novelraw Chapter 107 Cold Arrow
Chapter 107 Cold Arrow
Zhang Liangying's a cappella recording was sent over the following evening.
Li Jun put on his headphones and started playing.
For the first few seconds there was a faint crackling sound, then her voice rang out softly:
"The crescent moon shines over the nine provinces, bringing joy to some and sorrow to others..."
It's an old Shanghai tune, but Zhang Liangying's singing style has been modified, with her pronunciation incorporating a touch of soft Wu dialect.
Sorrowful but not resentful, melancholy but not grief-stricken.
There's an impromptu humming section in the middle, with a long, drawn-out breath, like a breeze passing through an alleyway.
The swallows that once graced the capital now fly into the homes of ordinary people.
Li Jun closed his eyes and listened.
He recalled the first appearance of the singer Bai Yulan in the script, in the backstage of the Paramount Ballroom, drawing her eyebrows in front of a mottled mirror.
Outside, there was a noisy atmosphere of clinking glasses and toasts, and she was humming the same tune.
At that moment, revolutionaries disguised as tea merchants burst in, their sleeves stained with blood.
A song should evoke certain memories, but it shouldn't be too overpowering.
Zhang Liangying grasped it perfectly.
After listening to it for the third time, Li Jun encrypted the file and sent it to Linda.
Postscript:
"Play this to Miss Zhang and tell her it's the background music when a character appears, so she can get a feel for the atmosphere."
Linda replied quickly:
"Understood. I've contacted her stylist and they said Ms. Zhang is free tomorrow afternoon, so we can arrange an informal meeting."
An informal meeting.
This statement is subtle; it's neither a casting call nor a business negotiation, leaving room for maneuver.
Li Jun replied with an "okay," then turned and dialed Chen Yongren's number.
"Mr. Li."
"Does Wang Zhonglei have a script for 'Storm 1905' yet?"
"I asked around and found out that the script is still being revised, but the outline is already out."
Chen Yongren lowered his voice.
"Just as you guessed, the core plot is the same: protecting a revolutionary party member who is fleeing Hong Kong."
But their focus was on the action scenes; I heard they hired a South Korean special effects team for the explosions and gunfights.
What is director Liu Wei good at?
"Fast-paced, multi-narrative, and commercially viable."
Chen Yongren paused.
"But their weakness lies in the details of history."
Wang Zhonglei wanted to speed things up, so the costumes, props, and sets were all outsourced; there was no dedicated art consultant.
"What about the actors? Who did they come into contact with?"
"Lin Jiadong and Liu Shishi were indeed contacted, but they weren't the only ones."
Chen Yongren named several people, all of whom were middle-aged TVB actors, and two of whom were second- or third-tier mainland artists.
"Huayi offered generous prices and promised flexible scheduling to accommodate the actors' availability."
What is Lin Jiadong's personal attitude?
"He's still hesitating. His agent confided in me that Lin Jiadong is a bit intimidated by your training methods, finding them too arduous."
Huayi Brothers promised that no prior training was needed; a intensive script review session would suffice before filming began.
Li Jun remained silent.
Outside the window, the lights in the Kwun Tong Industrial Zone came on one by one.
"Ah Ren, help me arrange a meeting with Lin Jiadong, tomorrow night, the usual place."
"Okay. Where's Liu Shishi?"
"She'll put it aside for now."
Li Jun said
"Young girls are not easy to handle; pushing them too hard will only make them run away."
Lin Jiadong is the key; if he wavers, everyone else will be watching to see who's in control.
"clear."
After hanging up the phone, Li Jun walked to the training area. It was evening for a script reading session. Xie Tingfeng and the others had already arrived, sitting around a circular table, each with their script and notebook spread out in front of them.
The person in charge of leading the reading was a drama teacher that Li Jun invited from Beijing. His surname was Zhou. He was a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama and had been immersed in the drama circle for twenty years. He was extremely strict in his analysis of lines and characters' psychology.
Li Jun sat down in the corner without disturbing anyone.
Tonight we read the scene "Confrontation at the Dock".
