chapter 17 - a scarf

Zhao Yang really did have something important to say.

WenXin Film had finally decided to invest in Zhuang Yan’s new movie, but had a requirement. They hoped that someone from their company, Sheng ShiSong, would play the leading role.

Even though Zhao Yang is the producer, this is Zhuang Yan’s movie, and the final say was always in the hands of the director.

The new movie’s script was not finalized yet, so Zhuang Yan naturally couldn’t pick an actor for the leading role yet--even if the investors asked for it.

But they couldn’t just clap their hands and dissolve the cooperation with WenXin. Everyone can sit down and discuss it properly, right?

Picking a date is not as good as encountering a date. Sheng ShiSong was going to fly out of the country tomorrow to attend a fashion event, so a short meeting was suddenly arranged for tonight.

Zhao Yang, on the other end of the phone, said, “I know you don’t take night appointments, but the circumstances are unique this time. No matter what you say, you have to come. WenXin is planning to invest a good amount this time, and I’m not forcing you to agree to their request, but discussing it with them is fine, right?”

There was a smoldering fire in Zhuang Yan’s heart. “I don’t need that bit of investment money.”

“It’s not about the money,” Zhao Yang said bitterly. “If you’re going to develop within the country, you can’t not deal with these film and television companies. No matter what, you still have to give them some face, and they’re willing to wait for you. WenXin is not bringing only funds to the table, but also their actors, their channels, and most importantly, the connections they have with award shows. You can’t buy these things with money.”

The entertainment industry is one that looks at qualifications and connections.

The preparatory work, the shooting process, and the promotions afterwards...one person can’t do them all alone.

Therefore, it’s rare for a movie to have only one investor. The more investors that are involved, the less risk there is, and the faster the movie can enter the domestic market while they learn of the domestic market’s operating rules.

Zhuang Yan was expressionless. “I got it. I didn’t say I wouldn’t come.”

Zhao Yang breathed a sigh of relief and sent the address to him.

He really was afraid that Zhuang Yan wouldn’t give them any face, since it wasn’t the first time he would have angered investors until they left.

After hanging up, Zhuang Yan turned to Xie Ning and said, “I have something to do, so I’ll go first.”

Xie Ning put down his pen. “Then I’ll accompany you to your car.”

“No need,” Zhuang Yan waved his hand. “My car is parked nearby, I can get there in a few steps. You’ll have to face the wind if you follow me.”

He just got to the living room, and hadn’t opened the door yet, when Xie Ning’s voice came from the stairs. “Wait.”

Zhuang Yan stopped in his tracks.

Xie Ning ran all the way down, breathing slightly harder. He was holding a navy blue scarf in his hand, and handed it to Zhuang Yan, saying, “I’ll give this scarf to you.”

Zhuang Yan raised his eyebrow. “This is your scarf?”

Xie Ning nodded.

Zhuang Yan smiled, and said, “You’re giving it to me?”

Xie Ning, with his face red, said, “Yes, didn’t you give your scarf to...the snow rabbit outside?”

Zhuang Yan’s heart was moved, and he purposely teased him, saying, “I want you to wrap it around me with your own hands.”

Xie Ning: “...”

Zhuang Yan looked at him. “Why, is that not allowed?”

Xie Ning lowered his head and hesitated, his hands wrapping around the scarf multiple times.

Zhuang Yan, seeing how Xie Ning was at a loss after being teased, smiled in his heart, and was just about to say, I was joking.

He saw Xie Ning glance at him quickly, and quietly said, “Then...lower your head a bit.”

Zhuang Yan was stunned.

Xie Ning today is...too obedient and well-behaved.

He was basically letting him do whatever he wanted, and it seemed like he wouldn’t refuse any request that was made of him.

Zhuang Yan swallowed.

Xie Ning didn’t notice, and seeing how he didn’t move, thought he didn’t hear him, so he repeated, “Lower your head.”

Zhuang Yan looked down at Xie Ning, and felt like his heart was being hooked like crazy by Xie Ning’s actions.

But Zhao Yang and WenXin investors were still waiting for him, and he couldn’t do anything.

