Chapter 255: Photography Senior

Inside the chaotic theater.

The small area near the stage was eerily quiet.

At 23 years old, he was still a student who hadn't graduated.

Just because he became interested while filming a movie, he planned to raise funds to shoot a story he had thought of; this sounded like a fantasy, ridiculous no matter how you listened to it.

Since when did making a movie become such a simple thing!

Was he floating, or was he crazy!

Even if Li Luo said he was going to star in a Hollywood blockbuster, it wouldn't have been as shocking as this news.

This wasn't a campus short film; an action movie would require an investment of at least 20 to 30 million, and even if he wasn't paying for it all himself, it was enough for reporters to wonder if he had lost his mind, being so eager to throw money away just for fun.

As for acting.

Basically, no one here would question him too much.

But raising funds to shoot a movie.

Everyone took it as a big joke!

However, given his current status, some things couldn't be said casually; since he had said it, he had to find a way to do it, otherwise, it would definitely become a laughingstock later.

In other words, this was big news now.

"Li Luo, could you briefly introduce what this story of yours is about?"

"Aren't you afraid of losing money?"

"What kind of background is the story based on?"

"Does it have any connection to *SPL: Sha Po Lang*?"

After the reporters realized what was happening, they all surged toward Li Luo excitedly, completely abandoning the newly minted 'Star Girl' and trying to obtain more information; their excited faces were almost distorted.

As long as they could elicit a sentence or two, then this matter would be set in stone.

Later on.

They could just wait and see the joke.

"It's not convenient to reveal the story for the time being."

Facing the siege of numerous voice recorders, Li Luo said with a natural expression: "It has nothing to do with *SPL: Sha Po Lang*, though I did draw some inspiration from it. Please stay tuned!"

While he was dealing with the reporters' barrage of questions.

The man in the crowd nearby quickly turned around, pushed through the crowd with all his might, and ran out of the theater like a wild horse off its leash.

The interview here.

Was quickly interrupted by Li Luo.

Having been with Zhang Jizhong for so long, he had learned a thing or two about hype.

First, throw the news out there.

Whether it was questioning or mockery.

At least let others know he was preparing to shoot a movie, harvest a wave of attention first, and then hype it up bit by bit later!

He then escorted Huang Sheng-yi all the way to the backstage.

He then escorted Huang Shengyi all the way to the backstage.

The reporters watched his back excitedly and quickly left the theater while making phone calls, striving to be the first to broadcast this news; they hadn't expected to land such a big scoop just by coming to watch a graduation performance.

Amidst their clamorous shouting.

The school leaders looked at each other, somewhat dumbfounded.

"Old Huo."

The Vice Dean looked at Professor Huo Xuan and said with a headache: "Go talk to Li Luo and try to persuade him. If you can't persuade him, see if there's anything we at the Beijing Film Academy can help with. Being young and impulsive isn't a bad thing."

"As his teachers."

"We should always provide whatever help we can."

It wasn't just the reporters; even they were somewhat startled. Let alone the acting department, even if a senior from the directing department said they were going to raise funds for an action movie, it would be a surprising thing.

However, despite the surprise, they still had to protect him.

Given Li Luo's momentum.

If he could stay steady, he would inevitably become a golden signboard for the Beijing Film Academy in the future.

They didn't want him to be covered in dust just like that.

Professor Huo Xuan didn't say another word and hurriedly chased after the direction Li Luo had left.

Crossing the soundproof door.

The girl from Shanghai finally reacted to the news she had heard.

"Brother Luo?"

Huang Sheng-yi's speech became stuttered, and her eyes were fixed firmly on Li Luo.

So.

Everyone hadn't even graduated yet.

And you, this guy, are already going to start making your own movie?

"Shouldn't you think this through?"

Taking a deep breath, Huang Sheng-yi's speech became crisp.

She knew Li Luo had earned quite a bit of money from filming and commercials over the past few years—otherwise, he wouldn't have spent 500,000 so casually last time—but even so, he couldn't be wealthy enough to just pull out 20 or 30 million to shoot a movie.

Income was high, but taxes were actually quite heavy.