Nicholas Tse plays Shen Mo, a bodyguard who escorts revolutionaries to the docks. They encounter Qing soldiers who conduct a search. At the critical moment, Lao Zhao, an informant played by Lin Jiadong, suddenly betrays them and draws his knife, pointing it at Shen Mo.
"Old Zhao, you..."
Nicholas Tse read his lines in a very low voice, his voice trembling with disbelief.
Lin Jiadong took over the lines, but he was clearly nervous, and his tone was unsteady:
"Brother Shen, I'm so sorry. My family is in their hands."
"So you're going to sell me?"
Nicholas Tse looked up, his eyes filled with complex emotions—anger, but more so disappointment, and a weariness that he had long anticipated this outcome.
Lin Jiadong was momentarily stunned by his gaze, and his lines caught in his throat.
Teacher Zhou called a halt:
"Lin Sheng, Lao Zhao's emotions at this moment are not simply guilt or fear."
He was a nobody, someone who just wanted to survive in the chaos of the world, but his conscience wasn't completely dead.
So he betrayed Shen Mo, but dared not look Shen Mo in the eye.
Your gaze was too direct just now; you need to tone it down and look away a little.
"How do I dodge?"
Lin Jiadong wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Imagine you've done something wrong, and you're facing the victim. You want to explain, but you know it's pointless.
That feeling of mouth opening and closing, eyes darting around.
Teacher Zhou explained it in great detail.
"One more time."
The second time was better, but still not enough.
Li Jun watched for a while, then got up and went outside.
I lit a cigarette in the hallway and heard Teacher Zhou calling for a halt again inside.
That's how training is: tedious, repetitive, and a gradual process of honing skills.
Some people can persevere, some can't.
When I came back after finishing my cigarette, the reading session was still going on.
Liu Shishi had no scenes tonight, but she listened very attentively and took notes in her notebook.
Occasionally, he would look up at Tse Ting-Fung, his eyes filled with the focused gaze of an apprentice looking at his master.
This girl has a quiet composure.
Li Jun thought.
The next afternoon, BJ.
Linda arranged the meeting place to be in the tea room of a members-only gallery on the East Third Ring Road.
The place is secluded and the environment is elegant. Several abstract ink paintings hang on the wall, and the tables and chairs are in the Ming style.
Li Jun arrived half an hour early.
The tea master was warming the tea cups. When he saw him arrive, she nodded slightly and continued with her work.
At exactly 2:00 PM, Zhang Ziyi arrived.
She came alone, without an assistant or agent.
She wore a simple off-white knit sweater with black trousers, her hair was loosely tied up, and she wore only light makeup.
Compared to her dazzling presence on the red carpet, she seemed more like a cultured woman enjoying tea at this moment.
But the aura of a top star cannot be hidden; they exude composure, confidence, and a natural sense of control over their surroundings.
"Director Li, I've heard so much about you."
She extended her hand with a polite smile.
"Ms. Zhang, thank you for coming."
Li Jun shook hands; the touch was dry and warm.
The two sat down.
The tea master poured the tea and quietly withdrew.
"Linda played that a cappella piece for me."
Zhang Ziyi got straight to the point, her tone devoid of emotion.
"Was it sung by Jane Zhang?"
"Yes."
"She sings very well."
Zhang Ziyi picked up the teacup, but didn't drink it; she just smelled the aroma of the tea.
"She captured that old-fashioned feel perfectly. I heard that for this concert, she's transitioning to classical crossover?"
"Yes, next month at the National Centre for the Performing Arts."
"That's bold."
Zhang Ziyi put down her cup and looked at Li Jun.
"Linda said, 'You want me to audition?'"
The question was direct.
Li Jun met her gaze:
"It's not an audition; we just hope Ms. Zhang can get a feel for the character first."
The character of Bai Yulan is quite different from the ones you've played before.
"Why is it different?"
"She's even more secretive."
Li Jun said.
"Yu Jiaolong is outward-looking, Xiao Wei is outward-looking, and Gong Er is outward-looking."
But the white magnolia has an inward curve.
All her thoughts, calculations, and emotions were hidden behind her smiles and melodies.
His only outward display of power was when he shielded the revolutionaries from a bullet at the very end.
Zhang Ziyi listened quietly, her fingers unconsciously stroking the rim of the cup.
