Become famous another day.

While Chen Ziyan was worrying about Zhang Ruozhi's subsequent work and study balance, He Sha was having an even harder time.

She is in a very embarrassing situation now.

Originally, several scripts were handed over, and one of them had already started to be contracted. However, because the rumor that Northern Lights Video had banned her spread widely in the industry, all the collaborations that were being inquired about were terminated.

"Are all these dramas going to be sold to Northern Lights Video? Are all other video platforms dead?" He Sha asked her agent angrily.

Her agent: "...Don't worry, we have already signed a cooperation agreement with Lighthouse Video, and there will be projects from Lighthouse Video for us to act in later."

He Sha ignored her and said, "Haven't we already apologized to Northern Lights? They accepted our apology at the time, so why are they still pursuing us?"

"They accepted it, but the production companies don't know about it yet." The agent could only helplessly explain, "Besides, Zhou Ping'an has been fanning the flames behind the scenes."

"It's him again!" He Sha cursed.

"Zhou Ping'an is a very penny-pinching person," the agent said. "I told you that when you decided to do that on the show."

"He doesn't have Li Zhibai anymore, and Ma Zhiyuan is also out of the picture. Does Yan Liang give him the capital and ability to make everyone listen to him?" He Sha squinted at her agent, "Why can't you find a way to make him stop?"

"If I could find a way to make him stop, I would first think of a way to prevent you from going down this dark and famous path." The agent said irritably, "Now that you've left, don't think about having the best of both worlds. Northern Lights Video will definitely not let it go easily in the short term. They also want to make an example of this in the industry and will not condone this kind of behavior of being bullied by an artist. They accepted our apology, which only means they will not continue to add insult to injury. Now we just need to do a good job on the Lighthouse Video program "Director Please Give Me Advice" and try to let everyone see your acting skills in this program."

After being refuted by her agent, He Sha's arrogance subsided a little, but she was still a little unconvinced. She pouted and said, "Which script should I write for this show? Have you contacted them?"

"You can choose from the live selections," the agent said. "They will assign you the most topical scripts and let you choose from them."

He Sha frowned immediately when she heard this.

"Why can't we decide now? Why do we need to draw the lottery on the spot?"

Agent: “They want serendipity and stories.”

He Sha pouted.

"With your acting skills, you have nothing to worry about." The agent said, "Many of the actors participating in the program "Directors Please Advise" this time are young actors who have just debuted for a few years. Your acting skills completely crush them. At this time, if you get obviously better treatment from the program team, they will easily make a fuss and attack you."

He Sha thought about it and felt that it made sense.

The fans of these young actors are as fierce as fighting cocks, so forget it.

Just crush them openly.

However, after a while, she came to her senses and asked, "Why are there so many young actors and idols? What is the positioning of this show?"

He Sha began to worry again that this show might not be better than "The Birth of the Actors".

The agent took a deep breath.
-
"There was a role for Cheng Hai where he was offered the role of male lead, but Zhou Pingan turned it down."

On the way to record a new episode of "The Birth of an Actor", Wang Biao told Lu Yanhe the news he had heard.

Lu Yanhe was surprised and asked, "Is the script too bad?"

Wang Biao: "I don't know if it was because of the script, but everyone was quite surprised. Even though he became popular in "The Birth of an Actor", in everyone's opinion, there are still very few scripts that ask Cheng Hai to play the male lead. I don't know why Zhou Pingan rejected such an opportunity."

"Are others questioning Zhou Ping'an's decision?"

"Yeah." Wang Biao nodded, "Some people even think that Yan Liang is dissatisfied with Cheng Hai's popularity, so he puts pressure on Zhou Pingan to prevent Cheng Hai from exploding."

Lu Yanhe was amused.

He felt incredible.

"These people are really idle. Zhou Ping'an's vision in choosing scripts has been recognized by me, Sister Zi Yan, Li Zhibai and Yan Liang. He may have flaws in other aspects, but Sister Zi Yan admires his vision in this aspect."

