Chapter 491: Chapter 491: The Battle for Zhu Tingting
"Cut!"
"This take is excellent! It's a wrap!"
At the ancient costume drama film studio in Durian City,
the director sat behind the camera, stood up very satisfied, and applauded the actors in front of him.
At this moment,
the two actors were still immersed in their roles, one with veins bulging at his temples and eyes bloodshot, while the other leaned despondently against the iron bars, his eyes filled with despair.
This was a major urban ethical business war romance drama directed by the renowned director Han Peng this year.
Even before filming began, a fierce battle over the rights and broadcasting platform had already taken place, attracting a lot of attention.
While the drama team, platforms, and celebrities were embroiled in endless disputes,
Han Peng decisively replaced the original male lead with the up-and-coming actor Zhu Tingting.
Since then, the entire crew seemed to be blessed with good luck, not only enjoying smooth sailing but also securing a chance for the drama to be broadcast on satellite TV.
The filming process was also exceptionally smooth.
"Hahaha, as expected of someone you recommended!"
"Zhu Tingting is not only hardworking, polite, and diligent, but he also has great luck."
"Since he joined the crew, everything has gone smoothly."
Since everyone was filming in the same studio,
during breaks,
Han Peng and Kou Cen, two big directors, sat together and began gossiping, as directors often do.
After more than half a year of post-production,
the drama "Mr. Sweetheart" was currently airing during prime time on a major domestic TV station. Its reputation and ratings were astonishingly high, with a nightly viewership rating of at least 1.2%, making Kou Cen so happy that he seemed to have rejuvenated by several years.
"Ah, it's just a pity that the cast for my drama was decided early on, and there was no way to change it. Otherwise, would it have been your turn?"
Kou Cen joked boastfully.
At his level, although he could directly decide on some actors, there were also many actors he had no control over.
Whether it was due to personal relationships or investments, there were too many factors that could constrain him.
Rather than letting a good talent go to waste, it was better to recommend them to a good friend.
Han Peng rolled his eyes at him.
"Don't be shameless. You think just because you say he can act with you, he can?"
"If I hadn't chosen him as the lead for my commercial back then, who would know him?"
...
While the two of them bantered back and forth,
on the other side,
Zhu Tingting sat on a stool, holding a thick script, diligently memorizing his lines.
His agent, holding a phone, was managing Zhu Tingting's official Weibo account while speaking:
"According to the contract, during the filming of this drama, you need to engage in promotional interactions with the female lead. After tonight's shoot, we'll also film a segment of you two interacting."
"Make sure to act gentle. Maybe the actions don't need to be too obvious, but your eyes must convey the right emotion. Got it?"
Zhu Tingting nodded: "I understand, don't worry."
The agent looked at Zhu Tingting with satisfaction.
Unlike many overnight celebrities, Zhu Tingting remained low-key and polite, and he was very obedient.
He put in his full effort without complaint for the company's various demanding requirements and showed great respect for other female artists.
Although he was still a small-time actor, his reputation within the industry was excellent.
Coupled with his natural lucky charm, many crews and directors within the industry had already taken notice of him.
If he continued steadily, his future development would be limitless!
"It's time to get Tingting a few endorsements..."
The agent stroked his chin, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
...
The sun was shining, the sky was clear, and the air was refreshing!
Chen Jianhai pushed open the window,
gazing at the beautiful scenery of his Lion Castle Hotel, he took a deep breath.
"Ah..."
His rough voice roared out like a broken gong.
Only after he had almost expelled all the foul air from his chest did Chen Jianhai stop, satisfied, and stretched his limbs.
He then said with a look of disdain:
"Shouting towards the grass just isn't as satisfying as shouting towards the sea!"
After saying this, Chen Jianhai took out his phone and dialed a number:
"Hello, Minister Zhu? This is Chen Jianhai."
"Regarding the cooperation we discussed last time, I'd like to talk about it in more detail."
"I'm currently in Zaomen..."
"Alright, I'll trouble you to make the trip. I'll be waiting for you at the Lion Castle Hotel."
"Okay, see you soon."
After hanging up, Chen Jianhai leaned back and collapsed onto the soft bed.
Had he really become this impressive now... that with just one phone call, the head of the investment department of a large investment intermediary company would travel from Nanjiang's Little Vest Island to Zaomen to discuss cooperation with him.
It all felt a bit like a dream.