"I've read the script."
She spoke slowly.
"My role wasn't large, but every scene was memorable. Especially the scenes with my co-stars, the subtle, almost imperceptible, feelings between us."
"Is Miss Zhang interested?"
"have."
Zhang Ziyi answered decisively.
"But there are two problems."
"Speaking."
"First, scheduling. I have a Hollywood movie to film in the second half of the year, and if I take on 'Bodyguards and Assassins,' the timeline will be very tight."
She paused.
"Secondly, the screen time. Could you explore the romantic relationship between Bai Yulan and the tea merchant a little more?"
Looking back now, it seems a bit too brief.
Li Jun did not answer immediately.
He poured himself a cup of tea; the tea was clear and yellow, and steam rose gently.
"Schedule issues can be coordinated."
We can focus on filming your scenes first and try to finish within twenty days.
他 说:
"As for the romance..."
He raised his head:
"Miss Zhang, Bai Yulan's feelings for the tea merchant are not love, or at least not entirely."
The tea merchant represents the kind of person she could never be: someone with faith, passion, and the courage to die for their ideals.
She helped him because she was helping the dream within herself that hadn't quite died.
After he finished speaking, the tea room was silent for a few seconds.
Zhang Ziyi looked at him, her eyes revealing genuine interest for the first time:
"Director Li has a very thorough understanding of the character."
"It's because the script is well-written."
Li Jun said this on the surface, but he was actually praising himself.
"If Ms. Zhang is willing, we can arrange a special reading session where you and the actor playing the tea merchant can go through a few scenes together to get a feel for the role."
There's no need to disclose it publicly; let's treat it as a creative discussion.
This was a clever suggestion, achieving the effect of a screen test while also giving the other party enough face.
Zhang Ziyi's lips curved into a smile:
"Whom did the tea merchant choose?"
"It's not finalized yet, but there are several candidates."
Li Jun told the truth.
"If you have any recommendations, we can consider them."
"Let me take a look at the script first."
Zhang Ziyi didn't respond to that question, but instead glanced at her watch.
I have two hours free next Wednesday afternoon.
You decide on the location, and send me a clip from the script in advance.
That means you've agreed.
Li Jun nodded:
"Okay. Linda will coordinate the specific arrangements with your team."
Zhang Ziyi stood up, then suddenly remembered something:
"By the way, I heard that Huayi is also working on a similar project?"
The information was indeed accurate.
Li Jun remained unmoved:
"I've heard about it."
"Wang Zhonglei contacted me."
Zhang Ziyi spoke of it casually.
"The asking price isn't low, and the role is the female lead, but the script..."
She shook her head.
"Too rough. I'm not saying commercial films are bad, but at least the characters need to be believable."
This statement is practically a declaration of opinion.
Li Jun felt a sense of relief, but he didn't show it on his face.
"Thank you for your recognition, Ms. Zhang."
"You're welcome."
Zhang Ziyi walked to the door and turned back.
"I choose the roles, not the actors."
If the play is good, I'll act in it.
"If the play is bad, no amount of money will help."
She smiled, pushed open the door, and left.
Li Jun sat alone in the tea room and finished the rest of his tea.
The tea has gone cold, but the aftertaste remains.
Linda called soon after:
"How is it?"
"It's done. We'll have a reading session next Wednesday."
Li Jun said.
"You must keep the venue arrangements strictly confidential. Also, review the shortlist of tea merchants again and select the two best ones to have in reserve."
"clear."
Linda paused.
"There's one more thing, Huayi's actions have escalated."
"How so?"
"They've started contacting our behind-the-scenes team."
Linda's tone was serious.
"An assistant in the art department received a call from Huayi yesterday, offering to poach him."
Furthermore, some members of Cheng Guoqiang's martial arts team have also been contacted.
Li Jun gripped his phone tightly:
"What did Master Cheng say?"
Master Cheng made a firm statement, saying that he only recognizes you.
But what about his men? That's a different story.
Linda sighed.
"Wang Zhonglei's move is ruthless; he not only steals actors but also sabotages your efforts."
"understood."
Li Jun stood up.
"First, stabilize the core team. Increase funding where necessary and have heart-to-heart talks with them."
