Chapter Fifty-One: You, My Deskmate

The days of filming flew by swiftly, and before long, it was the day for the female lead to join the crew.

As soon as the driver picked her up, Ye Qing immediately began to vent.

“Zhang Qianjun, do you know how much pressure I’ve been under for over a month? Now people at the company even call me Teacher Ye Qing! If they knew that in this so-called 150 million big-budget production, the female lead’s total screen time is less than five minutes, they’d mock me endlessly.”

Zhang Qianjun was at a roadside stall enjoying a plate of braised beef offal alongside shrimp wonton noodles. Seeing her like this, he couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You should be grateful. Originally, your screen time was less than three minutes; they actually extended it to five minutes just for you. As for the mockery? Even if ‘Tai Chi Hero’ flops, they’d still tease you.”

He patted the seat beside him.

“Come sit, have some food. This place’s braised delicacies and wonton noodles are excellent.”

One must admit, Ye Qing had a strong point: although she was sharp-tongued, she was obedient and well-mannered, knowing exactly how to balance coquettishness with attitude.

In modern terms, she provided Zhang Qianjun with high emotional value.

After sitting down, she was completely at ease in front of Zhang Qianjun’s many entourage members and casually picked a wonton from his bowl.

“Can’t you wait for your own bowl? And why are you only eating wontons? Have some noodles.”

Ye Qing muttered as she chewed.

“Noodles are carbs; eating them makes you fat. Looking good on camera is important.”

Zhang Qianjun looked at her slender, almost twig-like figure in disbelief. She weighed less than 90 jin (about 45 kilograms) yet constantly controlled her diet. No wonder many actresses look emaciated in real life.

After finishing at the stall, the two took a car back to the hotel. After a few rounds of playful banter, half-leaning against Zhang Qianjun’s chest, Ye Qing asked about the filming conditions on set.

Zhang Qianjun casually replied, “It’s alright. Apart from the Cantonese accent—which sounds unfamiliar—it’s not much different from mainland crews. Everyone’s polite and professional.”

Ye Qing’s mind immediately filled with questions.

“Do they all speak Cantonese in front of you?”

Zhang Qianjun glanced at her oddly and rubbed his chin.

“Of course. I can’t understand Cantonese otherwise. But not everyone’s easy to get along with; I think the director finds me quite annoying.”

Ye Qing looked up at him.

“What did you do to the director this time?”

“I just gave him some reasonable suggestions and reminded him to implement them.”

Ye Qing was speechless. Which director would like someone like him?

“Won’t I get penalized for this?”

Zhang Qianjun laughed.

“The crew didn’t even assign you a room. Who do you think would dare to punish you?”

Ye Qing was about to retort that she needed her own space, but was instantly silenced.

“Why do you seem even smaller after the New Year?”

Zhang Qianjun blocked her mouth and launched the next round of playful battle.

Just three days later, the female lead’s scenes in Macau were finished. The main filming of the movie was complete, with only the daily scenes in Yunnan and the metropolis left.

At this time, Producer Liang approached Zhang Qianjun, saying the crew wanted to release the first batch of behind-the-scenes promotional photos and asked him to reshoot a few shots.

Zhang Qianjun casually inquired, “Producer Liang, what’s Bona’s usual promotional style like?”

Liang Fengying thought he was curious and briefly explained.

“Bona’s style is traditional: three press conferences during the warm-up period—start of filming, wrap, and release date announcements; then poster production. During the peak period, they release teaser posters, character posters, final single posters, and trailers, usually starting four months before release.

Then there are advance screenings, premieres, roadshows, with the main cast appearing on variety shows, supplemented by film critics writing soft reviews.

That’s the general process. Most major distributors follow a similar approach.”

Zhang Qianjun nodded.

“Producer Liang, ‘Fierce Battle’ is ahead of schedule. When are we planning the release date?”

Liang Fengying thought for a moment.

“Probably around the end of the year, near Christmas.”

Christmas? Wouldn’t that clash with ‘Lost in Thailand’? After filming, I’ll have to talk to Yu Dong about it—better to aim for the National Day release.

That way, we can also give a little jab at ‘The Bronze Sparrow Platform.’ That brat Yahua insisted on starring in that film; she needs to learn how ruthless the world can be.

Just after the behind-the-scenes photoshoot, Chen Xiaoyu handed over his phone.

“Someone named Gong Geer called. Want to call back?”

Brother Eighteen? What does he want? Zhang Qianjun dialed immediately.

“Brother Eighteen, this is Zhang Qianjun. What’s up?”

