Chapter 151

In the entertainment industry, people watch the excitement, but some places see solid, tangible achievements.

An animation industry park—just hearing about it sounds high-end.

Upon learning that Jiang Heng's intended investment reached as high as ten billion, they became even more excited.

They dispatched teams to Shanghai, intending to pry loose this investment.

Jiang Heng naturally favors Shanghai, but in negotiations, one must naturally strive for one's own maximum benefit.

With teams from various places applying pressure, it's advantageous for bargaining, so Jiang Heng naturally isn't in a hurry to sign the contract.

He's not in a hurry to leave either, strolling leisurely around the city each day.

Upon seeing suitable residences, he bought two.

It's a pity that Tangchen One still needs two years before pre-sale; otherwise he would definitely have bought several.

Speaking of, the boss of Tangchen Group is Tang Junian; Tang Junian's wife is Xu Feng, who was once an actress from Treasure Island and starred in Hu Jinquan's "The Swordswoman".

"Director Jiang also likes to watch?" Cai Yirong grew even more delighted.

Later he switched to behind-the-scenes work, producing a film that is none other than the acclaimed top Chinese-language film "Farewell My Concubine".

During that time, while drinking with a group of cultural figures, he encountered a stunningly beautiful woman.

Such situations are especially common in the entertainment industry.

Cai Yirong saw that Jiang Heng's words were not sincere, yet she remained very happy.

If it were someone arrogant, they wouldn't bother with you at all.

Cai Yirong exclaimed delightedly, "Director Jiang, you even know Tangren Pictures?"

Although by the time Jiang Heng made his mark, Tang Junian had already shifted his business focus to the mainland.

"Of course I know it—what's it called again? 'The Legend of the Mermaid'? It was quite well done!"

After all, their status and standing are there; even being perfunctory counts as a form of attention.

"Director Jiang, hello, I'm Cai Yirong, the boss of a small company!"

And besides Tang Junian, other business magnates also invited him; Jiang Heng accepted each invitation, enjoying a rare period of leisure.

"Thank you for the praise, Director Jiang!"

As a wealthy person who once struggled in Xianggang, seeing Jiang Heng gave him the feeling of encountering a renowned director and wealthy compatriot, like meeting an old friend from afar, prompting him to invite him to dinner.

Jiang Heng gave an embarrassed smile, "En!"

Xu Feng knows Chen Kaige, and Tang Junian also knows Jiang Heng.

Her surprised expression wasn't feigned; she genuinely hadn't expected it.

He had actually only watched a few episodes, thought it was decent, but got busy with other things and forgot, never finishing the series.

The film and television industry has a hierarchy of disdain—making TV dramas is considered inferior to making films; she has only participated in producing a few TV dramas since starting her business, still lacking fame, and never expected that a big director like Jiang Heng would know her.

Jiang Heng laughed, "I know you, Tangren Pictures, right?"

Cai Yirong once worked as a current affairs reporter, special reporter, film promoter, and production coordinator for the Xianggang Film Golden Horse Awards… she knows far too much industry inside information.

Someone nearby chimed in, "Boss Cai, you can't just say thanks with your mouth—let's toast, toast!"

Cai Yirong didn't hesitate, raising her glass to toast one.

Jiang Heng laughed and said, "Hey, we're out gathering to have fun—drink as much as you like!"

Cai Yirong said, "Meeting Director Jiang today is the happiest thing!" Having said that, she raised her cup and was about to drink.

Jiang Heng chuckled and didn't stop her.

Inwardly, he is actually in his forties, and he has let go of many things.

The first principle of being human is not to easily sympathize with others.

Words like "father gambles, mother is ill, brother studies"—when spoken by a beautiful woman, not a single word can be trusted.

I haven't forced you; whether you want to drink is none of my business.

He immediately turned his head and chatted with those nearby.

After a few drinks, Cai Yirong saw Jiang Heng ignoring her, which was inevitably a bit awkward.

Fortunately, the glasses were clinking, the atmosphere lively, and no one noticed her expression.

After a while, she found another chance to interject, and Cai Yirong directly asked for contact information.

Several middle-aged, greasy men at the table chimed in, insisting that Jiang Heng and Cai Yirong looked like a couple.

After all, Cai Yirong is still under thirty, in the prime of her youth and at the peak of her looks.

Jiang Heng smiled wryly inside; he knew all too well this beautiful boss's intentions—if he were to say he had any interest in her, it would be at most a casual fling, a side affair.

The real goal is undoubtedly *The Legend of Sword and Fairy*.

Although Tangren Pictures has participated in producing many TV dramas since its establishment, the only work that truly broke out is *The Legend of Sword and Fairy*.

At present, the rights are in Jiang Heng's hands; she must be here to discuss cooperation.

Sure enough, after the banquet, Cai Yirong suggested they go for coffee together.

Jiang Heng didn't refuse either, thinking he'd listen to what she had to say.

In a coffee shop near the Bund, the two sat opposite each other, occasionally glancing outside.

"Director Jiang, I heard you bought the rights to *The Legend of Sword and Fairy*; can you transfer them to us?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "That's direct enough—what's your reason? Don't just say you'll pay more; I really don't lack money!"

Cai Yirong fell silent; she had thought a lot beforehand, believing she had words that could persuade Jiang Heng.

But seeing his indifferent attitude, all her confidence vanished.

But since they had arranged to meet, she couldn't just leave empty-handed; after pondering for a few dozen seconds, she said, "Director Jiang, I know your vision is excellent, and your directing ability is top-notch domestically. But I imagine you won't be directing this series yourself, will you?"

Jiang Heng nodded, which counted as accepting her flattery.

Cai Yirong continued, "Your company's Vice President Li Xiaoping indeed has management talent, but in film and television production she's actually a newcomer—you wouldn't entrust her with all three of *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*, *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber*, and *The Legend of Sword and Fairy*, would you?"

Jiang Heng heard this and fell silent; actually he was also a bit uneasy, but he simply didn't have a suitable person under him to use.

Someone like Xu Ke definitely wouldn't come over to film a TV drama for him!

Cai Yirong saw Jiang Heng pondering, instantly sensed an opportunity, and hurriedly said, "You know Director Li Guoli from our company, right? He has very rich directing experience."

Jiang Heng laughed, "Of course I know!"

Li Guoli is from Xianggang; he initially went to Singapore Television, returned to Hong Kong in '89, and later served as a producer at TVB.

When Jiang Heng was working as an extra, he had even seen him before!

In 1997, Li Guoli briefly served as production supervisor at China Film; a year later he partnered with Cai Yirong to start a company.

Thus, although Jiang Heng and Cai Yirong were meeting for the first time, he had met Li Guoli several times before, though they were only nodding acquaintances.

Cai Yirong also felt that Li Guoli's connections wouldn't be much help in persuading Jiang Heng, and since he was away, she came herself.

She continued, "I have to say, Director Jiang really has good taste; I only noticed after hearing that you bought the film and television adaptation rights for the game, and upon learning more I found it truly suitable for a TV drama—if done well it would surely be a hit."

"If Director Jiang were to direct it himself, we certainly wouldn't dare hope for it; if we want someone else to direct, please give us a chance!"

Jiang Heng laughed; he of course knew the value of Immortal Sword—one could say a single drama could prop up half the entertainment industry ten years later!

In Immortal Sword 1 there are Hu Jie, Liu Tianxian, Peng Yuyan; in Immortal Sword 3 there are Hu Jie, Yang Mi, Tang Yan, Liu Shishi, Huo Jianhua.

Among the leading figures of the 85 Flowers, most have benefited from these two dramas.

Rights transfer—no need to even think about it!

(End of chapter)