Chapter 119: Age Appointment

Zhang Zhang Yimou's "Under the Hawthorn Tree," after open casting for so long, finally has news.

A sophomore from the Acting Department of Beijing Film Academy got the male lead.

His luck could only be called heaven-defying.

Large numbers of netizens joked that Director Zhang had finally remembered his alma mater!

The subsequently announced female lead was even more shocking to those in the industry.

Because the chosen actress was still a high school student, about to take the college entrance exam this year.

Large numbers of participating current students and art-exam candidates were disheartened — this once-in-a-lifetime stroke of luck had ultimately landed on someone else's head.

Lin Nan saw the actress's audition photo in the news.

An utterly unremarkable girl, Zhou Zhou Dongyu.

Yue Jun had already communicated with several art academies; he could go observe at the art-exam sites when the time came.

This news couldn't be kept hidden — the media reported it out very quickly.

"Lin Nan Pictures is about to launch an artist management business."

……

Being able to go to the art-exam sites meant they were willing to sign newcomers!

This gave many current students and art-exam candidates a glimmer of hope.

"The artist management business is just starting — at most we'll sign a few newcomers…"

Yue Jun was very direct in front of the reporters: newcomers simply take too much energy; once the business matured, they'd consider signing more.

…………

Quite a few film, television, and management companies were paying close attention to this matter.

After all, Lin Nan was a major director, with Director Lu Yang and Guo Fan under him — there would only be more and more film projects in the future.

"How many people are you planning to sign?"

Liu Liu Yifei was quite interested in Lin Nan's plans to sign actors.

"Three or four to start, after all it's only just beginning."

"What, you're going to come take a look when the time comes?" Lin Nan asked with a smile.

"Mm, it's not out of the question — I'll reluctantly go help you take a look."

Liu Liu Yifei nodded, wearing an expression of doing Lin Nan a favor.

"Alright, then please have the boss lady come hold down the fort when the time comes, haha…"

……

Quite a few industry actors had the idea of trying their luck at Lin Nan Pictures.

But hardly any of them were without contracts.

Most people had the good sense to know they weren't yet qualified to have Lin Nan Pictures cover their termination fees.

Yang Mi had been feeling anxious these past two days.

She had already negotiated with Rong Xinda's side — when her contract expired, she wouldn't renew; only one month remained.

Yang Mi didn't know whether she should take the initiative to reach out now and ask about signing.

Back then on the "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" set, she had gotten Yue Jun's number.

After hesitating for a long time, she took out her phone and dialed the number.

"Hello, Director Yue, this is Yang Mi… I wanted to ask about the company's artist signing…"

Sometimes, opportunity is right there — you have to fight for it yourself.

Yang Mi had always been a proactive person, with clear ideas and goals.

"…Thank you, Senior Yue. I'll bring my resume and come on time when the time comes."

"Yes, my contract expires next month, no disputes with Rong Xinda…"

After hanging up, Yang Mi excitedly jumped up.

"There's a chance!"

…………

Lin Nan rubbed his temples — Yue Jun had given him a tough problem!

Yang Mi?

"Lin Dao, is there a problem?" Yue Jun asked.

"No problem. You think she's a good fit??"

Yue Jun nodded instinctively and offered his assessment.

"Among young actresses, she's got pretty solid fundamentals, she's driven, she sees reality clearly, her goals are clear…"

Lin Nan muttered Yue Jun's "sees reality clearly" — wasn't that just describing a pragmatic person?

Still, Yang Mi was indeed a person of perseverance — she'd been asking him about signing artists several years ago…

Setting aside other issues, Yang Mi was indeed good employee material.

"Fine, you go talk to her."

"You, the boss, will you also come take a look when the time comes?"

Lin Nan thought for a moment, then decided he'd show his face.

……

On the film market, after "Avatar" left, "Confucius" picked up the slack.

A historical biographical drama actually pulled in 100 million at the box office — nobody expected that, it was absurd.

Although the box office only barely scraped past the 100 million threshold, it couldn't be denied that the Hundred-Million-Yuan Club had gained a female director.

"From this year on, films crossing 100 million at the box office will become more and more—200 million, 300 million, 400 million, and even more. Keep at it."

Lin Nan said this in front of Guo Fan and Director Lu Yang.

"Lin Dao, the way you put it, I feel a lot of pressure." Director Lu Yang turned his head to glance at Lin Nan.

"Just count on your luck. *Brotherhood of Blades* is the kind that could go either way."

Hearing this, Director Lu Yang's eyes went wide at once.

"Lin Dao, when you say 'could go either way,' you mean 100 million at the box office?"

At this, Guo Fan and Xu Zheng both looked over.

"For real?" Guo Fan said, skeptical.

"That's right, I mean exactly 100 million. Haven't you noticed? The market is growing—you can see it with your own eyes."

Director Lu Yang got worked up at this. By Lin Nan's reckoning, he had every chance of becoming a member of the 100-million-yuan club of directors.

Xu Zheng, off to the side, also had a few thoughts of his own, but the budget of *Lost on Journey* was only five million—its scale was right there in front of him. Even a daydream wouldn't go that far.

……

Yang Mi was on the phone with her former manager; she needed an assistant.

"They really want you to come in for an interview?"

"Yes, Director Yue asked me to come in for an interview. He graduated from the Beijing Film Academy too. I met him while I was on the set of *Brotherhood of Blades* and got his contact info…"

"Then why are you calling me?"

"I want to ask you to come with me. Didn't you say before that you wanted to switch places too?"

