Huayu: From an ordinary person to a happy director

Chapter 13 Yang Mi Visits
As soon as he sat down in his office, Deng Hongxu came up to him and said to Shi Lei, "Boss Shi, Wang Zhonglei from Huayi plans to invest in our film "No One in My Eyes."

Nowadays, the most important thing is China Film. Huayi is the most powerful private film and television company in the mainland and is a competitor.

Shi Lei does not intend to accept Huayi's investment.

But he was still curious and asked, "How much are they prepared to invest?"

"Mr. Wang didn't say anything. He said he wanted to meet with you."

"No, tell them that the investment is enough and there is no need for investment." Shi Lei shook his head directly.

Now is not the future. Huayi has no blockbuster movies this year. Last year's "Big Shot" had a box office of 4000 million, but Huayi only received 1520 million, and this was before tax deduction. After tax deduction, the profit was much lower than the profit from selling the foreign copyright of "Empty Room".

These days, it is easier for time travelers to make money by making movies or award-winning art films in the country.

In 02, filming TV series was still more profitable.

The reason why he made "No One" was to prove his ability in commercial films.

With one art film and one commercial film, his position as a director was secured and his popularity was high.

By then, there will be enough money to shoot TV series and sell them.

Deng Hongxu hesitated to speak. The cost of "No One" was 200 million US dollars, plus the 800 million US dollars in taxes had to be paid on the second hand. It can be said that all the profits from "Empty Room" were invested in it.

Even with the continuous financial support from "The First Snow of 2002", the risk is too great.

In the end, he turned around and left. He believed in Shi Lei's ability.

A few minutes later, Deng Hongxu came back in and said excitedly, "Boss Shi, Boss Wang said they are willing to invest at a premium."

"Tell him that the investment amount has been allocated and ask them to come back next time." Shi Lei didn't even raise his head and continued to busy himself with his own things.

Don’t want any chance to make money?

"Mr. Shi, I think it's worth considering your premium investment," Deng Hongxu said tactfully.

"You have to understand one thing: they are our competitors. If we succeed, they will gain fame and fortune at a very small cost; if we fail, they will not lose much either."

Deng Hongxu opened his mouth to say something, wanting to say that Huayi could also share the risk, and after the premium, it is likely that half of the $200 million cost would be recovered, which would reduce the pressure on the company.

In fact, he was against investing all the funds in "Arrogant", but unfortunately he couldn't persuade them.

"Okay, I'll go out and talk to Mr. Wang."

He couldn't persuade Shi Lei now. Perhaps he would have to wait until Shi Lei failed once before he could persuade him.

Not long after, Deng Hongxu came in again, and this time his expression looked extremely strange.

"You have something to say."

"Mr. Wang is gone, but he left behind two beauties. Do you want to go out and take a look? They are both beauties." Deng Hongxu's face turned slightly red, and she was obviously moved.

"What are their names?" Shi Lei asked curiously.

"One is Fan, the other is Li, both are named Qiao Qiao."

"Oh? The two of them! Ask them if they are willing to terminate their contract with Huayi and come to our company." Shi Lei said casually.

Both of them are good, but it's a pity that he started late. According to Huayi's customs, these two people...

But he doesn't mind signing these two people and letting them make money for him.

"This..." Deng Hongxu was stunned.

Looking at Shi Lei in disbelief, it was obvious that Mr. Wang left two beauties behind to build relationships. But you, on the other hand, directly poached them. This was too unkind.

Shi Lei waved his hand and said, "Go ahead and ask them. If they are willing, they can come. If they are not willing, let them go."

He felt it was a huge loss to be given a role after just one shot.

Before entering the entertainment industry, these people were blessed with the halo of being a star, and they felt that no matter what the cost, they could make a fortune with a single hit.

But as an insider, their celebrity status did not help him. What he valued was their looks and whether they could become his own people. "Okay, Mr. Shi." Deng Hongxu turned and left.

In the end, neither woman stayed.

This is normal. Now he has only made an art film. Although he has organized a group to shoot a movie with a cost of 10 million US dollars, it is not enough to make them leave Huayi.

But just as they left, another female star came knocking on the door.

As the saying goes, opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared. Some stars wait for news at home, while a small number of them come directly to the door.

"Yang Mi? Aren't you in high school? Why are you here?" Shi Lei joked.

Yang Mi is worthy of being called a working maniac who can come from behind and succeed, and he is very good at seizing opportunities.

"I took a leave of absence just to come and see you." Yang Mi said with a blink.

"I'm very touched. Tell me, what do you want to talk to me about?" Shi Lei went straight to the point.

"I'm glad to be touched. You said you would invite me to make a movie, so I came." Yang Mi said, puffing out his chest.

Unfortunately, Yang Mi is only sixteen years old now and is still growing and has not reached the peak of her figure.

"You are too young now, it's not appropriate." There was one thing he didn't say, that is, Yang Mi is not famous now and is not an artist of the company. It is okay to spend money to invite the famous Yang Mi to film, but it is not okay to spend money to promote Yang Mi.

"It's good to be young! It's the prime of youth..." Yang Mi said while holding Shi Lei's hand.

It's true that Yang Mi, who is full of youthful aura, has a unique flavor, but...

"You're only sixteen. This is against the law."

Yang Mi raised an eyebrow, covered her mouth and smiled: "So you want it? Don't worry, I will keep it for you. It will only take two years, it will be quick."

"Don't talk nonsense, I didn't think about it." Shi Lei retorted very firmly. How could he have any idea about something illegal?

He tried hard to pull his hand back.

But Yang Mi held it very tightly, and when he pulled it back, Yang Mi hit the desk.

If it weren't for the desk, Yang Mi might have pounced on him.

"Ah!" Yang Mi cried out in pain, and rolled his eyes and said, "You hurt me, you have to compensate me, let me play the second female lead in the movie!"

"Otherwise I'll go out and tell people you hit me and it hurts."

"Don't say something that could be easily misunderstood. If you terminate your contract with Rong Xinda, I will let you star in my movie."

Yang Mi was immediately upset when he heard this, and said depressedly: "But I can't afford the compensation for the termination of the contract!"

"This company can help you advance the payment and deduct it from your future earnings."

"Huh?" Yang Mi was stunned.

"That's not right! Shouldn't the company pay to recruit me?"

So she took the initiative to switch jobs here, and she has to pay the termination fee herself. Is she the one being taken advantage of?
"You can come or not." Shi Lei said indifferently.

If she comes, I will train Yang Mi just like I train Ying Bao. If she doesn’t come, I will focus on training Ying Bao.

Yang Mi rolled his eyes and said, "Can I make a movie after coming to your place?"

"Okay, but not this one. It's too late for this movie."

Yang Mi was certain in his heart and asked, "Is that so... Then when can I come over?"

Shi Lei calculated the time it would take to get paid for the movie and said, "Maybe in the second half of next year."

"Okay, I'll wait for you." Yang Mi blinked and smiled.

As she expected, Taolin Film and Television didn't have the money to poach her at that time.

(End of this chapter)