Chapter 45 Chapter 45
Out of respect for the two million dollar business, Ning Su arrived at the designated location fifteen minutes later.
When he arrived, the producer and Director Gu were already waiting for him outside the door.
Since the option of casting other actors had been abandoned, the crew did not find any other actors for interviews today. There were only three people in the empty office.
After parking the electric donkey, Ning Su walked in with the producer and Director Gu. After sitting down and exchanging a few words, Ning Su asked carefully:
"You mean, the pay is two million?"
This is what it means to consider!
Director Gu and the producer were delighted, exchanged glances, and said, "We can still talk about this!"
They were worried that Ning Su would think the pay was too little.
"No, no." Faced with so much money, Ning Su stuttered for a rare moment, "That's not the question."
Two million is already very good!
"I need to ask our leader if I can participate in the performance."
As a civil servant, whether he can work part-time outside the home also needs to follow certain regulations.
"Okay!" Director Gu and the producer said happily after understanding Ning Su's implication.
At the same time, a question arose in their minds - positions in the Special Management Bureau are public positions, and logically there should be no shortage of money, so why did Ning Su seem to be impressed by the salary?
Only Zhang Ronghe, the screenwriter, had the image of the Vegetable Demon Station popped into his mind at this moment, and looked at Ning Su thoughtfully.
When faced with a huge order of two million, it is naturally better to consult with the leader as soon as possible.
However, before making the call, Ning Su still asked worriedly: "Are you sure I can really act well in this play?"
Before that, the most formal filming he participated in was the team's MV, not to mention that his performance at that time was not outstanding.
"I will be responsible for my choice." When saying this, Director Gu's tone revealed great confidence.
Although he was somewhat embarrassed in pursuing the actors he wanted, in the final analysis, Director Gu is still a famous director who has won international awards for his personal abilities.
"Besides, your image fits the script very well - you will know this after reading the script."
"Okay." Ning Su was infected by Director Gu's confidence. The last bit of worry in his heart disappeared, and he dialed the director's number.
Half an hour later, the producer, Director Gu and Zhang Ronghe were politely invited into the Special Management Bureau.
If the last time they came was to cooperate with the Monster Bureau in solving a case and not many people paid attention to them, then this time they were the distinguished guests of the entire Monster Bureau.
In order to receive them, the Demon Bureau even used spiritual fruits to entertain them.
"It is our honor to cooperate with you all." Since the guests were human, Director Lu came out personally.
After the greetings, Director Lu praised Ning Su without any hesitation.
The producer and others were initially a little uncomfortable with receiving such a high-level reception from the Monster Bureau and having to communicate with officials. However, when they heard Director Lu praising Ning Su, the producer and Director Gu seemed to have found their comfort zone and quickly appeared to join in.
After all, they personally chose the male lead. From his mother's perspective, of course he's good in every way.
Seeing that both sides were praising Ning Su to the fullest, Zhang Ronghe couldn't help but ask questions.
No, are you sure you are not praising a big monster?
This is a big monster that can easily scare away the terrifying snake monster!
Can you guys please wake up?
During the entire contract negotiation process, both parties were immersed in friendly interaction, with Zhang Ronghe being the only one who was sober while everyone else was drunk.
Fortunately, as Director Gu's personal screenwriter, he was not just a supporting actor. After learning that the Monster Bureau was short of funds and was indeed building more vegetable monster stations, he found an opportunity to call Ning Su out to talk.
"I suggest you don't just talk about the salary."
"?"
Compared to the producer and director's closeness to him, Ning Su has always been able to feel that Zhang Ronghe keeps his distance from him.
Ning Su could understand that there was a natural incompatibility between monsters and Taoists, and out of respect, he would not take the initiative to get close to Zhang Ronghe.
But who would have known that the other party would suddenly talk to him at the critical moment and make suggestions about the distribution method of film remuneration.
"You are a newcomer. Two million before tax is the maximum you can get. If you use this money to open a post station, it won't be of much use."
