.

Once a year, it brings together a selection of films; through competitions and awards, it attracts massive attention, providing exposure and buyers for films while offering honor and status to filmmakers, who in turn nourish the festival, accumulating honor and reputation for it within the film industry.

Chen Ziyan said, "I hope 'Sanshan' can enter the Main Competition Unit at Sitges; if so, you can accompany the production team to the Sitges Film Festival."

Lu Yanhe smiled and said, "To see the world."

"To let the world recognize you," Chen Ziyan said, rolling her eyes at him.

Lu Yanhe replied, "I don't have that kind of ability."

Chen Ziyan asked, "Do you know how the industry is evaluating your performance in 'Sanshan'?"

Lu Yanhe shook his head.

Chen Ziyan said, "Everyone says your performance makes you a strong contender for Best Supporting Actor at next year's mainstream Chinese-language film awards; they say you will sweep the category."

Lu Yanhe looked at Chen Ziyan in surprise. "Is that true?"

"Why do you think everyone calls you a genius?" Chen Ziyan said. "Relying solely on the single drama 'Golden Age' is far from enough; moreover, we all know that while your performance in 'Golden Age' was good, it wasn't good enough for people to call you a genius. The main reason you won the Golden Ding Award was that the drama was popular enough, and your competitors weren't very strong."

Lu Yanhe said, "Alright."

"Whether you win an award or not aside, 'Sanshan' allows everyone to see your talent for acting," Chen Ziyan said. "These aren't my words; several directors who have seen the film said this."

Lu Yanhe recalled the day he filmed "Sanshan," wondering to himself, Was my acting really that good?

Yet, he didn't know what happened that day; it was truly as if aided by a god, his state was perfect, and whatever he thought in his mind was directly manifested in his performance.

However, if asked to perform it again, Lu Yanhe felt he might not be able to reproduce it.

That was a state that could not be replicated.

"These scripts have been screened by me; apart from the male lead, you can choose any of the other roles," Chen Ziyan said. "The leading roles are basically already cast; they know you are now willing to play supporting roles and make cameo appearances, so they are frantically sending you scripts."

Looking at the thick stack of scripts Chen Ziyan held in her arms, Lu Yanhe was astonished. "So many?"

"Yes, so many."

Lu Yanhe said, "Then I'll take them to read first."

"Lu Yanhe only filmed for one day, with just ten minutes of footage in the movie; yet, based on these ten minutes, he can compete for next year's Best Supporting Actor?"

He Yingzi looked at the person sitting opposite her in disbelief and asked.

The person dining with He Yingzi was Liu Mo, the deputy general manager of a film company.

Liu Mo nodded and said, "We have all seen the film; at the internal screening meeting, everyone's evaluation of Lu Yanhe's performance was extremely high."

He Yingzi couldn't help but frown.

She said, "However high can it be? I don't believe he already possesses acting skills that have reached the realm of perfection."

Liu Mo said, "Yingzi, you must admit that in the art of performance, there are too many miraculous moments."

He Yingzi said, "So for the movie 'Qinglan's Scheme,' the role I wanted to secure for Lang Xia still depends on whether Lu Yanhe accepts it? Only if he refuses can you give it to me?"

Liu Mo nodded and said, "This is the director's opinion; he hopes Lu Yanhe will play this role. You know, given Lu Yanhe's current situation, if he is willing to play a small supporting role, no film would want to miss him as long as he agrees. Lang Xia's acting skills are certainly not bad, but after all, he isn't famous yet, and not many people know him."

He Yingzi said, "'Phoenix Terrace' is about to air; once this drama broadcasts, Lang Xia will definitely become famous. Do you still not believe in Director Chen Lingling's abilities?"

Liu Mo said, "Of course I believe in her, but that is not a reason for me to stubbornly push for Lang Xia against the director's wishes."

He Yingzi gently bit her lip.

At this moment, a sense of frustration welled up from her heart.

She had long anticipated that Lu Yanhe might become a roadblock for all male actors in his age group, but He Yingzi had not expected this day to arrive so soon.

It wasn't even because of the Golden Ding Award, but because of an art film that hadn't even been released yet.

Production companies look at an actor's popularity, renown, and box-office appeal, but directors often look at the actor themselves.

The better the director, the more this is true.

This often leads to contradictions in the choices made by both sides.

