Losing Money to Become a Tycoon: Starting with Games
Chapter 335: This Script Was Practically Tailor-Made
November 19th, Friday.
Tomorrow, Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao will be arriving in Jingzhou. It happened to be Saturday, so a welcome banquet could be held at Mingyun Private Kitchen that evening.
Today, Pei Qian took a taxi to check out several housing developments near the South High-Speed Rail Station, carefully comparing his options.
In the end, he set his sights on a fully renovated apartment of over 140 square meters, priced more or less in line with his expectations.
Moreover, since he was paying the full amount upfront, he got a bit of a discount. With a 5% reduction, the total came to 1.63 million yuan.
The only downside was that the building hadn't been completed yet—the handover wouldn't be until March of next year.
The past two or three years had been exactly when housing prices started rising. Good properties were mostly pre-sale units, and they were usually snapped up long before completion. If he waited until delivery to buy, he might only have secondhand options left.
There was no helping it.
After weighing everything, Pei Qian decided that this apartment was the best choice available. Even though it was a pre-sale unit, he went ahead and signed.
After all, he wasn't in a hurry. His parents' current place was a bit small, but they'd lived there for many years already, it wasn't like a few more months would make a big difference.
What's more, even after the apartment was delivered, inspections, furnishing, and buying furniture would take several more months anyway. There was no way to rush it.
With the house purchased, one major concern was finally settled, and Pei Qian felt much more at ease.
The only annoying thing was seeing his personal funds drop to just over two hundred thousand yuan.
But that was fine. As long as he could rack up a big enough loss in this settlement cycle, the cost of this apartment would be earned back in no time!
…
After a busy Friday signing the purchase contract, Pei Qian went straight home to rest.
On Saturday afternoon, Pei Qian had the company driver, Xiao Sun, take him to Mingyun Private Kitchen, where he waited to receive Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.
Both of them were arriving by plane that afternoon. Zhang Zuting arrived a bit earlier and had already gone to the hotel to rest. Lu Zhiyao arrived later; Pei Qian had arranged for someone to pick him up, settle him into the hotel, and then bring him over to Mingyun Private Kitchen for the meal.
In addition, Zhu Xiaoce, as the film's director, naturally had to be present as well and had arrived in advance.
Pei Qian and Zhu Xiaoce sat in the private room, snacking while they waited.
Pei Qian noticed that in the briefcase beside Zhu Xiaoce were two printed scripts, clearly prepared for Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.
The matter of the script gave Pei Qian a headache.
Earlier, Zhang Zuting had said he wanted to see the script, and Pei Qian had brushed it off. Now that Lu Zhiyao was coming, he would most likely also ask to read it.
Pei Qian knew that both of them were picky about scripts. They weren't the type of actors who would accept just any project as long as the pay was high, so there was no way to dodge the script issue.
Old Zhang would be easier to deal with, after all, they had a prior relationship and mutual trust.
But Lu Zhiyao had no personal connection with him and already had a certain level of fame. How could he casually accept a film by an unknown director? Even if the pay was generous, he would definitely read the script before deciding.
So Pei Qian was a bit worried.
Yet Zhu Xiaoce, on the other hand, didn't seem worried at all. In fact, he looked confident and self-assured.
Pei Qian found this baffling. How could such a trash script look, in Zhu Xiaoce's hands, like a Nobel Prize–winning literary masterpiece?
Pei Qian asked tentatively, "Director Zhu, when Lu Zhiyao arrives today, he'll probably ask about the film's script. When that happens—"
Before Pei Qian could finish, Zhu Xiaoce thumped his chest confidently.
"—President Pei, don't worry, this is no problem at all!"
"Your script is written so well that once Lu Zhiyao starts reading it, he might like it more and more and even take the initiative to lower his fee just to join the project!"
Pei Qian: "..."
Wasn't that a bit too optimistic?
But at this point, there was no point in pressing the issue further. Pei Qian could only wait and see how things played out once they met.
Before long, the company's seven-seat business van arrived. Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao got out of the car and, under the guidance of the staff, headed into Mingyun Private Kitchen.
Each of them had brought along a single assistant.
It was perfectly normal for celebrities to have assistants. Most stars were extremely busy and needed someone at their side to help manage things; otherwise, it would be impossible to keep up on their own.
That these two only brought one assistant each was already quite low-key. Some popular actors traveled with seven or eight assistants, basking in the feeling of being the center of attention at all times.