"What Huayi can offer, we can also discuss."
"What about the funds? What about Starway...?"
"I'll go talk to Kent Chan."
Li Jun glanced at the time.
"I still have things to do in Hong Kong, so I'll leave it at that for now."
As I left the gallery, the sky over Beijing was overcast, looking like it was about to rain again.
Li Jun sat in the car, not starting it immediately.
He sent Kent Chan a text message:
"Mr. Chen, would it be convenient for us to make a phone call tonight?"
Regarding the project progress and some recent developments.
A few minutes later, Kent Chan replied:
"After nine o'clock is fine."
At 9:30 p.m., the training base in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, had already quieted down.
Li Jun dialed Chen Zeshi's number in the director's room.
"Director Li."
Chen Zeshi's voice sounded somewhat tired, and there was soft music in the background, as if he were in a leisure place.
"Sorry to bother you so late."
"It's alright. Go ahead and say it."
Li Jun briefly recounted the situation regarding Huayi's sniping and Zhang Ziyi's progress.
There was no exaggeration, nor was there any concealment.
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.
"Wang Zhonglei's move was expected."
Chen Zeshi said.
"He's always liked to steal the lead. But this time he's being so direct, which means he really feels threatened."
"It's a threat to us, and it's also a threat to StarHub."
Li Jun said.
"If 'Storm 1905' is released first, even if its quality is not as good as ours, it will still divert market share and attention."
Especially if they outdo us in terms of actors and publicity.
"So what's your thought?"
"Speed up the process."
Li Jun said.
"The original plan was to train for three months, but I want to compress it to two and a half months."
At the same time, contracts for core actors should be signed as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
The team behind the scenes should add a confidentiality agreement and a non-compete clause. Although the binding force is limited, it at least shows a commitment.
"Where's the funding?"
"An additional budget is needed for actor contracts and team stability."
Li Jun stated a number.
"In addition, the publicity and pre-launch efforts can be started in advance."
We don't need to make a big fuss, but we need to send a clear signal within the industry that we're serious about this project.
The sound of a lighter came from Chen Zeshi's side; he lit a cigarette.
"Director Li, I have a question for you."
He spoke slowly.
"If Huayi Brothers offered you a higher salary to poach your lead actor, like Nicholas Tse, what would you do?"
"Nicholas Tse won't leave."
Li Jun answered with certainty.
"Are you so sure?"
"I'm sure."
Li Jun said.
"What he wants isn't money, it's a chance to turn his life around. Huayi Brothers can't give him the kind of role he wants, but we can."
"What about the others? Lin Jiadong? Liu Shishi? And the stuntmen and art assistants?"
"Keep those who can stay, and don't force those who can't."
Li Jun spoke calmly.
"Filmmaking is a complex system, but it doesn't stop just because one part is missing."
The key is to keep the core intact.
Kent Chan laughed, his laughter tinged with appreciation:
"Director Li, I'm increasingly convinced that investing in your project was the right decision."
You have a kind of composure that's rare in this industry.
"Mr. Chen, you flatter me."
"I agree in principle to the additional budget."
Chen Zeshi said.
"But I need to see a detailed usage plan. Also, I'd like to participate in Zhang Ziyi's reading session."
This request was a bit unexpected.
Li Jun paused:
"Is Mr. Chen so interested in casting?"
"I'm not interested in the casting, I'm interested in her."
Chen Zeshi put it bluntly: "If she can make a decision, the commercial value of the project will reach a new level."
"At that time, we can use this as leverage to negotiate better issuance terms and overseas pre-sales."
This is definitely capitalist thinking.
Li Jun knew perfectly well what was going on:
"Okay, I'll let you know once the time and place for the reading are set."
"besides."
Chen Zeshi added.
"You don't need to worry too much about Wang Zhonglei."
Huayi has a large scale, but its business scope is also extensive.
The resources he can access may not be as many as you think.
He paused, then said meaningfully:
"He's not the only one who calls the shots in this industry."
After hanging up the phone, Li Jun stood by the window, motionless for a long time.
Outside the window, the night view of Victoria Harbour is as dazzling as a galaxy.
This city is always like this: outwardly glamorous, but inwardly turbulent.
