Huayu: This director is so eager to improve.

Chapter 97 When you want something

Zhang Chaoyang was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter, waved his hand, and showed no sign of being offended.

"Oh, not at all, just singing randomly for fun. But if we have the chance, we could have a little competition. I really like Angela Chang's songs."

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries and talked about their views on the content industry. Zhang Chaoyang showed interest in Qi Yue's "Day and Night" model and "Tongfan's" strategy, but only touched on it briefly.

Shortly after, Zhang Chaoyang's assistant walked over quickly and whispered something.

"I'm sorry, Director Qi Yue," Zhang Chaoyang said, standing up.

"I'm tied up with mundane affairs, and there are still some things at the company that I need to take care of when I get back. We can talk more about it in detail another time."

He suddenly remembered something else.

"Oh, and don't forget about singing together."

"I will never forget, Mr. Zhang, take care."

Watching Zhang Chaoyang's departing figure, Qi Yue seemed lost in thought.

The sudden intervention and goodwill signals from this influential figure may have more complex implications than they appear.

The charity auction finally ended in a slightly weary atmosphere.

Qi Yue was about to leave with Li Qing when a pretty young assistant in a staff uniform quietly approached him and whispered:

"Hello sir. Could you please come backstage? Someone would like to thank you in person."

Qi Yue glanced at Li Qing, who nodded, indicating that he should go over there himself.

Follow the assistant through the side corridor to the relatively quiet backstage area.

At the door of a makeshift lounge, the assistant stopped, knocked gently, and then pushed the door open.

The indoor lighting was soft. Deng Jiaqi had changed out of her performance outfit and was now wearing a simple white T-shirt and jeans. Her hair was casually tied up, and she had washed off her makeup.

She sat alone on the sofa, holding a cup of hot water in her hands.

Upon seeing Qi Yue enter, she immediately stood up, appearing somewhat nervous.

"Director Qi... Hello. I'm so grateful to you just now."

Qi Yue offered a slight gesture of support: "No need to be so polite. The real bidders were actually others. Are you alright?"

Deng Jiaqi straightened up, shook her head, her eyes reddening again, but she held back:

"I just asked Fengzhi to go look for him, but he's already left. I'm fine, just a little... scared. And... very embarrassed."

Qi Yue looked at the girl and understood her vulnerability and stubbornness.

But that's how society is; when you want something, you have to be prepared to give something in return.

It could even be said that the entertainment industry, with its huge media exposure, has a set of unspoken rules that are much cleaner than those in many other industries.

Some jobs that seem simple and straightforward to outsiders, like a civil servant trying to climb the corporate ladder, may come at a much higher price than you imagine.

Qi Yue knew this better than anyone else.

Just like in "Farewell My Concubine," when Xiaodouzi saw those famous actors enjoying their moment on stage, his first reaction was...

"How much beatings would that take!"

If you want to be respected and honored in front of others, you must first suffer in front of others.

But Qi Yue still comforted him:

"If a similar situation arises again, and you feel uncomfortable, you can be more assertive. Your value and talent don't lie in hiding in a box."

Deng Jiaqi nodded:

"I understand, Director Qi. I really... don't know how to thank you. And the other gentleman..."

"That's General Manager Zhang Chaoyang."

Deng Jiaqi looked surprised, clearly not expecting it to be such an important figure.

"Get some rest. Sing well; the songs are what really matter." Qi Yue didn't intend to stay any longer and prepared to take his leave after saying that.

"Director Qi!" Deng Jiaqi called out to him, quickly taking out one of her CDs from her bag and handing it to him with both hands, somewhat embarrassed.

"This is my recently released EP, a rather immature work... if you don't mind. It has my signature and contact information on it... If you ever need any music-related work in the future, or... if there's anything I can help with, please let me know."

Qi Yue glanced at the girl on the cover, whose face was youthful yet whose eyes held a firm resolve, and took the CD.

"Okay, I'll listen. Goodbye."

.......

The following day, the entertainment sections of major entertainment websites and print media featured this story on their front pages.

[Emerging director Qi Yue officially enters the film industry; is his new film "Black Coal, Thin Ice" aiming for the top three cinemas?]

[A Second Collaboration After "Day and Night"? Qi Yue's New Film's Female Lead Likely to Be "Qi Girl" Li Qing!]

[Qi Yue and Li Qing's appearance together at a charity gala sparks speculation; may they collaborate for the third time on the big screen!]

How likely are television directors to succeed in film? Qi Yue and Li Qing tackle the chilling crime genre.

The report was accompanied by many photos showing Qi Yue protecting Li Qing as they passed through a crowd of reporters outside the charity gala last night, or the two having a brief conversation inside the venue.

The text went to great lengths to exaggerate, amplifying Qi Yue's "official announcement" to reporters as if Li Qing's joining the company was a done deal.

Public enthusiasm was ignited. Qi Yue's influence, coupled with Li Qing's rising popularity, brought much attention to the film project "Black Coal, Thin Ice," which had not yet been officially approved, but also attracted numerous questions.

Can a TV director handle film? Can Li Qing portray a compelling big-screen character?

......

However, at the same time, Rongxinda Company,

Inside Boss Li Shaohong's office, the atmosphere was completely different from the bustling noise outside.

Li Shaohong sat behind a large desk, her face so dark it could drip water, clutching an entertainment magazine with relevant headlines in her hand.

Across from her, Li Qing lowered her head slightly, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes.

"I really couldn't tell, Qin'er."

Li Shaohong slammed the magazine down on the table with a "thud."

"So you've learned to act first and ask questions later, haven't you? Now that you've grown up and opened your own studio, you think you can ignore what I, as your boss and elder, have to say?"

"Aunt Hong, I didn't..." Li Qing raised her head, her eyes already a little red.

"I really didn't know those reporters would write that... I just had dinner with Director Qi at the hotel, and he mentioned the new movie. I... I haven't agreed yet! Those reports are just wild guesses!"

"Still trying to deny it!" Li Shaohong suddenly raised her voice, her well-maintained face flushed slightly with anger.

"Just having dinner together? And he just happened to say something like that in front of the reporters? Do you think I'm a three-year-old?! Now the whole internet knows that Li Qing is the female lead in Qi Yue's new movie! This is called not agreeing? This is called being put on the hot seat!"

She stood up, walked around the desk, and stood in front of Li Qing, her tone resolute:

"You directed him in 'Yu Zui' and 'Day and Night,' those were TV dramas. I was willing to let it slide because the scripts were decent and they would boost your popularity. But this time, a movie? No way! You have to listen to me, you can't take this role!"

"But Aunt Hong, that role is really challenging. I've read the script, and I think..." Li Qing wanted to argue, but her voice grew softer and softer.

"No buts!" Li Shaohong interrupted her, her tone leaving no room for argument. "What do you think? What good is your opinion?! Do you think you can succeed in this industry just by thinking what you think?!"