Chapter 320: Homework after class

(The previous chapter was entered, those who haven't seen it might not be able to connect, you can watch it tomorrow)

Repulse Bay, located south of Deep Water Bay in the southern district of Hong Kong Island, is where the luxury mansion of Emperor Entertainment's Boss Li is located.

On the evening of February 14th, Boss Li invited company artists, Little Liu's team visiting Hong Kong, Wenjie Jiahe General Manager Gao Jun, Anita Mui, and others to a small gathering at his private residence.

Liu Yifei, Su Chang, and Tang Yan got off the car, and Mani led them to visit this semi-mountain villa full of technology.

With sea waves as the blueprint, the building outline is outlined with rhythmic and ever-changing lines, making the building blend with the natural environment, full of natural atmosphere and artistic sense.

The luxury mansion faces Repulse Bay Beach and has a broad sea view.

Guests can enjoy the blue sea and blue sky, the long beach, and the sunrise and sunset scenery on the sea. The sea is also dotted with distant small islands, and the scenery is charming.

Su Chang felt the taste of old money life in Xiangjiang: "Xixi, it's really nice here, right?"

Tang Yan, who had been here several times, also nodded continuously. She hadn't seen too much luxury in the entertainment industry yet.

Land resources in Repulse Bay are very scarce, and the number of luxury mansions is limited.

Being able to own property here represents extremely high status and position, and is a symbol of wealth and nobility.

Mani's Mandarin has become more standard in the past two years: "Boss Li now lives in seclusion, climbing mountains, raising flowers, and cutting grass here every day, very content."

She pointed to several buildings in the bay area at the foot of the mountain for Liu Yifei: "There are golf clubs and Deep Water Bay Yacht Club over there."

She whispered again: "Crystal, I think you can suggest Lu Sheng to buy property here. I can help him contact some properties that are intended to be sold."

Little Liu looked at her with a cute and naive look: "He... buying a house, what does it have to do with me?"

Mani smiled with her hands together: "It's my slip of the tongue, Miss Liu can also consider it herself!"

Even if she said so on her lips, but being defined by Mani as someone very close to him, the young girl was still very useful.

Mani, who has already become the Vice President of Emperor Entertainment, is naturally a human essence.

Since she was transferred to the Beijing office three years ago, the core task has only been one: to befriend Lu Kuan for Emperor Entertainment and Boss Li, give whatever is asked, and be a good communication bridge.

Under deliberate observation and flattery, how could she not see the specialness of this little girl to Lu Zong?

Especially after the Fox live broadcast.

Mani had no intention of probing the privacy of this young man and woman, but just like Sun Wenwen who went astray before, she knew that befriending Little Liu was always right.

The deliberate rudeness just now, wasn't it a disguised flattery?

Liu Yifei asked suspiciously: "By the way, has Lu Kuan arrived?"

Mani checked her watch: "Lu Sheng is talking about work with the boss and Disney personnel, it should be over soon."

While they were talking, suddenly a charming and joyful female voice came from near to far.

"Has Teacher Lu arrived?"

Lu Zheng laughed: "Yes, you will see him when the dinner party starts in a while."

Liu Xiaoli in the distance, Anita Mui, Su Chang and Tang Yan by the flower bed, and of course Little Liu who was standing closest, all looked sideways in unison.

Teacher Lu?

He still has an apprentice?

In front of the villa door, Ruan Jingtian stepped on the last step, and suddenly saw a group of familiar faces looking at her with attention.

The big eyes of the human wealth flower flickered, a trace of shyness flashed by, and she stepped forward to politely reach out to Liu Yifei: "Hello Miss Liu, I am Ruan Jingtian."

Little Liu recognized at a glance that this was the daughter who bought a painting for 15 million. No matter what her purpose or level was, she naturally wouldn't be worse than her on the scene.

"Ruan Jingtian, hello, nice to meet you."

In the courtyard, the architectural lines of the luxury mansion were softened by the sunset, and less rigid.

The glass curtain wall of the villa reflected the sunset, shining on these two young girls.

Eighteen-year-old Ruan Jingtian's cheeks were melting, reflecting the pond, beautiful like spring plum blossoms blooming in snow.

Nineteen-year-old Liu Yifei's eyes were crystal clear, the moon shooting into the cold river, her spirit like autumn orchids covered in frost.