Compared to outsiders like Ning Su and Yao Ju, Zhang Ronghe, who has been immersed in the entertainment industry for many years and has had countless dealings with capital, naturally understands the rules of the movie game better.
Ning Su humbly asked: "What would be better?"
"Investment." Zhang Ronghe said, "Don't you have a company? Invest in movies in the name of the company and then share in the box office revenue."
Of course, Zhang Ronghe's intention was not just to consider how much money Ning Su could get.
"Logically speaking, investment has risks. Although Lao Gu's plays have never lost money, it is not impossible for him to face the possibility of losses."
Zhang Ronghe patiently explained to Ning Su: "But besides money, this is also an opportunity."
Besides money, there is something even more valuable when investing - an admission ticket to the film industry.
"Companies from Yaoju can come in and play once, go through the process once, and next time, whether they want to participate in our project or join other projects, it's all the same path."
And if the company in Yaoju can succeed in this path, more young demons will be able to get job opportunities in this industry.
This undoubtedly kills several birds with one stone.
Ning Su understood what Zhang Ronghe meant and understood his good intentions, but at the same time he was also more surprised.
“Will other investors agree?”
Ning Su is not a child. When encountering things, he will not only look at the benefits and ignore the difficulties. For example, Zhang Ronghe's suggestion -
Since Director Gu's films have never lost money and are very popular in the investment circle, other investors have also worked hard to squeeze in, so why should they join whenever they want?
"You don't understand the advantages you have." Seeing that the big demon also had things he didn't understand and even wanted to ask him for advice, Zhang Ronghe felt a little less afraid.
"Are you a demon bureau or an official?" Zhang Ronghe pointedly said, "They will agree."
Seeing Ning Su frowning slightly, Zhang Ronghe even understood at that moment why his two colleagues insisted that he be the male lead.
From a certain perspective, Ning Su's temperament does fit the requirements of the script.
"Just report it, and someone will help solve it." Finally, Zhang Ronghe put an end to his suggestion.
"Okay." Ning Su thanked Zhang Ronghe.
It was inconvenient to expose his whereabouts, so Zhang Ronghe went to the bathroom after saying this. Looking at the other person's back, Ning Su was a little curious.
Although I don't understand why the other party gave advice, I seem to be able to feel the kindness from his words and actions.
The other party seemed to really want to do something for the little demons.
Speaking of which, there seems to be quite a few stories behind why the Taoist changed his career and why he was entangled by a big monster before changing his career.
What a mysterious person.
Thanks to Zhang Ronghe's suggestion, the way of cooperation with the crew seemed to expand from single to multiple. During the intermission, Ning Su took the opportunity to tell Director Lu his ideas.
"This is a good idea." After listening to this, Director Lu pondered for a moment.
Just as Zhang Ronghe said, what the Yaoju lacks is not just some money, but a long-term, maintainable and continuous source of income.
"I'll go talk to the director."
Since he had a new idea, Director Lu did not rush to advance the progress in his subsequent communication with the producer. Instead, he smiled and said, "We can decide after we discuss it after he comes back."
The producer and Director Gu noticed something and nodded calmly.
As long as the male protagonist doesn't run away, it doesn't matter if they wait a few more days.
That being said, after roughly confirming the intention of cooperation and leaving the Monster Bureau, the producer still couldn't help but settle the score with Zhang Ronghe.
"What did you say when you called Xiao Ning out?"
The producer is not a fool, nor is he blind. The screenwriter, contrary to his usual behavior, called his leading actor out and whispered to him for a long time. If he hadn't said anything, I'm afraid no one would believe it.
"I didn't say anything." Zhang Ronghe insisted that it was not his problem and pretended to be innocent.
"...your acting skills are terrible." Director Gu commented sharply.
If friends don't act this way, they'll be more trustworthy.
Zhang Ronghe was playing tricks with a smile, but he just refused to say what he did in private.
"Forget it." The producer and director are giving up - it doesn't matter, as long as it doesn't affect their selection of people and the final start of work, nothing else is their business.
How can a worker worry about everything?
After talking with the producer and director, and considering the development of the Monster Bureau, Director Lu showed unprecedented execution ability.
