Chapter 865 Undercurrents (12,000 words updated)
Huang Tai said, "Lu Yanhe will also be working with us on the third film, 'Burning Fire,' which will be the last film we work on together. If there are no new projects to work on, let's make the most of him for now."
"Huh?" Huang Zhongjing was taken aback.
“Aren’t you trying to curry favor with him right now?” Mrs. Wong said. “Take out two of the new characters from the script for the third movie of ‘Burning Fire’ and ask him to recommend actors for them.”
Huang Zhongjing frowned slightly.
"Including the actors from the first and second films, we want to create the 'Burning Fire' IP universe. There are many characters that can be developed into spin-off films. In the first film, Huang Kairen and Li Yuefeng both made cameo appearances. They both had a good relationship with Lu Yanhe, didn't they?"
Huang Tai said, "If he can't stay in the 'Burning Fire' project because of Longyan, then we'll keep him through someone else."
Huang Zhongjing's brows relaxed slightly.
Yes.
This is the wife he knows.
Huang Tai's current position and influence in Longyan are not due to her being his wife and "borrowing his power".
She always has a keen and insightful ability to manipulate people's hearts.
The solution she proposed is indeed a valid approach.
She understood Lu Yanhe's personality and knew his weaknesses, and therefore understood how to get him to voluntarily stay and help with the "Burning Fire" project.
Huang Zhongjing suddenly asked, "You know Lu Yanhe so well, why didn't you think about cultivating a good personal relationship with him back then? Yuehutai and Aurora Video have both benefited greatly from this, and even Bingyuan, which didn't get to try it first, has benefited immensely."
Huang Tai shrugged, looking somewhat uncomfortable.
"Yuehutai and Aurora Video have been able to maintain a good relationship with him for a long time because they are both downstream of Lu Yanhe and Linghe." Huang Taibai glanced at Huang Zhongjing. "But we are not a platform, we are also a production end. Do you want his arrogance to overshadow the company? Do you want us to become the kind of vassal where the entire company earns less than a single lead actor in a project?"
Huang Zhongjing said, "If Lu Yanhe really becomes a lead actor of this level, we can only accept it."
“I don’t accept it.” Mrs. Huang shook her head. “That’s why I wasn’t willing to coax him before.”
"And now?"
“It still is,” Mrs. Huang said, “but you disagree, and you are the one in charge of the company.”
Huang Zhongjing: "Every situation changes, but no matter what, we must not let the company fall into the situation of being eliminated. Thirty years ago, the most powerful production companies were film studios. Twenty years ago, a group of private film companies emerged. Fifteen years ago, the largest film company was Xingsheng. In just five years, it was dragged down because it failed to keep up with the era of the commercial film boom. Ten years ago, video platforms strongly squeezed out the space of the original TV stations. Five years ago, because of Lu Yanhe's several films, all film companies began to pay attention to 'high returns with low budgets' and make low-cost creative films. At the same time, Chinese films began to be successful overseas and earn foreign currency, no longer as isolated cases. In the last three years, Chinese films have ushered in an explosive growth at the four major international film festivals."
He looked at Mrs. Huang.
“I’m not suggesting that Longyan should continue to cooperate with Lu Yanhe indefinitely. However, at present, cooperating with Lu Yanhe is an advantage for Longyan. No other film company in China has cooperated with him more than we have. Several of Liu Bige’s films have sold well in overseas markets. Objectively speaking, as you know, we have opened up many channels for film distributors. Lu Yanhe revived the two films ‘Burning Fire’ and made them an IP with some international recognition. Yes, if this continues, Lu Yanhe will gradually become a dependency and a pillar for Longyan. Once he stops cooperating with us, Longyan may be directly stripped of its mainstay. Therefore, I understand what you are doing, as you are trying your best to reduce Lu Yanhe’s overall influence on Longyan.”
Huang Tai remained silent.
Huang Zhongjing: "However, if one day Lu Yanhe stops cooperating with Longyan, and Longyan collapses as a result, it only shows that Longyan is full of incompetent people. Are there few such people in the company in projects that Lu Yanhe didn't participate in? At least for now, the impact Lu Yanhe has brought to the company is more beneficial than harmful. At least we have opened many doors that were previously inaccessible, and at least some people can rightfully vacate their positions. I'm not trying to drive away the people you've nurtured and supported, but those sitting in those positions should live up to your nurturing and support."
Huang Tai took a deep breath, remained silent for a long time, and then his body suddenly relaxed.
"I understand." She looked up at Huang Zhongjing. "Don't worry, I know what I should do."
-
"The current filming schedule hasn't been delayed at all, and we can finish filming on time," Bai Jingnian said. "In addition, just in case, I'm trying to speed up the filming process so that none of you will have to leave the crew early."
