[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-playboy-of-huayu-how-did-a-celestial-immorta":3,"chapter-the-playboy-of-huayu-how-did-a-celestial-immorta-the-playboy-of-huayu-how-did-a-celestial-immorta-chapter-46":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Playboy of Huayu: How Did a Celestial Immortal Transform Me?",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2297672,4495,"Chapter 46: Buying the Dip on Xie Tingfeng","the-playboy-of-huayu-how-did-a-celestial-immorta-chapter-46",46,"\u003Cp>Jiang Zhiqiang is hailed in later generations as the \"first person to take Chinese-language cinema overseas,\" and his relationship with the six major Hollywood studios is also extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grand production *The Medallion* that Emperor Group is set to release next year is one he helped bridge the gap for, selling the North American rights to Columbia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, he has abundant resources within the circle, a sharp eye, and immense courage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kuan could certainly hand over the Asian distribution rights to Jiang Zhiqiang, establishing a good relationship through this first low-budget film before seeking deeper cooperation in the next step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Tingfeng responded to the invitation very eagerly, and the next day he brought his manager, Huo Wenxi, over to negotiate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Yanfang’s status in the Xiangjiang music scene is undeniably high, and she has mentored and helped many artists just starting out; Xie Tingfeng is one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After she passed away at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital in later generations, eight renowned actors, including Liu Dehua and Liang Chaowei, served as pallbearers, and it was Xie Tingfeng who carried her portrait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group sat down on the second-floor terrace, and after introducing themselves, they began the formal meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The company looked at the script yesterday, and I’ve also chatted with Tingfeng; we feel the subject matter is quite good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Wenxi smiled and said, \"I do have one doubt, though. You are two years younger than Tingfeng and have no prior experience in filmmaking, so this movie...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kuan had long anticipated that his first film would face such skepticism, so he hadn't even thought about seeking investment; if not for Mei Yanfang’s sponsorship, he probably would have chosen an even lower-budget subject to test the waters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The film budget is 8 million, and it is entirely my own personal capital. I don't think anyone would throw that much money away just to watch it sink.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To inflate his own value, Boss Lu quoted the budget on the high side; by the time official promotion began, it would be at least 10 million as a baseline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Tingfeng had been curiously observing this young man who had recently risen to fame, thinking to himself, *This 8 million is probably all Mei Yanfang’s money, yet you speak so righteously.*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Mei Yanfang had harbored the same doubt for a while, she felt compelled to back Lu Kuan at this moment: \"There is no problem with Little Lu here. Even Director Zhang Yimou, who is directing a 30-million-dollar investment for Anle Films, invited him to revise his script.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone in this circle plays the game of mutual flattery; today you give Sister Mei face, and next time at a concert, Sister Mei will make a guest appearance to boost your momentum—these are resources and connections money cannot buy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She then immediately added, \"I will also make a guest appearance in a role.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At her strong insistence, Lu Kuan arranged for her to play the role of the female lawyer who sues the teacher in the film—a few minutes of screen time, so as not to overwork Mei Yanfang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Wenxi and Xie Tingfeng exchanged a look; there were no major issues with the script or the funding, and the director was decided by the investors, so they had no room to object.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the big sister herself had come forward to extend the invitation, they could not afford to refuse this favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But business is business, and they still had to fight for their compensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Wenxi was a qualified manager and knew she had to be the one to bring it up: \"Based on Tingfeng’s market value, we require a fee of 2 million.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Group had been under significant pressure lately: Xie Tingfeng’s \"substitute driver\" case, Chen Yixun’s father being suspected of bribery, Zheng Xiyi being rumored to have been forced to drink with clients, Rong Zu’er being implicated in the Liang Sihao assault case...