Lu Yanhe was also a little dazed. He didn't expect that he would actually speak for Zhou Ping'an. Without even learning more about the inside story, he firmly believed that there was a reason why Zhou Ping'an turned down the script that he had proposed to Cheng Hai.

Unconsciously, many of his perceptions had changed. He smiled and came back to his senses.

"Is this news only circulated in your small circle of agents, or has it spread?" Lu Yanhe asked.

"It's spreading in a small circle." Wang Biao thought for a moment and said, "In fact, Yan Liang and Li Zhibai's contracts with Xingyu are about to expire. I think there may be a company that wants to poach them, so they are deliberately making trouble for Zhou Pingan."

Lu Yanhe suddenly realized.

Wang Biao reminded him that Li Zhibai and Yan Liang's contracts were both for eight years. Now the time is about to expire. Will Li Zhibai and Yan Liang continue to renew their contracts with Star Entertainment?
Star Entertainment itself needs to adjust its business direction and positioning, and split the agent business of actors and singers. However, if it is split, Star Entertainment's overall strength in the entertainment industry will definitely be cut - a company that cannot coordinate and package for negotiation will always have fewer bargaining chips.

With the current development trend, Li Zhibai and Yan Liang need a strong agency to help them continue to climb up. The adjustment of Star Entertainment will inevitably require a certain period of adjustment and confusion. Will they choose to continue to stay in Star Entertainment?
Lu Yanhe hadn't heard Li Zhibai and Yan Liang talk about this matter yet, and he didn't know whether they had started to think about it.
-
"Yan Liang, how have you considered the contract renewal?"

That day, Zhou Ping'an also raised this issue with Yan Liang.

"The company will set up a studio for you and form a special team to take care of your affairs." Zhou Ping'an said, "This is also what you were concerned about before. I will assign specific matters to a dedicated person and only help you connect with key tasks. Of course, you don't have to worry about this team. I will train them well."

Yan Liang said: "I heard that the company's own business template and strategic direction also need to be adjusted."

"Yes, but this is also for the purpose of optimization and upgrading. By separating out the idol management, the previously criticized big-pot management can be improved." Zhou Pingan explained, "In Star Entertainment, you and Li Zhibai are the most popular young actors. No one can compare with you two. Your acting styles and images are also different, so there is not much competition. What I can guarantee you is that if you renew your contract with us, you will get the best treatment."

"Apart from setting up a studio, I haven't seen any substantial treatment." Yan Liang shrugged.

Zhou Ping'an's tone was hesitant, and after a moment, he continued, "It's mainly because you have the two series of "Friends" and "The Gold Rush" in your hands. You have no shortage of acting offers. As for business, you have also seen the achievements I have made in the past six months. I have won two top luxury endorsements. As for the profit share, I have already communicated with the company six months ago and helped you sign a new contract. You are already enjoying the contract conditions of a first-line actor."

"That's not what I'm talking about." Yan Liang looked at Zhou Ping'an seriously and said, "Brother Ping'an, I told you before that I hope you can help me take on an art film every year so that I can practice my acting skills, right?"

Zhou Ping'an never thought that at such a time, Yan Liang would mention an art film.

"To be honest, when I asked you for this, I was inclined to renew my contract with you. However, after so long, I haven't received a single script for an art film." Yan Liang said, "I'm not saying that my hesitation was about the script for this art film. I'm just giving an example. I hope the company, especially you, will really value my needs and know what they are. Compared with other actors, I have a stable series of sequels, so the risk assessment in the market is smaller, and it is more conducive to the company's operations in the capital market. I will get the regular first-line star treatment in any company, and you must know that the contract treatment that Xing Entertainment can give me is also given to me by many companies. I didn't ask for more in terms of share and treatment because I hope you can provide real attention and support beyond the contract."

Zhou Ping'an tried hard to control his expression of shock and disbelief.

Yan Liang's words really surprised him.

He had long known how much Yan Liang had changed in the past two years. But Zhou Ping'an had never thought that Yan Liang, who never said it, actually had very clear ideas about the company and himself in his heart.