Lu Zheng on the side also leisurely looked at this top-level domestic entertainment little flower. That Director Lu was obviously favored by her, but refused to teach Ruan Jingtian acting.

After the two girls introduced themselves, there seemed to be nothing more to say. Mani on the side would not let the scene be more awkward.

"Yifei, Ruan Jingtian passed the art exam, and she will be your junior at the Beijing Film Academy in September."

Little Liu smiled: "Really? Congratulations, the teachers at the Beijing Film Academy are all very good and kind, I hope everything goes well for you."

Su Chang and Tang Yan looked at each other, burning with gossip fire in their eyes.

They naturally have confidence in their best friend Liu Yifei's level.

Yesterday, even that big bitch Deng Wendi was handled, what kind of waves can this little girl who doesn't even count as a rival for the time being make?

It's just that the VIP eating melon position is really cool!

Why hasn't Lu Zong come out yet? I really want to witness the famous scene.

The male protagonist of the story didn't know he was being secretly complained about, and was talking alone with Iger in Li Shoucheng's study.

If Deng Wendi and Murdoch saw this scene, they should be more vigilant—

A Xiangjiang Disney spokesperson, ambassador signing, is it worth you, President Iger, coming in person to support?

The answer is self-evident; this is plotting against News Corporation.

Or rather, the scandal reprinted by BBC's "Panorama" recently was born behind a platter agreement.

"Lu, your source of information really surprised me."

Iger looked at the young man in front of him with emotion: "Such old things can be turned up by you with clues. I believe this blow to Murdoch is not small."

Lu Zong laughed: "Overpraised."

"From Deng Wendi's methods, it can be seen that this couple has not done this kind of thing for the first time."

The young director borrowed the mouth of his hacker source: "My partner told me that News Corporation's past transgressions, if they can be conclusively exposed, would simply be a worldwide scandal."

"Iger, now it depends on whether Disney is interested in deepening our cooperation?"

Batch films and platter agreements are a win-win, and at the same time, they exchange for Disney helping Liu Yifei eliminate public opinion influence after the Fox live broadcast.

But this time, the black material attack against News Corporation, Iger certainly wouldn't think he was just venting his anger for his little girlfriend.

Such a person, the attitude of being angry for a beauty, might just be to cover up the real commercial purpose.

On this point, even the "beauty" herself, Liu Yifei, has to admit it.

From the extermination of Jang Na-ra last year, she guessed that it was just a prelude to toppling Zhou Jun.

Disney President Iger laughed: "Please speak, your contribution to cooperation is worthy of my promise and permission."

Whether it was the stepping down of the former Eisner or the reaching of batch films and platter agreements, he could see the pattern and means of this Eastern young man doing things.

The most critical thing is that this time, using the black material exposed by News Corporation in the UK three years ago, the Disney system began to seek local television media resources that originally belonged to News Corporation.

According to the reprint of BBC's "Panorama," the British Independent Television has recently begun to collect evidence and file a lawsuit against News Corporation for malicious commercial competition with unscrupulous means three years ago.

According to the statute of limitations and commercial laws of the UK, if the evidence is conclusive, News Corporation will face huge compensation and the highest administrative order to withdraw.

For Disney, which has always coveted Fox's TV resources but couldn't get them, and could only settle for cooperation, this is simply a huge benefit.

For Disney, whose works are mostly family-friendly, TV station resources are content channels they are urgently lacking.

"Lu, tell me, what do you need?"

"Considering your nationality, the shares of television resources in the United States and Commonwealth countries, even if Fox suffers from commercial scandals and retreats, it is unlikely that you will put them in your own pocket."

Lu Zong shook his head: "That is a gift for your Disney, my partner."

"In exchange, I need you to use your personal connections to help me buy shares in Netflix, or Blockbuster."

"Blockbuster's major shareholder Carl Icahn holds 16% of the shares, and he is quite close to you, the Wolf of Wall Street."

"Netflix's Hastings is relatively stubborn, maybe it will take some effort."

Iger was stunned, but not surprised by his familiarity with his connections. He frowned and pondered for a long time: "Why are you interested in DVD rental companies?"

Blockbuster and Netflix are currently mainly offline DVD rentals.

The former is the old industry hegemon, the latter is the latecomer almost surpassing the big brother, and currently they are basically in a state of fighting to the death.

Lu Zong certainly wouldn't reveal his real purpose, and made a decent excuse: "I have a film company in the United States, but it only has content production capabilities."