But, this feeling was really great!
Hahahaha.
His wild laughter echoed from the room, passing through the wide-open window and clearly reaching the ears of two people on the lawn below.
Lin Suyang looked at the poor painter who had been startled once again and quickly explained:
"Since our hotel has such good air, some playful guests like to shout a couple of times in the morning,"
"You can shout too..."
The poor painter, still shaken, looked up at the open window above him,
and tightened his grip on the straps of his backpack.
His name was Pang Xuehen, a Western fantasy comic artist recommended to the hotel by Tang Tangtang.
Three days ago, he had been in his rented apartment, working on his drafts.
But then two phone calls came in,
and before he could react,
he was warmly invited to the Lion Castle Hotel for inspiration, to draw some character concept art.
What made Pang Xuehen happiest was that this trip was fully covered, including travel, food, and accommodation, and he would also receive 10,000 yuan.
If his work was good, he could even become the hotel's exclusive artist, authorized to create a series of comics.
Everything had happened so quickly, so unbelievably.
Even walking felt light, as if he were treading on cotton.
Until... that wild, unrestrained shout just now, which completely pulled him back to reality.
Music truly is a powerful force that resonates with the soul!!
While Pang Xuehen curiously observed the hotel's environment, Lin Suyang was also secretly sizing him up.
"Can this guy... really do it?"
A hint of doubt flashed in Lin Suyang's eyes.
The person in front of him seemed listless, completely different from the cheerful and enthusiastic Tang Tangtang.
He seemed like someone who was deeply immersed in his own little world, making communication difficult.
Just from his appearance,
it was hard to believe he could create such dark and eerie works.
"Maybe those in the arts are all hidden masters?"
Thinking of the previous rock painting master, a question flashed in Lin Suyang's mind.
Then, recalling the copywriting, Lin Suyang nodded affirmatively, confirming his thoughts.
"You just arrived in Zaomen this morning, take a rest first, and start drawing tomorrow."
Pang Xuehen quickly replied: "It's okay, I can start working today... Um, when can I move into room 1703?"
Lin Suyang: "I'll need to check with the front desk to see if any guests have booked it."
"If no one has booked it, we can arrange for you to stay there tonight."
Pang Xuehen: "Alright, thank you."
...
Although the short video from Flower Capital had attracted many horror and supernatural story enthusiasts,
the room rates at Lion Castle Hotel were simply too high.
The price for one night was almost equivalent to an ordinary person's monthly salary,
so even though room 1703 was currently in the spotlight, few were willing to spend that much money to come on a whim.
Watching Pang Xuehen excitedly take the key to room 1703, the front desk girl gave him a worried look.
Sigh,
another fearless one.
When the handsome butler led Pang Xuehen into room 1703, the moment the door closed!
Pang Xuehen's eyes sparkled with excitement!
Without hesitation, he pulled out his drawing tools and pencils from his backpack,
then casually threw the robe from the bed onto a chair and lay down on the bed!
Within three seconds of touching the bed,
Pang Xuehen's head tilted to the side, and he was fast asleep...
...
Time passed quickly,
The latest updates are first published on 69shu!
After receiving Chen Jianhai's call, Zhu Songzhou rushed straight to Zaomen,
finally arriving at the Lion Castle Hotel in Zaomen around 3 PM.
Since both sides had previously communicated thoroughly, this time, Chen Jianhai and Zhu Songzhou quickly reached a cooperation agreement.
Within three months, Summer Momo Coffee would officially open in Zaomen's Rainbow Mall and Nanjiang's Yuanbao Mall.
With the contract in hand, Zhu Songzhou didn't even wait to spend a night at the Lion Castle Hotel. He bought a return ticket to Durian City that same night to prepare for the follow-up tasks.
"Three months..."
Chen Jianhai stood up and looked out the window, deep in thought.
In today's society, the old saying "good wine needs no bush" only holds true over time.
Without eye-catching and attention-grabbing promotions,
the store might close before people even get to know its quality.
So, in these three months, he needed to create a buzz and advertise Summer Momo Coffee to increase its visibility.
Thinking of this, Chen Jianhai picked up the office phone on his desk and dialed a number.
"Hello, boss." Lin Suyang's voice came through the receiver.
Chen Jianhai: "Come to my office."
Lin Suyang: "Yes, boss."
Five minutes later, there was a knock on the door.
"Boss, you wanted to see me?"
