RBCT Chapter 43, "Crazy Stone," is finished.
Chapter 43, "Crazy Stone," is finished.
Fu Yibai's gaze turned cold on the other end of the phone, but his voice became even calmer, even carrying a faint hint of a smile.
"What you said, Mr. Wang, reminds me of something else."
He did not directly respond to Wang Zhongjun's threat, but abruptly changed the subject, speaking as if in casual conversation.
"A couple of days ago, my company's legal team helped a friend with the compliance of his assets and taxes."
This friend didn't understand these things in his younger days, and there were some... "legacy issues" in his income accounts.
I had them hire the best accountants to go through everything, making sure everything was accounted for, and paying all the due taxes, leaving nothing out and making sure everything was clear and transparent.
After all, these days, it's still necessary to do things in a standardized and compliant manner; legality and compliance are the long-term solutions.
What does Mr. Wang think?
On the other end of the phone, Wang Zhongjun's breathing seemed to pause almost imperceptibly.
Fu Yibai's words, seemingly out of the blue, were like a cold needle, precisely piercing Wang Zhongjun's most hidden nerve.
"Historical issues", "compliance review", "clean up".
When these words are combined, their meaning is self-evident in the context of certain financial operations at Huayi.
Fu Yibai was telling him this.
Chenxi is already dealing with any potential issues surrounding Fan Binbin, and in the cleanest and most discreet way possible.
If Huayi still wants to speak with rules, or if it falls out in the future and tries to smear others, it will probably be Huayi itself that gets burned first.
Not to mention that Huayi could also make up the difference after receiving the news.
If Huayi were to have to pay back the "historical issues" accumulated over the years, it would cost the company the most.
Moreover, the artists under Huayi Brothers might not agree.
The air seemed to freeze at both ends of the telephone line.
After a while, Wang Zhongjun's voice came, lower than before, as if a small hole had been punctured in his aggressive aura.
"Director Fu... has certainly considered everything thoroughly."
"Of course."
Fu Yibai spoke calmly.
"You always have to put more effort into your own people."
With Mr. Wang managing such a large operation as Huayi, he must understand the importance of standardized operations even better.
As for artist management, I'll reiterate my stance: respect individual choices and follow market principles.
Dawn's doors are open to all sincere and law-abiding partners, but we will never accept unwarranted threats or intimidation.
He paused, giving the other party a way out, which was also his final and clear statement.
"Cellphone" is Director Feng's masterpiece and a major project that has attracted much attention in the industry.
At this critical juncture, I think no one wants to see any unforeseen complications that could damage the reputation of the film and all those involved.
After the New Year, once everyone has calmed down, many things can be discussed calmly and peacefully.
Mr. Wang, what do you say?
This time the silence lasted even longer.
Wang Zhongjun was clearly weighing his options rapidly.
Fu Yibai's toughness was unexpected, and more fatally, it seemed that the other party had already grasped some of their weaknesses.
Continuing to resist could result in a lose-lose situation, especially at this sensitive time before the release of "Cellphone".
Fu Yibai's suggestion to "talk again after the New Year" was actually a proposal to temporarily de-escalate the conflict, leaving room for maneuver for both sides.
"Director Fu is young and promising, and has a meticulous mind."
When Wang Zhongjun spoke again, his tone had completely changed; the chilling aura had been replaced by a complex, apprehensive calm.
"This phone call today was just me, as a senior colleague, showing some concern."
The industry isn't large, and there will be many more opportunities to interact with it in the future.
Director Fu, you'd better take care of yourself.
"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wang."
Fu Yibai responded calmly.
"I also wish Huayi Brothers' new film great success."
The phone hangs up.
Fu Yibai put down the receiver, stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in his office, and looked down at the lights that were gradually coming on below.
The exchange just now appeared calm, but it was actually dangerous.
Wang Zhongjun's final words, "Take care of yourself," still carried a lingering chill.
Huayi will not give up easily; a temporary retreat is merely the calm before the storm.
Next, there will likely be no shortage of open and covert attacks.
Perhaps hearing that the office had quieted down, Liu Yan gently knocked on the door.
"Enter."
"President Fu, Director Ning is here."
Filming for "Crazy Stone" just wrapped up yesterday, and I didn't expect Ning Hao to rush back today.
"Let him in."
Fu Yibai thought Ning Hao was alone, but he didn't expect Huang Bo to be following behind him.
This was the first time Fu Yibai had met the newly signed artist of this company.
As for the other artists in the company, since Lin Wei has found resources for them and they are all currently on film sets, Fu Yibai has not seen them yet.
We probably won't be able to meet until the annual meeting.
