Chapter 21: The Celebration Banquet and Film Preparations

Bang! Bang! Bang! Under the blows of the heavy hammer, the ice sculpture of the number 140,000,000 shattered, and a burst of enthusiastic applause erupted at the scene.

This celebration was truly a gathering of the film’s key creators, everyone beaming with joy. Director Liu Chang reflected on the dramatic twists in his career—shooting a music video and unexpectedly becoming a billion-yuan director. Such things defied logic. The female lead, Ma Sitong, and her aunt Jiang Wenli were glowing with happiness, chatting amicably with leaders from the Beijing Film Academy and China Film Group.

At that moment, the celebration’s host, Zhang Songwen, took the microphone.

“Everyone, please quiet down. The tremendous success of ‘Better Days’ owes greatly to one person. That is our investor, producer, screenwriter, and leading actor, the outstanding representative of the Beijing Film Academy class of 2010, our pride—Zhang Qianjun! Let us welcome Qianjun to the stage with the warmest applause!”

Cheers rang out below, especially from the behind-the-scenes crew who enthusiastically joined in, roaring like monkeys, completely ignoring the presence of school and China Film Group leaders and numerous media representatives.

Dressed in a black Armani suit, Zhang Qianjun ascended the stage, offering the customary thanks to the leaders, then expressing gratitude to the sole advertising partner, Sina Weibo, before stepping down.

Following that were speeches from China Film Group and school leaders, then media interviews. Everyone nibbled and sipped cautiously, mindful of the press.

Meanwhile, Zhang Qianjun was chatting with Mr. Wang from Weibo. Mr. Wang, a young man who graduated from Peking University, became Sina’s vice president at 30 and by 33 was responsible for Weibo’s mobile technology, business, and operations. Without the advantage of rebirth and a system, Zhang Qianjun might never have met such a figure. Now, they exchanged ideas on making Weibo more entertaining, and Mr. Wang expressed hope that Zhang Qianjun would deepen his engagement with Weibo, promising to follow each of his upcoming projects.

Just as their conversation was wrapping up, Director Wang from China Film Group’s distribution department arrived.

“Qianjun, Director La has arrived and wants to see you.”

Hearing this, Mr. Wang excused himself, and Zhang Qianjun followed Director Wang to a table, where he once again saw the handsome older man with his distinct side-parted graying hair.

“Qianjun, come sit. Xiao Wang, you can get back to work; no need to attend to me. I’ll be leaving soon.”

Director Wang, who had previously exuded the aura of a high-ranking leader in the screening room, now humbly excused himself like a junior staff member.

Director La regarded the young man before him and recalled their first meeting in the China Film Group building.

“How did you recognize me before? I haven’t been deeply involved in the domestic film industry.”

“I saw your photo on the official website of the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television.”

“What are your thoughts on the future of the national film industry?”

“It will surely remain stable and improve. The better the economy develops, the better films will flourish. I expect a significant boom in the coming years.”

Director La smiled faintly and asked, “What are your plans next?”

“Teacher Tian introduced me to a director, senior alumnus Lu Yang from the class of 2003. His father is Professor Lu Haibo of the Central Academy of Drama. He has a script about the Jinyiwei from the late Ming dynasty, which I think is excellent. I’ve cast myself as the male lead and will invest some money.”

“Jinyiwei? A wuxia film?”

“Yes, a realistic martial arts action film.” Director La was silent for a moment, surprisingly saying nothing about investment.

He then asked another question: “How did you decide to be the producer for ‘Better Days’? That’s not a responsibility many at your age would want.”

“Because there was no one else. I wouldn’t trust a stranger, and besides, I’m just overseeing the big picture; there’s an executive producer managing the crew.”

“What is your understanding of a producer’s role? Which skills do you think are most important?”

Zhang Qianjun was momentarily taken aback—was this a producer interview? Though puzzled by Director La’s test, he answered honestly from his perspective.

“First and foremost, fundraising ability. Without money, nothing else matters. Then the ability to assemble a team—once funds are secured, you find the director, lead actors, and the crew—that’s the production side. For distribution, you need to find distributors and negotiate with theaters on schedules and screenings while protecting your team’s interests.

Externally, that’s it. Internally, you must manage the crew’s needs—equipment, props, even catering and boxed meals. You need to keep track to avoid being cheated, spending money without receiving value, which leads to complaints.

Also, a producer must be adept at handling emergencies: if accidents happen on set, someone is injured, or external parties are affected, if the crew is dissatisfied, actors strike, and so on—there are endless issues. Fortunately, our crew was relatively smooth this time.

Finally, risk management in post-production is crucial. What if a main actor causes trouble—drug use, scandal, fatal accident? What happens to their scenes? And if everything is fine internally but the film is attacked by competitors or trolls upon release, these risks must be anticipated.

That’s about it; I can’t think of more for now.”

Director La listened intently and nodded approvingly.

“You’re impressive—not one of those producers who just put their name on a project for show.”

Zhang Qianjun chuckled.

“I fully funded ‘Better Days’ with my own money; how could I not guard it carefully?”

Director La smiled, “You’re straightforward. How are you planning investments for your next film?”

“I initially intended to have China Film Group, Wanda, Enlight, and my own Solar System Films invest together. For a 30 million yuan budget, I plan to put in 10 million yuan, accounting for half the investment.”

Director La looked at him and asked, “For a 30 million budget, you’re the lead actor—why do you think putting in 10 million justifies owning half the investment?”

Zhang Qianjun answered confidently, “Because I can carry the box office. Industry capital always chases success. I spent 8 million on production and promotion and made 140 million at the box office. That doesn’t even count the cuts from theaters and other companies. If I don’t believe in myself, what’s the point of this life? If other companies don’t agree, I’ll save up and invest the full 30 million myself.

