Huayu: You were supposed to be a top star, but you've become capital?

Jia Shikai looked at him, his expression softening.

This is what makes Lin Shen so reassuring: he has ideas, opinions, and is sometimes even bold enough to be alarming, but when it comes to being professional and serious, he never falters.

He rose to fame very quickly, yet he was remarkably calm and composed, a maturity beyond his years that even he, who has been in the industry for over a decade, often marvels at.

"It's good that you understand." Old Jia got up, walked over and sat down next to him. "Now that you've started the brand, I'll arrange for the team to cooperate."

But at this stage, the public and industry attention is still focused on your identity as an actor. The role of Baili Tusu has brought you so much; every step from now on is crucial.

Old Jia tapped the folder on the coffee table. "After you finish shooting for Esquire, I've postponed all your other minor engagements. You need to get ready to join the crew."

Lin Shen followed his gaze and saw that the folder cover read "Final Version Script and Announcement of 'The Grave Robbers' Chronicles'," causing him to raise an eyebrow slightly.

"So fast? Huanrui...didn't they say before they wanted to use their own people?"

"That was their initial idea," Jia Shikai chuckled.

"It's true that the copyright is in the hands of H&R Century Pictures, and they are also the main force behind the project. But this time, the biggest investor is iQiyi."

The platform's stance is very clear: most of the investment is driven by your popularity. Would people at Huanrui turn down money? Besides,

"We parted ways amicably with H&R Century Pictures; it wasn't a complete falling out. Don't forget, H&R still holds 20% of our shares. If this project succeeds, it will be a real benefit for them too. They know what's going on."

Lin Shen nodded. He was certainly familiar with this shareholding structure. When he and Jia Yueting spun off from Huanrui to establish Lucky Media, it was a win-win deal.

Jia Shikai acquired a 51% controlling stake in the company in exchange for some future profits and existing resources.

Lin Shen invested his personal resources and some funds to acquire a 29% stake, while Huanrui acquired a 20% stake by converting some of its original brokerage contracts and retaining some investment rights.

While everyone maintained a friendly facade, their interests remained intertwined. Huanrui needed Lin Shen's rising popularity to leverage massive investments and increased attention on the platform.

Lin Shen, on the other hand, needs the super project "The Grave Robbers' Chronicles," which is destined to be a blockbuster, to consolidate his position and implement his commercial integration plan.

"The platform has offered very favorable terms," ​​Jia Shikai continued, "the maximum salary, plus a considerable share of the back-end revenue. Most importantly, Huanrui and iQiyi have both agreed to your proposed deep brand integration plan, which sets a precedent."

Lin Shen then picked up the script of "The Grave Robbers' Chronicles" and quickly flipped through it, his eyes scanning over the familiar passages and the parts that had been revised according to his previous comments.

"The script adjustments are okay, but I think the budget for special effects is still tight. This is the signature feature of 'The Lost Tomb', so we can't be careless."

"Huanrui and the platform were indeed a bit conservative with the special effects. It was their first time making such a big investment in a web series, so they were unsure of themselves," Jia Shikai said honestly.

"Then let's increase the stakes." Lin Shen closed the script, his tone calm.

"In Lucky Film's name, we can make an additional investment specifically for improving special effects production."

But the condition is that we need to obtain corresponding oversight and a voice in the decision-making process, ensuring that the money is spent effectively and achieves the expected results. Old Jia, you should go and discuss this.

Jia Shikai's eyes lit up, and he invested more money in exchange for control over the core production process!

This not only improves the quality of the project, but also marks a crucial step for Lucky Film to transform from a mere artist-centric company into a production company with a voice.

"Okay! I'll go and communicate with them. This way, we can share the risks with them and ensure quality. Huanrui and the platform have no reason to refuse."

"Hmm." Lin Shen put the folder of "The Grave Robbers' Chronicles" aside, lowered his head and continued to flip through the script in his hand, quickly scanning the familiar project names and descriptions.

"My Sunshine" - TV series adaptation, a sure hit.

"Nirvana in Fire" - a high-quality period drama produced by Daylight Entertainment.

"Mr. Six" - a movie that relies on hype to boost one's sophistication and gain recognition for acting skills.

Lin Shen closed the last book, tidied up the script, and put it back on the coffee table.

"The scripts are all good, but what about the release date for 'The Lost Tomb'?"

"We plan to start filming early next month, with a shooting period of about three months, and it will be released next year," Jia Shikai explained in detail, then asked, "What about the other scripts..."

"I can take on 'My Sunshine,' as long as the filming schedule is coordinated. I don't want to take on multiple projects at once," Lin Shen decided quickly. "Keep the scripts for 'Nirvana in Fire' and 'Mr. Six,' I'll take a closer look before making a decision."

Jia Shikai nodded repeatedly, secretly praising the decision, which showed a clear sense of priorities: both traffic and reputation improvement.

"Understood. I'll take care of the 'Tomb Raider' project immediately. I'll make initial contact with the other projects first. Your focus now is on 'Esquire' and joining the production team soon. Xiao Yang will handle the details for you."

Lin Shen stood up and stretched his shoulders. "I'll handle the brand and investment company matters tonight, and go to the company as planned tomorrow."

"You really are..." Jia Shikai chuckled and shook his head. "Alright, be careful on the road."

"I know." Lin Shen waved his hand and walked out of the office.

Outside the door, assistant Xiao Yang quickly greeted him: "Brother Shen, the car is downstairs. Esquire magazine has confirmed the plan, and they also want to schedule three media interviews..."

"Let's talk in the car," Lin Shen said, without stopping.

As the elevator descended, Lin Shen began processing information. On his phone screen were backend data from several Taobao stores, as well as the preparation progress for Shenzhen Investment.

Lin Shen quickly replied to a few work-related WeChat messages, then opened another chat window and sent a voice message:

"Have the design team from Guangzhou been arranged yet? I need to see the fabric samples tomorrow. Also, please send me the operational data reports for the top-performing stores we acquired before tomorrow's meeting."

Concise and efficient, with clear and logical structure.

The elevator takes you to the underground parking garage, and the car drives out and merges into the nighttime traffic.

Lin Shen leaned back in his chair and continued working, the light from the screen reflecting on his face, flickering on and off.

Xiao Yang quietly reported on his work from the side, occasionally humming in agreement, but his eyes never left his phone.

At that moment, a caller ID popped up at the top of the phone screen—"Dami".

Whether in the previous "Swords of Legends" crew or the earlier "Palace 2" and "Legend of Lu Zhen" crews, Lin Shen has always been well-liked thanks to his exceptionally handsome face.

However, at the beginning of the year, Da Mimi married Uncle Liu in Bali and gave birth to a daughter in June.

She is currently immersed in the sweetness of being newly married and a new mother, with her eyes and heart filled with thoughts of her little family.

Lin Shen only saw her as a friend and business partner, nothing more.