novelraw Chapter 104 Funds
Chapter 104 Funds
"Day 1 has just ended."
Li Jun walked to the window
"It went smoothly. How about you? Are you tired?"
"It's tiring, but I'm used to it."
Zhang Liangying paused.
"I heard Nicholas Tse went to your place?"
The news spread really fast. Li Jun wasn't surprised:
"Yes, it's here."
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.
Then Zhang Liangying's voice came through, carrying a complex emotion:
"Be careful. He may not be at his peak right now, but he's still a big star. If used well, he's a sharp sword; if used poorly..."
"I know my limits."
Li Jun interrupted her.
"Don't worry about me, take care of yourself."
"How could I not worry?"
Zhang Liangying muttered something under her breath, then raised her voice.
"By the way, my mom asked me to ask you when you're coming back to Chengdu. She said she misses you."
These are clearly Zhang Liangying's own words, spoken through her mother's voice.
"Once this busy period is over..."
Li Jun gave a vague answer: "Give my regards to your aunt."
After hanging up the phone, Li Jun stared at his phone screen.
Tang Yan's concern was like lukewarm water, while Zhang Liangying's longing was like strong liquor. Two different temperatures, two different flavors, and he had to handle both with humility.
The rain outside the window has finally stopped.
A gap opened in the clouds, and the golden light of the setting sun shone through, illuminating the street and creating a shimmering glow.
Li Jun put away his phone and turned to look at the empty training ground.
Day 1 is over.
Tomorrow, more people will know about this place, and more eyes will be watching it.
The news that Nicholas Tse has joined Li Jun's training camp will soon spread throughout the industry like the wind after the rain.
He walked to the wooden platform and patted the sturdy planks.
The actors are in position, and the curtain is slowly being drawn back.
As for what kind of play will be performed, we'll have to wait and see.
The plane landed at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport in the evening.
As dusk settled, the skyline was tinged with a warm orange-red hue, a stark contrast to Hong Kong's bustling nightscape.
The air was filled with a familiar, slightly damp scent, which entered Li Jun's nostrils and instantly pulled him out of the tense state of studying abroad in Hong Kong that he had been in for more than a month.
He dragged his simple suitcase out of the arrival hall without notifying anyone to pick him up.
I took a taxi and headed straight to the city center.
The street scene outside the car window rushed past, neon lights gradually lit up, familiar streets and alleys, bustling night markets, taxi drivers yawning and waiting for passengers...
A feeling of exhaustion mixed with relief slowly enveloped him.
Come back home.
The simple word flashed through his mind, and then another, more concrete image popped into his head—his parents' faces.
The last time we spoke on the phone was when I first arrived in Hong Kong, and I briefly let them know I was safe.
My mother kept nagging on the other end of the phone, mostly about being careful, eating on time, and not overworking, while my father, as always, was concise and to the point:
"As long as things go smoothly."
But the concern in his tone was unmistakable.
It's time to go back and take a look.
Moreover, he wanted to bring Zhang Liangying with him when he went back this time.
This idea did not come to mind on a whim.
After all, he had previously told his parents that he had a girlfriend in order to avoid blind dates.
He first dialed Yuan Tao's number.
It was evening in Beijing, and Yuan Tao's voice sounded tired but energetic.
"You're back. How was your trip to Hong Kong?"
Yuan Tao asked.
"It broadened my horizons and helped me find some solutions."
Li Jun briefly recounted his visits to Shaw Brothers and Centaline Digital, as well as his observations of crime films, emphasizing the talents introduced by Chen Yongren.
"The industrial process is very mature; the key is talent."
Many experienced craftsmen have genuine pieces, and with the market downturn, now is a good time to buy.
My next step is to formally begin refining the script for "Bodyguards and Assassins," and at the same time, I'll ask Chen Yongren to help me contact a few key members of the production team to explore their willingness to collaborate and their budgets.
"So fast?"
Yuan Tao was somewhat surprised, but quickly understood.
"Alright, let's strike while the iron is hot."
In terms of funding, a portion of the film's profits will be used for Auntie's subsequent rehabilitation and Liangying's concert production, but it should be enough to support your initial preparations and the formation of your core team.
How can I cooperate?
"Not for now, let me sort things out first."
What about your end?
How is Liangying's mother recovering? How are the concert plans progressing?
"The aunt is recovering very well and can already walk slowly. Director Wu said that if she is observed for another week or two and there are no problems, she can go back to Chengdu to recuperate."
