Inside the Huayi Brothers meeting room.

"Brother, this Shen Fang is no good. Goodness, Zhang Yimou broke up with Zhang Yimou and signed with Longteng directly. We didn't receive any news. He's a ruthless character."

Wang Zhongjun nodded.

"When Zhang Weiping and Lao Mouzi went there yesterday, they were all smiles and very close. But after just one night, they've completely changed. Shen Fang's methods are extraordinary. Be careful in the future."

"Old Feng, what do you think?"

Feng Kuzi was currently thinking about Shen Fang's plan. To be honest, he was tempted by it, especially since Longteng was a new company that had just entered the industry. Although it was not well-known, it had a bright future. The boss was rich, Zhang Yimou was in charge, and it was backed by Beijing Electric Power. It also had the help of internet giants, as well as Shen Fang's pan-entertainment plan. It was highly feasible.

If he were to join now, he would be at the veteran level. Given his good relationship with Chen Daoming, Shen Fang wouldn't mistreat him. But the Chinese-American is the top dog.

"Old Feng, Old Feng, what are you thinking about?" Wang Zhongjun nudged the dazed Feng Kuzi.

Feng Kuzi snapped out of his daze.

"Um, Zhongjun, I'm thinking about the pan-entertainment plan that Shen Fang mentioned. What do you think of this plan?"

Wang Zhongjun stroked his chin.

"To be honest, this plan is really good; it could expand the market significantly. However, we at Huayi Brothers simply don't have that much funding right now. Besides, we're not involved in games, novels, or animation. Movie and TV series collaborations are possible, but I really don't dare to do big-budget productions. The film 'The Emperor and the Assassin's Creed' severely damaged our business. How's your new script for 'Mobile Phone' coming along? When do you plan to start filming?"

"Basically everything is arranged, and we can start filming anytime we want. Now there's just one problem. Wang Jinhua keeps contacting me, asking me to choose between Fan Xiaopang and Li Lianhua. Who do you think I should choose? Motorola and China Mobile have already reached an agreement, so as soon as filming starts, the show will start making money."

Wang Zhongjun laughed and patted Feng Kuzi on the shoulder.

"Old Feng, you're still the best. You're the only one in China who can make money right after filming starts. Even Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige are not as good as you."

Feng Kuzi was pleased with Wang Zhongjun's praise, but he remained modest.

"Directors Zhang and Chen are, after all, great directors. Their films can go international, while we can only struggle domestically."

Wang Zhonglei scoffed, "Investing 30 million US dollars, let's see how he recoups his costs. Zhang Yimou's ambitions are too big."

Wang Zhongjun and Feng Xiaogang nodded in agreement. Currently, there is only one Chinese film that has grossed over 100 million yuan, "The Choice Between Life and Death" in 2000, which sparked a movie-going frenzy and broke 100 million yuan at the box office. However, the current domestic environment is not good, piracy is rampant, and the people have only just become wealthy, so there are few moviegoers. To be honest, no one is optimistic about Zhang Yimou's big-budget production of 30 million US dollars.

"Let's choose Xiao Fan for the female lead this time. I promised her when she joined our Chinese community, and we'll need her in the future. As for Lianhua, let's do it next time." Wang Zhongjun decided on the female lead.

The mobile phone will be starring Fan Xiaopang.

Feng Kuzi nodded.

"Alright, then let Zhonglei handle the notification. I have a meeting tonight, so I'll be going now."

Feng Kuzi walked out of the conference room.

Wang Zhongjun glanced at Wang Zhonglei.

"Zhong Lei, isn't Feng Kuzi's contract with him about to expire?"

Wang Zhonglei nodded.

"The contract expires in early February 2003, and he wants to raise the price."

Wang Zhongjun shook his head.

"The Chinese community is short of funds right now, so it's impossible for them to raise prices. If they try to raise prices on the spot, just ignore them. Recently, a new director contacted me. We're old acquaintances. Do you know Lu Chuan? His dad recommended him."

"Lu Chuan? Is this kid any good? A newbie?"

Wang Zhongjun smiled and said, "It's okay if it doesn't work out. I'm planning to ask Jiang Wen to be the assistant director. He's been incredibly bored lately, so having him mentor Lu Chuan shouldn't be a problem."

Wang Zhonglei nodded: "If it's Jiang Wen, then I'm relieved. But Jiang Wen just received 5 million recently. Would he agree to this?"

"No one would complain about having too much money. If Jiang Wen is given a 1.5 million yuan director's fee, he will probably use most of his 5 million yuan to pay off Liu Xiaoqing's debts."

"Surely not, would Jiang Wen really be willing to spend that much money?"

"He's willing to give it up. Jiang Wen is a very loyal and face-saving person. Don't worry, he'll agree. After all, we're all in the same circle."

"Okay, I'll contact Jiang Wen later. But Chen Fang wants to carve out a niche for himself in the industry, shouldn't we just leave him be?"

Wang Zhongjun glanced at Wang Zhonglei without hesitation.

"Are you an idiot? Zhang Weiping was so easily manipulated, do you think he's a pushover? He's rich, has big directors, has resources, and the internet is his domain. Why would we mess with him? We don't know who's friend or foe. What if he's a real dragon? Are you going to clean up my mess? Besides, there are plenty of people entering this circle. Can't we stop them all?"

Wang Zhongjun pursed his lips: "It's just that he's been in the limelight too much lately, and I'm afraid our title will be taken away."

Wang Zhongjun sighed, "Even if he's not a real dragon, he's still a dragon crossing the river. We can't afford to offend him. But with such a large operation, he's probably just dabbling in the film industry. Didn't you understand the relationship between that young girl Liu Qianqian and Shen Fang the other day? Don't you see? He's spending money to promote her; he's the sugar daddy. We can't stop him. We'll just have to see if he's really capable. His plans are all big productions, and big productions are always high-risk. One wrong move and he'll lose a lot. After losing a few times, he'll learn his lesson."

Wang Zhonglei nodded: "Alright, I know what to do. Do you think I should have Xiaopang and Lianhua contact Chen Fang? After all, it's not easy to find a wealthy patron. Isn't that what young people who become famous like?"

"You can try to get in touch, but be careful with that girl. It would be even better if you could get some investment out of her."

"Okay, bro, I'm going to get busy."

Wang Yongjun nodded, leaned back on the sofa, lit a cigarette, took a puff, and stared blankly at the ceiling.

Pan-entertainment plans, cultural exports... Wang Zhongjun is thinking about the layout of Shenfang.