Chapter Twenty-Nine: To Youth

"Cut! Yi Fei, your expression of shock was excellent. Let's keep one take of that."

The director's voice echoed across the set as the blood-stained spear was slowly withdrawn.

"Is your hand alright?" Nie Yuan, who played Zhao Jingzhong, rushed over to ask.

"It's fine. It grazed the breastplate before I grabbed it, and the rubber tip has been beveled," Zhang Qianjun replied.

In truth, Zhang Qianjun figured he would have been fine either way, but playing the social game was important; if you nurture relationships, you never know when someone might think of you later when resources are available.

Zhang Qianjun had felt the original script—where a character remains combat-ready after a spear pierces their right shoulder—was simply irrational. He had instructed Sang Lin to change the scene so that the spearhead merely sliced through the breastplate before being caught by Shen Lian’s hands. Even then, the blood-stained tip was still pointed at Zhou Miaotong’s face. Yes, Zhang Qianjun had insisted on Shen Lian wearing inner armor; otherwise, it would have been too ridiculous.

As Zhang Qianjun prepared to go remove his makeup, he heard someone call out.

"Brother Jun, someone is looking for you. A man, says his name is Liu."

"Liu? Tell him to come to the dressing room." Shortly after, his assistant, Xiao Chen, led a monkey-faced man over. Zhang Qianjun took one look and realized it was Liu Chang. What was he doing here?

"Qianjun, this look of yours is so masculine. It’s like a deluxe edition of Wu Song—the sexual tension is off the charts. When the film hits theaters, it’s going to sweep through every girl and young woman aged eighteen to fifty."

Zhang Qianjun looked at Liu Chang’s slightly sycophantic smile.

"That smile of yours looks like a double-faced turncoat. If you have something to say, just say it. Besides, Wu Song isn't half as handsome as I am."

Liu Chang’s expression turned slightly more formal.

"Brother Jun, I’ve got my eye on a novel. I’m certain it will be a hit if we adapt it."

"If you want me to do you a favor, don't beat around the bush."

Liu Chang saw the look on Zhang Qianjun’s face and knew he had to get to the point.

"‘So Young,’ by Xin Yiwu. After the release of ‘Better Days,’ the market is very bullish on youth films."

Zhang Qianjun was a bit puzzled.

"‘So Young’? The film and television rights haven't been sold yet?"

Liu Chang rushed to answer, "No, they're still with the author. Once I heard the news, I went to meet Xin Yiwu overnight. When she found out I was the director of ‘Better Days,’ she became very confident in our ability to adapt this work into a film."

Zhang Qianjun raised an eyebrow. "‘We’?"

Liu Chang gave an awkward smile. "Well, if I didn't bring you along, she wouldn't even look my way..."

"Weren't you already a director in the hundred-million-yuan club? The author is that big-headed, she wouldn't look at you?"

"Empty fame, it’s all just empty fame."

Zhang Qianjun couldn't be bothered with the small talk. "And then? Skip the process, what’s the result?"

Liu Chang immediately put on a professional face. "The film and television adaptation rights fee is two million. But you have to play the male lead."

Two million—was it that expensive back in 2011? Zhang Qianjun pondered for a moment.

"Two million is a bit pricey. See if you can negotiate it down to 1.5 million. But if she insists, give it to her, provided we get the full rights. No further costs later on—movies, television dramas, even games, comics, etc. Get it all in one package. Also, I’ve read ‘So Young.’ You want me to play that social climber? What is the author thinking? Does she really think I'm a good fit?"

"She’s just dead set on you."

Zhang Qianjun considered it for five seconds, took out his phone, and dialed Li Yanjing’s number.

"Glasses, Liu Chang is with me. We've taken a liking to a novel called ‘So Young.’ Yes, the author is Xin Yiwu. You’ve read it? Even better. You and Liu Chang go finalize all the rights. The other party wants me to star as the male lead; tell her yes for now. If it’s hard to negotiate, give her a title as a special consultant or screenwriting advisor. Two million. Get it done by tomorrow and keep me updated."

After hanging up, Zhang Qianjun looked at Liu Chang.

"What’s the budget? And the estimated shooting schedule?"

Liu Chang recalled, "Excluding your fee and assuming we don't hire any big names, 15 million is definitely enough. As for filming, excluding post-production, two months at most."

Zhang Qianjun nodded. "Once the rights are secured tomorrow, contact Kai and Qiming to start preparing the crew. Leave the female lead for Qingzi, and open auditions for the rest. Wait, for the second male lead, Xu Kaiyang, have Li Xian prepare the auditions in advance. He’s been running errands for us, only getting a bit part last time. And my classmates, seniors, and juniors—if they can be cast in non-essential roles, arrange it. Can’t let the brothers work for nothing."

Liu Chang took out a small notebook and recorded everything one by one. "Any other instructions?"

Zhang Qianjun glanced around, suddenly realizing this place was like a sieve; this wasn't the place to talk. "Leave now. The moment you step out, contact Glasses and tell him to go right now. Get the rights signed today, don't wait for tomorrow. Send me a message as soon as it's done."

Liu Chang’s expression tightened. "Qianjun, are you worried..."

Zhang Qianjun nodded. "My oversight. Go."

Liu Chang turned and left immediately.

Zhang Qianjun looked at Micky, who was removing his makeup, in the mirror.

"Micky, do you know how to do 90s-style makeup?"

Makeup artist Micky gave Zhang Qianjun a sidelong glance. "Of course, dear. I once studied how to do vintage 90s makeup from the mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan specifically. I even posted articles about it on my blog."

