It's reasonable for me to be a three-time Golden Horse Award-winning director and an all-around

Chapter 90 Helping My Senior... "Qin's Moon"!
"The suspense film 'Fatal Prestige,' directed by Lü Rui and starring Jiang Wen, Hu Jun, Li Xuejian, Zhou Yun, Fan Bingbing, and Zhang Jingchu, officially wrapped up filming in Shanghai yesterday."

"Zhang Jizhong held a press conference to officially announce the cast of 'The Return of the Condor Heroes,' with Huang Xiaoming playing 'Yang Guo' and Liu Yifei playing 'Little Dragon Girl'..."

"Beijing Film Academy, Central Academy of Drama, and Shanghai Theatre Academy welcome their freshmen of 04."

"Zhang Yimou's Olympic closing ceremony program has caused a huge uproar!"

"Zhang Ziyi secretly went to Hong Kong to meet Huo Qishan, and they were seen kissing passionately in the street without avoiding the cameras. Her luxurious outfit stole the show!"

...

It's only the beginning of September, and the entertainment industry is already buzzing with excitement.

The wrap-up of filming for "The Prestige," the controversy surrounding Zhang Yimou's closing ceremony, the exposure of Zhang Ziyi's new romance... headlines kept coming one after another.

The official announcement of the main cast of "The Return of the Condor Heroes," which had been dragged on for months, pushed the popularity to its peak!
The moment Huang Xiaoming and Liu Yifei's pairing was announced, a torrent of criticism erupted:
"I don't deny Liu Yifei's looks and temperament. Wang Yuyan has already proven that she is indeed very suitable for Xiaolongnu's otherworldly temperament. But I really disagree with her acting skills. Why not use Jiang Qinqin?"

"Huang Xiaoming and Liu Yifei? No, that doesn't match at all! It's more like an uncle and his niece?"

"How could Nie Yuan lose? Wasn't it already decided? It's a rigged match! There's definitely something fishy going on!"

"Who is this Yang Mi? What makes her qualified to play Guo Xiang?"

"Look! Nie Yuan posted something saying he'd rather be a child... Is this a veiled criticism of the casting process being rigged?"

The online debate is raging, with very few people in favor of the casting, and criticisms dominating.

The rivalry between Huang Xiaoming and Nie Yuan, in particular, has been repeatedly discussed.

The former is currently very popular thanks to hit dramas such as "The Emperor of Han Dynasty" and "Princess Pearl 3".

The latter gained countless fans with hit dramas such as "Wrong Carriage, Right Groom", "The Granary of the World", and "Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties".

The fans of the two popular young actors even tore each other apart and argued endlessly for their idols!

Liu Yifei was also caught up in the controversy.

Although many people agree that her looks and temperament are a good match for Xiaolongnu, Zhang Jizhong's repeated attempts to hype her up have inadvertently created many "enemies" for her.

Fans of actors like Zhou Xun and Jiang Qinqin, and even their respective companies, are still resentful that this "young girl" won.

Therefore, "attacks" are naturally indispensable.

In addition, resources within the industry are fixed, and as she repeatedly wins high-quality projects, she inevitably faces targeting and suppression.

In a classroom of the 02 class at Beijing Film Academy, Jiang Yiyan leaned close to Liu Yifei, her tone inquisitive: "Yifei, is it true that you had plastic surgery for a role?"

Although she felt the question was a bit strange, Liu Yifei didn't take it seriously and shook her head: "No, why would I have plastic surgery?"

"So how were you selected? Is there any inside story? Tell everyone about it."

As soon as Jiang Yiyan finished speaking, the surrounding noise suddenly quieted down, and everyone's eyes turned to her.

Everyone knows that Jin Yong's dramas and Qiong Yao's dramas are currently recognized as blockbuster hits; whoever stars in them becomes famous!

There must be some extraordinary reason why they were able to win over the lead actor; everyone has been curious about that for a long time.

But Jiang Yiyan's way of asking the question was undoubtedly very presumptuous.

Liu Yifei didn't really want to talk to her, but she couldn't stop her from nagging incessantly.

She didn't want to strain her relationship with her classmates, since she had never had many friends growing up, so she cherished this friendship all the more.

Before she could come up with a perfunctory reply, Wang Jia suddenly spoke up to defuse the situation, saying, "Jiang Yiyan, why are you asking so many questions? I already said it's inside information, you can't just casually tell others, can you?"

