Chapter 489: Just Because He Is Lu Yan He (6,000-character update!)

At the end of November, Lu Yan He attended the press conference for *Squid Game* as a key member of the creative team.

The importance North Star Video placed on *Squid Game* was highlighted by this very event.

Not only were almost all well-known media outlets across the country invited, but the scene itself was even more grand than the premieres of some films.

The all-star cast attended without a single person missing.

Beyond that, North Star Video also invited a host of celebrities to show their support, watch the first episode on-site, and share their thoughts just as they would at a film premiere.

On-site, Lu Yan He was inevitably asked about competing against the third season of *Friends*.

Lu Yan He smiled and said, "It's a weekly broadcast, while we are a daily broadcast; we aren't competing in the same lane. We'll finish airing in less than half a month, so everyone will be able to binge it quite comfortably."

He avoided the topic of comparison and spoke only of the difference in scheduling.

Naturally, the reporters wouldn't let him off the hook.

"Now that the trailer for the third season of *Friends* is out, many fans are criticizing it as melodramatic. You left after the first season, Director Bai Jingnian left after the second, and now the third season doesn't look optimistic either. Are you still unwilling to return and save this work you created?"

This was practically a direct slap to the face.

Lu Yan He smiled and simply said, "We're at the *Squid Game* press conference today, aren't we? Why do you keep bringing up other shows? Please pay more attention to *Squid Game*. Is the new show I created not worth your attention?"

He made a joking remark to deflect and avoided answering.

Please, when it came to handling media reporters, he could be considered a veteran player; how could he be stumped by a situation like this?

No matter how difficult the reporters' questions were, Lu Yan He deflected them with ease.

After all, this was the *Squid Game* press conference, and the media present wouldn't be too disrespectful—they were here to support the show, after all.

"In this show, there are many actors you've collaborated with before, including Jiang Jun, Jiang Yuqian, Wang Jing... Did you recommend them to the director and the others?"

"When I was writing the script, I wrote several characters specifically with them in mind," Lu Yan He said bluntly. "As you all know, the reason I wrote the *Squid Game* script was because I was inspired by *Seventeen Layers* after filming it. I happened to be discussing a collaboration with Mr. Lin from North Star Video, we talked about this script, and we reached an agreement very quickly."

Lu Yan He didn't directly answer whether he had recommended many of the actors in the show. However, his answer had already revealed a lot of information. The process was negotiated between him and Mr. Lin Desheng; the *Squid Game* project was not just an ordinary collaboration. As for how much say Lu Yan He had in this project, one could easily imagine.

"Will *Squid Game* be developed into a series?" another reporter asked.

Lu Yan He smiled and said, "That depends on the broadcast performance. Of course, I very much hope this is a series that can continue to be developed. When I was writing the script, I left a few hooks intended for sequel development. To be precise, I have a complete trilogy idea for this story. Of course, even if you treat it as a standalone work, it's still a complete story without a second or third season."

After the questions for Lu Yan He ended, everyone's attention finally shifted to the others.

To some, this scene was quite magical.

What they found magical was nothing else, but the fact that everyone on the scene had already formed a tacit consensus.

In a show where Lu Yan He was neither the director nor an actor, he, the screenwriter, was the soul and the key helmsman.

The status of a screenwriter had risen to an unprecedented height—

Just because he was Lu Yan He.

Regarding her participation, Jiang Yuqian said, "This role is indeed very suitable for me. When Yan He told me it was suitable, I didn't expect it to be *this* suitable. Of course, I put a lot of effort into fitness and weight loss. The roles I played before were relatively positive and had all sorts of wonderful qualities. This role is very different; she gives up many things for survival, even the human side of herself, but that doesn't mean she has lost her humanity."

She glanced at Lu Yan He. "So, I was very surprised when I read the script. I didn't expect Yan He to write such a female character. After all, as you all know, the female characters he wrote before had never been of this type. I basically couldn't get such three-dimensional roles back then. After I got it, it's no exaggeration to say that I felt like I had found a treasure."

The media on-site all laughed.

Jiang Yuqian continued, "This is also why I said later that as long as it's a script written by Yan He, I don't need to look at it, and I don't need to ask what the role is—protagonist or supporting, it doesn't matter—I will take it directly. My agent and I have reached a consensus on this."

A reporter asked, "There was a joke on the internet before saying that Lu Yan He's first show was filmed with you and Huang Kai, and then people jokingly said that the little supporting actor from back then has now become your 'thigh' 【a slang term for a powerful backer】. How do you view this joke?"