The following evening, Li Jun met Lin Jiadong at a tea restaurant in Mong Kok.
He looked thinner than the last time we met, and his eyes were dark-circled, clearly indicating he hadn't slept well.
Upon seeing Li Jun, he managed a weak smile, a smile etched with exhaustion.
"Director Li."
"sit."
Li Jun pushed the menu over.
"Let's order some food first."
The two ordered stir-fried beef noodles and milk tea.
While waiting for his meal, Lin Jiadong hesitated several times before speaking.
"Huayi contacted you?"
Li Jun asked directly.
Lin Jiadong was taken aback, then nodded:
"They contacted my agent, and the price they offered was 50% higher than here, and the role would be more substantial; they said it would be the third male lead."
What do you think?
"I……"
Lin Jiadong rubbed his hands together.
"Director Li, to be honest, I'm tempted."
I've been with TVB for over ten years and I've never received such a high salary.
Furthermore, they promised that no prior training was needed; a brief rehearsal before filming would suffice.
Li Jun didn't speak, waiting for him to continue.
"but."
Lin Jiadong raised his head, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
"I read their script outline, the character of Old Zhao..."
It's very thinly written; he's just a pure villain.
He was ultimately killed by the protagonist, without any dramatic arc.
"You like Old Zhao in my script?"
"like."
Lin Jiadong nodded vigorously.
He's bad, but he has his reasons;
He was cowardly, but in the end, he chose his conscience.
This kind of role is interesting to play.
"Then what are you still hesitating for?"
Lin Jiadong smiled bitterly:
"Money, Director Li."
My wife just gave birth to our second child, and we're still paying off the mortgage.
You know how low the salaries are at TVB – you won't starve, but you won't get rich either.
The money Huayi gave me in one lump sum was enough to pay off my mortgage with some left over.
A practical problem. Li Jun understands.
The beef chow fun has arrived, steaming hot.
Li Jun picked up his chopsticks, but didn't eat.
"Jiadong, I have a question for you."
He looked at the other person.
"Do you want to be an actor or a star?"
Is there a difference?
"have."
Li Jun said.
"Actors live off their roles, while celebrities live off their popularity."
An actor can act for a lifetime, while a star might only be popular for a few years. Which would you choose?
Lin Jiadong fell silent, lowering his head to pick at the rice noodles on his plate.
"What Huayi offers you is quick money, but also a one-time opportunity."
Li Jun continued.
"After you finish this movie, your salary will increase, but it will only go from being a supporting actor in TVB to a supporting actor in a movie."
And nobody will remember that character.
"And what about your side?"
Lin Jiadong's voice was muffled.
"I'm here."
Li Jun put down his chopsticks.
"I can't give you that much money, but I can give you a role that will be remembered."
"If Lao Zhao performs well, people who want to hire you in the future will value your acting skills, not just your familiar face."
"What if the movie doesn't do well at the box office?"
"Then just consider it as if you worked for nothing for several months."
Li Jun put it bluntly.
"But at least you played a good role. In this industry, a good role is more valuable than a good box office."
The tea restaurant was bustling with noise, and the evening news was playing on the television.
Several middle school students at the next table were loudly discussing a newly released game.
Lin Jiadong stared at the beef noodles on the plate for a very long time.
Finally, he raised his head, his eyes a little red:
"Director Li, I'll take it. I'll accept the lower pay."
Li Jun reached out and patted him on the shoulder:
You won't regret it.
"That training..."
"As usual."
Li Jun said.
"And it will be even stricter. For the role of Lao Zhao, acting skills alone are not enough; you also need physical strength."
In that final battle at the dock, you'll have to fight Nicholas Tse for real.
Lin Jiadong swallowed hard, but his eyes hardened:
"I'll practice."
It was past 10 p.m. when we came out of the tea restaurant.
Li Jun instructed the finance department to give Lin Jiadong an extra payment, which was what he deserved.
How could I possibly mistreat my own people?
The neon lights in Mong Kok illuminated the streets as if it were daytime, and pedestrians thronged the streets.
Li Jun was walking in the crowd when his phone vibrated. It was a message from Yuan Tao:
"Liu Shishi's company officially replied that, considering her academic arrangements, they have decided to decline our invitation."