"In terms of content channels, theaters are heavy asset projects, and I don't have enough financial strength to get involved for the time being."

"Apart from theaters, it is the DVD rental business. Now Blockbuster and Netflix are fighting fiercely, I think there are still some opportunities to get involved."

Iger glanced at him calmly, only feeling that half of this was not worth believing.

But that has nothing to do with Disney; that is not Disney's track.

After all, he is not an individual investor like Lu Kuan who has whimsical ideas. All company strategies must be based on the board's decisions.

Currently, the most worthwhile effort to achieve is to use News Corporation's scandal to eat up their TV station resources as much as possible.

The two power-holders in the film industry between China and the US plotted for a long time. Lu Zong was satisfied and stepped into the garden to smoke, sighing that it was not easy to drive this nail into the North American film industry, and he could only choose such a tricky angle.

"Hey! What are you proud of, look at the smoke rings you're blowing."

The young director was caught off guard and patted by Liu Yifei from behind. The guests who wanted to come up to talk all retreated interestingly, turning to observe them silently.

Ruan Jingtian also looked at this pair of "master and apprentice" in her eyes thoughtfully.

Lu Zong glanced at her and helplessly crushed the half-smoked cigarette butt: "Less asking about the richest man's business!"

Little Liu teased: "Lu Taro father and son are finished, thinking about how to mess with Deng Wendi, right? Or do you want to hate the house and the crow, a News Corporation?"

She whispered mysteriously: "Eh, tell me about it? What kind of article are you preparing to write again?"

"Nonsense! Deng Wendi dared to threaten you, I am imitating the old events of Wu Sangui, how can I talk about messing with her?"

The young girl's pretty face flushed, and she rolled her eyes at him: "The commercial scandal of News Corporation reprinted by BBC, was it your instruction?"

"Tell me about it, so it will be easy to write the paper for next semester!"

Seeing the young girl so curious, the young director also looked at her with a funny expression.

From going to the Booth School of Business for further studies, tinkering with a Twitter by herself, to her ruthless negotiation with herself, this skill point is getting more and more crooked.

Forget it, let it be, obviously she is no longer satisfied with just being responsible for beauty.

"This time, using your matter as a breakthrough, reaching cooperation with Disney, apart from the cooperation of film platters, is that Wenjie Holdings wants to drive a nail into the channel of North American films."

Little Liu was stunned: "Nail?"

Just like the ownership of Blog Network and Mytube, since there is nothing to hide from her, Lu Kuan simply broke down the strategic intent, rubbed it, and fed it to her.

"Marx said that only when a commodity enters the field of consumption can its value and use value be finally realized, and the production process of the commodity can be considered finally completed."

"Wenjie in China and the US, Wenjie Holdings in the country is gradually expanding theaters and cinemas, but abroad, it lacks a channel for content realization, that is, the channel for our own film commodities to be consumed."

Lu Zong suddenly took out his mobile phone to indicate: "If I tell you that in the future, people are very likely to watch movies on mobile phones, do you believe it?"

Liu Yifei pondered: "North America does have flash video mobile packages that can be subscribed to, but will movies be too big? I can't imagine."

"The content channel for future movies, I think, is three screens in one."

"That is, traditional theater screens, computer terminals, and mobile terminals."

Lu Kuan analyzed for her one by one: "Based on Wenjie's development in the North American film industry, if you are not satisfied with just being a content party and are restricted by others in other industrial chains such as publicity and distribution, you must have your own basic plate."

"Among them, the most important is of course the film screen, just like the Big Six; whoever holds more screens has more say."

Little Liu laughed: "But you don't have that much money, right?"

"Yes, money has the way of money, and no money has the way of no money."

How do you play with money?

Money is like Wanda, starting from 2002, cooperating with Warner to develop heavy asset theater business in the country.

And in 2012, it directly spent 3.1 billion USD to acquire AMC, the second largest theater chain in the United States.

Old Wang proposed that Wanda Group's goal is to occupy 20% of the global film market share in 2020, which means that with hard power, it can talk directly to the Big Six.

But for Lu Zong and Wenjie now, he can't afford to burn this money for the time being, and there is no need to burn it.

It looks like a business of only a few billion, but the fixed expenditure of cinemas every year and the debts carried must also be borne by the acquirer.

"No money, so I have to aim at channels that no one cares about, just like Mytube back then."

Liu Yifei nodded as if she understood: "Is it the computer terminal and mobile terminal you mentioned?"