Liangying has also recovered quite a bit, and she is attending the physical education and music appreciation classes that Linda arranged for her diligently.
The venue for the concert has been basically confirmed as the National Centre for the Performing Arts Concert Hall, and the schedule is being arranged, but it is estimated to be next spring.
This gives her time to improve and prepare.
Yuan Tao paused.
"In addition, Tang Yan's period drama has already started filming in Hengdian."
I asked Linda to keep an eye on things occasionally, and she said she's adapting okay, but the film crew's pace is fast, and she's still adjusting.
"it is good."
Li Jun felt relieved.
"I'm going home tomorrow, and I'll take Liangying with me."
There are some things I need to tell my family.
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone. Yuan Tao clearly understood what he meant and smiled.
"Great, you're quite efficient. Do you need me to prepare anything as a gift?"
"No need, the thought is enough."
Li Jun smiled too.
"That's all for now, let's stay in touch."
After hanging up Yuan Tao's call, Li Jun's finger hovered over the screen for a moment before dialing Zhang Liangying's number.
It rang a few times before being answered; the background was very quiet.
Zhang Liangying's voice came through, much clearer, the previous hoarseness and tension had faded, and it was more peaceful.
"In a hospital room?"
"Yes, I just finished wiping my mom's body, she's asleep now."
Zhang Liangying said in a low voice.
"You're back in Chengdu?"
"Just got off the plane."
Li Jun said.
"If your aunt's condition stabilizes, could you spare some time to go back to Chengdu in the next couple of days? Just one day will do."
"What's wrong?" Zhang Liangying asked, puzzled.
"Um."
Li Jun paused.
"I'd like to take you... to my home for a meal. My parents have been saying they want to meet you."
Suddenly there was silence on the other end of the phone, only the faint sound of breathing.
Several seconds passed before Zhang Liangying spoke, her voice slightly unsteady:
"Meet... Uncle and Aunt? Now? My mom's here..."
"I've already asked Yuan Tao and Director Wu. Auntie's recovery is stable, so it's perfectly fine for you to leave for a day or two. The caregiver and Yuan Tao will take care of her. And..."
Li Jun's voice slowed down, but it carried an undeniable air of authority.
"There are some things I want to talk to my parents about in person. It would be better if you were there."
The meaning behind those words couldn't be clearer. Zhang Liangying wasn't a naive little girl; she understood instantly.
My heart started racing uncontrollably, my cheeks felt hot, and I gripped my phone slightly tighter.
It wasn't nervousness, but a complex emotion mixed with shyness, anticipation, and a sense of relief that it had finally arrived.
She recalled Li Jun's silent support before and after her mother's surgery, and his steady words...
"Everything is with me"
I recall the trust and intimacy that naturally built up between us.
"it is good."
She heard herself say it, not loudly, but with certainty.
"I'll tell the hospital and Brother Yuan that I'm taking the flight back tomorrow afternoon."
"I'll come pick you up."
Li Jun said.
The next afternoon, Li Jun picked up Zhang Liangying at the airport.
She was dressed simply, in a beige knit sweater, dark jeans, and her long hair was tied in a neat ponytail. She wore only light makeup, giving her a more homely and gentle appearance compared to her stage and hospital attire.
Upon seeing Li Jun, her eyes lit up, and she quickly walked over.
"Are you tired?"
Li Jun took the small bag from her hand.
"Not tired."
Zhang Liangying shook her head and looked at him carefully.
"You seem to have lost some weight. Didn't you eat well in Hong Kong?"
"Fortunately, my mind wasn't on the food."
Li Jun led her towards the parking lot.
"Everything is prepared at home. My mom has been talking about it since morning, so she probably made a lot of dishes."
Zhang Liangying paused for a moment:
"I...I'm a little nervous. Should we buy something first? It's not good to come empty-handed for the first time."
"No need, I've already prepared everything."
Li Jun opened the car door.
"You are the best gift."
The car drove towards the old city of Chengdu.
The closer Zhang Liangying got to the somewhat old teachers' residential area where Li Jun lived, the more unconsciously she straightened her back and her fingers unconsciously twirled around the straps of her backpack.
Li Jun saw this, reached out, and gently shook her hand.
His hands were warm and dry, radiating a reassuring strength.
"Don't be afraid."
He said his tone was exactly the same as it had been in the hospital corridor.
