十点半方洋唱完第二首歌从中视大楼出来的时候，天空已经下起雪花，渺无人踪的街道上白花花的一片，刚从暖和的大厅来到寒冷的街上，方洋不禁打了一个寒颤，北方的冬天啊，下雪是常态。
Fortunately, the hotel wasn't far away. Stepping through the crunching snowflakes, Fang Yang quickly returned to the hotel. Although the central air conditioning wasn't very warm, it was still much warmer than outside. Not knowing if Zhang Ze would rush back to Hong Kong Island tonight, Fang Yang immediately dialed Zhang Ze's number.
"Mr. Fang, congratulations! You sang wonderfully tonight."
As soon as the call connected, Zhang Ze chuckled and wished Fang Yang a Happy New Year, "Brother Zhang, where are you now? Let's go out for dinner tonight."
Fang Yang opened the guest room door, inserted the magnetic card into the card slot, and invited Zhang Ze over.
"Ah? Mr. Fang, I've already boarded the plane. It's about to take off, and I need to get back to Hong Kong Island tonight."
Zhang Ze was momentarily confused, not understanding Fang Yang's invitation to a late-night snack. Wasn't today New Year's Eve? Everyone wanted to get back to their families as soon as possible to reunite and have a peaceful and happy New Year.
"Oh, you have to rush back to Hong Kong Island? I was thinking of discussing a script with you, but I didn't expect you had to rush back."
Fang Yang sighed regretfully. Zhang Ze had tried to collaborate with him several times, so this was a good opportunity to whet his appetite. He thought he could get in without lowering his salary? No way.
"Mr. Fang, no, brother, you must reserve the role for me. I'll get off the plane right now and head back. I'll treat you to a big meal tonight, and I'm sure you'll be satisfied."
Hearing the clattering noises from the other end, Fang Yang guessed that Zhang Ze had bumped into something while trying to get up. "No, I don't want my sister-in-law to chase me with a broom. Besides, there's no rush. I just want to ask you one question: can you lower your salary?"
Zhang Ze paused for a moment on the other end, then said, "Bro, you're not making another low-budget film, are you?"
"This is a big-budget 3D movie. The initial investment is at least 500 million yuan, but I estimate that's definitely not enough. At least another 100 million yuan will be needed later. This needs to be finalized. The props and special effects will be very expensive, so I won't be giving you much in terms of salary. But once the movie is released, it will have a huge impact. You could say it's giving you a chance to win Best Actor. Brother, I'm pretty good to you, aren't I?"
"Will the impact be huge?" Zhang Ze looked up at the top of the plane. "What movie will have a huge impact?" This little guy wasn't being coy at all; he was just playing cryptic games.
"Brother, can you give me a hint? What kind of role is it? You know, I'm not in control of my own destiny. To be honest, I've been looking forward to working with you for a long time, but the fee needs to be negotiated by the company. Even if I want to lower my fee, I need to give the company a reasonable reason, don't you think?"
"I can only tell you one thing: it's a military-themed film, prepared to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China next year. I can't go into more detail. Also, the script is still under wraps and needs to be reviewed by higher authorities. If it gets approved, I estimate I'll need to join the production team in March. I'm entrusting the male lead to you. If you can't accept it, let me know as soon as possible."
Fang Yang couldn't be too explicit, but it was okay to give a general overview. Otherwise, if you ask someone to lower their salary to join the crew without a reasonable explanation, no one would agree.
"Damn, isn't this a 'hat-wearing' theme? Bro, I'm all for it. You have to give me the male lead role. I'll negotiate with the company. Thank you so much, bro, for thinking of me right away. I'll contact you later. I'm flying straight to Shanghai after the New Year. I want to treat you to a big meal. Please give me this opportunity."
Having filmed domestically for a long time, Zhang Ze naturally understood what Fang Yang meant. As a military film commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, it inherently carries a strong national will and has a natural advantage in terms of awards. Combined with Fang Yang's reputation for producing high-quality films, this movie will undoubtedly ignite the National Day box office next year. There is no doubt about it. If Zhang Ze were to miss out on such a leading role in a film, he would be out of his mind and would accept the role even for free.
"Alright, you guys discuss it first. I'll contact you again after the review is completed. But let me make this clear beforehand: the pay won't be too high. The total investment is limited, and the props are a bit expensive. It's not that I intend to lower your pay."
"It's alright, it's alright. I'll talk to the company about it. For this kind of 'hat-themed' film, the pay won't be very high. I understand. Thanks for thinking of me, brother. The plane is about to take off. Let's keep in touch after the New Year."
Hearing the flight attendant's announcement to passengers to turn off their phones, Zhang Ze excitedly switched to airplane mode. His manager, Chen Li, looked over with a curious gaze. "Brother Ze, whose call is that? You seem so excited."
Zhang Ze waved his phone. "It's Fang Yang. He has a military-themed movie to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and invited me to star in it, but I have to lower my salary to join. I've already agreed. I'll talk to President Zhao about it when I get back to the company. It should be done."
Chen Li was naturally very familiar with Fang Yang's name. She was very happy to hear Zhang Ze's words. "This is a good thing. It's not even known which company is making the film to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China next year. I didn't expect President Fang to win it. This is an excellent opportunity. Moreover, the government will pay great attention to it. If you can really play the lead role, your future will be much easier. Just as Fang Yang said, you really have a chance to win the Best Actor award!"
Hearing Chen Li's excited voice, Zhang Ze shushed her, signaling her to keep her voice down. Although it was New Year's Eve, there were other guests returning to Hong Kong Island in the VIP cabin. If others found out, it could cause complications and they might also join in the competition for the male lead. Zhang Ze would be devastated!
Zhang Ze gripped the hand tightly. "I must seize this opportunity. You know, this is a 3D movie. Although I haven't seen the script yet, with Fang Yang's skills and the support from above, it's bound to be good."
Chen Li glanced at the Hong Kong artists who were fast asleep in the VIP cabin and whispered, "I believe you will succeed this time! Fang Yang is really a freak. Not only is he invincible in the music field, but he also shines in the film and television field. His 'Princess Pearl' sold for a sky-high price. It seems to be released tomorrow night, right?"
Zhang Ze nodded. "In just the last few days, that short video has gone viral across the internet. Two previously unknown actors have suddenly become famous. The TV series hasn't even aired yet, but it's already a hit before it even starts. I estimate that countless TV viewers will tune in to Hunan TV tomorrow night to get a sneak peek."
Chen Li sighed, "No wonder he's a genius and we're just ordinary people. We have to accept the difference!"
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