Chapter 119: Yearly Agreement

After such a long time of open auditions, there is finally news regarding Zhang Yimou’s "Hawthorn Tree".

A sophomore student from the Beijing Film Academy acting department has landed the male lead.

His luck can be described as heaven-defying.

A large number of netizens have jokingly remarked that Director Zhang has finally remembered his alma mater!

The subsequently announced actress for the female lead shocked those in the industry even more.

Because the chosen actress is still a high school student, and she happens to be taking the college entrance exam this year.

A large number of students and art school candidates who participated in the open auditions are disheartened; this stroke of good fortune that leads straight to the top has ultimately fallen on someone else.

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

An unremarkable girl, Zhou Dongyu.

Yue Jun has already communicated with several art academies, so he can go to the art exam site to observe when the time comes.

This news could not be kept secret, and the media reported it very quickly.

"Lin Nan Film & Television is about to launch an artist management business."

……

Being able to go to the art exam site means they are willing to sign newcomers!

This has given many students and art candidates a glimmer of expectation.

"The artist management business has just started, and at most, we will only sign a few newcomers..."

Yue Jun spoke very directly in front of reporters; after all, newcomers are too energy-consuming, and they will only consider signing more once the business matures.

…………

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

After all, Lin Nan is a major director, and he has Lu Yang and Guo Fan under his wing; there will only be more and more film projects in the future.

"How many people are you planning to sign?"

Liu Yifei is quite interested in the fact that Lin Nan is preparing to sign actors.

"Let's sign three or four first, since it's just starting.

What, do you want to come and take a look when the time comes?" Lin Nan asked with a smile.

"Hmm, it's not impossible; I'll reluctantly go and help you take a look."

Liu Yifei nodded, with an expression of giving Lin Nan face.

"Alright, then I'll have to ask the boss's wife to come and hold down the fort, haha..."

……

Many actors in the industry have the idea of trying their luck at Lin Nan Film & Television.

But there are almost no actors who are not already under contract.

Most people have enough self-awareness to know they aren't qualified enough to have Lin Nan Film & Television help pay their contract termination fees.

Yang Mi has been feeling anxious these past two days.

She has already negotiated with Rong Xinda; after her contract expires, she will not renew it, and there is only one month left.

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

Back when she was on the set of "Brotherhood of Blades", she obtained Yue Jun’s phone number.

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

"Hello, Director Yue, this is Yang Mi... I would like to ask about the company signing artists..."

Sometimes, opportunities are right there, and you have to fight for them yourself.

Yang Mi has always been an proactive person with clear thoughts and goals.

"...Thank you, Senior Yue, I will bring my resume and arrive on time.

Yes, my contract expires next month, and there are no disputes with Rong Xinda..."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Mi jumped up with excitement.

"There's a chance!"

…………

Lin Nan rubbed his temples; Yue Jun has given him a difficult problem!

Yang Mi?

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

"No problem. You think she is very suitable??"

Yue Jun nodded subconsciously and shared his assessment.

"Among young actresses, she has a pretty good foundation; she has drive, sees reality clearly, and has clear goals..."

Lin Nan muttered Yue Jun’s words about "seeing reality clearly"—isn't that just a realistic person?

However, Yang Mi is indeed a person with perseverance; she has been asking him if he was signing artists for several years now...

Setting aside other issues, Yang Mi is indeed material for a good employee.

"Alright then, you go and talk to her."

"As the boss, will you come and take a look when the time comes?"

Lin Nan thought for a moment, then decided he would make an appearance.

……

In the film market, after "Avatar" left, "Confucius" picked up the scraps.

A historical biographical drama actually grossed 100 million; this was something no one expected, and it was quite absurd.

Although the box office barely climbed over the 100 million threshold, it cannot be denied that there is now one more female director in the 100-million-yuan club.

"Starting from this year, there will be more and more films with a box office of over 100 million—200 million, 300 million, 400 million, or even more. You all should work hard."

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

"Director Lin, when you say that, I feel a lot of pressure." Lu Yang turned his head to look at Lin Nan.

"You should just look forward to your own luck; 'Brotherhood of Blades' is in a position where it could go either way."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yang’s eyes widened instantly.

"Director Lin, when you say it could go either way, are you referring to 100 million at the box office?"

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

"Really?" Guo Fan asked suspiciously.

"That's right, I am referring to 100 million. Haven't you noticed? The market is growing, visibly growing."

Lu Yang was excited now; according to Lin Nan, he is highly likely to become a 100-million-yuan club director.

Xu Zheng, on the side, also had some thoughts, but the budget for "Lost on Journey" was only five million, and with that scale, even daydreaming wouldn't go that far.

……

Yang Mi is on the phone with her former manager; she needs a helper.

"They really let you go for an interview?"

"Yes, Director Yue asked me to go for an interview. He is also a graduate of the Beijing Film Academy. I met him when I was on the set of 'Brotherhood of Blades' and got his contact information..."

