Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Next, Zhang Yu delivered a speech.

He walked to the microphone, bowed to the audience, then straightened up and looked around the room: "Thank you all for coming today."

Three months ago, when I decided to set up my own studio, many people said I was crazy.

Two months ago, when "A Family of Scholars" encountered numerous difficulties, many people said I was finished. A month ago, when the film set was vandalized and I was embroiled in scandals, many people said I should give up.

He paused, his voice steady but firm: "But I stand here today, at the listing ceremony of 'Huayu Agency,' to tell everyone—I'm not crazy, I'm not done, and I haven't given up. Not only have I not given up, but I've also found like-minded partners, gathered a group of talented actors, and am about to embark on a new journey."

The applause grew even louder. Many young creators in the audience had a light in their eyes—Zhang Yu's experience gave them hope.

“Many people ask me why I work so hard?” Zhang Yu continued. “My answer is: because this industry needs to change. It needs to change the current situation where actors are objectified, it needs to change the current situation where good works are buried, and it needs to change the current situation where young people can’t see hope. What ‘Hua Yu’ wants to do is to become the starting point of this change—even if it’s just a small step, but at least we are moving forward.”

These words resonated strongly with the audience. Even Han Sanping nodded in agreement from below the stage.

"Finally," Zhang Yu looked at the six actresses beside him, "I want to especially thank my partners. Without Chen Chen's perseverance, without Yang Mi's responsibility, without Bai Bing's composure, without Binbin and Xiao Ran's trust, without Yi Fei's purity... there would be no 'Hua Yu' today. They are not my appendages, but my comrades-in-arms, my most precious companions on this journey."

Chen Chen's eyes reddened, but she held her head high and maintained her smile. Yang Mi quietly wiped the corner of her eye. Bai Bing remained expressionless, but his clenched hand loosened. Li Binbin and Li Xiaoran exchanged a smile. Liu Yifei's eyes sparkled like stars.

The ceremony then moved to the signing segment. The six actresses took turns signing the giant contract board, and then posed for photos with Zhang Yu and Wang Jinghua. In every photo, everyone was smiling—a genuine, hopeful smile.

---

Noon, in the banquet hall.

The unveiling ceremony was followed by a luncheon. In the banquet hall of the Beijing Hotel, twenty tables of guests sipped their drinks, appearing harmonious on the surface, but undercurrents were stirring beneath.

Zhang Yu and Wang Jinghua separately entertained the guests. On Zhang Yu's side, he naturally had to express his gratitude to supporters such as Han Sanping, Feng Xiaogang, and General Manager Chen of Chengtian; on Wang Jinghua's side, she also had to greet various media outlets, platforms, and partners.

Chen Chen and Yang Mi sat together, surrounded by several reporters.

"Ms. Chen Chen, I heard that the sample footage of 'A Family of Scholars' received high praise from Chairman Han. When is the expected release date?"

"We expect it to be by the end of June, but the exact time is still being coordinated," Chen Chen replied tactfully. "Thank you for Chairman Han's recognition, and thank you to the entire team for their hard work."

"Ms. Yang Mi, you are both an actress and involved in the studio's production work. Which direction will you focus on more in the future?"

Yang Mi had a few drinks today, her cheeks were slightly flushed, but her mind was clear: "I will work hard in both directions. Acting is my foundation, but participating in production has given me a more comprehensive understanding of the works. Director Zhang once said that actors cannot just be the ones being chosen, but must also have the ability to choose. I want to become that kind of actor who has the ability to choose."

As she spoke, her eyes unconsciously glanced at Zhang Yu, who was talking to Han Sanping not far away. That profile still stood out in the crowd, calm and composed, like a pillar of strength.

The reporter caught that look but didn't dare ask any more questions—the April Fool's Day hotpot launch event was still fresh in everyone's mind, and no one wanted to be outmaneuvered again.

On the other side, Bai Bing sat with Li Binbin and Li Xiaoran. The three actresses, who shared similar temperaments, naturally formed a small circle.

"Bai Bing, what are your plans next?" Li Binbin asked. She was a few years older than Bai Bing and had a gentle, older sister-like demeanor.

"After 'The Scholarly Family' is released, I want to take a break for a while." Bai Bing took a sip of water, "and then see if Director Zhang has any suitable roles for me."

"You really enjoy working with Director Zhang?" Li Xiaoran asked softly.

Bai Bing thought for a moment and nodded: "Yes. He understands actors and knows how to bring out their best qualities. And... he respects people. In this industry, respect is more precious than anything else."

Li Binbin deeply agrees: "Yes. When I left Wayi, many people said I was foolish, saying that 'Huayu' was newly established and unstable. But I think that working with the right people is better than being neglected in a big company."

The three women looked at each other and smiled, a sense of mutual appreciation between them.

Liu Yifei sat obediently to the side, following her mother, Liu Xiaoli. When a reporter tried to interview her, Liu Xiaoli politely turned them away, saying, "Yifei is still young; she's mainly here to learn."

But in reality, Liu Yifei's eyes never left Zhang Yu on the other side of the stage. In her heart, Director Zhang was a special person—not a high and mighty director, but a guide who would squat down to explain the scenes to her, promise to tailor-make works for her, and say "you deserve it."

Halfway through the banquet, the vice president of Huayi walked over with a wine glass in hand, his target clear—Zhang Yu.

"Director Zhang, congratulations!" The vice president said with a smile. "President Wang couldn't make it today, so he asked me to congratulate him on his behalf. Your 'Hua Yu' has certainly made quite a splash."

"Thank you, Mr. Wang, and thank you, Mr. Li." Zhang Yu raised his glass, his smile impeccable. "I hope to continue to look after you in the future."

“Of course.” The vice president took a sip of his drink and lowered his voice. “Director Zhang, actually, President Wang asked me to pass on a message—all the unpleasantness before was a misunderstanding. Huayi and ‘Huayu’ are not enemies, they can be partners. If you have good projects, Huayi can invest; if Huayi has good resources, ‘Huayu’s’ artists can also participate. Harmony brings wealth, after all.”

These were well-spoken words, but Zhang Yu understood the underlying meaning—if force didn't work, they'd try persuasion; if suppression failed, they'd try winning them over. Wang Zhongjun saw that "Hua Yu" was gaining momentum and wanted a piece of the pie.

“Mr. Li is right, harmony brings wealth.” Zhang Yu smiled. “However, the specific cooperation depends on the compatibility of the projects. Although ‘Hua Yu’ has just been established, it has its own standards for works.”

These words were laced with barbs. The vice president's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered: "That's right, that's right. Well... Huayi is very interested in the 'The Longest Day in Chang'an' project. I wonder if there's any opportunity..."

"The project is still in the preparation stage, and the investors have not been fully confirmed yet." Zhang Yu was very discreet. "Once the specific plan is finalized, we will definitely communicate with President Li as soon as possible."

"Alright, alright, then we'll wait for Director Zhang's good news." The vice president, having been rebuffed, left sheepishly.

Watching his retreating figure, Zhang Yu sneered inwardly. Wang Zhongjun was the kind of person who would never genuinely cooperate; he only ever calculated personal gain. He could be all smiles today, and stab you in the back tomorrow. With this kind of person, the only option was to keep your distance and tread carefully.