Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 75 Cooperation with the Sugar Man

The next day, Fu Yibai was awakened by a faint noise coming from outside the window.

Pushing open the window, the morning mist in the mountains had not yet dissipated, and the surface of the reservoir in the distance was as calm as a mirror. The crew members had already begun to get busy, moving equipment and adjusting devices, and everything was in good order.

After a quick wash, he went downstairs to the restaurant.

There were already quite a few people dining in the restaurant, and they all nodded and greeted him when they saw him come in.

Fu Yibai picked up his food and sat down by the window.

I had just taken a few bites when a series of light footsteps approached from afar.

"Good morning, Brother Yibai!"

Liu Yifei stood in front of him with a tray in her hand, her face radiating the unique vibrancy of the morning.

"morning."

Fu Yibai gestured for her to sit down.

Liu Yifei sat down opposite him, her plate containing only a small bowl of plain porridge and an egg, a pitifully small amount.

"Is that all you're going to eat?"

"The director said my face looks round on camera, so I need to control my weight..."

Liu Yifei explained softly, poking at the porridge in her bowl with her chopsticks, her tone tinged with grievance.

Fu Yibai glanced at her and pushed the untouched fried egg on his plate towards her.

"Finish eating."

"But……"

"Finish eating."

Liu Yifei pursed her lips, obediently picked up the fried egg, and ate it in small bites, but the corners of her mouth curved into an unconcealable smile.

Looking at the girl's heartwarming smile, Fu Yibai couldn't help but smile back.

He could easily see through the girl's thoughts, but he never pointed them out.

It wasn't just because the other woman's mother was keeping a close watch on him, but also because he somewhat enjoyed this ambiguous process.

Liu Xiaoli appeared beside him at some point, sitting down with a coffee in hand. She frowned slightly when she saw her daughter eating fried eggs, but ultimately said nothing, only nodding to Yi Bai.

"Director Fu got up really early."

Fu Yibai withdrew his gaze, smiled, and nodded to Liu Xiaoli.

"I'm used to it."

After breakfast, the crew set off for the filming location.

Fu Yibai was then entangled with Cai Yinong, who pulled out another script.

This time, the script is no longer a niche thriller, but a youth campus drama.

Fu Yibai was surprised that Cai Yinong did not choose the historical romance genre she was good at, but instead chose the youth campus genre.

While youth campus themes aren't particularly popular in the current market, they have a wider audience compared to thrillers.

Why choose this subject matter for your book?

Tsai Yinong said without batting an eye, "The production cost of this subject matter is low, so even if it fails, Sugar Man won't lose too much."

After briefly flipping through the document, Fu Yibai nodded under Cai Yinong's expectant gaze.

"You can take pictures."

As long as you find a suitable director and actors, and choose a good release date, breaking even will definitely not be a problem.

Upon hearing this, Tsai Yinong's eyes lit up.

"Really! Then I wonder if Director Fu could..."

Fu Yibai guessed the other party's plan and interrupted.

"I'm sorry, I'll be going abroad for a while, so I won't have time."

"I see..."

Cai Yinong felt a little regretful, but then she had another idea.

"I wonder if Director Fu would be interested in investing in this project and also lending his name as a producer."

Upon hearing Cai Yinong's suggestion, Fu Yibai raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Is Mr. Cai sure? This project has very little risk and is definitely profitable."

"We're all friends."

Cai Yinong had a clear idea: although youth campus-themed movies have low production costs, the market for them is also small.

Even if it is profitable, the profit is very limited.

Why not use this opportunity to share some of the profits and strengthen the connection with Fu Yibai?

This way, if Chenxi has any projects in the future, Tangren will have more opportunities to participate.

Fu Yibai pondered for a moment, and finally nodded.

"Okay, then I wonder how much of a share Mr. Cai plans to reserve for Chenxi."

"How about 30%?"

As soon as Cai Yinong finished speaking, Fu Yibai nodded.

"Can."

He answered decisively, without haggling.

This share is indeed quite substantial. Chenxi only needs to contribute a small amount of capital and assume the title of producer to participate.

A smile appeared on Tsai Yinong's face, and she was about to say some polite words like "It's a pleasure to cooperate" when Fu Yibai continued.

"However, I have one condition."

"Director Fu, please go ahead."

Cai Yinong remained calm, though she was already prepared.

It's normal for the other party to impose some conditions in this level of cooperation.

"The female lead will be decided by Chen Xi."

Fu Yibai spoke in a calm tone, as if he were talking about something completely ordinary.

Cai Yinong paused for a moment, then smiled.

"Is Director Fu trying to promote one of his own people?"

"The company has signed a few new employees, so they need to get some experience."

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair, looking at her calmly.

"Youth campus themes don't require high acting skills, but they are good because they fit the age group."

There's a college student here in Chenxi; she's good-looking and the right age.

Cai Yinong pondered for a moment.

She quickly calculated in her mind—for this kind of low-budget youth film, the choice of the female lead is indeed not the decisive factor. As long as the image is acceptable and the acting skills are not too bad, there shouldn't be a big problem.

Giving Chenxi a spot in exchange for Fu Yibai being appointed as the producer and the possibility of deeper collaboration in the future is a worthwhile deal.

"OK."

Tsai Yinong readily nodded.

"But Director Fu needs me to meet him."

"Of course."

Fu Yibai picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Tang Yan is a sophomore at the Central Academy of Drama. I've asked Lin Wei to arrange for her to come over as soon as possible."

When Cai Yinong heard the words "Central Academy of Drama," her last bit of worry disappeared.

Having graduated from the Central Academy of Drama, at least the foundation is there.

"Then it's settled."

She extended her hand, and Fu Yibai shook it.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

"It's a pleasure working with you."

.........

After spending two days in Lishui, watching Liu Yifei's performance and the filming progress of "Chinese Paladin 1", Fu Yibai finally boarded a plane back to Kyoto.