Chapter 177 What a coincidence [VIP]

Chapter Summary: Let you live like an ordinary person

7 p.m.

Mu Zhi went alone to the restaurant where she had arranged to meet Ji Peng and the boss of Shengyu Media.

This restaurant is members-only, and private rooms are hard to book, offering excellent privacy. Mu Zhi, Zhou Jingzhu, and Liu Cai have dined here before; it's owned by a friend of Zhou Jingzhu.

The waiter opened the door to the private room and gestured for Mu Zhi to enter.

Xiang Fu and Ji Peng, the owners of Shengyu Media, who had been waiting in the private room for 10 minutes, were slightly surprised when Mu Zhi walked in alone.

"I was delayed by a few minutes due to traffic, but I'm not late, am I?"

Ji Peng stood up to greet Mu Zhi, smiling broadly, and said, "No, Teacher Mu, you've arrived just in time."

Then, the bosses Xiang Fu and Mu Zhi were introduced to each other.

This was Xiang Fu's first time meeting Mu Zhi. "Teacher Mu is even more beautiful in person than in the photos and videos I've seen online. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Mr. Xiang, hello." Mu Zhi shook hands with him briefly before withdrawing her hand.

She sat down in the seat opposite Xiang Fu and Ji Peng.

Xiang Fu and Ji Peng each had an assistant sitting next to them, but seeing that Mu Zhi had come alone, they felt embarrassed to have so many people with her, so they asked the two assistants to leave.

After exchanging a few pleasantries about trivial matters, the three ordered their food.

While waiting for the food to be served, Xiang Fu began to clarify the purpose of tonight's dinner, getting to the point of the conversation.

The main purpose of this dinner was for Xiang Fu to persuade Mu Zhi to consider signing with Shengyu Media, so Xiang Fu was the one doing the talking and Mu Zhi was the one listening.

Five minutes into the speech, Mu Zhi seemed to lose focus.

Xiang Fu told Mu Zhi about the development history of Shengyu Media, and how the company planned and promoted several of its representative artists to become top-tier artists.

If Mu Zhi joins Shengyu Media, he will prioritize her as the company's top artist, assemble the company's best team to serve her, give her the freedom to choose roles, and give her sufficient say in the company's productions or those in which they invest, allowing her to be the first to select resources.

The contract term can be the same as Lanxing Media's, starting with a 5-year contract to see if they are sincere. As for revenue sharing, it can be 30/70, with Muzhi taking 70%.

As Xiang Fu spoke, he observed Mu Zhi's expression. He probably felt that he had said a lot, but Mu Zhi seemed unmoved and had not touched him.

He gritted his teeth and released the "bait": "Teacher Mu, I made a special trip to meet you today with great sincerity."

If you sign with Shengyu Media, I'll transfer 1%—no, 2%—of my shares in Shengyu Media to you.

Mu Zhi couldn't help but think of someone, He Junzhi, who was also good at making empty promises.

Xiang Fu is slightly better than He Junzhi, mainly because Shengyu Media is a listed company, and the equity offered is not an empty promise that cannot be cashed.

However, the 2% equity stake converted into cash is far less valuable than what Mu Zhi brought to Shengyu Media. This "great sincerity" is far too diluted.

Mu Zhi nodded slightly, picked up the glass of water in front of her, took a sip, and remained silent with a calm expression.

Hearing his boss's words, Ji Peng realized that the sincerity was not enough for Mu Zhi.

But it's really quite difficult.

The core problem is that Shengyu Media cannot offer Muzhi a deal that will tempt her.

Shengyu Media has already reached an impasse regarding the contract length and revenue sharing with Mu Zhikai.

The tangible benefits that talent agencies typically offer to signed artists are nothing more than: resources for their work and endorsements.

In terms of film resources, Mu Zhi is currently working with top-tier film crews and actors, and is receiving top-tier film resources that female actors can get.

Regarding television dramas, Mu Zhi mostly looked down on the productions produced by Sheng Yu Media. As the director of talent agency, he knew very well that the fantasy drama that Liao Yaning had just finished filming last year was first offered to Mu Zhi, but Mu Zhi refused, so they approached Liao Yaning instead.

Mu Zhi wants to act in TV dramas, and she can get top-tier TV drama resources on her own.

Regarding endorsements, Ji Peng checked and found that Mu Zhi currently has over 20 endorsements. Her new movie, "Escape from the Game," is a box office hit, so she will definitely receive more new endorsement offers in the future.

