Chapter 188 is enough [VIP]

Chapter Summary: My sincerity in wanting to continue our cooperation is evident here.

The day before filming wrapped.

Other actors who had filmed with the crew for several months or a period of time have all finished filming and left the production.

Today, only Mu Zhi, one of the lead actors, was left waiting on set, making it seem somewhat deserted. The set was filled with a desolate atmosphere of wrapping up filming and saying goodbye.

December is just around the corner, and the weather in Qionghai has been quite cool lately.

Minmin pulled her coat tighter around herself and sighed sadly, "Sigh, every time a show wraps up, we have to face a farewell. 'Doomsday Virus' was the show we filmed for the longest time, more than five months!"

I was eagerly counting down the days, hoping to wrap up filming soon.

The thought of finishing filming tomorrow and having to part ways with everyone makes me quite reluctant to leave.

Mu Zhi heard Minmin ask her how she always dealt with the sadness of parting after filming wrapped up.

She said, "After filming wraps up, I'll meet with the main creative team again for dubbing, the release date announcement, and promotional roadshows."

By the time they start doing promotional tours, they're usually already filming in a new production crew and getting to know a new group of staff.

The parting now will lead to a reunion and new encounters.

As soon as Mu Zhi finished speaking, Minmin noticed that Director Wan Zhou was walking towards them, and she quickly stood up.

"Director Wan."

Director Wan Zhou nodded to the team members who greeted him and sat down next to Mu Zhi.

He had just heard what Mu Zhi said, and her thoughts were quite insightful.

Wan Zhou asked Mu Zhi, "Zhi Zhi, how have you felt about filming for the past five months?"

The role of the female PhD student was easier for Mu Zhi than the translator Zhou in "Safe Evacuation" because there was less challenge in speaking English.

Before joining the crew, Mu Zhi had already figured out the role. During filming, director Wan Zhou also helped her, so her performance went very smoothly.

As the absolute lead in this film, her biggest feeling was that "it was very enjoyable to act in."

Wan Zhou laughed loudly after hearing Mu Zhi's answer.

He has worked with Mu Zhi on two films and found that this young girl is very quiet off-screen. Unlike other actors who would come to him to chat and try to win his favor, she only came to him for the sake of the film and the role.

They maintain a distance in their interactions with others, seemingly stopping at the surface level.

But she responds sincerely to the kindness shown to her by others; she is a simple and pure-hearted girl.

Mu Zhi asked Wan Zhou, "Director Wan, you must have had a tough time filming this movie. Will things be easier after filming wraps up and you start post-production?"

When filming "Countdown," Wan Zhou overcame altitude sickness by having to use a nasal tube for oxygen while filming, yet she still managed to do so with ease.

From the second day of filming "Doomsday Virus", Wan Zhou sat in front of the monitor with a tense and extremely serious face, never letting go of the walkie-talkie.

Today, perhaps because filming will wrap up tomorrow, his expression has relaxed a bit.

Wan Zhou sighed, "After nearly six months of hard work, we've finally made it through."

"It will be easier once we get into post-production, but the plan is to release it during next year's Spring Festival."

Mu Zhi: ...Next year's Spring Festival release? Then there's less than a year and a half left for post-production, which is quite a heavy task.

Director Wan Zhou is already in his sixties, yet he works so hard; he is a role model for us all.

Like Liu Jiaxu, he probably doesn't like playing chess, square dancing, fishing, or gardening.

Wan Zhou seemed to see through Mu Zhi's thoughts. He looked into the distance and said meaningfully, "Ancient emperors, when they grew old, became obsessed with alchemy and medicine, wanting to live forever. We modern people believe in science and know that death is an inescapable natural law, but we also want to leave something behind."

As I get older, my strength is waning, and each film I make is one less I can do.

Mu Zhi said that Liu Jiaxu had said something similar some time ago.

Wan Zhou smiled and said, "Liu Jiaxu is well-maintained and has a youthful mindset. He has been popular for 40 years and is still active on the big screen. He is an evergreen in the industry."

