Chapter 175: Little Liu in the Post-Red Star Dock Era

There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

Especially when eating this farmed shad from the hands of a "state banquet" chef like Han Han Shanping, one must pay an extra price.

He promised that China Film Group would step forward to communicate with the Film Bureau, and that a joint venture would be established between Dong Dong Shuangqiang, Lu Kuan, and themselves to participate in the acquisition and management of Travel Satellite TV.

Boss Lu also had no choice but to bring out his 70-million-dollar project, *Alien Territory*, to share with him.

It's just an exchange of resources; the most important thing is for everyone to achieve their own goals.

After the banquet, Han Han Shanping called Lu Kuan into his car.

"Little Lu, you've gone and done another big thing without making a sound."

"Is Mr. Han talking about Travel Satellite TV?"

"That's nothing big; I'm talking about this Hollywood co-production of yours."

"A 70-million-dollar investment—are you confident?"

To be honest, with an investment of nearly 600 million RMB and an original script, even a "cheat-code" user like Lu Kuan wouldn't dare say it's a guaranteed profit.

But after all, the operational plan was modeled after *Tomb Raider*; even if it flops, his losses would be limited and wouldn't be enough to cause any real damage.

The bigger the waves, the more expensive the fish.

Bearing such great pressure, the gains Lu Kuan could obtain were also multi-dimensional.

"I wouldn't dare say I'm fully confident, but life offers few chances to fight; I'm just taking a leap of faith!"

Han Han Shanping hesitated; even as the head of China Film Group, such a large investment was not a decision he could make lightly.

Lu Kuan wasn't exactly strapped for cash, but he had to tie Han Han Shanping to his chariot.

Seeing him hesitate, Boss Lu began to talk big.

"Although *Alien Territory* is a co-production, it's adapted from a science fiction novel by our own people, and I've added a large number of Chinese elements to the script."

"For example, filming at the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, creating a Chinatown, and for the concept of time passing in the script, I incorporated ideas from the ancient Chinese collection of strange tales, *Dongming Ji*."

"Plus, Chinese actors and monster imagery from the *Classic of Mountains and Seas*."

"You could say this can completely serve as a promotional film for us to spread Chinese culture and philosophical connotations to the outside world!"

Han Han Shanping's eyes grew brighter the more he listened.

The position of Chairman of China Film Group is a fat job, coveted by others at every moment.

Sitting in this position, making money is secondary.

How to study expanding the domestic film market and letting Chinese films and film culture go global is the key!

"How much do you want China Film Group to invest?"

Boss Lu held up two fingers: "Two plans, take your pick."

"7 million dollars, and you buy out the mainland rights directly; 4 million dollars, and China Film Group participates in the revenue sharing based on our share."

Han Han Shanping thought about the remaining investment budget for China Film Group this year: "4 million dollars, let's participate in the revenue sharing."

Lu Kuan was noncommittal about his caution.

The main profit for this film would undoubtedly be in North America; the mainland box office was limited and the revenue-sharing ratio wasn't high, so giving it to him was fine.

"By the way, Mr. Han, there's one more thing I need your help with."

Han Han Shanping smiled and pointed at Lu Kuan: "You kid, you're craftier than a monkey; tonight it was Travel Satellite TV first, and now this."

"I'm actually curious, if China Film Group hadn't invested in your *Alien Territory*, would you still have the nerve to ask me?"

Boss Lu said confidently: "I would. If nothing else, *The Thief* will definitely make China Film Group a fortune in distribution; we are strategic partners!"

"Haha, go ahead, as long as it doesn't violate any principles."

"Mr. Han, I heard that the Western Film Studio is applying for shareholding reform."

Han Han Shanping calmly reclined the seat of the business van.

"That's right, that's true."

"Wait, why are you asking me the same question as Little Wang from Yanda Huayi?"

"Mr. Han, do me a favor and let us cut the line. We will provide whatever materials are needed in the shortest possible time. I have my eye on the Western Film Studio's distribution company."

Han Han Shanping found it quite amusing: "How did you think of getting involved in the distribution business?"

"You've spread your net way too wide! You've only made two low-budget films, and now you're doing a 70-million-dollar co-production and buying shares in a state-owned studio."

Lu Kuan spoke the truth: "If a man has no long-term worries, he will have immediate ones. The domestic film market will expand rapidly in the future, and film companies will suffer if they don't build a full industrial chain."

Han Han Shanping pondered for a long time; he hadn't fallen out with Yanda Huayi yet, and he had close ties with the Beijing circle.

But Lu Kuan was a young talent he highly valued, not to mention they had just reached a cooperation agreement.