Yan Liang's departure only affected the production crew for three days.
Despite these effects, Lu Yanhe didn't seem to be delaying things much as he rushed to finish the paper.
The footage that has already been filmed will not be reshot.
Lu Yanhe had also discussed this with Yan Liang. They couldn't just rewrite the entire script because Yan Liang was back. That wouldn't be fair to everyone else's efforts. This wasn't a serious production where not a single word could be changed; it was a sitcom, and there was no "the show is everything" rule that allowed for adjustments at any time.
Lu Yanhe asked Bai Jingnian, "Have the first two episodes been edited yet?"
"It's finished editing and has already been submitted for review," Bai Jingnian said. "It will be ready for our original broadcast time."
"Okay, that's good." Lu Yanhe breathed a sigh of relief. "By the way, did Yin Xincheng tell you?"
"Did you mention his marriage?" Bai Jingnian nodded. "Yes, I did."
Lu Yanhe: "He plans to make an official announcement after this season ends. This will likely attract a lot of attention, especially since he was previously with Zhan Yun, which everyone knows. There will be a lot of discussion."
"Hmm." Bai Jingnian smiled. "Fortunately, we have a year to wait for the public opinion and discussions to gradually subside."
Lu Yanhe: "Bai Jin has to go to school. Although she said that she and her tutor have already discussed the matter of filming every year, I still think it is somewhat inconvenient. I would like to talk to you about whether we can adjust our filming schedule every year and film when Bai Jin is on vacation. If we cannot coordinate the schedule, we can move the filming to the UK, which would be more convenient for Bai Jin."
Bai Jingnian was somewhat surprised and said, "In that case, the filming costs will probably increase quite a bit."
Lu Yanhe: "It's better than having to fix things after problems arise during filming. Also, I will communicate with Yuehu TV and Maxine about the budget. Filming in the UK will definitely increase costs a lot. Maybe we can think of ways to make up for it in other ways. If we really can't make up for it, Friends makes so much money every year, so increasing the filming costs a little isn't a big deal, right?"
Bai Jingnian: "It's hard to say. After all, in many people's eyes, this is an unnecessary expense. But if you're talking about adjusting the schedule, everyone has now gotten into the habit of reserving the mid-to-late November to December slot for 'Friends'. As for me, I already have plans for next year except for that period, so it's hard to coordinate. And you guys are even more like that. If we're going to make adjustments, we can only start from the year after next."
Lu Yanhe nodded, knowing that Bai Jingnian made sense.
“But didn’t you originally plan to film some scenes in London, England for Friends?” Bai Jingnian suddenly thought of something. “If we change it to Manchester, and if the local area can provide us with some convenience because our show is going to be filmed there, which might boost the local tourism economy, then filming in England is not necessarily impossible.”
Lu Yanhe said, "We need to go and talk to them."
“Yes.” Bai Jingnian nodded. “But if nothing changes, and you want Yuehutai and Maxine to agree to move the entire crew to England just because Bai Jin is going to study at the University of Manchester, even if they eventually agree for various reasons, they will definitely be unhappy, and it might explode at any time in the future.”
Lu Yanhe nodded.
"good."
-
Lu Yanhe went to Hu Siwei and brought up the matter with him.
Let the TV station and Maxine both make contact and see.
While Friends hasn't quite reached the level of a parallel universe yet, it's still one of the most popular TV shows in the world.
Using Manchester as a filming location in the storyline, and then filming the domestic scenes in a local studio, would not only solve the filming problems, but Manchester would also become a second city featured in the series.
Given the global popularity of Friends, the Manchester local government might very well be tempted.
No city can afford to ignore the tourism economy.
Even in London.
The next step was naturally to see if there were any channels for Yuehu TV and Maxine to make contact.
-
Yan Liang's mother's surgery was scheduled for two weeks later.
The night Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi went to visit, the caregiver wasn't there, and Yan Liang's cousin was playing games in the outer ward.
In the ward, Yan Liang's mother was lying on the hospital bed, talking and laughing with Yan Liang's father.
Yan Liang's cousin is named Yan Yuzhi.
These days, Yan Yuzhi has been doing most of the work for Yan Liang.
He looked at Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi with some surprise.
Wang Biao placed the things they brought on the cabinet to the side.
"Hello, Uji, right?" Lu Yanhe smiled to confirm the other party's identity, even though Ning Luo, who had greeted them before they entered, had already told them.
Yan Yuzhi grinned broadly.
"Lu Yanhe?!"
Lu Yanhe nodded, extended his hand, and shook hands with the young boy in front of him who was probably only two or three years younger than him.