"Yes."

"Then why did you sell Mytube? Doesn't it also belong to the computer terminal?"

"Even if it has irreversible loss genes, but if as you said, shouldn't this be your strategic product? Why sell it?"

Lu Zong nodded with appreciation, acknowledging that she had discovered the highlight: "This is the difference between video websites like Mytube and Blockbuster and Netflix that I am aiming at this time."

"Overall, such video websites are called streaming media, which is another macro output channel for the film industry besides offline screens."

"Mytube is mainly UCG mode, relying on users to upload content and provide sharing space."

"And Blockbuster and Netflix, although they are still mainly offline DVD rental businesses, the customer resources they have accumulated will be a huge advantage for future transformation into online streaming media."

Lu Zong stretched out two fingers: "With streaming media resources, in the future three screens in one, Wenjie can at least occupy two screens."

The computer terminal has streaming media companies like Netflix or Blockbuster, and the mobile terminal has the app of the former plus the shares of the Android company that has already been invested in.

"Make a bold prediction, for future film and television content output, the development of offline theaters has its own shackles."

"The DVD rental business will also gradually die out, replaced by the online rental and subscription just started by Blockbuster and Netflix."

"Whether it is getting Netflix or Blockbuster, through the massive film library and high-quality paid customer resources accumulated in their more than ten years of development, forming an online streaming media giant, this is our most practical strategy in a short time."

Of course, he couldn't expand on some strategic issues.

For example, heavy asset theater expansion is also indispensable, but it must be achieved through relatively cost-effective mergers and acquisitions, and cannot be laid out like a carpet in the country.

There is also the future development scale and prospects of streaming media.

Little Liu, a non-reborn person, even if she was pointed out the ideas and fueled by Lu Zong to predict, could not see the full picture of the huge industrial scale.

But the fact is that Netflix, the leader of this streaming media website, surpassed Disney in May 2018 with a market value of 152.7 billion USD, becoming the world's largest media company.

Of course, Netflix's development has also experienced twists and turns.

From the dying state in the internet bubble in 2000, to defeating the old king Blockbuster in 2006;

In 2009, it officially abandoned the offline DVD rental business and fully entered the streaming media business, causing the stock price to plummet by 70%, almost causing the capital chain to break and delist;

Until 2012, it began to take the self-made drama route, relying on the explosion of "House of Cards," and began to challenge traditional North American film and television giants with its own strength.

But it is similar to the operation on Mytube. If Lu Zong intervenes in advance, many detours can be avoided.

But the problem now is that even with Iger's assistance, it is not easy for him to achieve this commercial goal.

This is not like intercepting internet products that have not yet been born, but real shareholding and hostile acquisition, which is full of difficulties.

Lu Kuan looked at the young girl who was lost in thought: "Can you understand?"

"Understand, but it sounds very difficult."

"I'll give you some homework." Lu Zong laughed lightly.

"Assuming you are me, now giving you a maximum of 2.5 billion USD in funds, are you seeking Blockbuster or Netflix?"

"Regardless of which one you have obtained control of, how to annex the other?"

"Don't you have courses at the Booth School of Business? Combine what you have learned, think about it, and pay attention to confidentiality."

2.5 billion is the total cash flow he can squeeze out through the pledge of Focus Media and Google shares, plus other channels.

And Blockbuster and Netflix are both listed companies, with public financial data, which can be considered suitable homework.

Of course, if there is a real need, it is still possible to continue irrational financing through certain channels, here just giving her an approximate number.

The young girl nodded excitedly, looking forward to participating in his career, not to mention that this is also one of her goals for studying in North America.

Isn't this more vivid than any public class?

She can think first, and then see how he does it.

The two chatted as if no one else was around, which made the audience who were watching the fun and wanted to join the fun anxious.

Li Shoucheng took Iger around to socialize, walked over, and greeted them.

"Although it's presumptuous, can Miss Liu let go of your male companion first?"

"Maybe there are many guests waiting to greet and talk to Lu Sheng?"

Liu Yifei looked at the smile with a hint of teasing from the Emperor Entertainment boss, her expression a bit shy: "Please feel free, Li Dong, I was just asking him about acting problems."

Iger naturally had already met Little Liu in North America, and coming to participate in the signing ceremony in person this time also gave enough face.

"Crystal, I didn't expect your popularity in Southeast Asia to be so high. It seems that choosing you as the spokesperson for Hong Kong Disneyland is the right decision."