An actor should be emotional and selfless when performing, but when facing his career path, he must be ambitious, or have no ambition at all. Once he is in the middle, it is difficult for him to become the most extreme actor.

In Zhou Ping'an's heart, Yan Liang has always been an actor with low talent, rough personality, and hard work pays off.

If Li Zhibai said these words to him, Zhou Ping'an would not be surprised, because Li Zhibai is a person with a very distinct and sharp personality.

But Yan Liang was not like that. When he directly expressed his dissatisfaction and what he wanted, Zhou Pingan realized that Yan Liang was just pretending to be a person "without himself" when he was unable to truly be himself.

Vice President Ma does not think that Yan Liang will ever reach the height of a superstar. The company's wooing and treatment of him is just to retain this actor who still has huge commercial value in the next few years. Therefore, there will be no deep binding, nor will the company's resources be used to push him to a higher level.

Zhou Ping'an thought Yan Liang didn't know this, but in fact, Yan Liang had already realized it, he just didn't say it.
-
"This time, the movie you starred in, "Fake Death", was shortlisted for the main competition unit of the Jose-La Roche Film Festival. You will compete with your good brother Lu Yanhe for the Best Actor award. Have you discussed this with him privately?"

Li Zhibai got out of the car and walked the short few meters towards the hotel, but he was still blocked by media reporters with cameras and weapons, who refused to let him go.

Such questions have been popping up one after another since the announcement that "Love Letter" and "Can't Even Fake My Death" were shortlisted for the main competition unit of the Jose-Lato Film Festival.

In fact, many people will involuntarily have an idea that when facing the siege of media reporters, you should just answer their questions openly.

Actually, it is not like that. Just like if you feed a stray dog ​​a sausage, it will not be satisfied and stop chasing you. On the contrary, it will miss you after eating a sausage from you. Because you have sausages.

This is why Li Zhibai has always been too lazy to answer such boring questions.

However, the more he didn't answer, the more people asked him, as if there was a shocking revelation behind his avoidance of the question.

"..."

Li Zhibai said impatiently, "Why are you so concerned about how we communicated privately? Besides, why would we discuss such meaningless issues? Why do you care who wins the Best Actor award? We don't care who wins. If it's really us, wouldn't you have something to write about and report? It's as if we just communicated privately and the award was really given to one of us."

Lin Suyang followed Li Zhibai. When he heard Li Zhibai's answer, his eyes darkened as usual. He wanted to say something, opened his mouth, and gave up.

He was used to it. In front of the camera, he couldn't stop Li Zhibai from speaking. Besides, Li Zhibai had already said what he wanted to say, so he should think about how to deal with the impact of this incident later.

After entering the hotel, the media were stopped by the hotel security.

Before Lin Suyang could even open his mouth, Li Zhibai said to him, "I'm really impressed. Why do these media outlets want to see Yan He and I fight? Do they really like watching us quarrel? I'm really impressed."

Lin Suyang: "I understand. They also need to find topics to talk about. Otherwise, how can they attract traffic?"

"I'm annoyed with these people. They can't even ask advanced questions. They just keep staring at these trivial and meaningless things all day long." Li Zhibai pouted, then remembered something and said to Lin Suyang, "By the way, Brother Suyang, I'm not having dinner with you tonight. I have an important call to make. Can you help me order a meal and send it to my room?"

Lin Suyang was a little surprised.

Lin Suyang knew all about Li Zhibai's work arrangements.

But Lin Suyang was not informed of this call in advance, which meant it was a private call. It was precisely because it was a private call that Lin Suyang was surprised——

What kind of private phone call is so important that you don’t even go out for dinner?
-
"How was your talk with Zhou Ping'an?"

During the video call, Li Zhi asked Yan Liang a lot of questions.

Yan Liang: "He has already promised to help me negotiate with the company and get what I want."

"Don't be fooled by them. Whether it's endorsements or film and television projects, even if you don't need them, you still have to write them into the contract. They need to clearly state what level of resources and support they need to provide you. There can be no ambiguity." Li Zhibai said, "Don't think that just because you are communicating smoothly with Zhou Pingan, he will think from your perspective. Yan He and I have learned from past experience."

