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

Li Jun listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the rim of the teacup.

Yuan Tao's ideas coincided with, or were even clearer and more systematic than, some of his own plans.

He saw in Yuan Tao's eyes that the rekindled flame of a professional musician.

"What about resources, distribution channels, and start-up capital?"

Li Jun asked a very practical question.

"Resources: the connections I've built up over the years are still there—old relationships from the record era, radio stations, music critics, and some concert promoters. These are the very foundation of the music industry that Huayi doesn't value or bother to maintain. As for channels, we can discuss cooperation on traditional distribution and new media."

Yuan Tao glanced at Li Jun:

"You're better at it than I am. As for start-up capital..."

Yuan Tao smiled:

"I've staked everything I've saved over the years, plus the portion I'm entitled to when I leave. What about you? I heard that although 'Love is Not Blind' didn't make it to major theaters, the TV broadcasts, subsequent online rights sales, and some sporadic overseas releases seem to have generated good revenue?"

Li Jun smiled, nodded, and uttered a number:

"After deducting all costs, the net profit is roughly this amount."

Yuan Tao raised an eyebrow, clearly somewhat surprised by the sheer amount.

Ten million.

For a film shot in an old warehouse that was almost banned by major theater chains, this is nothing short of a miracle.

But behind this miracle lies the power of top-tier content, Li Jun's bold disruption of distribution channels, and the fact that the spirit of the times was on their side.

"It seems we have more start-up capital than we thought."

Yuan Tao's smile widened even more:

"So, cooperation?"

"Cooperation. You take care of the company, you lead the music production and artist management, and I'll assist. Zhang Liangying's contract will be signed with our own company."

Li Jun slowly said:

"However, I will probably need to focus my energy on something else next."

"Movie?"

Yuan Tao understood.

"Mm." Li Jun nodded.

"Love is Not Blind is a stepping stone, proving that content and cleverness can break through. But to truly stand out and go further, something more substantial is needed. Petty romances and emotional resonance are one path, but not the whole story. Chinese-language films need more industrialized genre films with greater commercial ambition and production standards."

He paused for a moment, then uttered the name that had been brewing in his heart for so long:

"My next film is 'Bodyguards and Assassins'."

Yuan Tao was somewhat unfamiliar with the name, but he could vaguely sense the profound meaning behind it.

"The story is set in Hong Kong during the late Qing Dynasty. It is about assassination and protection, family and country and loyalty, and the struggles and shining moments of ordinary people in the torrent of history."

Li Jun sketched it out simply:

"If this film is made well, it could be a box office hit or a critical benchmark. But more importantly, it needs a more mature and professional industrial production system to support it, requiring a lot of action design, scene recreation, and precise scheduling."

He looked at Yuan Tao, his eyes sharp:

"The current film industry environment in China is not yet capable of supporting a film like this. At least, it's not good enough, not fast enough, and not professional enough. Therefore, making 'Bodyguards and Assassins' was not just about making a movie."

"You're trying to... use this to open a route to Hong Kong?"

Yuan Tao immediately understood Li Jun's deeper meaning.

"right."

Li Jun admitted:

"Hong Kong's film industry, especially action films and commercial production processes, once led Asia, and its foundation and talent remain. Although its momentum is not what it used to be, it's still a force to be reckoned with. More importantly, as a free port, Hong Kong has closer ties with the international film market, possessing unique channels and advantages in financing, co-production, distribution, and even award ceremonies. I want to take this opportunity of making 'Bodyguards and Assassins' to delve into the Hong Kong film industry, learn from and integrate their industrialization experience, and build our own team and network. This is not just about making a film, but about attending the university of 'industrialization,' and paving a solid path for creating truly globally competitive Chinese-language commercial blockbusters in the future."

The tea room quieted down, with only the soft bubbling of the kettle.

Yuan Tao looked at the man in front of him, who was much younger than himself. Beneath his calm tone lay an immense and chilling ambition and a terrifyingly clear plan.

From a single song to a low-budget, high-grossing film, to a music-focused company, and now to a blueprint aimed at Hong Kong and industrialized film production...

Every step was unexpected, yet interconnected.

"What you think about is always a few steps ahead of what we see."