Gong Geer bristled at the name. Back when he scored the music for ‘Better Days,’ they called him ‘Brother Gong.’ Now that he’s famous, they treat him like a nobody named Mao Eighteen? At least they still call him Brother Eighteen, leaving some face.

Though resentful inside, he forced a smile.

“Qianjun, long time no see. You’re about to explode in popularity recently. Got time? A director friend wants to meet you.”

“I’m about to explode? What did I do?”

Gong Geer thought, “What else have you done that you don’t know?” but to flatter him, he said:

“You arranged Bai Yueguang Liu Yifei as the female lead in ‘Sword Master,’ which grossed 360 million. Now Liu Yifei is the top box office actress among rising stars.

Then you arranged your own girlfriend for a big-budget lead and the female lead in Mango TV’s Jin Yong drama, and recently booked your younger girlfriend as the lead in a 150 million production.

You know, inquiries about your actresses all come to me. Isn’t that enough fame?

Two red flags at home stand tall, plus a beloved companion outside—that’s every man’s dream!”

Zhang Qianjun laughed incredulously.

“Who’s spreading this? When did Tianxian become my Bai Yueguang? Also, I broke up with Qingzi. There’s never been two red flags.

Anyway, who did you say wants to meet me?”

Gong Geer thought, “You call her Tianxian but deny being Liu Yifei’s fanboy.”

“It’s about this: do you know ‘The Adventures of Li Xianji’?”

“Yes, it was released last year alongside ‘Sword Master’ and was off the screens in less than a week. What about it?”

Gong Geer grimaced. That film ruined a friend.

“Yes, the director Guo Fan is working on a new script and looking for investment. Do you have time these days? We’d like to drop by.”

Oh, that name is very familiar—the sci-fi enchantress.

“Sure, Brother Eighteen. Since you asked, I’ll invest a few million to show my support.

But I’m on set now and leaving for Lijiang tomorrow. If you guys are free, come have tea in Lijiang.”

After hanging up, Gong Geer looked at Guo Fan.

“You heard that? He wants to talk. Let’s go to Lijiang.

This guy’s on fire now. If ‘So Young’ and ‘Fierce Battle’ both blow up again, the whole industry will be at his feet.”

Guo Fan was more concerned about another detail.

“He said he’d invest a few million to show face. Is he serious?”

Gong Geer thought for a moment.

“My face isn’t worth that much, but Zhang Qianjun, though cocky and full of hot air, doesn’t lie. If he says a few million, he probably means it.”

Guo Fan immediately smiled.

“I’ve heard Zhang Qianjun is decisive. Once he’s willing to invest a few million, the rest of the funding will follow.

Let’s go—brother’s taking you on a trip to Lijiang!”

One day later, Yulong Autonomous County, Lijiang.

At the basketball court, Zhang Qianjun, having just dashed through a failed basketball dream, was amusedly enjoying the frustrated expressions of the elementary school kids.

Chen Xiaoyu walked over, informing him that Gong Geer and Guo Fan had arrived.

“Xiaoyu, donate one million to Yulong County’s education fund for impoverished students. Make sure they put up a big banner for me.

Also, get a pair of Li Ning shoes for each of these kids.”

After giving these instructions, Zhang Qianjun grabbed Ye Qing’s hand.

“Let’s go meet my friends.”

Although the two were exhausted after waking at five to catch their flight, they still mustered the energy to arrive at the ‘Fierce Battle’ set. They were seated at a round table, watching and waiting.

“Why so few people? Isn’t this a big production?”

Guo Fan glanced around.

“The main scenes are in Macau. This side only has the male lead’s parts.”

Gong Geer rubbed his stomach, starving, wondering when Zhang Qianjun would arrive.

Just then, a dozen people came rushing toward them. Leading the group was none other than Zhang Qianjun himself.

His companion was different now—a woman with a rather ordinary appearance.

“Brother Gong, long time no see. How have you been?”

Gong Geer felt relieved. Thankfully, he wasn’t called Brother Eighteen in front of the crowd. This guy was still bearable.

After exchanging embraces and handshakes, Zhang Qianjun looked at the sci-fi enchantress beside him.

“So you must be Director Guo Fan. Indeed, a senior from Beijing Film Academy is quite handsome.”

Guo Fan had been standing by, waiting for their greetings to finish. Hearing Zhang Qianjun address him, he quickly said, “I’m honored. Greetings from General Manager Zhang and Zhang Qianjun.”

Zhang Qianjun waved off the formalities.

“We’re schoolmates; just call me Qianjun. Director Guo, Brother Gong said you have a script looking for investment. What’s it about?”