This was Pei Qian's first time seeing Lu Zhiyao in person. Previously, he'd only seen photos and film clips online.
His first impression was simple: handsome.
Actors could be divided into those who looked good on camera and those who didn't. Some looked good on screen and were even more striking in real life, practically glowing, far beyond what ordinary good-looking people could compare to. Others weren't particularly eye-catching in real life, but with makeup and camera work, their appearance was greatly enhanced.
Lu Zhiyao was a special case. He was extremely handsome in real life, yet somehow looked less handsome in movies.
It had to be said that actors really depended on "audience appeal." Some actors were very good-looking, yet for some inexplicable reason, audiences just didn't warm to them. There was nothing to be done about that.
"President Pei! Long time no see." Zhang Zuting stepped forward quickly and shook Pei Qian's hand.
"President Pei, it's a pleasure to meet you." Lu Zhiyao followed closely behind.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Pei Qian led everyone into the private room and they took their seats.
It was the same largest private room on the third floor of the villa. Zhang Zuting looked out through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the afterglow of the setting sun spilling over the infinity pool outside, and couldn't help but recall his first visit here.
This scene… really made one unable to stop swallowing.
Just thinking of the exquisite dishes he'd had last time made Zhang Zuting eager and impatient to start eating.
However, at that moment, President Pei wasn't looking at Zhang Zuting, nor at Lu Zhiyao—he was staring at Zhang Zuting's assistant.
So it was you last time, memorizing the location of Mingyun Private Kitchen and luring all the wealthy folks of Jingzhou over here!
Pei Qian was annoyed, but there was nothing he could do. For the sake of Zhang Zuting, he decided not to pursue the matter.
Pei Qian introduced Zhu Xiaoce to Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao. After a bit more small talk, dishes began to be served one after another.
Lu Zhiyao had eaten plenty of fine food before, but seeing the dishes here still made a look of surprise appear on his face.
Before coming, he'd heard that Jingzhou had an excellent but nameless restaurant, yet he hadn't expected much. After all, he filmed all over the country, what great restaurants hadn't he been to?
But once he actually tasted the food, he realized that the dishes here were in no way inferior to the very best restaurants he'd visited before. In fact, the environment and service were even better!
As the delicious food went down, much of the gloom that had weighed on Lu Zhiyao recently began to dissipate.
After his new film flopped, Lu Zhiyao shut himself away at home for several days. Recently, he hadn't planned on taking on any new movies at all.
Even with such a strong cast, his last film had still bombed. If he made another one and it flopped again… that would be unbearable.
As for whether he should accept this film, Lu Zhiyao himself hadn't really made up his mind. Relatively speaking, his trip to Jingzhou was more about clearing his head than about work.
However, as dish after dish was brought out and he experienced the attentive, considerate service, Lu Zhiyao began to feel the importance President Pei placed on him.
At first, he'd only intended to take a casual look. But after this meal, he suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.
As the saying goes, "You soften your stance after eating someone's food, and your hand shortens after taking their gifts." Even though Lu Zhiyao still hadn't decided whether to take the role, it felt only right to at least talk about it.
With that in mind, Lu Zhiyao spoke up on his own initiative.
"President Pei, Director Zhu, let's briefly talk about this film."
"To be honest, I've been feeling pretty down lately, and I'm not in great shape mentally. Mr. Zhang surely knows that an actor's condition has a big impact on their performance. I kept turning it down before mainly because I was worried I wouldn't do the film justice and would end up causing trouble for everyone."
"And besides, right now I'm considered a 'box-office poison.' I'm also afraid of dragging you down with me."
Lu Zhiyao didn't shut the door completely with his words. He deliberately adopted a fairly low-key stance, so that if he ended up refusing in the end, both sides could still save face.
As for whether he would actually take the film, that would depend on reading the script and understanding the other party's sincerity.
If it was a bad movie, he would politely decline. If it seemed like it had a chance to become at least a modest hit, then he could give it a try.
Pei Qian smiled.
"Not at all. I think your talent has been seriously buried!"
"Others may see you as box-office poison, but to me, you're the most suitable choice for this film's male lead!"
"I have very high expectations for you."
Lu Zhiyao knew that President Pei's words were probably polite compliments.
But seeing the sincerity in President Pei's eyes, he was still moved.