"Hahaha." Jiang Yuqian laughed without hesitation. "Who's to say it isn't true? I'm even jealous. Yan He clearly acted with me in *The Golden Age*, so how did Huang Kai take a bigger advantage and win Best Actor first? No, that won't do; you can't favor one over the other. Yan He, you have to get me a Best Actress award too."

Jiang Yuqian didn't seem to care at all about being told that Lu Yan He had become her backer, and she joked with Lu Yan He openly in front of everyone.

Lu Yan He immediately said, "Sister Yuqian, you're asking me to get you a Best Actress award, but I don't even have a Best Actor award myself yet."

The whole room burst into laughter.

Jiang Yuqian laughed too.

Once Lu Yan He said this, all the teasing reached its peak.

The cynical atmosphere that those reporters had deliberately provoked all turned into bubbles under the sun—popping at the slightest touch.

At Beijing TV, Xu Bin and the others looked gloomy.

"Tell me, do you think Lu Yan He did this on purpose?" After a long while, Xu Bin spoke.

"It shouldn't be on purpose; it's not up to him when *Squid Game* airs," Hu Siwei said immediately. "This show is in the hands of North Star, and besides, looking at the broadcast time on Maxine, you can actually tell that this was communicated between North Star and Maxine."

"It just so happens to clash with the broadcast time of the third season of *Friends*." Xu Bin's face sank. "Now everyone is watching to see which show performs better. If *Friends* Season 3 really can't beat *Squid Game*, just wait and see how many people will be laughing at us."

"How could that be? Our *Friends* Season 3 is an exclusive broadcast on our TV station, and it only goes to video platforms after it finishes airing. It's not the same nature as *Squid Game*, so how could there be a question of who performs better or worse?" someone immediately said. "Besides, given the ratings and popularity of the first two seasons of *Friends*, the third season's performance won't be bad at all."

Xu Bin glanced at the person who spoke, then looked at the others.

Except for Hu Siwei and a few others, in fact, most people had the same expression on their faces as this person.

They didn't believe *Friends* Season 3 would lose to a new show. It had been almost three years since the first season of *Friends* aired, and the benefits this show brought to the station had allowed this group of people in the room to "walk sideways" 【act arrogantly】 at the station.

For a moment, Xu Bin felt as if something was stuck in his chest, making him uncomfortable.

This room full of people had once fought for the station alongside him.

So many years had passed; the old had aged, some had left, some had retired, and the remaining few were all living in the shell of Beijing TV, feeling safe and without danger in their hearts.

To them, if *Friends* succeeded, they would make more money; if it failed, they wouldn't die.

There were very few who truly put their minds into making *Friends* good.

Xu Bin saw Hu Siwei again, one of the few people under him who was actually thinking and working.

How many times had he told himself over the past two years that *Friends* had deviated from the right track?

Back then, when Bai Jingnian wanted a raise and market rates, a group of people disagreed and forced him to leave. Everyone said, "If Bai Jingnian leaves, he leaves; *Friends* doesn't rely on Bai Jingnian to be made."

He actually felt the same way.

The success of *Friends* was a matter of timing, location, and people; how could it be the ability of just one director?

If you really wanted to talk about ability, didn't everyone in the industry say the script was strong enough?

Unable to get Lu Yan He back to write the script, even if Bai Jingnian continued as director for the second season, the reputation would still decline.

Now, having seen the final cut of *Friends* Season 3, although it hadn't aired yet, there were already many doubts within the station.

Even Hu Siwei had uncharacteristically lost his temper with him.

Xu Bin, of course, knew that the third season must have been a flop.

But he always felt that, at least with the past performance, even if the reputation was ruined, the ratings could still hold steady.

If it really didn't work, he could just pay a high price to invite Bai Jingnian back to direct the fourth season.

There was always a way to remedy it.

With Bai Jingnian's usual quiet personality, if he satisfied a few of his demands, would he really refuse? Sometimes he also felt that Hu Siwei was just too focused on the importance of certain individuals.

However, the scheduling of *Squid Game* was like someone suddenly reaching out a hand and tearing off the fig leaf Xu Bin had been using to deceive himself.

Xu Bin really couldn't sit still anymore.

Two years had passed, and the myth and miracle of Lu Yan He were like a legend in the industry. Two years ago, relying on the Beijing TV station behind him, he looked down on this torch that had just been lit. After all, no matter how bright a torch was, compared to a lighthouse, it was just something swaying in the wind, and no one knew when it would go out.