"I am Yan Liang's friend."
“I…I know,” Yan Yuzhi said immediately, seemingly a little reserved at that moment.
Lu Yanhe pointed to the door of the ward.
"Is your aunt resting inside? We've come to visit her."
Yan Yuzhi said, "She and my uncle are chatting inside. I'll go tell them."
-
When Yan Liang's parents came to Yuming to visit Yan Liang, Lu Yanhe had met them a few times, but this was the first time Chen Siqi had met them.
To Lu Yanhe's surprise, as soon as they entered, Yan Liang's parents apologized to him, saying that their situation had delayed the filming of "Friends".
Lu Yanhe quickly waved his hand and said no.
"Really, no, Uncle and Aunt. Besides, Yan Liang and I have never been polite to each other. You should rest well and recuperate here for a while after the surgery is completed. 'Friends' will be finished filming soon, and then Yan Liang will have time to spend with you."
Yan Liang's mother immediately said, "What's the point of accompanying us? We're not so old that we can't walk anymore. We're in the prime of our youth, the time to build our careers."
That's the situation, of course. Indeed, Yan Liang's parents are actually quite young; neither of them should be over fifty, and they show no signs of aging. However, this has nothing to do with whether they are too old to walk.
Lu Yanhe wouldn't say anything in Yan Liang's defense at this time.
He just smiled and asked, "Where does Uncle live now?"
The outside room for caregivers only has two beds, one of which is probably for caregivers to rest on.
Yan Liang's father said, "I'm staying outside, in a hotel next door. We also booked a room there, and my nephew and I will take turns."
Lu Yanhe nodded.
“Anyway, if you need anything, just contact us anytime. Yan Liang is sometimes filming and we can’t reach him, but Li Zhibai and I are in the same boat, so don’t be shy with us,” Lu Yanhe said. “We’ve already exchanged contact information with you.”
Yan Liang's parents agreed.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, there wasn't much more to say, so Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi got up to say goodbye.
Yan Liang's father insisted on escorting them downstairs.
Yan Yuzhi was arranged by him to stay in the ward.
"Uncle, please wait a moment. Our car is parked in the parking lot downstairs," Lu Yanhe said as they reached the elevator.
Yan Liang's father, however, insisted on escorting him into the elevator.
“In the past few years, Yan Liang has been relying on you and Li Zhibai to take care of him. His mother and I both know this,” Yan Liang’s father said. “Yan Liang also told us that if you hadn’t been so firm in persuading his agent, he wouldn’t have been able to act in Friends and transition into acting.”
Lu Yanhe: "We've been friends since we were kids. We'll introduce each other to each other whenever there's a suitable opportunity. Uncle, please don't be so polite with me, it makes me feel uncomfortable."
Yan Liang's father patted Lu Yanhe on the shoulder, glanced at Chen Siqi, and smiled. "It's a good thing you two are together. It's a pity that Yan Liang didn't study hard when he was in school and rarely went to school."
Lu Yanhe smiled.
“I had no choice but to go back to school; I couldn’t continue as an entertainer,” Lu Yanhe said. “Yan Liang simply put his efforts into being an entertainer.”
Yan Liang's father escorted them to the car, watched them get in, and stood by to see them off.
Chen Siqi rolled down the car window, waved, and said, "Uncle, please go on your way. We're leaving now. We'll come back to see you and Auntie in a few days."
Yan Liang's father: "We know you're very busy with work, so please don't take up your time."
Chen Siqi: "If there's anything we can do for you, please contact us anytime. Yan Yuzhi has our contact information."
Zou Dong drove away.
After turning the corner, Lu Yanhe looked back and saw that Yan Liang's father was still standing in the same spot, not having left.
-
Chen Siqi took Lu Yanhe's hand and said, "Yan Liang is happier than both of us."
Lu Yanhe nodded: "Mm."
Chen Siqi: "We hope our children will be just as happy as him in the future."
Lu Yanhe's eyes widened in surprise at Chen Siqi's words.
Chen Siqi smiled.
Lu Yanhe also smiled.
"Definitely."
"We'll both be very busy then, won't he become a left-behind child?" Chen Siqi suddenly asked worriedly.
"No." Lu Yanhe shook his head. "I will reduce my workload and try to stay in Yuming as much as possible. If I have to go out for work, I will try to take jobs that allow me to keep him by my side."
Chen Siqi nodded: "Yes, me too."
Lu Yanhe: "We will definitely become good parents, at least that's our goal."
"Okay." Chen Siqi nodded.
-
After Zou Dong dropped Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi off at home, he didn't rush back.
Anyway, going back would just mean going into a cold, empty house where no one would be waiting for him.