Xie Ning wrapped the scarf around him properly, and accompanied him to the door. “Be careful on the way.”

Zhuang Yan smiled, and went out the door.

After Zhuang Yan left, Xie Ning couldn’t calm his heart down, so he decided to not draw for the time being.

He put away the things in the art studio, and was about to go to sleep after washing his face and brushing his teeth, but he stood in front of the window instead, wanting to take a look at the snow rabbit again.

The night was heavy and dark. The villa takes up a large area, so there was a garden that spanned the length of the gate, and not even a shadow could be seen.

When he turned his head, however, the rabbit plushie on the bedside table, with its tilted head, was looking at him quietly.

Xie Ning blinked, and curiously reached out and put the rabbit plushie next to his pillow. He fell asleep peacefully.

On the other side.

Zhuang Yan, wrapped in the scarf that Xie Ning personally put on him, was driving like he was floating on air.

The meeting spot was at a little-known, high-end club. Zhuang Yan didn’t have time to change his clothes, so he was still dressed in his sweater and the scarf Xie Ning gave him, which surprisingly matched well.

But this outfit wasn’t formal enough to be talking about business in. Fortunately, he was the director.

Most people’s impression of a director was either an unconventional person, an unshaven person, as if they were powerful, or over forty and with a beer belly.

This time, when everyone saw how Zhuang Yan’s appearance and aura didn’t lose to the celebrity’s, they were surprised, and nobody said anything about his casual outfit.

Other than Zhao Yang and WenXin’s representative, Sheng ShiSong and his agents were also present.

Zhuang Yan had heard of Sheng ShiSong before.

Even before Zhuang Yan went overseas, Sheng ShiSong had already made a name for himself and started to star on the big screen.

All of his movies, although not every one of them was widespread and amazing, at least had decent box office sales.

After so many years, he was still considered to be in his prime. He filmed movie after movie, and the three words “Sheng ShiSong” basically guaranteed box office sales.

But he has a regret.

He’d never gotten an award for Best Actor yet.

He was nominated several times, but every time he was the runner-up, and was unable to touch the trophy for Best Actor.

Even antifans laughed at him as someone fated to never receive that award.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” Zhuang Yan said without guilt in his voice, and sat down on the sofa next to Zhao Yang, observing Sheng ShiSong across the table.

Sheng ShiSong, in the entertainment circle where new talents continuously popped up, warranted the popularity that he’s had for so many years. He had a cheerful and handsome appearance, with perfect features, and in between his gestures and movement, he had the aura of a celebrity.

WenXin’s representative is Wang CongLiang, who looked like he was in his early forties and had a receding hairline. Maybe he was too busy and stayed up late often.

Although Zhuang Yan had just returned to China, his reputation preceded him--the news that <The Monologue> had been nominated for the Cannes Film Festival had already been spread in the industry.

Moreover, Zhuang Yan was someone with life experience, supported by a strong capital. Even though WenXin was interested in investing, they didn’t dare to act like they were his father.

Wang CongLiang greeted him with a smile on his face, saying, “No, no, you’re not late. We didn’t wait for very long.”

He immediately introduced Sheng ShiSong and his agent, Chen GuangBin, to Zhuang Yan.

He greeted them with a couple words, and went straight to the topic of business. “I’ve heard about your company’s requirement from Zhao Yang. Since we’re all sitting here already, I won’t beat around the bush--I can’t agree to this requirement.”

“Don’t be so rash,” Wang CongLiang handed Zhuang Yan a cigarette. “Since Director Zhuang is willing to meet with us, it means there’s still some room for discussion.”

Zhuang Yan took the cigarette, but didn’t light it up, and instead turned it between his fingers.

Wang CongLiang continued to say, “I even brought ShiSong over today, so why don’t you think about it some more?”

Agent Chen GuangBin smiled and said, “I’m not boasting about him for the sake of it, but ShiSong’s acting skills in his age group are the best of the best. He can play most roles. It may be hard for Director Zhuang to find another actor that’s better than he is.”