This posture.

Was preparing to gamble with his entire net worth!

"I have it under control."

Li Luo blinked and continued to beckon the girl to walk forward.

If shooting a TV series was Russian roulette, a movie was like putting two extra bullets into the cylinder of a revolver, and for an actor who had just debuted for a few years to raise funds for a movie was almost like stuffing five bullets in.

There was only a slim chance of survival.

That others didn't think highly of it was entirely within his expectations.

Just wait and see.

"Li Luo."

Another shout stopped his footsteps.

"Teacher Huo."

Li Luo greeted him respectfully.

"Shouldn't you think this through again and settle down for a few more years before talking about it?"

After Professor Huo Xuan signaled for Huang Sheng-yi to walk away, he said hurriedly: "It's no big deal to say some things; just treat it as a prospect for the future. Losing a little face doesn't count as anything."

"Thank you, Teacher."

Li Luo met his gaze and said very confidently: "Regarding this matter, I have considered it very clearly."

In his eyes, there wasn't the slightest hesitation or doubt.

Professor Huo Xuan smacked his lips.

He shook his head helplessly.

Without this kind of confidence, an actor couldn't reach a certain height.

But being overly confident would turn into stubbornness.

Especially since young people were prone to being overly concerned with face and liked to drill into a dead end on matters. He didn't want to see Li Luo, who currently had such great momentum, sink for several years because of this one thing.

"I believe your story will be a good story."

Professor Huo Xuan changed his approach to persuade him: "But shooting a movie is not as simple as you imagine. It's a very complex project, from the story to the script, and then to the establishment of the crew, filming, and release."

"Everything is incomparably complex."

"If you don't handle it well, two or three years will be gone!"

"Who will still recognize you by then?"

Unlike others, as his homeroom teacher, he wasn't afraid to speak his mind.

And what he said was the truth; the speed of iteration in the entertainment industry was not just fast. If you ran off to do other things before you had secured your position, and if the movie investment failed.

Trying to come back would be extremely difficult.

It wouldn't be the current situation where you could pick and choose scripts and insist on being the male lead.

"Thank you, Teacher."

Li Luo said with a calm expression and a smile: "Actually, the script is already mostly written, and I accumulated quite a bit of experience and connections while filming *SPL: Sha Po Lang*. These are my advantages."

"Don't worry, I won't rashly do something unfamiliar."

Still the same saying.

Before having a track record, whatever you do is easily questioned by others, which is often the reason why the first step is the hardest to take.

The doubts he encountered weren't all out of malice.

He understood Teacher Huo's meaning very well.

It was just that he was afraid he would ruin his own career!

But he couldn't just give up the path from eating cake to making cake just because the journey was difficult.

"Alright then."

Looking at his firm gaze, Professor Huo Xuan let out a sigh: "Since you've made up your mind, then you must find a way to shoot it well. If there's anything you need help with, just ask your teacher."

"Don't feel embarrassed at all."

"Our Beijing Film Academy has produced quite a few talents. I can find ways to contact those seniors for you."

"Strive to do the job well!"

"Thank you."

Li Luo smiled, opened his arms, and hugged Professor Huo Xuan tightly.

Having this intention was enough.

However, this favor was indeed not easy for people from the Beijing Film Academy to help with.

Action movies were considered the specialty of Hong Kong filmmakers, and he also planned to shoot *The Lone Agent* over there.

By then, what he would rely on.

Would still be his own previous connections.

After a few brief words, Li Luo dragged his teacher to join the celebration backstage, where the cheers were enough to lift the ceiling.

Seeing Professor Huo Xuan being pulled in, everyone swarmed forward and kept tossing him into the air.

Amidst bursts of laughter.

They celebrated the successful conclusion of the first day of the graduation performance.

Removing their makeup and changing back into their clothes.

The twenty-something people were rowdy, hooking arms and shoulders as they headed toward the Old Northeast Barbecue. Besides Professor Huo Xuan, several other teachers from the class were dragged along, insisting on drinking until they dropped.

The table had been booked in advance, and the barbecue had been prepared by the owner.

