novelraw Chapter 111 Disappearance
Chapter 111 Disappearance
Song Tie has disappeared.
At 7:30 a.m. on Monday, everyone at the training base was there, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Cheng Guoqiang stood in the center of the field, his face ashen, the training schedule in his hand crumpled into a ball.
"Did you make the call?"
Li Jun walked quickly down the stairs, his voice devoid of emotion.
"I dialed, then turned off the phone."
Teacher Zhou pushed up his glasses.
"The hotel where she stayed said that she checked out around 11 p.m. last night and took all her luggage with her."
Nicholas Tse was warming up when he heard this, and he paused for a moment, but did not look up.
Lin Jiadong seemed somewhat uneasy, frequently glancing towards the entrance.
Li Jun walked to the window and took out his phone.
There's still no new information from Chen Yongren's side; he gave instructions last night...
A thorough investigation into Song Tie's whereabouts over the past three months will take time.
But if a person suddenly disappears, it means that the other party has already noticed something.
"Training will continue as usual."
Li Jun turned around, his tone calm.
"Master Cheng, let's practice that chase scene in the rainy alley today."
Lin Jiadong, you and Xie Tingfeng need to show some fighting spirit in that final battle.
"That Song Tie..."
Lin Jiadong hesitated to speak.
"I will handle her matter."
Li Jun interrupted him.
"Focus on practicing your acting."
The training began in a tense atmosphere.
Cheng Guoqiang's roar was louder than usual, as if he was venting some kind of unease.
The fight between Nicholas Tse and Lin Jiadong was also exceptionally fierce; the sparks from the clash of their short knives were almost visible to the naked eye.
Li Jun closed the door in the director's room. He first called Yuan Tao.
"Song Tie has run away."
"What?"
Yuan Tao gasped on the other end of the phone.
"When did this happen?"
"last night."
Li Jun walked to the window and looked at the trucks coming and going in the industrial area below.
"Have you received any messages? Is there any unusual activity at Huayi?"
"Wang Zhonglei went to Guangzhou yesterday afternoon, supposedly to discuss distribution cooperation. But it's unclear who he specifically met with."
Yuan Tao paused.
"Li Jun, do you think Song Tie is a member of Huayi?"
"pretty close."
"So what did she see and hear at the training base these past few months?"
This is exactly what Li Jun is most worried about.
Song Tie is no ordinary undercover agent; she is a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, and she understands acting and dramatic structure.
She can see far more than a layman could.
"Script outline, character design, training methods, fight choreography..."
Li Jun listed them one by one.
"There's also the actors' condition, the director's vision, and the team's working methods."
She figured all of this out.
There was a long silence on the other end of the phone.
"So what do we do now?"
Yuan Tao's voice was somewhat hoarse.
Two things.
Li Jun said.
"First, the script needs urgent revision. Several key scenes involving Shen Mo and Bai Yulan need to be adjusted, especially the final scene where they escort the revolutionaries out of the city; the entire movement sequence needs to be changed."
Second, inform Zhang Ziyi that she will have a new script after she joins the production team next month.
"Is this enough time? The machine is scheduled to start operating next month."
"We must make it in time."
Li Jun's tone left no room for argument.
"In addition, find two reliable screenwriters who are tight-lipped."
The script revisions are something only the three of us should know about.
"clear."
After hanging up, Li Jun dialed Chen Yongren's number again.
"Ah Ren, Song Tie has escaped. Have you found anything on your end?"
Chen Yongren's voice was very low:
"Mr. Li, we've made progress."
Song Tie, the tutor at the Central Academy of Drama, received a consulting fee of 500,000 yuan from Huayi last month, which was paid through a private account.
Furthermore, several of the high-end venues Song Tie frequented during his year as a migrant worker in Beijing were regular haunts for senior executives of Huayi Brothers.
"Can you prove that she had direct contact with Wang Zhonglei?"
"Not yet, but we've found a lead."
Chen Yongren paused.
"Song Tie's bank card received a deposit of 200,000 yuan last month, and the payer was a shell company."
I asked a friend to check, and the ultimate beneficiary of that company points to a subsidiary of Huayi.
The chain of evidence is closing.
"Continue the investigation."
Li Jun said.
"Especially her contact with the outside world over the past three months."
