novelraw Chapter 109 Stars
Chapter 109 Stars
"What is it?"
"A music critic, in the backstage interview area, questioned the copyright of the Sichuan opera high-pitched aria in Zhang Liangying's 'Shudao Ballad' in front of several media outlets."
Linda's voice was urgent.
He said that the melody was almost identical to the traditional Sichuan opera tune "General's Command," which constituted plagiarism.
Li Jun's mind went blank:
"Does Zhang Liangying know?"
"We don't know yet; we're trying to isolate her."
Linda wiped the sweat from her forehead.
"But the news had already spread, and it started generating discussion on Weibo."
Was that music critic brought by Wang Zhonglei?
"That's him!"
Li Jun gritted his teeth and strode towards the interview area.
Sure enough, a group of reporters were gathered there, and in the middle was a man in his fifties with gray hair. He was the music critic that Wang Zhonglei had brought. His surname was Hu, and he was known in the industry as "Hu the Sharp-Tongued" because he was famous for his sharp and merciless words.
Hu Yidao is speaking eloquently to the camera:
"...Music creation emphasizes originality, and copyright issues should be given even more attention, especially for works that claim to be cross-disciplinary and integrated."
The melody in Ms. Zhang's piece is more than 70% similar to "General's Command," which is hard to explain as mere homage...
"Teacher Hu."
Li Jun pushed the reporters aside and walked up to him.
"I am Li Jun, the producer of Zhang Liangying's concert. Regarding the question you just raised, I would like to clarify a few points."
Hu Yidao turned his head and adjusted his glasses:
"Oh? What brilliant idea does Director Li have?"
"First, during the creation of 'Shu Dao Yao,' we specifically hired an inheritor of Sichuan Opera, an intangible cultural heritage, as an advisor. That high-pitched melody is an adaptation and innovation based on traditional tunes, and there are complete authorization documents."
Li Jun's voice was calm, but every word he spoke was firm and resolute.
"Secondly, we have a record of the copyright registration and notarization documents for all the pieces performed in the concert. Thirdly…"
He looked at Hu Yidao with sharp eyes:
"If you have any questions about copyright, you can resolve them through legal channels, rather than making a presumption of guilt in front of the media."
This is disrespectful to both the artist and the legal process.
These were strong words. A stir went through the reporters, and the flashes from their cameras intensified.
Hu Yidao's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure:
"Director Li, there's no need to get agitated. I'm just raising a professional question."
Since you have the authorization documents, that's great. However, I have another question.
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the reporters present:
"Is there any capital behind Ms. Zhang's transformation into a classical crossover?"
I heard that Starway Capital is the main sponsor of this concert, and Starway is also investing in Director Li's film.
Does this mean that Ms. Zhang's musical transformation is actually part of a prelude to her film project?
This problem is even more serious.
They directly reduced Zhang Liangying's artistic choices to mere commercial hype.
Just as Li Jun was about to speak, a voice came from behind him:
"I'll answer that question."
Zhang Liangying walked over. She had changed back into casual clothes, and there were still traces of stage makeup on her face, but her eyes were clear and calm.
Linda tried to stop her, but she couldn't.
She stopped next to Li Jun and took a microphone from a reporter.
"Ms. Hu, thank you for coming to my concert."
Zhang Liangying's voice was still a little hoarse, but very steady.
"Regarding the copyright issue, Director Li has already made it very clear that we have complete authorization documents, which will be published on official channels tomorrow."
She paused, her gaze fixed on Hu Yidao:
"As for your second question, I switched to classical crossover because I like this form of music and wanted to challenge myself."
It has nothing to do with any person or any capital.
Star Capital was indeed a sponsor, but they did not interfere with my creative process in any way.
All the collaborating teams can attest to this.
"Then why choose this particular time to make the transition?"
Hu Yidao persisted relentlessly.
"Director Li's film 'Bodyguards and Assassins' is about to start filming, and your concert theme is about the Republican era. Isn't that a coincidence?"
