Chapter 74

And she also had to consider that Shu Miao's role as the second female lead in the ancient costume drama was about to be completed, so she had to arrange another drama for her.

At this point, "Old Love Letters" has already been released, and everyone who acted in this movie has reaped the benefits. Shu Miao, who missed this opportunity, didn't show any emotion on the surface, but it was impossible for her not to feel worried.

Not to mention, she was originally chosen for the role and she had even played it before, so the gap was even more obvious, which made Shu Miao unhappy recently.

As soon as Zhu Lan arrived at Jianfeng, she grabbed Shu Miao, the most popular one, in her hand. It was impossible for her to just let go of her. She still needed this chess piece very much. She had to give her some sweet treats and appease her, otherwise she would become too thoughtful and disobedient in the future.

Besides, Shu Miao has already acted in two idol dramas in a row, and her fans are not very satisfied. They are clamoring that they don't want the works to be the same, and they want to take on some special roles. Zhao Zhenyue's righteous and aloof character is good, and this role is likable no matter how she plays it, but she needs to think carefully about how to take it over.

At this time, Zhu Lan's footsteps were already heading towards Su Ning.

Su Ning had just finished talking to Ji Mowei at this time. They finished their audition and wanted to stay and take a look.

Because the next one to be filmed, "Killer", has the most complicated story and is the most difficult one, it is placed last. It is good to take a look here. If you have time, you can also go to Zhou Chunqing's place to try on makeup and clothes first.

Then they headed towards the dressing room in charge of the crew's costumes and makeup. Not long after, they ran into Zhu Lan who was waiting there.

"Boss Su," she stopped Su Ning, "I have something to discuss with you, serious business."

Su Ning was so busy that he had no time to rest. Ji Mowei and the other person were sitting on the side. He was talking to Zhou Chunqing about the makeup of the drama.

Zhou Chunqing was showing him the prepared headdress and hairpins, as well as several pieces of material embroidered with intricate patterns. He heard what Zhu Lan said, but he finished talking to Zhou Chunqing before turning around and saying, "Okay, what President Zhu wants to talk about is not business."

Zhu Lan said, "I'm serious."

She arrived a little late, and knew that it would cost her something to have a good chat at this time, so her attitude changed accordingly, and she continued, "Since Mr. Su has already signed an exclusive broadcast contract with Orange Video, this matter cannot be changed. I know that Yuedong will never have this opportunity again."

"But on the TV station side, President Su knows in his heart that the platform of Haicheng TV station is not good enough, so I saw Shen Mingzheng running out frequently during this period, just to find the TV station's connections, and try to negotiate a joint broadcast for "The Ambitious Family"."

But the situation at the TV station was more complicated. Because of the Shen family, being able to meet and talk was already a great honor. Most people couldn't even touch the door of the office.

Moreover, what is being discussed this time is the quota for the prime-time drama in the evening, which is one of the most top resources of the TV station. This kind of favor and relationship requires time accumulation and long-term cooperation. These two are really young, and even if they are the king of the world, it is impossible to accomplish it in such a short time.

The foundation left by Mr. Su and his men was exhausted in the past two years. How could it be easy to rebuild it?

Zhu Lan kept watching Su Ning's expression and said, "I can help you get this drama broadcast on Nanjiang TV."

The average audience rating of Nanjiang Provincial TV Station is much higher than that of Haicheng TV Station. It is a first-class platform for broadcasting dramas. She mentioned this seriously because she knows what Su'ning needs most.

TV audiences are different from Internet audiences. Ye Qiuxin is popular on TV, but as an actress she usually only focuses on acting and has no connection with the audience. If she can appear on the evening show of Nanjiang TV Station, she can indeed maximize her role as the female lead.

Moreover, there is room for manipulation of the number of views and popularity on the Internet. The ratings are real, and the industry also calculates the performance of actors. The ratings are a very important factor.

The conditions proposed by Zhu Lan were indeed superior, but it was not the first time she had mentioned this before. However, Su Ning rejected it because the demands were too many and it was unacceptable.

But in the current situation, her requests are much simpler.

"I don't want the female lead anymore, and I won't change the script. But I want Shu Miao to be part of the cast," she said. "It can't be just a simple role. I want Zhao Zhenyue. Mr. Su, I only want this one."

