Chapter 81: Strategizing, Leaning on Zhang Dahuzi Zhang (Requesting First Subscription)

Is that really necessary?

Li Bingbing looked at the draft contract Seeing Yan Li had prepared, speechless; just moments ago she'd thought he was decisive, and now he was slapping her in the face.

The film and TV industry at this stage is still in its pioneering phase, steeped in martial arts ethos—when you ask me for a favor, I help; signing a contract feels like looking down on people.

Her younger sister Li Xue, however, fully endorsed Seeing Yan Li's approach: "Written in black and white, it saves trouble."

Though there are righteous and rule-abiding figures in the martial world, there are also plenty of treacherous scoundrels.

It's the twenty-first century now; the country has even joined the WTO—mindsets must evolve too. Since we're not that close, having a contract in place puts both sides at ease.

The more formal Seeing Yan Li became, the more confident he seemed—and the more reassured Li Xue felt.

Li Bingbing glanced at her sister, then subtly shifted her seat to the center, blocking Seeing Yan Li's line of sight.

Seeing Yan Li's home had a printer—it was office equipment from Yian Film & Television.

The company had given out its annual holiday; the boss and employees had all gone home for the New Year, and the small storefront had no security measures, so they moved all important office supplies into Jimen Li.

After signing the contract, Li Bingbing could no longer suppress her eagerness.

"What exactly did you mean by what you said earlier?"

"It means exactly what it says."

Seeing Yan Li didn't pull out a blank A4 sheet; instead, he began explaining his analysis to the Li sisters.

He didn't mention Wang Jinghua—he couldn't explain it—so he assumed she was Li Bingbing's card, then focused entirely on the Wang brothers of Huayi.

"How do you know the Wangs prefer outsiders?"

Li Bingbing questioned him, but Seeing Yan Li didn't answer directly; instead he asked: "I have my own sources. Ask yourself honestly—have they ever truly treated you as family?"

"..."

The Li sisters fell silent; neither was foolish. Though Wang Jinghua and Huayi were still in the Honeymoon Phase, undercurrents were already stirring.

Li Xue looked at Seeing Yan Li with deep meaning: "You're not with Sister Hua, because you've seen through the truth."

Seeing Yan Li gave no reply, but reiterated Feng Xiaogang's importance and Li Bingbing's advantages.

"The strategy is to tackle the hard part first: secure Feng Xiaogang, and the deal is 90% done."

The Li sisters murmured to each other, growing more convinced by the moment that Seeing Yan Li's logic made sense.

Their previous focus had been on Wang Jinghua and the Wang brothers; while that could raise the odds, it lacked the decisive finality of this approach.

But the question remained: how to secure Feng Xiaogang?

"Do I really have to teach you this?"

Seeing Yan Li lit a cigarette, then stopped: "Talent, money, beauty—appeal to what he likes."

Li Bingbing was dissatisfied: "That's it?"

Li Xue stopped her sister and earnestly asked Seeing Yan Li: "Could you give us something more specific?"

Seeing Yan Li glanced at her, considered for a moment, then offered two suggestions: "From what I know, Feng Xiaogang places extreme importance on face, and due to his early experiences, he's deeply sensitive to others' opinions—focus here, and you might achieve surprising results."

"Also, Liu Zhenyun, the screenwriter of 'Cell Phone,' has an excellent personal relationship with Feng Xiaogang; his opinion will carry weight—another solid entry point."

"Anything else?"

Li Bingbing pressed further, and Seeing Yan Li couldn't help rolling his eyes: "Do you think I'm omniscient?"

He knew more, but couldn't say—it would be impossible to explain. Even these two points were based on a fabricated excuse: he claimed to know a friend of Feng's.

"Go try first. I'll also help gather information—we'll keep in touch, share what we learn."

This wasn't something that could be settled in a day or two; Seeing Yan Li had divided roles clearly.

The Li sisters would take the front lines; he would operate behind the scenes, gathering intelligence and offering strategy when the moment came.

If it succeeded, everyone would be happy; if it failed, he'd lose nothing—just a bit of energy and intelligence quota.

The Li sisters exchanged a silent glance; though it hadn't met their expectations—like Seeing Yan Li pointing a finger and them instantly securing the role—

Their gains were still substantial!

They now had a clear action plan, identified their primary target, and possessed concrete operational strategies.

At least it was far better than their previous approach: sitting at home guessing wildly, then randomly trying to stay visible.

They chatted a while longer; it was nearly two in the afternoon. Seeing Yan Li yawned, then politely dismissed them.