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With scandals constantly plaguing their artists, their market value and income had plummeted, and as a core member of management, Huo Wenxi had to treat every transaction seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Minhui frowned and was about to chime in, but Mei Yanfang kicked her under the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One thing at a time; the cooperation was a matter between Lu Kuan and Emperor Group. She could pay this 2-million-dollar fee without batting an eye, but she could not use personal favors to suppress the price at this moment—that was not the rule of normal commercial negotiation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kuan sneered inwardly; these Hong Kong and Taiwan artists were addicted to fleecing the mainland, trying to bully Boss Lu because they thought he didn't know the industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an entertainment market under a capitalist society, everything is determined by strength. If he gave in on the fee today, he wouldn't be able to control this bunch of arrogant and unruly Xiangjiang soldiers on set tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the other party was opening their mouth like a lion, he didn't need to save face for them; he exposed the false prosperity of Emperor Group right in front of Mei Yanfang and Wang Minhui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Previously, when Chen Guanxi was involved in a drug case, his market value plummeted; an advertisement that originally commanded a 1.5-million endorsement fee is now only worth 450,000.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that Mr. Xie is involved in the 'substitute driver' case and the Independent Commission Against Corruption is still investigating, I have to account for this depreciation in popularity and value. Otherwise, if there are any losses later, who will bear them for me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You!\" Xie Tingfeng was only in his early twenties and lacked the self-cultivation to withstand the provocation of the thick-skinned Boss Lu; his face flushed red, and he was about to lash out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Wenxi held down his shoulder and continued to smile gently: \"Director Lu, that is a bit harsh. I think that in Xiangjiang, Emperor Group can still handle such minor matters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kuan suddenly gave a strange smile: \"Mani, how about we make a bet?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reference, look at Mei Deming and Mei Qiming, who were still out in the vegetable fields practicing self-cultivation...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Wenxi said cautiously: \"Please go ahead, Mr. Lu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Xie’s case is currently going through the process. 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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Tingfeng felt disdain in his heart; *You think you understand Xiangjiang law, spouting nonsense here.*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Wenxi’s vigilance rose; she had heard the name \"Little Immortal,\" but because she had never had contact with him, she hadn't paid it any mind. If this judgment were true, it would be quite troublesome...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clean-cut resolution would at most allow Xie Tingfeng to avoid the limelight before making a comeback; with Emperor Group’s methods of promoting people, that would be no problem at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But a long-term community service sentence—such as picking up trash, sweeping streets, or standing guard—would be very damaging to an artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because in this era, the concept of being \"down-to-earth\" wasn't in vogue; an artist’s packaging and exterior had to be high-end, leading market trends, and distinct from the general public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simply put, it was a god-making movement to harvest the wallets of fans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kuan pressed on step by step: \"If my judgment is correct, *Whiplash* still welcomes Mr. Xie’s participation. I still highly approve of Tingfeng’s acting skills, image, and professional spirit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boss Lu was highly skilled at the \"carrot and stick\" approach, and Huo Wenxi found it difficult to make a decision for the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Lu, thank you for your recognition. Please give us some time to consider.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, I look forward to reaching a cooperation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the work was discussed, the rest was naturally about reminiscing and building rapport. Mei Yanfang kept Xie Tingfeng for a meal, and Lu Kuan took the initiative to see Huo Wenxi downstairs as she left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commercial environment in Xiangjiang is relatively mature; professional managers and agents like Huo Wenxi often keep commercial negotiations and personal relationships quite distinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Lu, thank you for seeing me off. When you have time, I will treat you to a meal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kuan smiled shamelessly: \"I’m free tonight. How about you, Mani?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at that, even the form of address had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1453,"2026-06-20T06:05:17.358Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","40ed196bb444fc363e5054aac3f3e4a38defc1e9784adbe72c0e5ab05b97848c","the-playboy-of-huayu-how-did-a-celestial-immorta-chapter-47","the-playboy-of-huayu-how-did-a-celestial-immorta-chapter-45",343,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-playboy-of-huayu-how-did-a-celestial-immorta-cover.jpg"]