In addition, Mu Zhi has two films in the pipeline, "Claws" and "All People Safely Evacuated," both of which are highly regarded and critically acclaimed works in the industry, and are expected to be released this year. At that point, things will be even more incredible; even if Mu Zhi is very strict about endorsements, she'll probably be endorsing people who are already approaching 30+.

Therefore, what's particularly awkward is that among the endorsements that Shengyu Media can offer, Muzhi either already endorses competing products, or the brands themselves are in talks with Muzhi's team.

The atmosphere in the private room froze instantly.

Just then, the waiter came in to serve the food.

Seeing that Xiang Fu and Ji Peng had both fallen silent, Mu Zhi spoke up and stated her position: "Shengyu Media's sincerity is not enough for me. President Xiang, the conditions you just offered can also be given to me by Lanxing Media. After all, I have cooperated with Lanxing Media for 5 years and the cooperation has been quite pleasant. Why go to such lengths?"

Even if I wanted a change of scenery, other agencies could offer me, or even better, terms than Shengyu Media, so... why should I choose Shengyu Media? What advantages do you have over other companies?

Mu Zhi directly stated that she needed Xiang Fu and Ji Peng to give her a convincing reason for choosing Shengyu Media, so as to avoid them bothering her later.

After listening to Mu Zhi's words, Ji Peng turned and exchanged a glance with the boss, Xiang Fu. Xiang Fu nodded, indicating that Ji Peng should speak.

Ji Peng pondered for a moment, roughly sorting out the thoughts in his mind.

He looked at Mu Zhi with a smile: "I know that Teacher Mu has been working with Lanxing Media for 5 years, and her career has developed very well during those 5 years. Lanxing Media is indeed a rapidly developing company with great potential that should not be underestimated."

Xiang Fu added, "Personally, I admire Mr. He, the boss of Lanxing Media, very much. He is young, promising, and has great courage."

When Mu Zhi heard Xiang Fu mention He Zhiyue, she looked up at Ji Peng and Xiang Fu, puzzled.

Seeing that Mu Zhi seemed to have taken a liking to him, Xiang Fu gestured for Ji Peng to continue:

"But last year, Chairman He of the He Group was involved in a car accident, and the 'succession struggle' within the He family became a hot topic and was widely discussed. A while ago, I heard that Lanxing Media had parachuted in a professional manager who had been hired from abroad."

Mr. He went to work at the He Group and was too busy to manage everything, so he handed over Lanxing Media to a professional manager. The CEO, brought back from abroad, is unfamiliar with the domestic entertainment industry, and the methods used overseas may not be applicable; there's no guarantee they won't be incompatible with the local environment.

This is an implicit suggestion that the future development of Lanxing Media is uncertain.

Ji Peng sincerely advised Mu Zhi, "Teacher Mu, your career has reached its peak and you need to slow down. What you need is a stable company."

Xiang Fu continued Ji Peng's topic, sighing with deep feeling: "Starting a business is easy, but maintaining it is difficult. Since I founded Shengyu Media, I have had to do many things personally and oversee them personally."

I believe that Lanxing Media is the brainchild of Mr. He, and he cannot simply abandon it. However, since he is only in charge from behind the scenes, he inevitably has no time to attend to many things.

Professional managers often lack real power, feeling constrained and ultimately falling short.

Mu Zhi: Xiang Fu and Ji Peng are openly criticizing Lanxing Media while subtly praising Shengyu Media. Xiang Fu, as the founder of Shengyu Media, is no ordinary person; his predictions about the current situation of Lanxing Media are indeed insightful...

Her tone was neither warm nor cold: "I don't know much about the company's management, thank you for your guidance, Mr. Xiang. Shengyu Media's development over the past few years has indeed been very stable."

The word "steady" emphasizes the point.

Without its founder at the helm, the future development of Cailanxing Media will be unstable.

Shengyu Media is stable, but only stagnant. The development of its top male and female stars has been declining in the past two years. Their contracts may not be renewed when they expire, and the stock price continues to fall. Ji Peng has come to Mu Zhi and the boss has personally intervened to sign Mu Zhi. He wants to rely on Mu Zhi to save the company from its decline.

Seeing that the atmosphere was not right, Ji Peng stopped talking about the topic.

In addition to analyzing Lanxing Media, this also reduces Muzhi's trust in the company.

Ji Peng is a veteran agent with over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He has managed many artists, including some well-known ones, and can be said to have a deep understanding of artists at every stage of their careers.