Yuan Tao sighed, then raised his teacup:

"Well then, I wish Director Li's plan success. Leave the music company to me. We'll each keep to our own responsibilities and look out for each other."

Li Jun also raised his cup, and the two teacups gently touched, producing a crisp sound.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

The ginkgo leaves outside the window were still falling, but the air in the tea room seemed to be filled with a new and vibrant atmosphere.

The old alliance has broken down, filled with resentment and determination.

The new partnership has just been formed, carrying dreams and ambitions.

The family crisis needs to be overcome with the help of top-notch medical technology, the dream of music needs to be carried by a pure company, and the journey of film points to that once glorious land further south that is in dire need of rediscovery.

......

Summer is getting stronger in Beijing. The air is muggy, but the sky is a clear, bright blue, a kind of sunny day that is completely different from the humid climate of Chengdu and carries a sense of detachment.

In the private room at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the heating was on full blast, and on the windowsill were two potted green ivy plants brought by Zhang Liangying. Their tender leaves unfurled, injecting a touch of life into the space filled with the smell of disinfectant.

On the third day after her surgery, Zhang's mother was transferred back here from the intensive care unit.

Her face was still pale, and several tubes were connected to her body. The pain after the anesthesia wore off made her brows furrow from time to time, but her eyes were clear. When she saw her daughter, she would try to smile.

Zhang Liang stayed by her side every step of the way. She learned how to read the numbers on the monitor, memorized the tongue-twisting names of each type of IV bag, and could even moisten her mother's lips with a cotton swab just right, depending on how dry they were.

At this moment, she was just a silent and resilient daughter, all her attention focused on her mother's steady breathing and the occasional opening of her eyes.

Li Jun and Yuan Tao took turns coming over. When Li Jun came, he would usually bring some light soup that he had cooked at home, or fruits that Zhang Liangying liked.

He rarely goes into the wards; most of the time he's in the corridor, looking around through the glass for a while, exchanging a few words with the nurses on duty, and asking about their conditions.

He had a strong presence, but he didn't disturb the carefully quiet atmosphere in the ward.

Yuan Tao is better at handling specific matters, contacting the hospital to coordinate medication, arranging shifts for caregivers, and ensuring that any non-medical needs can be met immediately.

"Dr. Wu said during his rounds this morning that the recovery is better than expected."

One time when Li Jun came, he said to Zhang Liangying, who looked a little haggard, in the corridor:

"The lead generation is going well; maybe we can try drinking some water tomorrow."

Zhang Liangying nodded, her fingers unconsciously twisting a corner of her hospital gown—a small gesture she made when she was anxious.

"Yes, the nurse said it went more smoothly than expected."

Her voice was a little hoarse, which was caused by lack of sleep and speaking less.

Don't be too tense.

Li Jun looked at the dark circles under her eyes:

"Auntie, Lao Yuan and I will keep an eye on things here. You can go to the rest room next door and get some sleep when you have a spare moment. The recovery period is long, so you can't afford to collapse now."

Zhang Liangying shook her head, but her tone wasn't as absolute as before. She glanced at Li Jun, a hint of barely perceptible dependence in her eyes:

"I just always feel uneasy."

"It's normal for things to be hanging in the balance."

Li Jun's voice was very steady:

"But the doctor said everything will go smoothly, so we should believe it will. If you stay calm, your aunt will feel at ease watching over you."

These words had an effect. Zhang Liangying took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled, her shoulders seeming to relax a little.

Li Jun paused:

"Old Yuan has already started planning your upcoming performances. Don't rush, let's talk about it when you're feeling better, but listening to his ideas is also a way to distract yourself."

Zhang Liangying nodded again. She knew that life had to go on, her mother was slowly getting better, and her career couldn't stay stagnant forever.

At this moment, the stage, the lights, and the applause feel as distant as something from a past life.

Yuan Tao's "Sound and Shadow Workshop" rented half a floor in a newly built cultural and creative park on the East Fourth Ring Road in Beijing.

The place is small and simply decorated, but it has a wide view and plenty of sunlight.

He sat behind his brand-new desk, and spread out in front of him not were financial statements, but an astonishingly detailed report.

"Zhang Liangying's Medium- and Long-Term Artistic Image and Market Positioning Plan".

