Chapter 46: Bottom-fishing Xie Tingfeng

Jiang Zhiqiang is known as the "first person in Chinese film going to sea" in the future, and his relationship with the Hollywood Big Six is also extraordinary.

The grand production *The Medallion* to be released by Emperor Motion Pictures next year is the one he helped to bridge and sell the North American copyright to Columbia.

More importantly, his industry resources are rich, his vision is sharp, and his courage is extremely strong.

Lu Kuan can hand over the distribution rights in the Asian region to Jiang Zhiqiang, establish a good relationship through the first small-cost movie, and then seek deeper cooperation in the next step.

Xie Tingfeng responded very eagerly to the invitation, and brought his agent Huo Wenxi to the door to negotiate the next day.

Mei Yanfang's status in the Xiangjiang music scene cannot be said to be high, and she has promoted and helped many artists who have just debuted; Xie Tingfeng is one of them.

After she passed away in the Sanatorium Hospital in Xiangjiang in the future, eight well-known actors including Andy Lau and Tony Leung carried the coffin, and it was Xie Tingfeng who carried her portrait.

Several people sat down on the second-floor terrace, introduced each other, and started the formal meeting.

"The script was read by the company yesterday, and I also chatted with Tingfeng, and I think the subject matter is not bad."

Huo Wenxi smiled: "It's just that I have a doubt; you are two years younger than Tingfeng, and you have no experience in filming, this movie..."

Boss Lu had long expected that his first movie would be questioned like this, so he didn't think about finding investment at all; if it weren't for Mei Yanfang's sponsorship, he would probably have chosen a smaller-cost subject to test the water.

"The movie budget is 8 million, which is my personal sole proprietorship; I think no one will throw so much money into the water."

In order to raise his own value, Boss Lu also said the budget was higher; wait until the official publicity, at least 10 million bottom.

Xie Tingfeng has been curiously observing this young man who has recently become famous, thinking that your 8 million should be Mei Yanfang's money, and you speak so confidently.

Although Mei Yanfang had the same doubts, she had to support Lu Kuan at this time: "Little Lu has no problem here; the director Zhang Yimou with a 30 million USD investment from Edko Films also invited him to modify his script."

Everyone is mixing in the same circle; flower sedan chairs are lifted by people; today you give Mei Jie face, next time Mei Jie will guest star for you to strengthen your momentum; this is a resource and connection that money can't buy.

Immediately after, she added: "I will also guest star in a role."

Under her strong request, Lu Kuan arranged for her the role of the female lawyer who sued the teacher in the play, a few minutes of lens, not letting Mei Yanfang be too tired.

Huo Wenxi and Xie Tingfeng looked at each other; the script and funds were no big problem; the director was decided by the capital side, and they had no reason to intervene.

But in business, the treatment still has to be fought for.

Huo Wenxi is a qualified agent; she knows that this must be mentioned by herself: "According to Tingfeng's status, we demand a salary of 2 million."

Emperor Motion Pictures has also been under great pressure recently; Xie Tingfeng's top-bag case, Chen Yixun's father involved in bribery, Zheng Xiyi rumored to accompany wine, Rong Zuer involved in the Liang Sihao injury case...

Black

With the artists across the entire line constantly mired in scandals, their market value and income had plummeted, leaving Huo Wenxi, as a core member of management, with no choice but to treat every transaction with the utmost seriousness.

Wang Minhui frowned and was just about to chime in when she was kicked under the table by Mei Yanfang.

Business is business; the collaboration was a matter between Lu Kuan and Emperor Group. She could pay the 2 million in acting fees without batting an eye, but she could not use personal favors to pressure for a lower price at a time like this—that was not the rule of normal commercial negotiation.

Lu Kuan sneered inwardly; these Hong Kong and Taiwan artists were addicted to fleecing the mainland, thinking they could bully him, Boss Lu, for not knowing the industry.

In an entertainment market under a capitalist society, everything is decided by strength. If he softened his stance on the acting fees today, he would never be able to keep these arrogant and unruly Hong Kong troops in check on set tomorrow.

Since the other party had opened their mouths like a lion, he saw no need to save face; he exposed Emperor Group's current false prosperity right in front of Mei Yanfang and Wang Minhui.

"Previously, Chen Guanxi's market value plummeted due to his involvement in a drug case; an advertisement that originally commanded a 1.5 million endorsement fee is now only worth 450,000."

"Now that Mr. Xie is involved in a cover-up case and the Independent Commission Against Corruption is still investigating, I have to account for this depreciation in popularity and market value. Otherwise, if there are any losses later, who will bear them for me?"

"You!" Xie Tingfeng was only in his early twenties and lacked the self-restraint to handle the provocation from the thick-skinned Boss Lu; his face flushed red as he prepared to lash out.

Huo Wenxi pressed down on his shoulder and still smiled gently: "Director Lu, that is a bit of an exaggeration. I believe that in Hong Kong, Emperor Group can still handle such minor matters."

Lu Kuan suddenly gave a strange smile: "Sister Mani, how about we make a bet?"

Mei Yanfang's left eyelid twitched; as intelligent as she was, she knew this little brother was about to cast his 'Great Prophecy' spell again.

For specific references, see Mei Deming and Mei Qiming, who were still cultivating their character in the vegetable fields...

Huo Wenxi said with a cautious expression: "Please go ahead, Mr. Lu."

"Mr. Xie's case is currently going through the motions. I acknowledge the influence of Emperor Group and Mr. Li, but this matter will not end with a simple fine and probation; at the very least, there will be a sentence of community service."

Xie Tingfeng felt disdain in his heart; did he even understand Hong Kong law, spouting such nonsense here?

Huo Wenxi's wariness rose sharply. She had heard of the 'Little Immortal' moniker, but because she had never had contact with him, she hadn't taken it to heart. If this judgment were true, it would be quite tricky...

A one-size-fits-all handling would at most let Xie Tingfeng avoid the limelight before making a comeback; with Emperor Group's methods of promoting people, it wouldn't be a problem at all.

However, a long period of community service—such as picking up trash, cleaning streets, or standing guard—would be very damaging to an artist's image.

Because in this era, there was no emphasis on being 'down-to-earth'; an artist's packaging and exterior had to be high-end, leading the market trends, and distinct from the general public.

Simply put, it was a god-making movement to harvest the wallets of fans.

Lu Kuan pressed on: "If my judgment is correct, 'Whiplash' still welcomes Mr. Xie's participation. I still highly recognize Tingfeng's acting skills, image, and professional spirit."

Boss Lu's skill at 'giving a slap and then a sweet' was quite profound, and Huo Wenxi found it difficult to make a decision for the moment.

"Mr. Lu, thank you for your recognition. Please give us some time to consider."

"Of course, I look forward to reaching a collaboration."

Once the work was discussed, the rest was naturally about reminiscing and building rapport. Mei Yanfang kept Xie Tingfeng for a meal, while Lu Kuan took the initiative to see Huo Wenxi downstairs to leave.

Hong Kong's commercial environment was relatively mature, and professional managers and agents like Huo Wenxi often kept commercial negotiations and personal relationships quite distinct.

Although the two had just been trading verbal barbs and were at loggerheads, she didn't mind developing more friendship with this 'Little Immortal' in private.

"Mr. Lu, thank you for seeing me off. When you're free, I'll treat you to a meal."

Lu Kuan smiled shamelessly: "I'm free tonight. How about you, Sister Mani?"

Look at that, even the form of address had changed.

(End of Chapter)