Li Shoucheng praised: "Miss Liu's 'The Gift' and 'Bad Genius' performed quite well in Southeast Asia, and there is still a fan base."

He envied Lu Zong, this cash cow, so he recruited Tang Yan in 2004 to create it according to the little flower template. It's just that the effect is average, and there is no representative role that has gone out of the circle.

Liu Yifei responded with dignity: "Thank you Mr. Iger, thank you Li Dong, I will leave first, I won't hinder you from talking about things."

The young girl winked at Lu Zong, and whispered to his shoulder very mischievously: "Washing Machine, your 15 million just came too."

The young director looked at her pretty back walking away speechlessly.

This matter won't pass, right?

The young girl who occupied the focus figure today left, and Li Shoucheng took Lu Zong to greet the guests at the scene today.

It is obvious who everyone is here for. Andy Lau was the first to come up.

"Lu Sheng, it's been a long time since we parted in Cannes last year, right?"

Lu Zong smiled and shook hands with him: "This has to thank Li Dong, otherwise where would there be such a good opportunity?"

Andy Lau's social means are of course not to be mentioned, and there are very few people in the Hong Kong circle who say bad things about him, so he immediately raised his glass to toast Li Shoucheng.

Li Shoucheng bypassed the young director: "Can we do it together, Lu Sheng? Still so polite to me?"

The three toasted, Andy Lau recommended himself calmly: "Director Lu, I heard that the next movie is casting?"

"Yes, a historical movie about the Nanjing Massacre. Are you interested, Brother Wah?"

Andy Lau waved his hands repeatedly: "Director Lu, don't call me Brother Wah, isn't this folding?"

"I heard that you are friends with Stephen Chow, and you call him Xingzai directly. Can't you call me Wahzai?"

The flower sedan chair is lifted by people. The Heavenly King Lau is low-key and polite. Calling him Brother Wah is nothing, just based on age.

Lu Zong blew a compliment back: "Many excellent actors of the older generation in Xiangjiang, I have cooperated with Tony Leung, and missed Jackie Chan. If Brother Wah is interested, I will see if there is any suitable role, please guest star."

"This movie is a biographical movie centered on the heroine Ms. Iris Chang, and there are not many male roles with heavy scenes."

Li Shoucheng gave Andy Lau a wink calmly. The latter understood, actually he didn't need his reminder, of course he knew this was a good thing!

"No problem! Chinese people should support such things. Lu Zong, I will guest star for zero pay, just notify me in advance."

Lu Zong laughed: "Follow the rules, handle official business, you can come to support the scene, this intention is enough."

Wahzai smiled with wrinkles on his face: "Good, good, then it's settled, I'll let the agent contact Wenjie later."

"No problem."

You sing and I appear, the 15 million in Little Liu's mouth finally had a chance to greet.

Lu Kuan was not surprised by their arrival, nothing more than inquiring about the news through Li Shoucheng.

Furthermore, Ruan Jingtian has had no shortage of Hong Kong film and television resources in later generations.

"Special ID," "Police Story 2013," "From Vegas to Macau," one after another.

Among them, "Special ID" partnered with Donnie Yen and Zhang Hanyu;

"From Vegas to Macau" partnered with Chow Yun-fat and Nicholas Tse;

"Police Story 2013" partnered with Jackie Chan and Liu Ye, Ruan Jingtian played Jackie Chan's daughter, and the Hong Kong big brother even said directly in an interview that the whole play was accompanying the lady to read.

Li Shoucheng left them room to talk very sophisticatedly, and went to receive guests himself.

"Teacher Lu!"

Lu Zong supported his forehead: "Ruan Jingtian, just call me Lu Kuan, don't call me Teacher Lu."

Lu Zheng flattered: "Lu Zong, Da Da Tiantian is admiring you, respecting you, especially after such a thing happened in the United States."

"You don't know, at that time she was so anxious, she asked her family to contact many North American connections to..."

Ruan Jingtian interrupted her boss at Starlight: "Uncle Lu, don't say it."

She really didn't have the intention of asking for credit, just felt that Lu Zheng revealing her heart like this was a bit shy.

However, Lu Zong had already heard this news from another big-mouthed international student in North America, and looked at Ruan Jingtian with a smile: "Thank you, I accept your heart."