"My parents are ordinary people, they don't have many fusses."
There might be more problems, and the enthusiasm might be a bit excessive.
Zhang Liangying shook his hand in return and nodded.
Li Jun's home was on the third floor. The door was open, and the aroma of stir-fried dishes and faint voices could be heard coming from inside.
Li Jun knocked on the door frame:
"Dad, Mom, we're back."
Wearing an apron, Li's mother immediately ran out of the kitchen, her hands still wet with water droplets, her face showing undisguised joy and curiosity.
Mr. Li followed behind, his hands behind his back, his expression much gentler than usual, his gaze fixed on Zhang Liangying, looking her over with kindness.
"Oh my, this must be Liangying! Come in, come in, you must be tired from your journey!"
Li's mother greeted them warmly, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons.
"Old Li, hurry and get the kids some slippers!"
"Hello, Auntie. Hello, Uncle."
Zhang Liangying quickly bowed and greeted them, trying to make her smile as natural as possible, and handed over the gifts that Li Jun had prepared: two boxes of fine tea and some tonics.
"This is a small token of my appreciation since it's my first time here."
"You've come all this way, no need to bring anything! You're too kind!"
Li's mother accepted the gift, speaking politely but with a deeper smile on her face, and pulled Zhang Liangying inside by the hand.
"This child is so handsome! Even better looking than on TV! He looks glamorous on TV, but he's even more radiant and sensible in person."
Li Jun looked at his mother helplessly:
"Mom, let them come in and sit down first before we talk."
The living room wasn't large, but it was spotless. A clean towel covered the sofa, and the coffee table was laden with fruit, melon seeds, and candy.
The atmosphere suddenly became lively yet subtly tense.
Zhang Liangying was pulled to sit on the sofa by Li's mother, and accepted...
"Are you tired from work?" "How is Mom's recovery going?" "What do you like to eat?" and a series of intensive and warm "interrogations".
She answered each question in a gentle voice and with great respect.
Mr. Li didn't talk much; he mainly brewed tea, occasionally interjecting with a question or two, such as whether the Super Girl competition was tough or what his opinion was on Li Jun's involvement in filmmaking.
Zhang Liangying's answer was appropriate and sincere, neither boastful nor overly modest. When she spoke of Li Jun, the trust and reliance in her tone were naturally revealed, which made the two elderly people nod frequently.
Li Jun sat to the side, occasionally adding a few words, but mostly watched Zhang Liangying interact with her parents.
He could see Zhang Liangying's nervousness, and he could also see that she was trying to adapt and respond.
The meeting with the parents went more smoothly than he had expected.
His parents' affection for Zhang Liangying was practically written all over their faces, which dispelled the last bit of uncertainty in his heart.
The atmosphere at the dinner table became even more lively.
Li's mother used all her skills, making all her signature dishes, and kept piling food onto Zhang Liangying's plate, making it look like a small mountain.
"Eat more, you're so thin! You need to take care of your health even as a singer!"
Zhang Liangying thanked them repeatedly, eating in small bites, a shy smile always on her lips.
After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,
Mr. Li took a sip of wine, put down his glass, looked at Li Jun, then at Zhang Liangying, and his expression became slightly serious.
"Xiaojun, handsome,"
He spoke, his voice not loud, but the other three people at the table fell silent.
"Xiao Jun mentioned your relationship on the phone before. After seeing Liang Ying today, we parents are very relieved. She's a steady, sensible, capable girl, and good to Xiao Jun."
Zhang Liangying blushed slightly and lowered her head.
Mr. Li continued:
"It's not easy for you young people to make it in the entertainment industry. It's a good thing to support each other."
We called you back for dinner today for two reasons: first, we wanted to see Liangying, and second, ...
He looked at Li Jun.
"Some things should be said clearly, so that the young woman understands and we two old folks can have an explanation."
Li's mother also put down her chopsticks, looked at her son, and her eyes showed both expectation and urging.
Li Jun knew that the crucial moment had arrived. Although he still had Tang Yan, he had to make a statement now.
He put down the spoon in his hand, sat up straight, and glanced at his parents before finally settling on Zhang Liangying, who was sitting next to him and looked slightly tense.
"Dad, Mom."
His voice was clear, steady, and carried a solemn determination.
"I brought Liangying back today to officially tell you that Liangying and I have decided to be together."
This isn't the kind of casual dating; it's about serious commitment, with marriage in mind.