Call logs, text messages, social media private messages—I need them all.
"Understood. There's one more thing..."
Chen Yongren hesitated for a moment.
"It seems like someone has also been contacted by Nicholas Tse."
Li Jun's heart tightened:
"Who?"
"A mainland agent, surnamed Du, specializes in handling business with Hong Kong stars in mainland China."
He met with Nicholas Tse's manager and had dinner in Hong Kong last weekend.
Chen Yongren said.
"I asked around and we talked about a new project by Huayi Brothers at dinner. They said it was a martial arts blockbuster and the asking price was very high."
Wang Zhonglei is trying to undermine China's foundation.
They started with newcomers like Song Tie, then poached mid-level actors, and finally moved on to the core lead actors.
Does Nicholas Tse himself know about this?
"He probably doesn't know; it was his agent who arranged it."
Chen Yongren said.
"However, given Nicholas Tse's current state, I don't think he'll be tempted."
"Don't let your guard down."
Li Jun rubbed his temples.
"People's hearts can change."
Shouts and jeers came from the training field outside the window. Li Jun walked to the window and saw Xie Tingfeng execute a clean and swift back throw, bringing Lin Jiadong to the ground.
Lin Jiadong lay on the ground catching his breath for a few seconds, then scrambled to his feet and pounced on the enemy again with a fierce look in his eyes.
These two people are the backbone of this film.
In any case, the backbone must not be broken.
That afternoon, Li Jun made an appointment with Xie Tingfeng.
The location wasn't at the training base, but at a café by Victoria Harbour.
Seating outdoors, with a sea breeze on your face, and ferries and cargo ships coming and going in the distance.
When Nicholas Tse arrived, he was wearing a simple gray T-shirt and sweatpants, and his face still showed signs of fatigue from training.
He sat down opposite Li Jun and ordered an iced Americano.
"Director Li, is there something you need from me?"
"Um."
Li Jun looked at him.
"Did you know that someone from Huayi Brothers contacted your agent?"
Nicholas Tse paused for a moment, then shook his head:
"I don't know. Ah-Qiang didn't tell me."
Ah-Qiang is his agent.
"Perhaps they felt it wasn't necessary."
Li Jun said.
"But I think you should know."
Nicholas Tse silently took a sip of his coffee.
Seagulls circled overhead, emitting sharp cries.
"Director Li."
He finally spoke.
Are you worried I'll leave?
"I'm not worried, but I'd like to know what you think."
Li Jun is very direct.
"Huayi's asking price is definitely not low, and the project is a big production. If you want to go, I won't stop you."
Nicholas Tse smiled, but there was a complex meaning in his smile:
"Director Li, do you know how I've been these past few months?"
Before Li Jun could answer, he continued:
"I get up at six every day, arrive at the base at seven, and train until eight at night."
Every part of my body aches, and there are bruises upon bruises.
Master Cheng criticized me for being all show and no substance, and Teacher Zhou said my acting was too superficial; even Lin Jiadong, a supporting actor from TVB, could outshine me in some scenes.
He looked at Li Jun:
"I've been in this industry for over a decade, and I've never been this embarrassed before."
At Emperor Entertainment, at the company, and outside, who doesn't call me Mr. Xie?
But here, I'm just a student, and a student who often fails.
Li Jun didn't speak, he just listened.
"But I never thought about leaving."
Nicholas Tse lowered his voice.
"It's not because of the contract, it's not because of the money, it's because..."
For the first time, I felt that I was doing something truly valuable.
The character Shen Mo is the best role I've ever played in my acting career.
He made me realize that everything I'd done before was garbage.
He spoke with great force, and the veins on his forehead bulged slightly.
"No matter how much money Huayi gives me, or how big a production it is, can it give me a role like this?"
Can you make me wake up every morning feeling that I'm one step closer to becoming a real actor?
Nicholas Tse shook his head.
"They can't. They'll just make me play another Nicholas Tse, a more handsome, cooler, and better fighter, but a Nicholas Tse who's always the same."
The sea breeze tousled his short hair.
This man, who is always impeccably groomed in front of the camera, appears rough around the edges at this moment.
"Director Li."
He looked at Li Jun.
"I'm not leaving. Unless you kick me out."
