Chapter 586: Happy is Enough

While Chen Ziyan was worrying about the balance between Zhang Ruozhi's subsequent work and studies, He Sha was having an even worse time.

Her current situation is very wretched.

Originally, several scripts had been submitted, and one of them had even started the contract process. However, because the rumors of Polar Lights Video blacklisting her spread like wildfire in the industry, all these inquiries and collaborations were terminated.

"Do these dramas all have to be sold to Polar Lights Video? Have all other video platforms died?" He Sha asked her agent angrily.

Her agent: "... Don't be anxious; we have already signed a cooperation agreement with Lighthouse Video, and there will be Lighthouse Video projects for us to act in later."

He Sha turned a deaf ear: "Didn't we already go and apologize to Polar Lights? They accepted our apology at the time, so why are they still pursuing us relentlessly?"

"They accepted it, but those production companies don't know that yet." The agent could only explain helplessly, "And Zhou Ping'an has been fanning the flames behind the scenes."

"It's him again!" He Sha cursed angrily.

"Zhou Ping'an is a person who calculates every cent." The agent said, "When you decided to do that thing on the show, I told you."

"He doesn't have Li Zhibai now, and Ma Zhiyuan is also washed up. Does just one Yan Liang give him the capital and ability to make everyone listen to him?" He Sha looked at her agent sideways, "Why can't you find a way to make him stop?"

"If I could find a way to make him stop, I would have first found a way to make you not take this black-red path." The agent said with some irritation, "Now that you've already taken it, don't think about having the best of both worlds. Polar Lights Video will definitely not let it go lightly in the short term. They also need to kill the chicken to scare the monkey in the industry; it's impossible to indulge this kind of behavior of an artist pushing their luck. They accepted our apology, which just means they won't continue to kick us while we're down. Now let's just do a good job on Lighthouse Video's *Directors, Please Advise* and strive to let everyone see your acting skills on this show."

After being refuted by her agent, He Sha's arrogance subsided a little, but she was still somewhat unconvinced. She pouted and said, "For this show, which performance script is mine? Have you coordinated with them?"

"Draw on the spot." The agent said, "They will arrange the scripts with the most topics for you and let you draw from them."

Upon hearing this, He Sha immediately frowned.

"Why can't it be decided now? Why draw on the spot?"

Agent: "They want randomness and stories."

He Sha pouted.

"With your acting skills, what else is there to worry about." The agent said, "Many of the actors going to participate in *Directors, Please Advise* this time are young actors who have just debuted for a few years. Your acting skills completely crush them. If you get obviously better treatment from the production team at this time, it's easy for them to make an issue out of it and attack you."

He Sha thought about it and felt it made sense.

The fans of these young actors are as fierce as fighting cocks, so forget it.

Just crush them fair and square.

However, after a while, she reacted and asked, "Why are there so many young actors and idols? What is the positioning of this show?"

He Sha began to worry that this show might not be as good as *Birth of an Actor*.

The agent took a deep breath.

"A male lead drama was looking for Cheng Hai, and Zhou Ping'an directly pushed it away."

On the way to record a new episode of *Birth of an Actor*, Wang Biao told Lu Yan He the news he had heard.

Lu Yan He was surprised and asked, "Is the script too bad?"

Wang Biao: "I don't know if it's the script, but everyone is quite surprised because even if he became popular again on *Birth of an Actor*, in everyone's view, there are still very few scripts looking for Cheng Hai to play the male lead. Zhou Ping'an doesn't know why he rejected such an opportunity."

"Are others questioning Zhou Ping'an's decision?"

"Hmm." Wang Biao nodded, "Some even think it's because Yan Liang is dissatisfied with Cheng Hai's popularity, so he is pressuring Zhou Ping'an to prevent Cheng Hai from exploding."

Lu Yan He was amused.

He felt it was unbelievable.

"These people are really idle. Zhou Ping'an's eye for scripts is recognized by me, Sister Ziyan, Li Zhibai, and Yan Liang. He might have flaws in other aspects, but in this regard, Sister Ziyan admires his eye."