Despite having a premonition, when they heard their son say these words clearly, Mr. and Mrs. Li still exchanged a glance and smiled at the same time—a smile of relief and contentment.
Zhang Liangying's heart was pounding like a drum, and her ears were red, but she felt a warm current flowing through her heart.
Li Jun paused, looked at his parents, and then said something that stunned Zhang Liangying:
"So, Liangying is now our family's future daughter-in-law. We brought her back today so that you two can meet her and so that she can get acquainted with our family."
Upon hearing the word "daughter-in-law," Li's mother exclaimed "Oh my!" and clapped her hands with delight.
"Great! Great, great, my dear wife! I've wanted a daughter for a long time!"
She looked at Zhang Liangying, her eyes overflowing with affection.
"Liangying, from now on this is your home. Come back often."
If Xiao Jun dares to bully you, tell Auntie, and Auntie will deal with him!
Zhang Liangying was somewhat bewildered by this sudden, almost formal, announcement, but looking at Li Jun's calm yet resolute profile, and at the genuine joy on Li's parents' faces, her shyness slowly melted away, transforming into a warm sense of belonging.
She nodded slightly, her voice soft but clear:
"Thank you, uncle and aunt. I... I will."
Mr. Li also showed a rare, hearty smile, raising his glass:
"Great! This is wonderful news! Come on, let's have a drink as a family!"
The meal was enjoyed by everyone, and the atmosphere completely transformed from the initial politeness and restraint to the genuine warmth of a family.
After dinner, Li's mother pulled Zhang Liangying to the sofa to look at old photo albums and told her about Li Jun's embarrassing childhood stories, which were filled with laughter.
Li Jun was called to the balcony by his father, who lit a cigarette for him.
"Kid, you're quick and decisive."
Mr. Li exhaled a smoke ring.
"This girl is great, even prettier than your mother was back then. Most importantly, she's got her own ideas; she's not just a pretty face. You made the right choice."
"Dad, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Li Jun looked at the city lights in the distance.
"It's good that we know."
Mr. Li patted him on the shoulder.
"Once you're married, you're an adult."
The burden on my shoulders is even heavier.
We don't understand your business ventures, but we're happy to see how well you're doing.
Just remember, no matter how big the storms are outside, the light in your home will always be on for you.
You have to take responsibility for that girl.
"I see."
Li Zheng nodded.
That night, Zhang Liangying stayed in Li Jun's guest room.
Lying in the unfamiliar bed, she couldn't fall asleep for a long time.
Everything that happened today felt like a dream, yet it was so real that it made her heart flutter.
The word "daughter-in-law" lingered in her mind, bringing waves of excitement.
She knew Li Jun's personality; he wasn't the type to speak carelessly.
What he said to her parents today was practically giving her a public, unquestionable identity and commitment.
There was a gentle knock on the door, and Li Jun's voice came through:
"Are you asleep?"
"without."
Zhang Liangying sat up.
Li Jun pushed open the door and came in, carrying a cup of hot milk.
"My mom insisted on bringing it, saying it would help me sleep."
Zhang Liangying took it and sipped it slowly. The warm milk warmed her stomach.
Did I scare you today?
Li Jun sat down by the bed and looked at her.
Zhang Liangying shook her head, then nodded:
"It was a bit too sudden."
"Do you feel this is abrupt?"
Li Jun asked.
"no."
Zhang Liangying put down her cup and looked at him intently.
"It feels very grounded. It's like I've been drifting for a long time, and finally I have a place where I can land steadily."
She paused, then spoke even softer.
"Xiao Jun, thank you. Thank you when my mom was sick, when I was most panicked, and today."
Li Jun held her hand:
"No need for thanks. Between us, there's no need for such formalities in the future."
He looked into her clear eyes.
"The road ahead may be busier and more complicated."
The Hong Kong film project is about to start, your concert needs to be prepared, and there are many things to do at the company.
But no matter how busy we are, we are each other's anchor.
The reason I told my parents today is for the same reason.
Zhang Liangying gripped his hand tightly, her eyes welling up, but she didn't let the tears fall.
"Um."
She responded with just one word, yet it contained a thousand unspoken words.
The next day, Zhang Liangying returned to Beijing.
Li Jun began to devote himself to the substantive pre-production preparations for "Bodyguards and Assassins".