Zhang Liangying laughed, but there was a weary mockery in her smile:
"Teacher Hu, according to your logic, a singer can never sing songs about the Republican era?"
Because as long as you sing, it's considered a promotional tactic for a movie?
Someone in the group of reporters laughed.
Hu Yidao's face turned ugly, and he wanted to say something, but Zhang Liangying didn't give him the chance:
"I've been making music for ten years."
From singing in bars to participating in Super Girl competitions, and now standing at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.
Every step I took was my own choice, and every step had its own reasons.
If you feel my choice is not pure enough, then I'm sorry.
But the music is there; listen if you like it, turn it off if you don't.
As for the rest…
She glanced at Li Jun, then looked back at Hu Yidao:
"I don't need to explain to anyone."
After speaking, she handed the microphone back to the reporter and turned to leave.
His back was straight, and his steps were firm.
Li Jun watched her walk away, then turned to Hu Yidao and said coldly:
"Teacher Hu, is there any other question?"
Hu Yidao opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.
The reporters began to disperse, but the commotion was clearly not over yet.
In the backstage dressing room, Zhang Liangying was slumped on the sofa with her eyes closed.
Linda was removing her makeup gently.
"That was great."
Linda said softly.
Zhang Liangying didn't open her eyes, she just tugged at the corner of her mouth:
"What's so great about it? Your hands are shaking."
"But that's well said."
Linda used a cotton pad to wipe off the glitter from the corner of her eye.
"That Hu Yidao is clearly a disgusting person hired by Wang Zhonglei. You're right to criticize him."
"I'm just telling the truth."
Zhang Liangying opened her eyes and looked at the ceiling.
"Linda, did I do something wrong?"
"What?"
"The matter of transformation."
Zhang Liangying's voice was very soft.
"Isn't this too hasty? Is it really like they say, just trying to ride the wave of popularity?"
Linda stopped what she was doing and looked at her intently:
"Liangying, look at me."
Zhang Liangying turned her head.
"How was your performance at the concert tonight?" Linda asked.
"...I think it's alright."
"It's not just okay, it's excellent."
Linda spoke each word clearly.
"How many of those who question you can actually stand on the stage of the National Centre for the Performing Arts?"
How many people can get your two thousand audience members to stand up and applaud tonight?
How many people can get someone like Kent Chan, who's seen it all, to nod in approval?
Zhang Liangying remained silent.
"That's how this industry is. If you do well, someone will try to bring you down."
Linda continued removing her makeup.
Why is Wang Zhonglei targeting you? Because he knows you can succeed. If you succeed, it will make his fast-food works seem low-class.
So he has to throw dirty water on you right when you're starting out.
"What should I do then?"
"Do whatever you have to do."
Linda said.
Keep singing your songs, keep making your music.
We'll wait for your second and third concerts, for your album to sell, and for time to prove everything.
Zhang Liangying remained silent for a long time, then said softly:
"Linda, I'm tired."
"I know."
Linda patted her on the shoulder.
"Get a good rest tonight, and think about these trivial matters tomorrow."
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Linda went to open the door; it was Li Jun.
"May I come in?"
he asks.
Linda glanced at Zhang Liangying, who nodded.
"I'm going to handle the media matters. You guys talk."
Linda left, gently closing the door behind her.
Only the two of them remained in the lounge. Zhang Liangying was still lying on the sofa, motionless.
Li Jun walked to her side and squatted down.
"Feeling unwell?"
he asks.
"A little."
Zhang Liangying looked at him.
"Was I too impulsive just now?"
"No, that's very well said."
Li Jun held her hand.
"Better than I put it."
His hands were warm, and Zhang Liangying felt the warmth travel from his palms all the way to her heart.
Her nose tingled, and tears finally fell.
It's not crying, it's just that tears are falling on their own.
Li Jun didn't say anything, he just held her hand and waited for her to calm down.
After a long while, Zhang Liangying sniffed:
"Xiao Jun, am I... really stupid?"
Why do you say that?