Lu Yan He was also a bit dazed, not expecting that he would actually speak up for Zhou Ping'an, and even without further understanding the inside story, he firmly believed that Zhou Ping'an's rejection of the script for Cheng Hai had a reason.

Unknowingly, many perceptions had changed. He smiled and came back to his senses.

"Is this news spreading in a small circle among your agents, or has it spread?" Lu Yan He asked.

"Spreading in a small circle." Wang Biao thought for a moment and said, "Actually, Yan Liang and Li Zhibai's contracts with Star Entertainment are about to expire. I think there might be companies wanting to poach people, so they are deliberately causing trouble for Zhou Ping'an."

Lu Yan He realized.

Wang Biao reminded him that Li Zhibai and Yan Liang's contracts were both for eight years. Now the time is almost up. Will Li Zhibai and Yan Liang continue to renew their contracts with Star Entertainment?

Star Entertainment itself is adjusting its business direction and positioning, splitting off actor and singer management. However, if it splits like this, Star Entertainment's overall strength in the entertainment industry will definitely be cut—a company that cannot coordinate and package negotiations will always have fewer chips in its hands.

With their current development trends, Li Zhibai and Yan Liang are at a time when they need a powerful agency to help them continue to climb. Star Entertainment's adjustment will inevitably require a certain period of running-in and chaos. Will they choose to stay at Star Entertainment?

Lu Yan He hadn't heard Li Zhibai and Yan Liang mention this, and didn't know if they had started considering it.

"Yan Liang, how have you considered the contract renewal?"

This day, Zhou Ping'an also mentioned this issue to Yan Liang.

"The company will set up a studio for you and form a dedicated team to be responsible for your affairs." Zhou Ping'an said, "This is also what you were very concerned about before. I will hand over specific affairs to dedicated people and only help you connect with key work. Of course, you don't have to worry about this team; I will train them well."

Yan Liang said, "I heard that the company's business model and strategic direction are also going to be adjusted."

"Yes, but this is also for optimization and upgrading, separating idol management, so that the big pot management that has been criticized can be improved." Zhou Ping'an explained, "At Star Entertainment, you and Li Zhibai are the most popular young actors; no one can compare to you two, and your acting paths and images are different, so there is little competition. I can guarantee that if you renew your contract with us, you will get the best treatment."

"Besides setting up a studio, I didn't see any substantial treatment." Yan Liang shrugged his shoulders.

Zhou Ping'an's tone was stagnant, and after a moment, he said, "It's mainly because you hold two series, *Friends* and *Gold Rush*. You don't lack acting offers. For business, you have also seen the results I have achieved in the past half year. I have torn down two top luxury endorsements. As for the split, I communicated with the company half a year ago and helped you re-sign a contract. You are already enjoying the contract conditions of a first-tier actor."

"That's not what I said." Yan Liang looked at Zhou Ping'an seriously and said, "Brother Ping'an, I told you before that I hope you can help me get an art film every year so that I can exercise my acting skills, right?"

Zhou Ping'an never expected that at such a time, Yan Liang would mention art films.

"Frankly speaking, when I made this request to you, I was inclined to renew the contract with you. However, so much time has passed, and I haven't received an art film script." Yan Liang said, "I'm not saying that my hesitation lies in this art film script; I'm just giving an example. I hope the company, especially you, truly values my needs and knows what my needs are. Compared to other actors, I have stable series sequels, the market risk assessment is smaller, and it is more conducive to the company's operation in the capital market. I can get the treatment of a regular first-tier star at any company, and you must know that many companies can give me the contract treatment that Star Entertainment can give me. I didn't ask for more in terms of splits and treatment because I hope you can provide true attention and support outside the contract."

Zhou Ping'an tried hard to control his shocked and unbelievable expression.

Yan Liang saying these words really made him feel stunned.

He had long known about the changes in Yan Liang over the past two years. But Zhou Ping'an never thought that Yan Liang never said anything, but actually had very clear ideas about the company and himself.

