Chapter 360: Inspection

Jiang Heng's cameo in Wolf Warrior went smoothly; he finished filming in just half a day.

Consequently, Wu Jing felt somewhat unsatisfied and actually wanted to add more scenes.

Jiang Heng, with the mindset of "since we're here, we might as well," fully cooperated, busy all day before it ended.

Wu Jing, leading the main crew, invited Jiang Heng to a meal, and the next day personally saw him off at the airport before considering it finished.

After returning to the capital, Jiang Heng continued filming One Person Under, while also finding time to visit Beautiful Times Special Effects Company to check on the post‑production status of Little Soldier Legend.

Much like before, the special‑effects shots of Little Soldier Legend were also subcontracted to multiple companies around the world.

Beautiful Times Special Effects Company handled only a small portion of those shots.

But all the special‑effects shots eventually converge here at Beautiful Times, where they are edited into a complete film, then submitted for approval and release.

So Jiang Heng needs to come by occasionally; otherwise it would look too absurd.

In the small screening room, Jiang Heng watched the entire film accompanied by several executives and editors from the special effects company.

After the screening, General Manager Fan Yu rose and applauded, excitedly saying, "Director Jiang, you filmed this incredibly well—this is the best sci‑fi, war, and special‑effects blockbuster I've ever seen in my life!"

Fan Yu is in his early forties, married, values this job highly, and showers Jiang Heng with praise to the utmost of his ability.

Because he lacks a technical background, his appointment as general manager came from Han Sanping's recommendation, plus he has some management experience.

And Jiang Heng's original purpose in setting up this special‑effects company was merely to conceal his tracks; a manager with weaker business skills suited him just fine.

Consequently, over the years Fan Yu's position as general manager has become ever more secure.

To outsiders, Fan Yu seems to keep his post because of connections and flattery, unaware that Jiang Heng merely needs such a figure to hold down the special‑effects company.

If someone truly sharp, capable, and ambitious—always scheming to expand scale, preferably snatching all of Jiang Heng's special‑effects orders for a film—Jiang Heng would actually dare not employ them.

Thus, the others look down on Yang Fan to some extent.

Their flattery is so stiff, it's utterly lacking in skill!

The Vice General Manager beside him said, "Director Jiang, this film features both grand interstellar battles and finely detailed, realistic skeleton‑robot officers; I believe that once released it will sweep the global box office, surpass Avatar and claim the worldwide championship."

Thanks to its advantage in the European and American markets, Avatar ultimately grossed $2.579 billion, edging out Uproar in Heaven's $2.398 billion to become the all‑time worldwide box‑office champion.

It was originally thought that no film could unseat Avatar's global box‑office crown within a few years.

But Little Soldier Legend, with total investment exceeding five hundred million US dollars, clearly has the potential to surpass Avatar.

Looking at it today, everyone feels the problem isn't serious.

Jiang Heng chuckled, "If we really achieve that result, it certainly won't be without your efforts!"

Fan Yu hehe‑ed, "We're just doing what we can; Director Jiang, your contribution is the greatest!"

Jiang Heng also accepted that, and so stopped exchanging pleasantries with them.

Having come from a shoot, the time is now late.

Jiang Heng glanced at his wristwatch and said, "Let's go get something to eat first!"

"Eh, okay, okay, the private room has long been booked; we're just waiting for us to go."

Fan Yu led the way, guiding everyone to the hotel.

Only after sitting down did they notice a youthful, pretty girl in a long dress bustling about inside.

Jiang Heng didn't pay much mind, merely taking her for a decent‑looking assistant with a good figure.

Unexpectedly, Fan Yu not only had her take a seat but also formally introduced her: "Director Jiang, this is my niece, Cui Zhenzhen; you may call her Xiao Cui."

"Little Cui?"

Jiang Heng instinctively thought of Xiao Cui from General Ma, causing the two words he blurted out to have a slightly off tone.

"Eh, Director Jiang, you're calling me?"

The girl hurriedly rose, her expression a bit restrained; Jiang Heng just smiled, offered no explanation, and gestured for her to sit.

Glancing at the drooling Fan Yu, he turned and asked, "How old is the little lady, and what does she study?"

Actually, Jiang Heng himself is only thirty years old at this moment.

But counting his previous life, his mental age now definitely places him among the middle‑aged and elderly.

"Twenty‑two, I study, I study dance!"

Fan Yu rose and said, "Director Jiang, let me tell you, she dances really well—Zhenzhen, hurry, perform a segment for Director Jiang!"

The others, seeing Old Fan's intent, also laughed and joined in the clamor; Jiang Heng laughed and scolded, "You guys haven't even seen dancing, have you!"

The crowd's expressions turned embarrassed; Cui Zhenzhen was at a loss, but Old Fan, thick‑skinned, chuckled, "Director Jiang, let me tell you, she really dances exceptionally well—just let her show a bit!"

Jiang Heng glanced at that guy and said nothing more.

Actually, in some upscale hotels, having someone dance, sing, or play violin or piano during a meal is no big deal.

It's just that this old brat actually brought his niece over, which is somewhat awkward.

But since they don't feel awkward, Jiang Heng doesn't mind either.

Seeing him nod, Fan Yu went to set up the karaoke sound system; soon music filled the room and the girl began to dance gracefully.

It must be said, the girl's dance is indeed of a certain standard.

In the era of rising short videos, just her looks, figure, and dance could net her a million‑follower‑level internet celebrity status.

But at this moment, they still regard Fan Yu's arrangement for her as the best way out.

During the meal, the girl didn't speak much, merely often gazing at Jiang Heng with admiring eyes.

Fan Yu grinned, "Director Jiang, what do you think about letting her be your assistant?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "You think I'm Zhu Bajie?"

Fan Yu blinked, not understanding.

Jiang Heng laughed, "With Zhenzhen here, will there be Lian Lian and Ai Ai next?"

Everyone burst out laughing at those words, and Cui Zhenzhen also pursed her lips, unable to stop laughing.

Fan Yu, unembarrassed, hehe‑ed, "Director Jiang, if you like it, I'll soon set up a song‑and‑dance troupe—Lian Lian and Ai Ai will surely be there!"

Jiang Heng waved his hand, "Don't spout that nonsense, still a song and dance troupe—what are you thinking?"

Fan Yu chuckled and said, "Director Jiang, actually this is quite ordinary!"

Jiang Heng naturally knew such things were commonplace; as the company grew, the 'big company disease' gradually appeared.

Often, even he as the boss finds it hard to enforce strict management.

For example, when they held auditions to find Hotba, her roommate Tao Hui inexplicably sailed through all rounds and even signed a contract with Love Outstanding Rising Film Company.

Although she's just a minor actor, she earns far more than ordinary people!

"Now is not the time to enjoy oneself; wait a few years!"

Upon hearing that, Fan Yu's eyes lit up; in his view, Jiang Heng was just temporarily unable to let go of his pride, merely finding an excuse.

Little did he know that, in Jiang Heng's anticipation, he could simply avoid competing in the other internet tracks.

But short videos must be firmly grasped.

Setting up a media company and signing a bunch of pretty girls is exactly what he intends to do in the future.

(End of chapter)