Chapter 57: The First Film Preparation Meeting of Reba

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Reba was not a complete novice. Coming from a family with a strong artistic background, she had already starred as the genuine female lead in the drama "Anarhan" at the age of nineteen.

By normal standards, someone like Reba would have signed with an agency before even entering their sophomore year. Yet reality was peculiar—she only signed with Jiaxing in her junior year and then embarked on a long, arduous journey producing self-made dramas.

Originally, Zhang Qianjun called Reba in just to introduce her to everyone.

His personal introduction also signified how much he valued having a first signed female artist.

After roughly confirming the main cast for "Safe Assurance," the group began discussing the technical challenges of filming and the logical coherence within the movie’s plot.

As the discussion went on, Zhang Qianjun gradually forgot about Reba.

Seated half behind Zhang Qianjun on his left side, Reba found the meeting content somewhat irrelevant to her, yet it all felt remarkably novel.

It was like a receptionist fetching water during a board meeting, then sitting quietly to listen in.

At this moment, Zhang Qianjun was actually quite conflicted. When the project was greenlit, everyone was ambitious and optimistic, but once production officially began, various issues arose.

The movie "Safe Assurance" was somewhat ahead of its time; although it depicted social media, live streams, and bullet comments, these platforms were still in their infancy.

In his view, the film would have been more appropriate if shot in 2013 and released in 2014, which made him hesitate whether to delay the project.

But seeing that no one opposed and everyone felt the themes and segments were trendy and had a futuristic vibe within reach, the whole team was enthusiastic.

Seeing his old comrades’ support, Zhang Qianjun relaxed. After all, there was a guaranteed minimum return; what was there to fear?

He then finalized some details and preliminarily confirmed the shooting schedule. Li Kai raised a question.

“Qianjun, how are we handling the investment shares for this film?”

Zhang Qianjun pursed his lips and sighed lightly.

“If I had full control, I’d invest the entire amount myself. But alas, we’re just the production side. No matter what, our relationship with China Film must be maintained, or all previous efforts would be wasted.

Ah, making money is really a damn hard business.”

Everyone had nodded frequently during the discussion, but upon hearing this last remark, they all exchanged meaningful looks.

Ignoring their reactions, Zhang Qianjun stood up to make a call. Turning, he noticed a pair of big eyes staring at him.

‘Why is Reba still here?’ he wondered, but the call was already connecting. Business came first, so he ignored her and left the meeting room.

After Zhang Qianjun left, all eyes shifted to Reba, their curiosity piqued.

After a brief silent vote with glances, Micky, being the least likely to offend, broke the silence.

“Reba, how do you know Qianjun? I’m really curious, because you’re the first insider from outside Beijing Film Academy in this company.”

Reba’s face showed surprise.

“You’re all from Beijing Film Academy?”

Micky raised her hand like a schoolgirl.

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“I’m not, but I’m Qianjun’s hometown friend, from China Academy of Art.”

“Director Liu and Director Wen are from the directing department, Qi Ming and Kai Ge from cinematography,” Han Qiming added.

“Not only that, Reba is the first female to attend an internal meeting,” Han Qi Ming remarked.

Li Kai immediately contradicted.

“Chen Xiaoyu was actually the first female to attend.”

Liu Chang objected.

“Chen Xiaoyu is Qianjun’s assistant. She follows him everywhere, so that doesn’t count.”

“How can it not count? Just tell me, isn’t she a woman!”

Then the group forgot the original question and began debating whether Chen Xiaoyu was merely an assistant or more like Qianjun’s companion.

The eldest, Wen Mu, finally lost patience with this silly quarrel.

He clapped loudly twice.

“Quiet, quiet! Supporting roles, don’t upstage the lead. We’re asking the lead a question.”

As the chatter died down, five pairs of eyes turned back to Reba.

Though the atmosphere felt a bit odd, Reba had been a lead actress in a TV drama before, so she was not intimidated.

“This is my first time meeting him. Previously, it was President Li Yanjing who contacted me.”

“Oh!” The meeting room responded in unison, but the exchanged glances were filled with disbelief.

Zhang Qianjun was unaware of the misunderstanding he had inadvertently caused by casually calling Reba into the meeting. After the call connected, he greeted cheerfully.

“Dear President La, long time no see. I’ve missed you. How have you been lately?”

The voice on the other end was tinged with indescribable meaning.

“Thanks to the big star’s blessings, I’m well.”

Zhang Qianjun chuckled.

“What big star am I? I’m just a small actor in front of you.”

“Oh? Nowadays, even small actors are so arrogant—won’t even cooperate with film promotion?”

Zhang Qianjun didn’t bite.

“President La, I watched the final cut of ‘To Youth.’ The promotion budget is surely 500 million, but that’s the upper limit—maybe 600 million at most. No amount of promotion can overcome the film’s thematic limitations.”

President La was somewhat displeased.

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“You said to me last year that the 1 billion box office would come this year, didn’t you?”

Zhang Qianjun flatly denied it.

“I said you would become the producer of a domestic film hitting 1 billion at the box office, not that ‘To Youth’ would reach 1 billion. That film might have had that potential, but if you don’t take on the producer role, it loses its luck for a billion.”

President La laughed at his own anger.

“You always have a way with words. Stop beating around the bush—just say what you want.”

Zhang Qianjun stopped joking.

“I have a new movie. Interested in taking a share?”

President La hesitated.

“Bona’s ‘Unbeatable’ is finished shooting?”

“Yes, wrapped late last month. This new film is a comedy; I own all the script rights. Planning to start filming late June in Qiantang, aiming for a Lunar New Year release next year. All processes, crew, and cast are set—just need to confirm producer and distributor.”

President La pondered but voiced his concerns.

“Qianjun, the issue with your 50 million fee caused some internal dissent. My position isn’t as flexible now; Haicheng and Xiao Wang will have to speak out. Before ‘To Youth’ hits the box office, things are difficult.”

Zhang Qianjun was about to respond but was interrupted.

“Qianjun, I know your intentions are good, and I’m glad you contacted me first. But China Film isn’t a private enterprise; it’s quite complicated.”

Zhang Qianjun felt a bit disheartened. Indeed, this wasn’t just business.

“Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll quote a price they can’t accept but might bring in a good return. If they refuse, I’ll find Minister Wang to handle distribution myself. But if the film blows up, don’t blame me for not firmly pulling China Film on board.”

President La laughed.

“Feels like you’re digging a trap! But no matter what, if the film succeeds, it’s good for you, me, and the country. Let’s do it!”