An actor should be emotional and selfless when performing, but when facing his own career path, he must be ambitious, or have no ambition at all. Once in the middle ground, it is difficult for him to become the most extreme kind of actor.

In Zhou Ping'an's heart, Yan Liang has always been the kind of actor with low talent, a dull personality, and diligence.

If Li Zhibai said these words to him, Zhou Ping'an would not be surprised, because Li Zhibai is usually a person with a very distinct personality and a very sharp edge.

But Yan Liang is not. When he directly stated his dissatisfaction and what he wanted, Zhou Ping'an realized that Yan Liang was actually just disguising himself as a person "without himself" when he couldn't truly be himself.

Vice President Ma did not believe that Yan Liang would one day reach the height of a superstar. The company's wooing and treatment of him were just to keep this actor who still had huge commercial value in the next few years. Therefore, there would be no deep binding, and the company's resource circle would not be used to push him to a higher height.

Zhou Ping'an thought Yan Liang didn't know this, but in fact, Yan Liang had long realized it; he just didn't say it.

"This time, the film *Fake Death Won't Work* you starred in was shortlisted for the main competition unit of the Hexi Film Festival. You have to compete for Best Actor with your good brother Lu Yan He. Have you communicated with him privately about this?"

Li Zhibai got out of the car and walked the short distance to the hotel, still blocked by media reporters with long guns and short cannons, unwilling to let him go.

Such questions have been emerging one after another since the news that *Love Letter* and *Fake Death Won't Work* were both shortlisted for the main competition unit of the Hexi Film Festival, and have never stopped.

Many people actually have an idea involuntarily, which is that when facing the siege of media reporters, you should just answer their questions generously.

In fact, it's not like that. Just like you fed a stray dog a sausage, it won't be satisfied from then on and won't chase you anymore. On the contrary, having eaten a sausage from your hand, it will miss you from then on. Because you have sausages here.

This is the reason why Li Zhibai has always been too lazy to answer such boring questions.

However, the less he answers, the more people ask, as if there is a shocking scoop behind his avoidance.

"..."

Li Zhibai said impatiently: "Why do you care so much about how we communicate privately? And why would we communicate about such unnutritious questions? Who cares who wins Best Actor? No matter who wins, if it's really us, don't you have something to write and report? It's as if we two communicate privately, and this award will really be given to one of us."

Lin Suyang followed Li Zhibai, and upon hearing Li Zhibai's answer, his eyes habitually went black. He wanted to say something, opened his mouth, and then gave up.

He was used to it. In front of the camera, he couldn't openly stop Li Zhibai from speaking, and Li Zhibai had already said it, so the water was spilled. He still thought about how to deal with the impact of this incident later.

After entering the hotel, the media were blocked by the hotel security.

Before Lin Suyang could speak, Li Zhibai took the lead and said to him: "I'm really convinced. Why are these media so eager to see me fight with Yan He? Do they like to see us fight so much? I'm really convinced."

Lin Suyang: "Understand, understand, people also have to find topics, otherwise how to attract traffic."

"I'm just annoyed by these people. They can't ask a more advanced question. They stare at these trivial, meaningless things all day long." Li Zhibai pursed his lips, remembered something, and said to Lin Suyang, "By the way, Brother Suyang, I won't eat with you tonight. I have an important call to make. You help me order a meal and send it to my room."

Lin Suyang was a bit surprised.

Lin Suyang knew all of Li Zhibai's work arrangements.

But Lin Suyang didn't know about this call in advance, which meant it was a private call. Precisely because it was a private call, Lin Suyang was surprised—

What private call is so important that he doesn't even go out to eat?

"How did you talk to Zhou Ping'an?"

On the video call, Li Zhibai asked Yan Liang.

Yan Liang: "He has promised to help me negotiate with the company and strive for what I want."

"Don't be fooled by them. Whether it's endorsements or film and television projects, even if you don't need them, what should be written in the contract must be written. What level of resources and support they need to provide for you must be written clearly, not a bit vague." Li Zhibai said, "Don't think that because you are communicating relatively smoothly with Zhou Ping'an now, you think he will think for you from your perspective. Yan He and I are the lessons learned."