Li Jun picked up his coffee cup and clinked it against his:
"Welcome to stay."
There were no extra words, but that was enough.
After Nicholas Tse left, Li Jun sat alone by the sea and lit another cigarette.
As the sun sets, Victoria Harbour is bathed in a golden hue.
In the distance, the Star Ferry sounded its horn and slowly headed towards Central.
My phone vibrated; it was a message from Chen Yongren:
"Found it."
After checking out at 11 p.m. last night, Song Tie got into a black Mercedes.
The license plate was fake, but surveillance footage showed that the car eventually drove into a private club in Kowloon Tong.
Wang Zhonglei just bought that club last month.
really.
Li Jun stubbed out his cigarette, got up, and left.
Instead of returning to the training base, he had the driver head to Kowloon.
The car drove through the bustling city center and into a quiet luxury residential area.
The clubhouse that Wang Zhonglei bought was hidden behind a bamboo grove, with green tiles and white walls, like a private garden.
Li Jun was stopped by security guards at the entrance.
"I'm looking for Wang Zhonglei."
He said.
After consulting with his superiors via walkie-talkie, the security guard stepped aside.
"Mr. Wang is waiting for you inside."
The interior of the clubhouse is even more luxurious than the exterior.
Passing through the corridor, you arrive at a tea room by the water. Wang Zhonglei is sitting in front of the tea tray, brewing tea.
Upon seeing Li Jun, he smiled and gestured for him to proceed.
"Director Li is a rare guest."
Wang Zhonglei handed over a cup of tea.
"Try it, this year's Lao Ban Zhang."
Li Jun didn't take the tea, but sat down directly.
"Where is Song Tie?"
Wang Zhonglei paused for a moment, then put down his teacup:
"What Song Iron?"
"Don't play dumb."
Li Jun looked at him.
"That female student at the training base, she's one of yours. Where is she now?"
"Director Li's words are..."
Wang Zhonglei picked up his cup of tea and slowly took a sip.
"The entertainment industry is only so big, it's normal for actors to come and go."
She didn't want to stay with you anymore and came to me asking for a meal. Is there a problem?
"Does begging require stealing training materials, finding out about art direction, and observing the director's direction?"
Li Jun's voice turned cold.
"Mr. Wang, business competition is business competition, but using such underhanded tactics is despicable."
The smile on Wang Zhonglei's face disappeared.
He put down his teacup and leaned forward:
"Li Jun, who do you think you are?"
Does he really think that just because he made a low-budget romance film, he can establish himself in this industry?
"I never thought that way."
"Then you should know your place."
Wang Zhonglei lit a cigar.
"You can't afford to play the 'Bodyguards and Assassins' project. If you hand it over obediently, I might give you a producer position."
If you insist on taking it from me, you'll lose badly.
"How do you plan to lose?"
Li Jun asked.
"Like how you dealt with Nicholas Tse, bringing up old grievances and smearing him?"
Do you treat Zhang Liangying the way you did, by finding music critics to question plagiarism?
Or will you, like you are now, plant spies in my production crew?
Wang Zhonglei exhaled a smoke ring:
"The means don't matter, the result does."
"And what was the result for you?"
Li Jun stood up.
"Public opinion surrounding Nicholas Tse has reversed, Jane Zhang's concert was a success, and Song Tie has been exposed."
What other tricks do you have up your sleeve?
Wang Zhonglei's expression finally changed.
He stared at Li Jun with a cold look in his eyes: "Young man, don't be too arrogant."
This circle is never short of arrogant people.
Those who ultimately survived all had powerful connections.
"My backing is the film itself."
Li Jun turned around.
"Mr. Wang, let's see who's the real deal on the big screen."
He walked out of the tea room, through the corridor, and heard Wang Zhonglei's voice behind him:
"Li Jun, you'll regret this!"
Li Jun did not turn around.
By the time I left the club, it was completely dark.
He stood by the roadside waiting for a car, the night wind blowing by, carrying the rustling sound of bamboo leaves.
The phone rang; it was Zhang Liangying.
"Xiao Jun, where are you?"
Her voice sounded a little nervous.
"Hong Kong. What happened?"
"I...I received a package."
Zhang Liangying paused.
"There are several photos and a letter inside."
Li Jun's heart sank:
"What photo?"
