Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 21 Doing a Favor

"Mr. Li, I've heard so much about you."

Fu Yibai shook hands with Li Xiaowan, then his gaze fell on Zhou Xun.

"Hello, Sister Xun, I've always loved your work."

Zhou Xun wore a black off-shoulder dress today, with light makeup and a smile that exuded her unique charm and uninhibited spirit.

"Director Fu, you're too kind. Your film is truly amazing."

Her voice was slightly hoarse and very distinctive.

"Thank you, Sister Xun."

Fu Yibai smiled, and finally turned his gaze to Yang Mi beside him.

"Hello, Director Fu."

Yang Mi immediately spoke, her voice clear and sweet, like a young girl's. She bowed slightly, her movements a little awkward and hesitant, but her big eyes sparkled as she looked directly at Fu Yibai, her curiosity and admiration clearly visible.

"My name is Yang Mi, and I am a new actress at Rong Xinda."

I admire you so much!

Li Xiaowan smiled and patted Yang Mi's shoulder, then addressed Yi Bai.

"This child is new to the industry, but he is talented and hardworking."

I heard that Director Fu's new company is just starting out and she's preparing for a new project, so I brought her here to broaden her horizons and learn from a talented young person like you.

Her words implied both showcasing her new talent and exploring potential future collaborations.

Looking at Yang Mi, who was still quite young but already showing signs of beauty, Fu Yibai instantly imagined countless scenes of her becoming a top female star in the future.

His smile softened, and he nodded to Yang Mi.

"Yang Mi? That's a nice name."

Having talent is a good thing, but what's more important is perseverance and continuous learning.

The future is promising.

Upon receiving Fu Yibai's affirmation, Yang Mi's eyes brightened, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded vigorously.

"Thank you, Director Fu! I will definitely work hard!"

Seeing this, Li Xiaowan followed suit.

"Director Fu, if you have any roles suitable for young people in the future, or if you need actors to audition, don't forget our Mimi."

She is very hardworking.

"must.

Morning Light Media's projects will prioritize actors with potential.

Fu Yibai's answer was official yet left room for interpretation.

After exchanging a few more words, Li Xiaowan left with Zhou Xun and Yang Mi.

Before leaving, Yang Mi also asked for Fu Yibai's contact information. After getting the contact information, the girl's eyes were filled with uncontrollable joy.

Not long after President Li left with Zhou Xun and Yang Mi, the crowd at the reception shifted slightly, and another group of people walked towards Fu Yibai's direction.

Leading the group was a capable-looking, friendly middle-aged woman, Cai Yinong, the head of Sugarman Films.

Beside her was a tall, handsome young man with a somewhat naive college student air about him—Hu Ge.

At this time, Hu Ge had not yet officially debuted, but due to his outstanding appearance, he had already been noticed by Cai Yinong, who intended to sign him to Sugar Man Entertainment.

Bringing him to this kind of event was clearly intended to pave the way for him and expand his network of contacts.

"Director Fu, congratulations on the domestic premiere of 'Black Coal, Thin Ice'!"

Tsai Yinong extended her hand with a beaming smile.

"I'm Tsai Yin-Nong from Sugarman Pictures. I've long admired Director Fu's name."

"Mr. Cai, hello, nice to meet you."

Fu Yibai shook hands with her, then his gaze fell on Hu Ge.

"Who is this?"

"Hu Ge is still studying at the Shanghai Theatre Academy; he's a very promising newcomer."

Cai Yinong introduced with a smile.

"I brought him here to broaden his horizons and learn from talented young people like Director Fu."

"Hello, Director Fu."

Hu Ge quickly bowed and greeted him, his attitude humble and polite, his eyes clear, carrying the awkwardness and sincere admiration unique to newcomers.

"Hello, you have a very outstanding appearance."

Fu Yibai nodded in approval, understanding the meaning in his heart.

At this time, Hu Ge was still some time away from becoming famous overnight with "Chinese Paladin", but his fresh and handsome temperament had already emerged.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Cai Yinong changed the subject and got down to business.

"Director Fu, thank you for your trust and support in investing in 'Chinese Paladin'."

The project's initial preparations are progressing smoothly, and regarding the cast...

I wonder if Director Fu has any thoughts or recommendations?

We would very much like to hear the investors' opinions.

Cai Yinong asked the question quite politely.

After all, Fu Yibai is an important investor with considerable influence. Taking the initiative to ask questions is not only a sign of respect for the investor, but also a way to test the waters and build rapport.

Fu Yibai originally had no intention of interfering with the casting of "Chinese Paladin", since he did not have any artists under his management. He invested in "Chinese Paladin" because he valued the long-term value of the project itself.

But since Tsai Yinong brought it up herself...

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Liu Yifei walking briskly toward him, arm in arm with her mother Liu Xiaoli, a bright and happy smile on her face.

The girl's eyes sparkled, her goal clear.

A thought flashed through Fu Yibai's mind: he wanted to do someone a favor.

He turned his gaze away, looked at Tsai Yinong, a thoughtful expression on his face, and then smiled.

"When Mr. Cai asked that, I did think of someone."

Although the role wasn't quite right for me during my audition for "Caught in the Web," it left a deep impression on me.

A girl named Liu Yifei has a very fresh and refined appearance, is very spirited, and her age is quite similar to Zhao Ling'er's. Perhaps President Cai could consider getting to know her.

"Liu Yifei?"

Upon hearing this, Tsai Yinong's eyes immediately became serious.

Fu Yibai's discerning eye and recommendation carry undeniable weight.

"Hey, they're here."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Yifei and her daughter had already walked up to him.