"I know, I won't be so naive." Yan Liang sighed with a smile, "Fortunately, you have already stepped on the thunder for me. No matter how many flowery words Zhou Ping'an says in front of me, I don't believe it."

"That's good." Li Zhibai nodded.

"How about you? Did you tell Lin Suyang?" Yan Liang asked.

"Not yet. I haven't thought about whether I really want to go out on my own." Li Zhibai's thoughts have not been settled, "Actually, my situation is different from yours. If I had the two series *Friends* and *Gold Rush* as insurance for the next few years, I would have left directly. But if I go out on my own, it's not necessarily as comfortable as staying at Star Entertainment. Especially since Lin Suyang has been working with me for more than a year, he is quite capable. If I can pry him away, I can be more comfortable and have more confidence in my heart, but he still carries the MX group, so he can't follow me."

Yan Liang: "Hmm."

Yan Liang didn't say that Li Zhibai actually doesn't need to worry about his resources after leaving Star Entertainment.

Even if they are very clear that if Li Zhibai really loses Star Entertainment's support, resources may be downgraded in the short term, Lu Yan He will not sit idly by. He must have projects for Li Zhibai to act in.

Their moods are the same. Do their own things well, and if Lu Yan He has projects suitable for them to act in, then they will go to act. But they don't want to make their own things messy and need Lu Yan He to specifically consider pulling them to give them scripts. Losing face is secondary; the main thing is not wanting to add trouble to Lu Yan He.

No matter how high Lu Yan He's status is, how great his right to speak is, and how many projects he has in his hands, others seem to think that everything he says counts, but Li Zhibai and Yan Liang know very well that Lu Yan He is also constantly weighing the pros and cons and making choices.

Li Zhibai said: "And, I just became the producer of *Nineteen Years*. I am thinking, maybe I will accumulate a few more years of experience, and when my own team is built, it will be more comfortable to go out on my own."

"This depends on how you consider it. Our situations are very different, and my opinion has no reference value." Yan Liang pursed his lips, "However, one point, I think you still don't need to be so self-deprecating. You have Director Liu Bige's new film in your hands, *Nineteen Years* and *Chinese Paladin*, plus the popularity and audience you have accumulated for so many years, your blood bar is much thicker than you think. I didn't expect you to be so worried about gains and losses."

"I am not worried about gains and losses, but have self-knowledge." Li Zhibai said, "In the entertainment industry, if you have a company, even if you fail a few times, it won't affect your continued opportunity to turn over. But if you go out on your own, if you fail a few times, your blood bar is basically exhausted. Relying on yourself to continue your life is a drop in the bucket. With a company behind you to transfuse blood, it is still different."

Neither of them was carried away by their current good situation, thinking that even if they left Star Entertainment, they could continue this situation. A top actor may offend partners because of team management chaos, fail to handle brand PR, or be replaced by another resource person in the competition for top projects because there is no company in the interest exchange chain... Artists like them who debuted in their teens can be said to have been influenced by these twists and turns since childhood.

There are really only a few artists who can really carry through a seven or eight-year "cooling-off period" on their own blood, which can be counted on one hand.

Of course, they can also choose to change to another agency.

With their current fame and popularity, there are plenty of agencies willing to take over. But the problem is, those that can compare with Star Entertainment may not give better conditions than Star Entertainment. They are not considering not renewing their contracts with Star Entertainment because the other party is harsh on their treatment or violates their bottom line—

Based on these reasons, Yan Liang decided from the beginning to renew his contract with Star Entertainment and consolidate his position in the entertainment industry by relying on Zhou Ping'an and Star Entertainment's strength. Li Zhibai is constantly weighing the pros and cons of leaving and staying, continuing to think and hesitate.

They haven't discussed this with Lu Yan He yet.

It's not that they are deliberately hiding it from Lu Yan He. Still, they are brothers who hope to fight side by side with Lu Yan He, not appendages who occasionally take advantage of Lu Yan He... Lu Yan He has his own film and television production company and is also a shareholder of Pick Fire Agency. If Lu Yan He knew about Li Zhibai's situation, he would definitely invite him to Pick Fire.