Through Chen Yongren, he formally came into contact with Master Cheng, who was in his fifties, lean and wiry, and didn't talk much, but his eyes would light up when the topic of action design came up.
After reading Li Jun's initial story outline and historical setting, he smoked half a pack of cigarettes and finally said:
"Mr. Li, this play is interesting. The scale can be large, but the challenge lies in making it realistic and substantial, without just flying around. I'm interested."
A suitable candidate was found for art direction. He was one of the key art directors of Shaw Brothers during the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. He had in-depth research on Hong Kong architecture, clothing, and artifacts in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. His home was filled with materials and books.
Upon hearing that the task was to recreate Central Hong Kong in 1905, he immediately perked up and began to talk at length about the sights and sounds of Victoria City back then.
While assembling his core Hong Kong production team, Li Jun also began scouting for actors in mainland China.
He has a few vague candidates in mind, but he needs time to contact and negotiate with them.
The script was also being refined in parallel. He locked himself in his studio in Chengdu, researching a large amount of historical data, gradually turning the assassination and protection, the grand era and the ordinary people in his mind into solid scenes and dialogues.
Yuan Tao would occasionally send news from Beijing:
Zhang Liangying's mother was successfully discharged from the hospital and returned to Chengdu to recuperate. After accompanying her for a period of time, Zhang Liangying began to devote herself fully to the rehearsals for the National Centre for the Performing Arts concert.
Tang Yan had completed more than half of her filming in Hengdian, and her performance was recognized by the director. Linda took the opportunity to help her secure two good brand promotion collaborations.
"Sound and Shadow Workshop" is now operating smoothly and has begun to reach out to some promising new singer-songwriters.
Li Jun would occasionally think of the business card Fan Bingbing had handed him on the plane; it lay quietly in his drawer.
He didn't contact them proactively, but he didn't give up either.
It may come in handy in the future, or it may not; it's always good to have a backup plan.
On many nights, he would stand by the window of his studio, looking at the night view of Chengdu, but his thoughts would drift to Hong Kong a hundred years ago.
Home is settled, and the road ahead is clear.
The next step is to transform that grand blueprint into a real cinematic experience, step by step.
......
The days seem to be fast-forwarded, yet every detail is rendered incredibly clear and specific.
Zhang Liangying's preparations for her concert at the National Centre for the Performing Arts have entered a stage of meticulous refinement that is almost demanding.
Yuan Tao and Linda assembled a small but top-notch team for her:
A master arranger from Shanghai, skilled in blending classical and modern music;
A vocal coach from the Central Conservatory of Music specifically refined the details and stamina of her live performances;
There was even a tutor who specialized in stage posture and deportment, training her on how to walk, stand, and make elegant, yet not excessive, eye contact with the audience in such formal settings.
The rehearsal venue was a practice room converted from a professional recording studio in Beijing.
Zhang Liangying's daily life is as regular as a pendulum:
Vocal lessons in the morning, playing with the band in the afternoon, and physical training and stage movement in the evening.
Li Jun has already provided her with several new song demos, and their style is consistent with her works from the competition.
She practiced very hard, sometimes repeating a single musical phrase dozens of times until her voice showed signs of fatigue, at which point her vocal teacher forcibly stopped her.
After returning to Chengdu, my mother's health improved day by day. Her complexion became rosy, and she was able to take slow walks in the neighborhood.
Zhang Liangying calls home at a fixed time every day, and hearing her mother's voice gradually regain its strength, the last weight in her heart is lifted.
Li Jun's parents would visit him every few days, bringing some homemade dishes and chatting with him.
The natural interaction between the two families gave Zhang Liangying an unprecedented warmth that was deeply rooted in her life.
She would sometimes think, "That's what my daughter-in-law meant by that."
Yuan Tao's "Sound and Image Workshop" has also begun to make its own voice heard.
In addition to fully developing Zhang Liangying, he also signed two independent musicians who were already somewhat famous online and whose works were full of inspiration.
We started by planning their development path, not rushing to commercialize them, but first helping them improve their work and build a reputation among specific fan groups.
In his words:
"Only by firmly establishing the roots of music can the tree grow tall."
The company has a professional and focused atmosphere, without the hierarchy and restlessness of a large company like Huayi, and is more like a creative workshop.
Tang Yan has finished filming his scenes in Hengdian.
When she returned to Beijing, she had lost weight, but there was something new in her eyes—a calmness that came from the intense work she had done on set.