He arranged for Zhang Liangying to come to the company for a talk after her mother's condition stabilized.

There were no outsiders, just the two of them, plus a planning director he had poached at a high salary, who had worked for fashion magazines for many years and had extensive connections.

"Liangying, let's be clear first, you're focusing all your energy on your aunt right now, and there's absolutely no problem with that, we fully support you."

Yuan Tao got straight to the point:

"So for the next six months, or even longer, we won't be giving you any commercial activities that require long hours of appearances or a hectic schedule. Especially endorsements."

Linda chimed in, her voice crisp and efficient:

"We analyzed all your current public image materials, from the Super Girl auditions to your performances of the three songs in the finals. Your strengths lie in the uniqueness of your voice, the depth of your emotional expression, and a rare freshness. This is completely different from most idol singers on the market who are either saccharine, showy, or hyped up."

She pulled up a PowerPoint presentation, which featured classic GG images from several top international luxury brands, with a minimalist and aloof style.

"When these brands choose spokespeople or brand ambassadors, they value not only brand awareness, but also the compatibility of their image with the brand's temperament, a sophisticated image, and a sustainable and positive public influence. They need faces that can elevate the brand's image, not just those that bring in sales."

Yuan Tao tapped the desktop with his finger:

"Therefore, our strategy is 'performances over sales.' We're not in a rush to release albums to make money, but rather we're carefully crafting several high-caliber performances. The National Centre for the Performing Arts Concert Hall, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall…"

"We've already made initial contact, and the response has been positive. As for the music, Li Jun will tailor-make new songs for you, and he will also select some artistic classic pieces for re-arrangement."

Linda added:

"In addition to your core fans, we will also invite music critics, cultural figures, and fashion media."

And the Greater China marketing directors and public relations heads of those luxury brands.

Let them experience the charm of your voice and your artistic potential in the best audiovisual environment.

This is more effective than any money-burning GG.

Zhang Liangying listened quietly. These plans were grand and detailed, exceeding her usual imagination of a singer's career.

She originally thought that after the competition, she would release an album, do promotions, and get endorsements.

But Yuan Tao and Linda are describing a steeper and more illustrious path.

"What do I need to do?" she asked.

"First, take good care of your aunt and adjust your own physical and mental state."

Yuan Tao put it bluntly:

"Secondly, trust our professional judgment and cooperate with Li Jun's new song creation and rehearsal."

Finally, you may need to receive some soft skills training in posture, deportment, or even art appreciation.

It's not about changing you, but about enabling you to present yourself more naturally and confidently in those important situations.

Looking at the undeniable seriousness in Yuan Tao's eyes and Linda's detailed plan, the instinctive desire for a singing career that had been temporarily suppressed due to her mother's illness seemed to be gently touched.

She nodded:

"I trust you. I'll start preparing once my mom feels better."

At the same time, the aftershocks of "Love is Not Blind" began to truly affect Tang Yan.

The reports brought by nominations at overseas film festivals are like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.

Although the ripples were small, they were enough to draw the attention of some people in the industry to this new name.

First, the invitations to shoot the inside pages of those two fashion magazines came true, and Tang Yan, accompanied by Jia Peng and a temporarily hired agent, completed her first professional photoshoot.

She was a little reserved in front of the camera, but the photographer captured her unadorned, story-telling eyes, and the final result was unexpectedly good.

Then, a TV drama script was handed to her.

She is not the female lead, but a supporting character with a very interesting character design, a female student in the Republic of China era with a bumpy background and a complicated inner world.

The producers stated that they chose her because they felt her temperament matched the delicate sadness and stubbornness she portrayed in "Love is Not Blind".

Tang Yan held the script and read it over and over again in her rented room in Chengdu.

She couldn't make up her mind.

I called Li Jun, but he was busy. After briefly listening to the situation, he only said:

"If you like the script and the role is challenging, then take it."

Tang Yan hesitated; she liked the immersive, slow-burning creative atmosphere of "Love is Not Blind".

The assembly-line production process of TV dramas instilled in her a sense of instinctive fear.

But with the opportunity right in front of them, refusing it would seem too willful.

What ultimately prompted her to make up her mind was a phone call from Yuan Tao.

When Yuan Tao heard about this, he took the initiative to contact her.