Could Lu Yanhe's current situation actually satisfy both parties?

He Yingzi's anxiety intensified.

On Friday afternoon, Lu Yanhe went to the hospital with Director Lian Bei to visit Jiang Jun.

It was Lian Bei who asked if he was at school and had time; when Lu Yanhe said yes, Lian Bei mentioned he was going to the hospital to see Jiang Jun and asked if he wanted to come along.

Lu Yanhe had been there once before, together with Chen Ziyan, and it had been a while since his last visit.

"Teacher Jiang's surgery is scheduled for three days from now," Lian Bei said.

Lu Yanhe nodded and said, "I hope everything goes smoothly."

When the two of them arrived at the hospital, Jiang Jun's Lady, Wei Ran, was accompanying him as they watched a movie on a tablet.

"Hi, Teacher Jiang, Sister Ran," Lian Bei said, knocking on the door while carrying fruits and health supplements.

Hearing their movements, Jiang Jun and Wei Ran looked up in pleasant surprise.

"Oh my, Director, Little Lu," Wei Ran said, hastily rising to greet them.

Lian Bei handed the items in his hands over to Wei Ran.

"How has Teacher Jiang been feeling these past few days?"

Wei Ran glanced back at Jiang Jun.

Jiang Jun, beaming with a smile, said, "Very good; once the surgery is done, I can return to filming."

Lian Bei laughed and said, "That's excellent then, Teacher Jiang; I wish you a speedy recovery, and I've already reserved a role for you in my next production."

Jiang Jun's eyes lit up. "Thank you so much, Director."

Wei Ran also broke into a smile, seemingly somewhat moved; suddenly, she turned her back to wipe the corners of her eyes.

Seeing this, Lu Yanhe felt somewhat astonished.

Was it really necessary to be this moved?

Lu Yanhe and Lian Bei sat down.

"I've been editing the footage for 'Seventeen Floors' recently; while editing and watching simultaneously, I realized your acting is truly superb, Teacher Jiang," Lian Bei said. "Many details I didn't notice on set only became apparent to me at the editing console; even your fingers are full of drama."

Jiang Jun hastily waved his hands with a smile. "No, no, Director, you are too kind."

Lu Yanhe said, "Teacher Jiang truly acts very well; I learned a great deal on set."

Jiang Jun waved his hands again.

"We don't have any disposable cups prepared here, so we didn't brew tea; please drink some bottled water instead," Wei Ran said, bringing over two bottles of mineral water.

Lu Yanhe and Lian Bei took them into their hands and said thank you.

Jiang Jun asked, "Have you been filming recently, Little Lu?"

"No, I'm attending school," Lu Yanhe said with a smile. "There are no confirmed filming plans for the immediate future."

Jiang Jun said, "Aiyo, seeing you reminds me of my own good-for-nothing son, tsk."

Wei Ran laughed and said, "Ever since he filmed with you, he has been lamenting every other day why he didn't give birth to a son like you."

Lu Yanhe hastily waved his hands as well and said, "That is just the phenomenon where distant things smell sweet and close ones stink; if Teacher Jiang knew me a little longer, he would start finding fault with me."

"How could that be?" Jiang Jun laughed.

Lian Bei took out a thick script from his backpack and said, "Teacher Jiang, this is for a production I am preparing to film next; please take a look first, and if you are willing to act in it, I will reserve the role for you."

Jiang Jun froze for a moment, somewhat surprised.

Earlier, when Lian Bei mentioned having a role for him in the future, Jiang Jun had assumed it was merely polite talk; during this period, he had encountered several rejections, and roles originally intended for him had all been given to others, after all, given his situation, no film or television company was willing to take the risk.

He had not expected Lian Bei to suddenly produce a script.

Jiang Jun's hands trembled slightly as he accepted the script. "Director, are you truly asking me to act in this?"

"Yes, but filming won't start until next year, so there is no rush; just look over the script first and give me your answer before the end of the year," Lian Bei said.

The corner of Jiang Jun's mouth seemed to twitch; he raised his eyes, looking at Lian Bei in disbelief, opened his mouth, and said, "What is there to discuss? If you are truly asking me to act, I will give you my answer right now: I will definitely act."

"That settles it then," Lian Bei laughed. "Then after the surgery, rest well and recuperate your health; we will film next year."