Huayi Brothers offered her a supporting role in a youth film.
As expected, they left.
Li Jun replied:
"Understood. Find someone new for the female student role."
"There is a candidate, a girl named Song Tie, a junior at the Central Academy of Drama. Her image and temperament are suitable."
Do you want to meet him?
Send me the information.
Li Jun put away his phone, stood on the street, and lit a cigarette.
Some people come, some people leave.
This is the norm in this industry.
But the core must not fall apart.
As long as Xie Tingfeng is there, Zhang Ziyi can stay calm, and Lin Jiadong can keep things stable, this drama can still hold up.
I was halfway through my cigarette when my phone rang again.
This time it's Zhang Liangying.
Are you busy?
Her voice was light and cheerful, and she seemed to be in a good mood.
"Just finished talking business. What about you?"
"I just finished the last run-through with the band, and it went very well."
Zhang Liangying paused.
"By the way, I heard Liu Shishi isn't acting anymore?"
"You're really well-informed."
"Linda told me."
Zhang Liangying said softly.
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you're leaving, you're leaving. You can find someone better."
"I know."
"How did your talks with Zhang Ziyi go?"
"Read around next."
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, then Zhang Liangying said:
"If she can really act, it will be a great help to you."
"Yes, but it also depends on whether she's suitable."
"You can definitely handle it."
Zhang Liangying smiled.
"Oh, by the way, the concert tickets, I reserved the best seats for you. First row, right in the center."
"I will be there on time."
We chatted for a few more minutes, then hung up.
Li Jun stubbed out his cigarette and threw it into the trash can.
The night breeze caressed my face, carrying the salty, damp scent unique to the harbor.
He recalled a line from the script, spoken by a revolutionary to Shen Mo:
"In this world, taking a step forward is a cliff, and taking a step back is a sea of fire. But you always have to choose a side. Once you've chosen your side, don't look back."
He chose to stand on this side, so he has to stand there to the end.
A week later, Zhang Ziyi's reading session took place in a private studio on the East Fourth Ring Road in Beijing.
The studio belongs to a friend of Linda's; it's well-soundproofed and offers a high degree of privacy.
Li Jun arrived an hour early and helped Teacher Zhou set up the venue.
The walls were covered with scene pictures and character relationship diagrams from "Bodyguards and Assassins". On the long table were the script, bottled water, and several background music tracks that Li Jun had specially asked Zhang Liangying to record.
At exactly two o'clock, Zhang Ziyi appeared on time.
She brought an assistant with her this time, but the assistant stayed in the outer room.
Accompanying her was a middle-aged woman wearing glasses, who was her long-term acting coach, surnamed Yu.
Kent Chan also arrived, dressed in a casual suit, sitting on a sofa in the corner like an observer.
"Ms. Zhang, Mr. Yu."
Li Jun stood up to greet him.
"Director Li, we meet again."
Zhang Ziyi was dressed more casually today, wearing a white shirt and khaki pants, with her hair tied in a low ponytail and her face clean and tidy.
Before the reading began, Li Jun played a recording of "The Crescent Moon Shines Over the Nine Provinces" by Zhang Liangying.
Music flowed through the quiet studio. Zhang Ziyi closed her eyes and listened, her fingers gently tapping out the rhythm on her lap.
When the music ended, she opened her eyes:
"This atmosphere is just right."
"Then let's start with this atmosphere."
Li Jun gestured to Teacher Zhou.
Today we rehearsed three scenes.
The first scene is the first encounter between the white magnolia and the tea merchant;
The second scene is when Bai Yulan secretly delivers medicine to the tea merchant after he is injured;
The third scene was the final farewell.
Zhang Ziyi received the script excerpt, read it for five minutes, and then looked up:
"We can begin."
She didn't act deliberately; instead, she entered the role in a very natural way.
When reciting lines, the voice is not loud.
Especially in the second scene where she delivers medicine, she handled it with great subtlety, her fingers seemingly touching the medicine bottle unintentionally.
His gaze drifted towards the window as he stood guard, a smile playing on his lips as he spoke, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
After the third match, the studio was quiet for a few seconds.
