Chapter 129

The position of producer is very common in Hong Kong; in TV dramas, the producer is basically the most important, and even in movies, this situation exists. The most typical example is "A Chinese Ghost Story"—the director was clearly Cheng Xiaodong, but whenever people mention this film, it's the work of Tsui Hark, who was the producer.

However, this position was very rare in the mainland film and television circle before, and its functions and powers were basically divided up by directors and producers.

Wu Yuchen thought for a moment and looked at Kang Honglei, asking, "Director Kang, what do you think?"

The reason he asked this was that if his name were attached, it would certainly have a traffic-driving effect, but at the same time, it would also be dividing the credit and reputation of Kang Honglei, the director. After the TV drama became a hit, the outside world might very well attribute part of the credit and reputation for the drama's success to him, Wu Yuchen.

Although, given Kang Honglei's hardworking nature, he likely wouldn't mind, Wu Yuchen still had to ask for his thoughts.

Kang Honglei smiled honestly: "Wu Dao, I have no objections at all, as long as it's good for our TV drama!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and said the most practical thing directly: "If this TV drama of ours is successful, I'll give Director Kang a raise for the next new play."

In his past life, Kang Honglei filmed so many good dramas, but his income didn't increase. Part of the reason was that he followed Zhang Jizhong; when the drama was successful, most of the credit was invisibly taken away by Zhang Jizhong, the producer.

Wu Yuchen wouldn't exploit hardworking, good employees; those who are capable should get more—this is how it should be.

"The hutong is narrow and long. Both sides are walls built with broken bricks. The south wall rarely sees sunlight and is thinly covered with a layer of green moss, with faint silver tracks of snails crawling in high places. Walking inside, it feels slightly more spacious, but the walls on both sides are more broken."

Wu Yuchen was currently walking in the "Deep in the Hundred Flowers" depicted by Mr. Lao She. He wasn't here to savor the literary atmosphere, but to see how the soundtrack for another TV drama he invested in, "Cherish Our Love," was progressing.

As Wu Yuchen was walking, he ran into an acquaintance at a corner.

"Wu Dao!" Gao Yuanyuan called out in surprise.

Looking at Gao Yuanyuan, who was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers, Wu Yuchen couldn't help but smile: "Yuanyuan, haven't seen you for a while, you've become even prettier!"

Hearing this, Gao Yuanyuan felt happy and shy: "No way, Wu Dao, you're just flattering me~"

Wu Yuchen smiled: "No need to call me Wu Dao, I'm not much older than you; just call me by my name in private."

"Wu, Yuchen... brother~"

Gao Yuanyuan called out softly, making Wu Yuchen laugh upon hearing it.

Gao Yuanyuan leaned close to Wu Yuchen, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with him, and couldn't help but want to secretly glance at the side of the man's face.

Gao Yuanyuan had admired talented people since she was a child, and the Wu Yuchen in front of her perfectly matched the image in a young girl's fantasy—good-looking and talented. Walking beside him, smelling a fresh scent, and looking at his handsome jaw and high-bridged nose, her heart couldn't help but flutter.

Wu Yuchen asked while walking: "Yuanyuan, how does it feel to be filming this time?"

Gao Yuanyuan gasped, feeling guilty as if her peeking had been discovered. After reacting, she felt relieved: "It feels quite good. I've always been worried that I wouldn't act well, but after joining the crew, everyone has been quite tolerant of me."

"Hey, the two directors are also newcomers; they should be thanking you for being tolerant of them!" Wu Yuchen pouted and said with slight dissatisfaction.

The two directors of "Cherish Our Love," Ma Liwen and Zhang Yibai, were both novice directors. For a 20-episode urban drama with not a single big scene, it took seventy or eighty days to finish filming, and the budget was exceeded. Wu Yuchen had the company transfer another 500,000 to the crew, stating bluntly that this was all the money including post-production, and not a penny more.

Gao Yuanyuan covered her mouth and smiled after hearing Wu Yuchen's complaint, thinking of how the two directors often argued when they first started on set. They, a group of actors, didn't know who to listen to, and no one directed them, so they just listened to the directors arguing back and forth and realized the characters' inner thoughts and emotions themselves.

Gao Yuanyuan had quite a bit of psychological pressure when she first joined the crew, but the whole crew, from directors to actors, were newcomers, so she just had to play herself, and gradually she let go.

"Hey, Yuanyuan, are you still in high school?" Wu Yuchen asked suddenly.

Gao Yuanyuan nodded: "Yes, Haidian Tourism Vocational High School."

Gao Yuanyuan's father and brother were both top students at Tsinghua University in aerospace, but she herself was a bit of a poor student and didn't have any big ambitions; she just wanted to be a secretary.

According to her past life's development, she would go on to study for a four-year associate degree, still majoring in secretarial studies, and even specifically went to obtain an intermediate secretary certificate. Anyway, what she studied had nothing to do with acting. It wasn't until her senior year, after filming "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber," that she made up her mind to pursue the path of an actor.