And then?

If he goes, Li Zhibai will be unhappy—he doesn't want to take advantage of Lu Yan He, and he has entered someone else's sphere of influence. In that case, is the script given to him really needed for him to act, or because he is there, so Lu Yan He must give it? Lu Yan He has a script that he didn't give him to act, but gave it to someone else in the company. What does he think? Will Lu Yan He be scrupulous because of this?

Li Zhibai really doesn't want to have such a specific interest binding with Lu Yan He. The result of being bound too tightly is being held back, and no one is comfortable.

Therefore, whether it is Li Zhibai or Yan Liang, they both hope that they will have a clue on their side before notifying Lu Yan He.

They are friends and should be in touch. But before being in touch, they should calculate clearly what they want and what they are going to do.

Li Zhibai and Yan Liang had this video call for an hour and a half, reviewing the conversation, making plans, summarizing key points, and chatting about everything.

Li Zhibai nodded with satisfaction: "I think I have made great progress. Yan Liang, if you have the opportunity in the future, really go be a producer. Although the process is as painful as peeling a layer of skin, you can really learn a lot."

Yan Liang was dumbfounded.

"You have really said this to me too many times. How much suffering did you endure when you did the *Nineteen Years* project? Can you write a memoir?"

Li Zhibai's eyes lit up instantly.

"You are right, I have to write it down, so as not to forget it later." Li Zhibai said, "Just a while ago, Chen Siqi asked me if I had any thoughts of writing a few columns for the *Jump Up* electronic subscription account. Just write this."

Yan Liang: "I'm really convinced."

Li Zhibai: "What's wrong? Can't?"

Yan Liang: "No, no, it's not impossible. If you ask, I'm convinced."

After hanging up the video call, Yan Liang yawned, but saw a push notification on his phone:

Meng Li joins *Directors, Please Advise*.

"Why would Meng Li go to *Directors, Please Advise*? As a popular first-tier star, why bother to go to such a show?"

Zhou Ping'an received a call from He Yingzi, and He Yingzi was very surprised on the phone.

Upon hearing this sentence from He Yingzi, Zhou Ping'an keenly guessed He Yingzi's intention and asked directly: "Do you also have actors participating in this show?"

He Yingzi cursed this old fox in her heart; her sense of smell is really sensitive.

Denying it now is of no avail; the show will eventually be broadcast.

"Yes." He Yingzi sighed.

"Is it Lang Xia?"

"Of course I wouldn't let him participate in such a show. I'm not you." He Yingzi said, "It's a newcomer I signed."

"Girl?" Zhou Ping'an asked.

"Yes."

Zhou Ping'an smiled, "Okay, don't be nervous. With so many actors on this show, Meng Li alone can't steal her exposure."

He Yingzi smiled.

"Whoever can steal exposure in front of Meng Li, I will immediately poach this person and sign this person under my banner." He Yingzi highly recognized Meng Li's ability to cause trouble and attract attention.

Meng Li can be popular to this day, all relying on her topicality.

Zhou Ping'an smiled.

"She is going to this show to show her acting skills, not to cause trouble."

He Yingzi: "I'd be a ghost if I believed you. But, Zhou Ping'an, tell the truth, are you doing it on purpose?"

"On purpose?"

"He Sha is on this show. Do you want Meng Li to teach her a lesson?"

"Why would I need Meng Li's hand to teach her a lesson?" Zhou Ping'an said slowly.

He Yingzi: "Indeed, Meng Li's hands are not easy to get dirty, but I let my artist help you vent your anger, and you let Meng Li help her on the show, how about it? Is this deal done?"

Zhou Ping'an: "Is this an alliance?"

"A show where dozens of actors PK, isn't it a Shura field? If you don't form an alliance at this time, when will you form an alliance?" He Yingzi said righteously.

Zhou Ping'an smiled.

"What you said makes sense."

