Chen Qing listened to the endless talk of cows and horses, feeling a bit hungry for meat. She decided to let her boss deal with this mess. She glared at the woman still crying at her feet. "Shut up, you're so noisy."
Wei Mu immediately stopped crying.
Chen Qing then spoke to Qin Buzui on the phone. "I'll inform the boss about this. Wait for further instructions."
Qin Buzui hesitated and then asked, "Sister Chen, can I speak to the boss directly?"
"Don't push your luck. Just wait."
Chen Qing hung up after her final remark, took a sip of her coffee, and ignored the trembling mother and daughter. She gazed out the floor-to-ceiling window for a moment, then gestured for the woman on the floor to stand up and pointed outside.
The woman, having heard Chen Qing's earlier words, knew her fate rested in the hands of some boss. However, she didn't dare disobey Chen Qing and quickly stood up, timidly following Chen Qing's gaze.
She wasn't sure what Chen Qing wanted her to see but tried her best to look.
Chen Qing pointed again. "The row of villas in the neighboring community, the largest one to the north. Do you see it?"
"Yes, I see it."
"Go there with your daughter and stay for now," Chen Qing said, putting down her cup and reaching out to pinch the woman's face, admiring it. "Don't worry, with a face like yours, the boss will like you. Forget about your daughter. Just stay there from now on."
Hearing this, the woman relaxed, almost collapsing again.
Confident in her beauty, Wei Mu immediately believed Chen Qing wasn't lying. Otherwise, why would she have been brought to Beijing? Moreover, she had brought her daughter, who, although a "money-loser," was also quite beautiful.
Regaining her composure, the woman quickly thanked Chen Qing and reached out to grab her arm. "Miss Chen, thank you, thank you so much."
Chen Qing disdainfully pushed the woman's hand away and checked her watch. She called out to Lian Ying, who was nearby. "Arrange things for them. I'm leaving."
Lian Ying nodded in agreement.
Chen Qing stood up and, passing by the young girl still slumped on the floor, lifted the girl's chin to admire her face. "So beautiful, just as stunning as your sister."
Zhang Aicao looked up, forcing a flattering smile as she watched Chen Qing leave. She then turned to her mother, who was already asking Lian Ying for food. They had been on a plane all morning, too nervous to eat, and were now starving.
Zhang Aicao's eyes flickered, but she decided not to say anything.
Having been despised all her life for being a girl, Zhang Aicao was adept at reading people. She felt that Miss Chen was completely deceiving her mother. However, this was a matter between her mother and her half-sister, and perhaps her father. What did it have to do with her, an innocent girl?
Moreover, she secretly hoped that with her beauty, staying here wouldn't be so bad, no matter what she had to do.
The houses here were so beautiful.
And it was Beijing.
She wished she could stay here forever, away from those who despised her. She was so beautiful, yet she had been despised all her life just for being a girl. Was there no justice in the world?
If her mother could be taken away, even better.
Always calling her a money-loser, as if you weren't one yourself?
---
Chen Qing returned to the city center and arrived at the Jin Shu Media headquarters, where Mo Yiling, Zhu Momo's mother, was already waiting.
A meeting was in progress.
Entering the conference room, Chen Qing nodded to those who stood up and walked straight to Mo Yiling, hugging her affectionately. "Auntie Mo, I've missed you so much."
Mo Yiling, being publicly hugged, looked helpless.
Ever since she found out about Chen Qing's past mischievous intentions, Mo Yiling had been wary of her. In private, she wouldn't let Chen Qing hug her, but in front of everyone, she couldn't refuse. However, she quickly pushed the vixen away and sat back down.
Chen Qing, feigning hurt from Mo Yiling's coldness, quickly regained her composure and took the meeting notes from the secretary. She skimmed through them and asked, "Where were we?"
Wu Shanlin, the president of Jin Shu Media, replied, "Regarding The Grand Mansion Gate, Ms. Mo believes this project shouldn't be classified as one of the five period dramas but rather as a Republican-era film."
For The Grand Mansion Gate, Jin Shu had initially planned to build sets in Beijing and even considered constructing a film studio.
However, after Simon personally vetoed the film studio plan, the project was moved to Suzhou. The entire Grand Mansion Gate set would be built near the Ming and Qing Palaces, covering 50 acres. Compared to the 1500-acre Ming and Qing Palaces, this was much simpler and was expected to be completed by early next year, with filming to follow.
Chen Qing tilted her head slightly and nodded. "Then let's classify it as a Republican-era film."
Everyone exchanged glances.
Chen Qing slightly raised her chin. If her boss could be "obedient," so could she.
Mo Yiling, hearing this, felt a faint sense of helplessness.
Why... did it feel the same?
Still no sense of accomplishment!
Since Chen Qing had made the decision, no one objected, and the discussion continued.
Excluding The Grand Mansion Gate and Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, Kangxi Incognito Travels 2 was confirmed as one of the five projects. The sets for the Ming and Qing Palaces would be ready by next year, aligning with Simon's strategy of building and filming simultaneously.
Next was Chinese Paladin.
Although Ren Jingxi was in Taiwan negotiating the rights, it was almost a done deal and would count as one. As for it being produced by Huanzhu Film Company instead of Jin Shu, Mo Yiling didn't make a fuss.
Then Mr. Liaozhai was confirmed.
In recent years, TV dramas based on Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio had been quite popular. Mr. Liaozhai would tell the story of Pu Songling through a supernatural lens. Jin Shu would produce this series, and the male lead was decided on the spot: the actor who had just finished filming My Fair Princess. Although the success of My Fair Princess was still uncertain, his image in Qing dynasty dramas fit the role of Pu Songling perfectly.