This line of work requires constant striving; there's no top.

After saying that, he turned to look at Mu Zhi: "This industry is missing an actress like Liu Jiaxu."

Wan Zhou seemed to have thought of something, and a slight emotion appeared on his face, his cloudy eyes reflecting a light.

"This was once Xiaoyue's mother's dream."

Mu Zhi was somewhat taken aback. She couldn't help but recall the photos of He Shuhui when she was young that she had seen online. She was a very bright and dazzling beauty who was forced to retire from the entertainment industry at the height of her career.

Thinking about the past that He Zhiyue mentioned, I also felt sorry for He Shuhui.

Mu Zhi asked hesitantly, "Will Teacher He regret his choice?"

Wan Zhou turned his head away, his eyes slightly red: "No. I asked her before we got married."

"She got married not only so that her seriously ill mother could pass away without regrets, but also for herself. Half of it was because she was attracted to He Hongshuo, and the other half was because of filming. She couldn't act in romantic scenes well and had reached a bottleneck in her acting, so she wanted to break through."

The point was left unsaid, but Mu Zhi understood and was momentarily stunned.

Finally, Wan Zhou whispered, "Everyone makes different choices. Perhaps, like ordinary people, one experiences each stage of life, but for an actor, a performing career can be broader and deeper."

But even though I never married, I can still make good films of all genres, including romance films.

Realizing he had gone a bit too far, Wan Zhou stopped there, saying he was so happy that the movie was about to wrap up and told Mu Zhi to just listen casually.

"Don't be arrogant, just focus on making good films."

After saying this, Wan Zhou walked away to get busy.

Mu Zhi was left stunned, her mind filled with countless thoughts. After a moment, she found her direction: to follow her heart.

The following morning.

From the sweltering summer to the approaching winter, the crew of "Doomsday Virus" has finally wrapped up filming after nearly 6 months.

That afternoon, Mu Zhi and her team flew back to Beicheng from Qionghai.

Upon returning to Beicheng, Mu Zhi rested at home for two days to adjust her state before returning to work.

When Zhou Jingzhu and Liu Cai heard that Mu Zhi had returned, the three of them, who hadn't gotten together in a long time, decided to have a meal together.

Mu Zhi gladly accepted the invitation.

Upon meeting.

Zhou Jingzhu clasped her hands together, bent one knee, and made an exaggerated gesture as if to bow: "Zhizhi, you are so awesome, please accept my bow."

Mu Zhi's lips twitched slightly as she offered a helping hand: "Are you also going to enter the film and television industry? What kind of palace intrigue script did you accept?"

Zhou Jingzhu quickly waved her hand: "I'm not interested in acting."

Liu Cai, who was standing next to her, sincerely congratulated her: "Zhizhi, congratulations on the box office of your starring film 'Escape from the Game' exceeding 4 billion, 'Claws' exceeding 2.3 billion, and 'All People Safe Evacuate' exceeding 5 billion. Yesterday it reached 5.1 billion."

"Three films released in one year, with a cumulative box office of 11.4 billion yuan!!!"

Zhou Jingzhu exclaimed "Good heavens!" three times!

Mu Zhi: "I'm hungry. It's my treat. Shall we order?"

Having successfully silenced Zhou Jingzhu and Liu Cai, they sat down happily and began ordering food.

While waiting for the food to be served.

Zhou Jingzhu and Liu Cai took the initiative to confront each other.

“Recently, the company boss has had two heart-to-heart talks with me. First, he hinted at it indirectly, and then he entrusted you with an important task related to the company’s future, wanting me to persuade you to join 1Malaysia Media,” Liu Cai said.

Zhou Jingzhu also said, "Our company's boss and agent are exactly the same. I'm completely dumbfounded. Isn't Xingyao Entertainment supposed to be a star-making entertainment dream factory, mainly cultivating idols? I guess our company is planning to transform."

The bosses all wanted to use their relationship with Mu Zhi to influence her and persuade her.