"It was that night in Tiananmen Square that we met."
Zhang Liangying's voice trembled.
"Someone took a picture of us from a really awkward angle; we looked very close."
Li Jun closed his eyes. Wang Zhonglei's movements were faster than he had anticipated.
"What did the letter say?"
"They said if I didn't withdraw from the collaboration with 'Bodyguards and Assassins,' these photos would be posted online."
Zhang Liangying's voice was trembling with tears.
"Xiao Jun, I'm fine. Will this affect you?"
"Don't be afraid."
Li Jun's voice was very steady.
"Keep the photos and letters safe and don't tell anyone, including Linda and Yuan Tao. I'm going back to Beijing tomorrow."
"Will you come back?"
"meeting."
Li Jun said.
"Don't go anywhere or see anyone until I get back."
The concert organizers said they were feeling unwell and postponed one rehearsal.
"But……"
"obedient."
Li Jun softened his tone.
"Trust me, I'll handle it."
There was a long silence on the other end of the phone, then Zhang Liangying said softly:
"Okay, I'll wait for you."
After hanging up the phone, Li Jun stood there, looking at the night sky.
Hong Kong's night sky rarely has stars, but tonight, there is one that shines particularly brightly, hanging alone on the horizon.
The car arrived. He opened the car door and said to the driver, "To the airport."
"It's so late, Mr. Li?"
"Yeah, I'm catching the last flight to Beijing."
On the way to the airport, Li Jun sent Yuan Tao a message:
"Emergency situation, need to get to BJ tomorrow morning."
Prepare your public relations team and be prepared for the worst.
Yuan Tao replied quickly:
"Received. Should we notify Mr. Chen?"
Li Jun thought for a moment:
"No need yet. We'll talk about it when I get there."
As the plane climbed into the night sky, Li Jun watched Hong Kong gradually disappear into the distance outside the window.
The city lights resemble an inverted galaxy.
He recalled Wang Zhonglei's last words:
You'll regret it.
Regret?
Maybe.
But if he had to do it all over again, he would probably make the same choice.
I made "Love is Not Blind" to prove that I could make movies.
I made "Bodyguards and Assassins" to prove that I could make good movies.
The people he met along the way—Zhang Liangying, Xie Tingfeng, Zhang Ziyi, Lin Jiadong, and Tang Yan—have all become indispensable parts of this journey.
The plane entered the stratosphere, and the cabin became quiet.
Li Jun closed his eyes, but didn't sleep.
He mentally reviewed all possible solutions.
There are essentially only a few ways to handle photos:
Deny, admit, or shift the focus.
Denying it is the worst thing you can do. The photos are clear, and the more you deny it, the more guilty you seem.
Admittedly, what exactly is his relationship with Zhang Liangying? Friends? Business partners? Or...?
Li Jun opened his eyes and looked at the faint light from the overhead lamp.
This was the first time he had seriously considered this question.
From the stubborn talent show contestant he first met, to the girl crying while holding her mother's hand in the hospital, to the radiant singer on the stage of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and finally to the woman who leaned against him in Tiananmen Square and said, "I'm tired."
Zhang Liangying's place in his life has long exceeded the scope of a business partner.
But what promises can he make?
At this critical juncture, at this moment when everyone is watching them.
The flight attendant brought him a blanket, and Li Jun thanked her and put it on.
Outside the cabin was endless darkness, with only the navigation lights on the wings flashing regularly.
Like a heartbeat.
At 3 a.m., the plane landed at the Capital Airport.
When Li Jun walked out of the arrival hall, Yuan Tao was already waiting.
The two didn't exchange pleasantries and got into the car directly.
"I've seen the photos."
Yuan Tao took a folder out of his briefcase.
"The photos are very professional; they must have used a telephoto lens."
The picture of you and Liangying by the square really does look like a couple.
Li Jun opened the folder.
There are five photos in total, taken from different angles. One photo shows Zhang Liangying leaning on his shoulder, another shows him looking down at her, and the third shows him with his arm around her shoulder.
Under the cover of darkness and the angle of the camera, it is indeed easy to misunderstand.
"Where's the letter?"
Yuan Tao handed over a sheet of printed paper. The writing was handwritten, but clearly by his left hand, and it was crooked and messy:
"Miss Zhang, Director Li, you two are truly a perfect match."
