Chapter 955 After the Concert and the Proposal (1)
While Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi had arrived in Prague and were strolling through this ancient Eastern European city, many people back home were still immersed in the afterglow of the concert the night before.
No one knows what happened after that concert.
No one knew that Lu Yanhe flew to Prague with his fiancée the very next day.
Because of their work, their visas are usually processed very quickly. Especially for Lu Yanhe, Darren Wilson and his agency provide him with a "green channel" service whenever he wants to go anywhere.
This is the level of service that Hollywood talent agencies can provide. In this respect, Chinese talent agencies certainly have a lot of room for improvement. They can get special treatment with just one phone call. For a talent agency, this is also a symbol of its backing power.
Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi spent three days in Prague before heading to Germany to meet with Muken Sorge and Hua Ruzhen.
Moken Sorge is already preparing for the start of filming for "The Island of Horrors".
The new movie that is about to start filming this month is the most important thing in his life right now.
With Lu Yanhe's help, this film also had a joint promotional campaign with "Buried Alive 2," starring Li Zhibai.
Muken Sorge said, "Lu, I received several scripts you sent me. Are you really planning to hand them over to D19 to work on?"
“It’s not about handing it over to D19, but about collaborating with D19. My film company, Linghe, will be in charge of the main production,” Lu Yanhe said. “Muken, I hope you can participate in these projects. You don’t necessarily have to direct, but if you can serve as a producer or executive producer, you can definitely take these projects to the next level.”
"If you want me to join these projects, I certainly would, but I don't see what I could do," said Muken Sorge.
“If you can’t direct, I hope you can help these projects find a suitable director,” Lu Yanhe said frankly. “In this respect, your eye is definitely better than mine.”
Muken Sorge was astonished.
"Would you like me to choose the director?"
"To be precise, it's a recommendation," Lu Yanhe said. "The final decision will definitely be made by me and D19. It's just that I don't know much about the horror thriller genre or this industry. You're an insider, and I'm an outsider. And I can't completely trust D19 either. You understand what I mean?"
Muken nodded.
Hua Ruzhen asked, "Yan He, what kind of cooperation model do you plan to adopt with Muken for these projects?"
“Of course I hope he can participate in the investment with his own company and cooperate deeply,” Lu Yanhe said. “I don’t doubt the profitability of these projects, and Muken can definitely see the highlights of these scripts, provided that they can be produced normally and not messed up. You know, my scripts are currently being hyped up to an abnormal level in Hollywood. Many actors are eager to act in my scripts, or even just to get to know me. There’s no guarantee that D19 won’t use these scripts to make some kind of exchange, and in the end, a movie that could have been an excellent work will have to become mediocre. It may still look like it made money, but it’s actually a pity.”
Hua Ruzhen nodded.
“This kind of cooperation is the best. If Muken’s company participates in the investment, he can also gain real say. It’s just that D19 may not be willing to give up its investment share.” Hua Ruzhen immediately said, “Your script has such a high rate of return, they may not be willing to give it up.”
“I will ask them to agree,” Lu Yanhe said. “If Muken doesn’t join, I can’t establish a basic level of trust with D19, so I’d rather not cooperate and let these scripts be shelved.”
Hearing Lu Yanhe's words, Hua Ruzhen was finally relieved.
She nodded.
"I'm relieved to hear that."
Lu Yanhe laughed.
-
After leaving Muken and Hua Ruzhen's house, Chen Siqi asked Lu Yanhe curiously, "Why do you insist on having Muken Sorge involved in these projects?"
“Because in this area, he is the world’s top director,” Lu Yanhe said. “He has the strongest grasp of the rhythm of horror and suspense. If he joins, no matter who directs, he will guide the direction. This is very important. I can’t put too much energy into every project. Time and energy are limited, and I don’t stay in Hollywood often. On the contrary, Muken is not only great himself, but also has a production company that specializes in horror and suspense films.”
Chen Siqi suddenly realized and nodded.
"I see."
