Chapter 23: Asking Her to Play Shen Jiayi
That evening, Cai Yinong hosted dinner. Liu Yifei wore a blue camisole with ripped jeans.
She looked a bit plumper than a year ago, with a hint of baby fat returning.
Aside from her face, she had a bit of the charm of Yang Gongru in Thirteen Sisters.
Cai Yinong smiled, "Director Li's words at the airport were very prescient; they don't sound like something a young person would say."
Hu Ge livened up the conversation, "Yes, I definitely couldn't say something like that."
Liu Yifei maintained a smile, thinking about the phone call. Could it be The nightclub?
On the way there, Liu Xiaoli had said if it was The nightclub, then forget it.
After all, the director wasn't Li Chen.
Li Chen said, "Ms. Cai is too kind. This is an industry trend, especially with the country joining the WTO."
"High-grossing commercial films will become the mainstream, attracting more investors to the market."
"Ms. Cai is probably one of them, otherwise she wouldn't have invited me to visit the set."
Cai Yinong wasn't embarrassed, smiling, "Director Li sees things clearly."
"Tangren Media does have plans to enter the big screen, but we've always lacked a strong screenwriting and directing team."
Li Chen nodded, "In that regard, our two companies are very similar. There might be an opportunity to collaborate in the future."
Cai Yinong smiled, "That would be wonderful. I look forward to working with Director Li."
"There will be opportunities. I also admire Ms. Cai's unique vision."
"The themes she chooses are all game IPs, which come with a built-in fan base and are popular before they even air."
"the return of the condor heroes will definitely be another hit."
"Hu Ge will also become an overnight sensation, and Yifei will rise to an even higher level," Li Chen said confidently, looking at Hu Ge and Liu Yifei.
The two of them were secretly pleased, hoping that Director Li's words would come true.
Liu Xiaoli observed the young director with a scrutinizing gaze from the side.
He was articulate, and his words, between the lines, exuded confidence.
After the dinner, although Cai Yinong didn't achieve her goal.
It was a good start, at least establishing a connection.
Cai Yinong was very tactful. Upon learning that Li Chen still had business with Liu Yifei and her mother, she found an excuse to leave with Hu Ge.
Only Li Chen and Liu Yifei and her mother remained in the private room.
Liu Xiaoli spoke first, "Director Li, I heard from Xixi that you have a script for her."
Li Chen nodded, "That's right, Auntie."
Liu Yifei's beautiful eyes were full of smiles.
Her mother called him Director Li, and he called her mother Auntie; it sounded funny no matter how she heard it.
Yet, the two of them just continued their own conversations, not caring.
Liu Yifei smiled, "Is it The nightclub?"
Li Chen chuckled, "You really dare to think that?"
"Once the return of the condor heroes airs, you'll definitely enter the ranks of first-tier stars."
"How could you possibly lower your status to act in a low-budget comedy like The nightclub?"
Liu Yifei glanced at Liu Xiaoli and smiled, "Mom said the same thing. So, what are you looking for me to act in?"
Li Chen smiled, "Shen Jiayi!"
Liu Yifei was instantly stunned.
Liu Xiaoli asked curiously, "What's wrong, Xixi?"
"Ah, nothing, Mom." Liu Yifei's face flushed.
Li Chen explained, "Auntie, it's like this: Shen Jiayi is the female protagonist in my book."
"This book currently has good sales and a decent audience. It has one thing in common with the return of the condor heroes."
"That is, they both come with a built-in fan base!"
"As long as it's filmed, it will be the icing on the cake for Yifei's career."
Liu Yifei's beautiful eyes were full of surprise.
She secretly wondered: Did he have this in mind when he gave me a birthday present last year?
No wonder he said what he gave me wasn't a book.
He actually gave me a female lead!
Liu Yifei's beautiful eyes sparkled as she glared at Li Chen, causing him to momentarily lose focus.
It was as stunning as the first time he saw the girl's 'Indian Maiden'.
Those captivating little eyes were naturally suited for the center of the stage.
Liu Xiaoli, of course, understood the popularity of movies adapted from popular novels.
But then she thought of something else.
She asked with a smile, "So, you had this in mind when Xixi had her birthday last year?"
Good heavens, she really had sharp eyes.
Li Chen glanced at the smug Zhao Ling'er and admitted, "That's right."
"But at that time, I lacked experience."
"And the novel was still in its fermentation period, not the best time for filming."
"So I just gave Yifei a book first."
"I hope she can thoroughly understand the role and present a Shen Jiayi without regrets to the fans."
"And I myself was unknown at the time; I've only recently gained a little fame."
Liu Xiaoli was quite satisfied with Li Chen's answer; at least he didn't lie.
She didn't want her daughter getting involved with someone too cunning.
Liu Yifei said playfully, "So mysterious, why didn't you just say so earlier?"
"You made me read it four or five times. If I had known, I would have read it even more."
Li Chen ignored Zhao Ling'er and looked at the decision-maker, "What do you think, Auntie?"
Liu Xiaoli nodded and smiled, "Thank you, Director Li, for giving Yifei this opportunity. When do you plan to film it?"
Li Chen said, "I plan to start the project at the end of the year and begin filming after the new year."
Liu Xiaoli said with some difficulty, "Then there might be a schedule conflict."
Li Chen looked at Liu Yifei, who said, "Is Mom talking about the return of the condor heroes?"
Liu Xiaoli nodded, "Director Li, I want Xixi to try for the role of Little Dragon Girl."
"If she's chosen, filming might start at the end of this year, and it might not wrap up before your movie starts."
Li Chen secretly thought he had been too hasty. How could he let this girl's Little Dragon Girl role slip away?
He would be condemned by both gods and men.
Li Chen smiled, "How about this, Auntie, I'll start the project next year. After Yifei finishes filming, I'll prepare for my film to start."
Now Liu Xiaoli felt a little embarrassed.
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble for Director Li, and the role of Little Dragon Girl might not even be Xixi's."
Liu Yifei couldn't help but let out a giggle.
Liu Xiaoli gave her daughter a look.
Li Chen also smiled, "Auntie, just call me by my name."
"It's no trouble at all; the role of Little Dragon Girl is worth waiting for."
Liu Xiaoli smiled, "Then thank you, Li Chen."
"My daughter and I also discussed with her godfather that if she can secure the role of Little Dragon Girl, she will no longer take on TV dramas."
"She'll focus on developing her career on the big screen and in the music industry."
"If she doesn't get it, Xixi still won't take on any more TV dramas."
Li Chen listened intently and nodded, "Auntie's strategy for Yifei is correct."
"But it's not absolute."
Liu Yifei smiled, "What do you mean by that?"
Li Chen said, "I'll say it, and please don't take offense, you and Auntie."
Liu Xiaoli smiled, "It's fine, go ahead. I'd also like to hear your professional opinion."
Li Chen said, "The big screen is indeed a shortcut to raising one's status and fame."
"But it also depends on the script. For a popular IP like the return of the condor heroes, Yifei could make ten more may love movies and it still wouldn't compare."
"With a good script, even if a monkey sat in the director's chair, the results wouldn't be bad."
"But with some bad scripts, even if you brought in Federico Fellini (a Grand Slam winner of the Big Three and Oscar), the film wouldn't have a good reputation."
Thanks to the book friend for the 10 yuan reward.
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