Chapter 265: Zhang Jizhong's Invitation

February 2001, Beijing, Zhang Jizhong's studio.

Zhang Jizhong, Zhao Jian, and Dai Mingyu sat around the conference table, with the script and cast list for "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" spread out before them.

"For the role of Duan Yu, who exactly should we cast?" Zhao Jian frowned. "There are plenty of young actors in the market right now, but finding one who can pull off that noble-young-master air is really no easy task."

Dai Mingyu flipped through the actor files: "What about Huang Haibing? He's got a decent image."

Zhang Jizhong shook his head: "He can't carry the weight of Duan Yu's scenes."

The meeting room fell into a brief silence. Suddenly, Zhang Jizhong's eyes lit up and he slapped the table: "How about… we try Xiang Fei?"

Zhao Jian froze, then goggled: "Old Zhang, are you out of your mind? What kind of status does Director Xiang have now? He just finished filming 'Avatar'—you think he'd come do a TV series?"

But Zhang Jizhong grew more and more excited as he spoke: "How would we know if we don't try? If he happens to like it, not only will Duan Yu have his actor, we can pull in investment, maybe even break into the Xiangjiang market!"

Zhao Jian and Dai Mingyu exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting from shock to thoughtful consideration.

"But…" Zhao Jian hesitated, "if Director Xiang turns us down, won't all this be for nothing?"

Zhang Jizhong let out a sly chuckle: "How would we know if we don't try? Besides, even if he doesn't act, getting connected through this line is still a good thing."

The next day, Zhang Jizhong and Zhao Jian found Zhang Weiping.

"Director Zhang, there's something I'd like your help with." Zhang Jizhong rubbed his hands together with an eager smile.

Zhang Weiping raised an eyebrow: "What is it?"

"We'd like to invite Director Xiang to play Duan Yu in 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.' Could you help us set up a dinner?"

Zhang Weiping nearly choked on his tea: "What? You want Director Xiang to play Duan Yu?"

Zhao Jian hurried to explain: "We know the request is a bit presumptuous, but Director Zhang says, what if Director Xiang is interested?"

Zhang Weiping set down his teacup, a half-smile playing on his lips: "You certainly dare to dream. Fine, I'll ask him for you, but don't get your hopes up too high."

Right then, Zhang Weiping dialed Xiang Fei's number.

"A-Fei, there's something interesting." Zhang Weiping laughed. "Zhang Jizhong wants to invite you to play Duan Yu in 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,' and asked me to set up a dinner with you."

On the other end of the line, Xiang Fei clearly froze for a moment: "What?"

"Yes, they feel your image and bearing are a perfect fit."

Xiang Fei didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Director Zhang, please don't joke around. I'm swamped with post-production on 'Avatar' right now—when would I have time to film a TV series?"

Zhang Weiping had expected this answer all along: "I knew you wouldn't agree. Still, they really do seem sincere."

Xiang Fei deliberated for a moment: "Here's what we'll do. I'll skip the dinner. Tell them that if they need investment or help finding actors, they can come talk at Feimin."

Zhang Weiping relayed Xiang Fei's reply to Zhang Jizhong and Zhao Jian.

"Director Xiang says he won't take the role." Zhang Weiping watched their expressions instantly collapse, then added, "However, he's willing to consider investing, and he told you to go to Feimin to look for suitable actors."

Zhang Jizhong was first disappointed, then his eyes lit up again: "Investment? That's not bad either!"

Zhao Jian caught on as well: "Right, with Feimin's investment, our production budget can be a lot more generous!"

Zhang Weiping nodded: "Then get your project materials ready, and I'll arrange a time for you to go to Feimin to talk."

A few days later, Zhang Jizhong and Zhao Jian arrived at Feimin Entertainment with their project proposal.

Xiang Fei received them in the conference room: "Director Zhang, I hear you want to do 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils'?"

Zhang Jizhong hurriedly handed over the project proposal: "Yes, Director Xiang. Here's our planning proposal."

After reading through it carefully, Xiang Fei looked up and asked: "What's the budget?"

"Our preliminary estimate is 50 million."

"What about the cast?"

"Still in preparation, but we'll bring in the best production team."

Xiang Fei thought for a moment: "Here's the deal. Feimin can invest 30 million, but there are two conditions."

Zhang Jizhong asked nervously: "What conditions?"

"First, the production must be polished—no shoddy, rushed work. Second, Feimin wants to participate in production; during filming, I'll have someone on set keeping an eye on things."

Zhang Jizhong was overjoyed: "No problem! We'll absolutely deliver!"

After the negotiations wrapped up, Zhang Jizhong shook Xiang Fei's hand: "Thank you for your support, Director Xiang!"

Xiang Fei smiled: "I hope 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' becomes a classic."

Zhao Jian sighed with feeling: "With Feimin's investment, we can finally cut loose and go all out."