Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

"Director Zhang, this is the revised contract." Mr. Li's assistant pushed a thick document in front of him. "Mr. Li, Mr. Wang, and Mr. Liu have already signed it and are just waiting for you."

Zhang Yu picked up the contract and flipped through it page by page. The main terms—a 30 million investment, a 40% stake, and priority investment rights—were exactly the same as what had been discussed yesterday. But in the inconspicuous supplementary clauses, he noticed a new one:

“Investors have the right to designate actors to participate in all film and television projects invested by ‘Huayu’, and the remuneration of the designated actors shall not be lower than 80% of the market price.”

Zhang Yu's finger paused on this for a few seconds, then he looked up at President Li: "President Li, what does this mean?"

Mr. Li leaned back in his leather swivel chair, toying with a Montblanc pen in his hand, his smile as warm as ever: "Director Zhang, don't be nervous. This is just a guarantee clause. We've invested so much money, we should have some say, right? Rest assured, the actors we've selected are definitely professional actors, they won't mess things up."

“But this is creative interference.” Zhang Yu put down the contract. “The choice of actors for a film should be decided by the director and producer based on the needs of the role, not by the investors.”

“Director Zhang, I understand that you are an artist with artistic aspirations.” Mr. Li’s smile faded slightly. “But we investors need to look at returns. Sometimes the actors the market likes are not necessarily the most suitable artistically, but they are definitely the safest commercially. You should understand this principle.”

Zhang Yu certainly understands. This is the current state of the Chinese film and television industry—capital hijacks creative work, and popularity determines roles. He has always wanted to change this situation, which is why he founded the "Hua Yu" training camp to cultivate truly talented actors.

But now, in order to keep the training camp, he has to bow to capital.

“Mr. Li, if we must add this clause, I would like to suggest a restriction.” Zhang Yu carefully considered his words. “For example, the investors can only designate one main actor for each film, and the director and producer must approve it.”

Mr. Li raised an eyebrow and exchanged glances with Mr. Wang and Mr. Liu beside him. The three exchanged glances quickly, but Zhang Yu still caught the calculation in their eyes.

“Okay.” Mr. Li finally nodded. “We’ll do as Director Zhang said, one main actor per film, with the director’s approval. But Director Zhang, I hope you understand that we are partners, not enemies. We are investing in you because we believe in your abilities, and we hope you can understand our needs.”

“I understand.” Zhang Yu picked up the pen and signed his name on the contract.

The sound of the pen gliding across paper was exceptionally clear in the quiet meeting room. The moment he finished signing, Zhang Yu felt a wave of exhaustion—not physical, but mental. He knew that from this day forward, "Hua Yu" no longer belonged entirely to him.

"It's a pleasure to cooperate with you." Mr. Li stood up and extended his hand.

"It's a pleasure to work with you." Zhang Yu shook hands with him, feeling the strength and warmth of the other's hand.

The signing ceremony was simple, with no media, no champagne, and only a few key personnel present. Afterwards, President Li invited Zhang Yu to stay for lunch, but Zhang Yu politely declined.

"I need to rush back to Hengdian; there are some things to take care of at the training camp."

"I understand, I understand." President Li patted him on the shoulder. "Director Zhang, the money will arrive this afternoon. We have a new project launching next month, and we'll be assigning an actor to it. Get ready."

"So fast?" Zhang Yu frowned.

"The business world is like a battlefield; speed is everything," Mr. Li said with a smile. "Alright, I won't keep you any longer. The driver is waiting for you downstairs."

Leaving the Jin Mao Tower and getting into the car back to Hengdian, Zhang Yu leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. The mole under his left eye felt slightly warm, as if reminding him—time was running out.

With 30 million yuan in hand, "Hua Yu's" crisis was temporarily averted. However, this 30 million yuan wasn't obtained for nothing; it was acquired in exchange for control of the company and creative freedom. Moreover, President Li was going to bring in actors next month, which meant he had to prepare the project as soon as possible.

He took out his phone and dialed Wang Jinghua's number.

"Jinghua, the money will arrive this afternoon. Be prepared to receive it. Also, start the film version of 'Awakening of Insects' project. I want to begin filming within three months."

Wang Jinghua on the other end of the phone was surprised: "Three months? Director Zhang, the script isn't finished yet, and the actors haven't been cast..."

“I will write the script myself. As for the actors…” Zhang Yu paused, “we will use our own actresses for the female lead. You can pick a few promising actresses from the training camp, and I will personally interview them.”

"What about the investors..."

“I will communicate with them,” Zhang Yu said. “Remember, Jinghua, this is our chance to turn things around; we cannot afford to lose.”

After hanging up, he dialed Wang Ou's number again.

"Wang Ou, help me make an appointment with Tang Yan. Tonight at 7 PM, at the training camp coffee shop."

"Tang Yan?" Wang Ou was a little surprised. "Director Zhang, her mother is having surgery tomorrow, and she took the day off to go to the hospital today."

“I know,” Zhang Yu said. “That’s why I’m meeting her tonight. I want to tell her that I have something important to say to her.”

"Okay, I'll contact them right away."

Having arranged everything, Zhang Yu gazed at the fleeting scenery outside the car window, his thoughts drifting far away.

Tang Yan, 20 years old, is a sophomore at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. Beneath her sweet and innocent appearance lies a resilience beyond her years. Her mother has breast cancer and needs surgery, forcing her family to sell their house to raise money. Yesterday, she was almost poached by Huayi Brothers because they promised an advance payment of 500,000 yuan.

He stopped her and promised to help her with her medical expenses. Now that he has the money, he can keep his promise.

But this wasn't just simple help. He needed Tang Yan's mark, and she was at her most vulnerable and in need of support right now. It was an opportunity, albeit somewhat opportunistic, but he had no choice.

The birthmark under my left eye was burning hot, like a kind of urging.

……

Shanghai Huashan Hospital, Surgical Oncology Ward.

The smell of disinfectant filled the air, and nurses occasionally pushed treatment carts past in the corridor. Tang Yan sat on a bench outside the operating room, her hands clasped tightly together, her knuckles white from the force.

My mother has been in the operating room for three hours and hasn't come out yet. My father went to raise money—although Director Zhang said he would help, they can't put all their hopes on others.

"Tang Yan".

A familiar voice rang in her ears. Tang Yan looked up and saw Zhang Yu. He was wearing a dark gray trench coat today, carrying a fruit basket and a bouquet of flowers, standing in the shadows of the corridor like an unreal phantom.

"Director Zhang?" Tang Yan stood up, somewhat flustered. "Why are you here? Weren't you supposed to be here tonight..."

"I'm back early." Zhang Yu put his things on the chair. "How did the surgery go?"

"It's still in progress," Tang Yan said softly. "The doctor said the surgery is quite complicated and may take five or six hours."

Zhang Yu sat down next to her: "Don't worry, the Department of Oncology Surgery at Huashan Hospital is the best in the country. Your mother will be fine."