Zou Dong took out his phone, scrolled through his contacts, found "son," hesitated for a moment, glanced at the time, and saw it was already 8:45 pm.
At this hour, he's probably doing his homework.
Zou Dong did not make the call.
The parking lot in Ziyuanqiao residential area is large and feels quite empty.
Zou Dong got out of the car and stood by the car smoking. Out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly saw Li Zhibai's figure.
He came out of the elevator in the next building, not knowing where he was going.
It's so late at night.
Li Zhibai got into his own car and drove away.
Li Zhibai is not Zou Dong's boss.
Zou Dong naturally wouldn't ask any more questions.
He was just about to take one last puff, put out his cigarette, and leave when suddenly another car started up and drove away.
Zou Dong: "..."
He frowned slightly.
It's not surprising that another car drove off so quickly. What's strange is that he had been out smoking for so long without anyone else passing by. So why did this car suddenly start up and follow him so soon after Li Zhibai started driving?
Having worked alongside Lu Yanhe for so long, Zou Dong is quite sensitive to paparazzi.
This could be a coincidence, but it could also be that paparazzi have been lying in wait.
Zou Dong immediately took out his phone and quickly took a picture of the car and its license plate number.
He made a phone call to Lin Suyang.
After Lin Suyang got Zou Dong's phone number, he never contacted that number again.
He was shocked and puzzled.
"Hello, Zou Dong?"
Zou Dong told Lin Suyang what he had seen.
"Can you check this license plate number to see who it belongs to?" Zou Dong said. "Maybe I'm overthinking it, but it's really strange. No one got in the car for so long, and as soon as Li Zhibai left, the car started up. It's too much of a coincidence."
Upon hearing this, Lin Suyang immediately said "thank you," hurriedly hung up the phone, and went to handle the matter.
-
"I'm on my way by car, I'll be there in about half an hour, wait for me," Li Zhibai said in a light tone.
"Okay, I'm going to take a shower now, I'm a little tired." Jiang Yuqian's voice came from the phone. She said, "The room key is still in the usual place, go get it yourself."
"Okay." Li Zhibai smiled.
The phone call had barely ended when Lin Suyang called.
Li Zhibai answered the phone.
"What are you nagging me about so late at night?"
“You’ve been followed,” Lin Suyang said seriously. “Zou Dong was taking Lu Yanhe and the others home when he saw a car following you out. He took a picture of the license plate, and I checked. The owner of that license plate doesn’t live in your neighborhood.”
"Don't you live in our neighborhood?" Li Zhibai immediately frowned. "Then how did this car get in?"
“It’s possible they bribed the security guard or knew a homeowner,” Lin Suyang said. “The most urgent thing is to confirm whether this car is still following you and where you drove it.”
Li Zhibai said, "I just came out, on Chunxi Road. What's the license plate number? Let me see."
“Find a roadside convenience store to park first, it’s not safe to just look like that,” Lin Suyang said. “I’ll send you the license plate number, go to the convenience store and then quietly check if there’s a car following you.”
"Okay." Li Zhibai frowned, somewhat annoyed.
This is the most annoying thing about being a celebrity.
You never know when you'll be followed by a "tail".
"What are you doing out so late?" After explaining these things, Lin Suyang had time to ask, "Why are paparazzi suddenly following you?"
This kind of paparazzi behavior—driving right up to someone's doorstep to "stalk" them—must be based on some kind of tip-off; otherwise, the cost would be too high for them.
no need.
Li Zhibai hesitated for a moment.
Lin Suyang: "Don't wait until it really catches fire before asking me to help you put it out. You're not going to do something illegal or criminal."
“Bullshit, I’ll tell you, I’m in a relationship,” Li Zhibai said. “But I can’t tell you who, I have to tell her first.”
Lin Suyang: "...Damn it!"
-
"We're being watched?" Jiang Yuqian didn't expect to receive another call from Li Zhibai so soon. "Are paparazzi following your car?"
“Yes, I just checked. That car was following me. After I stopped, it stopped too,” Li Zhibai said. “I definitely can’t come here tonight. I’m going to drive home.”
The home he was referring to was his parents' home.
Jiang Yuqian: "Mm."
"Also, can I tell Lin Suyang about what happened between you and me? I've already told him I'm in a relationship—I guess the news leaked somewhere, otherwise, no one would be keeping watch at Ziyuan Bridge," Li Zhibai said. "Lin Suyang needs to come up with a public relations plan."
Jiang Yuqian took a deep breath.
“You tell him, and I’ll also tell Sister Heng,” Jiang Yuqian said. “In case the paparazzi really have some information, we can’t be too passive.”
Li Zhibai's lips curled up again.