Guo Fan pulled out a concise script he had prepared.

“It’s a story about youth.”

Zhang Qianjun flipped through it quickly. It was ‘My Old Classmate.’ He looked up to see Guo Fan’s expectant eyes.

“Did you get authorization from Ai Da Jin?”

Guo Fan nodded eagerly.

“Teacher Gao is one of the screenwriters.”

Zhang Qianjun studied the script. Honestly, his first impression was underwhelming—definitely not as good as ‘Better Days’ and somewhat melodramatic.

But he recalled that Guo Fan’s previous film did well at the box office. Strange.

“What’s the budget? Who are you considering for the leads?” Zhang Qianjun finally broke the silence.

Guo Fan’s tension eased.

“Between sixteen and eighteen million. For the female lead, I want Zhou Dongyu. The male lead...” He paused, looking at Zhang Qianjun.

Zhang Qianjun caught the meaning in his eyes.

“I’m not interested. I’ve done two youth films already and don’t want to take on more of this genre for now.

Besides, the male lead character seems really annoying to me.”

Ignoring Guo Fan’s expression, Zhang Qianjun continued.

“Why Zhou Dongyu? She looks like a quail. Just because she starred in ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’?”

Guo Fan nodded.

“That’s part of it. The film needs box office draw, and she’s a promotional point.”

Zhang Qianjun tapped his fingers on the table.

“I think your script has many clichés. It might fool a bunch of pre-’85 viewers and girls who cry over trivial matters.

After ‘So Young’ releases, youth films will get another wave of attention. No matter what, this should still pull in around fifty million at the box office.”

Gong Geer asked curiously.

“Qianjun, you’re so confident about ‘So Young’?”

Zhang Qianjun looked at him.

“‘So Young’ is just okay. I’m confident in myself.”

He finished, ignoring the stunned crowd.

“Director Guo, what do you think of my little girlfriend Ye Qing? She’s the female lead in ‘Fierce Battle.’ You can boast she’s the female lead of a billion-yuan box office film.

Besides, she has a gentle and enduring beauty, and her acting is decent. She’s perfect for a youth film.”

Guo Fan quickly caught the key phrase: ‘my little girlfriend.’

Without her, the financier is gone. What else is there to say?

He smiled warmly.

“I just noticed that Zhou Dongyu looks a bit like Ye Qing. Now that Qianjun mentions it, Ye Qing is perfect as the female lead, Zhou Xiaozhi!”

Zhang Qianjun laughed heartily. The sci-fi enchantress’s words were always pleasant, though he ignored Gong Geer’s disdainful look and pinched Ye Qing’s cheek.

“See? Director Guo says you’re perfect. This time, you’re not a secondary lead but the main female lead.”

Guo Fan smiled as if lost in his artistic world.

“Director Guo, which distributor are you working with?”

Guo Fan brightened.

“Not finalized yet. We haven’t secured funding for the project.”

Zhang Qianjun nodded, then took out his phone.

“Minister Wang, how have you been? I have something to discuss.

Your China Film artists have taken the female lead in a new film, but the distribution is unsettled. This brother company is facing difficulties. Could you help arrange distribution?”

On the other end, Minister Wang was bewildered by the chaotic request but soon grasped the key points.

“Zhang Qianjun, you’re quite something. Praising your own girlfriend but saying the brother company is struggling? Your way with words has improved.

You’ve got both Kan Qingzi and Ye Qing. Don’t mess up, or it’ll affect ‘So Young’s’ promotion.”

“Don’t worry. Qingzi and I have broken up, but she’ll cooperate with the film’s promotion.”

Zhang Qianjun paused.

“Minister Wang, aside from ‘So Young,’ there’s a small-budget youth film. Please help secure distribution.

No, I’m not acting. It’s just to give Ye Qing something to do. It’s a production under twenty million.

I’m not concerned with how the crew shoots it.

Yes, this is a small matter. No need to report to the leadership; just your nod is enough.

Thank you, thank you.”

After hanging up, he turned to the three who looked shocked.

“Distribution will be handled by China Film.”

He then looked at Guo Fan.

“Director Guo, cut Ye Qing’s intimate scenes; use stand-ins for kissing.

I have a classmate named Li Xian. See if he’s suitable.

Prepare to receive 18 million anytime.”

He then patted Ye Qing, who was brimming with expression, signaling to wait a moment.

“Brother Gong, you two must be hungry. Let’s have a local specialty fish hot pot. I still have scenes to shoot later, so you’ll have to suffer a simple meal with us.”

He then looked at Chen Xiaoyu.

“Serve the dishes.”