Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

"Director Zhang," Liu Xiaoli began, "Ms. Jinghua wants to sign Yifei, what do you think?"

This is a very direct question. Zhang Yu thought for a moment: "Wang Jinghua is one of the best agents in the country, with top-notch resources and connections. If she's willing to put her heart into managing Yifei, it's a great opportunity. However..."

"But what?"

“However, Yifei is still young and in school,” Zhang Yu said earnestly. “My advice is that signing a contract is fine, but her studies should be her priority. Filming shouldn’t interfere with her studies, and she should be selective about the roles she takes on. She can’t just take any role. Yifei has great potential, so she should focus on high-quality projects.”

These words resonated with Liu Xiaoli. She nodded, "That's what I was thinking too. Director Zhang, thank you for considering Yifei's feelings."

"Of course." Zhang Yu looked at Liu Yifei. "Yifei, what are your own thoughts?"

Liu Yifei thought for a moment and said very seriously, "I want to act, but I also want to study hard. Director Zhang, Mom, Teacher Jinghua, please help me make arrangements. I'll listen to you."

Her obedience was heartbreaking. Zhang Yu suddenly remembered his past life; Liu Yifei had also debuted at this age, experiencing many ups and downs along the way, but always maintaining her purity. In this life, he wanted to protect that purity.

“Yifei,” he said, “once the studio is stable, I want to tailor a project just for you. No rush, wait until you’re a bit older and your acting is more mature. But this is my promise.”

Liu Yifei's eyes lit up: "Really? Thank you, Director Zhang!"

Liu Xiaoli was also very touched: "Director Zhang, you're so good to Yifei..."

“Because she deserves it.” Zhang Yu smiled.

The three talked for over an hour, mostly about balancing acting and studies. Although Liu Yifei is young, she has her own ideas and a deep understanding of acting. Zhang Yu could sense that this girl had a limitless future.

After seeing Liu Yifei and her daughter off, Zhang Yu checked the time; it was 5:30 PM. Time to head to the Kunlun Hotel.

---

6:30 p.m., Cantonese restaurant at Kunlun Hotel.

The Cantonese restaurant at the Kunlun Hotel was elegantly decorated, with Chinese mahogany furniture in the private rooms and ink paintings hanging on the walls. When Zhang Yu arrived, Wang Jinghua was already there, along with two other people—one was Li Binbin (Li Bingbing), whom Zhang Yu knew, and the other was a young woman he didn't recognize.

"Director Zhang is here." Wang Jinghua stood up to greet him. "Let me introduce you. This is Li Xiaoran, who just finished filming 'Like Fog, Like Rain, Like Wind.' She's a new artist I signed."

Li Xiaoran stood up. Today she was wearing a light blue dress, her long hair was slightly curled, her features were delicate, and her temperament was gentle yet with a hint of aloofness. She extended her hand and said softly, "Hello Director Zhang, I am Li Xiaoran."

"Hello, Ms. Li." Zhang Yu shook hands. He could sense that Li Xiaoran's star quality was very special—not enthusiasm, but a kind of restrained tenacity and seriousness towards art.

"This is Li Binbin, you two talked on the phone," Wang Jinghua continued.

Li Binbin was dressed in a black suit skirt and white shirt today, her long hair was tied up in a bun, and her makeup was exquisite and capable. She stood up to shake hands, her smile gentle but her eyes firm: "Director Zhang, it's finally time to meet."

"Hello, Ms. Li, it's an honor."

The four sat down. Wang Jinghua got straight to the point: "Director Zhang, I invited you here today mainly for three things. First, the joint venture will be officially launched next week, and I've already thought of a name for it: 'Huayu Brokerage.' 'Hua' represents me, and 'Yu' represents you, symbolizing prosperity and brilliance."

"Good name." Zhang Yu nodded.

“Secondly, I want to sign Binbin and Xiaoran into the joint venture,” Wang Jinghua said. “They both have a certain level of fame now, but they need better planning and resources. Your studio will provide the content, and my agency will be responsible for operations. It’s a powerful combination.”

Zhang Yu looked at the two of them: "What are your thoughts?"

Li Binbin spoke first: "Director Zhang, I've seen 'Autumn Day' and I understand your studio's philosophy. I feel that working with a director like you would allow me to produce good works and realize my value as an actor. I'm willing to sign."

Li Xiaoran nodded: "Me too. Teacher Wang talked to me for a long time, and I think this model is very good. Actors focus on acting, and the management team takes care of other things. Everyone does their own job."

"Alright," Zhang Yu said, "Welcome to the team."

“The third thing,” Wang Jinghua said, her expression turning serious, “is about Wang Zhongjun. I’ve received information that he’s not only blocking you with the license, but he’s also contacting major cinema chains to try and block screenings of ‘The Scholarly Family.’”

This news is devastating. If theaters don't allocate screenings, even the best-made film will be wasted.

"Is the information reliable?" Zhang Yu asked.

“Reliable.” Wang Jinghua nodded. “I have connections in the cinema chains. Wang Zhongjun has declared that anyone who dares to screen ‘The Scholarly Family’ is going against him. Many cinema chains are watching and waiting.”

Zhang Yu was silent for a few seconds, then laughed: "President Wang, are you trying to wipe us out completely?"

"What's your plan?" Wang Jinghua asked.

“Yes.” Zhang Yu said calmly, “If he bans theaters, we’ll take another route—TV movies. Didn’t Orange Field Culture buy the TV broadcasting rights? We can cooperate with them to turn ‘The Scholarly Family’ into a TV movie and broadcast it on television. Although the revenue won’t be as good as theaters, at least the work will be released.”

This is a compromise. Wang Jinghua thought for a moment: "It's an idea, but the revenue from TV movies is indeed limited..."

"So we need to prepare for both possibilities," Zhang Yu said. "On the one hand, we will continue to strive for theatrical releases. I will approach state-owned cinema chains like China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group, but they may not necessarily agree to Wang Zhongjun's proposals. On the other hand, we will prepare television and film projects. At the same time, we will launch the 'The Longest Day in Chang'an' project to prove the studio's strength with new projects."

He spoke clearly and logically. Wang Jinghua's eyes showed admiration: "Director Zhang, you're even calmer than I imagined."

“Because there’s no use in rushing,” Zhang Yu said. “Mr. Wang, I’d like to ask you for a favor.”

"You said."

“Use your connections to help me arrange a meeting with Han Sanping, chairman of China Film Group,” Zhang Yu said. “If we can get China Film Group’s support, Wang Zhongjun’s blockade will fall apart on its own.”

Wang Jinghua thought for a moment: "Han Sanping... I've had dinner with him a few times, but we're not close. But I can give it a try. How about this, I'll ask his secretary out tomorrow and see if there's an opportunity."

"Thank you."

The dinner continued, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Li Binbin and Li Xiaoran are both very thoughtful actors with their own insights into acting and the industry. Zhang Yu chatted with them very congenially and could sense their seriousness and pursuit of art.

Li Xiaoran, in particular, is a woman of few words, but every time she speaks, she gets to the heart of the matter. Zhang Yu learned that she graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy, later joined the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe, and then transitioned to acting. This background has given her a unique artistic temperament.

"Director Zhang," Li Xiaoran suddenly asked, "what do you think is most important for an actor?"