“Okay, then I’ll have Lin Suyang contact Sister Heng.”
Jiang Yuqian agreed.
"Oh, right," Li Zhibai added, "Lin Suyang also asked me to give my boyfriend some advice on something."
"What is it?" Jiang Yuqian asked.
“You can quietly leave the hotel later and go out for a bit to see if any paparazzi are following you,” Li Zhibai said. “This way, we can find out exactly how much information the paparazzi have, whether they only know clues about me, or they know more.”
Jiang Yuqian: "I understand."
-
Lu Yanhe didn't learn until the next day that Li Zhibai had been targeted by paparazzi the previous night.
It was Zou Dong who brought it up.
"Huh? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
“I contacted Lin Suyang directly,” Zou Dong said. “Mainly because I wasn’t sure if it was paparazzi stalking me.”
Lu Yanhe immediately called Li Zhibai to inquire about the situation.
As it turned out, Li Zhibai was still asleep, mumbling sleepily.
"What are you doing? Why are you waking me up so early in the morning? You're filming, I don't need to!"
Where are you?
"My parents' house."
Lu Yanhe asked, "How did things go with the paparazzi's thing yesterday?"
"I don't know. Luckily, Zou Dong saw it, otherwise we might have been photographed," Li Zhibai said. "I changed course halfway and went back to my parents' house."
What were you originally planning to do?
“What else could I be going to do?” Li Zhibai said. “Of course, I’m going to see your sister Yuqian.”
Lu Yanhe: "..."
"Do you know who's following you?"
"Lin Suyang went to investigate." Li Zhibai yawned widely. There were some rustling sounds coming from the other end, so they must have gotten up. "If all else fails, just expose it. What else can we do?"
Lu Yanhe: "When celebrities are in a relationship, it's easy for it to fall apart once it's exposed, especially for the two of you. The fans will fight tooth and nail, and you two will be caught in the middle. That's how Zhan Yun and Yin Xincheng broke up."
Li Zhibai remained silent.
Lu Yanhe said, "You need to give everyone time to accept and react."
Li Zhibai: "What if we really get photographed?"
“If they really got photographed, they would have posted it already. Why would they be waiting for you?” Lu Yanhe said. “That’s how Su Yang came up with the idea of preparing a PR plan for you in advance.”
Li Zhibai: "Brother Su Yang did mention something. If our relationship is exposed and we are boycotted by many fans, it may affect the box office of 'Love is Not Blind'."
Lu Yanhe had completely forgotten about it.
"Uh—" Lu Yanhe thought to himself, "It's actually quite possible."
"But, about your relationship with Sister Yuqian—"
"Do you think it's possible that after the movie is released, people will see it and then be less resistant to the idea that I'm dating her?"
Li Zhibai's words made Lu Yanhe fall into deep thought.
“I don’t know about this either; you’ll probably have to ask a professional PR person,” Lu Yanhe said.
Li Zhibai, however, seemed to have come up with a great idea and immediately became quite excited to go find Lin Suyang.
-
After hanging up the phone, Lu Yanhe immediately contacted Chen Yin to ask about the progress of "Love is Not Blind".
Chen Yin said that the post-production work is almost done, and they are just looking at the schedule.
Chen Yin said, "The best time to release it is actually during the May Day or summer holiday next year. Although this film is a small-scale production, it has a lot of comedic elements and is suitable for a big release period."
"What if we release it during the New Year's Eve period this year? Would it be enough time?" Lu Yanhe asked.
"Huh?" Chen Yin said, "Then—that means less than a month? That's a bit difficult. We haven't communicated with the theaters yet, and this movie also needs to be released simultaneously with Europe and America. There are many things we haven't discussed."
Lu Yanhe said, "We have indeed encountered something that we don't know if it will be exposed. If it is exposed, it is very likely to affect the box office of 'Love is Not Blind'. Of course, it may have a good impact or a bad impact. We will only know if it happens."
Chen Yin was stunned. His first instinct was, "Did something happen to Li Zhibai or Jiang Yuqian? Did they break the law?"
"No, no, no, it's not that serious." Lu Yanhe shook his head. "I can't say the specifics, but let's release it as soon as possible."
Chen Yin: "I... I'll go and talk to them."
Lu Yanhe agreed.
-
Actually, if Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian hadn't starred in "Love is Not Blind," Lu Yanhe wouldn't have thought this kind of thing would have much of an impact.
Fans can never determine the overall success of a work.
However, this is a movie where the male and female leads end up together, and it happens to be a movie starring Jiang Yuqian and Li Zhibai, so the relationship is quite complicated.
No one can objectively watch a movie without considering their own subjective impressions.
That's impossible.