But later, she plunged into the dark path of art films. Unfortunately, she hadn't received professional training, and her talent was mediocre. When she was 39, she finally posted to admit and accept that she was a mediocre actor.

Wu Yuchen looked at Gao Yuanyuan, who had bright eyes and white teeth, pure and cute, and felt deeply sorry—this was a total waste of talent!

You say you're so pretty and haven't studied acting, so why are you so determined to be an acting powerhouse and stubbornly act in art films? Isn't it nice to just be a big vase?

However, this is how it is in the Chinese-speaking world these days. Any actor with aspirations wants to be recognized for awards. Look at Fan Bingbing—in order to win awards, didn't she also act in "Lost in Beijing" and "Buddha Mountain"?

Thinking of this, Wu Yuchen said to her:

"Yuanyuan, you're actually quite suitable for the path of an actor; otherwise, it would be a real pity. Go back and think about it carefully. Getting into a professional school like the Central Academy of Drama or the Tao Jingying Academy for university would be very beneficial for you."

Gao Yuanyuan was stunned. She had always treated acting as a hobby. After all, being able to make money by filming commercials and acting at this age was also a very fulfilling thing for her, but she had never seriously thought about becoming an actor and pursuing this path in the future.

Gao Yuanyuan hesitated and said: "But, I don't know anything. Others are multi-talented, singing and dancing, everything. I'm tone-deaf and have no talent, so I feel I'm particularly mediocre..."

Wu Yuchen was speechless looking at her face. Are you unaware of how pretty you are? Mediocre my foot!

Wu Yuchen laughed: "Yuanyuan, don't think of acting as so difficult. The admission standards for the Tao Jingying Academy and the Central Academy of Drama aren't that high. Let me tell you about the male lead of the movie I just filmed, a guy named Liu Ye—he didn't know anything during the interview..."

Wu Yuchen told Gao Yuanyuan about the examples of Liu Ye and Huang Huang Xiao Ming's re-examinations, which left Gao Yuanyuan stunned, and she couldn't help but build up confidence in her heart. If even they could be admitted, it seems she could do it too?

"Then between the Central Academy of Drama and the Tao Jingying Academy, how should I choose?"

Wu Yuchen said directly: "Come to the Tao Jingying Academy. If you're willing, I can even put in a word for you. Just prepare well when the time comes, and it shouldn't be a problem."

Hearing this, a warm current surged through Gao Yuanyuan's heart, and she thought to herself, he's actually so good to me?

Feeling happy inside, Gao Yuanyuan's eyebrows curved: "Thank you, Brother Wu Yuchen!"

Between the two of them talking and laughing, they had already entered the Hundred Flowers Recording Studio.

Zhang Yibai and Ma Liwen saw Wu Yuchen and hurried over: "Wu Dao."

Wu Yuchen nodded at the two of them and asked: "How is the soundtrack?"

Zhang Yibai introduced: "I found Xiao Ke, and several songs have already been made. Among them, the theme song is 'Waiting for You to Love Me,' and Teacher Chen Ming just recorded it once. Would you like to listen to it?"

Wu Yuchen felt much more at ease after hearing this. It must be said that Zhang Yibai had accumulated quite a few connections in the music circle from filming music videos for people over the past few years. He could even get singers like Tian Zhen and Chen Ming to guest star during filming, and now he had also found Xiao Ke for music production.

The original soundtrack of "Cherish Our Love" was truly of top-notch quality. The song "Waiting for You to Love Me" not only became popular in every street and alley that year, but after being covered by Doctor Chen and Faye Wong later, it became popular again and lasted for a long time.

There were also songs like "Looking from Afar," "Who," and "What Else Can I Do," which could all be called good songs.

After listening to the soundtrack, a smile appeared on Wu Yuchen's face. A hit song has a great driving effect on a TV drama; it can not only stimulate the audience's emotions and sense of immersion but also promote publicity.

"The soundtrack is good. Notify me after you finish the drama, and I'll take a look then. If the effect is good, I'll try my best to find you a satellite TV station."

Both of them showed joy upon hearing this: "Thank you, Wu Dao!"

"Wu Dao!" A clear voice sounded from behind. Wu Yuchen looked over; it was Li Jian and Dou Peng.

Li Jian walked up to Wu Yuchen in a few steps: "Wu Dao, are you here to watch us record?"

Wu Yuchen smiled upon seeing this. This was truly a coincidence, running into Li Jian and Dou Peng coming to record "The Classic."

Previously, Li Jian had prepared for this song for several months and had recorded several versions, but Wu Yuchen felt it still lacked some emotion. He specifically showed him the script for "The Classic" and even showed Li Jian a rough-cut movie version, which moved him deeply. Now Li Jian had come back to record it again.

Wu Yuchen was naturally happy to take this opportunity to listen to the effect of Li Jian's singing now.