He looked at Lu Zheng who was about to speak but stopped: "Ruan Jingtian, go get us two glasses of wine."

"Ah? Oh, okay!" The young girl left excitedly, as if getting an instruction was a very happy thing.

The young director directly clarified with Lu Zheng: "After so many contacts, Lu Zong can tell the truth, what is Ruan Jingtian's background?"

Lu Zheng laughed: "Director Lu, it's just an ordinary businessman family, she is just an ordinary eighteen-year-old girl, just relatively interested in being an actor."

Lu Kuan pretended to leave: "Okay, then talk later."

"Eh! Eh! Lu Zong, wait a moment!" Lu Zheng hurriedly stopped him: "I..."

"Lu Zong, Da Da Tiantian is a child of a relative of an old leader."

"This leader was enthusiastic and righteous when his official career was smooth. He helped many people. Although he has retired now, everyone still misses his goodness."

"Including me, everyone is repaying the old leader's kindness, and also feels that Da Da Tiantian is really kind by nature, not a spoiled young lady who is messing around."

"Plus she is interested in walking this path herself, our boss arranged for me to specifically dock this matter."

Before Lu Zong could continue to ask, Lu Zheng hurriedly patched: "I really can't mention the name of this old leader, I hope you forgive me."

The young director pondered for two seconds, seeing that his mouth was really tight, he didn't get to the bottom of it for the time being: "You just want her to be popular, right? Just have popularity."

"Yes! Our boss gave instructions, it is best to let Da Da Tiantian be like Liu Yifei, not only popular in the country, but also famous in North America and the entire East Asia."

Lu Zong laughed: "I see you are already doing it, didn't you contact the Cherry Association in Washington State?"

"This... how does Lu Zong know?"

"Oh, heard it unintentionally in the United States, not worth mentioning."

Lu Zong, who is the only one in the domestic entertainment industry who is good at promoting people, sighed: "To be honest, if Ruan Jingtian wants to be popular, it's really not easy."

Lu Zheng hadn't answered yet, and the young girl who had just taken the wine came back and said timidly: "Teacher Lu! I don't just want to be popular!"

Ruan Jingtian said aggrievedly: "That time you asked me why I wanted to be an actor, actually I just thought it was fun."

"But after I finished attending the premiere of 'Tangshan Earthquake' and watched Teacher Zhou Xun's performance, I realized that being an actor is far from that simple. I was too superficial before and didn't respect this profession."

"Teacher Lu, I sincerely want to learn acting from you, please accept me!"

Lu Zong had a constipated expression. This girl's heart was too big.

But it can't be blamed on her. The sky she saw since childhood was a vast galaxy, and it is normal to feel that this world revolves around herself and there is no dream that cannot be realized.

Lu Zheng saw his expression and thought he was hesitating, and regardless of Ruan Jingtian's presence, he took the opportunity to throw out his conditions:

"Lu Zong, I saw that Wenjie Jiahe started the construction of theaters and cinemas in the country last year, but the progress seems to have been slow..."

"I dare not say other places, but in Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces, if there is a need, whether it is capital, connections, or land acquisition, we can help."

Lu Kuan looked at Lu Zheng curiously upon hearing this: "What does your boss do?"

"Real estate."

"Oh! No wonder."

In this day and age, those who can make real estate flourish, land acquisition and financing are all first-class convenience, and dealing with the government is a common occurrence.

Lu Zong went straight to the point: "I want to acquire the Xi'an theater chain, can you help?"

The Xi'an theater chain had more than 10 cinemas around 2006 and is the largest theater chain in the local area.

In addition, the theater chain under the Shaanxi Provincial Film Company, Henan Oscar, including Wanda, are all entering Xi'an.

In the film circle, Xi'an has an important position.

Because there is the Xi'an Film Studio here.

Lu Kuan, through the relationship with Wu Tianmin he knew before, and the distribution company invested with the Xi'an Film Studio, can extend his tentacles here.

But involving heavy asset projects like cinema investment and construction, the direct effect of this relationship is not great.

If the relationship behind Ruan Jingtian can really be used, directly acquiring the largest Xi'an theater chain in Xi'an, and then radiating to Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces, it is not a bad move.

Lu Zheng looked at his expression of concentration and thought, and tentatively said: "Lu Zong, you..."

"When will Ruan Jingtian enroll?"

"Next year."

"Then you don't have any acting foundation at all now?"

Ruan Jingtian said embarrassedly: "Yes... but I..."