However, if these photos are posted online, it's unclear how much impact they will have on Ms. Zhang's music career and Director Li's film project.
I suggest that you two carefully consider the matter of cooperation.
Of course, if Ms. Zhang is willing to develop her career at Huayi, we can offer even more favorable terms.
This is typical of Wang Zhonglei's tactics: using threats and poaching.
"How is Liangying doing now?"
Li Jun asked.
"Not good."
Yuan Tao sighed.
"Linda stayed with her, but she didn't say anything and just sat there in a daze."
I asked her if she wanted some water, and she shook her head.
When asked if she wanted to eat, she shook her head.
The car drove towards the city center.
The streets of Beijing were deserted and quiet in the early morning, with only the occasional taxi passing by.
"We now have several options."
Yuan Tao said.
"First, take the initiative to go public and say that you are a couple, and admit it openly and honestly."
However, this would confirm suspicions of a publicity stunt, which would be detrimental to Jane Zhang's career transition.
"And the second one?"
"Secondly, some people claim the photo was taken from a misleading angle, that someone maliciously took it without permission, but whether the public believes that is hard to say."
Yuan Tao paused.
"Third, shift the focus. We'll release other, more explosive news to overshadow this."
"for example?"
"For example... the rumors about Nicholas Tse and Zhang Ziyi?"
Yuan Tao tentatively said.
"Although they have absolutely nothing to do with each other, it's still possible to create some buzz."
Li Jun shook his head:
"Don't drag innocent people into this."
"Then what do you suggest we do?"
Li Jun looked at the streetlights flashing past the window and slowly said:
"The fourth option is to turn the tables on them."
"What do you mean?"
"Wang Zhonglei threatened us with secretly filming, so we threatened him with something even bigger."
Li Jun turned to look at Yuan Tao.
"Didn't you say before that you found problems with his company's taxes?"
Yuan Tao's eyes lit up:
"You mean...?"
"Gather evidence and prepare materials."
Li Jun's tone was cold.
"If he dares to post the photos, we'll report him. We'll see who suffers more then."
"But this move is too ruthless; it's like completely tearing off all pretense of civility."
"The moment he planted an undercover agent in my crew, the facade was already torn off."
Li Jun said.
"If we're going to fight, let's fight to the bitter end."
The car stopped downstairs in front of Zhang Liangying's apartment building. Before Li Jun got out of the car, Yuan Tao stopped him:
"Li Jun, think it through. Once you take this step, there's no turning back."
Wang Zhonglei has been operating in this industry for over a decade and has a very deep network of connections. Do you really want to go head-to-head with him?
Li Jun turned around, his face half-lit and half-shadowed in the night:
"Old Yuan, do you think we still have a way out?"
Yuan Tao remained silent.
"He's already made moves against my people."
Li Jun's voice was very soft.
"Then don't blame me for being impolite."
Zhang Liangying's apartment was on the eighteenth floor. Li Jun rang the doorbell, and Linda opened the door.
She visibly relaxed when she saw Li Jun.
"She's inside, and she hasn't slept at all."
Li Jun nodded and went inside.
The main light in the living room was off; only a floor lamp was lit.
Zhang Liangying curled up on the sofa, hugging her knees and burying her face in her arms.
Hearing footsteps, she looked up.
Her eyes were red and swollen, and there were tear stains on her face.
The moment she saw Li Jun, tears welled up in her eyes again.
Li Jun walked over and sat down next to her.
Zhang Liangying didn't pounce on him as usual, but instead shrank back like a frightened little animal.
"sorry……"
Her voice was hoarse.
"It's all because of me. If I hadn't insisted on changing my career path, if I hadn't held concerts, none of this would have happened..."
"It's none of your business."
Li Jun held her hand.
"They're coming for me."
"But the photos."
"I'll handle the photo issue."
Li Jun looked at her.
Do you believe me?
Zhang Liangying looked at him, tears streaming down her face.
After a long while, she finally nodded vigorously:
"letter."
"Then I'll do as I say."
Li Jun wiped away her tears.
"Starting tomorrow, everything will proceed as usual."
Rehearsals continued as usual, interviews continued as usual, and everyone did what they were supposed to do.
