Chapter 89: A Transaction with International Zhang

"Director Wei, it really is you, long time no see!"

Zhang Ziyi wore a smile on her face. As a judge for the Cannes Film Festival this time, she had truly made a name for herself both internationally and domestically. Her status and standing had already pulled away from the crowd of big-name actresses back home, so she was naturally in a very good mood.

"Congratulations on being shortlisted for the film festival."

"Hello, Miss Zhang, thank you."

Wei Jin acted somewhat politely; the truth was that the two of them didn't have much of a friendship. On the contrary, Wei Jin had rejected Zhang Ziyi more than once. Since they were both in the same circle and would inevitably run into each other, Wei Jin felt slightly awkward meeting her at this moment.

"Don't be so polite, Director Wei. I've always wanted to collaborate with you. By the way, where is Li Zi?"

Zhang Ziyi acted in a natural and poised manner, as if she didn't mind at all.

"There will definitely be an opportunity. In fact, I quite admire Miss Zhang's acting skills."

Wei Jin also adjusted his mindset. In the entertainment industry, as a director and a source of capital, rejecting actors is the norm; collaboration is what you call fate.

"Li Jie isn't staying here. I'm just on my way to her place now. Would you like to come along, Miss Zhang?"

"Thank you, Director Wei, for your affirmation of my acting. That's perfect; I haven't seen Li Zi in a long time either. Let's go together."

Zhang Ziyi didn't care whether Wei Jin was just being polite; she wanted to build a connection first. Even though she was already an internationally renowned actress, she still had to lower her head in front of a big director.

The two then set off together, walking all the way to the Hotel Majestic where Ceng Li was staying.

"Ziyi, why did you come too?"

When she saw Zhang Ziyi and Wei Jin sitting in the lobby waiting together, Ceng Li was pleasantly surprised. After all, they were classmates of over ten years, and it really had been a long time since they last met.

"Li Zi, long time no see. You've become more and more beautiful, and your skin is so good too. I'm really envious of you."

Zhang Ziyi's words were full of envy, and they were also a double entendre. She didn't believe for a second that Ceng Li and Wei Jin had no relationship at all.

"It's not as good as you say. By the way, let's go get something to eat. We can chat while we eat, how about that?"

Ceng Li extended an invitation, and Wei Jin naturally wouldn't stop her. Zhang Ziyi had the exact same intention; otherwise, why would she have come over so eagerly? Was it really just to catch up with a classmate?

The three of them soon arrived at a restaurant. Once seated, they called over a waiter and began to order.

Looking at the two sitting side by side, Wei Jin was surprised to discover that Li Jie actually looked even younger than Zhang Ziyi. One had to remember, there was a three-year age gap between them.

"Li Zi, your rise to fame is just too fast. Last year you were only popular domestically, and this year you've already charged all the way to Cannes."

Zhang Ziyi was genuinely sighing with emotion. Of the Seven Golden Flowers of the Central Academy of Drama Class of 96, Ceng Li had always been a lukewarm, transparent figure. She never expected that in less than two years, she would skyrocket to the level of an A-list star. If she could win an award at Cannes this time, she would be the second Chinese actress to be crowned queen in the fifty-nine years of Cannes; the previous one was Maggie Cheung.

"It's just luck, and being valued by Director Wei. I can't compare to you; you've already broken into Hollywood."

Ceng Li naturally put on a humble face, taking the opportunity to flatter her old classmate.

Unfortunately, Ceng Li's flattery didn't make Zhang Ziyi happy. Last year's *Memoirs of a Geisha* had caused her reputation to plummet, and Hollywood wasn't as easy to break into as she had imagined. Up until now, she hadn't even appeared in an A-List Production. She could boast back home, but in Hollywood, she was actually just a minor character.

However, she still had to accept her old classmate's praise, and Zhang Ziyi knew that Ceng Li didn't mean anything else by it.

"Still 'Director Wei'? Who are you trying to fool about you two?"

Zhang Ziyi's face held a playful expression. Although she had little contact with her classmates from the Central Academy of Drama, that didn't mean she lacked information channels. The entertainment industry was not a place where secrets could be kept.

Thinking of this, she felt a bit envious of Ceng Li's luck. How did she catch Wei Jin's eye? Her thoughts swirled for a moment.

"But don't worry, I will definitely vote for you this time. After all, we have ten years of friendship."

Zhang Ziyi's words sounded very magnanimous, but Wei Jin didn't take them to heart. At this moment, he was concerned about why Li Jie was rubbing her foot against him in this setting.