Zhuang Yan glanced at Sheng ShiSong with a smile, without smiling. “I’ve only just started on the new movie, and the script is still in the creation stage. We haven’t decided on an image or angle for the protagonist yet, and it’s too early to make a decision.”

Wang CongLiang smiled, saying, “Isn’t it more convenient if the script isn’t finished yet? If there’s something that doesn’t fit, it can be changed a little to become more suitable.”

Zhuang Yan leaned back against the sofa, and coldly said, “Impossible. My script is painstakingly crafted, and it can’t be changed just because one person wants it to be changed.”

Wang CongLiang’s expression stiffened.

He’d seen a lot of directors before. There were ones who bowed down before him and begged for an investment, and there were ones who would discuss terms with him, but this is the first time that he’d seen a director like Zhuang Yan, who didn’t give him any face and refused without any further discussion.

Sheng ShiSong said something at this moment. “I heard that Director Zhuang’s movie this time is going to be set in the Republic of China?”

His voice was gentle and pleasant to the ear, as he is an actor who’d gone through training for his lines. He spoke straightforwardly, at a good speed, and it was comfortable to listen to.

Zhuang Yan nodded. “Yes, it is.”

Sheng ShiSong chuckled. “Since Director Zhuang just returned to China, you might not understand the domestic situation. The censorship for movies set in the Republic of China has been quite strict lately, and it’s not easy to pass review.”

“Really?” Zhuang Yan lifted his eyebrows.

Wang CongLiang hurriedly said, “Right, right. Those at the top are quite strict about it. Even smoking scenes are not allowed, tattoos and piercings must be pixelated, and ancient costume dramas cannot have overhead backgrounds...using the Republic of China as a setting is even more unique, and I’m afraid it may take a long time for it to pass review.”

Zhuang Yan smiled playfully. “So you mean to say that I should change the setting of the movie?”

“Of course not,” Wang CongLiang said. “It’s only hard to pass review, not that it’s not allowed to be filmed. And as for review…”

Wang CongLiang smiled meaningfully. “...Through using connections, it shouldn’t be a big deal.”

Once he said this, it was clear that they had connections with the Ministry of Culture.

Although, for a film and television company like WeiXin that has been around for so long and continuously communicates with the Ministry of Culture, it would be strange if they didn’t have some sort of connection with them.

Zhuang Yan put the cigarette on the table. “Whether or not the movie I film can pass the review is secondary--even if it doesn’t pass, it can still be registered for award shows, correct?”

He looked towards Sheng ShiSong meaningfully, saying, “Isn’t this the reason why you found me? You’re not concerned about how my movie can bring box office sales or profit to you, but with whether or not it can win awards.”

Sheng ShiSong smiled helplessly. “In that case, Director Zhuang should also know that I really do want this opportunity, and will put in utmost effort to complete it well.”

The entertainment industry has many actors but not enough resources.

There are an innumerable amount of capable actors, but good directors are rare.

Talented directors, though, can’t help but bow their heads to money and capital, and chase after the profits of commercial films.

There are only a handful of directors that are like Zhuang Yan, who don’t care for box office sales and numbers, and only aim for awards.

After all, people need to eat. Not everyone is like Zhuang Yan, with the support of the Zhuang Group behind him. They’d throw millions at him just to hear a sound.

There were many people in the industry who’d been eyeing Zhuang Yan’s new movie as soon as he got back to China. WenXin also wanted to take this investment opportunity so they could be given a slice of the cake.

Zhuang Yan smiled at Sheng ShiSong and said, “It’s not that I’m dissatisfied with you. You truly are a good actor with excellent acting skills and strength, and you’re able to take on hardships. But you’re not irreplaceable.”

Sheng ShiSong’s expression changed slightly.

Zhuang Yan continued to say, “I may have just returned to China, but I am not unknowledgeable about the current market. To be honest, there are so many actors lined up for me to pick from, and I don’t need your box office guarantee. Even if it’s a no-name person, if he is able to express the feeling that I want, I would still be willing to use him.”