If you watch a movie about a relationship that starts with the two characters being a couple, it's hard to truly connect with the characters.
It's not like "Before Sunrise" or "Marriage Story." If a movie had this theme, the male and female leads would be a couple, which would make the audience feel much more involved.
Of course, this is just a way to avoid the impact at present.
If the box office of "Love is Not Blind" is ultimately affected, there's nothing Lu Yanhe can do.
-
"We can only release it domestically first," Chen Yin said. "The conditions for release in China are ripe for the New Year's Eve season, but we can't catch up in Europe and America. We haven't even done the re-translation of subtitles and dubbing for different languages. It's too late to rush it now."
Lu Yanhe asked, "If it's released domestically now, would that violate our previous contract with Midoriya and the others?"
“That doesn’t violate the rules,” Chen Yin said. “The objective conditions for domestic release are all in place. It’s just a matter of whether we want to set a release date at the last minute. There are less than 20 days left until December 31st. Printing, promotion, screenings… I must say that releasing the film under these circumstances will definitely lead to many shortcomings and may also affect the box office. I don’t know which impact is greater, this one or the one you mentioned before.”
"While the former has an impact, it's manageable, right? It shouldn't lead to a situation where the screening rate is only 10% or the publicity coverage doesn't even reach first-tier cities?"
“Of course, you wrote the script, Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian starred in it, and the finished film is of very high quality. I've seen it, and I believe theater managers will also have their own judgment. This film is a very promising box office hit,” Chen Yin said. “Of course, if we go for the New Year’s release now, because the release date is too late, several other films have already secured guaranteed screenings. We could have gotten more than 25% of the screenings, but we might only get 15%. They've already promised their screenings to others, and we can't ask them to give them back to us. Theaters won't do that.”
"Understood," Lu Yanhe said. "Then let's try to release it by the end of the year, and get the publicity going as soon as possible."
Chen Yin agreed.
Lu Yanhe added, "The team that jumped up had already designed some marketing plans for this movie. We changed the release date at the last minute, and the focus needs to be shifted to let more people know that the movie is going to be released. Right now, very few people know about this movie."
In order to keep it a secret, there was not much publicity in the early stages.
Chen Yin asked, "Could we include a poster announcing the release date of 'Love is Not Blind' in the latest episode of 'Friends'?"
"ah?"
"Just hang it on the street, or make a sign. There's no need to add any lines. Just give it a shot that clearly shows the release date of 'Love is Not Blind'," Chen Yin said. "The audience of 'Friends' and 'Love is Not Blind' overlaps a lot. We did some market research beforehand."
Lu Yanhe said, "I'll call Yuehu TV."
Chen Yin agreed.
Lu Yanhe: "If there are any other publicity methods you think I should contact, you can tell me."
Chen Yin: "The subject matter of 'Love is Not Blind' determines that the main box office will definitely be in first- and second-tier cities. However, there is no time left for the team to jump up and do social topic marketing again, like 'Love Letter' and 'Late Spring'. It may not be possible to replicate them. I hope... that Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian can recreate a scene from the movie in Yuming."
"Huh?" Lu Yanhe was taken aback.
Chen Yin: "Have Li Zhibai chase after the bus carrying Jiang Yuqian, and then perform that scene on the spot."
“It sounds a bit awkward,” Chen Yin said, “but the topic will be eye-catching enough. With ordinary publicity methods, people can just scroll past it on their phones.”
Lu Yanhe hesitated and remained silent.
“You should communicate with their teams on both sides, as well as their publicity teams. I can’t judge this; it’s beyond my scope,” Lu Yanhe said.
Chen Yin agreed.
-
How did "Love is Not Blind" become so popular?
Lu Yanhe doesn't quite remember how the movie was promoted and marketed.
He only remembered that many of his classmates were watching and discussing the movie.
That same evening, the trailer for "Love is Not Blind" was released online.
There is no release date, only a trailer.
This was something that had been prepared beforehand, which is why it was able to be taken out so quickly.
At this stage, time is money, so Chen Yin naturally wouldn't waste a single day.
Celebrities from all walks of life widely shared it.
Especially Jiang Yuqian and Li Zhibai.
The trailer is full of memorable quotes.
The comedy mainly consists of "insults" and "crowding out".
It looked chaotic and lively.
However, there is absolutely no clue as to why Wang Xiaojian and Huang Xiaoxian ended up together.
The content only includes two people who are "enemies to friends".
The trailer's release stunned fans of both sides.
One is a sophisticated, sassy urban man I've never seen before.
One is a straightforward, unassuming, and assertive urban white-collar worker.
Both of them are quite different from Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian's usual image.