"Then thank you in advance. Let's eat first; I'm actually a bit hungry." Watching the waiter serve the food, Ceng Li hurriedly greeted her old classmate. The two began chatting about their school days, and for a moment, they really looked like close girlfriends.

After the meal, Ceng Li apologized and rose to head to the restroom, but the rubbing sensation under the table did not disappear.

Now, how could Wei Jin not know that the culprit was Zhang Ziyi sitting right in front of him? He thought to himself that this woman had a lot of nerve.

"Miss Zhang, what is this?"

"Director Wei, whatever Li Zi can give, I can give too. I just don't know if Director Wei is willing to give me a chance?"

Seeing that there was no interference from Ceng Li, Zhang Ziyi didn't hide her purpose at all. She looked at Wei Jin with swirling eyes and a burning gaze; she believed in her own charm.

"Miss Zhang, you're joking. What virtue or ability does this Wei have to catch Miss Zhang's eye?"

Wei Jin didn't want to have anything happen with this woman. She wasn't as rational as Fan Bingbing; once a relationship occurred, it wouldn't take long for the entire circle to know.

Seeing that Wei Jin really had no interest in her, a surge of anger rose in Zhang Ziyi's heart.

"Does Director Wei have absolute certainty about winning an award this time?"

Wei Jin naturally understood the meaning behind these words, but he couldn't just sell his body. However, a normal transaction was possible. Thinking of this, Wei Jin had an idea: "Miss Zhang, I have a project in Hollywood at the end of the year. I wonder if your schedule is suitable?"

"Oh? What kind of project? How big is the investment?"

Regarding the bait Wei Jin threw out, Zhang Ziyi took it, hook, line, and sinker, and stopped staring at Wei Jin himself.

"A drama film. The investment isn't huge, but I plan to invite Leon to participate. Of course, if you don't like that, I can promise you a Hollywood A-List Production."

As soon as Wei Jin said this, Zhang Ziyi's eyes widened. One had to know that a Hollywood A-List Production wasn't something you just said lightly; only projects with production costs over 80 million USD could be called A-List. Could Wei Jin actually do this much for Ceng Li? For a moment, she wanted to latch onto this man again.

Of course, Wei Jin wasn't just talking nonsense. He was going to make an A-List Production anyway; it was nothing more than giving her a medium-sized role. It was far from the high price Zhang Ziyi imagined he would have to pay.

"My only requirement is that for this film festival, you mobilize all your connections to help me—help Ceng Li—win an award."

Hearing Wei Jin's words, Zhang Ziyi calmed down a little. Although she was a judge, she didn't have as much power as she had imagined.

At this year's Cannes Film Festival, including Wong Kar-wai as the president, there were a total of 9 judges. Zhang Ziyi didn't have the ability to convince everyone.

"I can't guarantee that. I can only say I will definitely do my best, and I guarantee my vote will go to you."

"That is enough. I have also hired a professional public relations team."

Wei Jin also knew that Zhang Ziyi didn't have as much influence as imagined, but even so, she could at least influence Wong Kar-wai, or even more people. Besides, there was an idiom: "Success is not enough, but failure is more than enough," which was exactly what these judges were like.

"That's good. Don't worry, since it's a fair trade, I will keep my word. After all, Li Zi is also my old classmate."

Seeing that the deal was reached, Zhang Ziyi played the emotional card again, not wanting to leave a bad impression on Wei Jin.

"What are you two chatting about?"

Ceng Li returned from the restroom and noticed the atmosphere between the two was a bit off.

"Nothing, just chatting about you. I'm really envious of you, Li Zi."

Zhang Ziyi's words were not false; she was genuinely envious that Ceng Li had a man willing to pay such a price for her.

Afterwards, the group chatted for a while longer before returning to their respective hotels. It would not be appropriate for Wei Jin to stay on Ceng Li's side; for the sake of caution, it was best not to let any rumors spread about him and Ceng Li during the film festival, so naturally, he had his Assistant Liu Yan come over to attend to him for the night.

Early the next morning, Chen Zhiming arrived at the Cannes Film Festival with the rest of the film crew. It was Wu Lei's first time abroad; upon arriving in a foreign land, the little guy was not as nervous as imagined, but rather full of excitement.

The group quickly checked into the hotel, and after a short rest, the film festival opening ceremony was right around the corner. The new book is now on the shelves; the first update of the day is presented here. I earnestly request all fellow readers to kindly provide a subscription and add it to your favorites. Thank you, everyone!

(End of this chapter)