Now, this torch was not only not dimming, but it was burning brighter and brighter. His speech at the *Road to Glory* seminar not only caught the attention of the film department leaders but also gave his shows invisible and silent support. In terms of series, the leaders above had already realized his influence internationally.

Among current Chinese actors, there were few who truly had fame and influence overseas. Among young actors, Lu Yan He was currently the only one. For the film and television industry, which had been holding high the banner of "cultural exchange" and "going out" for years, his significance was becoming increasingly important.

And he was not a past tense resting on the laurels of his past glory; he was a present tense constantly creating new miracles.

Two years ago, Xu Bin had the confidence to force Lu Yan He to suffer, and he didn't care that the internet was in an uproar.

Two years later, he no longer had the qualifications to do so.

There were more and more people behind Lu Yan He, and his power was growing.

Having been in the system for so long, Xu Bin knew very well how much Lu Yan He was valued and protected by some people in his current situation.

An ordinary person wouldn't even dare to touch a finger of Lu Yan He.

North Star Video.

Zheng Huairen accompanied Lin Desheng out of the conference room and whispered in his ear, "The number of reservations for *Squid Game* on our website has exceeded 4 million. Just now, someone from Beijing TV tried to ask me if we could change the broadcast time for *Squid Game*."

Lin Desheng: "Who from Beijing TV contacted you?"

"It wasn't an official contact; it was someone I've dealt with before who asked privately if there was any possibility," Zheng Huairen said. "The scheduling of *Squid Game* poses a great threat to their *Friends* Season 3 because they are airing in the same period. Some advertisers seem to be wavering and want to withdraw their investment from them and invest in *Squid Game* instead."

For any brand, their advertising and marketing budget is limited. Especially in a single quarter or the same period, they don't have so much money that they can just burn it. *Friends* Season 3 and *Squid Game* were both S-level major shows; compared to other shows, the advertising sponsorship fees weren't just a difference in numbers, but a difference in magnitude.

And there weren't many brands wealthy enough to invest in both at the same time.

So, naturally, they had to make a choice.

Lin Desheng asked Zheng Huairen: "Then how is the investment situation for *Squid Game*?"

"Fourteen brands have already sponsored it," Zheng Huairen said. "Just relying on the current advertising sponsorships, we have already recovered more than half of the cost of this show. Advertisers still highly recognize Yan He's shows; two brands even offered a price close to nine figures to invite Yan He to film product placements, but Yan He's team refused."

"How could his side possibly agree? You don't even need to ask his team about such things. Don't you know how much his team cherishes his reputation?"

"I know, but I couldn't just refuse on their behalf," Zheng Huairen said with a smile. "The procedure still has to be followed, and there will be many such situations in the future."

Lin Desheng nodded.

"In addition, Hongcheng Satellite TV has been in contact with us, wanting to secure the exclusive first-round satellite TV broadcast rights," Zheng Huairen said.

"We are already broadcasting exclusively across the entire network; what do they want the satellite TV exclusive rights for? What's the point? It's not like *Friends*, where it only goes online after the TV station finishes airing."

"They still have a significant base of middle-aged and elderly people who only watch TV," Zheng Huairen said. "Should we talk to them seriously?"

Lin Desheng thought for a moment, shook his head, and said, "Since the exclusive rights for this show are in our hands, even if we earn a little less money, we must leave everyone with the impression that this show can only be seen on our North Star Video. After we finish airing, if a TV station wants to buy it after some time, then we'll sell it to them; we won't sell it now."

Zheng Huairen nodded.

"By the way, how are the numbers on Maxine?" Lin Desheng asked.

Zheng Huairen said: "The trailer views have exceeded 20 million, breaking the record for Chinese-language shows. Related searches and statistics show that 54% of people on Maxine are interested in this show because of Lu Yan He. However, it's a pity that this show doesn't star Lu Yan He, so it hasn't reached the expected numbers."

Lin Desheng said: "That's Maxine's business. You told me before that you were going to negotiate a new cooperation framework agreement with Lu Yan He; when is it scheduled?"

"This Friday," Zheng Huairen said. "Icefield Video moved too fast and snatched up the adaptations for *Telephone* and *Rouge*. This is my problem; my reaction wasn't as fast as theirs, so this time we can't let them get ahead again. Yan He currently has several scripts in his hands, such as *Love Letter* and *Those Years, We Chased After Together*. I analyzed them with the script review department and decided to buy the adaptation rights for these two. Other video platforms are also in contact, and I estimate they will compete with us. My bottom line is a package of 40 million for the two shows plus a 10% profit share for Yan He personally. Mr. Lin, what do you think?"

