Chapter 660

Why can't she?

Lu Yanhe was somewhat puzzled.

Chen Ziyan said, "Because she is still Murken Sorge's wife, Murken might not be willing to see her arrange such a thing."

Lu Yanhe: "But perhaps Muken himself has attended such gatherings."

"Of course, I dare say that almost everyone in Hollywood has definitely been to a party like that, with sex, drugs, and all sorts of things."

Chen Ziyan winked at Lu Yanhe and said, "But participating is one thing, enjoying is another, and organizing is yet another. I know Hua Ruzhen is a very strong woman, but I previously thought she was the kind of woman who would keep her hands clean, and even if the media didn't report it, her reputation would still spread."

Lu Yanhe: "If this is the norm, will organizing something like this damage her reputation?"

"If she weren't Muken's wife, it wouldn't matter, but her actions will affect Muken's reputation and career. Just like those young people who went in earlier, they are all checked before going in and are not allowed to bring in any devices that could be used for filming or recording. However, this does not mean that all dangers have been eliminated."

Chen Ziyan said, "If one day I organize something like this, even if you never showed up, do you think many people would immediately associate it with you? You are the most powerful actor under my management. Didn't you act as my protector? Didn't your power become my weapon?"

Lu Yanhe suddenly realized.

“People can accept capitalists acting as pimps, and even everyone sticking to the rules, as long as it's consensual, there's nothing strange about it,” Chen Ziyan further stated. “But if you're not just a capitalist, you're a director, a star, someone who wields power but not that kind of power, OK, once your reputation spreads, your work is bound to be ruined. No one is willing to emotionally accept a creator's moral depravity—”

"corrupt?"

“Yes.” Chen Ziyan nodded. “Don’t think that Europeans and Americans don’t think this is a morally corrupt thing. They just set up a small circle to keep these things locked in. When they leave this small circle, they are still dreamers who pursue true love, advocate equality for all, and call for love and dreams.”

Lu Yanhe hissed.

"No, I can't take it anymore." He shook his head.

Chen Ziyan: "Do you know why I'm telling you so much?"

"Tell me the truth about how this world works."

"If I were sick, would I tell you the truth about how this world works? I don't know anything, I only know the tip of the iceberg." Chen Ziyan laughed and scolded, "I see you getting closer and closer to Hua Ruzhen. Of course, I'm not saying you can't get close to her, but you should always keep a distance in your heart. Don't just sweetly call her 'sister' and then actually treat her like a sister."

Lu Yanhe scratched his head.

"I wouldn't say it's 100% true, but your own value is the main factor in her closeness to you. If she really cared about you, these people shouldn't have come to this party tonight. She should know that even if rumors of this kind of thing spread back to China, given the public opinion environment there, it would be enough for those haters to smear you relentlessly. They wouldn't care whether you left or when you left."

Lu Yanhe: "That's right, I've realized it now."

"But don't make a big deal out of distancing yourself from Hua Ruzhen. Compared to what Zhong Benshuo and Liu Zhen did, this is really nothing. They didn't mean to harm you; it's just a very common arrangement."

Lu Yanhe: "Understood."

“She is still very valuable to you,” Chen Ziyan said. “Whether it’s her husband’s network of directors like Muken, the investment fund she manages, or her Asian community in Los Angeles, they will all be of great help to you in the future.”

"Okay, okay, I'll just try to maintain a friendly relationship with her, is that alright?"

“Hmm.” Chen Ziyan nodded. “You know what, maybe we’ll need her help with something in the end, which is part of our trip to Los Angeles.”

"Um?"

"The reason Chen Pinhe was able to get the 'Destruction Day' project is because his wife, Zhang Yuezhen, has a good relationship with the wife of the executive in charge of the project at Parameter. I don't know what kind of deal was made in private, but Chen Pinhe was the one who was chosen in the end."

Lu Yanhe asked, "Does Hua Ruzhen really know the wife of this Parameter executive?"

"Yes, I know him." Chen Ziyan nodded.

Lu Yanhe suddenly realized.

-

Lune Riess is a famous director.

His past films have mostly been science fiction films with large-scale scenes. Although he is not the kind of director who is highly praised by film festivals and mainstream awards, he has a very resounding reputation in the field of science fiction films.

If we were to draw a parallel, it would be similar to Duncan Jones, a director Lu Yanhe is quite familiar with, who made films like "Moon" and "Source Code".

Directors like this actually have a lot of say in their films.

Including casting.

Lu Yanhe took the initiative to meet with Lu Nei Lis this time, and Lu Nei Lis did not refuse and immediately agreed.

"I really enjoyed the movies you made before, Director. Actually, I'm a big science fiction fan," Lu Yanhe said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Lune Ries was somewhat surprised and said, "Do you like science fiction movies? I've seen so many movies you've acted in and so many screenplays you've written, but none of them have anything to do with science fiction."