The moment Yang Mi finished saying this, the other end of the line went quiet.

"Deng Deng Jiajia?"

"Mm-hm? I'm here. Let me think it over—I'll give you an answer tomorrow."

"Okay, as soon as you can."

Yang Mi was quite confident. Ceng Jia, like her, had a decisive personality.

When Lin Nan told Liu Liu Yifei that the first actress to inquire about an artist management contract was Yang Mi, the girl was a bit dumbfounded.

Then Liu Liu Yifei came along to the company as well.

"There are several kinds of contract terms?"

Liu Liu Yifei asked, puzzled, looking at the materials in her hand.

"Yes, but something like Zhang Yi's—there's no way we'll have that again, hahaha…"

Lin Nan said with a smile, and Liu Liu Yifei laughed too.

When Zhang Yi first signed the ten-year long-term contract, it was essentially a gamble.

As it turned out, the guy got lucky. Now plenty of actors in the circle envied him—it had become a running joke.

A lot of people joked with Lin Nan, saying Zhang Yi was planning to retire at Lin Nan Pictures…

This kind of long-term contract—Lin Nan would never offer one again.

"Lin Dao, Director Yue says the people have arrived."

An assistant came over to remind Lin Nan.

"Boss lady, let's go. Come with me and take a look."

"Okay." Liu Liu Yifei nodded, her smile blooming like a flower.

…………

Yang Mi and Ceng Jia were led up to the third floor of Lin Nan Pictures.

"This is where I auditioned for *Brotherhood of Blades*. I heard Tiangong Color is a few floors above."

Yang Mi said quietly to Ceng Jia.

The latter nodded, then suddenly said, "I just heard them chatting—seems like Liu Liu Yifei is here today too."

Hearing this, Yang Mi was momentarily speechless.

"Mi Mi, I know you've got high ambitions, but don't compare yourself to her. We can't even compete.

If the contract goes through, she'll be half the boss from now on—maybe even the boss…"

Ceng Jia offered a well-meaning reminder.

Yang Mi nodded and said in a low voice, "I know."

Before long, Yue Jun came in with someone.

"Senior Yue… Director Yue." Yang Mi rose to greet him, and so did Ceng Jia.

"No need for formalities. So this is Miss Ceng?"

"Hello, Director Yue. I'm Ceng Jia, Mi Mi's manager."

"Great. If it works out, you'll still be partners."

Yue Jun said with a smile. He was quite pleased with Yang Mi—she'd even brought along a seasoned manager this time.

Of course, for Lin Nan Pictures, none of this was a big deal. With resources, everything else was small potatoes.

After a brief chat, a set of materials was placed in front of Yang Mi and Ceng Jia.

"In here are several different management contracts for established artists. We respect the artist's choice…"

Ceng Jia opened the materials, and her first reaction was: this humane?

Yang Mi, seeing Ceng Jia's expression, leaned in for a look as well.

"Senior Yue, can I pick any of these terms?"

"All of them—three years, four years, five years—the artist chooses. Of course, the profit split is different." Yue Jun said affirmatively.

"But I heard that Zhang Yi…"

Yang Mi asked instinctively, then quickly caught herself.

"Zhang Yi's case was special. After him, there won't be any contracts like that again."

Just then, Lin Nan's voice came from the doorway.

Everyone looked over and saw Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei walk in.

The two of them standing together had an indescribable perfect match, complementing each other, making others feel utterly inadequate.

"Lin Dao, Liu Yifei."

……

Yang Mi forced herself to greet Liu Liu Yifei, and received a sweet smile in return.

"Lin Dao, are there only these three contract lengths?"

"Yes, for mature actors and artists, only these three. Newcomers have a different contract.

Isn't this very artist-friendly? I'm not looking to make money by squeezing my staff. Besides, when it expires, you can still renew, right…"

Lin Nan spoke very casually. For a mature artist like Yang Mi, signing for 3 years didn't matter, but for newcomers, a 5-year contract starting out would be best.

Yang Mi looked at Ceng Jia. After so many years together, she understood from just a glance — 3 years or 5 years?

After a moment's hesitation, Yang Mi looked at Yue Jun. "I'll choose 3 years."

"Good. Have you looked carefully at the 3-year contract's revenue split?"

"I've looked carefully. The company takes 45%, which is better than when I was at Rongxinda." Yang Mi said very decisively.

"Then, shall we sign today?"

"Sign today, but it won't take effect until next month."

Ceng Jia answered on Yang Mi's behalf. She felt a bit emotional — Lin Nan Pictures' contract was absolutely among the best in the industry.

…………

Over an hour later, Yang Mi and Ceng Jia stood beneath the Lin Nan Pictures building.

The two of them looked at the building, as if they had found a sense of belonging.

"Mimi, starting next month, we'll be people of Lin Nan Pictures. This period still needs to be kept confidential."

Yang Mi nodded, but her mind was still on Liu Liu Yifei's figure from moments ago — that feeling of being utterly inadequate was very uncomfortable.

"I only heard she was pretty before. Seeing her up close today, she really is beautiful, and there's an indescribable air about her…"

For a moment, Ceng Jia couldn't find the words to describe it.

"I know. Back when I was on the set of 'The Return of the Condor Heroes,' I already knew — she's like a fairy, and everyone else is an ugly duckling…"

Yang Mi said somewhat absently. At first she had only thought they were about the same age, and her competitive spirit made her feel she was no worse than Liu Liu Yifei. But now it seemed she truly couldn't catch up, couldn't compare…