“We’re all classmates, what can’t we say?” Jiang Yiyan retorted defiantly.

"Could you tell me your bankbook password?" Wang Jia asked.

"Why!"

"We're all classmates, what's wrong with that?"

"Wang Jia, what do you mean?!"

"It doesn't mean anything, I just can't stand your sarcastic attitude every time. Yifei doesn't owe you anything."

"She didn't say anything, so who gave you the right to interrupt?"

"That's because they're kind-hearted and don't want to argue with you. Do you think everyone is like you? With a dirty mind, always talking badly about others behind their backs?"

The two started arguing, and Zhou Yang, Liu Jing, and other girls quickly came over to break it up, while the boys also gathered around.

"Okay, just say a few words."

While persuading them, class monitor Deng Zifei winked at Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin, signaling them to pull the two girls apart.

Caught in the middle, Liu Yifei felt her head was spinning from the noise.

It's such a small thing, why did it suddenly escalate into such a big argument?
But what she didn't know was that when she wasn't around, the girls in the class had already split into two small groups.

One group was led by Wang Jia, and the other by Jiang Yiyan.

The two sides have frequent daily frictions and neither side is willing to give in.

Her arrival was merely the fuse that ignited the two of them, allowing them to finally unleash their pent-up resentment.

"Boom boom boom——"

Just as the classroom was in chaos, a crisp knock suddenly sounded at the door.

Thinking it was their advisor, Wang Jinsong, everyone hurriedly dispersed, and the noise instantly ceased.

But when I turned around, I realized that the person who came was not my advisor.

But his identity is even more frightening than that of the counselor!

"Senior?!"

Liu Yifei's eyes lit up, and she looked at Lü Rui at the door with surprise.

How many times has he gotten himself out of a predicament?

Why does he always seem to appear at the perfect time whenever we encounter trouble?

Lu Rui's gaze swept over everyone in the class, lingering on Jiang Yiyan's face for a couple more seconds before he asked Liu Yifei, "Busy?"

"I'm not busy."

"Chat?"

"it is good!"

Liu Yifei got up and walked out, not forgetting to wink at Wang Jia to thank her for getting her out of the predicament.

Wang Jia raised his chin, indicating "It's a piece of cake."

As soon as the two disappeared outside the door, Wang Jia sneered as if he had won a battle: "Wasn't someone curious about the inside story? Here it is. They have powerful backers, do you?"

"Ha, what's so great about it?"

Jiang Yiyan sat in her seat and sneered, but her nails secretly dug into her palms.

Although she spoke toughly, she was secretly consumed by jealousy.

The resources Liu Yifei has acquired are what she could only dream of, which is why she often acts sarcastic and unpleasant.

"Isn't it just about having a powerful backer? Anyone can find one."

She stared at the doorway, gritting her teeth inwardly, already calculating in her mind which direction to focus her efforts.

At that moment, in the corridor, Liu Yifei was tilting her head and looking at Lü Rui: "Senior? Didn't you graduate? Why are you back at school?"

"I completed the procedures for graduate school."

"Wow! You got into graduate school!" Her eyes widened, her voice full of surprise.

My grades in humanities have always been mediocre, and I always have a bit of admiration for people who can pursue graduate studies.

Lu Rui said calmly, "He was recommended for admission."

"Wow...cough cough, amazing!" Liu Yifei's cheeks flushed slightly, and she almost blurted out the swear words that the boys in her class often used.

She quickly changed the subject: "You said you wanted to talk to me about something, what is it?"

When will filming for "The Return of the Condor Heroes" continue next year?

"I think it'll be around March next year, why?"

"I have a TV series project and I'd like to ask you to play a cameo role. I wonder if you have the time?"

Under Hou Hongliang's promotion, the project "Crossing the Guandong" has begun preparations and is currently in the process of both project approval and casting.

When Lü Rui returned to the company yesterday, Hou Hongliang casually mentioned that he wanted to find a few popular actors to make cameo appearances, which would also help sell the show later.

So, Lü Rui thought of Liu Yifei.

According to the character setting in the drama, the role of "young Yu Shu" is quite suitable for her. She is around 15 years old, with an innocent and carefree personality, which matches her temperament very well.

If she could make a cameo appearance, it would likely boost the show's popularity. Liu Yifei thought for a moment and then replied, "I need to tell my mom, because I don't know what the schedule is like later on."