"Even though I know what this industry is like, I still want to make good music."
Even though I knew someone would throw dirty water on me, I still stood on it.
Her voice choked with emotion.
"Sometimes I feel that people like me deserve to be eliminated in this era."
"Who says this era can't tolerate people who work diligently?"
Li Jun's voice was deep.
People like Wang Zhonglei are the bubbles of this era. They look glamorous, but they burst easily.
You are solid; you can sink low and rise high.
Zhang Liangying looked at him, and tears welled up in her eyes again:
"Really?"
"real."
Li Jun wiped away her tears with his thumb.
"At tonight's concert, I was sitting in the audience and thinking, how did this girl have such courage?"
Daring to transform at the peak of one's career, daring to challenge the most difficult fields, and daring to stand up and say "I don't need to explain" when everyone is questioning it.
He paused, then smiled:
"Do you know what this is called?"
"What?"
"That's awesome."
Li Jun's words were very vulgar, but Zhang Liangying burst out laughing.
After laughing, she felt like crying again.
Li Jun stood up and pulled her up from the sofa:
"Come on, I'll take you somewhere."
"Where to go? I look like this..."
You'll find out when you get there.
Li Jun led her through the employee entrance, avoiding the reporters still waiting at the door.
The car was already waiting at the back door; it was driven by Yuan Tao.
"Where to?"
Yuan Tao asked.
"Tiananmen Square."
Li Jun said.
It was almost 1 a.m. when the car drove onto Chang'an Avenue.
The streets were deserted, with only a few vehicles passing by.
The Tiananmen Gate Tower was lit up in the night, solemn and dignified.
Li Jun told Yuan Tao to stop the car by the roadside, then pulled Zhang Liangying out of the car and walked to the edge of the square.
A night breeze blew by, carrying the unique coolness of spring.
Zhang Liangying wrapped her coat tighter around herself and looked at the scene before her.
In the early hours of the morning, Tiananmen Square was empty and quiet, with only a few armed police officers patrolling.
The lights on the city gate illuminated the white marble railings, and the red flags fluttered gently in the night breeze.
"Why did you bring me here?"
She asked.
"When I was a child, the first time I came to Beijing, my dad brought me here."
Li Jun looked at the city gate tower.
"It was morning then, and I was watching the flag-raising ceremony."
The crowds were huge, but when the national anthem played, everyone fell silent.
That feeling is hard to describe.
He paused:
"Later, whenever I felt like I couldn't go on, I would come here to take a look."
Look at this square, this city gate, this national flag.
Then you start to think about how many people in this country and in this city are striving for all sorts of ideals.
Some succeeded, some didn't, but everyone is moving forward.
Zhang Liangying listened quietly.
"The stage you're standing on tonight is also one of the battlefields."
Li Jun turned to look at her.
"Some people want you to step down, and some people want to see you make a fool of yourself."
But as long as you stand firm and sing well, you've won.
"But what happens after you win?"
Zhang Liangying asked softly, "There's always another match, and the match after that. There will always be someone trying to pull you down."
"Then keep winning."
Li Jun put it simply.
"Win until they can't pull anymore."
Zhang Liangying smiled, and this time it was a genuine smile.
She looked up at the night sky. It was rare to see stars in Beijing, but tonight a few stubbornly shone.
"Xiao Jun," she said, "thank you."
"Thank me again."
"Thank you so much this time."
Zhang Liangying turned to look at him.
"Thank you for being here tonight, thank you for saying those things, thank you for bringing me here."
Li Jun didn't say anything, but simply put his arm around her shoulder.
Zhang Liangying leaned against him and closed her eyes.
The headlights of cars on Chang'an Avenue streaked across the sky, and the faint sound of bells could be heard in the distance.
A new day is about to begin.
The next morning, Li Jun was woken up by a phone call.
It was Chen Yongren calling, his tone excited:
"Mr. Li, good news! After the security captain from Macau came forward, two more people who were present back then stepped forward."
One was a waiter working at a bar, and the other was a passerby at the time.