Mu Zhi confessed that she had met with the bosses of the three major entertainment agencies. She met the boss of Shengyu Media half a year ago, and just yesterday she met the bosses of Yima Media and Xingyao Entertainment.

Zhou Jingzhu and Liu Cai exchanged a glance: judging from Mu Zhi's calm expression, their company was doomed.

Indeed, in their opinion, Mu Zhi's future prospects are better than signing with any other company; staying with Lanxing Media would be far better.

On this topic, Zhou Jingzhu made a gossipy remark.

"Mao Hongjun, who terminated his contract with Lanxing Media early, started his own entertainment company after the termination, right? I guess it couldn't keep going and closed down. Recently, there have been rumors online that he might be signing with Shengyu Media..."

Meanwhile, rumors have circulated that Liao Yaning, the top female star of Shengyu Media, is about to sign with Lanxing Media after her contract expires.

There are also rumors that several popular celebrities in the industry are going to sign with Lanxing Media.

In just a few years, Lanxing Media has not only become one of the four major talent agencies, but also one of the most promising companies in the industry.

If a big-budget film starring Mu Zhi has just finished filming and becomes a box office hit after its release, that would be even more incredible.

Therefore, Mu Zhi will almost certainly stay with Lanxing Media.

Liu Cai asked curiously, "Zhizhi, everyone is looking forward to and paying attention to you... about signing with a company, you..."

Zhou Jingzhu was the most direct, picking up where Liu Cai left off and asking directly: "Actually, Cai-ge and I wanted to know, Zhizhi, now that you've finished filming and are on vacation, you should have time to talk about relationships, right?"

Everyone's gossiping about you and He Zhiyue... cough, when did you get together?

Mu Zhi: "..." She was both amused and exasperated.

Mu Zhi knew that everyone was very concerned about her relationship.

For the past three months, every time a topic related to her trends on social media, some casual netizens have been making sarcastic comments in the comments section:

#Has Mu Zhi agreed to be with He Zhiyue yet?#

Did He Zhiyue win Mu Zhi's heart?

There is an account that says "Square for Mu Zhihe Zhiyue together", which was registered on June 6th.

Posting daily: Day xxx, Mu Zhi and He Zhiyue haven't officially announced their relationship yet.

They actually have over 100,000 followers? That's outrageous.

Mu Zhi surfs the internet and occasionally lurks in her own super topic.

She noticed that her fans were discussing her relationship even when they weren't busy.

Some fans ship her and He Zhiyue as a couple, hoping they'll get together.

Some fans expressed respect for Mu Zhi's choice, saying they would support her if she felt happy being with He Zhiyue.

Half of the fans were worried:

"Will Zhibao's ambition diminish after she gets together with He Zhiyue, and will she stop appearing in films and television dramas as often?"

"Will He Zhiyue, driven by male possessiveness and the belief that he's incredibly wealthy enough to provide Mu Zhi with more money than she could ever spend in her lifetime, prevent Zhi Zhi from acting?"

"Perhaps I'm biased, but even though He Zhiyue's alternate account seems humble, a man's fundamental support is what it is. I don't think Zhizhi and he can last, and I don't want Zhizhi to get hurt by Muzhi."

I don't want Mu Zhi to be with He Zhiyue.

There are various opinions, some supporting it and some not, some optimistic and some pessimistic.

Mu Zhi has always been opinionated and will not be influenced by online opinions, since netizens are not aware of the relationship between her and He Zhiyue.

She made her decision a long time ago, and it hasn't changed.

Given that she is not currently with He Zhiyue, Mu Zhi could only give a general answer to Zhou Jingzhu and Liu Cai's questions.

"They'll probably confirm their relationship next, right?"

Three days after filming wrapped on my new movie.

Mu Zhi arrived at Lanxing Media, in the office of the talent agent director.

"Zhizhi, you're here."

"I don't know why, but I felt a little nervous seeing you today."

Ji Binghe sat down on the sofa opposite Mu Zhi.

Mu Zhi: "? Wasn't it supposed to be next week, with He Zhiyue coming to talk to me in person about renewing the contract?"

