Chapter 410

Jiang Heng came out of the restroom, saw Huang Xiaoming standing at the doorway, and didn't find it surprising.

At this moment, Outstanding Rising Film Company, in terms of scale, revenue, or influence, is undoubtedly the top in the country.

Each of his decisions could change countless people's fates, so being "besieged" is normal.

Just like the newly risen Han Dong and Yan Chenchen, they both have first‑tier star popularity.

After accumulating some resources and solidifying their status, amassing a net worth of several billion is practically effortless.

And what changed their star destinies was precisely being picked by Jiang Heng to star in a big‑budget special‑effects film.

Of course, Huang Xiaoming is already a first‑tier star now; his coming over this time is clearly not for himself.

He glanced at Yang Tianbao chatting not far away with Yang Mi, then said to Huang Xiaoming, "Even heroes find it hard to pass the beauty's gate!"

Hearing this, Huang Jiaozhu's face flushed a little: "She's a good girl, she also greatly admires Director Jiang and wants to join Outstanding Rising Film Company!"

At the celebration party, with many people and chatter, a crowd could show up at any moment. As for usual times, given Jiang Heng's busy schedule, it's truly hard to snag an appointment.

Speaking over the phone again felt insufficiently formal.

The anxious Huang Xiaoming finally decided to get straight to the point, keep it brief, and directly lay out his request.

Jiang Heng glanced again at Yang Tianbao not far away; she indeed looked over, saw Jiang Heng looking at her, and quickly broke into a sweet smile, an expression of appeasement.

Jiang Heng smiled at her, counting it as a greeting.

Then he turned to Huang Xiaoming and said, "In principle, signing someone to the company isn't a big deal. However, Outstanding Rising Film Company has its own regulations: we must guarantee the welfare and treatment of contracted artists, give them the best resources and planning, and strive to make every artist of Outstanding Rising Film Company a star.

The kind of signing people to the company and giving them nothing, even shelving them, is something Outstanding Rising Film Company would never do!"

Hearing this, Huang Xiaoming's expression turned embarrassed; he gave a wry smile: "I know, Director Jiang's benevolence is unmatched!"

To be frank, the industry has some controversy over Jiang Heng's approach—being too good to artists makes many peers uncomfortable.

Because some companies' practice is to sign a bunch of artist trainees; if one becomes popular they profit, the rest are cannon fodder, and if they want to terminate the contract they must pay a hefty penalty— the profit they make is "a basin full".

Outstanding Rising Film Company doesn't have many contracted artists, but the quality is extraordinarily high; one could say each of them does quite well, leaving peers envious and thinking Jiang Heng's vision is off the charts.

Huang Xiaoming originally also thought Jiang Heng was decent, but hearing this now left him feeling uncertain.

He had already told Yang Tianbao he would help her sign with Outstanding Rising Film Company; if this fell through, wouldn't he lose face big time?

"Director Jiang, baby is an excellent girl; she won't waste the company's resources, she just needs …!"

Jiang Heng raised his hand, smiling: "How about this? The company is about to import a Korean variety show; it lacks a female guest. We were planning to use our own people, but out of respect for you, let her take the spot. Contact Vice President Li Xiaoping later and discuss the details with her!"

Having said that, he patted Huang Xiaoming on the shoulder and walked away directly.

Huang Xiaoming stared for a few seconds, then hurried forward to express his thanks.

Although the goal of getting Yang Tianbao signed to Outstanding Rising Film Company wasn't met, it wasn't a total loss.

As for the so‑called variety‑show guest slot, though the status is lower, it's still better than nothing.

Moreover, the variety show produced by Outstanding Rising Film Company ought to be different!

If it's Director Jiang's idea, we might just profit.

Thinking of this, Huang Xiaoming felt a flash of inspiration cross his mind.

Just as he was about to ponder further, Yang Tianbao approached, uneasy, and said: "What did Director Jiang say?" "Director Jiang said they are launching a variety show and want you as a guest!"

"Really? That's great!"

Yang Tianbao was overjoyed, couldn't help kissing Huang Jiaozhu on the face, and cooed: "Honey, you, you're amazing!"

Huang Xiaoming's expression grew awkward, and he became even more unsure what to say.

Moreover, with many industry people around now, it's not convenient to elaborate.

"Director Jiang said to handle the specifics with Vice President Li Xiaoping; I'll ask her a few questions first!"

Yang Tianbao obediently agreed, while inside she began to calculate what film and TV resources she could snag. Variety‑show status opening low, still a bit low! As the vice president of Outstanding Rising Film Company, Li Xiaoping is also much sought after; Huang Xiaoming circled around, and only after a long while did he get a chance to speak.

He led her to a quiet corner and said, "Li Zong, Director Jiang said he wants to import a Korean variety show; the female guest spot can be given to baby!"

Li Xiaoping hadn't yet heard Jiang Heng mention this, but she guessed Huang Xiaoming wouldn't lie; she glanced at Yang Tianbao nearby and smiled: "She really is a pretty and lucky girl!"

Huang Xiaoming's heart stirred, and he said somewhat excitedly: "Was this idea proposed by Director Jiang?"

Li Xiaoping's eyes lit up briefly; she gave Huang Xiaoming a surprised look and smiled: "You're pretty sharp!"

Huang Xiaoming was delighted, hehe‑ing: "It's not that I'm smart; I have confidence in Director Jiang—any show he favors is sure to be a hit!"

Yang Tianbao beside them was completely baffled, feeling the two were speaking in riddles.

After leaving, she asked, "Just now, what did you ask Li Zong …!"

Huang Xiaoming said: "Director Jiang usually only concerns himself with big‑effect blockbusters; he doesn't pay much attention to large‑scale TV dramas. Now he's taken a liking to a Korean variety show and actively proposed importing it—you say, isn't that a big deal?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Tianbao's eyes gradually brightened, her face full of delighted surprise, as if she were about to scream any second.

Huang Xiaoming hurriedly interjected: "Don't leak it yet, lest we invite trouble; we'll talk after signing the contract!"

"Oh!" Yang Tianbao had thought it was a talent contract, so she happily sat down with Huang Xiaoming and they ate and drank.

However, after the celebration banquet, Jiang Heng summoned Li Xiaoping and asked how the talks on importing the RunningMan variety show were going.

Li Xiaoping said the discussions were nearly done; the first season would be a joint production of Outstanding Rising Film Company and Korean SBS, with subsequent seasons produced solely by Outstanding Rising Film Company.

The only current disagreement is price; Korean SBS is holding firm, making it hard to reach an agreement.

Jiang Heng leaned back in his boss chair, chuckling: "These guys know Outstanding Rising Film Company has money, so they want to take a big bite!"

Li Xiaoping replied: "As things stand, that's exactly the case!"

"Alright, let's agree—otherwise they'll cook up some trick. Let's record early and earn money early!"

RunningMan premiered on Korean SBS on July 11, 2010; it's only been a little over a year, so its influence isn't as huge as later.

Therefore, SBS's quoted price is lower than in the previous life, and we don't even know how popular it will be domestically after being renamed Running Brothers.

As for the show's guest lineup, Jiang Heng naturally leans toward keeping the original cast.

That's why, after Huang Xiaoming made his request, we let Yang Tianbao join.

After all, although Yang Tianbao's acting is a bit lacking, her performance in Running Brothers is still quite good.

(End of chapter)