Chapter 100: The First Meeting with Liu Shishi

Inside an office at Tangren Media in Shanghai.

"Shishi, don't be too nervous; it's just going out for a meal."

Miss Cai was comforting Liu Shishi. It was a coincidence today; she had originally intended to invite Wei Jin to dinner to build a rapport, but who knew Liu Shishi would also come, so she decided to bring her along.

"K Jie, is that appropriate? You're hosting a guest, what would it look like if I went?"

At this time, Liu Shishi had just turned 19 and had recently graduated from Beijing Dance Academy. She had originally intended to become a dance teacher, but unexpectedly, through a series of coincidences over these years, she had appeared in two television dramas and had a slight yearning for the entertainment industry.

Liu Shishi and Miss Cai met in 2002. Over these years, Tangren had been in contact with her, wanting to sign her, and she herself was somewhat tempted; coming here this time was to discuss the terms.

"It's fine, you definitely know this person—the great director who just won the Cannes Palme d'Or, Wei Jin."

Hearing Liu Shishi getting cold feet, Miss Cai introduced today's guest.

"Ah, the director who filmed *Those Years*? Many classmates at our school went to see it at the time."

Liu Shishi didn't think much of the Palme d'Or, but instead praised Wei Jin's debut work; perhaps young girls really love watching it.

"Right, he came to Shanghai to attend the TV festival, and this is a rare opportunity. If you can catch his eye, your path ahead will be much easier to walk."

Miss Cai spoke in a tone of considering things for Liu Shishi, as if she had already seen the opportunity for cooperation with Wei Jin.

"K Jie, I'll listen to you, but it's just dinner, nothing else, right?"

Liu Shishi wasn't a complete novice who understood nothing; she set a precaution in advance. It wasn't that she didn't trust Miss Cai, but it was just a habit of a young girl.

"Can't you trust me? There's nothing else, just going to join in the fun. Hu Ge will be coming over later too, so you can put your mind completely at ease. After all, I still want to sign you."

"That's good."

Miss Cai brought Liu Shishi to the hot pot restaurant booked in advance, entered the private room, and began calling to urge Hu Ge.

Before long, Hu Ge walked in and looked surprised to see Liu Shishi:

"President Cai, who is this?"

Miss Cai immediately explained and introduced the two to each other, and the three began to wait quietly for Wei Jin's arrival.

Not long after, a tall man wearing sunglasses and dressed in sportswear walked into the private room.

"President Cai, you really are too enthusiastic. Every time I come to Shanghai, you invite me to dinner. I don't feel at ease in my heart."

How could Wei Jin not know Miss Cai's intentions? But the hospitality was truly hard to refuse, and since he was already in Shanghai, he had to give some face regardless.

While speaking, he took off his sunglasses and only then discovered there was another woman in the private room.

"President Wei, it's rare for you to come to Shanghai, so I must fulfill the duties of a host. Come, President Wei, let me introduce you; this is Liu Shishi, a Beijing Dance Academy graduate, who is about to sign with Tangren."

Miss Cai had been in the entertainment industry for over a decade, and her grasp of social nuances was very precise.

"Shishi, this is the President Wei I told you about."

"Hello, President Wei, I am Liu Shishi. I hope for your kind guidance."

Liu Shishi was not as at ease as she had been in the Tangren office earlier; she looked a bit shy.

"Hello, Miss Liu, nice to meet you."

Wei Jin naturally knew Liu Shishi; the nickname "as pure as a chrysanthemum" in the entertainment industry wasn't something just anyone could be called.

Afterward, he greeted Hu Ge from across the room; the two had known each other for many years, so there was no need for formality.

After some pleasantries, they finally took their seats. Liu Shishi and Miss Cai sat on the left and right of Wei Jin. Wei Jin didn't care about that much and prepared to start eating directly.

Hu Ge, with a keen eye, went to help prepare the dipping sauce, and Miss Cai started harping on the same old tune, asking about film matters.

"President Cai, it really isn't as simple as you think. Let alone me, for any director with a bit of fame, the shares of their projects are already set long ago. Without corresponding resources, you simply can't get on board." He then told Miss Cai the rules of the industry; his words could be considered sincere and earnest.

"So, Tangren can only invest in directors without fame? And do projects themselves?"

Miss Cai felt a bit cold in her heart. The film and television industry had very high risks; investing in a director without fame was basically throwing money into the water.

"Then Director Wei, can you help think of a way?"