"That's because making science fiction films requires a certain film industry foundation and a certain amount of funding," Lu Yanhe said. "Moreover, to be honest, the science fiction film genre is not mature in China, unlike other genres which have mature directors and filming foundations."

Lune Ries nodded.

“Actually, I did have a movie I wanted to work with you on at first,” he said frankly. “However, I heard that your schedule is very full next year, and Parameter recommended another actor.”

“I’ve already heard about it,” Lu Yanhe said. “Thank you for thinking of me first.”

"So, you really don't have any availability next year, is that right?"

“Yes.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “It’s a pity, otherwise I would definitely have taken the initiative to try to act in this movie.”

Lune Ries smiled.

"Although I know it's just a polite remark, I was still very happy to hear it."

“Lu Nei, but the reason I came here this time to meet you is not entirely pure,” Lu Yanhe said frankly.

Lune Ries was somewhat surprised.

"Um?"

Lu Yanhe asked, "Have you seen 'The Squid Game'?"

“Oh, I’ve watched a few episodes, but not all of them,” Lune Reese said. “The premise of the show is quite interesting, but a lot of its game-related elements feel a bit childish to me. I hope you don’t mind me saying that.”

“I don’t mind.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “I actually agree with what you said. So what do you think of the actors in this drama?”

"An actress?" Lune Ries suddenly realized. "Oh, are you here to help Jiang Yuqian get the role in 'Doomsday'?"

Before Lu Yanhe could answer, he immediately said, "Actually, I watched 'The Squid Game' and thought she was perfect for my movie, so I wanted to ask her to audition."

“I know that the movie ‘Doomsday’ has two male leads, an American and a Chinese, and an Asian girl who grew up in the United States,” Lu Yanhe said. “I came here this time to recommend Jiang Jun, the lead actor of ‘Squid Game’. I know that you already have an actor in mind for ‘Doomsday’, but I think if there is a more suitable actor, you might be willing to consider it before a contract is signed.”

Lune Ries looked at Lu Yanhe in surprise.

He never expected that Lu Yanhe's target was still that Asian male lead.

“Why would you help someone else get this role?” Lune Riess asked.

Lu Yanhe stated frankly: "Because Jiang Jun is a very good actor, and for a director like you, there are very few scripts with an Asian male lead. I hope to fight for this opportunity for a suitable and good actor, who is also my friend."

Lune Ries: "I really didn't expect that you would see me today for something like this."

Lu Yanhe and Chen Ziyan exchanged a glance.

Chen Ziyan spoke up happily.

“Lu Nei, Yan He actually has another matter to discuss with you, another collaboration, which you might be interested in,” Chen Ziyan said. “However, he wants to tell you about Jiang Jun first, because he doesn’t want you to misunderstand and think that this is a transaction.”

"A deal?" Lune Ries looked puzzled.

Chen Ziyan took out a bound script from her bag.

“This is a script, a science fiction script,” she said. “It was written by Yan He, and it’s called ‘Source Code.’ He has always liked you and has been inspired by many of your films. He created this script and wanted to ask you to take a look and see if you are interested.”

Lune Riess looked surprised.

"As you probably know, Yan He is not only an actor but also a screenwriter. He wrote the screenplays for 'Friends,' 'The Squid Game,' 'Rouge,' and 'Love Letter,'" Chen Ziyan said. "To be honest, he was shocked when he told me that he wrote a science fiction script because the subject matter was completely unrelated to the subject matter he had written before. But he told me that he was inspired by your movie and came up with this story."

Lune Rhys stared at the two of them in surprise, not reaching for the script for a moment.

"Actually, his main purpose in coming here this time wasn't about the actors for 'Doomsday,' but rather about the script. He wanted to hear your opinion. Of course, if you're interested in directing, then it's yours," Chen Ziyan laughed. "He's still an impulsive young man. He's furious that he was originally chosen by a director he really liked and admired, and had the opportunity to work with him, but someone else snatched it away."

Lune Riess looked somewhat embarrassed.

“I think he wouldn’t be so angry if he didn’t like your movies so much. I never expected that he would even write a script about it. To be honest, there are very few directors that he likes to this extent,” Chen Ziyan said. “He previously acted in a suspenseful crime drama called ‘The Silent River’ by Maxine. They offered him a high price to write the script for the second season, but he still hasn’t finished it.”

Lune Ries looked at Lu Yanhe and asked, "Was this script really inspired by your movie?"

“Hmm.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “I don’t really know how to write hard science fiction, so I used a science fiction concept, but what I actually wrote is still a thriller crime story. It’s an attempt, though. Many science fiction films pursue grand narratives and big scenes, but your film has very human details and a pursuit of story logic. Your film is a real story that takes place in a science fiction background. I like this texture. It gives me the feeling that it will actually happen in the future. Source Code was created with this idea in mind.”