"Then why are you calling me?"

"I want to ask you to go with me. Didn't you say before that you wanted to change places?"

After Yang Mi finished this sentence, the other end of the phone went quiet.

"Jiajia?"

"Yeah? I'm here. Let me think about it, and I'll give you an answer tomorrow."

"Okay, please as soon as possible."

Yang Mi is very confident; Ceng Jia, like her, has a decisive personality.

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

Then, Liu Yifei came to the company with him.

"There are several types of contract durations?"

Liu Yifei looked at the documents in her hand and asked suspiciously.

"Yes, but like Zhang Yi, it's impossible to have another one like that, haha..."

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

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

As it turned out, that guy was lucky, and now there are many actors in the circle who envy him; it has become an interesting story.

Many people joke with Lin Nan, saying that Zhang Yi is preparing to retire at Lin Nan Film & Television...

Lin Nan will never give out that kind of long-term contract again.

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

An assistant came over to remind Lin Nan.

"Boss's wife, let's go, come with me to take a look."

"Okay." Liu Yifei nodded, her smile as bright as a flower.

…………

Yang Mi and Ceng Jia were brought to the third floor of Lin Nan Film & Television.

"I was right here when I auditioned for 'Brotherhood of Blades'. I heard that Tiangong Color is still on the floors above."

Yang Mi whispered to Ceng Jia.

The latter nodded and suddenly said, "I just heard them chatting; it seems Liu Yifei is here today too."

Upon hearing this, Yang Mi was momentarily speechless.

"Mi Mi, I know you have high aspirations, but don't compare yourself to her; we just can't compare."

"If the signing is successful, she will be half an owner in the future, or even the owner..."

Ceng Jia kindly reminded her.

Yang Mi nodded, her voice low, "I know."

Before long, Yue Jun brought someone in.

"Master Yue... Director Yue," Yang Mi stood up to greet him, as did Ceng Jia.

"No need for formalities. Is this Miss Ceng?"

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

"Very good. If this goes through, you two will still be partners."

Yue Jun said with a smile. He was quite satisfied with Yang Mi; this time she had even brought a mature manager along.

Of course, for Lin Nan Film Industry, these were nothing; with resources, everything else was a minor matter.

After a simple chat, a document was placed in front of Yang Mi and Ceng Jia.

"Inside are several different management contracts for mature artists. We respect the artists' choices..."

Ceng Jia opened the document, and her first reaction was: This is so humane?

Yang Mi watched Ceng Jia's expression and leaned in to take a look as well.

"Master Yue, can I choose from these timeframes?"

"You can. 3 years, 4 years, 5 years—the artist chooses for themselves. Of course, the distribution ratios are different," Yue Jun said affirmatively.

"But I heard that Zhang Yi..."

Yang Mi asked subconsciously, then hurriedly stopped herself.

"Zhang Yi's case is quite special. After him, there won't be those kinds of contracts anymore."

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

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

The two stood together, looking indescribably well-matched, complementing each other in a way that made others feel inferior.

"Director Lin, Yifei."

Yang Mi braced herself to greet Liu Yifei, receiving a sweet smile in return.

"Director Lin, are these the only three types of contract durations?"

"Yes, for mature actors and artists, there are only these three. Newcomers have different contracts."

"This is very friendly to artists, isn't it? I don't count on exploiting employees to make money. Besides, can't you renew when it expires..."

Lin Nan spoke very casually. For a mature artist like Yang Mi, signing for 3 years didn't matter, but if it were a newcomer, it would be best to start with a 5-year contract.

Yang Mi looked at Ceng Jia. After being together for so many years, she understood the other's meaning with a single glance: 3 years or 5 years?

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

"Good. Have you looked closely at the split ratio for the 3-year contract?"

"I've looked closely. The company takes 45%. This is better than what I had at Rongxinda," Yang Mi said quite readily.

"Alright then, are we signing today?"

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

Ceng Jia answered for Yang Mi. She felt a bit moved; Lin Nan Film Industry's contract was definitely among the best in the industry.

Over an hour later, Yang Mi and Ceng Jia stood under the Lin Nan Film Industry building.

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

"Mi Mi, starting next month, we will be people of Lin Nan Film Industry. We still need to keep this confidential for now."

Yang Mi nodded, but her mind was still on Liu Yifei's figure from earlier; the feeling of inferiority was very uncomfortable.

"I only heard she was pretty before, but seeing her up close today, she is indeed very beautiful, and there is an indescribable temperament about her..."

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

"I know. I knew it back when we were on the set of *The Return of the Condor Heroes*. She is like a fairy, and everyone else is just an ugly duckling..."

Yang Mi said, somewhat lost in thought. At first, she just thought everyone was about the same age, and her unyielding spirit made her feel she wasn't worse than Liu Yifei. Now it seemed she really couldn't catch up or compare...