"Teacher Mu, I admire you very much. I believe you have heard many people say this, but this is truly my heartfelt opinion. My admiration for you goes beyond your achievements in the performing arts."

The key point is your attitude towards your career. These past few years, you've completely sacrificed your personal life, devoting yourself entirely to your career.

Mu Zhi felt a slight stirring in her heart; it was indeed so.

Ji Peng pressed on, continuing to delve deeper into the topic: "Celebrities are also ordinary people."

"Teacher Mu, if you join Shengyu Media, I will personally mentor you. In addition to your career, I will give you enough space to live like an ordinary person."

Mu Zhi asked, puzzled: "Live like an ordinary person?"

"right."

Ji Peng learned that since Mu Zhi's debut, although she had been involved in several rumors, she had always denied them quickly. She had never been photographed in any intimate physical contact with any man, and her private life was very clean.

"I know that a beauty like Teacher Mu, who is as beautiful as a flower, must have countless suitors. Now that her career is becoming more stable, she will definitely consider matters of the heart, whether it is for emotional or physical needs, which is perfectly normal."

I won't object; I'll help you plan your work and personal life so that neither will interfere with the other.

Ji Peng has managed too many artists who, as soon as they become famous, want to start dating, and there's no stopping them. Take Mu Zhi, for example, she's 26 this year, and she'll definitely be dating in the next 5 years—it's only natural.

"Shengyu Media does not interfere with the artists' freedom of love. What the artists' teams need to do is help them maintain a good image and resolve issues through timely public relations."

Mu Zhi understood. Ji Peng meant that he would not interfere with artists' dating life. If they did date, he would keep it a secret. If rumors surfaced, he would handle the public relations issue promptly to resolve any concerns that might arise from the artists' private lives.

That's really thoughtful.

Mu Zhi: "I remember that most of the artists under Shengyu Media are actors."

Ji Peng nodded: "Yes, if idols in the industry date, their professional ethics will be questioned by fans and the public, and it can even lead to a large number of fans leaving. The public supports actors dating, and Shengyu Media does not object. But they can date privately, but not publicly."

Once this is made public, it will definitely have an impact on her career. Teacher Mu has cultivated a very good, mysterious image as an actress in the public eye, which she should maintain.

“If you go public with your relationship, the public and fans will scrutinize your partner thoroughly. It’s impossible for your boyfriend to please everyone, and it might even have a negative impact on you.”

Mu Zhi was fully aware of everything Ji Peng had said.

For artists at a critical stage in their careers, Lanxing Media keeps a close eye on their private lives. For example, Xia Xinyan is an idol, and her contract stipulated that she could not date for three years during the peak of her career.

When it came to Mu Zhi, although she was an actress, Ji Binghe had repeatedly reminded her to focus on her career.

Shengyu Media is different; they don't interfere with their artists' private lives and will help them cover up news.

At the end of the conversation.

Ji Peng summarized the conversation of the evening, and at the end, he earnestly advised: "I know that Teacher Mu is in a very high position now, but no one can stay at the top forever. By choosing Shengyu Media, you have a safe retreat option and don't need to worry about resources."

The company produces films and television series every year, providing its artists with a guarantee of income.

Mu Zhi thought to herself: Lanxing Media is also expanding into film and television production. They're starting to produce their own shows, and big-budget films at that.

After a while, the companies outside will receive the news.

During tonight's conversation, boss Xiang Fu and Ji Peng talked a lot.

Mu Zhi also summarized it simply: "As I said before, whatever conditions Shengyu Media can offer, Lanxing Media can also offer."

What Ji Peng said later might be tempting for some artists: the company's non-interference in their private lives and its promise to take responsibility.

But for Mu Zhi, if she were really in a relationship, she wouldn't go public with it, but if she were photographed, she would admit it. There's nothing to hide or deceive her fans, and there's no need for it.

Mu Zhi didn't eat much at dinner tonight and left early.

After Mu Zhi left, Xiang Fu and Ji Peng looked at each other in the private room.

Xiang Fu said somewhat displeased, "This Mu Zhi is invulnerable to swords and spears. We've been talking to her for so long, and she's completely unmoved."

Ji Peng felt that this matter should not be rushed: "President Xiang, Mu Zhi has the right to be arrogant. Not only Sheng Yu Media, but other companies are also eyeing this lucrative opportunity."