Everyone sat down noisily, raised their glasses one after another, and excitedly shared and summarized the performance just now.

Just two glasses of wine down.

Another person walked over hurriedly with a briefcase.

The other party stopped, then looked at Li Luo, who was sitting in the corner, with a somewhat hesitant expression.

From the words just now.

It was easy to judge that this guy had some savings.

After all, he was a top-tier male star; earning ten million a year wasn't a problem.

But money was money.

No one would easily take money out to throw it away for fun.

But now he was truly at his wit's end, unable to pull in investment despite begging everyone everywhere, so he might as well try his luck with this fellow alumnus; after all, the other party was also preparing to invest in a movie.

He had money and an intention to invest.

Although the other party's investment intention had nothing to do with him, who said that ideas couldn't be swayed!

If he didn't try, how would he know the result.

If it really didn't work.

He would only be able to participate in the Young Director Support Program in Hong Kong.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward quickly.

It was just that his hesitant behavior nearby had long been noticed, and someone immediately stood up to block him, saying in a deep voice: "Sorry, brother, we classmates are having a gathering here."

"If you want an autograph, can we do it another day?"

The direction the other party was moving was exactly where Li Luo and Huang Sheng-yi were sitting.

Regardless of who he was going for.

The classmates all felt obligated to help block him.

"No."

The man waved his hands hurriedly and said with a smile: "Junior, you've misunderstood. I'm also from the Beijing Film Academy, Ning Hao from the Photography Department. Seeing you all drinking here, I just thought of coming over to toast a glass."

This commotion naturally caught Li Luo's attention.

Only after turning his head did he recognize who the guy being blocked was.

The face of the great director Ning Hao still had a hint of baby fat, and he was smiling very brightly. Although he had come uninvited, there was no embarrassment on his face; he had a very familiar manner.

"Brother Hang."

He smiled, raised his glass, and gestured with his head: "Hurry up and let the senior come over!"

Ning Hao was overjoyed and dodged the person who had blocked him.

He strode forward.

"Hello, Junior."

Arriving in front of Li Luo, Ning Hao reached out his hand without any hesitation: "I've long admired your name. This is our first time meeting. I just watched the *Old Stubborn* you all performed at the theater; it was quite good."

"Thank you."

Grasping the other party's hand, Li Luo signaled for Huang Sheng-yi to make room to the side.

At the same time.

Several other people greeted Ning Hao.

The Beijing Film Academy wasn't actually very big. After consecutively producing a few small-budget art films with good word-of-mouth, Ning Hao, who had only graduated and left school in '03, could also be considered a prominent figure.

There were those who didn't know him.

Naturally, there would also be those who were relatively familiar with him.

Confirming that he was a senior, everyone felt relieved. Although it seemed abrupt for a senior to appear at their class gathering, since he had come, they naturally had to treat him politely.

Under the class monitor's greeting, Ning Hao downed several glasses of beer.

Seeing this situation.

Li Luo also accompanied him for a few.

They were two years apart, and he had spent little time at school, so this was his first time seeing this future great director.

Having the opportunity to make friends, he naturally couldn't miss it.

After a burst of rowdiness.

Ning Hao put down his glass and took out a cigarette to offer Li Luo one.

"Thanks, Senior."

Li Luo grabbed a skewer of grilled mushrooms and shook his head with a smile: "I rarely smoke, especially in public. It doesn't look good if I'm photographed by reporters."

"That's true."

After distributing them to the side, Ning Hao bit the cigarette to his lips: "Smoking isn't good; you should smoke less."

*Click. *

The flame lit the tobacco.

This guy exhaled a puff of smoke comfortably.

"I heard your interview just now."

Ning Hao flicked the ash, turned to Li Luo, and said with emotion: "Junior, your drive is really quite good. Many people just want to keep circling for money, but don't want to contribute to the film industry."

"Investing in the film and television industry, although the risk is high."

"But if no one invests."

"How can our industry prosper? Don't you think that's the logic?"

"That's right."

Li Luo thought of something and nodded with a smile.

This guy was setting him up as soon as he came up; it seemed he had a scheme.

