Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

"We're preparing for the movie version of 'Awakening of Insects,' and it's said that filming will begin next month. Zhou Xun has been cast as the female lead, and a newcomer named Tang Yan has been chosen for the second female lead," the assistant replied respectfully.

"Tang Yan?" Wang Zhongjun frowned. "What's her background?"

“She has no special background, just a recent graduate from drama school, and has only done a few small commercials before. But…” the assistant hesitated for a moment, “Zhang Yu seems to value her highly, not only giving her the second female lead role but also paying her an advance of 300,000 yuan.”

Wang Zhongjun sneered, "Zhang Yu is trying to promote a newcomer. But has he forgotten his current predicament?"

The assistant didn't respond. Everyone in the industry knew that ever since Zhang Yu established his own company, "Huayu Media," Wang Zhongjun had considered him a thorn in his side. Not long ago, Wang Zhongjun, along with several film and television companies, launched a blacklist against "Huayu," cutting off many of Zhang Yu's resources and connections.

"Has the filming permit for 'Awakening of Insects' been issued yet?" Wang Zhongjun suddenly asked.

"It should be soon, following the normal procedure..."

“Then let it slow down.” Wang Zhongjun stubbed out his cigar. “Also, investigate that Tang Yan and see if there’s anything we can use. I’ll make sure Zhang Yu can’t promote the person he wants to promote.”

The assistant nodded and left. Only Wang Zhongjun remained in the office, gazing at the bustling cityscape outside the window with a gloomy expression.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yu was on the phone in his office.

“Mr. Li, thank you for considering our cooperation.” Zhang Yu’s tone was calm but firm. “You have already read the script for ‘Awakening of Insects,’ and the market prospects are very optimistic. I need a funding gap of 20 million, but not for free—I can give up 15% of the investment share.”

On the other end of the phone was Mr. Li, a real estate tycoon and an investor with considerable influence in the entertainment industry.

“Director Zhang, I admire your talent.” Mr. Li’s voice came through the receiver, “But as you know, Wang Zhongjun has made it clear that anyone who invests in ‘Huayu’s’ project is going against him. In business, it’s better to have one more friend than one more enemy.”

Zhang Yu had anticipated hearing such words. He calmly said, "President Li, there are indeed no permanent friends in the business world, but one should have a long-term vision. What Wang Zhongjun can give you is nothing more than existing resources and connections. But what 'Awakening of Insects' can give you is a voice in the industry for the next ten years—if you bet right."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.

“Director Zhang, you’re very persuasive,” Mr. Li finally spoke up. “But I need more assurance. How about this: if you can get Zhou Xun to sign on for this film and ensure the filming permit is issued within a month, I’ll invest ten million.”

"Twenty million." Zhang Yu refused to back down.

"Fifteen million, that's my limit."

Zhang Yu thought for a few seconds: "Deal."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yu rubbed his temples. The funding problem was partially solved, but the filming permit was indeed a potential issue. He picked up another phone and dialed a number.

"Director Chen, this is Zhang Yu. Regarding the filming permit for 'Awakening of Insects'... Yes, I know the process takes time, but my situation is special... Okay, let's meet on Friday night to discuss it."

Behind each of these phone calls lies a complex web of unseen maneuvering. Zhang Yu's greatest advantage from his rebirth wasn't the ability to foresee the future, but rather a profound understanding of human nature. He knew who needed what, and when, and how to gain the greatest benefit with the least cost.

But he also knew that Wang Zhongjun wouldn't give up easily. In his past life, Wang Zhongjun would use various means to suppress competitors, including but not limited to poaching actors, spreading rumors, and even using administrative connections to hinder project progress.

"Looks like I need to start planning ahead," Zhang Yu muttered to himself, writing down a few names in his notebook.

On the tenth day of training, Tang Yan finally got her first day off.

She went to the hospital in the morning, and her mother was already able to sit up and eat liquid food. Seeing her daughter, a smile appeared on her pale face.

"Yan Yan, stop going to the hospital so often. Your work is more important."

"Mom, I'm not tired." Tang Yan peeled an apple gently. "The director is very good to me and has given me a very important role."

“That Director Zhang… is a good person,” the mother said softly. “You should cherish this opportunity, but also remember what I said—for a girl in the entertainment industry, the most important thing is to uphold her principles.”

Tang Yan paused. She remembered the 300,000 yuan Zhang Yu had given her, remembered him saying, "This isn't a gift for nothing," and remembered the pure, unadulterated expectation in his eyes.

“Mom, Director Zhang is different,” Tang Yan said. “He gave me a chance because he thinks I have value and am worth investing in. It’s not for any other reason.”

The mother looked at the light shining in her daughter's eyes, feeling both gratified and worried. She hadn't experienced the entertainment industry firsthand, but she had heard countless stories about it. But she also knew what this opportunity meant to her daughter, who had dreamed of performing since childhood.

"No matter what, remember to protect yourself." That was all the mother said in the end.

After leaving the hospital, Tang Yan didn't go straight home, but went to the city library instead. She remembered Zhang Yu's words and wanted to find novels and essays from the Republican era.

In the literature section, she unexpectedly met Zhang Yu.

"Director Zhang?" Tang Yan asked in surprise, "You're here too?"

Zhang Yu was holding several books. When he saw Tang Yan, he nodded and said, "I'm here to find some information. The background of 'Awakening of Insects' is Shanghai in the 1930s, and I want to re-examine the social landscape of that era."

The two naturally walked to the reading area and found a quiet corner to sit down.

"Are you adapting well to the training?" Zhang Yu asked.

"I'm a little tired, but it's very fulfilling," Tang Yan answered honestly. "I never knew before that a role required so much preparation. It's not just about acting skills, but also the historical background, the character's psychology, and even the details of their lives..."

“This is the difference between a good actor and an ordinary actor.” Zhang Yu opened a book in his hand, which was Eileen Chang’s “Love in a Fallen City.” “The Shanghai in Eileen Chang’s writing has a kind of exquisite decadence. This atmosphere is exactly the world that Lin Wan lives in.”

Looking at Zhang Yu's focused profile, Tang Yan suddenly asked, "Director Zhang, why are you so persistent about 'Awakening of Insects'? I heard that you offended a lot of people because of this project."

Zhang Yu raised his head and looked into the distance through the tall windows of the library.

“Because ‘Awakening’ is more than just a movie,” he said slowly. “It is a microcosm of an era, a symphony of the fates of a group of people. The character Lin Wan represents the predicaments and choices of countless women in that era—they searched for their place in a chaotic world, maintained their dignity under oppression, and sought light in the darkness.”

He turned back to look at Tang Yan: "And you, Tang Yan, you have the potential to portray this complexity. That's why I chose you."