Or, here’s another option: I don’t invest money but ask for a one-to-one deal for my salary—10 million cash plus 10% of the box office revenue—and leave the rest of the investment shares to the companies.”

“One-to-one?”

“10 million cash plus 10% of the box office split.”

This finally moved Director La.

“Good kid. By your logic, if you starred in ‘Let the Bullets Fly,’ you’d deserve 70 million!”

“Hmph, that’s exactly my worth.”

Zhang Qianjun thought he heard Director La mutter an expletive under his breath. Then Director La said,

“You put in 10 million plus your salary for 40%, Wanda puts in 10 million for 20%, and China Film Group puts in 10 million for 40%.”

Zhang Qianjun was puzzled.

“What about Enlight? And Wanda contributing 10 million for just 20%—would they agree to that?”

“Why bring Enlight in to share profits? If Wanda disagrees, China Film Group will take 60%,” Director La said dominantly.

“Aren’t Enlight a major distribution company? And Wanda is a theater chain.”

Director La laughed.

“Enlight a major distributor? Then what is China Film Group’s distribution company? And China Film Group doesn’t have theaters?”

“Okay, I’ll trust you. You’re the boss; your word is final.”

“Don’t talk nonsense; I’m only a deputy director.”

“Oh, one more thing I want to ask you.”

“Go ahead.”

“Can the box office revenue share for ‘Better Days’ be settled soon? I still haven’t received 10 million.”

Director La glanced sideways at Zhang Qianjun.

“Investment matters will be handled by someone from the company later. I have to go now; no need to see me off.”

“Wait, don’t leave yet,” Zhang Qianjun grabbed Director La’s arm.

“What else?”

“Give me your number. If anything happens, how else do I reach you? I have to find a leader when in trouble.”

Director La gave him a string of numbers. Zhang Qianjun dialed it immediately; the ringing sounded from Director La’s pocket. Zhang Qianjun grinned, realizing it was Director La’s own phone number.

“If it’s nothing, don’t bother me. Overcome difficulties yourself.”

With that, Director La stood and left.

As Zhang Qianjun prepared to find Lu Yang, he was unexpectedly stopped by Jiang Wenli and Ma Sitong.

Jiang Wenli smiled warmly, finding the young man across from her increasingly likable.

“Qianjun, I really have to thank you this time. Sitong was incredibly lucky—becoming a female lead with over a hundred million box office returns. In all her years in the industry, she’s never had a role like this.”

Zhang Qianjun thought to himself, “How about something concrete?”

But he smiled cheerfully nonetheless.

“The film’s success is due to Sitong’s brilliant performance and your behind-the-scenes support. There’s no way I could have done it alone. Besides, what’s our relationship? If anything comes up, I’ll surely come to you.”

Jiang Wenli then asked, “Qianjun, any plans recently? What’s next on your schedule?”

“You can speak frankly if you have something.”

“I have a modern urban drama here. Would you be interested in playing a role?”

“A modern urban drama? What’s it about?”

“It’s about four independent women and their boyfriends, similar to the American series ‘Desperate Housewives.’”

Zhang Qianjun chuckled.

“Aunt Wenli, I never play supporting roles.”

Jiang Wenli’s smile froze momentarily, but she quickly recovered.

“You’re such a kid. I told you, just call me Sister Wenli. You and Sitong each have your own ways.”

“Right, right, Sister Wenli. I have some business to discuss with Teacher Tian, so I’ll head over now. We’ll cooperate when the chance arises.” Zhang Qianjun smiled apologetically and left.

Ma Sitong, standing beside Jiang Wenli, saw her aunt’s slight awkwardness and decided to speak.

“Aunt, he’s just straightforward. Don’t take it personally.”

“Hah, not even together and already pushing him away?”

Ma Sitong quickly pouted playfully.

“No way, Aunt, I’m always on your side.”

Jiang Wenli smirked.

“You won’t handle Zhang Qianjun. Give up. He’ll easily win you over though. This kid rises fast and falls hard. When he fails, he’ll have to bear it.”

Zhang Qianjun paid no mind, even knowing failure would bring trouble. As a child of the multiverse, how could he possibly lose?

He found Lu Yang standing alone in a corner, watching the lively crowd with their clinking glasses.

He approached and patted Lu Yang.

“Senior Lu, why not chat up some beauties instead of standing here?”

Lu Yang smiled.

“No interest. The party’s theirs, not mine. Any news from China Film Group?”

“30 million settled. Contract signing and payment after Labor Day.”

Lu Yang’s pretense dropped, his eyes shining.

“Really?”

“Why would I lie?”

“Damn, Qianjun, you’re seriously awesome. Come on, I have to toast you. I’m drinking this, you do as you wish.”

He downed his champagne in one gulp, then smacked his lips appreciatively.

Zhang Qianjun joked, “Drinking champagne like it’s a bottle of Maotai—why savor the aftertaste?”

“What about Liu Tianxian?” Lu Yang asked.

Now it was Lu Yang’s turn to feel awkward.

“Her agent said investment isn’t confirmed yet, and her role is too small. If the investment comes through and filming starts, they’ll have to add more scenes for her.”

Zhang Qianjun snorted.

“Hah, that diva’s already making demands.”

“Diva?”

“Liu Tianxian,” Zhang Qianjun answered, then added,

“If she won’t act, fine. We’ll leak the news that China Film Group, Wanda, and Solar System Films are co-producing a new-concept wuxia film with a 50 million budget. Let’s see who contacts us first.”