It really seemed that President Pei was being genuine!
A kindred spirit like this was hard to find.
"President Pei, your trust in me really makes me feel a bit ashamed."
"President Pei, Director Zhu, I can feel the sincerity from both of you. But could I take a look at the script first?"
As expected, he wanted to see the script.
Pei Qian also knew that without showing him the script, Lu Zhiyao would most likely refuse to take part. He had no choice but to glance at Zhu Xiaoce and have him hand two copies of the script to Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao respectively.
Lu Zhiyao wiped his hands with the warm towel offered by the server, then solemnly accepted the script and began to read it carefully.
Pei Qian watched as Lu Zhiyao's expression shifted from anticipation, to confusion, to shock, and finally to a blank stare. A bad feeling crept in.
After quickly flipping through the script, Lu Zhiyao didn't know what to say for a moment.
This kind of script was really rare!
It wasn't that he'd never seen anything like it at all—there were some European and American arthouse films with similarly ambiguous plots—but domestically, he really hadn't seen anything filmed like this…
In Lu Zhiyao's acting career, he had never played this kind of male lead before.
Wasn't this a bit too miserable?
He starts out as a bootlicker, then can't even manage to keep his girlfriend; halfway through, he finally makes it big, only to dump his old love, and in the end he gets set up and falls back into poverty.
When has Lu Zhiyao ever suffered this kind of grievance?
In the past, every male lead he'd played had been a winner in life, surrounded by beautiful women and enjoying smooth sailing in his career.
Even if it's a tragedy, it should at least be grand and stirring, something heroic, a death that shakes the heavens and earth.
Or even if he were playing a supporting role, it would usually be a lovable, charismatic villain.
But this movie? It clearly says he's the male lead, yet this male lead is just too miserable! He's neither lovable nor pitiable. After hearing the story, it just makes your stomach churn.
Lu Zhiyao looked at Pei Qian.
"President Pei… this script…"
For a moment, he didn't even know how to describe it.
Seeing Lu Zhiyao's expression, Pei Qian had a bad feeling. Sure enough, this all-poisons-return-to-the-source kind of script was having a discouraging effect on this so-called "box-office poison"…
Thinking about it, it made sense. His previous films might have flopped, but in them he'd played heroes or domineering CEOs. At worst, he was still a carefree rich second-generation heir or an elite professional.
Now they wanted him to play a penniless nobody—a bootlicker, a stupid ingrate—who gets toyed with and screwed over in the end. How could he possibly be happy with that?
Pei Qian glanced at Zhu Xiaoce, signaling that now was the time for the director to step in.
No matter what you say, just hype up the script first and stabilize Lu Zhiyao's mindset!
However, before Zhu Xiaoce could even open his mouth, Zhang Zuting slapped his thigh.
"Great script! This script is amazing!"
"I've been making films for so many years, and I've never seen a script with such profound intent!"
"This is a sharp satire. It criticizes excessive obsession with consumption, society's restlessness, and the way money alienates people. There's a lot of depth here, it's worth savoring carefully!"
"President Pei, where did you find this screenwriter? The level is really high!"
Zhu Xiaoce replied at just the right moment, "This script was written personally by President Pei."
Zhang Zuting immediately grew solemn with respect.
"I never would've guessed that President Pei was so multi-talented! Truly, the more capable you are, the more work you take on!"
"But wait—President Pei, the script was already written. Then why did you dodge the question when I asked you about it on the phone before?"
"Oh~ I get it now. It was because of humility and low-key modesty!"
"President Pei, being humble is fine, but being too humble isn't good. That's only because we're close, if it were another actor, hearing there was no script might've made them not come at all. What a loss that would've been!"
"Just for this script alone, forget a friendship discount, even if there were no pay at all, I'd still definitely come and shoot it!"
Pei Qian looked at Zhu Xiaoce, then at Zhang Zuting, completely bewildered. The way things were developing had totally exceeded his expectations.
What was going on…
He'd originally only prepared Zhu Xiaoce as a plant, planning to use him to bluff both Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.
But Zhang Zuting was way too cooperative, he'd proactively become a plant himself, and now the three of them were ganging up to bluff Lu Zhiyao!
Lu Zhiyao was still very confused. He'd only skimmed the script and hadn't really grasped the key points in it.
Zhang Zuting continued flipping through the script and sighed with emotion.