They all confirmed that Nicholas Tse only acted after being provoked.
What's the reaction from Huayi?
"There's been no movement for now, but last night, those few marketing accounts that were stirring up trouble deleted all the posts that were badmouthing Nicholas Tse."
Chen Yongren said.
"They probably saw the wind was blowing in a wrong direction and stopped."
"Wang Zhonglei won't give up so easily."
"I know, but at least we won this round."
Chen Yongren paused.
"By the way, I also saw about Miss Zhang's concert."
Hu Yidao's music review was published this morning, with a much softer tone. He only said it needed further observation and didn't dare mention plagiarism again.
Li Jun hung up the phone and opened Weibo. Sure enough, the trending topic was...
#Zhang Liang's National Centre for the Performing Arts Concert#
Clicking through, most of the comments were positive.
Hu Yidao's music review didn't get many shares, and the comments below were all criticizing him for trying to ride the wave of popularity.
He was about to close it when he suddenly saw a new trending topic rising:
#Tang Yan visits Zhang Liangying's concert set#.
Clicking on it reveals a photo of Tang Yan hugging Zhang Liangying backstage last night.
The photo angle was tricky, perfectly capturing the tears in Zhang Liangying's eyes and Tang Yan's gentle smile.
The caption reads: "The friendship between the Super Girl champion and a new generation of actors is a rare genuine bond in the entertainment industry."
The comments were harmonious:
"Both girls are so beautiful."
"Tang Yan is so sweet, he came all this way to support us."
"This is true sisterhood, unlike some fake friendships."
Looking at the photo, Li Jun felt a mix of emotions.
He didn't know if Tang Yan was genuinely happy for Zhang Liangying, or if he was just putting on an act for public. Perhaps it was both.
He sent Tang Yan a message:
"Thank you for last night."
Reply quickly:
You're welcome. She sang very well, she deserves it.
It was brief, but sincere.
Li Jun put down his phone and went to wash up.
There's still a lot to handle today: discussing joint promotion with Kent Chan, keeping track of the film's training progress, and preparing for Wang Zhonglei's next move.
But at least, last night's concert was a success.
At least, Zhang Liangying stood firm.
This is enough.
At 10 a.m., Li Jun met Chen Zeshi in a conference room at a hotel in the China World Trade Center.
Kent Chan seemed to be in a good mood, with a clip of Jane Zhang's concert "Shu Dao Yao" playing on the tablet in front of him.
"This clip is getting a lot of views online right now."
He looked up at Li Jun.
"Young people, in particular, really like this style that blends tradition and modernity."
Li Jun sat down opposite him:
"How does Mr. Chen plan to promote this product?"
"It's very simple."
Kent Chan turned off the video.
"Ms. Zhang's upcoming tour could include a piece of the theme music or interlude from 'Bodyguards and Assassins' at each show."
Her tour before the movie's release was the best way to generate buzz.
Conversely, promotional resources for the film could be channeled towards her music career.
"Specifically?"
"For example, the teaser trailer for a movie can use her songs from the Republican era as background music."
"We could invite her to sing the theme song at the movie premiere."
Chen Zeshi leaned forward.
"We could even consider having Ms. Zhang make a cameo appearance in the movie, just one scene, and sing a song."
Li Jun remained silent.
This plan sounds great, but it carries significant risks.
If this connection becomes too strong, Zhang Liangying's music career will be forever tied to her film career. If the film is successful, it will be a win-win situation.
But what if the movie fails?
"Mr. Chen."
He spoke slowly.
"I understand your thoughts, but I still maintain that Liangying's music career should remain independent."
"Director Li, I know what you're worried about."
Kent Chan smiled.
"You're worried that if the movie flops, it will damage her reputation. But on the other hand, if the movie succeeds, how much will it help her?"
"The risk is too great."
"What is risk-free?"
Chen Zeshi countered with a question.
"Ms. Zhang's foray into classical art is a huge gamble in itself. Since she's already taken the gamble, why not go even higher?"