Micky then added, "Brother Jun, I know the rules. Don't worry. Besides, you’re very famous in our circle."

Zhang Qianjun was stunned. He was famous in their circle?

"I'm famous in your circle?"

Micky, usually all smiles, wore an expression of sincerity and touched emotion.

"Everyone on the crew whispers that you're a bully, always snapping at people and scolding them so fiercely. But I know you're not that superficial. Your heart is very soft because you are full of love for this world."

What was all this? Zhang Qianjun didn't even know how to respond. Was he really this popular among the stylists?

Then, Micky said in a sincere and firm tone: "Only you sing out loud for us."

After finishing his makeup removal, Zhang Qianjun found a quiet corner and took out his phone.

"Hello, President La, Happy Holidays!"

President La was puzzled. What holiday was it today? He had no idea.

"What kind of holiday is it? Why are you calling me?"

"This day next year will be the celebration of your success as the producer of a record-breaking domestic film that grossed one billion. Isn't today that film's birthday?"

President La chuckled. "Zhang Qianjun, you’re getting better at blowing smoke. I heard from Haicheng that on your set, from the director down to the lunch lady, there isn't a single person you haven't snapped at. So much for your calls for social concern regarding school bullying in ‘Better Days’—it seems you’ve escalated it to crew bullying."

"How can you say that? I’m such a kind and upright person, how could I bully the crew? I’m just being realistic and practical, giving rational suggestions for the sake of the film project."

"Cut the crap. Tell me, what movie can hit a billion?" President La said he was busy and didn't have time for his nonsense.

"A bestselling novel, ‘So Young,’ the representative work of the well-known female writer Xin Yiwu. I’ve secured the rights and plan to film it after ‘Brotherhood of Blades’ is finished."

"This thing can make a billion? Are you pulling my leg? You can joke in private, but this isn't a joke to be made on the table. Other things I can overlook, but when it comes to work, there can be no carelessness."

"If you think the risk is too high, I’ll fund this film entirely on my own."

"What’s the budget?"

"Not much, 60 million."

"A youth film, 60 million? Who are you hiring?"

"Apart from me, just some young actors."

"Then how can you spend 60 mi—" President La suddenly realized. "How high of a fee are you asking for yourself this time?"

"Four plus one." Zhang Qianjun, fearing the older man wouldn't understand, explained, "Forty million in cash plus a ten percent investment share."

There was a sudden silence on the phone.

"Are you trying to reach the heavens? How dare you?" President La roared.

Zhang Qianjun said calmly, "In ‘Let the Bullets Fly,’ Chow Yun-fat could get forty million even though he couldn't carry the box office alone. For my film, I carry the entire box office, so of course I want cash plus a share. I think this price is very reasonable."

"This number is absolutely impossible. Not even if you were Han San’s own son."

"Anyway, I’ve followed the rules and consulted with you. If you represent China Film and say you won't invest, we’ll definitely still ask China Film to handle the distribution. By the way, when will you settle my payment? I’m out of money."

"I need to consider this. Regarding the settlement, talk to Xiao Wang." After a pause, President La added, "If ‘Brotherhood of Blades’ is another success, we can talk about your fee. While I can't give you that much cash, I can convert it into investment at my discretion. But you’ve only had one film break a hundred million, it’s not convincing enough."

Zhang Qianjun had a sudden flash of inspiration.

"President La, ‘Brotherhood of Blades’ is almost done. The female lead wraps tomorrow, and the day after, the crew heads to Ulan Butong. One more week at most, and filming will be over. If we rush the post-production, China Film can help us push the release date to late September. Do you think that’s feasible?"

"Late September, competing in the National Day slot? Late September has ‘The Sorcerer and the White Snake’ and ‘Mural.’ That’s Jet Li, Deng Chao, and Sun Li. Aren't you afraid of losing everything?"

Zhang Qianjun looked disdainful. "Jet Li is already at the tail end of his peak. If he were doing a big-budget wuxia film with a great director, he could still sell some nostalgia, but a remake of the classic ‘Legend of the White Snake’? If it doesn't flop, I’ll take his surname. Besides, I heard this film is spearheaded by Huang Shengyi. Once you get involved with that woman, you don't even have to think—it’s bound to be a trashy flop. As for Deng Chao and Sun Li, they are popular, but have they ever carried a box office? Have they ever proven themselves as top-billed leads? And ‘Mural,’ it sounds like a copycat of ‘Painted Skin.’ What level is that to be mentioned in the same breath as my ‘Brotherhood of Blades’?"

Zhang Qianjun’s confident rant left President La stunned on the other end, thinking that whether the box office worked out or not, this kid’s confidence in blowing his own horn was worth investing in.

"I’ll talk to the leaders about moving up the release date, then we’ll discuss it at the board meeting. We’ll talk about ‘So Young’ later."

Zhang Qianjun immediately fawned, "President La, you’re like the portable old master for a protagonist. You must have been a legendary power across the heavens in your past life, reincarnated into the human world to help the weak."

"What kind of nonsense is that? And it’s ‘uphold the weak,’ not ‘help the weak’."

"It makes no difference. When I was weak, you helped me; now that I’m strong, you support me."

"Shut up. Nothing else? I’m hanging up."

Zhang Qianjun looked at his phone and hummed a little tune happily.

Just then, two text messages arrived.

"The full copyright contract for ‘So Young’ has been signed, and the other party has received the advance payment." — Li Yanjing.

"Copyright secured." — Liu Chang.