In the trailer, apart from these two, none of the other celebrity cameos are shown, in order to create a surprise for the audience when they actually watch the film.
-
The "want to watch" data for "Love is Not Blind" is soaring.
The trailer was very well edited.
Combining "roasting" and "comedy," it perfectly caters to the tastes of today's young people.
The following day, a special feature on the main creators was released.
The director, screenwriter, and two lead actors each gave a minute to explain why they made/accepted this film.
This is a traditional method of propaganda.
In short, the desired effect is to output "thematic value".
What exactly is the theme of this film?
This attracts those who are like them, and it also drives away those who are different.
Well, that's how movies are. If you like it, then watch it; if you don't, then don't waste your money and come back to complain later.
The following week was basically spent on traditional promotions based on this model.
It's really new promotional material, so it can't be made so quickly.
Everything takes time to communicate, produce, and schedule.
No one is always waiting for you to fill a position.
It's fortunate that this movie is the source of many things; many places have already given the green light and made things much easier.
At that moment, the Lingyun Award ceremony began.
-
Lu Yanhe did not ask the crew for leave.
No photos were taken before departure, and no time was spent on styling. After finishing work, he hurriedly changed into formal attire, got in the car, and headed to the venue for the awards ceremony. The stylist did a quick haircut in the car, without any makeup.
Despite rushing, I almost arrived late due to traffic.
The organizers kept asking him about his situation to see if he could still make it to the red carpet.
As a result, Lu Yanhe didn't arrive until the last guest had walked the red carpet.
He decided not to walk the red carpet at all. However, the organizers still very much hoped he would appear on the red carpet.
Lu Yanhe said, "This is not good."
Appearing on the red carpet, being in the front is fine, but being the last one to appear is considered very taboo unless it was arranged beforehand.
However, the organizers said, "Many media outlets are still waiting for you and want to take photos."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe sighed. There was nothing he could do but get out of the car and, guided by the staff, walk onto the red carpet.
It really is true... It felt like all the media present hadn't left and were still waiting for him.
As soon as he appeared, there was a chorus of shouts and a barrage of camera flashes.
Lu Yanhe adjusted his demeanor, took photos, waved, and then quickly waved back, bowed to the media, and said, "Sorry for being late."
The crowd watched as he suddenly turned around and walked towards the entrance of the red carpet.
The host at the scene hurriedly called out to him, "Teacher Lu, Teacher Lu, come this way!"
Lu Yanhe turned around and waved his hand, saying, "I'm not going your way. I just came to take a picture. I'm already sorry for being late. Don't make me the last one for no reason again."
He turned and ran away.
The media present were stunned.
What's going on?
The internet immediately erupted in discussion.
These days, you often see people scrambling to be the last to perform, but you almost never see someone trying to escape being the last to perform.
The video of Lu Yanhe escaping was turned into a GIF with the caption "Run!", which went viral instantly.
In fact, not to mention the media and the general public, even the organizers did not expect Lu Yanhe to do such a thing.
He then went directly in through the VIP entrance on the other side.
Before the awards ceremony even started, a ridiculous trending topic emerged.
Many people even felt that Lu Yanhe was putting on an act. With his status, he could have been the last to perform, so why did he have to pretend to be so "noble and virtuous"?
Immediately, a verified account named "Wang Biao" replied: Because if we don't do this, we'll really "steal" someone else's spotlight. This isn't about showing off; it's about reducing unnecessary misunderstandings and trouble.
This was posted by Wang Biao.
Wang Biao's personal profile reads "a junior assistant".
However, looking at his personal homepage, almost all of it is about Lu Yanhe, so you can basically tell whose assistant he is.
In fact, this account has been open for several years.
Wang Biao's account was created before Lu Yanhe became as popular or able to make money as he is now.
At that time, he would help Lu Yanhe shoot some vlogs and behind-the-scenes footage of his work, including some departure photos for events. Back then, Lu Yanhe didn't earn much, and Wang Biao did all the work.
Later, Lu Yanhe had a dedicated studio account, and all related content was published through that account.
This account is basically just a place where Wang Biao posts one or two photos of Lu Yanhe as needed, or, when there's no official response required, he explains things in his own words.
For example, right now.
Wang Biao didn't understand why, at this time, some people's first reaction was to think that Lu Yanhe was pretending to be "noble and virtuous".
Lu Yanhe, do you need to install it?
Lu Yanhe, is it necessary to put on an act at a time like this?
But soon, another negative hashtag about Lu Yanhe trended on social media.
#Lu Yanhe's Lingyun Award is late#
"..."
However, Wang Biao was a little unsure about how to respond to this entry, so he asked Chen Ziyan: "Sister Ziyan, do I need to respond to this on my Weibo?"