If anyone asks about the photos, just say they were normal interactions between friends and were maliciously edited and misinterpreted.
Will they believe it?
"Whether we believe it or not is not important; what's important is that we don't let this matter lead us astray."
Li Jun said.
"Your concert, your music, is the most important thing."
Don't let these things bother you.
Zhang Liangying bit her lip and nodded.
Linda came over and handed her a glass of warm water:
"Liangying, go wash your face and get some sleep. You have rehearsal tomorrow."
Zhang Liangying stood up, took a few steps, then turned back to look at Li Jun:
"Aren't you leaving tonight?"
"I'm not leaving."
Li Jun said.
"I'll sleep on the sofa."
Zhang Liangying opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately didn't, and turned to go into the bedroom.
Linda sat opposite Li Jun, her expression serious.
"Li Jun, this isn't that simple. The fact that Wang Zhonglei dared to use such methods shows that he no longer cares about principles."
We have absolutely no idea what he'll do next.
"I know."
Li Jun rubbed his temples.
"So I have to get ahead of him."
"How do we rob it?"
"Use the method he fears most."
Li Jun stood up.
"Linda, can you do me a favor?"
"you say."
"Contact several reliable media outlets and prepare press releases."
Li Jun walked to the window and looked at the sleeping city outside.
"The content is Zhang Liangying's Shanghai concert, where she will perform the full version of the theme song "Returning Boat" from the movie "Bodyguards and Assassins" for the first time."
This song will serve as a promotional tool for the film and is also a significant milestone in her musical transformation.
Linda was stunned:
"But didn't we say before..."
"The situation has changed now."
Li Jun turned around.
"Wang Zhonglei wants to use scandals to divert attention, so we'll overshadow him with bigger, more positive news."
Since he's forcing us to bind ourselves, then we'll bind ourselves openly and honestly, but we'll decide how we bind ourselves.
"Will this work?"
"This is the only way."
Li Jun said.
"It's better to take the initiative than to be passively attacked."
Transforming the connection between music and film from a scandalous publicity stunt into an artistic collaboration.
This shifts public attention from the relationship between the man and woman to the work itself.
Linda thought for a moment, and her eyes gradually brightened:
"I understand. This both responds to Wang Zhonglei's threat and elevates the overall situation."
And it truly aligns with the path that Jane Zhang has always wanted to take: letting her work speak for itself.
"right."
Li Jun nodded.
"So you should make the arrangements first thing tomorrow morning."
"Be quick and ruthless; create momentum before Wang Zhonglei can react."
"it is good."
Linda stood up.
"I'll go prepare right away."
She walked to the door, then turned back:
"Li Jun, thank you for doing all this for Liangying."
"It's what I should do."
After Linda left, the apartment became quiet.
Li Jun walked to Zhang Liangying's bedroom door and gently pushed it open a crack.
She was already asleep, lying on her side, holding a pillow in her arms.
The bedside lamp was still on, its dim light illuminating her face, where undried teardrops still clung to her eyelashes.
Li Jun gently closed the door and returned to the living room.
He lay down on the sofa, but couldn't fall asleep. His mind was racing with plans for the future:
The photo crisis, the concert prelude, the movie promotion, and Wang Zhonglei's possible counterattack.
My phone lit up; it was a message from Tang Yan:
"I heard you went back to Beijing. How are you?"
Li Jun stared at the message, his fingers hovering over the keyboard, motionless for a long time.
Finally, he replied:
"I'm fine. How about you?"
"I'm fine too."
Tang Yan replied quickly, "I have work tomorrow, a magazine cover shoot. Do you need my help?"
"Need not."
"Then be careful."
The conversation ended there. Li Jun put down his phone and closed his eyes.
In the darkness, he could hear his own heartbeat and Zhang Liangying's even breathing in the bedroom.
Two rhythms intertwined strangely in the silent night.
Like two rivers destined to meet, they collide and merge at the estuary, eventually flowing into the same ocean.
He stood on the shore, watching it all unfold.
We are powerless, yet we must do something.
As dawn approached, Li Jun finally felt a little sleepy.
In a state between sleep and wakefulness, he had a dream.
In his dream, he was standing on the set of "Bodyguards and Assassins".