The office door was pushed open, and Ning Hao walked in looking travel-worn. Behind him was a young man wearing a simple jacket with a very "distinctive" appearance, who was none other than Huang Bo.
"Director Fu!"
Ning Hao's voice was loud and clear.
"I've brought the 'stone' back to you intact!"
Fu Yibai's face had regained its usual composure, and he nodded to Ning Hao.
"You've worked hard, please have a seat."
His gaze immediately fell on Huang Bo.
Huang Bo was somewhat flustered at this moment.
He had seen Fu Yibai's photos in newspapers and on television, but this was the first time he had met him face to face.
The man in front of him, several years younger than him, was already a Berlin Silver Bear-winning director, a rising star in the industry with box office earnings exceeding 100 million, and also his current boss.
He quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and spoke with a Shandong accent, but tried his best to speak clearly.
"Hello Director Fu, this is Huang Bo."
Fu Yibai looked him over carefully.
At this moment, Huang Boyuan lacked the composure and "Qingdao noblewoman" demeanor that she would later display. Her skin was tanned from filming, and her clothing was simple. However, her eyes held a sharpness and resilience honed by her life at the bottom of society, as well as an undisguised nervousness and sincerity when facing those in power.
"Yeah, Ning Hao praised you a lot on the phone."
Fu Yibai pointed to the sofa.
"Please sit down."
"Liu Yan, pour two cups of tea."
Liu Yan responded and went to prepare tea.
Ning Hao plopped down on the sofa and couldn't wait to begin his report.
"Director Fu, this film was so enjoyable to make!"
Chongqing is such a charming place, full of local flavor, it's a perfect match for our story!
Teacher Guo Tao was incredibly steady, and Xu Zheng and Liu Ye were both very uninhibited; the chemistry between them was even better than what was written in the script!
Looking at the still somewhat excited Ning Hao, Fu Yibai asked, "Was filming successful? Did we go over budget?"
"Successfully! Absolutely no overspending!"
Ning Hao patted his chest.
"The budget is under tight control."
The local government was also very supportive and provided some assistance.
that is……"
He scratched his head and chuckled.
"The only problem is that everyone's food expenses may have gone a little over the limit. Chongqing hot pot is so delicious that even after we finished work, we couldn't help but want to have a meal there."
However, I'll deduct it from my director's allowance; I absolutely won't take advantage of the production team!
Fu Yibai smiled and didn't care about such a small matter.
He turned his gaze to Huang Bo, who had been sitting quietly.
"Director Ning always praises you on the phone. How was filming this time?"
Huang Bo was holding the hot tea that Liu Yan had handed him when he heard this, so he quickly put it down and sat up straight.
"Director Ning gave me a lot of space to find my own feeling. Sometimes I didn't say the lines right, but if I felt it was right, he would let me pass."
I felt...quite satisfied.
His answer was simple and straightforward, without much theory, but it perfectly matched Fu Yibai's requirements for actors: to feel the character and become the character.
"I heard that you actually spent most of the day soaking in the sewers to prepare for the final scene?"
Fu Yibai asked.
Huang Bo smiled a little embarrassedly.
"Yes, Director Ning said that's what makes it real."
At first it was uncomfortable, dirty and smelly, but then... then I seemed to forget about it, and I just felt that the dark-skinned guy should be in there, feeling both pathetic and resentful.
Fu Yibai nodded.
"This movie will probably be released in the first half of next year."
During this time, Lin Wei will help you arrange some suitable exposure and events. If there are any suitable scripts for you, she will also arrange them for you. You should also be prepared.
"I see!
I will definitely cooperate fully and will not let the company down!
Huang Bo nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with appreciation.
Ning Hao interjected.
"Director Fu, Bo'er really has great potential."
The grassroots spirit he possesses is something that those with formal training rarely have.
I think he can handle any kind of ordinary, everyday character role in the future.
"Take it one step at a time."
Fu Yibai said to Huang Bo.
"Stone" is your starting point, but it will not be your end.
The company signed you because they value the quality of your acting.
Don't rush to fame. Master each role thoroughly, and the market will naturally recognize your talent.
"Yes, Director Fu, I've got it."
Huang Bo solemnly agreed.
Next, Fu Yibai and Ning Hao discussed in detail the post-production ideas for "Crazy Stone".
After finishing their business, Ning Hao and Huang Bo tactfully got up to say goodbye.
After seeing them out, Liu Yan gently closed the office door.
Shortly after Ning Hao and the others left, Wang Peng came in with a list.
The people on the list are interns sent by the Beijing Film Academy. Each person's performance and ability rating during their time on set are listed below.
After much discussion, the two finally signed contracts with five highly capable individuals.