Ji Binghe smiled wryly: "...Yes."

In fact, Ji Binghe and Mu Zhi were both well aware of the situation regarding whether or not to renew their contracts.

Seeing Mu Zhi's calm and collected demeanor made Ji Binghe a little uneasy. It's true that beauty enhances one's appearance; Mu Zhi is becoming more and more stunning, and her aura is growing stronger.

Ji Binghe snapped out of her daze and got back to the main topic.

I first discussed the work arrangements before the new year with Mu Zhi: "First of all, there are six new endorsement deals to shoot commercials..."

After the work arrangements were discussed...

Ji Binghe closed the file and put the iPad aside.

When she called Mu Zhi last time to discuss the script, she wanted to ask Mu Zhi if she had made up her mind and whether she wanted to stay with Lanxing Media.

But then I realized there was no need to ask.

For the past six months, she and Mu Zhi have continued to discuss their upcoming work arrangements as always. If Mu Zhi had already been considering leaving, she would have made preparations long ago.

"President He wasn't really sure about it, so he asked me to sound you out."

"Whatever conditions you set, Lanxing Media will do its best to meet them."

Mu Zhi: "Let's talk again next week when we meet."

Ji Binghe nodded: "Alright, you can see for yourself whether the sincerity the boss has shown can satisfy you."

"Do you need me to come to the meeting next week?"

"No need, I need to talk to him about some personal matters."

Ji Binghe understood what she meant by "private matters" and asked, "Zhizhi, you said before that you would agree to be with He Zhiyue by the end of the year. Have you changed your mind now? I haven't told the boss."

Since Mu Zhi's "relationship" was exposed on her birthday, Ji Binghe knew that the relationship with He Zhiyue had caused Mu Zhi some trouble over the past six months.

Mu Zhi gently shook her head: "No."

Ji Binghe looked pleased; it seemed the young couple's relationship was definitely going to work out.

She was happy to see Mu Zhi and He Zhiyue get together.

Both of them are outstanding, and Ji Binghe has witnessed He Zhiyue's feelings for Mu Zhi.

Ji Binghe added, "Actually, two months ago, President He asked me to have a meeting to discuss your contract with the company and its renewal."

I asked President He, "Are you worried that Mu Zhi won't renew her contract with the company?"

"Guess what he answered?"

Ji Binghe posed a question but didn't intend for Mu Zhi to answer it; she continued speaking on her own.

At the time, He Zhiyue replied: "I care more about Teacher Mu. As long as it's her decision, if she thinks it's more beneficial to sign with another company, I will support her decision."

It doesn't matter if she doesn't stay at Lanxing Media.

"But I'm confident that Teacher Mu will stay."

Upon hearing this, Mu Zhi's last sentence was very much like "He Zhiyue".

She was rather curious about how much sincerity he would show in order to keep her at Lanxing Media.

At the end of the conversation.

Ji Binghe's last question: "After confirming our relationship, should we go public with it?"

Mu Zhi: "...Let's discuss it after we confirm our relationship."

Ji Binghe smiled and nodded.

The following week.

Mu Zhi is busy shooting advertisements for her new endorsement, with 12 shooting schedules arranged for her every day.

A week later, the advertising shoot concluded.

The meeting that Mu Zhi and He Zhiyue had arranged to discuss contract renewal has arrived.

The location is approximately at Lanxing Media.

He Zhiyue asked his assistant to clear out his schedule for the entire morning and temporarily requisitioned CEO Meng Liang's office.

Meng Liang was naturally very happy to agree. If President He could personally persuade Mu Zhi to stay, he could secure his position as CEO. Mu Zhi was too important to Lanxing Media.

"Mr. He, Ms. Mu, please continue your conversation."

After greeting He Zhiyue and Mu Zhi, Meng Liang tactfully left.

Mu Zhi remembered that when Meng Liang returned from abroad and took over as CEO of Lanxing Media, everyone in the company was watching and waiting, and it even made the trending topics.