Lu Yanhe: "Of course, there is another very important reason."
"Are you trying to outsmart and outmaneuver D19, and prevent D19 from using you?"
“That’s right.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “Many times, I didn’t even know that D19 was using me. Darren used to help me identify these things, but when it comes to specific film and television project collaborations and production, let alone Darren changing positions, even if he didn’t, it’s not his area of expertise. Only a professional like Muken would know the details.”
“Indeed.” Chen Siqi stretched. “Alright, our day off is over. It’s time to go back to China.”
Lu Yanhe nodded and smiled.
Are you eager to go back to work?
Chen Siqi: "No one wants to rush back to work; it's work that desperately calls you back."
Lu Yanhe was both amused and exasperated by Chen Siqi's words.
"After you got back, you immediately started recording 'The Days of Youth', right?"
“Okay.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “They’ve already started recording, and I’m joining in.”
"Actually, you didn't need to come out with me at this time."
“I wanted to have fun myself, and I used you as an excuse,” Lu Yanhe said. “I was preparing for the concert, which was so tiring. This isn’t the last season of ‘The Days of Youth’. We’ve already agreed to participate in the recording of this show as much as possible, but we shouldn’t force ourselves to participate just to do so. What we need is a long-term commitment.”
Chen Siqi: "Fine, go ahead and take it slow. One is 'Days of Being Young,' and the other is 'Friends.' I'd like to see how many seasons you're going to make."
Lu Yanhe said, "Maybe we'll keep filming."
"To turn it into a living fossil."
“It doesn’t seem like a bad idea.” Lu Yanhe laughed. “I was thinking of asking you, how about making a guest appearance this season? I’m thinking of having the editor-in-chief of ‘Jump Up’ make a guest appearance this season, why don’t you play the role yourself?”
Chen Siqi asked, "I can't act."
"It's a guest appearance, don't worry, no acting skills are required," Lu Yanhe said with a smile. "Every season we invite some celebrities to make guest appearances, not just big-name stars. If you don't come this year, we'll still invite you in the future."
Chen Siqi said, "Then you make the arrangements. I'll give it a try. If I really can't act well, then you can cut my part out."
"That won't do," Lu Yanhe said righteously. "We invited you to make a cameo appearance to ride your coattails, so how can we delete you?"
Chen Siqi: "Friends is already popular enough, it doesn't need to ride on my coattails."
“No, even the biggest IP needs to constantly add fresh topics to maintain attention. The content itself is one thing, but inviting big names to make cameo appearances is also a very effective way,” Lu Yanhe said. “You are such a big name.”
Chen Siqi: "Alright, alright, stop flattering me. If you really want me to make a cameo appearance, I'll go."
Lu Yanhe laughed.
-
On their flight back home, the two unexpectedly ran into Lily Williams.
This American actress, who has a good relationship with Lu Yanhe, was surprisingly without makeup and without any face covering.
"Why didn't you tell me you were going to China?" Lu Yanhe asked with a smile.
Lily Williams: "I knew you were on vacation in Europe, and I thought you weren't in China, so I didn't contact you."
"How did you know I was on vacation in Europe?" Lu Yanhe asked in surprise.
Lily Williams smiled helplessly and gestured to the phone in her hand.
“You and your girlfriend were photographed in Prague,” Lily Williams said. “The major media outlets published your photos.”
Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi were taken aback.
They really didn't know that.
This is really...
Lily Williams asked, "Are you going to Prague for work or on vacation?"
"Vacation".
Lily Williams: "I really envy you guys."
"Are you coming to China for work?"
Lily Williams nodded: "I have a promotional event for a brand I'm endorsing tomorrow."
Are you alone?
Looking at Lily Williams, Lu Yanhe realized she didn't look like a top Hollywood actress at all.
Lily Williams said, "My assistant was on vacation. This job was only for one day, so I let her continue her vacation. Anyway, the brand arranged for someone to receive us after we landed."
Lu Yanhe nodded.
"You work in Yuming, right?"
This flight is for Yuming.