"However."

Ning Hao took another deep drag of the cigarette and quietly revealed his knife: "As someone who has been through it, Senior has to remind you of a few things. Actually, if you want to shine for the industry, don't play so big at the beginning."

"You can try the water first."

"For example, start with a small investment."

"First familiarize yourself with the operation of a project, and then slowly make it bigger. Doing things this way is more reliable."

"Don't you think that's the logic?"

"Yes."

In Ning Hao's extremely expectant gaze, Li Luo said as he wished: "I actually wanted to start with a small investment, but there's no way around it; the idea I have on hand right now is an action movie."

"You know, that stuff is hard to shoot with low investment."

"That is indeed true."

Ning Hao nodded in deep agreement. He opened his mouth again, but soon went back to smoking in silence.

Just this appearance.

A normal person would ask what was wrong!

Li Luo naturally asked what was wrong, otherwise, how could he live up to this guy's performance.

"Sigh, forget it."

"Senior?"

"It's nothing!"

"Senior, speak your mind."

"That makes it quite embarrassing."

"If you don't say it, I'll be angry!"

"Alright then."

After three pushes and three yields, Ning Hao patted his briefcase: "Actually, I'm not afraid of the junior laughing at me, but I happen to have a script that I've been pondering for a long time; it counts as a small investment and small production."

"Actually, after listening to your words just now."

"I was wondering if we might have a chance to cooperate."

Under Li Luo's playful gaze, Ning Hao thickened his skin and whispered: "That's right, Senior is aiming for you, or rather, aiming for your money, but I have great confidence in my script."

"I know I'm very presumptuous."

"But Junior, could you spare some time to look at my script? If you feel it's not suitable, just treat it as if I said nothing."

After saying this.

He quickly opened his briefcase and took out a stack of scripts from inside.

He handed them to Li Luo with both hands.

Even if someone was watching nearby, even if the person in front of him was a few years younger than him, he was calm and didn't feel embarrassed at all.

It was always extremely difficult for a new director to gain support.

Even if he had a historical track record.

But that kind of art film similar to a campus short film actually didn't have much persuasive power.

An investor who liked his taste might take a fancy to his talent, but most investors were aiming for money and naturally wouldn't take a third-rate art film director to heart.

Scenes even more embarrassing than the one in front of him.

He had encountered them all.

So even if Li Luo refused directly, Ning Hao could face it calmly.

Putting down the skewers, Li Luo wiped his hands with a tissue and then took the script handed over by his senior with both hands.

This series of actions made Ning Hao feel warm inside.

That was his painstaking work.

Naturally, he hoped to receive others' attention.

In the noisy barbecue stall, Li Luo sat in the corner and took the script; this situation seemed out of place with the atmosphere of the scene, but it was also unusually harmonious, and none of the classmates took it to heart.

They were all related industry professionals; although this situation was rare.

It wasn't worth being surprised about.

This classmate of theirs was currently popular, so it was perfectly normal for someone to come looking for him to film.

Li Luo looked at the script in his hand; on the wrinkled and even somewhat yellowed cover, the three words "Big Diamond" were written prominently.

Sure enough, just as he thought.

It seemed the other party hadn't participated in the Asian New Star Director program yet.

Under Ning Hao's concerned gaze, Li Luo opened the script to check the content inside; Bao Shihong, Dao Ge, Blackie, and so on—one familiar name after another surfaced in his mind.

Flipping through the script continuously.

In his mind appeared the image of Huang Bo holding bread, running for his life on the overpass.

The corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly.

It was still called *Big Diamond* now, but he certainly wouldn't be unfamiliar with this movie that would later be renamed *Crazy Stone*; he had watched it over and over again several times in his later life, and it could be considered an excellent work among domestic comedies.

And it was also the type of winning big with a small stake; making money was a certainty.

Now that he had come to him.

Then Li Luo naturally had to firmly grasp this opportunity.

Regardless of whether it earned a lot or not, at least it was a track record to prove to others that his investment vision was flawless.

Noticing Li Luo's expression.

Ning Hao felt happy again; as long as he was interested.