After the distinguished guests left, he immediately went to find the director, and then they went to Beijing to discuss matters with the General Administration.
"No, how can they be so fast? Are they going to fly over again?"
The leaders go on business trips frequently, and Ning Su feels a little sorry for Xiao Du, who books tickets for them.
Who knew that Xiao Du seemed even more surprised than Ning Su when he heard this: "No, don't you know that they were all transported there in a special way?"
Ning Su was stunned.
This was the first time he knew that their demon bureau had such means.
Beijing City, Headquarters of the Monster Bureau.
Seeing the head of the A City Monster Bureau appear again, the head of the General Administration was also numb and couldn't help but ask: "You guys are going to use the few remaining teleportation opportunities like this?"
Speaking of which, as the demon clan management department that has lasted for thousands of years, the Demon Bureau naturally has some foundation.
Just like the teleportation array between the branch office and the headquarters, it is one of the few remaining treasures that survived many years ago when the big monsters were still rampant.
Such treasures cannot be used except in special periods. The leaders of the General Administration have emphasized this many times, but unexpectedly, the subordinates in City A did not take it seriously at all.
"We are in a hurry. Let's get on with our journey." The director of City A said confidently.
His eyebrows twitched, and he resisted the urge to beat the monster. He said patiently, "Tell me, what's the important matter?"
If the matter is not important enough, it does not guarantee that it will not take action.
After a while, the director of the general administration called other leaders of the bureau, and then invited leaders of other departments to discuss related matters.
That evening, the two leaders of Bureau A returned to City A, and then the matter of City A Monster Bureau investing in Director Gu's film was finalized.
At the same time, Ning Su gained an agent and assistant.
"No, why would it be so smooth?" Ning Su couldn't understand why something that seemed quite difficult to him could be done so easily from start to finish.
"…It's not going smoothly." Ning Su's new assistant, Xiao Du, said, touching his chin.
“It’s only because the upper levels have solved all the problems that the progress seems to be fast.”
"you're right."
Ning Su thought about it and found that this was indeed the truth.
Ever since the emergence of Caiyao Station, the Monster Bureau seemed to be pushing it forward intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes, the Monster Bureau, which was famous for its inefficiency, even gave him the illusion that it could hit whatever he pointed.
"Why is that?"
Xiao Du hesitated to speak.
"You have gossip again?" After being together for a long time, Ning Su already knew Xiao Du's body language very well.
"It's not really gossip," Xiao Du said, "it's just a rumor."
In the early years, there was a widely circulated rumor in the bureau that one year the bureau had captured a great demon whose innate ability was divination.
Back then, the big demon had no choice but to be forced to divine for the demon bureau once.
"The result is not good?" Ning Su asked curiously.
"Um."
It was not just bad, it was said to be the worst of the worst. Even the director of the Monster Bureau turned green with anger.
This rumor was widely circulated in the demon world at the time, and many little demons believed it and gloated over the demon situation.
Later, the relationship between the Demon Bureau and the big demon improved. When fortune-telling was done again in recent years, the demon changed his words and said that the turning point of the Demon Bureau would come in recent years.
If you can catch it, you will be reborn. Otherwise, you will go down this path to the end, and no one can save you.
Ning Su suddenly had an idea in his mind, and asked tentatively: "Is this also the reason why you recruited the monster?"
"I don't think so." Xiao Du said uncertainly.
He felt that the leaders were ambiguous as to whether they believed it or not.
"But it has definitely been recently." If there was no profit, he didn't believe that these leaders could be so diligent.
As a new employee, Ning Su did not comment on the superstition of the leaders of the Monster Bureau. But no matter what the reason was, it was a happy thing that his work could proceed smoothly.
"I have to learn something about the movie." After chatting about the leader's gossip, Xiao Du couldn't help but scratch his hair and said with some distress.
Ever since the bureau decided to invest in this film, the focus of work within the bureau has shifted.
Xiao Du was originally Director Lu's right-hand man and was sent to serve as Ning Su's assistant to handle miscellaneous matters.