He still had to keep the scales balanced.

"How about this, I'll get a leader to sign a note for you; you guys hurry up and prepare the materials."

"As for how the final negotiations go, that depends on your own ability; I can't intervene."

This result was already very good.

While in Cannes, Lu Kuan had called Zhong Zhong Lifang to contact the Western Film Studio, but the other party had politely declined every time, clearly under administrative interference.

Lu Kuan finding Han Han Shanping to get a note for entry was also a move of desperation.

After all, Yanda Huayi and the Western Film Studio had collaborated on the film *Warriors of Heaven and Earth*, and their resources and connections were quite solid.

The power of the circle was still very great.

But no matter how great the power, one must still operate within the rules on the surface, such as the *Cell Phone* project that Yanda Huayi had just finished cleaning up after.

Two days later, Xinyuan South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Yanda Huayi headquarters building.

"Big Brother, these are the photos sent back over the last few days."

Wang Dajun looked at his younger brother in confusion and poured a stack of photos out of the envelope—they were all of Barbie Hsu.

There were photos of her arguing with Lu Kuan, and of her leaving the bottom of the Wenjie Company building in tears.

"Why are you photographing her?"

"This woman is involved with Lu Kuan in an unclear way. I reckon it's about the same as that Dong Jie; we can make something of this."

"Are you sure?"

"Sure. I asked a friend in Taiwan, and Wang Wang Weizhong was scolding her in his office about whether she was seducing him or not."

Wang Dajun was incredulous: "Are they that blunt on the island?"

"Hmm... depends on the person."

The older brother straightened the photos and stuffed them back into the envelope.

"First, you can't be sure that the reporting of *Cell Phone* and the trouble Cui Cui Yongyuan caused was his doing."

"Second, what can you do to him by finding Barbie Hsu? Could she risk her own professional life to help you testify that Lu Kuan sexually harassed her?"

Wang Wang Xiaolei was sneaky: "Couldn't before, but now I reckon it's possible."

"What do you mean?"

"Several of the company's artists went to audition today for Wenjie's *Love is Not Blind*."

"It's said that this Barbie Hsu acted like a diva on set, implying the role was promised to her by Lu Kuan, and she refused to perform without makeup."

"Later, Lu Kuan sent someone over to give her a good scolding and kicked her out."

Wang Dajun felt a sense of surprise at seeing a kindred spirit.

"This kid is really ruthless; it's like sleeping with someone and not paying them."

"But Wang Xiaolei, this Lu Kuan is a talent. It's better to be on good terms if possible; Yanda Huayi can't always rely on Feng Feng Xiaogang alone."

Wang Wang Xiaolei was somewhat frustrated: "My dear brother, haven't we already tried to be nice to him enough?"

"When he held the celebration banquet for *The Drummer*, we sent gifts and flower baskets, and you even went to show your support in person."

"Which of his films hasn't Yanda Huayi tried to contact and show goodwill to immediately? We let him pick our artists! But what was the result?"

"And the pants-man's New Year film *Cell Phone* getting blacklisted—that was him clearing obstacles for his own *The Thief*. His film is about family warmth, and he's counting on the New Year box office!"

"I strongly suspect it was this kid Lu Kuan who did it!"

He didn't dare confess that he had secretly instigated Jiang Wen to cause trouble; his brother Dajun had a different style of doing things, and he was afraid of being scolded.

Wang Dajun was thoughtful; this logic did make sense. Could it really be him?

The secretary knocked and entered: "Mr. Wang, there's a situation."

He handed over a letter from the Western Film Studio notifying them of the shareholding reform bidding; a new line had clearly been added to the list of participating units.

"Damn! I knew it! This wolf cub has had bad intentions for a long time!"

Wang Wang Xiaolei's eyes were splitting with rage: "Big Brother, why are we still hesitating?"

Wang Dajun's temples were also throbbing.

Since Yanda Huayi rose to power, this was the first time anyone had dared to pull the tiger's whiskers so unscrupulously.

He slapped the letter onto the table with a "thwack."

"What do you plan to do?"

Wang Wang Xiaolei was confident: "He's close with Old Han now, and *The Thief* is also being distributed by China Film Group, so we can't make an issue of that."

"I'm thinking of capturing the bandits by capturing their leader first—let's just ruin his reputation in the court of public opinion!"

Wang Dajun was skeptical: "Hasn't that Zhuo Wei guy been spreading his tawdry news all along? Can this really hit him?"

"Entertainment reporters don't have much impact; what if people think they're just in love?"

"We'll find this Barbie Hsu. Her *Meteor Garden 2* had abysmal ratings, and in Taiwan, she's just relying on hosting gigs to scrape by for popularity; otherwise, she wouldn't have been in such a rush to come to Beijing to pester Lu Kuan."

