Chapter 66: Background Roles Lead Nowhere (Foster Fathers, Please Follow)

Fang Hong wanted to accumulate wealth quickly, he had to gamble; without gambling, rising step by step would be extremely difficult—the era of smooth, effortless ascent was already over.

And in two years, big capital will enter the market—there's no time to waste!

"If it fails, you won't blame me?" Yu Xian said.

"Of course I'd be upset, but if you shoot it seriously, I can still forgive you," Fang Hong said.

This remark only increased Yu Xian's pressure!

Yu Xian asked: "What about the actors—have you picked anyone?"

"No, you pick them yourself," Fang Hong said.

"Fuck, my head's a mess—I have no idea who to pick," Yu Xian rubbed his temples.

Suddenly being thrust into the lead role felt like everything had changed—he had to worry about everything!

Most new directors have no clear concept of casting—they can't tell if someone's right or wrong.

Fang Hong pulled out his phone: "I'll pick a male actor for you!"

He dialed immediately, and the call connected quickly; a male voice answered in surprise: "Principal!"

"Zhu Yirong, found a job yet?"

Fang Hong asked directly.

They'd worked together before, so they knew each other, but weren't close.

Yu Xian listened intently beside him, ears perked up!

"Not yet—I'm doing background roles in the Confucius crew," Zhu Yirong said.

"Doing background roles won't get you anywhere—come work with me, I've got a lead role for you," Fang Hong said.

"Really?"

Zhu Yirong's voice trembled with excitement—it was like a cake falling from the sky.

He never expected the Principal still remembered him—he hadn't even attended the premiere, just left to shoot other dramas.

It made him feel guilty.

"Have I ever lied to you? Pack your things and come quick—I'll send you the address," Fang Hong said.

"Yes yes yes, Principal, I'm coming!"

Zhu Yirong spoke urgently over the phone, terrified of missing the chance.

After hanging up, Zhu Yirong immediately stripped off his ancient costume.

"Hey hey hey, what are you doing? We're about to start shooting," the assistant director stopped him.

"Sorry, my house is on fire—find someone else!" Zhu Yirong made up a random excuse, tore off his costume and wig, and headed for Beijing.

He was in Inner Mongolia at the time.

Just as the Principal said—doing background roles leads nowhere!

On the other side, Fang Hong put away his phone: "I've found your lead actor—he'll arrive in a day or two."

"What about the female lead?" Yu Xian asked next.

"You find her yourself—pick whoever you like," Fang Hong said.

If he had to decide everything, Yu Xian would never grow.

"Then I'll pick Liu Tianxian," Yu Xian said.

He only knew Liu Tianxian and had only worked with her, so she was the first person he thought of.

"Fine—I gave you a budget of ten million, not a single cent more—you pay for her yourself," Fang Hong said.

Ten million couldn't possibly hire Liu Tianxian—flight tickets, accommodation, and other crew costs abroad weren't cheap.

Liu Tianxian alone would demand at least a few million!

Previously, Fang Hong filmed Those Years in the suburbs, the second film in the city center, right here locally—the production cost reached over eight million; abroad it would be even higher.

This left Yu Xian deflated—why could Fang Hong get away with free rides while he couldn't? How could the gap between people be so huge?

"Don't overthink it—just do it. Hesitating like this doesn't match my style at all," Fang Hong slapped his leg.

Who could compare to you? Yu Xian didn't say it aloud—he stood up: "You two chat—I'll go prepare."

Since his brother trusted him so much, he had to push through, no matter what!

"Hey, Lao Yu."

Fang Hong called out, warning: "Don't change the script."

Photography Department people had no problem with framing, but their storytelling ability was questionable—they all had this flaw.

So leave professional work to professionals—he only needed to handle the shooting.

"Okay, I understand," Yu Xian nodded.

After Yu Xian left, Fang Hong continued chatting with Meng Jun.

"General Manager Fang truly has guts—entrusting a ten-million investment to a rookie director," Meng Jun had listened the whole time and was deeply impressed.

In any other company, no boss would dare do this.

"I trust everyone who follows me and am willing to give them chances to realize their value—if you join my company, you'll realize your value too," Fang Hong said.

"I'm genuinely interested now."

Meng Jun spoke honestly, then added: "I just don't know your next development plan?"

Though the company was a makeshift setup, Meng Jun found Fang Hong's demeanor decent—he dared to think and act.

Someone like that either crashes completely or soars to the heavens; the problem is he's too reckless.

Betting once or twice occasionally is fine, but if he bets every time, one loss could mean total ruin.

"Plans can never keep up with change—I can only tell you this: I won't let you down," Fang Hong said.

Meng Jun smiled—every boss says that.

He stood up and said, "Alright, General Manager Fang, I'll go back and think it over, then give you an answer."

"Make it quick. I don't like waiting for people." Fang Hong extended his hand.

"Alright, whether we end up as colleagues or not, I'll give you an answer." Meng Jun extended his hand and shook his.

A financial officer was a must — the purse strings had to be held by someone dedicated. He couldn't rest easy leaving it all in Chen Zhixi's hands, not that it meant Fang Hong didn't trust Chen Zhixi.

It was about systems, about rules!

After Meng Jun left, Fang Hong bought a carton of cigarettes, packed it in a black bag, then bought some nourishing items like donkey-hide gelatin, and made a trip to Beijing Film Academy.

It was still that familiar office, still that familiar person.

Fang Hong stood at the door and knocked. "Secretary Xu!"

Xu Jiandong looked up, quite surprised. "What brings you here?"

"Came to see you." Fang Hong set the black bag and the gifts he'd bought on the desk. "I've been busy usually, never had the time to come visit you."

Xu Jiandong flipped open the bag and took a look, his expression calm — at least the man had some thoughtfulness. He said, "You're being far too courteous."

Meaning the gifts were a bit on the pricey side.

"These were bought for your wife. Although I've never met her, just seeing you, I can tell she's a very kind and loving person." Fang Hong said.

Xu Jiandong laughed. His wife at home was nothing but a sharp-tongued old woman, but the way it was phrased sat comfortably in his heart.

He put down his pen and said, "I heard your film was a huge hit?"

The public chatter at the time had been loud — impossible not to notice.

"Yes, the funds have already arrived."

Fang Hong took a commercial draft from his inner coat pocket, set it on the desk, and slid it over. "This is the payment. I don't really understand these things — see if you need to fill in any paperwork on your end."

The payee on the draft wasn't an individual, but the Support Fund — the voucher could be used to remit funds at any time.

The money was being held in escrow at the bank.

Some debts simply couldn't be dodged — when it's owed, it must be paid. There might come a time when he'd need a favor again.

Xu Jiandong picked up the draft, glanced at the amount on it, and his pupils contracted. Over eight million!

That was more than a fourfold return. He hadn't expected this fellow would actually pull it off. Such a successful investment was also a weighty stroke on his own career.

After all, supporting a student to success and making money in the bargain — that did his political record good.

(End of chapter)