It was a scene set in a heavy rainstorm. Nicholas Tse, playing Shen Mo, was covered in blood and crawling with difficulty through a muddy alley.
The camera slowly zoomed in, and he looked up, his face indistinguishable between rain and tears.
Then the scene shifts to Bai Yulan, played by Zhang Ziyi, standing by the stage, singing "The Crescent Moon" to the empty audience.
Her singing was poignant, but her eyes were resolute.
Then, Zhang Liangying stood on the stage of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, singing "Returning Boat".
Li Jun and Tang Yan were sitting in the audience. They were a few seats apart, but their eyes were both on the stage.
As the singing grew louder, the image began to shatter.
When Li Jun woke up, it was already broad daylight.
Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, cutting a golden dappled pattern across the wooden floor.
The bedroom door opened, and Zhang Liangying came out.
She changed into clean clothes, tied her hair in a ponytail, and although she still looked tired, her eyes had regained their clarity.
"woke up?"
she says.
"Um."
Li Jun sat up.
"How are you?"
"Much better."
Zhang Liangying went to the kitchen and started boiling water.
"I've made up my mind, I'll do as you say. I'll sing 'Returning Boat' at the concert in Shanghai."
As for those photos, let them be.
Looking at her busy figure, Li Jun suddenly realized that this woman was stronger than he had imagined.
"Beautiful."
He said.
"Wait until all of this is over."
"Let's talk about it after all this has passed."
Zhang Liangying interrupted him, turned around, and revealed a faint but genuine smile.
"Now, let's focus on doing the task at hand well."
The water boiled and emitted a sharp screech.
A new day has begun.
At 9:00 AM, Linda sent a message:
"The press release has been issued and simultaneously pushed out by three mainstream entertainment media outlets. Topic"
#Jane Zhang sings the theme song for "Bodyguards and Assassins"#
It's already in the top 20 trending topics.
Li Jun opened Weibo and indeed saw the related topic. The comment section was buzzing with activity:
"Finally, the full version is coming out! I wasn't satisfied with just the live concert version!"
"I love the combination of Zhang Liangying and Li Jun."
"Is this an official announcement of the collaboration? Looking forward to the movie!"
There are also a few dissenting voices:
"Is this another publicity stunt?"
"They just started dating and then officially announced their collaboration, it's too obvious."
But most of the comments were positive and supportive. Linda's PR strategy was clever; she didn't respond to the rumors, only promoted her work.
Use positive buzz to dilute negative rumors.
At ten o'clock, Yuan Tao called:
"Wang Zhonglei has responded."
"What was the reaction?"
His company's official Weibo account posted a sarcastic message:
Some people really go to great lengths to create hype; they'll use any means necessary.
No names were mentioned, but everyone knew who they were talking about.
Yuan Tao paused.
"However, the comments section backfired, with everyone criticizing him for being sarcastic."
"What else did he do?"
"Not for now. But I suspect he won't let this go easily."
Yuan Tao said.
"By the way, Mr. Chen contacted me to ask if I needed any help."
"Not for now."
Li Jun said.
"Could you arrange for me to meet Mr. Chen tomorrow? I have a new idea."
"What are your thoughts?"
"Regarding the overseas distribution of the film, there is also a plan to counter Wang Zhonglei."
After hanging up the phone, Li Jun stood by the window, looking at the gray sky over Beijing.
The phone rang again; this time it was Cheng Guoqiang:
"Mr. Li, everything is going smoothly at training. Tse Ting-Fung is in top form today, and Lin Chia-Tung has also made a breakthrough."
"Song Tie's position is vacant. Should we find another female student?"
"Not for now."
Li Jun said.
"Adjust her scenes and distribute them to other characters."
"Also, Master Cheng, I have a request."
"you say."
"Starting today, security at the training base will be strengthened."
All personnel entering and exiting must register, and all training content must not be disclosed to outsiders.
The design and rehearsal of the action scenes, in particular, must be kept secret.
Cheng Guoqiang was silent for a moment:
"Mr. Li, has something happened?"
"Prevention is better than cure."
Li Jun didn't say much.
"Please, Master Cheng."
"Don't worry, leave it to me."
After dealing with these matters, Li Jun glanced at the time; it was 2 PM.
He still had to meet someone.
