Chapter Fifty: Wang Changtian’s Guidance, Xu Zheng’s Decision

In the office of Wang Changtian at Lightwave, the representative who attended today's press conference on behalf of the company was reporting to him about the event. After a long discussion, the subordinate finally took his leave.

"Is Liu Yan in the office today? If she is, have her come see me," Wang Changtian instructed his secretary.

Shortly afterward, Liu Yan, notified of the meeting, arrived at Wang Changtian's office.

"Chairman Wang, you asked for me."

He looked up at the host standing before him, a member of Lightwave since 2005. He had high hopes for her back then, even arranging for her to interview the renowned director Chen Kaige, whose film "The Promise" was about to premiere.

Unfortunately, during the interview, Liu Yan inadvertently asked a question that struck a nerve with Chen Kaige. In response, Chen threw the microphone and stormed out. The fallout was only mitigated after Wang himself intervened, sparing Liu Yan from being blacklisted.

You might question Chen Kaige's talent, or argue that "Farewell My Concubine" wasn't his work, but his influence is undeniable.

Though Liu Yan avoided being blacklisted, her career suffered greatly. Over the years, she never even reached third-tier status. Born in 1980, she was now thirty, and barring surprises, second or third tier seemed to be the limit she could hope for.

Wang's thoughts remained hidden behind a calm expression. He spoke gently, "Is 'Breakup Buddies' about to start filming?"

Liu Yan, her large almond eyes lifted to her boss, unsure why he was asking such an obvious question, replied, "Director Chen said the script reading is tomorrow. Filming should begin within the next couple of days." As a minor supporting actress, she hadn't been eligible to attend today's press conference.

"Director Chen is a promising filmmaker. Be sure to foster a good relationship with him during the shoot."

"I understand, Chairman Wang. Don't worry, I won't offend Director Chen. I'll watch and learn as much as I can on set."

Wang Changtian was amused by Liu Yan's straightforwardness. If she were even a bit shrewder, her career might not have stagnated. Perhaps she understood, but simply refused to take that path. The entertainment industry is not so easy to navigate.

With that in mind, Wang decided to be frank. "Director Chen is still a student. Even if he faces setbacks now, his youth gives him the chance to start over."

He looked directly at Liu Yan and said, "In life, we encounter many opportunities. Not every chance can be seized. But if you grasp even one or two, you might change your fate. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Under Wang Changtian's gaze, Liu Yan finally lowered her head and replied in a low voice, "I... I understand."

"You may go."

Seeing that she hadn't given the answer he hoped for, Wang sighed. Lightwave is a legitimate company, and he has always strictly prohibited employees from engaging in drinking parties and such.

But in the entertainment world, these things can't really be banned. What he can do is allow employees to use the company's policy as an excuse when they don't want to attend such events. Yet, apart from Liu Yan and Xie Nan, few have ever used this as a shield. Today, perhaps he had said too much to Liu Yan.

"Everyone has their own destiny; changing it is difficult," Wang muttered, shaking his head and returning to his work.

...

The next morning, Xu Zheng arrived early. It was the day of the script reading for the principal cast and crew of the film. The meeting was set for nine o'clock, but Xu had received a call from Zhao Qian the day before, asking him to come at eight, as Chen Ling wanted to discuss matters unrelated to the movie.

Since Zhao Qian had refused to elaborate over the phone, Xu Zheng didn't press further; he'd find out soon enough. As a seasoned veteran of the industry, patience came naturally to him.

When Xu Zheng arrived, Chen Ling was already in his office, brewing tea.

"Brother Zheng, please have a seat," Chen Ling greeted him, inviting him onto the sofa.

"I got the call from President Zhao yesterday, so I hurried over. Hope I'm not holding up your work, Director Chen," Xu Zheng said with his usual harmless, amiable smile.

"Not at all. I wanted you here early to discuss something else," Chen Ling replied, pouring tea for Xu Zheng, who accepted it with both hands after a brief gesture of politeness.