"Yanda Huayi will give her a contract and a film role, and have her point the finger or imply that she was once sexually harassed by Lu Kuan, and have her cry in front of the cameras!"

"Aren't there others like Dong Jie? I'll go contact them all. For those who aren't convenient to come forward, we'll just fabricate a story based on hearsay."

Wang Dajun suddenly remembered something: "Don't mess with Fan Fan Bingbing; she's quite popular after her trip to Cannes. If you get her involved, Wang Wang Jinhua will definitely be furious with you."

"That's for sure, Fan Bingbing's endorsements have increased quite a bit during this time. Why not let Fan Bingbing continue to stay on good terms with Lu Kuan, so we can find out about any news early in the future?"

Wang Dajun pointed at his younger brother: "You, always thinking about these crooked paths. And who sends an artist to a rival's bed like you do?"

"Big brother, you say that, but back then you had her go stir up rumors with Hong Hong Jinbao; isn't that the same approach?"

Wang Dajun laughed and scolded him, and the two decided to proceed according to the plan.

September 1st, Liu Liu Yifei's residence.

"Sister Xixi, how come there's another cat in your house?"

"Haha, my mother just picked it up in the yard yesterday. It's quite pitiful; it was probably abandoned by the big cat."

Liu Liu Yifei lay with two or three of them beside her, using both her hands and face to pet them without any aversion.

If the bunch of fans she has online saw this now, they would probably wish they could take its place, right?

Yang Yang Siwei had a sudden inspiration: "Sister Xixi, don't move, I'll take a picture of you and post it on the blog!"

"Ah? Is that okay? I'm not wearing makeup."

Yang Yang Siwei laughed: "It's the same whether you're wearing it or not. Director Lu says stars need high standards at shows, but need to be down-to-earth in daily life to close the distance with fans."

"Is that so? Then that's too simple. I'll just take a picture and post it whenever I want!"

Because of the flapping of Lu Kuan's butterfly wings, Red Star Dock henceforth became a passerby in Liu Liu Yifei's career.

The new studio was still being set up, so now whenever Yang Yang Siwei had something to do, she came directly to her house.

"Where is Liu Ayi?"

"Cheng Jing has something to find her about. He seems to owe a huge sum of money, and he's having a hard time right now."

Yang Yang Siwei glared with anger: "You are not allowed to sympathize with him. He almost ruined you. If it weren't for..."

As she spoke, she sighed faintly again.

"Sigh, in the past, we just followed wherever Director Lu pointed. Without him as our beacon, I really feel a bit panicked!"

"Sister Xixi, I'm really afraid of holding you back. Your momentum is so good right now; don't let me ruin you because I'm not professional."

Liu Liu Yifei held her hand: "What are you saying! That won't happen."

"Besides, just because the butcher Lu is gone doesn't mean we won't eat pork. You go ahead and do it, I support you!"

After saying that, she covered her mouth and giggled: "Besides, anyway, whether I do well or poorly, the money goes to Lu Kuan, so let's not worry so much."

"There is just one condition: if there are movies or TV dramas, I must read the script first and communicate with the director, otherwise I won't take them, no matter how good the director or the script is."

Yang Yang Siwei understood what she meant.

Good actors are built from good roles; an actor's time and energy are limited.

Especially for a female actor like her who is in a growth phase and not yet set in her ways, choosing the right director and the right script is a powerful boost to her career and professional ability.

If one could always meet a director like Lu Kuan, even if one were scolded to tears every time, the things learned would ultimately be one's own.

Yang Yang Siwei was somewhat indignant: "Director Lu is really something. He actually had the nerve to sign that kind of contract with you? We're just going to work for him for free for two years?"

"It's me, not you."

"My earnings definitely have to leave behind funds for the studio's maintenance and development, and the rest will just be paying off the debt. Who told me to make such big promises..."

Liu Liu Yifei snorted coldly: "Besides, when have you ever seen him suffer a loss? It's already good if he doesn't take advantage of others."

"Please never overestimate your former boss's moral bottom line!"

The two burst into laughter.

Among men, there are the four great bonds, such as soliciting prostitutes together or being locked up together.

The fastest way for women to close the distance is to speak ill of a third person.

Yang Yang Siwei suddenly remembered something: "By the way, that *Kung Fu* by Zhou Zhou Xingchi that Liu Liu Zeyu mentioned, they are auditioning now. Should we sign up?"

"Sign up! Why not? I'll go to the audition based on my own ability. If it works, it works; if it doesn't, it doesn't."