Sheng ShiSong smiled bitterly. “Is it that in Director Zhuang’s eyes, I’m not as good as a rookie?”

Zhuang Yan shook his head. “It’s not a problem with you. I’ll say it again, I’ll only know what kind of protagonist I want when the script is finished. It’s impossible for me to decide on the leading actor right now.”

Zhuang Yan stubbornly refused to compromise, and Zhao Yang went red in the face trying to convince him, but he still wouldn’t budge.

Wang CongLiang’s eyes were red with anger when dealing with Zhuang Yan’s temper, but he wasn’t willing to just let this large slice of cake go.

In the end, it was Sheng ShiSong who let out a small sigh, and said, “Since Zhuang Yan is so persistent, then I won’t force him.”

Chen GuangBin frowned. “Why don’t we try this? We’ll back up a step, and not request Director Zhuang to use ShiSong, but...Director Zhuang, when you’re casting for the roles, could you give him the priority for auditions?”

Zhuang Yan, seeing how they were willing to take a step back, loosened his expression to look warmer. “What do you mean?”

Chen GuangBin smiled and replied, “It means that he would come to audition first. If his performance meets Director Zhuang’s standards, then the opportunity will be his, and at the same time, no more auditions will be held.”

Zhao Yang was afraid that Zhuang Yan wouldn’t give them any face, and pulled at his sleeve secretly.

WenXin had already stepped back to such a point, and the request was reasonable and logical. It would be too much if he didn’t agree to this.

Zhuang Yan smiled, and confirmed, “No problem.”

Zhao Yang let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Zhuang Yan continued, “If the audition is not satisfactory, then don’t blame me for not giving you the opportunity.”

Sheng ShiSong, believing in himself, said, “I believe in my acting skills.”

Zhuang Yan lifted his eyebrows. “Then, I’ll be waiting to see.”

Zhao Yang, the producer, was responsible for other parts of the cooperation. He stood up and extended his hand towards Wang CongLiang and said, “May we have a pleasant cooperation.”

“May we have a pleasant cooperation.” Wang CongLiang shook his head at Zhuang Yan. “I can consider myself as having seen Director Zhuang’s temper today.”

Zhao Yang felt empathetic towards him, and even gloated a little.

“You’ll experience it even more in the future.”

The clashing between swords and guns was over, and the gunpowder in the room dissipated.

Sheng ShiSong had to catch an early plane tomorrow, so no other unnecessary words were said, and everyone parted ways.

When he was walking out, Sheng ShiSong passed by Zhuang Yan, and praised him, saying, “Director Zhuang’s scarf looks quite good. Where did you buy it?”

These words made Zhuang Yan decide to give him another chance at the audition!

“Someone gave it to me,” Zhuang Yan said.

Sheng ShiSong nodded, and lifted his foot, about to leave, when he saw Zhuang Yan lift his head proudly and said, “They even personally wrapped it around me.”

Sheng ShiSong: “???”

What the hell?

……

The cooperation with WenXin became official, and the new movie began to get on track.

Zhuang Yan had to work around the clock for a couple days, and only when Zhao Yang came to ask him about the matter of the art team, did he realize that he still hadn’t confessed his identity to Xie Ning.

At the same time, Yang Rui had news for him as well.

“Last time, you asked me to find an art director for you,” Yang Rui said. “I actually have a suitable candidate for you to look at.”

Zhuang Yan asked, “Who?”

Yang Rui: “He’s a new student of mine, named Xie Ning.”

Hearing this name, Zhuang Yan was startled.

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Author’s Note: I wrote a little bit about ZhuangZhuang’s career business; after all, his business will become NingNing’s business in the future.

The stuff about entertainment industries and movie industries was basically nonsense. It wouldn’t stand the test in the real world.

ZhuangZhuang (proudly showing off): I have the scarf NingNing personally wrapped around me! Do you guys have it!

Translator's Notes:

Republic of China - time frame of 1912-1949, after the revolution of 1911 and before the CCP took charge

The clashing between swords and guns was over, and the gunpowder in the room dissipated - the author is likening the discussion to a battle with guns and swords