Teacher Zhou spoke first, her tone excited:
"Ms. Zhang, you handled this very well."
Especially that last line, "Let's go, don't look back," it sounds light, but it carries a tremendous weight.
Zhang Ziyi smiled and looked at Li Jun:
What does Director Li think?
Li Jun had been observing. At this moment, he slowly said:
"Miss Zhang, you added something to the magnolia."
"What is it?"
"mercy."
Li Jun said.
"There was a kind of condescending compassion in her eyes when she looked at the tea merchants."
It's not admiration, not pity, but a kind of compassion: I understand you, but I can't be your compassion. This is even better than I expected.
That hits the nail on the head.
Zhang Ziyi's eyes lit up:
"Director Li understands theater."
"It's because Ms. Zhang acted so well."
In the corner, Chen Zeshi clapped softly:
"Excellent. Director Li, Ms. Zhang, I think this collaboration can be finalized."
Zhang Ziyi did not immediately express her opinion, but instead turned to Teacher Yu.
The two exchanged a few words in hushed tones, and then Teacher Yu nodded.
"Director Li."
Zhang Ziyi stood up.
"We can discuss the contract. But I have two requirements."
"Speaking."
"First, I should have the right to make suggestions regarding Bai Yulan's clothing and styling."
"This character can't be portrayed by acting alone; the physical appearance must also be accurate."
She paused.
"Secondly, I hope to have at least three days of dedicated rehearsal time for my scenes with the tea merchant, so as not to conflict with the main filming."
These are all reasonable requests.
Li Jun nodded:
"Sure. As for costumes, our art director, Mr. Li, is an expert; you can communicate directly with him."
I'll arrange the rehearsal schedule.
"Then it's settled."
Zhang Ziyi extended her hand.
"Looking forward to cooperation."
The moment their hands clasped, half of the heavy weight in Li Jun's heart finally lifted.
After seeing Zhang Ziyi off, Chen Zeshi stayed behind and chatted with Li Jun for a while longer.
"With her, we can negotiate at least 20% more screenings."
Kent Chan was in a good mood.
"I can also start pushing forward with overseas distribution."
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Chen."
"It's my job."
Chen Zeshi patted Li Jun on the shoulder.
"But Director Li, the pressure is all on you now."
With such a strong cast, if the film isn't well-made, it will be embarrassing for all of us.
"I see."
"Good that you understand."
Chen Zeshi glanced at the time.
"I'm leaving now, I have a meeting in Hong Kong."
After Chen Zeshi left, only Li Jun and Teacher Zhou remained in the studio.
Teacher Zhou was still excited:
"Director Li, once Zhang Ziyi is in place, the quality of the whole play changes."
She's at her best right now; she has experience and skills, but they're not yet stagnant.
"yes."
Li Jun looked at the portraits on the wall.
"Now, we just have to wait for Nicholas Tse and the others to finish their training."
"Nicholas Tse is fine. I've watched his recent readings, and he's improved rapidly."
Teacher Zhou said.
"As for Lin Jiadong, he still needs to be worked out."
"Keep grinding, there's still time."
As Li Jun packed his things to leave, his phone rang.
It was Yuan Tao, speaking urgently:
"Li Jun, something's happened."
"What is it?"
"A video surfaced online and was dug up and re-released."
Li Jun's heart sank: "When did this happen?"
"Just now, it became a trending topic within half an hour."
Yuan Tao said.
"I suspect it's Huayi's doing; the timing is too coincidental."
"What was their reaction over there?"
"His agent just called me and said they are doing emergency public relations, but it's not working."
The video was captured clearly.
Li Jun closed his eyes.
It's really a leak in the house that happened to rain in the night.
"Hold on tight, I'm heading back to Hong Kong right away."
He said.
"Also, check the earliest source of the video's release to see if you can find out who's behind it."
"It's already under investigation."
After hanging up the phone, Li Jun stood in the empty studio, the setting sun slowly sinking outside the window.
The cast is set, the investors are secured, but the rivals have started to launch sneak attacks.
He grabbed his coat and hurried out of the studio. Night was falling, and he had to get back to Hong Kong before dark.
There is still a tough battle to be fought there.