Lin Suyang walked in, holding his work notebook.
Chen Jianhai briefly outlined his ideas and requirements for the Summer Momo Coffee advertising campaign.
"These are my general ideas. You can refine and complete the specific implementation."
"If you encounter any difficulties during execution, come to me." Chen Jianhai said.
"Understood, boss. I'll get right on it."
Lin Suyang quickly glanced through his notebook to ensure he hadn't missed anything, then hesitantly asked:
"Boss, usually such coffee shops have a brand ambassador."
"Yue Xinyuan Coffee's ambassador is Min Bao'er. Should we also sign a celebrity as our ambassador?"
Hey?!
Chen Jianhai raised an eyebrow slightly, looking at Lin Suyang with great appreciation.
That's why he valued his Minister Lin so much!!
Just two days ago, he had thought about hiring a celebrity as an ambassador, and today Lin Suyang had directly hit the nail on the head.
"Good idea."
Chen Jianhai nodded, "By the way, how's Tingting doing? I haven't been in touch with him for a while."
Lin Suyang also smiled.
"Don't worry, boss. We've been keeping in touch."
"A couple of days ago, he just joined a new crew as the male lead. There's a good chance it might even air on satellite TV."
After a pause, Lin Suyang added:
"Boss, how about we ask Tingting to be our ambassador?"
"Sure!" Chen Jianhai agreed almost without hesitation.
"Go ahead and contact him. If that brat dares to raise his price... damn, he's not under my management anymore, so even if he raises his price, there's nothing I can do."
Chen Jianhai muttered to himself in frustration.
"Don't worry, boss. If he tries to raise his price, I'll beat him up."
Lin Suyang said with certainty.
Then, Lin Suyang paused and added:
"By the way, boss, there's one more thing."
"Today, the comic artist recommended by Tang Tangtang arrived at the hotel. We've arranged for him to stay in room 1703 as per his request."
Chen Jianhai asked in surprise: "He dares to stay there?!"
"Yes!"
"Not only does he dare, but he also plans to stay for several days." Lin Suyang said with admiration.
Wow!
Chen Jianhai was instantly filled with respect.
This kind of immersive approach to seeking inspiration was truly admirable.
But amidst his admiration, a thought suddenly crossed Chen Jianhai's mind.
"Wait... didn't I hire him to draw character concept art for Vikam?"
Lin Suyang: "Yes."
Chen Jianhai: "...Then why is he staying in the supernatural-themed room 1703 for a magical world comic commission?"
Lin Suyang: "..." That does make sense!
Chen Jianhai's heart skipped a beat.
Holy crap,
this guy isn't going to end up drawing a horror-themed character concept, is he???
While Chen Jianhai was curious about what kind of character concept Pang Xuehen would come up with,
two different emails were simultaneously sent from Cream Road in Zaomen City to the cooperation email of Zhu Tingting's agent in Durian City.
On the movie set,
Zhu Tingting, having removed his makeup, was filming a CP-themed video segment with the female lead as required by the crew and the company.
These videos would later be released as bonus content and behind-the-scenes footage during the drama's broadcast to maintain the show's popularity.
The current shoot was a casual scene of Zhu Tingting and the female lead rehearsing lines together.
Since Zhu Tingting had a good rapport with the crew and got along well with the female lead, their interactions were comfortable and natural.
Thus, the filming process went smoothly.
Just as the female lead and Zhu Tingting were joking around,
the female lead suddenly coughed softly, her voice slightly hoarse.
"Is your throat bothering you?" Zhu Tingting asked with concern.
"I've been staying up late memorizing lines recently, so my throat's a bit sore."
The female lead waved her hand with a smile.
"It's okay, I'll just have a throat lozenge."
Almost instinctively, Zhu Tingting said: "If your throat's sore, it's better to drink some honey lemon water. Wait here, I'll make some for you."
Then, under the surprised gazes of everyone on set,
Zhu Tingting walked back to his bag, took out a packet of honey and lemon slices, put them in a disposable cup, and then went to the nearby water dispenser to fill it with water before handing it to the female lead.
"Drink it slowly. This will make you feel better."
The female lead stared blankly at the honey lemon water in her hand, then at Zhu Tingting's sincere expression.
After a moment,
her face turned red,
a happy smile spreading across her beautiful face.
Her long, fluttering eyelashes made her eyes shine brightly as she sweetly said:
"Thank you."