Zhu Lan read the entire script and even part of the original novel. She didn't necessarily want to compete with others. Although this was an ensemble drama, apart from the female lead, there were not many roles with highlights and roles to play, especially those suitable for young actors in their early twenties. After much selection, the only option was Princess Zhenyue.

There are other positive characters with more screen time, such as the maid who works diligently beside the heroine.

But Shu Miao would definitely not be willing to play a maid, and the role of a maid doesn't have any highlights. Basically, the only advantage is being obedient and loyal. That role is about to be decided, and it's a newcomer from Gaoshan Pictures.

The only other character whose role can rival Zhao Zhenyue's is the Crown Princess married by the Crown Prince, Xiahou Jin, who later became the Empress.

The heroine was originally kind to her, but later they became enemies. She is a villain and a rather ungrateful one at that. She has a lot of scenes, but the role is quite annoying, and there is not much benefit in playing it.

Su Ning looked at her, and even Zhou Chunqing, who was holding a hairpin, frowned. Then he spoke, as if to remind her: "Boss Zhu, you just saw it yourself. This role has already been decided."

Zhu Lan: "But the official account hasn't made an official announcement yet, I think it can be changed."

I had heard that Ji Xue was going to participate in the show before, but the specific role had to be decided by Guo Baomu, and it was not finalized until today's audition.

Although many viewers and fans of the book have guessed that it is definitely Zhao Zhenyue, and many fans of the book have even photoshopped the pictures, the makeup photos have not been taken yet and there has indeed been no official announcement.

She added, "If Mr. Su has any other conditions, please feel free to raise them and we can discuss them."

She has a lot of resources at her disposal.

Su Ning frowned and said, "You can let Shu Miao come for the audition, and I'll give her other roles. Mr. Zhu, it doesn't make sense for you to change someone at this time."

Zhu Lan was also determined: "I don't want anything else, I just want this role."

Her words were too firm. Su Ning lowered his head to think about it, then raised his head and said the same thing: "No."

Everything else is easy to talk about, but when it comes to personal matters, he becomes difficult to discuss.

Zhu Lan: "Boss Su, we did have some unpleasantness before, but business is business..."

Su Ning said: "The conditions you proposed are very favorable. The role has already been reserved. I can't make the decision for her."

Zhu Lan didn't understand what he said.

She's just an artist under our company, and she's so young. How could she have the space to think about such an important matter?

She frowned and wanted to continue speaking, but at this moment, the curtain in the corner of the room was suddenly pulled open, and Jixue, who had changed her clothes, appeared there.

"What a coincidence, Mr. Zhu, I'm here again," Jixue said, "Look, why didn't you notice me this time?"

"Since this matter concerns me, there is no need to embarrass Mr. Su. Why don't you talk to me?"

This is where the costume and makeup team works. It's a large office. There are several simple fitting rooms in a corner at the back. All you have to do is draw the thick blackout curtains. The snow accumulates there without making any noise, so naturally no one notices.

Su Ning didn't know that he came in halfway through, but Zhou Chunqing knew it. Before she could remind him, Zhu Lan started talking about business.

Zhou Chunqing would not interrupt her boss when he was talking, and the fitting room would not interfere with this place. When she heard what Zhao Zhenyue said, her face looked a little strange and she glanced towards the fitting room.

Why did this person suddenly snatch my sister role!

And they snatched it right in front of me!

Director Guo has already made the decision, and she has finished making Princess Zhenyue’s dress, it’s so beautiful! Why should she give it to someone else?

However, Zhou Chunqing also knew in his heart that if the show could be broadcast on Nanjiang TV Station, it would be beneficial to the entire crew. If the show became popular, the characters in it would naturally benefit as well.

It is Mr. Su's character to make such a choice, and he will not sacrifice others, but Jixue's character is not like that.

She walked out and said, "Let me be frank. President Zhu does have a good eye. The most popular character in the original novel is Zhao Zhenyue, second only to the female lead. But at this time, the competition for roles, the broadcast of Nanjiang TV Station is a benefit for President Su, what about me?"

"If I don't let go, Mr. Su can't do anything to me."

Her words were not polite. It seemed that all artists in the light and shadow entertainment industry were like this, as if they had gotten used to it and had their own ideas. However, Zhu Lan's expression became much more relaxed.