Yuan Tao asked Linda to arrange a professional image positioning photoshoot for her. Even Linda was a little surprised when the final photos came out.
In the photos, Tang Yan sheds the softness and fragility of Huang Xiaoxian from "Love is Not Blind," presenting a cool and aloof demeanor.
"Directors of period dramas set in the Republican era have a good opinion of her, saying that she is hardworking and quick to understand. Although she lacks experience, her temperament makes up for it a lot."
Linda reported to Yuan Tao and Li Jun.
"We are currently in contact with several scripts. One is for the second female lead in a modern urban romance drama, with a rather likable character."
The other is a film, a low-budget art film, with a female lead, but the script is very solid. It's about marginalized people, which really tests acting skills, and the pay is low.
After listening, Li Jun asked:
"What are her own thoughts?"
She hesitated a little.
TV dramas offer more stable opportunities and better exposure;
"The film is challenging, but it might better fit her image of an actor," Linda said.
"Let her choose for herself."
Li Jun hesitated for a moment.
"You only help her analyze the pros and cons, but don't make the decision for her. Also, tell her that no matter which one she chooses, she should give it her all."
Every step on the path of an actor counts.
Tang Yan surprisingly chose that low-budget art film.
She sent Li Jun a long message explaining her thoughts:
"I want to try that movie. TV series are good, but I'm afraid that if I play too many stereotypical roles, it will wear away the little things about myself that I haven't figured out yet."
Although the film script was heavy, I felt I could encounter something real. The low pay didn't matter; I wanted to see how far I could go.
After reading it, Li Jun only replied with two words:
"come on."
He knew that Tang Yan was steadfastly forging her own path in her own way. That was good.
Li Jun's main focus has shifted entirely to "Bodyguards and Assassins".
My communication with Master Cheng Guoqiang is becoming more and more in-depth.
Li Jun repeatedly emphasized his requirements for the "realism" and "weight" of action scenes:
We don't want flashy flying and leaping; we want brutal, hand-to-hand combat.
Master Cheng was inspired by this request and he sought out a lot of martial arts historical materials from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, and even actual combat footage from overseas war films.
Working with Li Jun, they gradually sketched out the initial action style for several core assassination and defense scenes.
It blends traditional martial arts skills, street brawls, and a cruel aesthetic of human life being worthless in a chaotic world.
The art direction is progressing faster.
A large number of historical photos, architectural drawings, and genre paintings were collected and organized.
The street layout, architectural style, shop signs, clothing, and even the style of rickshaws in Central, Hong Kong in 1905 have been meticulously recreated, forming a thick set of historical artifacts.
At the same time, Li Jun began to contact Hong Kong's film production management talents through Chen Yongren.
He doesn't need a simple executive director, but a production manager who is familiar with the entire process of the Hong Kong film industry and can efficiently manage a large crew, control budgets and schedules.
Chen Yongren recommended several candidates, and Li Jun secretly met with each of them.
He asked very detailed questions:
How do you manage the daily operations of a film crew of hundreds of people? How do you coordinate dangerous or special departments such as stunt work and explosives?
How to address potential issues related to local labor unions in Hong Kong?
How to control cost overruns?
These practical, almost tedious questions are key to his ability to translate the scenarios in his mind into reality.
The scriptwriting process has now reached its most crucial stage.
Li Jun is spending increasingly more time locked in his studio.
He covered the walls with character relationship diagrams, timelines, and scene indexes.
At the heart of the story is a group of ordinary people from diverse backgrounds and with different motivations.
How do they get swept up in a shocking assassination under the tide of history, and ultimately fulfill their respective beliefs with their lives?
It requires an extremely intricate structure and a profound emotional foundation. Each character cannot be a stereotypical tool; they must be flesh and blood, with their own backstory, desires, fears, and shining moments.
Li Jun wrote countless drafts that were rejected, often sitting in front of the computer screen until midnight, with his ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts.
When under immense pressure, he would call Zhang Liangying to listen to her stories about rehearsals, whether funny or frustrating, or simply ask, "Have you eaten?"
Zhang Liangying's voice, transmitted through the airwaves, always managed to ease his tense nerves somewhat.
He would occasionally think of Tang Yan, and of the careful yet resolute way she chose art films.
A complex emotion might cross my mind, but it would quickly be dispelled by the more pressing pressure of creating.
Financial pressures are also beginning to emerge.