“Okay.” Lu Rui nodded and added, “Filming will start around November. The role will be small, only one or two episodes.”

"Okay, I got it."

"Just now in class..."

"It's nothing, just a little friction." Liu Yifei quickly waved her hand, not wanting to trouble Lü Rui over such a trivial matter.

"Okay, I'll leave first."

"Goodbye, senior."

After watching Lü Rui leave, Liu Yifei didn't return to the classroom but went straight to Wang Jinsong's office.

Her main task today was to report for duty and ask for leave, unlike others who come to class.

As a third-year acting student, I am encouraged by Beijing Film Academy to take on acting roles. After all, the theories learned in the classroom are not as practical as the real experience gained on the film set.

Liu Yifei successfully obtained leave.

As soon as she left the teaching building, she called Liu Xiaoli and told her about Lü Rui's invitation to make a cameo appearance.

"Yes! Of course we'll agree!"

Liu Xiaoli agreed without even thinking about it, and didn't even discuss it with her agent.

This is a perfect opportunity to get closer to Lü Rui!
They've already helped her daughter build connections in the industry and get her filmed in several movies. Now they're just asking for a cameo role in one or two episodes. Only a fool would refuse.

"Mom, should I talk to the senior, or should you do it?"

"You go and tell him yourself. This is your connection. Remember, it's a free cameo! Not a single penny. You must show Director Lü our sincerity..."

Liu Xiaoli carefully instructed her daughter on the phone how to maintain her network of contacts.

"I know, I didn't want any payment anyway. I'm happy to help my senior."

Liu Xiaoli was slightly taken aback: "???"

……

Wise Vision.

When Lü Rui received the call from Liu Yifei, he was not surprised.

"I'll contact you when the time comes. It's not a big role; I'll just take advantage of a break in your schedule and come over for a brief appearance."

"Okay."

After ending the call in a few words, Lü Rui put down her phone and looked up at the boy sitting in front of her.

29 years old, slightly overweight, wearing black-rimmed glasses, with some thinning hair on his forehead, looking like a programmer buried in a pile of code.

This is the animation business manager that Han Sanping introduced to him.

Although he is not old, being two years younger than Hou Hongliang, his resume is surprisingly impressive!
A graduate of the software engineering program at Capital University of Technology, he is proficient in 3D software. After graduating in 97, he served as the production supervisor for the large-scale domestic animated series "Journey to the West," and was independently responsible for the production of four episodes.

In 2001, his work "The Reconstruction of Yuanmingyuan" and his 2002 3D animated short film "Lunch" were selected for the "Chinese 3D Yearbook".

This year, he won the Outstanding Award from the Cartoon Art Committee of the China Television Artists Association and the Best 3D Animation Award from the Digital Art Committee for the animated sample film "TURBOBOY" that he directed.

This resume, placed on the table, coupled with his expertise in 3D animation technology and his age...

All things considered, it's no exaggeration to call them industry leaders!
The crucial point is that Lü Rui actually knows him!

Tian Xiaopeng, in his previous life, was the director of "Monkey King: Hero Is Back" and "Deep Sea".

Although it's unclear where Han Sanping found him, this surprise was truly enormous!
At this moment, what Lü Rui didn't know was that Tian Xiaopeng was also filled with a strong sense of surprise!
The Chinese animation market in recent years has been nothing short of hell!
Before 2000, he made a name for himself through his technical skills. He not only helped CCTV establish the Digital Center for Advertising, but also founded the October Digital Animation Studio and became its art director.

However, with China's accession to the WTO, Hollywood animated films suddenly stormed into the mainland market!

Faced with that overwhelming, "dimensional reduction" crushing force, his good days came to an abrupt end.

The projects he worked on afterward all resulted in huge losses. After three years of struggling, Tian Xiaopeng had spent all his savings.

If it weren't for TURBOBOY winning an award and receiving a prize, he probably would have had to close the company and go back to working odd jobs.

Just then, a friend contacted him, saying that someone was willing to invest in his animation company to help him continue to realize his 3D animation dream.

He rushed over and met Lü Rui, a young director who is now very popular in the domestic film and television industry!
This guy is amazing!
He has won the grand slam of the three best directors in Europe, is one of only two directors in China with a box office of over 100 million yuan, and has also founded his own company.