Lu Yanhe always felt that Lian Bei's visit today seemed to be specially arranged.

Of course, Lian Bei had naturally come specifically to visit Jiang Jun.

Lu Yanhe felt that Lian Bei had specifically chosen to visit Jiang Jun on this particular day.

Choosing this specific date.

After leaving the hospital, Lu Yanhe asked Lian Bei, "Director, what is this production you plan to film next?"

Lian Bei glanced at him, smiled, and said, "It's something that isn't even a glimmer of an idea yet."

"Huh?"

"It is a script I prepared earlier, but it was shelved afterward and never filmed," Lian Bei said. "Recently, I heard that several film and television companies, which originally had collaborations lined up with Teacher Jiang, have all canceled them due to Teacher Jiang's stomach cancer; this has dealt a significant blow to Teacher Jiang, so his Lady contacted me, asking if I could help by acting out a scene, because Teacher Jiang is undergoing surgery in three days, and she fears he will be too devastated."

Lu Yanhe looked at Lian Bei in astonishment.

"So that's how it is?" Lu Yanhe thought to himself. No wonder.

Lian Bei glanced at him and said, "Calling you over on short notice was also to make this scene appear more realistic; thank you for your trouble."

Lu Yanhe said, "No, no, I was very willing."

Lian Bei said, "Would you like to find a time to come see the rough cut of 'Seventeen Floors'?"

"Sure," Lu Yanhe nodded immediately.

Lian Bei said, "Then I will arrange a time for you to come over later."

"Mm," Lu Yanhe nodded. "Director, there is one more thing; what do you think about 'Squid Game' that I mentioned to you earlier?"

Lian Bei said, "I really like this setting; did you come up with this story because of 'Seventeen Floors'?"

"Yes," Lu Yanhe said. "While filming 'Seventeen Floors,' I thought of this; in 'Seventeen Floors,' we were a group of treasure hunters tricked by false information and dragged into a dark web battle royale livestream, so I wondered what it would be like if a group of people voluntarily entered such a game for profit, and that is how I came up with this story."

Lian Bei said, "Very interesting."

"Then I will go write the script; would you be willing to be the director?"

"Being the director is not certain; as you know, 'Seventeen Floors' will very likely continue with a sequel, so I may not have that much time," Lian Bei said. "However, if you want to pursue this project, I will definitely help you, whether as a supervisor or in other capacities; if you need my assistance."

"I need it very much," Lu Yanhe said immediately. "I know nothing at all about production."

Lian Bei nodded and said, "Alright, you write the script first; I will definitely be busy with the post-production of 'Seventeen Floors' for the next few months."

"Alright."

Lu Yanhe added, "For the male lead of 'Squid Game,' I want to invite Teacher Jiang Jun to play the role."

A middle-aged man around forty, down on his luck and disillusioned—Jiang Jun was exceptionally suitable.

Lian Bei thought for a moment and said, "Then for the female lead, we might need to find an actress who can convince the investors and the platform."

"Mm," Lu Yanhe said. "I already have a few candidates in mind, though I don't know if they'd be willing to take the role."

Lian Bei said, "If 'Seventeen Floors' becomes a hit, they should be willing."

Lu Yanhe pressed his palms together and prayed earnestly, "Then let's hope 'Seventeen Floors' definitely becomes a hit."

Lian Bei replied, "With someone like you, blessed by luck, I have no doubts whatsoever."

"Huh?"

"Everyone in the industry calls you the Child of Fortune; everything you do succeeds."

Hearing Lian Bei say this, Lu Yanhe didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"It's not quite like that."

"I think they aren't wrong," Lian Bei said. "That's why I'm full of confidence in 'Seventeen Floors'."

Lu Yanhe returned to school and went straight to the library.

However, that day he didn't read any books related to his major; instead, he opened his laptop and accessed a folder named 'Squid Game.'

Inside were key materials he had previously recorded; now that he had received Lian Bei's approval, he decided to start writing the script.

"Jia Laoshi, this script is indeed quite brilliant, but a road comedy... based on our calculations and the box office trends of recent years, this film's box office prospects likely lie between three hundred million and five hundred million."

Jia Long sat in a conference room, listening to the other party's evaluation regarding the project 'Lost on Journey.'

From beginning to end, no matter what the other party said, he showed no expression.