The most feared thing was not being able to talk.

*Ahem. *

Clearing his throat, he was just about to explain to the other party what kind of story this script of his wanted to express, in order to arouse Li Luo's greater interest.

But under his stunned gaze.

Li Luo closed the script cleanly and handed it back.

This wasn't the finished script; it had some discrepancies with his memory, so there was no need to look at it carefully anymore.

*Sigh. *

Ning Hao sighed silently; another day of wasted effort.

He had thought the other party would be interested, but now it seemed it was just polite talk. There was no way now; he could only submit to the new director support project in Hong Kong next and see if there was any possibility of being taken a fancy to by Andy Lau.

He squeezed out a few smiles.

Taking the script.

He stuffed it into his briefcase with a lonely expression.

"Senior."

Li Luo picked up half a skewer of grilled mushrooms and took a bite unhurriedly: "If I'm not mistaken, you're planning to shoot it yourself?"

"That's right."

Ning Hao responded subconsciously.

"Let's drink tonight first." Li Luo picked up his glass again and gestured to this senior: "At nine o'clock tomorrow morning, come find me at 798. Remember to bring your project proposal."

"We'll talk in detail tomorrow!"

Looking at the other party's handsome smile and the glass extended in front of him.

Ning Hao was overjoyed.

He held the glass with both hands and clinked it heavily.

The next morning.

Office.

After Ning Hao's frantic output, Li Luo blew on his teacup and took a meticulous sip.

To bolster the investors' confidence, this guy not only interpreted the script from beginning to end but also brought DVDs of several art-house films he had previously directed, playing them one by one for him to watch.

This was to show that he was not a novice and had both the ability and the strength to run a film crew well.

And to get this movie filmed.

"I have to say."

Li Luo set down his teacup and smiled, spreading his hands: "Your story has indeed moved me. Perhaps before investing in my own film, I can test the waters with this first."

Hearing this, Ning Hao was ecstatic.

He hadn't expected it.

Things were going so smoothly.

Li Luo entered the formal topic, directly stating: "I wonder how much investment you want for filming this movie?"

"Ten million!"

Ning Hao didn't even stutter.

Five or six million would have been plenty, but that didn't stop him from calling for a higher budget.

"Click."

Li Luo clipped the cigar and handed one to the other party.

"If that really won't work."

Taking the cigar, Ning Hao observed his expression and pretended to make a helpless concession: "Eight million is also acceptable."

The cigar torch spewed out a scorching flame.

It meticulously singed the cigar leaf.

Wisps of smoke shrouded Li Luo's expression, and his entire presence rose accordingly.

*Crazy Stone* was famous for winning big with a small budget; he remembered that Liu Dehua only invested three million, and he still managed to get the movie made, so he certainly couldn't give him eight million.

Producer and director.

There is cooperation, but also opposition.

The former hopes to spend as little money as possible, while the latter hopes for an infinite budget.

This is the biggest point of conflict.

And it is also a point where mutual compromise is necessary.

The silent Li Luo brought immense pressure to Ning Hao; the person before him was no longer the junior he had been drinking and joking with last night, but a popular first-tier actor and the boss of a studio.

Just as he was about to say the figure of six million.

Li Luo blew away the smoke.

"Senior."

He smiled, clamping the cigar, and said to Ning Hao: "Actually, we are all insiders, and we are alumni, so I might as well speak directly. You know very well how high the risks of this project are."

"Senior certainly has talent, but it hasn't been verified commercially yet."

"Investing in this film."

"Requires bearing immense pressure."

"Throwing away several million, me not making money is a small matter, but it's very likely that it will all be lost completely."

Biting the cigar in his mouth, Ning Hao gave a sheepish laugh.

But he didn't say anything.

That's just how making movies is; it depends on whether you dare to follow through.

Regardless of winning or losing.

One must be willing to accept the outcome of the gamble.

"However, I am very optimistic about this story."

Li Luo continued to look at this senior from the cinematography department and said earnestly: "I also recognize your talent, Senior, and am willing to gamble with you, but I can only come up with four million."

"That's all the money there is; you figure out how to film it."