Lin Desheng said: "You've dealt with Yan He quite a bit; do you think he will be satisfied with this condition?"

"Based on our previous cooperation with him, he doesn't value price the most; he is quite strict and cautious in his evaluation of the production team, invested resources, and other aspects," Zheng Huairen said. "At Icefield Video, for the *Rouge* project, they invited Miao Yue, who collaborated with Yan He on *Late Spring*, to be the screenwriter. Miao Yue is also Lu Yan He's classmate."

Lin Desheng said: "If you look at Yan He's projects, you should know that Yan He is quite willing to use people he has collaborated with. When you negotiate with them, put more effort into this aspect."

"But for this negotiation, Yan He himself won't be coming," Zheng Huairen said. "Yan He's Linghe Film Production Company now has Xu Tianming, who was originally at Long Yan Pictures, as CEO, with Chen Yin as his deputy."

Lin Desheng: "Don't they still have to listen to Lu Yan He in the end? Just cater to his preferences."

Zheng Huairen nodded, "Okay."

"Also, you need to come up with a plan for *Squid Game* Season 2 quickly. You can't wait until the first season finishes airing to bring it up to Lu Yan He; sincerity must come first."

"Yes."

"Season 2?" Lu Yan He was a bit surprised. "The first season hasn't even aired yet, and you're already discussing Season 2?"

Chen Ziyan smiled and said, "Who told you *Squid Game* has such good numbers? In this data era, everything depends on data."

Lu Yan He: "I haven't even written the script for Season 2 yet."

Lu Yan He thought to himself that when he transmigrated here, this show had only aired its first season.

He didn't know what Season 2 looked like either.

Did he have to write it himself?

Lu Yan He silently hissed.

This was really... unexpected.

Chen Ziyan said: "Just write it. Filming Season 2 of *Squid Game* is a certainty; it definitely has to be filmed."

Lu Yan He: "What if it airs and the audience thinks it's bad and curses us? I'd rather be cautious and not rush."

"You're not in a rush, but North Star is. The story copyright isn't in their hands; they only have the broadcast rights. If you don't cooperate with them for Season 2 and go to another platform, where would they go to cry?"

Lu Yan He: "Where would I go to cooperate with another platform? They really don't trust me."

"For a project involving hundreds of millions, do you think it's something that can be decided by mutual trust between a few people?" Chen Ziyan rolled her eyes at Lu Yan He. "Also, they want to get the derivative rights from us; they want to do merchandise development."

"What kind of merchandise? Character cards, phone cases, and the like, I suppose. They said that when we negotiate the next round of the cooperation framework agreement, they will let us look at the formal derivative development agreement at the same time," Chen Ziyan said.

Lu Yan He nodded, "Okay."

Chen Ziyan: "I haven't asked you yet, what are your psychological expectations for *Love Letter* and *Those Years*? Give me a bottom-line condition so Xu Tianming and the others can negotiate with North Star."

"You guys weigh it yourselves; how would I know?" Lu Yan He said. "I don't have any bottom-line conditions."

Chen Ziyan smiled. "I heard that North Star is preparing to cater to your preferences by taking one lead role from both *Love Letter* and *Those Years* and giving them to your good friends to play."

"Ah?" Lu Yan He was stunned, completely bewildered.

Chen Ziyan said: "This is news from my people at North Star. You don't have bottom-line conditions, but they are racking their brains to study your thoughts and want to cater to your preferences."

Lu Yan He scratched his head and said: "The problem is, I don't have any thoughts on which friend of mine should play the lead in the drama versions of these two shows."

Chen Ziyan said: "Is that so? Why do I feel like Li Zhibai is quite suitable for *Those Years*?"

When Chen Ziyan said this, Lu Yan He was stunned.

It actually seemed true.

Chen Ziyan said: "In short, since they are willing to show such sincerity to move you, why don't you think carefully about what you want? Within a reasonable range, whatever you want is nothing."

Lu Yan He thought for a moment and said: "Really, I don't. Why would I force them to reserve the male lead of *Those Years* for Li Zhibai? With Li Zhibai's current market value, they would have to show enough sincerity to invite him. It's not like Li Zhibai *must* act in *Those Years*; he's already popular enough."

Chen Ziyan: "I'm just giving an example. Even if you wanted to arrange for a completely unknown newcomer to act in these shows, North Star would agree; that's what I mean. Did you forget that the female lead you chose for *Love Letter* is still signed under me? After she finishes the college entrance exam, don't you plan to find some shows for her to act in?" ===== CHAPTER 490 =====