"And Lu Kuan's *Foreign Land*, I also want to sign up. He has always prioritized the role when it comes to movies; he won't show favoritism to anyone."

Yang Yang Siwei secretly scoffed in her heart; others might be that way, but you might not be.

She operated using Liu Liu Yifei's computer and blog account; the photo posted ten minutes ago already had over a thousand comments, and the popularity was extremely high.

"Sister Xixi, you already have several fan websites. I think we can make something of that."

Liu Liu Yifei asked curiously: "How?"

"Just organize activities regularly. You can come forward and invite them to your home for a visit or a party, or everyone can go together to book a theater to watch your new work."

"I remember Director Lu saying that fan management is a discipline and a required course for us agents."

Liu Liu Yifei frowned: "Alright, you handle it. I will cooperate with you."

The young girl suddenly felt a bit melancholy. Once she left Lu Kuan's protection, it was like a girl who had started her own family; all the burdens of life pressed down on her shoulders.

There are some people you don't notice when they are there, but you only realize how awkward things are once you lose them.

The two's auras influenced each other; perhaps Yang Yang Siwei also felt this.

She suddenly plopped down on the sofa and stared intently into Liu Liu Yifei's eyes.

"Sister Xixi, tell me, why didn't you sign with Wenjie?"

"Is it because..."

Liu Liu Yifei's expression was a bit awkward: "I'm afraid you'll laugh at me if I say it..."

Yang Yang Siwei had a motherly smile: "I know you, I know your little thoughts..."

"Don't say it! Don't say it!"

Liu Liu Yifei covered her agent's mouth, feeling the shyness of having her secrets exposed.

"During my third audition at the Beijing Film Academy, I had to recite poetry, and I recited *To the Oak*."

"If I... you, I would never be like the climbing trumpet creeper, using your high branches to show off myself."

"I feel that if I sign an agency contract with Wenjie, I will always be under his control, and I will become his appendage."

"I will never have the confidence to say no to him, and never have the confidence to demand anything from him..."

In front of Yang Yang Siwei, she was too shy to say that word.

But this innocent look made Yang Yang Siwei sigh.

You are really not suited for the entertainment industry.

Not like that Fan Fan Bingbing, with that calculating look every time she is with the boss.

That is a natural player!

Yang Yang Siwei wanted to try to correct her thinking.

"Then have you ever thought about why Lu Kuan only promotes you?"

"You said it yourself, he is someone who never suffers a loss. He must have discovered value in you to give you the resources."

"So even if you signed with Wenjie, you wouldn't be the only one asking for things. You also created economic value for him and his company, right?"

"At Wenjie, with his resources and guidance, we could avoid many detours. Why do you insist on choosing the hardest path?"

Liu Liu Yifei was a bit haughty: "There is no 'why.' It's not like I'm never going to see him again, but I want to be an independent individual when I talk to him. Living under someone else's roof, you can never hold your head high!"

This is still because she has suffered too few beatings from the entertainment industry and hasn't seen how dangerous the vast road ahead is.

Yang Yang Siwei suddenly remembered when she was accompanying her to read the original *The Return of the Condor Heroes* yesterday, and saw the line: "Meeting Yang Guo once ruins one for life."

One shouldn't meet someone too stunning when one is young, otherwise, he will occupy a part of your youth.

Especially since Liu Liu Yifei is at the age where she likes "yellow-haired" boys.

Liu Liu Yifei was packing her things to go to school in the afternoon. Today was the first day of school at the Beijing Film Academy, and there was a class meeting in the afternoon.

Yang Yang Siwei suddenly screamed, her mouse clicking repeatedly.

"This? This!"

【Actress Dong Jie from *The Golden Powder Family* reveals: A certain director surnamed Lu is not upright in his conduct; molesting and harassing female staff on set is the norm!】

【A certain floor manager from the *Drummer* crew reveals: A certain director surnamed Lu often visits prostitutes and doesn't return home during filming; female staff on set are in a state of panic!】

【A makeup artist from the *Thief* crew reveals: A certain director surnamed Lu uses filming as an excuse to coerce a beautiful assistant director into sexual favors!】

Liu Liu Yifei was shocked and angry: "What are they saying!"

Yang Yang Siwei realized the terror of this wave of black material even more than she did.

She quickly clicked on major portals like Tianya, Mop, Sina Entertainment, and NetEase, including Blogbus.

None were spared.

Even the most recent blog post on Lu Kuan's homepage celebrating *Thief* winning an award had been bombed.

The filth and abuse were unbearable to look at.

Something big has happened!

The next chapter is down; currently applying for release from prison.

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(End of this chapter)