"I know. I'm not that naive." Yan Liang smiled and sighed, "Fortunately, you guys have helped me to tread the minefield. No matter how many sweet words Zhou Pingan says in front of me, I won't believe them."

"That's good." Li Zhibai nodded.

"What about you? Have you told Lin Suyang?" Yan Liang asked.

"Not yet. I haven't decided whether I should go out and work on my own." Li Zhibai's thoughts have not been made up. "Actually, my situation is different from yours. If I had the two series of "Friends" and "The Gold Rush" as my insurance for the next few years, I would have left directly. But if I work on my own, I may not be as comfortable as staying in Star Entertainment. Especially since Lin Suyang has been cooperating with me for more than a year, he is quite powerful. If I can pry him away with me, I will feel more comfortable and confident. But he is still with the MX group, so he can't follow me."

Yan Liang: “Yeah.”

Yan Liang did not say that Li Zhibai did not have to worry about his resources after leaving Star Entertainment.

Even though they knew that if Li Zhibai really lost the support of Star Entertainment, his resources might be downgraded in a short period of time, Lu Yanhe would not sit idly by and watch. He must have projects for Li Zhibai. They both felt the same way. They would do their own work well, and if Lu Yanhe had a project suitable for them, they would go for it. But they didn't want to mess up their own work and need Lu Yanhe to consider helping them and send them scripts. Embarrassment was secondary, and the main thing was not to cause trouble for Lu Yanhe.

No matter how high Lu Yanhe's current status is, how much say he has, or how many projects he has, others look at him as if everything he says counts, but Li Zhibai and Yan Liang know very well that Lu Yanhe is also constantly weighing the pros and cons and making choices.

Li Zhibai said: "Besides, I just became the producer of 'Nineteen Years'. I was thinking that maybe after I accumulate a few more years of experience, I will have built my own team and it will be easier for me to work on my own."

"It depends on how you think about it. Our situations are very different, so my opinion is of no reference value." Yan Liang pursed his lips. "But there is one thing I think you shouldn't be so self-deprecating. You have Liu Bige's new movies, Nineteen Years and The Immortal Sword, plus you have accumulated popularity and audience appeal over the years. Your health bar is much stronger than you think. I didn't expect you to be so worried about gains and losses."

"I'm not worried about gains and losses, but I know myself well," Li Zhibai said. "In the entertainment industry, if you have a company, even if you fail a few times, it won't affect your chances of making a comeback. But if you work alone, if you fail a few times, your life bar will basically be exhausted. Relying on yourself to keep going is just a drop in the bucket. It's different if you have a company to support you."

Neither of them is complacent about their current good situation, thinking that they can continue to be like this even if they leave Star Entertainment. A top actor may offend partners due to chaotic team management, fail to handle brand PR, or be replaced by another resourceful actor in the competition for top projects because there is no company in the interest exchange chain... For artists like them who debuted in their teens, they can be said to have been exposed to these twists and turns since childhood.

There are really only a few artists who can truly rely on their own blood to survive the seven or eight years of the "cooling-off period". They can be counted on one hand.

Of course, they can also choose to change an agency.

With their current fame and popularity, many agencies are willing to take over. But the problem is that the conditions offered by companies that can compete with Star Entertainment may not be better than those offered by Star Entertainment. They are not considering renewing their contract with Star Entertainment because they are being harsh with their treatment or because they have violated their bottom line.

For these reasons, Yan Liang had decided from the beginning to renew his contract with Star Entertainment, and then rely on Zhou Ping'an and Star Entertainment's strength to consolidate his position in the entertainment industry. Li Zhibai kept weighing the pros and cons of leaving and staying, and continued to think and hesitate.

They haven't discussed this with Lu Yanhe yet.