Only after the other party finished stating their opinion did Jia Long nod.

"Mm, I know," Jia Long said. "No grand scenes, and the entire story's atmosphere is rather rustic; what you're actually trying to say is just that, right?"

The people opposite exchanged glances.

Jia Long's words left them somewhat confused about whether his attitude was one of approval or disapproval.

"I think everything you said is correct," Jia Long said. "However, none of these are reasons for me not to make this film."

"You've had three consecutive films gross over a billion; at this point, starring in a comedy with a box office projection of only three to five hundred million will affect your dominance in the comedy genre," the other party stated.

Jia Long chuckled softly.

"So in everyone's eyes, I've already achieved dominance in the realm of comedy films? I still remember when I first started acting in comedies, everyone said I was just a clumsy imitator; now I've somehow become a ruler?"

Smiles on everyone's faces turned somewhat awkward.

Jia Long's words were undoubtedly a satire aimed at those who had mocked him in the past.

And among them were some who had mocked him back then.

Jia Long said, "If everyone feels this film's box office prospects won't meet expectations, then let's drop it."

"Jia Laoshi, don't rush; of course, we are very willing to collaborate with you," someone immediately said. "It's just that regarding your proposed production budget for this film, we feel it could be negotiated further."

Jia Long tapped his fingers lightly on the table twice and asked, "Then how much do you think is appropriate?"

"If the 5% revenue share each for you and the Screenwriter can be adjusted to 2%, then we will invest with a production budget of eighty million; if you still insist on a 5% revenue share, then we believe the production cost of this film cannot exceed fifty million, otherwise, the risk of breaking even is too great."

"Is that so?" Jia Long pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I understand; I'll go back and consider it."

"Jia Laoshi, this is already a very good condition."

"Mm." Jia Long smiled faintly. "I believe this is the best condition you can offer under the premise of a three-to-five-hundred-million box office projection."

The people opposite exchanged glances again.

After Jia Long left, the remaining people looked at each other.

"What did he mean by that?"

"Does he think this film can still achieve a higher box office?"

"How much higher could it possibly be?"

"He's had three consecutive huge successes; he's gotten carried away."

"No one knows where he found this script; although the script is good, it's too outdated and simply not a genre popular in the current film market."

"Didn't he say it himself? Rustic."

"Who wants to watch this kind of rustic comedy?"

Clearly, within this conference room, not many people were optimistic about this film achieving a box office exceeding five hundred million.

They did not doubt that the film could make money; with Jia Long starring, as long as costs were controlled properly, they could make money lying down; however, if the production cost was too high, plus promotion and distribution costs, it was very likely to result in a loss.

Of course, they would not suffer such a loss.

At this time, nearing the end of September, the second season of 'Young Days' had completed all its preparations.

Lu Yanhe received notification from the directing team to prepare for recording the program.

The first season of the program had brought some career boosts to all the guests, especially Yan Liang, Su Xiao, and Xiao Yun.

This season still featured the original cast.

Even the directing team hadn't expected this.

Li Zhenzhen said, "Li Zhibai and Lu Yanhe both demanded the original cast before agreeing to participate in the second season; actually, once the two of them agreed to return, everyone else was naturally willing as well."

This program held significant value for everyone else; to say it had no effect, it only had no effect on Lu Yanhe and Li Zhibai.

These two lacked neither popularity, nor topics of discussion, nor heat.

Returning to this program was purely because they enjoyed recording it and were very willing to continue filming with this group of people.

Meanwhile, Liu Zhiyin, who had returned to the country nearly a year ago, had originally been set to miss the recording of this season.

Her work focus has already been entirely devoted to the preparation of the variety show "Idol Era," getting the stage ready and preparing for the album to be released at the end of the year.

But Li Zhen moved Liu Zhiyin with a few words.

"Zhiyin, the biggest difference between the domestic and South Korean entertainment circles is that here, whether you are a singer, an actor, an idol, a stand-up comedian, or a variety performer, no matter what your identity, the most important thing is to have an audience that likes you, and this liking is not merely for your professional abilities," Li Zhen said. "Young Days can help you fill this gap; no other program can let everyone see the real, adorable you better than Young Days."

After returning to the country last year, Liu Zhiyin relied on the first season of Young Days to open up her career situation.

She also knew that her current status as an idol artist was actually somewhat inflated.