At the time, some voices on the internet felt that Meng Liang's management methods used overseas would not be suitable for the Chinese context.

In addition, Meng Liang's overseas company, "Xingyao Entertainment," mainly promotes idols and groups, while Lanxing Media mainly supports actors.

Most people are not optimistic about it.

As it turns out, He Zhiyue has always had a good eye for people.

Mu Zhi heard from Ji Binghe that Meng Liang had poached two popular domestic artists who were developing their careers overseas and signed them to Lanxing Media. The official announcement would be made after the New Year.

"Furthermore, you are doing very well in the film industry now. Some artists in the industry believe that Lanxing Media has made a great contribution to your career development. Several popular artists want to sign with us."

It has been revealed that Liao Yaning, one of the "Four Little Flowers" and a top-tier actress, will also sign with Lanxing Media.

He came here with the intention of acting in movies, seeking a career change.

With Mu Zhi already at Lanxing Media, there's no shortage of opportunities for new female artists. Just like Du Qianqian's agent said, there's only one Mu Zhi, and she has high standards when it comes to choosing scripts.

For film projects that cannot be collaborated with Mu Zhi, Lanxing Media can recommend other artists under its umbrella to star in them. Also, if Mu Zhi's films are missing a second female lead, the third or fourth female lead can make a cameo appearance.

Furthermore, Lanxing Media has already produced a big-budget film, although its success remains to be seen.

But having the potential to launch a film, "Doomsday Virus" won't be the first one; there will be a second and a third.

Of course, when a company produces a show, it will prioritize promoting its own artists.

Therefore, many female artists want to sign with Lanxing Media...

Mu Zhi has been working with Lanxing Media for 5 years. Compared to other artists, she knows the company's situation best. She has also objectively compared Lanxing Media with other companies.

Based on comprehensive analysis, renewing the contract with Lanxing Media is the most advantageous for Muzhi.

However, nothing is finalized yet, and the sincerity and attitude shown by Lanxing Media in renewing her contract are very important.

He Zhiyue noticed that Mu Zhi glanced at Meng Liang's back and seemed a little distracted.

"Teacher Mu." A soft call drew Mu Zhi's attention back.

Mu Zhi then focused her attention on He Zhiyue, who handed her a document with both hands.

She took it and looked down at the cover; it was an equity transfer agreement.

"Teacher Mu, Lanxing Media's sincerity in wanting to continue cooperating with you is all in this."

Mu Zhi didn't react when she heard this. She met with the bosses of the other three major brokerage companies, and each of them offered shares, which is a very common way to win them over.

This directly binds the artist to the company.

The difference lies in the amount of shares given; the highest one seems to have given 10%.

Mu Zhi asked, "Is this all?"

He Zhiyue nodded: "Yes."

Mu Zhi thought about it and realized that the decision to accept roles had always been in her hands, and she already had enough endorsements, all handled by Ji Binghe. As for resources for her projects, Ji Binghe had already given her a big-budget film, and Lanxing Media couldn't offer anything more than equity.

She opened the equity transfer agreement document, quickly scanning ten lines at a time, and paused on the line showing the amount of shares to be transferred.

She looked up at He Zhiyue with some disbelief.

He Zhiyue met her gaze with intense eyes, his eyes filled with nothing but her: "Teacher Mu, I'm transferring all 51% of my shares to you. You'll become the boss of Lanxing Media."

Meng Liang will manage the company and will report to you daily. You only need to spare a little time to oversee some important company matters; it won't affect your filming. I can mentor you initially, we'll take it step by step, and later Luke will be your assistant.

Lanxing Media has been given to Muzhi, so there's no need to discuss things like revenue sharing or acting opportunities anymore.

This equity transfer agreement is sufficient.

[Author's Note]

Ugh, I didn't get to the part I wanted to end the chapter. I'm sleepy, goodnight. Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants between 00:40:55 on October 22, 2022 and 00:34:43 on October 23, 2022!

Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Aoxue Hanshuang (5 bottles); Jiu (1 bottle);

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!