Liu Shishi, watching from the side as Miss Cai's mood dropped, couldn't help but speak up:

"Hmm, Miss Liu, in the film circle, you either hitch a ride on someone else's car or organize the project yourself; there is no other way."

Wei Jin didn't fool them; the logic was just like that. Good projects wouldn't bring you along, and projects that brought you along were mostly ones where you'd suffer a loss.

"Director Wei, you can call me Shishi. Is there really not even a tiny bit of possibility?"

Since Liu Shishi intended to sign with Tangren, she also hoped the company could break into the film circle. When she watched *Those Years* back then, she had envied Liu Yifei for a long time. Seeing that Wei Jin didn't seem to dislike her interjection, she couldn't help but ask a few more questions.

Miss Cai on the side was also looking at Wei Jin with eager eyes. Wei Jin suddenly felt the tripe in his bowl wasn't tasty anymore; this was the consequence of eating someone's food.

"Well, President Cai, how about this: if you are truly planning to step into the film circle, I'll give you a small suggestion."

Seeing that Wei Jin was willing to offer guidance, Miss Cai was overjoyed and hurriedly nodded to signal Wei Jin to continue, secretly thinking that bringing Liu Shishi along was truly the right choice.

"Tangren can make small-budget films itself. As long as you choose the right direction, you can also make some money, and then use this as a stepping stone to slowly develop connections and resources in the circle. Eventually, one day you will be able to break into the circle."

"President Wei, how specifically should we do it?"

Miss Cai's thirst for knowledge was overflowing at this moment; she wished Wei Jin would immediately give her two golden ideas.

"According to my observations, there are currently very few suspense and horror films on the market, and the market space is quite large. Of course, this has to do with censorship, but as long as you grasp the scale and control the costs, there is an opportunity to operate."

Wei Jin didn't fool Miss Cai; such a market gap indeed existed currently.

"Tangren can look for scripts in this area. Hong Kong directors are also quite skilled at filming this type of subject matter; in this regard, President Cai is more familiar than I am."

"Then can President Wei cooperate with us? Tangren isn't skilled at script mining."

Miss Cai had already made up her mind to pull Wei Jin in for cooperation. As for the price, she glanced at Liu Shishi beside her.

"President Cai is joking. If I were to engage in this kind of small-budget film, my peers in the industry would ridicule me."

He was somewhat impressed by Miss Cai's imagination. Given Wei Jin's status, it was impossible for him to personally handle the company's small-budget films now, let alone cooperate with Tangren. "Thank you for the guidance, President Wei. Shishi, Hu Ge, come, let's toast President Wei together."

Seeing that it didn't work out this time, but having already obtained enough guidance from Wei Jin, Miss Cai wasn't in a hurry. Take it slow; wasn't this much better than when they first met? Moreover, she discovered she seemed to have found Wei Jin's pulse.

Afterward, the table became lively. Liu Shishi kept putting food into Wei Jin's bowl. Under the heat of the hot pot, her little face was flushed, which was quite charming and cute.

"President Wei, Hu Ge has been honing his acting skills at the drama club during this time. In your opinion, does he have a chance to appear in your film?"

Seeing that the meal was more than halfway through, Miss Cai recommended her own artist again. In fact, Hu Ge had already participated in the film *601 Phone Calls*, though it hadn't been released yet, but Wei Jin's film would be something completely different.

"I haven't seen the specifics yet, but judging by the performance in 'Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens', it certainly wouldn't work."

When Wei Jin had accompanied several women before, he had occasionally caught a glimpse of this TV series; Hu Ge's acting was still too superficial.

"President Wei, our company is about to start 'Legend of the Condor Heroes'. When the time comes, you'll have a chance to see Hu Ge's acting; there has definitely been improvement."

Miss Cai was frantically rooting for her own artist, but her words reminded Wei Jin that certain things were about to happen.

Wei Jin did not remember the specific time of Hu Ge's car accident, but he knew it was during the filming of 'Legend of the Condor Heroes'. Since they were acquaintances after all, he wondered how he should warn him.

"I've heard that observing the myriad states of life is helpful for improving acting skills. Hu Ge, if you really want to enter the film industry, you might as well give it a try. Don't be alone lately, and you can choose public transport when traveling; it's convenient for observation."

Wei Jin's words were inexplicable, but he secretly thought to himself: I can only help you this much. The new book is on the shelves; the third update of the day is presented here. I earnestly request all book friends to reward me with subscriptions and collections. Thank you, everyone!

(End of this chapter)