The initial budget estimate for "Bodyguards and Assassins" far exceeded the profits of "Love is Not Blind".
Even with Li Jun's own savings and the potential support from Yuan Tao Company, the shortfall is still significant.
After initial contact, the Hong Kong production manager also subtly indicated that financing would be extremely difficult for a co-production of this scale and subject matter.
Unless a highly influential celebrity joins the project, or a powerful investor backs it up.
star?
Li Jun thought of several Hong Kong superstars, but given his current qualifications and budget, it would be a pipe dream to persuade them to join him.
Investors?
It's absolutely impossible with Huayi.
Other major domestic film and television companies probably have serious doubts about whether this self-taught director can handle such a grand subject matter.
Just as Li Jun was pondering the issues of funding and team composition, someone he had almost forgotten brought him unexpected news.
The call was from Fan Bingbing. She used the personal number on her business card.
"Director Li, what have you been busy with lately?"
Her voice sounded a little tired.
Her voice, coming through the receiver, still carried that perfectly subtle quality.
Li Jun was somewhat surprised, but his tone remained calm:
"Ms. Fan, it's been a long time. I've been busy with preparations for a new project."
"I heard it's a big project?"
Fan Bingbing chuckled softly, her words seemingly carrying a hidden meaning.
"Director Li is truly a man of great talent. 'Love is Not Blind' was a resounding success, and now he's about to do something even bigger. Is it called 'Bodyguards and Assassins'?"
Li Jun's eyes narrowed slightly. He had only mentioned the project name and initial concept to a very few key people.
Only Chen Yongren and a few close associates in Hong Kong knew about it.
Fan Bingbing's information network is a bit too extensive.
"Miss Fan is very well-informed."
Li Jun neither confirmed nor denied it.
"The circle is only so big."
Fan Bingbing spoke in a relaxed tone.
"Besides, Director Li is a prominent figure now, and many eyes are watching him."
Mr. Wang has been talking about you a lot lately.
Li Jun didn't respond to that, waiting for her to continue.
Sure enough, Fan Bingbing paused for a moment, lowered her voice, and began to speak with a hint of seriousness:
"Director Li, let's be frank. I'm very interested in your 'Bodyguards and Assassins' project. It's not just personal interest; I think it has commercial potential."
Li Jun's heart skipped a beat, but his tone remained cautious:
"Oh? What does Miss Fan mean?"
"I know an investor, or rather, a representative of an investment group."
Fan Bingbing spoke slowly and deliberately.
"They are very interested in high-quality film projects, especially those with a grand historical background that have the potential to open up a larger market."
They don't care too much about the director's prior experience; they value the project's core concept, the team's potential, and whether it can bring new possibilities.
"What are the conditions?"
Li Jun asked directly.
There's no such thing as a free lunch, especially when it's someone like Fan Bingbing, who has close ties to Huayi Brothers and is extremely shrewd, who facilitated the connection.
"Conditions are negotiable."
Fan Bingbing did not elaborate.
"The other party is very sincere and wants to understand Director Li's more complete ideas first."
If it's convenient, perhaps we can arrange a time to have a casual meal together and discuss things in detail?
Of course, it's very private; no one will know.
private.
This word is used very meaningfully.
Li Jun could almost picture the scene: a high-end, secluded club, where Fan Bingbing, as an intermediary, introduced a wealthy patron with a powerful background.
He quickly weighed the options in his mind.
Rejection could mean missing out on a crucial source of funding, making project progress extremely difficult.
Acceptance means stepping into a complex web of relationships woven by Fan Bingbing.
What does she want?
Is it merely a successful matchmaking effort to enhance one's value in the investment world?
Or does she want to plant a deeper, more personal pawn between herself and Huayi?
Could it be that Wang Zhonglei was testing or setting a trap behind this?
"I need to think about it."
Li Jun did not agree immediately.
"The project is still in its early stages, and many details have not yet been finalized."
"understand."
Fan Bingbing didn't seem surprised, and her tone remained relaxed.
"Director Li, please take your time to consider this. This is my personal suggestion and has nothing to do with Huayi. It's simply because I feel that Director Li's talent deserves a bigger stage."
This is my sincerity.
She reiterated the importance of being a private individual.
After hanging up the phone, Li Jun walked to the window and lit a cigarette.
Chengdu is dimly lit at night, and the tower cranes at the construction site in the distance are lit with red lights, like silent giants.