If Mu Zhi had already decided to renew her contract with Lanxing Media, she wouldn't have agreed to have dinner with us. This suggests she wants to contact other companies and compare their options before making a choice. Mu Zhi is Lanxing Media's ace, and Lanxing Media is even more anxious than we are.

The time hasn't come yet; perhaps things will change later. Let's wait and see.

Xiang Fu nodded approvingly: "That makes sense."

But the conversation tonight didn't achieve its purpose. Xiang Fu and Ji Peng had little appetite and got up to leave, losing interest.

As they left the private room, intending to leave the restaurant.

Xiang Fu's eyes lit up when he saw a tall, handsome man in a black overcoat. He greeted him with a smile.

"President He? I've heard so much about you."

As He Zhiyue and a client entered the restaurant, a middle-aged man came straight up to him and greeted him warmly.

He felt the person looked familiar, but couldn't quite place their name.

"I am Xiang Fu, the boss of Shengyu Media."

He Zhiyue remembered after being reminded that the other party was the boss of the rival company of Lanxing Media. He nodded indifferently and said, "President Xiang."

After shaking hands with He Zhiyue, Xiang Fu looked He Zhiyue up and down with a greasy smile, praising, "I didn't expect to meet President He here. He is really handsome! If President He were to enter the entertainment industry, with his looks, figure and temperament, he would definitely become a top star."

He Zhiyue is highly likely to become the successor of the He Group.

In Xiang Fu's eyes, He Zhiyue was not just the former boss of Lanxing Media. He wanted to add He Zhiyue's contact information, but He Zhiyue was just as indifferent to his greeting as Mu Zhi, and there was a businessman with an extraordinary background by his side.

Not wanting to waste time talking to He Zhiyue, he suddenly had a brilliant idea.

Xiang Fu: "This restaurant is really lively tonight. I ran into Teacher Mu here, and now I've run into Teacher He. What a coincidence."

Then we suggested exchanging contact information.

He Zhiyue and his client had just come up from the parking lot by elevator. The client said that his daughter liked Mu Zhi very much and praised He Zhiyue for being able to run Lanxing Media so successfully in just 5 years, saying that he was a very capable young man. He asked He Zhiyue for an autograph under the guise of discussing business, so he knew Mu Zhi.

While the two were in the parking lot, the customer said he thought he saw Mu Zhi.

Now, Xiang Fu mentioned that he ran into Mu Zhi at this restaurant.

It seems that Mu Zhi really did come to this restaurant to eat, and it's highly likely that she ate with Xiang Fu. The purpose of their meal together is self-evident.

He Zhiyue added Xiang Fu's contact information.

Xiang Fu left with Ji Peng and two assistants, satisfied.

He Zhiyue and her client then headed towards their reserved private room.

10 PM.

He Zhiyue returned to the He Group building and the chairman's office with the signed contract from the client.

I'm going on a business trip out of town for a few days tomorrow, so I need to process some documents tonight.

But as soon as He Zhiyue opened the document, her mind was on the restaurant's business that evening.

He was well aware that Mu Zhi had the right to contact other companies to learn more, and that was her freedom.

At the same time, it is clear that Mu Zhi is not an emotional person and will not choose to stay with Lanxing Media just because she has worked with it for 5 years or has developed feelings for the various departments and teams in the company.

The potential future development of his relationship with Mu Zhi will not only fail to bind her, but will also make Mu Zhi have some concerns.

After all, he is the company boss and she is an artist in the company, so it's inevitable that they will be criticized.

Therefore, when He Hongshuo woke up and asked He Zhiyue to choose between He's Group and Lanxing Media, even though He Zhiyue was temporarily replacing He Hongshuo with his current abilities, there were many opposing voices and many problems to solve, which would be very difficult for him to deal with.

I still chose to work for the He Group.

In this way, he can develop a romantic relationship with Mu Zhi, and Mu Zhi will have nothing to gossip about.

He Zhiyue picked up her phone, but instead of asking Xiang Fu about the conversation, she opened the chat window with Mu Zhi.

He thought for a moment, then edited the text and sent it.

[He Zhiyue] Teacher Mu, what did you eat tonight?

Mu Zhi was puzzled when she received He Zhiyue's message. She couldn't understand why He Zhiyue would suddenly ask such a question. Her first thought was: Did he also go to that restaurant tonight and see her?

[Muzhi] I had dinner with the boss and talent agent director of Shengyu Media tonight.

Seeing Mu Zhi's upright and honest nature, He Zhiyue couldn't help but smile and type quickly.

He asked directly.

How was the chat with He Zhiyue?