The Li sisters didn't overstay; they rose to leave. Just as they reached the door, Li Xue suddenly turned back and asked Seeing Yan Li a question.

"If we asked Sister Hua to intervene, would Director Feng be more willing to give face?"

Seeing Yan Li raised an eyebrow in mild surprise and smiled: "Definitely—but the key is, Sister Hua has more than one artist under her."

"Understood."

Li Xue nodded politely and left with her sister. Seeing Yan Li closed the door, returned to his bedroom, took off his clothes, and got into bed. Just before sleep, he suddenly remembered something.

Had helping Li Bingbing secure the female lead in 'Cell Phone' just screwed over Fan Xiaopang?

Screw it—let her be screwed.

She herself said the road is wide, each person walks their own path; since we're not close, why should I care about her?

Jingcheng, a certain apartment

In her sleep, Fan Xiaopang was jolted awake by a sudden chill, sensing as if something intangible had slipped away from her—she pulled the blanket tighter...

————

Mid-February, nearing the Lantern Festival, Lin Jiachuan and others gradually returned.

The premiere of 'Conquest' was also about to begin.

Seeing Yan Li took Lin Jiachuan to Tianjin personally to oversee the viewership ratings of 'Conquest' on Tianjin Cultural Channel.

Tianjin, a certain hotel

Lin Jiachuan brought several newspapers: "Brother, all the newspaper articles about our drama are here."

Seeing Yan Li glanced briefly at them—the content was identical: a new drama called 'Conquest' was about to air, with a fresh theme, compelling plot, and star Jiang Shan—everyone should watch.

In 2003, film and television promotion still relied mainly on print media and television.

TV stations did not require Seeing Yan Li's concern; his main focus remained on print media—in plain terms, paying for news and page space.

However, due to too few promotional hooks for The Conquest and limited funding, the promotional effect fell short of expectations.

Even the best wine fears being hidden down a narrow alley!

Seeing Yan Li took promotion very seriously; in fact, there was currently a radical opinion circulating in the industry—

A producer or film company boss may not understand film production, but must know how to stir up hype and market.

For instance, the currently hot Zhang Dahu Zi was widely recognized as a hype expert.

He played the game most often by casting: every time a Jin Yong drama began production, he would circle through all the top young actresses and actors, dominating entertainment news pages for long stretches.

Often, his dramas had already attracted considerable attention during filming, becoming popular before even airing.

There was also Zhang Laoban, partner of Lao Mou Zi, equally skilled at hype.

Hero's box office take of 250 million yuan on the mainland owed no small part to his efforts.

If Seeing Yan Li wanted The Conquest to become popular faster—even more popular than the intelligence suggested—he needed to ramp up the hype and promotion.

But The Conquest simply had too few suitable promotional points.

Although Liu Huaqiang in the drama had a real-life prototype, it might draw some attention—but the matter was too sensitive; Seeing Yan Li wanted to profit from hype, not invite risk.

Stir up gossip about himself and Jiang Shan?

That would be too lowbrow; not only did Jiang have a family, Seeing Yan Li himself had no desire to invite such trouble.

Seeing Yan Li fell into silent thought, then suddenly spotted an article on the newspaper—"The New Year Jin Yong Drama 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' Receives Polarized Reviews, Actor Performances Questioned."

"... At the Jingcheng screening in January, producer Zhang Jizhong heard nothing but praise... but after its premiere on local stations like Qilu TV on the second day of the Lunar New Year, the drama sparked controversy."

"Some journalists argued that although Zhou Xun was beautiful and petite, the voice emerging from her hoarse, coarse throat bore no resemblance to the charming, lively image of Huang Rong."

"Li Yapeng captured Guo Jing's simple earnestness, but lacked the aura and dignity of a great hero."

"..."

Seeing Yan Li carefully read the article, then brought over his laptop, logged online, and visited relevant forums to check netizens' comments.

Criticism outweighed praise; costume, makeup, and theme song received relative approval, while the male and female leads, Li and Zhou, became the main targets of attack.

Especially Li Yapeng, who was furiously denounced by many Jin Yong fans for ruining Linghu Chong and now Guo Jing—he was deemed the greatest villain in Wu Xia drama history.

Seeing Yan Li's smile gradually brightened; he didn't care whether Li Yapeng was criticized or not, but he saw a famous, easy-to-pick-on "soft target."

Zhang Dahu Zi had exploited so many popular young actors and actresses—it was time someone exploited him in return...

(End of Chapter)