Lily Williams nodded.
Lu Yanhe said, "After we land, I'll be recording a reality show. By the time it's over, it'll probably be late at night. I'll see when it's convenient for me to take you to Yuming to eat some authentic local delicacies."
Lily Williams smiled and said okay.
When did you leave by plane?
Lily shook her head: "I haven't booked tickets yet. I plan to explore Yuming after I finish work tomorrow. In the past, when I came to China, I always left as soon as I finished my work. I want to explore this city."
Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi exchanged a glance.
Chen Siqi understood immediately.
“Lily, you probably haven’t hired a local guide, have you? I’ll ask a friend to be your guide. You can see where you want to go, what you want to eat, or any other ideas you have. Having a local guide will make things much easier and save you a lot of trouble,” Chen Siqi said.
Lily Williams looked delighted. "Is that okay?"
“Of course,” Chen Siqi said with a smile. “Why not?”
“Thank you,” Lily Williams said to them.
-
After exchanging greetings, Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi sat down.
Lu Yanhe typed a message on his phone and showed it to Chen Siqi: Her mood seemed a little off.
Chen Siqi typed and showed it to him: I think so too.
Lily Williams is usually a very warm and cheerful girl.
If it weren't for her personality, Lu Yanhe wouldn't have become so close to her.
To be honest, he's very accommodating, but in reality, he's also quite socially awkward. Generally speaking, he rarely takes the initiative to become friends with someone unless they make the first move. Almost all the friends he makes on set are those who extended the olive branch first.
Chen Siqi: Don't worry, I'm going to find an editor in charge of the film and television section to be my tour guide, and I'll explain everything to her.
Lu Yanhe: Okay, remember to have her sign a confidentiality agreement.
It's better to be safe than sorry.
Even editors in the film and television section may leave the company.
Even a globally renowned Hollywood actress like Lily Williams should be mindful of protecting her privacy.
Don't let a good deed turn into a bad one.
-
As soon as the plane landed, Lu Yanhe saw the film crew of "The Days of Youth".
One tracking camera, two directors.
There was even Peng Zhixing.
"Why are you here too?" Lu Yanhe asked in surprise.
They came out through the VIP channel, and the airport security had been notified in advance and were making relevant arrangements and guiding them. There were relatively few passengers around, but some people were still taking pictures with their mobile phones.
Peng Zhixing said, "Everyone sent me to pick you up."
He looked at both Chen Siqi and Lily Williams at the same time.
He wasn't surprised to see Chen Siqi, but Lily Williams was also there.
Peng Zhixing was somewhat surprised.
Lu Yanhe introduced the two parties directly.
"Lily Williams, the actress who co-starred with me in The Mist, and she also co-starred with Yan Liang in Speed."
"Lily, he is Peng Zhixing, who recorded this program with me. He is a very famous program host in China."
Lily Williams extended her hand to shake hands with Peng Zhixing.
Peng Zhixing: "Hi, nice to meet you."
"Hello."
Lu Yanhe said, "Then I'll go with them. Siqi, Lili, bye-bye."
Chen Siqi smiled and waved goodbye to the camera.
Lily Williams smiled and waved.
Once they were in the production crew's car, Peng Zhixing asked, "Why is Lily Williams on this trip with you too?"
“I met her on the plane. She has work in Yuming tomorrow,” Lu Yanhe explained. “By the way, I also need to ask her if it’s okay for her to appear on this show. If it’s not appropriate, I’ll have to ask the production team to delete her scenes.”
“Hmm,” Peng Zhixing said. “I originally thought you invited her to participate in our program.”
Lu Yanhe thought for a moment and said, "That works too, she only has work for tomorrow... Oh, no, that's not suitable."
He had originally intended to ask Lily Williams if she wanted to come on the show, but then he realized that she wasn't in a good mood and it wasn't appropriate for her to be on the show in that state.
Just now at the airport, her expression of happiness in front of the camera seemed a bit forced; it was an act.
(End of this chapter)
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