For something that could be handled with three million, adding an extra million meant the other party's situation would at least be much better than before.

Li Luo was not willing to throw away any more wasted money!

Anyway, Ning Hao was a capable person.

He would always find a way.

Looking at the other party's somewhat stiff expression, he continued to nod and said: "I know this money isn't very sufficient, but I've done my best. Actually, have you ever thought about changing the story's background?"

"Make it more grounded, and add more dialect."

"I can tell."

In Ning Hao's brightening eyes, Li Luo kept reminding him: "The core of your story is somewhat similar to *Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels*, so why not localize it completely and film it in a city with a very vibrant, down-to-earth atmosphere?"

"It can save more money."

"And the comedic effect will be stronger."

Licking his lips, Ning Hao's eyes flashed with brilliance.

Some things suddenly became clear.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt Li Luo's suggestion was interesting.

It was too interesting!

"That really is a good idea." Ning Hao shook his legs restlessly and simply laid it all out: "But aren't you afraid that the investment risk will be even greater? After all, the chances of success for dialect films are smaller."

"So what?"

Li Luo grabbed the cigar and bit it in his mouth, laughing heartily: "Since I've already invested, I might as well play it to the hilt."

"If I lose, I'll just consider it making a friend with a senior."

"You were able to think of coming to me for investment, and I am willing to give you four million to play with. Honestly, everyone is quite crazy. If you ask me, don't call this movie *Big Diamond* or whatever; put a priceless jade in it."

"The title should be."

Slapping the table hard, Li Luo raised his eyebrows and said: "Just call it *Crazy Stone*!"

Once these words were out.

Ning Hao's breathing almost stalled.

Just hearing this name felt satisfying.

He looked at Li Luo as if he had found a soulmate, so excited he couldn't control himself.

"This is your project."

Li Luo, upholding a win-win attitude, smiled, showing his white teeth: "So in terms of copyright, I'll take eighty percent and you take twenty. I will also give you the greatest creative freedom; you can film it however you want."

"These are the conditions I can give you."

After hearing these words, beads of sweat broke out on Ning Hao's forehead.

From beginning to end, he had never even thought about getting copyright revenue; he only wanted to film this movie smoothly, earn a director's fee, and get an opportunity to get ahead, and that would be enough.

Having produced a theatrical film in the millions, his credentials would be completely different.

He wasn't a greenhorn.

He knew that when making a movie, the most important thing is money.

Without money, everything else is nonsense.

With that previous film *Green Grassland*, the producer couldn't come up with money halfway through filming, which meant not only did he not get his director's fee, but he even had to dip into his own savings to finish the movie.

In the end, he was left owing others a mountain of debt.

It was a situation where he couldn't even cry.

Now, not only was his junior willing to shell out four million, but he was also willing to give him twenty percent of the copyright; this guy made the veins on his forehead throb.

Even if he went to participate in the *Focus: First Cuts* project, he wouldn't have any copyright.

What he could earn would probably only be a director's fee of around one hundred thousand.

All subsequent revenue.

Would have nothing to do with him.

Now, things were different; aside from the gap in production funds, everything was better than expected.

The other party understood him and respected him.

"Brother Luo."

The way Ning Hao addressed him changed quietly, and he said solemnly: "Since that's the case, I won't take the director and screenwriter fees either; let's spend all the money on production costs."

"Spend it where it counts!"

"Shall we?"

Looking at the hand extended toward him, Li Luo smiled: "Not considering other companies? Maybe there are even better conditions?"

"Not considering them~"

Ning Hao's hand was extended steadily, and he said resolutely: "A scholar dies for his soulmate; Brother Luo, you've given me enough face, I can't be ungrateful!"

He had approached more companies than Li Luo imagined.

Either they were dismissive.

Or the conditions were extremely harsh.

To be able to get four million, enjoy copyright, and finally be given creative autonomy.

Where else could he find such conditions!

"Pop."

After the crisp sound, their hands were firmly clasped together.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

"Brother Luo."

Ning Hao grabbed Li Luo's hand firmly and laughed: "Since we've shaken hands on it, this *Crazy Stone* is your own movie now. It wouldn't seem right if you didn't make a cameo, would it?"