Li Jun looked at the shrewd businessman in front of him.
He knew Chen Zeshi had a point; from a business perspective, it was indeed a win-win solution. But he couldn't only consider business.
"How about this?"
He finally said.
"We can cooperate, but there must be boundaries."
"you say."
"First, the film can use her music for promotion, but it must be made clear that it is a collaboration, not a forced partnership."
Secondly, whether she can make a cameo appearance depends on her own wishes; it cannot be forced.
Third, if cooperation is to be undertaken, there must be a separate contract clearly defining the rights and obligations of both parties.
After listening, Chen Zeshi nodded:
"Okay. Director Li is indeed cautious."
"It's not caution, it's respect."
Li Jun said.
"It hasn't been easy for Liangying to get to where she is today, and I can't risk her career."
"I understand."
Chen Zeshi stood up, extended his hand, and said, "Then it's settled."
The specific details of the collaboration will be handled by the team.
"it is good."
During the handshake, Kent Chan suddenly said:
"Director Li, what are your plans regarding Wang Zhonglei?"
"Respond to each move as it comes."
"He didn't succeed yesterday, he won't give up."
Chen Zeshi said meaningfully.
"I received information that he is in contact with Zhang Ziyi's team."
Li Jun's eyes sharpened:
"What does he want to do?"
"I don't know, but it's definitely not a good thing."
Kent Chan patted him on the shoulder.
"Be careful. Although Zhang Ziyi has signed a contract, it's not impossible for Huayi to offer an exorbitant penalty for breach of contract to poach her."
"She won't."
"Are you so sure?"
"Sure."
Li Jun said.
"She's selective about the roles, not the pay."
Chen Zeshi smiled and said nothing more.
After leaving the conference room, Li Jun stood in the elevator, watching the floor numbers descend one by one.
As expected, Wang Zhonglei started to make moves against Zhang Ziyi. This was a drastic measure.
If Zhang Ziyi withdraws, the commercial value of "Bodyguards and Assassins" will drop by at least 30%.
More importantly, the confidence of other actors will also be shaken.
When the elevator doors opened, he made his decision.
He dialed the number of Zhang Ziyi's studio:
"I'm Li Jun. I'd like to invite Miss Zhang to dinner. She can decide the time and place."
That evening, Li Jun met Zhang Ziyi at a private restaurant on the East Fourth Ring Road.
She came alone, wearing a simple black dress, without makeup, and looked very relaxed.
"Director Li, is it about the movie that you're calling me so urgently?"
She sat down and got straight to the point.
Yes and no.
Li Jun poured her tea.
"I'd like to talk to you about Wang Zhonglei."
Zhang Ziyi raised an eyebrow: "He contacted you?"
"They've contacted my people."
Li Jun told the truth.
"I think he probably contacted you as well."
Zhang Ziyi smiled, a smile that held a knowing calmness that seemed to understand everything:
"I've found someone. He offered a very high price, including all breach of contract penalties, doubled my salary, and added as many scenes as I wanted."
"How will you reply?"
I asked him, "Has the script been revised?"
Zhang Ziyi picked up her teacup.
He said it was still being revised. I said, "Let's talk about it when it's finished."
Li Jun looked at her and felt relieved.
"You don't care about money?"
"I care, but I care more about the work itself."
Zhang Ziyi said.
"I got to where I am today not by taking on bad movies."
I've read Wang Zhonglei's script. The characters are thin, the plot is clichéd, and apart from spending a lot of money on special effects, there's nothing worthwhile about it.
"I acted in it, and aside from earning more money, it didn't help my acting career at all."
She paused, looking at Li Jun:
"But your script is different. The role of Bai Yulan allows me to portray something different. That's what actors value most."
"Thank you," Li Jun said sincerely.
"You're welcome. Thank yourself."
Zhang Ziyi said.
"You wrote the script, you created the character. You gave me this opportunity."
The food arrived, and the two ate and chatted.
The conversation moved from movies to acting, and then to the current state of the industry.