Because not many people in the country knew her; most were fans accumulated during the girl group era, followed by fans brought by the program Young Days.

Later, Liu Zhiyin recorded other programs, but the results were not very good.

Her proactive personality, full of competitiveness, did not adapt well to the environment of domestic variety shows.

Simply put, in the domestic variety environment, everyone still prefers artists who are less aggressive.

But only in Young Days, because everyone is young and due to the program's setup, Liu Zhiyin's unwillingness to admit defeat could instead be well displayed, earning everyone's favor.

Therefore, after Li Zhen approached her, Liu Zhiyin discussed it with her agent and decided to carve out time to participate in this program.

The agent also said, "Starting next year, the domestic Tianxing Awards will begin; we must definitely aim for the Tianxing Awards. Among domestic female idols, you are in a top-tier position. Your timing for returning is excellent, Zhiyin; perhaps you will catch the biggest wave of development for domestic idol artists. Right now, you need to expand your fame as quickly as possible and consolidate your fan base."

However, this meant Liu Zhiyin had less time to prepare for Idol Era.

There are gains and losses; the key lies in what she needs most at this stage.

And before the recording of the second season of Young Days, another program approached Lu Yanhe, wanting him to serve as a regular guest.

Chen Ziyan said, "It's a program focused on knowledge competitions; see if you want to go."

"What would I do there?"

"Just be a guest and provide commentary on each contestant," Chen Ziyan said.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe rejected it outright: "Then I won't go. What qualification do I have, a sophomore student, to provide commentary for a group of contestants participating in a knowledge competition?"

He was very concerned about such things—because he was currently very popular and highly topical; now in work settings, he was often called 'Brother' and 'Teacher,' even though most of them were his seniors and older than him.

Lu Yanhe really feared such situations; he did not like being elevated to a height beyond his current position simply because he was more famous.

Especially being called 'Teacher.'

Lu Yanhe had even specifically explained to people: "At school, I am just a student; if you call me 'Teacher' now, I feel I am offending my teachers."

His explanation was quite accepted by everyone, without making people feel that Lu Yanhe disliked them and was saying this for that reason.

However, Lu Yanhe himself genuinely felt this way too; at what level was he that people called him 'Teacher'? How thick-skinned would one have to be to deserve that?

Chen Ziyan said, "Then I'll reject them. Actually, the recording schedule for this program suits you quite well; it's recorded every Saturday, so it won't affect your classes."

Lu Yanhe shook his head and said, "I can't get past this hurdle in my own heart; I wouldn't be able to say anything in that program."

"Mm," Chen Ziyan said. "Alright, I respect your opinion; this job itself is optional."

Lu Yanhe said, "Sister Ziyan, if there are good supporting roles like the one in Sanshan in the future, please accept more of them for me."

"Didn't I bring you some scripts last time? How about it? Did you find any you liked?"

"I haven't finished reading them yet, but among those I have finished, I feel the script for Blue Scheme is written very well."

"Your taste is quite good; many people have their eyes on Blue Scheme," Chen Ziyan said. "I heard He Yingzi also has her eye on a role and wants to get it for Lang Xia."

Lu Yanhe: "Ah? Then I probably know which role that is."

In this script, there was only one role suitable for Lang Xia to play; it was a supporting role, the only one suitable for him and Lang Xia, as the other roles were not for males around twenty years old.

Chen Ziyan said, "It is said the director hopes you will play it, so He Yingzi went to fight for Lang Xia but hasn't succeeded yet; they are waiting for our decision."

Lu Yanhe: "Waiting for our decision?"

"Yes, only if we decide not to act will they look for other actors," Chen Ziyan said.

Lu Yanhe: "This is making me feel a bit pressured."

"What's so big about this pressure?" Chen Ziyan shook her head and said, "It's just a supporting role, not the lead; your temporary lack of a decision doesn't affect their preparation for the entire drama."

Lu Yanhe realized he had misunderstood.

He had mistakenly thought that if he didn't make a decision, the drama would keep waiting for him.

He had overestimated himself.

Chen Ziyan: "In short, finish reading the scripts as soon as possible, pick which one you want to act in, and I'll go negotiate with them for you."

"Okay."

Chen Ziyan asked again, "Also, you've written so many scripts for others; why haven't we seen you write a script for yourself?"