[Muzhi] is not very good.

He Zhiyue's lips curled up even higher.

[He Zhiyue] I originally planned to wait until you finished filming the company's movie and gave a rating to the company's first film project before discussing the renewal of the contract with Lanxing Media in the second half of the year.

[He Zhiyue] is now very worried that Teacher Mu will be snatched up by other companies beforehand.

Mu Zhi: ... Her thoughts were exactly the same as He Zhiyue's. She wanted to see how Lanxing Media's first film project went, which was one of the considerations in her decision on whether to renew her contract with Lanxing Media.

[Muzhi] I just wanted to take advantage of the time I have now to see him.

[Mu Zhi] We'll talk about renewing the contract after I finish filming my next movie.

He Zhiyue breathed a sigh of relief and sent a "good" message. After thinking for a moment, she sent a "good night" message. Mu Zhi replied with a "good night" message.

After replying to the message, he put down his phone, then, as if remembering something, picked it up again and logged onto Weibo, posting a message on his private, confessional account.

Only then did he put down his phone and focus intently on his work...

End of March.

The patriotic film "Sparkling Fire" grossed 3.86 billion yuan and was taken off the screens last week.

The movie "Escape from the Game" has had its theatrical run extended again and is still showing. It is currently grossing about 200-300 million yuan a day, and its total box office has reached 3.93 billion yuan.

With several new films being released during the May Day holiday, there's still a month's worth of box office revenue to be generated, so breaking 4 billion yuan in the end shouldn't be a problem.

Muzhi's schedule for brand events, advertising shoots, and magazine photoshoots is almost over.

Firstly, to celebrate the box office success of the movie "Escape from the Game"; secondly, to make up for the trip I owed the team last year; and thirdly, because I myself need to get away and relax.

Mu Zhi and her team flew to a resort city in China and spent more than a week there.

Early April.

After her trip, Mu Zhi felt like she had been recharged. Her heart, which had been filled with the emotions of the characters she had played in recent dramas, was now empty, making room for new characters to move in.

Her next focus will be on preparing for new plays and new roles.

During the vacation, the agent did not contact Mu Zhi, allowing Mu Zhi to completely put work aside and have fun.

As soon as she returned, Ji Binghe called immediately to chat with Mu Zhi about the latest developments at work.

"Recently, several directors have called me, wanting to invite you out for dinner."

When a director invites you to dinner, it's practically the same as inviting you to a film role.

Mu Zhi asked, "Was a script handed over?"

"No, the movie you starred in, 'Escape from the Game,' was released in February. The directors and their teams will only start thinking about implementing their ideas after the Spring Festival holiday at the earliest."

From late February to now, less than two months have passed; the script can't be finished that quickly.

Ji Binghe guessed: "I guess the directors want to talk to you, to find out which film genres and roles you are interested in, and what scripts they have that they can offer for collaboration."

Directors usually have script teams they work with. They probably assess your appeal in the film market and think you're a sure-fire box office draw, so they're interested in tailoring a project specifically for you, though of course, they're mainly after the money...

Mu Zhi agreed and told Ji Binghe to make all the arrangements.

This represents a great start.

Then, Ji Binghe sighed on the phone, "Zhizhi, I suddenly realized a terrifying fact."

Mu Zhi:?

"I'll be joining the production team in June. The company's production will probably be filming until October, and then until the end of the year."

"You're only filming one movie this year!"

Mu Zhi: "...But I expect to do promotional tours for 3 movies."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then Ji Binghe coughed lightly: "...Yes, your inventory is about to be cleared out."

Mu Zhi: ...That hurts.

“Zhizhi, you just mentioned doing movie promotions, which reminded me of something that’s giving me a headache. You’re joining a new film crew in June. If ‘Claws’ is released during the summer season and ‘All People’s Safe Evacuation’ is released during the National Day holiday, you’ll have to take time off to do promotions.”

Mu Zhi had thought about this issue. "At that time, we can only ask the production crew for leave and negotiate with both sides to resolve it."

"Okay. By the way, the company's film project is having a project conference at the company in a couple of days. Director Wan Zhou will be there, and President He will also be attending. You can mention this to Director Wan after the conference."

Mu Zhi had just answered "okay" when Ji Binghe on the other end of the phone suddenly threw out a sensitive question.

"Zhizhi, I have a question for you. How do you feel about President He right now?"

[Author's Note]

For the first time since the release of the series, I've gotten 6 views a day, haha! The main story is really almost over.