"Thanks a lot."
Xiao Du shook his head and said, "It's not hard. This is a rare opportunity."
Everyone can see that the bureau attaches great importance to this project. Just like the previous Xiliang Demon Kingdom case, if it is handled well and this path is really opened up, I am afraid he will be able to move up.
If he wasn't Director Lu's confidant, this opportunity probably wouldn't have been his.
With the film investment finalized, Ning Su's team had an additional reliable colleague. As the future leading actor, he felt relieved.
In the following period of time, he also went on two missions with the bureau's staff.
One was to rescue the trapped little demon, and the other was to cooperate with other departments to rescue people.
In contrast, Xiao Du, who handles miscellaneous tasks, is very busy.
Not long after, everything was finally done - Director Yao persuaded the investors of Director Gu's project and completed the investment procedures.
To Ning Su's surprise, the Demon Bureau did not use his 2 million salary as proof of investment, but instead invested some money of their own.
"No, where does the money come from? Didn't they say the bureau has no money?"
Xiao Du glanced at him and said, "Of course I borrowed it from everywhere."
"But……"
Xiao Du patted his shoulder and said, "Building a vegetable demon station and investing in Director Gu's movie are two completely different things, do you understand?"
The former is the business of the Yao Bureau and is destined to lose money. Apart from the Yao Bureau itself paying for it, no one is willing to lend a hand.
The latter is different. Seeing it as a good opportunity to make money, everyone is willing to help and lend a helping hand.
Since ancient times, it has been easier to add icing on the cake than to provide timely assistance.
"I understand." Ning Su nodded.
Compared with this problem, how to convince investors to accept investment from Yaoju seems to be a simpler problem.
"Why don't they agree?" Xiao Du asked in surprise.
“There is almost no resistance from investors.”
No resistance - these four words obviously contain a bit of humility. To put it more bluntly, after the investors understood the origin of the "Special Management Bureau", they welcomed the investment from it.
"We are an official institution even if we round up."
With the addition of Yaoju, many invisible troubles will be reduced both in the subsequent shooting process and in the review process.
Given the savvy of investors, it is impossible not to consider this.
Of course, the presence of the male protagonist Ning Su is also an important reason - without him as a link, this cooperation would not have been so easy to negotiate.
"Is that so?" Ning Su murmured.
I always feel like he just did some simple communication, and things ended up like this.
Fortunately, Ning Su himself is not the kind of person who would think too much. After making sure that the project was running normally, he stopped thinking about it.
Anyway, there are so many things in this world that we can't understand, so why bother to make everything clear?
The investment matter was delayed for a month. It was not until the beginning of March that he put aside his current work and formally reported to Director Gu.
"Xiao Ning is here." Director Gu said with a smile.
Although the investors of his dramas changed frequently due to various reasons, these did not affect Director Gu's good mood.
Director Gu's attitude towards Ning Su was always consistent. He didn't care at all that Ning Su had suddenly changed from the male lead he invited to someone who "brought money into the crew".
"Please wait a moment. We will take some promotional photos later."
Ning Su hasn't met the other actors yet, but they're already taking promotional photos. This speed is really incomprehensible.
Soon, the promotional photos were taken - Ning Su didn't even change clothes or put on makeup, she just found a place and Director Gu took a few photos with a camera.
"Pretty good." Director Gu took a look at the photo and nodded with satisfaction.
Ning Su was confused.
After the promotional photos session ended, Director Gu asked his staff to open a Weibo account, and soon announced himself as the male lead on Weibo.
"No, so casual?" Ning Su was stunned by Director Gu's painting style.
Director Gu showed his signature smile again: "That's enough."
At the same time, on a certain forum, due to Director Gu’s unexpected official announcement, the forum collapsed in a short period of time.
"Damn, they really announced it like that, Director Gu is awesome."
“Everyone came to see Director Gu’s technique in photographing the white moonlight. Just a few simple clicks of the shutter revealed Director Gu’s silent preference.”
"Everyone, come out to see Director Gu's leading actor."