"*Directors, Please Advise* will also be quite exciting." Chen Ziyan, who heard some inside information, shook her head at Lu Yan He with a smile, "I don't know if their performance on the show will attract attention, but things outside of acting will definitely explode."

For He Sha, Chen Ziyan was also very unwelcome.

She knew that Lu Yan He was also very unhappy because of He Sha's previous actions.

So, she shared the news as soon as possible.

"Don't offend Zhou Ping'an if you offend anyone. Zhou Ping'an has formed an alliance with He Yingzi. Meng Li and the new actor signed by He Yingzi will embarrass He Sha on the show."

"Meng Li would actually help Zhou Ping'an?"

"Zhou Ping'an single-handedly planned her romance and romance variety show, and now Meng Li is popular to a mess." Chen Ziyan smiled, "Meng Li is a typical person who gives face to whoever helps her. Zhou Ping'an has a very happy cooperation with her, and there will be a top-level blockbuster for her soon."

"No wonder." Lu Yan He imagined the scene of Meng Li and He Sha on the same stage, with someone else stirring up the muddy water in the middle. That scene is indeed exciting.

"*Birth of an Actor* Season 2 is about to start immediately, and there will be many shows of this type following suit later. We must hurry to finalize suitable and good actors, so as not to be snatched away by other shows." Chen Ziyan said, "Although it's not impossible to use 'recycled meat', the surprise will be much less."

"Hmm, indeed."

Chen Ziyan: "Season 2, do you still plan to play the same way as Season 1?"

"At least the first stage is like this." Lu Yan He said, "Whether it is team battle or other modes later, it can be adjusted, such as letting the actors of Season 2 challenge the actors of Season 1."

Chen Ziyan's eyes lit up immediately, "This is quite worth watching."

"Hmm." Lu Yan He nodded, "So many actors in Season 1 have made a name for themselves and have been recognized by the audience. They are also the audience's first impression of the *Birth of an Actor* show. They come to PK with the actors of Season 2, and the highlights will definitely be enough."

Chen Ziyan smiled: "Then if you do this, how will Season 3 be done? Let the actors of Season 2 form a team to PK with Season 3?"

"This form is meaningless if it is always used." Lu Yan He said, "We have so many editors and directors, everyone brainstorms together and comes up with more and more innovative forms."

"Also, why think so much now." Chen Ziyan said with satisfaction, "The *Birth of an Actor* show is really worth doing. So many good actors who couldn't get plays have suddenly started to receive scripts crazily. Although I also know that after the show ends, the popularity may pass, but at least they have gained attention and obtained opportunities, and can play good roles that they couldn't play before."

"Hmm." Lu Yan He nodded.

"Caina has finally agreed to sign her management contract in mainland China to us." Chen Ziyan smiled, "Our Pick Fire has finally taken the first step towards internationalization."

"Congratulations." Lu Yan He clapped.

Chen Ziyan: "So, are you really planning to write a role for Caina in *Squid Game* Season 2?"

"Hmm."

"Okay, then this counts as a big gift for her signing." Chen Ziyan said.

Lu Yan He: "Don't borrow flowers to offer Buddha. I have already thought about this."

"Fart, what you told me before was possible. This is the first time you have confirmed to me that there will be a role for her." Chen Ziyan emphasized, "I remember clearly."

Lu Yan He: "..."

Chen Ziyan: "Caina's popularity in Southeast Asia is indeed quite high, okay, quite good."

Lu Yan He asked: "Then will you take domestic film and television dramas for Caina?"

"It depends on the situation. If there are good projects and suitable roles, why not." Chen Ziyan said, "I didn't sign her to be a decoration. She also has a certain popularity in China. Why not let her participate in *Birth of an Actor* Season 2 as a contestant?"

"Her Chinese is not smooth, how to participate?"

"Study for a year or a half, should be able to speak?"

"Sister Ziyan, you make me feel very unreliable now."

"Hahahaha." Chen Ziyan laughed very happily.

Lu Yan He didn't know why she was suddenly so happy.

But happy is enough.

Recommend the old book *I Became the Scandal Protagonist Overnight*. ===== CHAPTER 587 =====