Lu Zong interrupted her: "Don't 'but' anymore, recommend Teacher Feng Yuanzheng from the People's Art to you, see if he has the mind to bring Ruan Jingtian first."

"After enrolling next year, honestly study acting for two years and lay a good foundation."

"If you can do all this, and have this patience to polish yourself, maybe two years later I can let you realize your wish."

Lu Zheng said embarrassedly: "Director Lu, this... didn't we agree that you would give her..."

Lu Zong had an attitude of equivalent exchange: "I haven't finished yet."

"Help me get the Xi'an theater chain as soon as possible. If Ruan Jingtian has nothing to do during this time, after this movie of mine starts filming, she can come to the crew."

The human wealth flower said happily: "Teacher Lu, can I have a role?!"

"Hmm, there is a role, but you have to determine whether you can accept it first."

Lu Zheng said hurriedly: "Accept! Accept! Da Da Tiantian can!"

The young director said expressionlessly: "Light stand-in is also okay?"

"Light... light stand-in?" Lu Zheng's excited expression stopped abruptly, and his face turned red instantly!

"No! Absolutely not! Director Lu, aren't you joking?"

Ruan Jingtian's pretty face was pale. Seeing the jade-like Lu Zong looking at herself with a smile, she instantly became shy and blushing again.

Light stand-in? Naked stand-in?

This Teacher Lu... is really... really as lewd and shameless as the internet says...

Washing Machine frowned at these two amateurs, realizing this was a misunderstanding: "Light stand-in, it's a lighting stand-in, not a stand-in for taking off clothes."

"In the preparatory work for film shooting, there is a rehearsal part. At this time, a light stand-in is needed to go on stage, replacing the lead actor to help the scene lighting adjustment."

"Little Liu is the heroine of the next movie, Ruan Jingtian

"This..." Lu Zheng scratched his head in embarrassment, and after a long while, he said gloomily: "Director Lu, who starts their career by being a body double for someone else..."

"Hmm? That's not right, is it?"

Lu Zong looked serious: "Isn't it what you just said, that you want Ruan Jingtian to be as famous as Liu Yifei?"

Lu Zheng glanced at Ruan Jingtian, whose expression was somewhat dejected, and admitted helplessly: "Yes, but..."

"Wait a moment." Lu Zong waved at the young girl in the distance who was pretending to chat with Su Chang: "Little Liu, come over here!"

Liu Yifei had her back to him, but Su Chang gave her best friend a wink, and the young starlet of the Chinese entertainment industry then pretended she had just heard him and walked over with a composed air.

"What is it, Director Lu? Do you have any instructions?"

The two young beauties, who had just shaken hands for the first time earlier, stood together once again.

The burning fire of gossip among the guests was rekindled.

Lu Zong spoke with conviction: "You just expressed your idea, and I have provided the method."

"Liu Yifei is famous, right? Ask her what kind of role she had when she first started filming *The Forbidden Kingdom*."

Little Liu frowned, not knowing why he brought this up, and said with a calm expression: "At the beginning... I was Zhang Ziyi's martial arts double."

Ruan Jingtian opened her mouth wide in surprise. She truly did not know about this past event, and no one promoted such news material—it was meaningless.

As for Zhang Ziyi, who had the most motive to promote it, would she dare?

The "human wealth and splendor flower" looked at Liu Yifei in disbelief; she, who had reached the peak the moment she debuted, had actually been a body double for someone else?

Lu Zong looked teasing: "Liu Yifei was over 14 when she asked Feng Yuanzheng to teach her acting, and she was a body double for Zhang Ziyi in *The Forbidden Kingdom*."

"It was only because some accidents happened later that she replaced her to become the female lead, Lan Yue."

"Lu Zong, you asked me to handle this matter, and I have provided the plan. It is up to you and Ruan Jingtian to make your own choice."

Lu Zheng was left speechless; he was truly in a dilemma now.

He had thrown out conditions to ask for a favor, and the other party had accepted.

The method he provided had been proven effective by the precedent of Liu Yifei.

But this training plan really didn't sound like the right thing to do, did it? If the leadership were unhappy and held him accountable later...

"I can do it."

Ruan Jingtian pursed her lips tightly. The "human wealth and splendor flower," who had never experienced any setbacks in her life until now, gritted her teeth and agreed, looking with solemnity at the young director she admired.

"Teacher Lu, as long as you are willing to teach me, I am not afraid of hardship or fatigue!"

