In the heartland of Southern Zhejiang, Jinyun County, LS City, a black sedan sped along the winding road.
The afternoon sun refracted through the car window, like a soft, gauzy curtain.
The clouds were dyed a translucent amber, radiating a gentle warmth that wrapped the girl’s profile in a thin golden glow.
“What is Wu Chen doing? He sent a message this morning and still hasn’t replied!” Liu Yifei pouted, looking at the motionless chat box on her cell phone.
“What’s wrong, Xixi?” Liu Xiaoli, who was gentle and refined, glanced over, her eyes filled with concern.
“Nothing.” Liu Yifei grinned, revealing a row of neat white teeth.
“When we get back to the film crew later, make sure you personally distribute these food and drinks you bought to the crew members, understand? After all, you took a few days off, and I’m just worried someone might have an opinion!” Liu Xiaoli specifically instructed her.
“Got it, Mom!” Liu Yifei nodded lightly, but her fingers unconsciously reached for her cell phone, as if she had thought of something, and her fair, delicate fingers skillfully typed on the keyboard.
“Shu Chang, let me tell you, when I went back to school two days ago, I met a junior student from the Photography Department who is super good at photography and super interesting.”
After sending the message, her gaze drifted out the window, her eyelashes fluttering with each blink, reflecting the undulating mountains outside the car window, looking incredibly cute.
Before long, the cell phone chimed, and Liu Yifei’s beautiful eyes lit up. She quickly opened it and saw that it was Shu Chang’s reply.
“How super interesting? Is he good-looking? Is he handsome?”
“Why are you so shallow?”
“Yes, yes, yes, I’m shallow!”
At this moment, within The Chronicle of the Swordsman film crew, Shu Chang, who was resting, sat on a folding chair with her legs crossed, her fingers typing rapidly on her cell phone.
“Just tell me if he’s good-looking and handsome, okay?”
“......” Liu Yifei pursed her lips, but in the end, she sent the message according to her true thoughts.
“He’s alright.”
“Then he’s handsome.” Shu Chang chuckled, pressed her finger, and sent two more words, “Shallow!”
“......” Liu Yifei saw it and her face wrinkled with anger. She muttered in a low voice, “She’s infuriating, this Shu Chang. I’m not talking to her anymore, the conversation is dead.”
Liu Xiaoli, with her sharp ears, heard the low murmur and smiled slightly, knowing her daughter was bickering with Shu Chang again. She didn’t say much more, leaning back in the car seat and closing her eyes to rest.
......
Meanwhile, in the Beijing Film Academy’s department head office, the teapot was steaming, the desk was piled with folders and teacups, and the air was filled with a faint scent of tea leaves.
Wu Chen was discussing the share distribution for the dark side with Mu Deyuan, and the documents spread out on the table rustled as they were flipped through.
“Take a look at this document. It contains a sample of a previous similar cooperation document that you can refer to,” Mu Deyuan said, pulling out a document and handing it over.
“Hmm?” Wu Chen took it and flipped through it. It was a project case, with key information redacted, but the movie title was particularly conspicuous.
“The Glorious Wrath?” Wu Chen was stunned for a moment.
“Yes, a film project that Professor Cao Baoping approved this year. The Academy also provided some support,” Mu Deyuan nodded silently. “You read the document while I talk!”
“First, are you planning to do this under your personal name or your studio’s name? Of course, I personally suggest you register a studio first…”
“Can’t it be under a company name?” Wu Chen asked subconsciously, as corporate operation maximizes profits.
“Under a company name, that would be a school-enterprise cooperation model. You’re a university student, and the project approval uses support funds. In this situation, do you think others wouldn’t have an opinion?
Zhang Xiao wouldn’t approve, and the nature of this project would be different!”
Mu Deyuan said calmly. Wu Chen immediately realized upon hearing him.
If it were under a company name, where would the school’s achievements go? The Beijing Film Academy would be for nothing; they might as well give up.
“Studio!” Wu Chen decided immediately. On one hand, a studio could maximize Wu Chen’s current interests, and on the other hand, a studio could be upgraded to a limited company in the future.
“Okay, the total project cost is currently estimated at 400,000, and you will invest 200,000.
Besides the positions of director, screenwriter, and cinematographer, you also need to be listed as a student producer. The project will be fully integrated into the Photography Department’s practical courses, and the Academy will later use this to apply to the Ministry of Education for a ‘Production, Education, and Research Integration Demonstration Base’…”
Wu Chen nodded slowly. Although these procedures were cumbersome, they were the optimal solution for a win-win situation between him and the school.
Only when everyone benefits can everyone truly benefit!
“The Academy provides 200,000 in funding, as well as venues, resources, equipment, etc. For domestic revenue distribution, your studio will account for 55% and the Beijing Film Academy for 45%.
However, the Beijing Film Academy retains educational screening rights, and commercial distribution requires mutual agreement.
For international copyright sales agency, your studio will lead negotiations, and the Beijing Film Academy will have the right of first refusal. Your studio’s share will be 65%, and the Beijing Film Academy’s will be 35%.
Remake rights will be priced separately, with both parties splitting 8:2…”
After discussing the share-related issues, Mu Deyuan took a sip of his tea and then said, “Don’t find the school troublesome. There are many aspects involved here, and if these matters aren’t settled in advance, there will be a lot of chaos later. The school has suffered greatly in this regard before.”
“Understood, Teacher.” Wu Chen chuckled. The school had helped him to this extent; he had nothing to complain about.
“Get the studio registration materials to me as soon as possible. You can apply for a ‘Special Entrepreneurship Channel’ with the project approval document to the School Property Office, and your studio can be established sooner.”
Mu Deyuan glanced at the time and stood up. “I still have a class. Try to look at the documents here; don’t take them back to your dorm!”
With that, Mu Deyuan picked up his thermos and prepared to leave.
Wu Chen also stood up immediately. Mu Deyuan was surprised for a moment. “Not looking anymore?”
“I believe the Teacher and the school won’t trick me!” Wu Chen grinned.
“You rascal!” Mu Deyuan smiled contentedly, waved his hand, “Alright, go get busy!”
Wu Chen nodded and, after leaving the office, made a call to his father.
He had to share this good news with his family.
At the same time, Zhang Zemin, having finished his business, was already sitting in the airport’s VIP lounge, squinting his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.
“I need to contact Old Wu more often in the future. His son is amazing…”
Zhang Zemin muttered to himself, feeling a bit envious of Wu Yangming.
“Sir, this is the tea you requested. We also have some books here to pass the time while waiting for your flight. Would you like me to get you one?” A young woman in a blue uniform bowed slightly.
“Alright, get me a book, um… related to movies.”
“Of course, Sir!”
“From now on, I’m also a cultured person; I need to read more books.” Zhang Zemin chuckled as he took the book, feeling an inexplicable sense of pride in his heart. Although it was only slightly related, it was still film art, after all.
However, after only two minutes, Zhang Zemin impatiently threw the book onto the table.
“This damn book, whoever wants to read it can read it. I’m just a shoe salesman!”
With that, Zhang Zemin closed his eyes directly and fell into a deep sleep.