Gao Yuanyuan also followed over. Soon, the warm and beautiful melody sounded in her ears, and Li Jian's tender singing moved people's hearts amidst the twists and turns.

"When we were young, we once thought,

That people who love each other could be together forever

In so many dazed moments

It's as if I see you in the flow of the crowd"

The beautiful singing made Gao Yuanyuan fall into it involuntarily, as if she saw a pair of childhood sweethearts forced to separate, looking at each other with helplessness and sorrow toward fate. This made Gao Yuanyuan, who was already a literary youth, feel a sour nose, and her eyes began to mist up.

After the song ended, Wu Yuchen nodded with satisfaction. Li Jian's current emotional expression in the song was much stronger than before, as if he had sung a poignant and beautiful love poem; the implication of the regret of love was all in his gentle and winding singing.

He turned his head and found that Gao Yuanyuan beside him was wiping away tears, thinking to himself that she really was a sentimental soft girl!

"Yuanyuan, are you okay?"

Gao Yuanyuan shook her head gently: "I'm sorry, this song is too good, I couldn't control myself and..."

Wu Yuchen handed her a handkerchief. Seeing Li Jian walk over at this time, he smiled and said:

"Li Jian, look, you've made the little sister cry!"

Li Jian originally wanted to ask if Wu Yuchen had any other opinions, but seeing this, he felt that Wu Yuchen should be satisfied, so he smiled and said:

"Wu Dao, don't blame me for this. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself; you're the one who wrote the lyrics and music!"

Hearing this, Gao Yuanyuan was shocked and turned to look at Wu Yuchen. Her misty eyes sparkled with light. So such beautiful lyrics and music were actually written by him!

The emotions brought by the song just now all turned into a feeling of admiration, pouring onto Wu Yuchen...

In the evening, in a brand-new Toyota Crown, Wu Yuchen, Cai Yinong, and a middle-aged man got out of the car with smiles and walked toward the restaurant.

After Wu Yuchen invested part of the 30 million-plus he sold from Changhong stocks into the company, Miracle Film and Television naturally wasn't short of money, so they bought two Toyota Crowns to save face. In this day and age, a Toyota Crown that costs 500,000 to 600,000 on the road is already a luxury car; anything higher is a 2-million-yuan Mercedes-Benz S600.

However, Wu Yuchen felt a Mercedes-Benz S600 wasn't necessary; 2 million was enough to film a movie. What was most important for him was his own reputation. A Toyota Crown was enough for reception; as long as it wasn't shabby, it was fine.

The person Wu Yuchen personally accompanied this time naturally had weight—the deputy director of the CCTV film purchasing department, who had real power. It was all to discuss "Years of Passionate Burning."

After three rounds of drinks, this Director Liu patted his chest and said:

"Wu Dao, to tell you the truth, even just for your reputation, our CCTV is willing to buy this drama with our eyes closed!"

"I appreciate Director Liu's kindness!"

Wu Yuchen smiled. He wouldn't take such words at the dinner table seriously. His reputation was definitely useful; otherwise, this deputy director of the purchasing department wouldn't have come out personally, but it wouldn't play a decisive role.

They were willing to buy it naturally because they felt the quality was good after watching the TV drama over the past two days. Otherwise, if the quality were trash, even with Wu Yuchen's name attached, it might invite gossip after being brought back.

And this deal likely involved giving some benefits in the middle—public relations, after all!

Of course, Wu Yuchen didn't need to worry about or handle this; he let Cai Yinong handle it all.

A moment later, Wu Yuchen asked: "Director Liu, I'd like to ask, after our film is bought back, how long will it take to be broadcast?"

"Well, I estimate it will have to be arranged for next year."

Wu Yuchen frowned upon hearing this and asked: "Director Liu, can it not be broadcast this year?"

Director Liu shook his head immediately: "No, Wu Dao. Our TV station is different from a movie theater. The TV dramas to be broadcast are all scheduled in advance. Unless there's some problem with this drama, these scheduled slots generally won't be adjusted randomly."

Wu Yuchen actually understood the ins and outs of this. Every TV drama has its own connections, and many dramas on CCTV are invested in by themselves. Such self-produced dramas must be scheduled ahead of purchased dramas. "Years of Passionate Burning" might just be treated like a stepchild after being bought.

This wasn't what he was worried about; what he was considering was CCTV's opening drama for next year, "The Water Margin"!

There's no need to say how awesome "The Water Margin" is. If "Years of Passionate Burning" were arranged to clash with "The Water Margin," it would likely be crushed. This isn't a question of quality.

Even if they didn't clash, the first half of next year would basically be covered by "The Water Margin," and "Years of Passionate Burning" would be greatly affected.

Therefore, Wu Yuchen hoped it could be released as soon as possible, making a name for itself in the remaining few months of this year. Once the momentum was built, there would be no need to worry about being affected by "The Water Margin."