A hint of bitterness appeared on her beautiful and elegant face, mist began to rise in her lively eyes, and she clenched the two small fists behind her back tightly.

From the several rejections earlier, Ruan Jingtian knew he didn't think much of her.

Even as a condition of the exchange, he still wanted her to be a light stand-in; the young girl naturally assumed this was meant to humiliate and strike her down.

However, there was a streak of resilience in her character, and no matter how unconvinced she was, she gritted her teeth and agreed to it.

Little Liu's vigilance rose sharply; she glared at the "washing machine" beside her, guessing his true purpose.

Was he addicted again?

Lu Zong didn't care whether Ruan Jingtian was crying or laughing; he only cared about fulfilling his responsibility and completing the deal.

"Alright, you two chat."

"Lu Zong, contact Gao Jun later and discuss the details of the Xi'an theater chain with him."

Lu Zheng waved his hand awkwardly, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

Liu Yifei glared fiercely at the "washing machine" for dumping such a mess on her, but when she turned back to look at the tearful Ruan Jingtian, she felt inexplicably sorry for her, thinking she looked a bit like her former self.

Little Liu felt inexplicably soft-hearted.

"That... Ruan Jingtian."

"Hmm?"

"He is just like this."

Liu Yifei comforted her in a relaxed tone: "You'll know later. If you're afraid of being scolded, you'd better give up early."

Lu Zheng smiled kindly at Little Liu, feeling that she had good intentions, and chimed in: "Yes, Da Da Tiantian, Miss Liu is right."

"A strict teacher produces brilliant students. He is not like those tutors you hired before who would coax you into learning."

Liu Yifei sighed deeply in her heart. Seeing Ruan Jingtian, whose tears were falling like broken beads, she couldn't bear it and said to Lu Zheng: "I'll take her to the garden to clear her mind."

"Good, good, thank you for your trouble, Miss Liu."

Lu Zheng was naturally relieved. Since she was going to be a body double anyway, it was best if they could get along well.

It was just that, considering the relationship between this young starlet and Lu Kuan...

The two girls sat down on a stone bench in the garden. The moonlight spilled down, leaving them a quiet corner for whispers.

Ruan Jingtian wiped her tears with the back of her hand, feeling a bit embarrassed: "Thank you, Sister Yifei."

"I..."

The "human wealth and splendor flower" looked at Little Liu, whose skin was crystal clear and as soft as jade, and thinking of how she had just gently comforted her, she inexplicably found a sense of security.

"I just couldn't accept it all at once, and I felt that Teacher Lu looked down on me quite a bit."

"Ha? That's normal! On set, he only has a smiling face for actors of Teacher Li Xuejian's level."

Little Liu smiled at her with the tone of someone who had "weathered the storms": "I'm used to it. You've only cried once."

"I've cried as many as five or six times in a single day. My mom recorded it on video and kept count."

"You don't know, the cold wind was so biting that the tears were blown away as soon as they flowed out, and my face stung from the salt!"

Liu Yifei recalled her early career, where tears and setbacks were intertwined, and began to mimic the young director's catchphrases for crushing people's spirits to Ruan Jingtian.

"Liu Yifei, you really don't have this talent. Stop acting, go eat. There's food you like today; if you eat two extra bowls, you won't be at a loss."

"Liu Yifei? Who taught you to look at the camera like that? Trying to make your eyes look big, right? Huh?"

"Liu Yifei! Come over here and look at the expression you just had. If I met that face of yours in the middle of the night, I'd give you my wallet without you even saying a word."

Ruan Jingtian looked at her vivid expressions and humorous performance, which portrayed the sharp-tongued director so perfectly, and couldn't help but laugh through her tears.

As the moonlight spilled down, Liu Yifei looked at Ruan Jingtian, whose face was streaked with tears, and wondered if she should be in a position to comfort her.

In the past, if he were to bring this girl onto the set, she would certainly have been wary of this 15-million-yuan "rich and beautiful" girl.

Now, looking at it carefully, it was just like how she had decisively hooked her arm tightly onto his at the Chinese student gathering at the University of Chicago, not wanting him to misunderstand anything;

By letting her come to the set to be his body double, besides his usual harsh "setback education," he was probably also subtly expressing a certain attitude, right?

Liu Yifei, who had gradually seen a corner of his inner heart and soul, thought to herself.

(End of chapter)