It turns out that Director Gu's calmness was not without reason. In fact, the news had already spread on the forum half a month ago.
"Director Gu seems to have found the male lead."
“He’s not auditioning anymore.”
If not auditioning again was an obvious signal, then Director Gu's sudden like of Ning Su's Weibo post at night was a clear hint.
"No, who is this?"
"Supporting role? This guy named Ning, I remember he used to be an idol."
"I'm not saying I'm retiring, I'm just a variety show star."
At first, fans of various companies were talking about it, but since no specific roles had been decided, they still had some hope.
Then, the media was curious and interviewed Director Gu. When asked about the casting, Director Gu, contrary to his usual ambiguity in interviews, said confidently: "Yes, we have found the male lead."
“My team and I are very pleased.”
Director Gu said it so directly, but no actor came out to claim it, so fans had to think in the direction that they least wanted to admit.
"No way... an outdated idol became Director Gu's leading actor?"
"Kill me."
Fans went crazy and lost their defenses, passers-by ate the melon with gusto, and the marketing accounts were happily digging up Ning Su's experience again.
As expected, Ning Su’s recent experience of live streaming and participating in variety shows was mentioned again.
"If this movie is about animals, he is actually quite suitable." Someone dug out the footage of Ning Su interacting with a camel during a variety show.
"Yes, being so obviously disliked by animals is considered special."
Although public opinion was wailing, Director Gu didn't care. Finally, he waited until the dust settled and happily announced the male lead he had chosen.
“I don’t accept it!!”
The fans wrote in blood asking for a replacement.
Director Gu blocked this person and liked one of the Weibo posts.
This Weibo post was the only one that praised the actor amid the doubts: "Doesn't anyone think that this actor looks very different under Director Gu's lens?"
If I have to describe this difference, it is a special kind of spirituality that makes people unable to take their eyes away.
"Come on, Director Gu." A passerby encouraged.
For these people, the actors don’t matter; what they value more is the brand of Director Gu.
Compared to the areas that Director Gu can see, in some anonymous forums, fans and actors in the industry break down together.
"No, why? I really don't understand."
"This opportunity has fallen on this little confused boy. He must have saved Director Gu in his previous life, so he has this good luck in this life."
An actor's place.
Seeing his own artist’s defense broken down for the second time because of Director Gu, the agent couldn’t help but sigh, and at the same time, secretly looked at Ning Su’s photo.
Not to mention, with his keen eyesight, he could tell that this unknown idol was quite good.
Not to mention acting skills, just this face, if it appears on the big screen, can attract a lot of people's attention.
Besides, even if this actor knows nothing, with the help of Director Gu, the final effect will not be too bad.
Thinking of this, the agent couldn't help but feel jealous.
How lucky is this guy? Why doesn't such a good thing happen to him?
Ning Su had no idea about the storm that had been stirred up on the Internet. Director Gu took a hastily taken makeup photo and took Ning Su to find Jang Yong Hwa.
"I recently asked him to slightly modify the script. He should still be at home in seclusion now."
"By the way, once the script is revised we can look for the leading actress."
After thinking about it, Director Gu felt that the title of "female lead" was not reasonable - compared to Ning Su's absolute role, the female lead did not have many roles in this play.
For this reason, it would be hard to find a leading female role, at least the young actresses who value their ranking and role would not consider it.
While thinking about this question in his mind, Director Gu's car soon arrived at Zhang Ronghe's community.
In order not to appear too heartless, Director Gu bought some snacks and fruits at a convenience store.
However, when the two arrived at Zhang Ronghe's residence and knocked on the door, there was no response from inside.
"Could he have fallen asleep?" Director Gu muttered to himself as he input the password and opened the door. The house was completely silent except for the rustling sound of the open windows.
"It's bad." Director Gu felt something was wrong.
At this time, Ning Su also smelled the evil spirit in the house.
"It should be a snake demon."
After hearing this, Director Gu felt like crying - what kind of luck was this? How come he hasn't even found a heroine yet and the screenwriter has been captured by the monster again!
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