They didn't hide it from Lu Yanhe on purpose. As I said before, they wanted to be brothers who could fight side by side with Lu Yanhe, rather than vassals who would take advantage of Lu Yanhe from time to time... Lu Yanhe had his own film and television production company and was also a shareholder of Shihuo Agency. If Lu Yanhe knew about Li Zhibai's situation, he would definitely invite him to Shihuo.

and then?
Go, Li Zhibai was unhappy - he didn't want to take advantage of Lu Yanhe, and he was in his sphere of influence. In that case, was the script given to him really needed for him to act, or was it because he was there that Lu Yanhe had to give it to him? Lu Yanhe had a script that was not given to him, but given to another person in the company. What would he think? Would Lu Yanhe be apprehensive about this?
Li Zhibai really didn't want to have such a specific bond of interests with Lu Yanhe. If the bond was too close, it would only hinder each other and make no one feel comfortable.

Therefore, both Li Zhibai and Yan Liang hoped that there would be some progress on their side before informing Lu Yanhe.

They are friends, and they should communicate with each other. But before communicating, you should first figure out what they want and what they want to do.

Li Zhibai and Yan Liang had a video call for an hour and a half. They reviewed the conversation, made suggestions, summarized the key points, and talked about everything.

Li Zhibai nodded with satisfaction: "I think I have made great progress. Yan Liang, if you have the opportunity to become a producer in the future, it will be as painful as peeling off a layer of skin, but you can really learn a lot."

Yan Liang didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"You've said this to me so many times. How much did you suffer while working on the 'Nineteen Years' project? Can you write a memoir now?"

Li Zhibai's eyes lit up instantly.

"You're right. I have to write it down so I don't forget it later." Li Zhibai said, "Chen Siqi just asked me if I had any idea to write a few columns for the e-subscription account of Jump Up. I'll write this."

Yan Liang: "I am really convinced."

Li Zhibai: "What's wrong? It's not working?"

Yan Liang: "No, no, it won't work. Just asking means you're convinced."

After hanging up the video call, Yan Liang yawned, but saw a push message pop up on his phone:
Meng Li joined "Director Please Give Me Your Advice".
-
"Why would Meng Li go on 'Directors Please Give Me Advice'? Why would she, a popular actress like her, go on such a show?"

Zhou Ping'an received a call from He Yingzi, who was very surprised on the phone.

Upon hearing He Yingzi's words, Zhou Pingan keenly guessed He Yingzi's intention and asked directly: "Do you also have actors participating in this program?"

He Yingzi cursed this old fox in her heart, saying that his sense of smell was really sensitive.

There is no point in denying it now, the show will have to be broadcast later.

"Yeah." He Yingzi sighed.

"Could it be Lang Xia?"

"Of course I won't let him participate in this kind of program. I'm not you." He Yingzi said, "He's a new artist I signed."

"Girl?" Zhou Pingan asked.

"Yes."

Zhou Pingan smiled and said, "Okay, don't be nervous. There are so many actors in this show, and Meng Li alone can't steal her exposure."

He Yingzi smiled.

"Whoever can snatch the exposure away from Meng Li, I will immediately pry that person away and sign him under my company." He Yingzi highly recognizes Meng Li's ability to stir up trouble and attract attention.

The reason why Meng Li is still so popular today is all due to her topicality.

Zhou Pingan smiled.

"She's going to this show to show her acting skills, not to cause trouble."

He Yingzi: "I believe you, then the ghost has come, but, Zhou Pingan, tell me the truth, did you do this on purpose?"

"deliberately?"

"He Sha is on this show, do you want Meng Li to teach her a lesson?"

"Why should I use my dirty hands to teach her a lesson?" Zhou Ping'an said slowly.

He Yingzi: "Indeed, Meng Li's hands are not good for getting dirty, but I'll let my artist help you vent your anger. How about you let Meng Li help her on the show? Is this deal done?"

Zhou Pingan: "Are you going to form an alliance?"

"A show where dozens of actors compete with each other is just a Shura field, isn't it? If we don't form an alliance now, when will we form an alliance?" He Yingzi said righteously.

Zhou Pingan smiled.