A production budget of four million.

You don't need to be a genius to know that you definitely won't find any big stars.

The box office appeal would definitely be questionable.

So, setting his sights on this popular investor became a matter of course.

"Fine."

Li Luo smiled and shook his head, shaking off his hand: "After you finish revising the script, bring it over and let me pick a role."

To put it bluntly.

It's all about earning money for himself.

If there's a suitable role, acting in it wouldn't hurt.

Looking at the guy in front of him happily puffing on his cigar, Li Luo extinguished the thought of inviting the other party to sign with his company; if the system rewards a good film, of course he should take it himself, why let others share the spoils.

Ning Hao has good ability, but his output is actually not high.

When the time comes, he'll trick him into taking *Crazy Racer*, and if there's a chance to cooperate in the future, he will; if not, so be it.

It's not worth supporting him indefinitely.

After finishing the discussion, Ning Hao drove away from the Little Red House in high spirits, unable to wait to change the script to *Crazy Stone*, making it a more localized film with all kinds of dialects flying around.

After he left.

Lin Yue also came to the office to ask about the situation.

Hearing that Li Luo was preparing to invest in another movie, Manager Lin was left between laughing and crying, but since she was already used to the debt, she couldn't be bothered to say anything!

"Look at this."

As the office chair armrests sank into her soft bottom, Lin Yue placed several newspapers on the table.

"The market will speak to Li Luo."

"Costume drama heartthrob is not content with loneliness, wants to challenge film production."

The reports were filled with coverage of last night's events; mockery, ridicule, and pessimism were endless, with article after article making him sound like a reserve joke.

"Public relations?"

Li Luo flipped through the newspapers and asked casually.

"The draft has already been written."

Lin Yue nodded and said quickly: "Zhao Qin and I discussed it, and we plan to cut in from the angle of 'forging ahead with determination,' establishing an image for you that is unafraid of difficulties and constantly pursuing dreams."

"It can be sent to internet media by the afternoon at the earliest."

"OK."

Putting away the newspapers, Li Luo tapped the table with satisfaction: "For film project applications, filings, and executive production, you need to hurry up and catch up on this; if there's anything you don't understand, call and ask Zhang Long and Yu Feihong."

"You need to follow up on *Crazy Stone* when the time comes, and learn to control the budget."

"Keep an eye on it so the crew doesn't spend money recklessly."

"I know."

Lin Yue placed her hands on his shoulders, skillfully massaging his muscles: "Since you said you wanted to make a movie, I've already started learning about this; I won't delay your affairs."

"Our affairs!"

Li Luo patted her fingers and added softly.

Manager Lin smiled sweetly.

Her movements became a bit gentler.

The two continued to discuss company matters, their voices echoing leisurely in the office.

Graduation performance.

Successfully concluded two days later.

Within these two days, Li Luo also completed renewals with Anta and Seven Wolves, two endorsement contracts totaling eighteen million, adding much more confidence to what he was about to do next.

The matter of preparing to film a movie did not cause much of a stir online.

The vast majority of people.

Just treated it as a joke.

However, friends called one after another to ask about the situation, and Li Luo brushed them off with a single "it's in the plans."

After the final performance, the students scattered.

Huang Shengyi hurried back to Hengdian to continue filming *Kung Fu Champion*.

Bian Xiaoxiao carried the script she had just received, excited about the upcoming new play; Li Luo also told her that the role she was playing was the second female lead, which made the girl so happy she was practically floating.

Anyway, the screen time for those two roles was about the same.

It couldn't be considered lying.

Li Luo took a plane to Hangzhou to attend the Taobao spokesperson signing ceremony and conduct advertisement filming.

After that, he flew to Quanzhou for the renewal ceremony.

New product filming also had to keep up.

After working for more than a week, he finally returned to Beijing with weary steps.

Things still couldn't slow down.

The cover shoot for *Harper's Fashion Basha* was already in full swing.

"Boom~"

"Turn to the side, give me a smile."

"Don't smile now, give me a colder expression."