Despite his young age, his achievements far surpass those of more than 90% of people in the industry!
Tian Xiaopeng never dreamed that he could become such an awesome director!
Now he only has one thought in his mind: as long as he can get Lü Rui's support, October Digital will not go bankrupt!
"Your resume is impressive."

Lu Rui put down his resume, paused the 3D animated film sample "TURBOBOY" playing on his computer, and then looked up at Tian Xiaopeng.

The latter's heart tightened, and he hurriedly asked, "Director Lü, then..."

Lu Rui gave a direct answer: "I can acquire your October Digital to help you continue to develop in the field of 3D animation."

Tian Xiaopeng's eyes lit up.

But before he could speak, Lu Rui changed the subject, saying, "But I cannot agree to your proposed equity distribution plan."

Tian Xiaopeng's bright eyes instantly dimmed.

If you don't agree to the equity distribution, and the company is fully acquired, aren't you still just working for someone else?

However, just when he was in despair, Lü Rui added: "However, we can sign an additional agreement. I will first acquire your studio in full and provide you with the support you deserve."

"If you achieve results, you can be rewarded with equity shares, or even acquire shares through buybacks. How about that?"

Everything is based on performance; this is the standard that Lü Rui set when recruiting people.

Those who have made contributions will be rewarded; those who have not will be dealt with according to the rules.

After pondering for a moment, Tian Xiaopeng felt that this seemed like a good idea.

No one can predict the future. If we can achieve results, we can be rewarded with equity, which we can also buy back ourselves. That would be the best outcome.

Even if things don't go as planned, working for someone else is still a way to make a living.
Moreover, October Digital is currently in dire straits, with employees leaving one after another... Without an injection of funds, it will completely fall apart.

He already felt very lucky that Lü Rui was willing to support him!

Upon realizing this, he immediately made the decision: "Okay, I agree!"

The subsequent acquisition process proceeded very smoothly.

Lü Rui did not establish a direct connection between Rui Vision Film Company and the animation studio.

He established a separate company, Ruixing Group Co., Ltd., and under the name of the parent company, he brought "Ruishijie Film & Television" and "October Digital" under his control, turning the latter two into subsidiaries.

In this way, even if the subsidiary needs to provide equity incentives or go public through IPO, backdoor listing or other means, there is no need to worry about affecting the parent company's controlling stake and control.

On the parent company side, Lü Rui holds 100% of the shares, and he will ensure that his shareholding in the subsidiaries is no less than 51%, or even 70%.

Of course, that's all in the future. It's still uncertain whether the subsidiary will go public. At present, we are just making preparations in advance.

Hou Hongliang and Tian Xiaopeng had no objection to this, since it wouldn't affect their own interests anyway.

So, on September 5th, right next to Ruishijie Film and Television Company, Ruiyue Animation and Film and Television Company was officially established.

"I'll leave the work of overseeing the renovations to you."

Although the company was established, the office area was still a mess and needed to be renovated and more advanced animation production equipment needed to be purchased.

Energetic with the large investment, Tian Xiaopeng nodded in agreement, "Chairman Lü, don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on it."

"There's another task I need you to handle."

"what?"

Lu Rui opened his bag, took out a novel in front of him, and handed it to him: "Go and buy the copyright to this novel."

Tian Xiaopeng looked down and saw four large characters written on the novel's cover.

The Moon of Qin

"This is the first project since the animation company was established. We'll secure the novel's copyright first, and then start the project as soon as the renovations here are finished."

Since the company is just starting out, it's natural not to choose projects that are particularly difficult to manage.

It just so happens that Hangzhou Xuanji Company hasn't been established yet, and "Qin's Moon" hasn't been developed, so using this IP to test the waters is perfect.

As for the screenplay adapted from the novel, Lü Rui already had confidence in it.

When filming wrapped on "The Prestige," the system gave him a new task, requiring him to advance four processes: post-production editing, special effects production, submission of the finished film for review, and theatrical distribution of "The Prestige," and successfully schedule its release.

The task reward is:
[S-Rank Talent: "Screenwriting and adaptation skills for animation (3D/2D) and comics (3D/2D) genres".]

Once the movie is released and I receive this reward, adapting it into an animated screenplay will be a piece of cake, right?
After giving instructions to Tian Xiaopeng, Lü Rui turned and left Ruiyue Animation, returning to Ruishijie Film and Television.

Hou Hongliang just poached a director from Shandong Film and Television, and he needs to meet with him to discuss collaboration.

(End of this chapter)