"Director Fu!"

Liu Yifei's voice was clear and bright, filled with undisguised joy.

Today she wore a light pink princess dress, had her hair styled in a princess style, and had exquisite makeup, looking like an elf from a fairy tale, with even more star quality than during her last audition.

Liu Xiaoli followed behind her daughter, her smile appropriate.

"Director Fu, General Manager Cai."

Liu Xiaoli greeted Fu Yibai and Cai Yinong first, showing great courtesy.

"Yifei, Ms. Liu."

Fu Yibai responded with a smile and then introduced Cai Yinong.

"Mr. Cai, this is Liu Yifei, and next to her is her mother, Ms. Liu."

Cai Yinong's eyes lit up, and she immediately extended her hand enthusiastically.

"Is it Yifei?"

What a coincidence, I was just talking about you with Director Fu.

"I'm Cai Yinong from Sugarman Pictures, nice to meet you! This is Hu Ge."

She then introduced Hu Ge to her.

Liu Yifei blinked in surprise, looked at Fu Yibai, then at Cai Yinong who was suddenly very enthusiastic, and quickly greeted her politely.

"Hello, Mr. Cai. Hello, Brother Hu Ge."

She was simple-minded, but her mother, Liu Xiaoli, was shrewd. She immediately sensed an opportunity from the fact that they had just talked about her and that she was Cai Yinong. Her smile became even more eager.

Fu Yibai saw this scene and understood what was going on, but he didn't point it out. He just spoke gently to Liu Yifei.

"Yifei looks beautiful today."

What have you been busy with lately?

"Thank you, Director Fu!"

Receiving the praise made Liu Yifei smile even more sweetly.

"I'm currently taking a break, studying acting, and looking at scripts..."

She chattered away, radiating youthful energy.

Hu Ge listened quietly to the side, occasionally making eye contact with Liu Yifei. Both of them still had the naivety of newcomers. They smiled at each other, and there was a strange sense of harmony between them.

Looking at the handsome man and beautiful woman in front of her, especially the spirited Liu Yifei, and thinking about Fu Yibai's recommendation and the "Chinese Paladin" project, Cai Yinong's mind became more and more active.

While Liu Yifei and Fu Yibai were talking, Cai Yinong whispered a few words to Liu Xiaoli and exchanged contact information, clearly indicating that she was planning to get to know her better.

Fu Yibai was pleased to see it happen.

Recommending Liu Yifei is just a matter of a word for him, but it can do both Tangren and Liu Yifei and her mother a favor, and also make the "Chinese Paladin" project more likely to get closer to the successful lineup of the original. Why not?

After chatting for a few more minutes, Cai Yinong tactfully took her leave with Hu Ge, leaving Liu Yifei and her daughter and Fu Yibai alone.

"Director Fu, thank you so much for just now."

Liu Xiaoli lowered her voice, her gratitude evident in her words.

Although she didn't know the specifics, she clearly felt that Fu Yibai's words had played a crucial role.

"Ms. Liu, you're too kind. Yifei is a good person, so it's only natural that she has the opportunity."

Fu Yibai waved his hand and looked at Liu Yifei.

"Prepare well, and seize the opportunity when it comes."

"Yes! I definitely will, Director Fu!"

Liu Yifei nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with trust and admiration as she looked at Fu Yibai.

The man in front of me was not only handsome, but also incredibly talented.

Most importantly, he cared for and supported her so gently, which warmed Liu Yifei's heart and deepened her vague feelings of affection.

Liu Yifei suddenly remembered something, took out her phone from her exquisite handbag, and asked with a slightly shy yet bold tone.

"Director Fu, may I... add your contact information?"

"May I ask you for advice if I have any performance-related questions in the future?"

Liu Xiaoli watched from the side, not stopping them, but rather with encouragement in her eyes.

After a moment's thought, Fu Yibai nodded in agreement.

"Can."

He took out his phone and exchanged phone numbers with Liu Yifei, along with a QQ number that was not yet widespread but was already in use at the time.

Upon receiving the contact information, Liu Yifei's eyes crinkled into crescents with joy. She carefully put the phone away, as if it were a precious treasure.

The premiere reception was still going on, with people mingling and exchanging pleasantries.

As the focus of attention, Fu Yibai was constantly approached by people who wanted to chat with him.

After staying for a short while, Liu Yifei and her daughter politely said goodbye and left.

Afterwards, Mr. Liu from Hai Run also came over and chatted with Fu Yibai for a few minutes, discussing the preparation progress of "Bright Sword".

The screening session at the premiere began quickly.

After the creative team gave a brief introduction on stage, the giant screen lit up, and the familiar opening sequence of "Black Coal, Thin Ice" appeared.

The lights in the cinema dimmed, and the whispers gradually subsided.

Fu Yibai sat in the front row of the main creative area, next to Zhang Jiandong, Zeng Li and others.

Although he knew every scene of the film by heart, sitting in a domestic cinema with hundreds of other viewers, feeling the growing atmosphere of focused concentration, his feelings were still somewhat different.

…………

As the film ended and the end credits rolled, there was a brief silence in the theater, followed by enthusiastic and sustained applause.

As the lights came on, many audience members still bore the lingering emotions and reflections from being immersed in the story.

Many media professionals and film critics applauded and whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with admiration.

"The cinematography is so sophisticated!"

"Zeng Li acted so well, that kind of..."

"The story has a powerful aftertaste; it's no wonder it won an award at Berlin."

The premiere concluded successfully amidst applause and praise.

Fu Yibai was once again surrounded by the media and enthusiastic industry insiders, and was not able to escape until late at night.