Caught in Affairs with Superstar

Chapter 276: Chapter 238: Rising Phase: 74

After the brand event, Zhou Yun had originally planned to head straight back to Shanghai.

Zhou Lan suddenly messaged, saying that New Shield had sent over another film script, hoping to invite Zhou Yun to play a role, and arranged to discuss the matter at New Shield Company the next day.

The other party did not send the script directly to Zhou Yun but provided a synopsis and a brief character biography.

The film was a Republic-era drama, telling the story of several young people from different backgrounds coming together to assassinate a traitor colluding with the Japanese army. Zhou Yun was to play one of the characters, a young lady from a wealthy family.

Just by reading the synopsis, Zhou Yun’s eyes lit up.

That very night, Zhou Lan took the last high-speed train to Beijing to meet Zhou Yun.

”This movie will be directed by Hou Mengjie, it’s New Shield’s major project for next year,” Zhou Lan said. ”You must have heard about Director Hou Mengjie’s last movie, ’Kill Autumn’. It was exceptionally well-made, won many awards, and the box office was not low either, earning eight hundred million, both critically acclaimed and popular. This time New Shield considered you after seeing the unexpected success of ’Life’ you starred in before, and because of Wen Bing’s recommendation.”

Zhou Yun’s eyes widened with surprise and said, ”Is this director Hou Mengjie’s new film? I really liked ’Kill Autumn’ that he directed.”

”An impressive debut surely means his second film will be highly anticipated. The project is being kept under tight wraps with no leaks whatsoever. If it weren’t for Wen Bing’s strong recommendation, we probably wouldn’t have been contacted so soon,” Zhou Lan said. ”You know the style of Director Hou, realistic yet artistic, truly unique. You would definitely do well acting in his movie, and this story’s theme looks thrilling, the box office shouldn’t be bad.”

Zhou Yun said, ”My main worry right now is if I can fit it into my schedule.”

”Don’t worry, this film is still in early stages of preparation, the script isn’t even finished yet, filming won’t start until the second half of next year,” Zhou Lan said. ”However, we need to act quickly and secure the contract first, to prevent others from swooping in at the last minute.”

Zhou Yun nodded.

The next day, Zhou Yun and Zhou Lan went to New Shield Company.

The President of New Shield is called Yao Yuanfeng, and everyone calls him President Yao.

Many people say that Yao Yuanfeng is a legend. Starting from scratch and bringing a film company to this level of success is indeed legendary.

Over the years, when counting domestic movies, New Shield’s presence is always noticeable.

Its shortcoming is that it only produces commercial films, specifically those that make quick money, and has never made a movie that could leave a mark in film history.

Therefore, New Shield started to look for talented new directors.

No matter how much a film is a product, to make it a global commodity, it must be treated and managed as art.

Wen Bing is one, and Hou Mengjie is another.

Hou Mengjie’s debut ’Kill Autumn’ was not produced by New Shield, but they had no issues with competition. Knowing his talent, they signed a significant deal for several of his upcoming films.

’Four Killers’ is the first movie that Hou Mengjie is preparing after signing with New Shield.

”Director Hou, look, Zhou Yun, whom you praised after watching ’Life’ last week, I have brought her here for you today,” Yao Yuanfeng spoke with the mannerisms of worldly society people, implying well-connectedness without being ostentatious, yet exuding an irresistible aura.

Zhou Yun looked in the direction Yao Yuanfeng was, at the person he referred to.

A lean man, wearing a windbreaker, his eyes extremely bright.

That was Hou Mengjie.

Hou Mengjie stepped forward and said, ”Hello Miss Zhou.”

He didn’t seem like a director accustomed to giving orders.

Zhou Yun appreciated this polite and gentle demeanor of Hou Mengjie’s, which did not make her feel unequal.

”Hello Director Hou.”

Zhou Yun didn’t want to start by saying how much she liked ’Kill Autumn’, as such an opening would sound too contrived and insincere.

The parties involved sat down.

”Xiao Yun really has a gift,” Yao Yuanfeng said. ”When I found out you never had professional acting training, I was shocked. Among all the actresses I’ve worked with, you’re truly self-taught, a genuine high-achiever.”

”President Yao’s high regard is flattering, Xiao Yun immediately changed her flight plans as soon as she received the news that your side had a new film role for her,” Zhou Lan spoke for Zhou Yun, ”She also had a great time working with the ’Life’ crew.”

To say that New Shield was very supportive of ’Life’ would be an overstatement. The investment was pitifully small, purely to appease Wen Bing.

At the time, not a single person at New Shield thought it would be nominated in Venice.

President Yao continued, ”You could say Xiao Yun completely carried ’Life’ by herself, it was essentially a one-woman show and she performed exceptionally well. Last week, I gathered the company’s executives, directors under contract, and actors to watch ’Life.’ There wasn’t a single one who didn’t praise it, and I also said that we would definitely promote Xiao Yun in the upcoming film awards.”

”Then we have to thank President Yao first,” said Zhou Lan.

Yao Yuanfeng looked towards Hou Mengjie and said, ”Director Hou, why don’t you introduce the movie you are going to shoot?”

”Sure,” Hou Mengjie nodded, ”Actually, it’s a story about four young people who unintentionally come together to assassinate a rich businessman. I wrote the script myself. One of the young characters is a delicate and pampered young lady who wants to avenge her brother’s death, caused by this businessman. She exhibits a strong contrast in her personality; all her manners are ladylike, but she is actually very sharp-tongued and temperamental, making it a very attractive role to play.”

”That does sound very interesting,” Zhou Yun smiled and said.

Hou Mengjie said, ”Actually, the story began with a dream of mine, where I was trying to assassinate a big boss, but couldn’t succeed in the dream. After waking up, to let off steam, I wrote this story, which unexpectedly caught President Yao’s attention.”

Yao Yuanfeng laughed heartily and said, ”Such a story theme is inherently attractive, and combined with your talent...”

The group chatted and laughed, discussing the development and preparation of the movie.

”There are five main roles, and we’ve only sent you the invitation so far, so please keep the information about this movie confidential for the time being,” Yao Yuanfeng said.

Zhou Lan nodded, ”Of course.”

A first meeting to discuss the intention to collaborate.

Clearly, both sides were interested.

Zhou Yun and Zhou Lan left New Shield satisfied, with Zhou Lan set to sign a preliminary contract with New Shield.

Just as they were chatting and laughing, Zhou Lan’s cell phone suddenly rang.

She picked up the phone first.

After the call, her expression turned serious.

”What’s wrong?” Zhou Yun asked.

Zhou Lan said, ”President He has been taken away by the police from the company.”

Zhou Yun’s eyes widened incredulously.

”What?”