Lune Ries nodded. "Could you tell me what kind of story it is?"

"certainly……"

Lu Yanhe smiled, took out his carefully prepared speech, and began to tell the infinite flow story about a man who kept going back to 8 minutes before the explosion to find out the cause of the explosion and prevent it.

-

"Lu Yanhe went to Los Angeles."

As soon as Chen Pinhe entered the house, he heard Zhang Yuezhen say this.

He paused for a moment as he took off his shoes.

Then, he had to immediately pretend to be perfectly normal, say "Oh," and ask, "Why are you paying attention to his trip to Los Angeles?"

“At this juncture, he suddenly went to Los Angeles with Chen Ziyan, and to meet Lune Ries. Do you think I should pay attention?” As soon as Zhang Yuezhen finished speaking, Chen Pinhe’s expression changed immediately.

"He went to see Lune Rees?"

"Yes," Zhang Yuezhen nodded.

Chen Pinhe hesitated for a long time before asking, "Did he go to see Lune Ries because of 'Doomsday'?"

“It’s pretty much a done deal.” Zhang Yuezhen nodded. “Otherwise, what a coincidence. Someone must have leaked information about the movie to him. Given his current clear international ambitions, he’s definitely determined to get his hands on this movie.”

Chen Pinhe: "This movie should have been finalized by now, right? I need to check on the progress of the contract."

"Don't worry, the contract has already been signed. I've been keeping an eye on them to get the contract signed." Zhang Yuezhen smiled. "Otherwise, with so many actresses receiving audition invitations, once the news spreads widely, countless people will be eyeing this role. As long as the contract isn't signed, you're at risk of being replaced."

Chen Pinhe sneered.

"I never thought that after acting for so many years, I would still have to worry about this kind of thing."

“Who made this movie… such a large-scale production?” Zhang Yuezhen said. “If it were just an ordinary B-movie, with your status and reputation, you certainly wouldn’t have to face this kind of competition. But, as you know, when faced with the best projects, everyone has to accept the threat of being challenged. After all, this is Hollywood, not a place we’re familiar with.”

Zhang Yuezhen had one more thing she kept to herself.

—After all, apart from "White Pearl" you haven't had any other notable works in recent years. In the industry, you only have status, fame, and the works and fans you've accumulated over the years. Compared to Lu Yanhe, who is currently very popular, your actual value is far inferior.

-

"Back then, Chen Pinhe was truly at the height of his career. Apart from not being a director or screenwriter like you, as an actor, he won awards even faster than you."

When Chen Ziyan talked to Lu Yanhe about Chen Pinhe's past achievements, she couldn't help but sigh that he was also an extraordinary figure.

"For several years, he was just like you are now, whatever he filmed became a hit, and even his failed works were the number one in ratings during the same period. His only opponent was his past achievements."

"However, his output decreased later, and he basically only filmed one movie a year. Strangely enough, he used to film three or four movies a year, and all of them were successful. After he reduced the frequency of filming, his results became erratic. After several of his works flopped, he became more cautious about accepting roles."

"His strength lies in his truly superb acting skills. Even when a film flops, no one blames his acting. Therefore, he is indeed respected in the industry and has achieved his current status through his professional abilities," Chen Ziyan said. "In fact, at his level, even if he continues to flop for another three to five years, it won't affect his current status at all. Unlike actors in their rising phase, at his age, most of his contemporaries have already been surpassed by him. No matter how good you are, you're not on the same track as him; you're not his competitor."

“It might not be the case on a traditional track, but things are different now,” Lu Yanhe said. “I already have an idea.”

What are your thoughts?

“I’m going to keep causing him trouble, I’m going to make it impossible for him to get back to the way he was before.”

"Are you going to try and steal any role or film that's his from now on?"

“Well, taking his role is one thing, but if I can’t take it, I’ll make a movie to challenge him and make him lose,” Lu Yanhe said.

Chen Ziyan: "...Although what you said sounds arrogant, I don't know why I feel like you can actually do it."

Lu Yanhe said with great certainty, "Sister Ziyan, I can do it. I feel like I've been slacking off before, but now that I have this goal, I suddenly have new motivation, really."

"Do you think I don't believe in your abilities?" Chen Ziyan rolled her eyes. "I just don't understand how you can have the nerve to say you've been slacking off before when you're supposed to be filming three to four dramas a year, not including the ones with scripts you wrote."

Chen Ziyan's eyes were filled with a questioning look that seemed to say, "Are you kidding me?"—a speechless skepticism.

It's better than not getting a disdainful look.

Lu Yanhe: "...I'm referring to a state of mind."

"Hmm, you managed to produce so much even when you were in a relaxed state of mind. I'd like to see what you can come up with when you're on a high-energy state," Chen Ziyan said.

-

I recommend the older entertainment-themed book, "I Became the Leading Lady of a Scandal Overnight."

(End of this chapter)