Entertainment News: I'm Not a Scumbag After Rebirth!

His phone vibrated; it was a text message from an unknown number in Beijing:

"Director Li, this is Amei, Li Yuchun's agent. Chun Chun greatly admires your work. I wonder if you'd be available recently? She'd like to invite you to a casual meal to discuss music. Looking forward to your reply."

Li Jun looked at the text message, a slight smile curving his lips.

He put his phone back in his pocket. He looked up, his gaze sweeping over the bustling crowd and into the distance.

Recruiting talent isn't just about finding actors; it's about laying a net—a net woven with future information, a net that belongs only to him.

Nicholas Tse's strong transformation, Hu Ge's potential in period dramas and his later rebirth, Liu Shishi's classical charm, Deng Chao's dramatic tension and box office appeal, Sun Li's composure and subtlety...

Even Wong Cho-lan's comedic talent and Lin Chia-tung's quality as a supporting actor.

These were perhaps just glimmers of hope in 2005, and were not even favored by the mainstream.

But Li Jun knew that in the next few years, they would each shine and become stars that the Chinese entertainment industry could not ignore.

What he needs to do is not to pick the ripe fruit, but to find the seeds that have not yet been discovered, water them in advance, and let them grow in their own soil in the direction he needs.

Bodyguards and Assassins is just the beginning.

What he needs is a loyal and promising core team that can support his future vast film and television empire.

Loyalty is best built on the gratitude of someone who offers help in times of need.

In the following days, following Chen Yongren's instructions, Li Jun continued to delve deeper into the heart of the Hong Kong film industry.

He went to the "Man Ying Productions" post-production company in Saigon and watched the colorist adjust the color tone of the scenes in "Election" frame by frame on a huge screen. That cold, dark texture was honed through countless comparisons and attempts.

In the sound effects studio, sound engineers used all sorts of strange props, such as rubbing plastic bags to simulate flames and shaking sheet metal to simulate thunder, to create thrilling battlefield sound effects.

He also visited "Lai's Costume Shop", the oldest costume manufacturing workshop in Hong Kong.

Master Li, with a full head of silver hair and wearing reading glasses, was sewing a Republic-era long gown stitch by stitch. The fabric was a specially aged Xiangyun yarn.

"The costume is the clothes," Master Li said to Li Jun in broken Mandarin.

Li Jun wrote down all these details.

Industrialization is not just about machines and processes, but also about the craftsmanship and dedication hidden deep in the streets and alleys.

Back at the hotel that evening, he began compiling the second list.

This one is about the talent behind the scenes.

The martial arts choreographer thought of Dong Wei, the ruthless man who would later establish a realistic action style with "Operation Mekong" and "Operation Red Sea," who was probably still working his way up in some low- to medium-budget action films.

And then there's Li Zhongzhi, the action soul of Wu Jing's "Wolf Warrior" series, who might still be struggling in the world of TV stunt work right now.

The art director remembered Zhao Huan, the artist who later created amazing visual worlds in "The Legend of the Demon Cat" and "A Writer's Odyssey," who was probably still an art assistant buried in drawing.

For photographers, you can look for Bao Dexi, who is already a big name.

These people, unlike actors, are not easily known to the public, but they are the cornerstone that determines the quality of a film.

Finding them and securing their partnerships is more important than signing ten celebrities.

He called Yuan Tao and sent him these names and some basic information.

"Old Yuan, use your connections in Beijing to help me find these people and find out their current situation. Don't alarm them, just gather information."

Yuan Tao was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone:

"Li Jun, this list of yours is quite interesting. I've never even heard of some of the names. Where did you find it?"

"In my dreams."

Li Jun was half-joking.

"Okay, I won't ask."

Yuan Tao knows how to maintain appropriate boundaries:

"I'll take care of it. However, finding these people will take time and money."

Money is not a problem.

Li Jun said:

"Shouldn't the TV broadcast revenue and GG income for 'Love is Not Blind' be settled soon?"

"The process is underway, and all three TV stations are very cooperative. The numbers are better than expected. Plus, with the explosive sales of Zhang Liangying's album released immediately after her victory, you'll soon have a large sum of money in your account."

Yuan Tao paused:

"But Li Jun, are you really going to invest everything? 'Bodyguards and Assassins' isn't even out of the picture yet, and you're already burning through money to build the crew. Isn't that a bit too hasty?"

"No rush."

Li Jun looked out the window at the night view of Victoria Harbour, where the lights resembled an inverted Milky Way:

"By the time everyone else sees the opportunity, it will be too late. I need to occupy all the available spots before everyone else realizes it."

A few days later, Chen Yongren responded.

Nicholas Tse's agent agreed to the meeting, scheduled for three days later at a private Japanese restaurant in Causeway Bay.

The situation of several newcomers from mainland China has also been preliminarily ascertained:

Hu Gegang rose to fame with his role as Li Xiaoyao in "Chinese Paladin" and was at the height of his popularity, receiving numerous acting offers. However, he seemed tired of repeating the same old costume idol dramas.

Liu Shishi is still studying at the Beijing Dance Academy, occasionally taking some photos of herself, and is as innocent as a blank sheet of paper.

Deng Chao has been moving between the stage and television, possessing talent but lacking a breakthrough film role.

Sun Li has already gained fame with "Jade Goddess of Mercy" and is seeking a career change.

As for Wong Cho-lan and Lam Ka-tung, it's just as Chen Wing-yan said.

One is active in variety shows and stage plays, while the other plays a perennial supporting role in TVB dramas.

"I'll also help you find a few suitable locations."

Chen Yongren said on the phone:

"In the end, I think a unit in an old factory building in Kwun Tong is good. It's spacious, has high ceilings, and the rent is low, making it perfect for converting into a studio. Would you like to go and see it for yourself?"

"Okay, I'll go see it tomorrow."

The next day, Li Jun, led by Chen Yongren, arrived at the industrial area in Kwun Tong.

A cluster of gray-toned concrete buildings stands tall, the streets are narrow, and container trucks shuttle back and forth.

They entered a slightly old industrial building, and the elevator creaked as it ascended to the seventh floor.

Pushing open the door reveals a spacious area of ​​500 square meters.

The original factory has moved away, leaving only mottled cement pillars and rusted pipes.

The huge windows face north, letting in even light, and dust particles dance in the beams of light.

"I used to make plastic molds."

Chen Yongren introduced:

"The landlord has emigrated and urgently needs to move in, so the terms are negotiable."

Li Jun walked slowly through the empty factory, his footsteps echoing.

He envisioned this place being transformed into a training camp for extras:

One corner was covered with PVC flooring and turned into a rehearsal area;

A corner was set up with tables and chairs, becoming an area for script readings and theory classes;

The walls can be covered with blackboards and whiteboards, filled with storyboards and character relationship diagrams;

You can even set up a few simple backdrops in a corner to simulate different shooting environments.

"Right here."