Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

At 7 p.m., the two arrived at the agreed-upon restaurant on time. It was a high-end private restaurant located in an old villa across from Gulangyu Island, with a private and elegant environment.

Jing Tian was already waiting in the private room, accompanied by a middle-aged man. She introduced them: "This is my studio's partner, President Chen. President Chen, this is Tang Yan, Director Zhang."

Mr. Chen, around fifty years old, wore gold-rimmed glasses and had a refined demeanor. He shook hands with the two women and said politely, "It's an honor to meet you. Miss Tang's performance last night was truly outstanding; you deserved it."

After taking their seats, Jing Tian got straight to the point: "Tang Yan, I've seriously considered the studio investment proposal we discussed last time. Now that you've won the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress, your value is different, so I'd like to propose a new plan."

She took out a document from her bag: "This is the detailed cooperation agreement. You will invest 10% in your own name, without participating in day-to-day management, but you will have priority in selecting projects. The annual dividends will be distributed proportionally, and the specific figures are inside."

Tang Yan took the document and passed it to Zhang Yu. Zhang Yu flipped through a few pages, his brow furrowing slightly: "Tian Tian, ​​isn't this profit-sharing ratio a bit low?"

Jing Tian smiled: "Director Zhang, 10% of the shares is already a very high percentage based on our studio's current valuation. Moreover, Tang Yan doesn't need to contribute any money; she's contributing her fame and resources."

"How exactly does the project priority selection right work?" Zhang Yu pressed.

"For any project we develop, Tang Yan has the right to be the first to see the script. If she likes it, she can sign it first," Jing Tian explained. "If she doesn't want to act, we'll find someone else."

Tang Yan interjected, "Sister Tian Tian, ​​what if there's a scheduling conflict with a project I'm interested in?"

“Then let’s negotiate,” Jing Tian said. “We can adjust the shooting time, or wait until you are free. Of course, if we really can’t coordinate, we can only regret it.”

Zhang Yu closed the document: "Let's take it back and study it carefully, and give you a reply within a week."

"Of course." Jing Tian raised her glass. "Come on, let's wish each other a pleasant collaboration."

The dinner proceeded in a friendly atmosphere. Jing Tian talked a lot about her future plans, including making several big-budget films, nurturing new talent, and creating her own intellectual property. Tang Yan listened and had to admit that she was indeed ambitious and had ideas.

When the party ended, Jing Tian saw them to the door. Just before they got into the car, she suddenly grabbed Tang Yan's hand and whispered, "Tang Yan, there's something I want to tell you. I used to be hostile towards you because I thought you got to where you are through connections. Now I know you're really capable. In this industry, capable people deserve respect. From now on, we're friends."

Looking into her sincere eyes, Tang Yan nodded: "Thank you, Sister Tian Tian."

On the way back to the hotel, Zhang Yu asked, "What do you think?"

“She seems genuinely interested in collaborating,” Tang Yan said. “But I also remember you saying that Jing Tian is not a simple person.”

“Yes, it’s right to be vigilant,” Zhang Yu said. “However, cooperation is negotiable, as long as the contract terms are clear and beneficial to you. Go back and have Li Wei and the lawyer review it carefully.”

……

Three days after returning to Yanjing, Tang Yan took some time to go home.

The mother has almost fully recovered and now spends her days watching TV, doing housework, and occasionally chatting with the neighbors. Seeing her daughter return, she was overjoyed and busied herself preparing a feast.

At the dinner table, the mother hesitated several times before finally asking, "Yan Yan, I have a question for you. Are you and Director Zhang together now?"

Tang Yan paused for a moment, then nodded: "Yes, we're together."

The mother was silent for a moment, then said, "He's divorced and so much older than you. Have you thought this through?"

“Mom, I know all of this.” Tang Yan put down her chopsticks. “He treats me very well, respects me, and supports my career. So what if I’m divorced? Everyone has a past. As for age, I don’t care.”

The mother sighed: "It's not that I'm against it, it's just that I'm afraid you'll get taken advantage of. Your circle is too complicated."

“I know it’s complicated,” Tang Yan said, “but it’s precisely because it’s complicated that I need someone who understands me. Mom, Zhang Yu is that person.”

Seeing the determination in her daughter's eyes, the mother finally nodded: "Alright then, as long as you're happy, Mom will be at ease. When are you going to bring him home for a meal?"

Tang Yan smiled and said, "Okay, I'll bring him back after he's done with this busy period."

That evening, Tang Yan called Zhang Yu and told him about it. Zhang Yu was silent for a moment, then said, "Auntie is right. I am indeed divorced, and I am indeed older than you. These are facts. If you have any concerns, you can tell me."

“I have no concerns,” Tang Yan said. “Zhang Yu, I’m not a child. I know what I want.”

"Alright then." Zhang Yu's voice softened. "Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll formally visit Auntie."

……

In early February, Tang Yan flew to Shanghai alone to join the cast of the TV series "Her Poems".

This is an art film set in the Republican era, telling the story of the life of Lin Huiyin (pseudonym), a female poet during that period. Liu Yifei directs and stars in the film, while Tang Yan plays her close friend and fellow poet, Chen Hengzhe (pseudonym).

The opening ceremony was held at Shanghai Film Park. Liu Yifei, a departure from her usual image, wore a director's vest and commanded the scene with composure. Upon seeing Tang Yan, she greeted her with a smile: "You've arrived? Was your journey tiring?"

"It's no trouble at all, Sister Yifei," Tang Yan said. "I'm really looking forward to this collaboration."

“Me too.” Liu Yifei put her arm around her shoulder. “Come on, let me take you to meet the other actors.”

The cast and crew had many familiar faces. The male lead was played by Chen Kun, who had previously worked with Tang Yan in "Awakening of Insects." Several veteran actors were also present, all personally invited by Liu Yifei.

The first scene was filmed in a restored old Shanghai shikumen alleyway. Tang Yan plays Chen Hengzhe, who visits Lin Huiyin, and the two discuss poetry and life in the study.

Liu Yifei's directing style is completely different from Zhang Yu's. She is more meticulous and pays more attention to the actors' improvisation, often saying, "Go with your own feeling, and let's try a few more possibilities."

After filming three takes, Liu Yifei called for a stop: "Tang Yan, your gaze was too gentle just now. Chen Hengzhe admires Lin Huiyin, but he doesn't idolize her. They are equals. You need to portray that kind of scholar's pride."

Tang Yan seemed lost in thought. When she took another shot, she adjusted her gaze, which became more aloof and scrutinizing.

"Okay, this is it." Liu Yifei nodded in satisfaction.

After a long day of filming, Tang Yan was tired but fulfilled. Back at the hotel, she video-chatted with Zhang Yu to report on the day's shooting progress.

"Director Liu's requirements are very detailed, but they always hit the nail on the head," she said.

“Yifei is an actress by training, so she understands actors best,” Zhang Yu said. “Under her guidance, you can learn a lot of different things.”

"I miss you," Tang Yan suddenly said.