"If there's anything you need, just say the word," Xu Zheng said after taking a sip, not quite sure what Chen Ling had in mind and asking directly.

"Before we talk, take a look at this," Chen Ling said, handing Xu Zheng the copyright documents for "Lost on Journey."

"Let me have a look," Xu Zheng said, opening the file. Throughout, Chen Ling watched his reactions carefully. The fact that Chen Ling had acquired the copyright could not be kept secret. He wanted to lay his cards on the table before the project began, to see how Xu Zheng would react.

If Xu Zheng had already started preparing the "Lost in Thailand" project, then Chen Ling's move would surely be intolerable. Any conflict arising during the filming of "Breakup Buddies" would be disastrous for both Chen Ling and the crew.

If Xu Zheng hadn't begun preparations for a sequel, then everything could be negotiated. Chen Ling could provide the script and funding, letting Xu Zheng direct. Xu Zheng had proven his success in the previous life; Chen Ling only needed him to follow the course.

Chen Ling wasn't being overly cautious—at this point, Xu Zheng and Chen Zhixi were already working closely together, and he couldn't help but wonder.

After all, in the previous timeline, the two had jointly launched "Lost in Thailand," which marked the beginning of their illustrious careers.

The file was thick, but its core content was straightforward, and Xu Zheng quickly finished reading.

"Congratulations, Director Chen, on acquiring the rights to an excellent film," he said, his face flashing with envy, longing, and regret before settling on a congratulatory note.

"When the movie was released, I thought it was quite good. But the script for 'Breakup Buddies' has been in preparation for a long time; I wrote it alongside 'Love Is Not Blind.' In the end, I want to focus on this project first," Chen Ling said, studying every expression on Xu Zheng's face, probing further.

...

"I've been communicating with the rights holders about making a sequel. While shooting 'Lost on Journey,' I had many ideas—some of which the director adopted to good effect. Unfortunately, the rights holders had no intention of producing a sequel. I wanted to buy the rights and make it myself, but I didn't have the money, nor had I ever directed a film. Jumping straight into buying rights and raising investment was too risky; if I failed, it would be hard to recover," Xu Zheng explained. For someone as pragmatic as he, every step was taken with extreme caution; he wouldn't act without significant confidence.

"Brother Zheng, are you interested in directing the sequel?"

Chen Ling saw nothing on Xu Zheng's face that worried him. He was an excellent actor, certainly, and also a skilled director; his ability to observe actors was sharp.

"I've wanted to direct a sequel since shooting 'Lost on Journey.' It's a great subject and a great film," Xu Zheng replied candidly.

"Do you have a concept for how to shoot it?"

"The setting should change; it can't just focus on travel during the Spring Festival. The core needs to stay as a road comedy, but I'm not sure about the other details yet. I took on your project because the script is brilliant, and I want to refresh my mind. I planned to reach out to the rights holders after finishing this film, but now the copyright's in your hands—this was unexpected," Xu Zheng admitted, realizing that Chen Ling's move had disrupted his plans.

"I already have a draft outline for the sequel to 'Lost on Journey.' It's basically in line with your vision," Chen Ling said, though he didn't reveal that the full script was already written.

"Oh, really? Could I take a look at it?" Xu Zheng’s eyes lit up at this, clearly showing his deep love for the "Lost" series.

But Chen Ling had no intention of handing over the script just yet. Though Xu Zheng had essentially passed the test, it wasn't time to launch a new project.

"Brother Zheng, my film is about to start shooting; in a moment we'll be doing the script reading," Chen Ling reminded him with a smile, tapping the table.

"I was a bit impatient. But I truly love 'Lost on Journey.' Director Chen, would you consider letting me direct the sequel? I’m willing to forgo the director's fee."

"I’ll think about it. Honestly, I’m not very interested in directing 'Lost on Journey' myself. Once we finish this film, I’ll give you an answer," Chen Ling replied, unable to suppress a smile as things unfolded just as he hoped. With Xu Zheng's attitude, "Lost in Thailand" was in the bag.

"No problem, Director Chen. Just watch my performance," Xu Zheng said.