Chen Ziyan said: "No need for now. It's better for the authorities to explain the reasons for this. If we say it, it will always seem like we're just making excuses."
Wang Biao: Then I'll go and talk to the organizers?
Chen Ziyan: No need for now. They're busy with the awards ceremony and probably don't have time to deal with these things. Let's wait until the awards ceremony is over. Once they notice, they might take the initiative to explain the situation. If they don't explain, and this topic has a significant impact, then we can communicate with them. There's no need to respond to every topic that comes up.
Wang Biao: Okay.
Chen Ziyan: Your response just now was good, thumbs up.
Wang Biao: [His proud little face lifted up]
Chen Ziyan: Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian will be on stage together today to present an award and promote the release of "Love is Not Blind". Is Lin Suyang there?
Wang Biao: I haven't gone in yet. I'll go in and look around before I tell you.
Chen Ziyan: No need, it's okay, I'll just send him a message and ask.
Wang Biao: Okay.
-
Chen Ziyan sent a message to Lin Suyang: Are you there?
Lin Suyang: Yes, sister. What are your instructions?
Chen Ziyan: Today, a paparazzi I knew before and who later became friends contacted me and reminded me that someone has been targeting Li Zhibai recently and even has some information on him, which may affect the release of "Love is Not Blind".
Lin Suyang: Uh... Did you know about Li Zhibai being followed by paparazzi the other day?
Chen Ziyan: I know. Yan He told Chen Yin that "Love is Not Blind" would be released as soon as possible. Although he didn't say the specific reason, I guess it's the same thing. He won't tell me. Can you tell me what happened?
Lin Suyang: This matter... I really can't say. I promised to keep it a secret for them.
Chen Ziyan: Them? Then you can at least tell me what direction it's going in, right? These kids have indeed matured a lot now, but they're not shrewd enough. What if they get set up?
Lin Suyang: It's not that serious. It's not a matter of principle. Don't worry, it's not illegal, it doesn't involve any fundamental issues, and it's not a serious matter at all. You could even say it's not negative.
Chen Ziyan: Oh, I see. Okay, I won't ask you anymore. It is indeed a matter of privacy.
Lin Suyang: ...
He really wants to slap himself right now.
Who is Chen Ziyan?
One of the best agents in China, no one knows more about the entertainment industry than her.
Why was he saying so much in front of her? She guessed it right away.
Chen Ziyan said: I have asked my paparazzi friend to act as an intermediary to see if I can buy it. If I can buy it, everything will be fine, and I will have lost money to avoid disaster.
Lin Suyang: That's great. It's been so long and no one has contacted me. I was worried that they weren't after my money.
Chen Ziyan: What are you thinking? Who in the paparazzi business isn't after money? The only reason they haven't come to you is because someone else is paying them.
Lin Suyang: That's a real headache, there's nothing we can do.
Chen Ziyan: I can't guarantee anything, I can only let him try first. If he can really buy it, how much are you willing to spend?
Lin Suyang: As long as it's not an exorbitant price, I'll buy it no matter the cost.
Chen Ziyan: Okay.
Lin Suyang: Sister, you're incredibly resourceful. If you can really get this out of the way, please lend a hand. This matter really isn't suitable to be exposed right now.
Chen Ziyan: I understand. Although Li Zhibai is not my artist, he is quite likable and has such a close relationship with Yan He. Their interests are already intertwined. Helping you is helping myself. You should also pay attention to him. It's not easy to have such a valuable asset as Li Zhibai. Don't do something as foolish as Zhou Ping'an.
Lin Suyang: I understand. I've already come to Li Zhibai's company here and will focus on being his personal agent.
Chen Ziyan: What I mean is, don't just focus on his little corner of the world. What's in his little corner of the world belongs to him even without you. You need to have your own value and not just look at what's in your own bowl.
Lin Suyang: I've learned a lot.
Chen Ziyan: Similarly, Li Zhibai has such great commercial value now. Isn't it a waste to only focus on him? Why don't you take the artists you've managed before who you think are good and are willing to follow you? An agent needs to have a wide range of options to make a good combination of moves. If you only focus on him, how can you keep an eye on everything and stay informed? News that's already in the paparazzi circle has reached my ears, and you didn't even believe it.
Lin Suyang was startled.
It wasn't until Chen Ziyan said those words that Lin Suyang was suddenly truly awakened.
After leaving Star Entertainment (Woodpecker), his access to information has become much more limited.
-
I took a day off yesterday, but I'm making up for it today with a long chapter update.
I'm curious about something: are there any readers who learned about this book through watching a live stream and then became hooked on it?
I want to know if live streaming is even meaningful.
(End of this chapter)
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