In a coffee shop near the Central Academy of Drama, Li Jun met Song Tie's mentor, surnamed Wu, who was in his fifties, wore black-rimmed glasses, and had a refined and scholarly demeanor.
"Director Li, I've heard so much about you."
Professor Wu stood up and shook hands.
"I've heard about Song Tie's situation. It's a pity, she's a very promising student."
"Professor Wu."
Li Jun sat down and got straight to the point.
"How did Song Tie perform when he was under your tutelage?"
"Very hardworking, with solid fundamentals."
Professor Wu adjusted his glasses.
"He's just very thoughtful."
Unlike other students who are so naive and always looking for shortcuts.
"Did she mention to you that she wanted to join Huayi?"
Professor Wu paused for a moment:
"I mentioned it. Before graduating last year, she came to me and said there was an opportunity to get into Huayi, and asked for my opinion."
I said that Huayi is a big company with a good platform, but the competition is also fierce.
She was very determined at the time, saying she would try no matter how intense it was.
"And then what happened?"
"I don't know what happened after that."
Professor Wu shook his head.
"After graduation, students have their own paths to follow, and teachers can't interfere too much."
Li Jun looked at the professor in front of him. His eyes flickered, and he didn't dare to look Li Jun in the eye when he spoke.
He is lying.
"Professor Wu."
Li Jun spoke slowly.
"I heard that you received a consulting fee of 500,000 from Huayi last month."
It was received through your wife's account, right?
Professor Wu's face turned pale instantly:
"How...how did you know?"
How I know is not important.
Li Jun leaned forward.
"The important question is, is this money related to Song Tie?"
The coffee shop quieted down.
The customers at the next table were talking in hushed tones, while the street outside the window was bustling with traffic.
Professor Wu's forehead was covered in sweat.
He picked up the coffee cup, his hand trembling slightly.
"Director Li."
His voice was dry.
"There are some things I have no choice but to do."
"Then tell me, how did you end up having no choice in the matter?"
Li Jun's tone was calm, but carried an undeniable pressure.
Professor Wu closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, his eyes were filled with exhaustion.
"People from Huayi contacted me, saying they wanted to train a few new talents and asked me to recommend some."
I recommended Song Tie, along with two other students. They said they would mentor them well and even gave me a referral fee.
"and then?"
"Then Song Tie went to the training base."
Professor Wu wiped his sweat.
"I thought it was just a normal job recommendation."
Just a few days ago, people from Huayi contacted me again, asking me to help inquire about the training base, especially the design and filming schedule for the action scenes.
Did you help?
"I.."
Professor Wu lowered his head.
"I gave them some of Teacher Zhou's teaching notes, as well as Master Cheng's training plan..."
But I really didn't know they would use these against you.
Li Jun felt a chill in his heart.
Teacher Zhou's teaching notes and Master Cheng's training plan are the core secrets of the production team.
Once leaked, Huayi Brothers could easily replicate it in "Storm 1905," or even do it better.
"Professor Wu."
Li Jun stood up.
"I reserve the right to pursue this matter further."
But now, I need your help.
"What kind of help?"
Professor Wu looked up, his eyes filled with terror.
"Contact Song Tie and arrange to meet her."
Li Jun said.
"Just say you have more important information, about the final scene of the movie."
Will she believe it?
"She will believe it."
Li Jun looked at him.
"Because you are her biggest support."
Professor Wu remained silent for a long time before finally nodding:
"Okay. I'll make the appointment."
"I'll decide the time and place."
Li Jun said.
"Wait for my news."
As I stepped out of the café, dusk was approaching. The sunset painted the sky a magnificent crimson hue.
Li Jun stood on the street and lit a cigarette.
The smoke rose in wisps as dusk fell, then was dispersed by the wind.
He knew he was walking a very dangerous path.
Use Professor Wu to fish for Song Tie, and then use Song Tie to fish for Wang Zhonglei.
But this is currently the only way to counter the opponent.
My phone vibrated; it was a voice message from Jane Zhang.
"Xiao Jun, I felt great during rehearsal today. Linda said they might add more tickets for the Shanghai show. Will you come?"
Li Jun pressed the voice button:
"Yes. I will definitely go."
send.
Then he looked up at the fading sunset in the sky.
Tomorrow will be another new day.