"You have a point."
-
"The show 'Directors, Please Give Me Advice' will also be very exciting." Chen Ziyan, who had heard some inside information, smiled and shook her head at Lu Yanhe, "I don't know if their performance in the show will attract attention, but the things beyond acting will definitely be a hit."

Chen Ziyan also dislikes He Sha.

She knew that Lu Yanhe was also very unhappy about He Sha's previous actions.

So, she shared the news as soon as possible.

"Don't offend Zhou Ping'an, Zhou Ping'an has formed an alliance with He Yingzi. The new actors signed by Meng Li and He Yingzi will embarrass He Sha on the show."

"Meng Li would actually help Zhou Ping'an?"

"Zhou Ping'an planned her love affair and love variety show. Now Meng Li is extremely popular." Chen Ziyan laughed, "Meng Li is a typical person who will give face to anyone who helps her. Zhou Ping'an is very happy to cooperate with her, and there will be another top-notch production for her soon."

"No wonder." Lu Yanhe imagined the scene of Meng Li and He Sha on the same stage, with someone in the middle stirring up trouble. That scene was indeed exciting.

"The second season of 'The Birth of the Actors' is about to start, and there will be many similar programs to follow suit. We have to quickly finalize suitable and good actors to avoid being snatched away by other programs." Chen Ziyan said, "Although it is not impossible to use 're-cooked meat', the sense of surprise will be much less."

"Yeah, indeed."

Chen Ziyan: "In the second season, are you planning to play the same way as the first season?"

"At least that's the case for the first stage," Lu Yanhe said. "Whether it's team battles or other modes later on, we can adjust it, such as letting the second season's actor team challenge the first season's actor team."

Chen Ziyan's eyes lit up immediately, "This is quite interesting."

"Yeah." Lu Yanhe nodded. "So many actors in the first season have become famous and known by the audience. They are also the audience's first impression of the show "The Birth of the Actors". They will compete with the actors in the second season, which will definitely be interesting."

Chen Ziyan laughed: "So what are you going to do with the third season? Let the actors from the second season form a team to compete with the third season?"

"It would be meaningless to keep using this format." Lu Yanhe said, "We have so many directors and writers, let's brainstorm together and come up with more innovative formats."

"Yeah, why think so much now?" Chen Ziyan said with satisfaction, "The show 'The Birth of the Actors' is really worth doing. So many good actors who couldn't get roles before are suddenly receiving scripts like crazy. Although I also know that the popularity may fade after the show ends, at least they have gained attention and got opportunities to play good roles that they couldn't play before."

"Yeah." Lu Yanhe nodded.

"Cai Na finally agreed to sign her agency contract in mainland China to us." Chen Ziyan smiled, "Shihuo has finally taken the first step towards internationalization."

"Congratulations." Lu Yanhe applauded.

Chen Ziyan: "So, you are really planning to write a role for Cai Na in the second season of Squidward Games?"

"Ah."

"Okay, then this will be a signing gift for her," said Chen Ziyan.

Lu Yanhe: "Don't try to use this as an excuse. I've already thought about this."

"Bullshit, what you told me before was just a possibility. This is the first time you told me for sure that there will be a role for her." Chen Ziyan emphasized, "I remember it clearly."

Lu Yanhe: "..."

Chen Ziyan: "Cai Na is indeed very popular in Southeast Asia, that's fine, that's good."

Lu Yanhe asked: "Will you help Cai Na get a role in a domestic TV series?"

"It depends. If there are good projects and suitable roles, it's not a bad idea." Chen Ziyan said, "I didn't sign her here just for show. She is well-known in China. Why not let her participate in the second season of "The Birth of the Actors" as a contestant?"

"She can't even speak Chinese fluently, how can she participate?"

"After studying for a year or so, I think you should be able to speak it, right?"

"Sister Zi Yan, the way you are talking now makes me feel very unreliable."

"Hahahaha." Chen Ziyan laughed happily.

Lu Yanhe didn't know why she suddenly became so happy.

But just be happy.
-
Recommended old book "I Became the Scandal Heroine Overnight" (End of this chapter)