"President Pei, if I'm not mistaken, this script was tailor-made specifically for Brother Lu, right?"
Pei Qian: ?
Tailor-made?
You're overthinking it. When I wrote this script, I didn't even know who Lu Zhiyao was…
But there was no way Pei Qian could say that out loud.
So he could only put on a mysterious smile, neither confirming nor denying it.
Seeing that smile, Zhang Zuting became even more convinced. He turned to Lu Zhiyao beside him.
"Brother Lu, can't you see it?"
Lu Zhiyao's head was spinning.
See what exactly?!
Tailor-made for me?
Do I really look that much like a bootlicker?!
Seeing Lu Zhiyao's baffled expression, Zhang Zuting explained:
"Brother Lu, do you know what you're lacking the most right now?"
"It's not just a good script, or a good role."
"What you really lack is a good persona."
Lu Zhiyao still looked confused.
Zhang Zuting continued, "By a good persona, I don't mean some tall, perfect, politically correct character in a movie. You've already played plenty of those 'successful people,' yet the response has always been lukewarm. Have you ever thought about why?"
"A good persona isn't a flawless character. It's a role that maximizes your own unique traits, lets the audience empathize with you, and makes them remember you."
"When I was young, I won Best Actor by playing a mentally ill man."
"And the male lead in this script—he looks like he's good for nothing, but he's actually a genuinely great role: complex and layered."
"A role like this is a full-spectrum tempering of your acting skills, and it can also help you completely break free from the audience's stereotypes of you."
"Why haven't the roles you played before had good audience appeal? Personally, I think it's mainly because you're too handsome."
"Because you're so good-looking, audiences feel a sense of dissonance. You don't feel grounded, you don't feel real, and it's hard for them to immerse themselves in the story."
"I think your looks have, to some extent, become a burden. And because you're unwilling to put that burden down, you find it hard to break through your own mindset when playing those roles."
"You keep playing flawless characters, how could you possibly leave a deep impression on the audience?"
"So I'm telling you, this role is practically tailor-made for you. It fits you perfectly!"
"To be honest, if I were ten or twenty years younger, I'd definitely play this male lead myself. But now? I'm already old. This opportunity can only be given to you."
Listening to Zhang Zuting's words, Lu Zhiyao fell silent.
Pei Qian and Zhu Xiaoce also fell silent.
But the three of them were silent for entirely different reasons…
Lu Zhiyao's silence came from the feeling that these were the heartfelt words of a Best Actor, words that truly resonated with him.
No matter how popular Zhang Zuting was now, he was still an elder with achievements far greater than his own.
If even Zhang Zuting thought this role was good, then it really must be a good role.
Zhu Xiaoce, meanwhile, was filled with admiration. As expected of Zhang Zuting—an old-school acting heavyweight who truly understood cinema.
Just from the two actors' reactions to the script, it was clear that Zhang Zuting's level was far above Lu Zhiyao's!
As for Pei Qian, he was completely lost.
He'd originally thought Zhang Zuting would react the same way as Lu Zhiyao—have major objections to the script—forcing him and Zhu Xiaoce to work together to bluff their way through.
But instead, Zhang Zuting actually liked the script!
Not only did he like it, he even helped talk Lu Zhiyao into it, he'd gone so far as to say things like "this script was tailor-made for you"…
Right now, Pei Qian just wanted to know: were these words from Old Zhang truly from the heart, or was he simply bluffing Lu Zhiyao?
The former?
That didn't seem very likely. He'd deliberately written this script to be as universally toxic as possible, how could a seasoned acting veteran like Old Zhang, who'd acted in so many films, actually like it?
Mm, more likely, it was because he was Zhu Xiaoce's boss and Zhang Zuting's financial backer. Neither of them could evaluate this script objectively, so they were lavishing it with praise.
See? Lu Zhiyao, who didn't know him at all, barely reacted to the script!
So Old Zhang and Zhu Xiaoce must both be helping to bluff Lu Zhiyao.
Well done!
The two of them had rendered great service today. As long as they could pull this "box-office poison" into the crew, he'd definitely have to give them a raise!
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Note: The personal thing is like how, till this day, despite the number of movies that Daniel Jacob Radcliffe had participated in, when people met him on the road, they know him as 'Harry Potter', hell, some young Harry Potter movies watchers really think his name is Harry Potter and call him Harry.
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