The implication was that she could negotiate. As long as the resources were within Zhu Lan's control, it wouldn't be a big deal. So he asked her, "What do you want?"

Jixue was thinking. He walked out in Zhao Zhenyue's clothes and walked around. His hair was not combed yet, but simply tied up. Two strands hung beside his ears, swinging when he walked, looking smart and cute. Then he said, "I know that Mr. Zhu has a lot of resources. I heard that Director He Fan is going to shoot a new movie recently. You have worked with her before. Can you help me pass on her resume?"

I want to try out her role in my next movie."

He Fan is a new director in the circle, but Zhu Lan had invested in her before and she rejected two films in a row. The films she made were typical of those that performed poorly in the critical and commercial fields. They had good reputations among film critics, but the box office was not high.

But the quality of the roles she has is still okay. Shu Miao's fans want a good show. Zhu Lan has tried to persuade the fan group before, but they are a little hesitant about He Fan's show.

Having a good reputation but bad results is quite damaging for a rising star. It may not necessarily be beneficial and is quite useless.

Tong Feifan became famous overnight, but He Fan's artistic style is not like that and is really not popular enough.

Everyone wants both. When Shu Miao saw the attitude of her fans, she didn't want to accept it anymore.

According to Director He's previous performance, the highest box office was only 30 million, and the second one almost didn't break 10 million. Even with a female lead and a more minor subject matter, it was not easy to win awards.

Seeing that she was reluctant, Zhu Lan came out to find another one for her.

Zhenyue is the most eye-catching character besides the female lead Ye Qiuxin. Su Ning and Shen Mingzheng care about this drama far more than people imagined at the beginning. This is a big drama, and Zhu Lan has done her a great favor by grabbing this role for her.

What's more, it was obtained from Jixue, which can be regarded as compensation for what happened before. It would be unreasonable for Shu Miao to still be brooding over what happened before.

But before Zhu Lan nodded in agreement, Su Ning spoke up. Not only did he remind her, he also took a few steps forward to try to stop her, saying sternly, "Jixue, think about it carefully again, and don't make a decision rashly on this matter. I don't think it will have much impact whether the show is broadcasted or not. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't matter. You are more important."

Although she is a popular new actress, she doesn't have many good roles now, even for the leading female role. Recently, other companies have also sent her scripts and intentions. Su Ning has read them and basically none of them are good, so Ji Xue herself is also waiting and watching.

Su Ning is not very familiar with He Fan, but she has made several films in a row, so the investment in this film may have to be reduced again.

Everyone knows that a movie with a high probability of flop may not be better than a role in a big-budget TV series. Although Zhu Lan's conditions are attractive, we must always consider the development of Xue Ji.

Even from the company's perspective, a Nanjiang TV station that is just icing on the cake is really not as important as cultivating popular female artists.

When Zhu Lan heard what Su Ning said, she was afraid that Ji Xue would think it over and then regret it, so she said, "I agree. If it's convenient for you, we can settle this matter today. I'll go talk to He Fan right away."

Su Ning: “No.”

Tsukiyuki: “Great.”

The two men spoke at the same time, and then Jixue looked at Su Ning and said seriously, "Mr. Su, I really want to make the decision myself on this matter."

Su Ning frowned and motioned her to come over so that they could talk more.

Zhu Lan had already gone out to make a phone call and asked someone to draft a simple contract.

This matter is not just a verbal statement, it is a real thing only after it is signed. Even if this kind of resource exchange may not have a legal basis, once a public figure has signed it, it is a natural constraint. She is not afraid that Jixue will regret it after thinking it over, and there is nothing she can do even if Su Ning regrets it.

Su Ning usually respects the artist's wishes in such matters, but he still wanted to persuade them in this matter, saying, "Jixue, I need to tell you more about what's going on..."

Zhou Chunqing also had a worried expression on his face, hoping that she would think more about herself and not be blinded by the immediate benefits.

"I know everything," Jixue watched Zhu Lan walk out, and then said carefully in a voice that only they could hear, "Actually, I didn't really want to play Zhao Zhenyue."

"I just took the opportunity to blackmail her. Just keep this to yourself. Don't expose me later."