"Beautiful."

"Boom."

A bright flash passed, and Li Luo's calm, indifferent face appeared on the display screen; those solid muscles, paired with the black suit jacket draped over him, gave off a sense of immense pressure.

"Brother Luo is great."

The top photographer in the industry raised his pinky finger and looked at him excitedly: "You captured this expression very well, it's not just as simple as being cold."

"Let's take a half-hour break next."

"You've worked hard."

"You've worked hard too."

Li Luo bowed slightly and tossed the jacket he was just wearing over his shoulders to Wu Yu.

Before him was a huge studio, with more than a dozen people including lighting, photography, props, and costumes working around him; they weren't just shooting the cover, as the magazine's interior reports also needed quite a few illustrations.

To get the effect.

He needed to dedicate two full days of shooting time.

For all this, there was no remuneration.

"Not bad."

Gently clapping her hands, Su Mang's gaze wandered over him constantly: "Just as I imagined before, the result is really great; you will definitely gain a large group of female fans."

"This is tomorrow's interview theme."

She forcibly suppressed the desire in her eyes and pointed naturally to the lounge next to them: "Shall we communicate in advance?"

"Sure!"

Looking at her well-tailored white suit, Li Luo smiled and nodded.

But this smile.

Made Su Mang tremble inside.

Recalling the scenes from the nightclub earlier.

"You stay."

She looked at her assistant with a dry voice and patted the materials in her hand.

The editor-in-chief's assistant didn't think much of it.

What can be asked and what cannot be asked naturally needs to be communicated clearly in advance.

Regarding artist privacy, private conversations are very normal.

"I didn't expect the scale of the shoot to be so big." Signaling Wu Yu not to get up, Li Luo walked toward the lounge with Su Mang: "The cost for a day of shooting like this should be quite high, right?"

"That goes without saying."

Su Mang said with a hint of pride, closing the door behind her: "A day doesn't go by without tens of thousands, but many artists would rather pay this money to pay to be on the cover of *Harper's Fashion Basha*."

"And then?"

Li Luo flipped through the phone he had just received from Wu Yu.

There were quite a few unread messages.

"We naturally disdain those of that caliber."

With a click, she locked the door, came before Li Luo, and then crouched down: "*Harper's Fashion Basha* doesn't care about this little money; we only care about style, and we can't let others lower our style for no reason."

In the luxurious and quiet lounge, the sound of swallowing saliva arose.

Even though she had already experienced it personally.

But after not seeing it for a while, the scale still made the editor-in-chief feel shocked.

Style.

Li Luo glanced down.

Smiling at Su Mang, who was unzipping his pants and enjoying herself, he really couldn't feel any style to speak of.

His attention returned to the phone screen, and he clicked on a newly received text message.

"Brother Luo, are you free tonight?"

"What's wrong?"

"I'm so bored, I want to find you to drink."

The reply from the other side was fast; Li Luo's eyes lit up, and he pressed the small keyboard even faster: "VICS at the Workers' Stadium, I'll book the table, I'll send you the location later, see you at ten tonight."

"Okay, see you tonight, Brother Luo."

Li Luo tightened his muscles, and the swaying sight made the editor-in-chief forget to cough, her eyes lost in a daze.

"Tomorrow's interview is like this."

In a short moment, Su Mang stammered through the work arrangements for tomorrow, not even noticing the saliva turning into threads dripping onto the sofa; it was the definition of professionalism.

Li Luo was also incredibly professional.

Even at this moment, he listened earnestly to the other party's narration.

But in his mind, he thought of the text message he had just received; things really were one after another during this time.

But no matter how great the pressure was.

"Shit~"

Under his vigorous forward thrust, Su Mang almost rolled her eyes, and amidst the swaying, she bit the schedule for tomorrow into her mouth; even if the soundproofing was good, she didn't dare to bet that her high-pitched sounds wouldn't penetrate through.

【Work and entertainment are both taken care of; professionalism is what matters】

【Indulgence successful】

【Reward: Line delivery experience +20】

Thanks to book friend 20220928232818036 for the 100-point tip, thank you!