Zhang Ziyi is very talkative, especially when she talks about acting, her eyes sparkle.
"Director Li."
She suddenly asked.
What are your requirements for actors?
Li Jun thought for a moment: "It's true."
"Be specific."
"It's about acting like a real person."
Li Jun said.
"It has advantages and disadvantages, perseverance and wavering, moments of nobility and moments of baseness."
Viewers can see themselves in him, or see what they want to be, or what they are afraid to be, as he represents.
Zhang Ziyi nodded:
"This is a good role."
"so."
Li Jun looked at her.
What does the magnolia mean to you?
Zhang Ziyi remained silent for a long time, then said softly:
"It means I can temporarily forget the name Zhang Ziyi and become someone else."
A more complex, more authentic, and freer person.
The words were spoken softly, but Li Jun understood them.
This is what top actors pursue: not fame and fortune, but creative freedom.
"I see."
He said.
"I will do my best to provide you with the best creative environment."
"I trust you."
Zhang Ziyi raised her teacup.
Wishing you a pleasant cooperation.
"It's a pleasure working with you."
Halfway through the meal, Zhang Ziyi suddenly said:
"By the way, I listened to the recording of Zhang Liangying's concert. She sang very well."
Li Jun was somewhat surprised:
"Did you hear that?"
"Yes, it was sent to me by Kent Chan."
Zhang Ziyi smiled.
"He said he wanted me to experience the musical atmosphere of the movie. After listening to him, I felt that this girl had a certain energy."
"What's that?"
"A stubborn refusal to admit defeat."
Zhang Ziyi said.
"In an era where everyone wants to take shortcuts, she chose the most difficult path."
Such a person will either suffer a crushing defeat or soar to great heights.
Li Jun remained silent.
"You care about her a lot?"
Zhang Ziyi asked directly.
Li Jun was silent for a moment, then nodded:
"care."
"Then protect her."
Zhang Ziyi's tone turned serious.
"This industry is never friendly to people who take their work seriously."
Wang Zhonglei is just the first, not the last.
"I know."
"Good to know."
Zhang Ziyi put down her chopsticks.
"I've finished eating. I'll be on time for the film shoot. You don't need to worry about anything else."
She got up to leave, turning back as she reached the door:
"Director Li, keep it up. Many people are waiting to see you fail; don't let them get away with it."
"must."
After Zhang Ziyi left, Li Jun sat alone in the private room and finished the rest of his tea.
The tea had gone cold, but his heart was warm.
We've passed this hurdle again.
It was already 11 p.m. when I got back to the hotel.
Li Jun turned on his computer and began processing emails.
The training base sent a report that Nicholas Tse was in excellent training condition today, and Lin Jiadong also showed significant improvement.
The art team sent in new scene design drawings, with Master Li adding a note:
"Mr. Li, we've found the fabric for these costumes. It's genuine old fabric, with a history of over a hundred years."
Everything is moving forward.
Outside the window, the night sky over Beijing was starless, but brightly lit.
Li Jun recalled what Zhang Liangying had said at Tiananmen Square the previous night:
"Xiao Jun, am I particularly stupid?"
No, I'm not stupid.
In this era where there are too many smart people, those who are willing to do foolish things are the most precious.
He picked up his phone and sent her a message:
"Are you asleep?"
Reply quickly:
Not yet, I'm listening to the recording of today's concert.
I found several places where I could sing better.
"It's already very good."
"Not good enough."
She replied.
"You'll do better next time."
Li Jun smiled. This is the real Zhang Liangying.
He posted another message: "I'm going back to Hong Kong tomorrow."
What are your plans for the future?
"Linda is talking about a tour, maybe starting in Shanghai and Guangzhou. Then I want to go back to Chengdu to spend a few days with my mom."
"Okay. Call me anytime if you need anything."
"The same to you."
The conversation ended simply. But Li Jun knew that some things had changed.
Last night in Tiananmen Square, when Zhang Liangying leaned against him, he felt an unprecedented sense of responsibility.