After these three, the remaining two projects were undecided.
After some discussion, Wu Shanlin hesitated and finally said, "Ms. Chen, maybe you could take these project materials to Mr. Westeros for his opinion?"
Chen Qing shook her head directly. "The boss won't look at them."
Everyone: "..."
Seeing their expressions, Chen Qing smiled. "The boss said he doesn't want to pick too many good projects. It's fine if we do some average or even failed ones. Otherwise, others won't have a chance to survive."
Everyone was speechless again.
Chen Qing deliberately emphasized, "That's almost exactly what he said."
Alright.
After some thought, everyone realized that this year, Kangxi Incognito Travels and Super Girl had dominated the ratings. Along with Keep Cool at the beginning of the year and the still-screening Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, as well as Love Call Transfer, which everyone was confident about after seeing the previews, it seemed they really needed to leave some room for others.
Seeing everyone silent, Mo Yiling spoke first. "Xiao Qing, I heard you're also preparing a movie set during the Chu-Han Contention?"
"Yes, but Auntie Mo, this project won't be ready next year. It's on the same scale as Hero, and the script isn't finished yet. Even after the script is done, pre-production will take a year. Filming won't start until the year after at the earliest." Chen Qing paused, seeing Mo Yiling's disappointed expression, and added, "But we still have some time now. Let's discuss it."
She turned to the meeting assistant. "Go get the recording of Yu Xi Tan for Auntie Mo to listen to."
The assistant left.
Mo Yiling wanted to say she had already heard it—it was indeed a stunning ancient-style song—but since Chen Qing had already sent someone, she didn't stop her.
After giving instructions, Chen Qing asked, "By the way, have you all read the script I sent over this morning? Oh, right, the scriptwriter happens to be Auntie Mo's younger sister."
Chen Qing was referring to the script Mo Wuling had written based on Yu Xi Tan, which Zhu Momo had given her last night.
Everyone was surprised. Zheng Yi, the president of Jin Shu Films, who was in charge of movie projects, quickly answered, "We've read it."
He hesitated slightly, glancing at Mo Yiling, then added, "Everyone thinks the script is too artistic. However, some parts can be used, like the narration at the end. Although Liu Bang won the empire, Xiang Yu is still regarded as a hero and was recorded in Records of the Grand Historian with the rites of an emperor."
Chen Qing thought for a moment and nodded. "Good, that sounds impactful and aligns with the boss's requirements. He wants to see a more neutral story of the Chu-Han Contention."
The assistant returned with a tape. Chen Qing paused the discussion and had the assistant play the music. After observing Mo Yiling's satisfied expression, she smiled slightly and continued, "Alright, let's hear your ideas."
This time, Wu Shanlin spoke first. "We've discussed this privately many times. Everyone thinks the movie should focus on realistic and grand war scenes, showcasing the large-scale battles of ancient China involving hundreds of thousands of soldiers."
Mo Yiling, seeing Chen Qing steering the conversation in this direction, wasn't in a hurry to finalize the five projects and asked curiously, "Hundreds of thousands of soldiers? Isn't that impractical to execute?"
"We've seen some special effects footage created by Danieris' Australian branch for a fantasy movie. They used CG to create the effect of thousands of troops, which looked very realistic and impressive. If Suzhou's Jin Shu special effects team can master this technology, we can achieve it at a reasonable cost."
Mo Yiling looked at Chen Qing. "Can we get the technology?"
Chen Qing nodded. "No problem, Auntie Mo. You know the boss's plans for Jin Shu special effects. It's meant to handle outsourcing for Hollywood, so there won't be any technological barriers."
Mo Yiling thought for a moment, feeling slightly regretful. "Large-scale war movies might be difficult to execute in Suzhou."
Wu Shanlin also spoke frankly. "If everything goes well, we plan to film in Inner Mongolia. There, we have vast grasslands and can find enough Mongolian riders to form a cavalry unit."
Hearing this, everyone, including Mo Yiling, nodded slightly.
Chen Qing then asked, "The love story between Xiang Yu and Consort Yu can't be left out, right?"
Zheng Yi took over. "We think the story of Xiang Yu and Consort Yu should be toned down but still serve as a highlight, showcasing a blend of iron and tenderness. Also, since Xiang Yu and Liu Bang were familiar with each other, Consort Yu must have known Liu Bang. Perhaps we can add some emotional entanglements among the three."
Chen Qing immediately shook her head. "A love triangle? That sounds nauseating. The boss definitely wouldn't like it."
Zheng Yi paused, then said, "Then we'll leave it out."
"However, Consort Yu and Liu Bang can have some interactions," Chen Qing thought for a moment. "For example, at the Hongmen Banquet, Consort Yu, sensing the threat Liu Bang posed to Xiang Yu, might have tried to kill Liu Bang but failed. This could create a narrative loop, starting with the Hongmen Banquet and having Consort Yu play a role throughout, without overshadowing the main plot."
Guan Yinan, the president of Jin Shu Talent Agency, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "Ms. Chen, I don't think that's appropriate. Consort Yu must have loved Xiang Yu deeply. If Xiang Yu didn't want to kill Liu Bang, Consort Yu wouldn't have acted rashly either, right?"
Chen Qing almost retorted, "Then you must have never truly loved someone," but held back in front of everyone. Instead, she said, "No, Sister Guan. If a woman loves a man, she's willing to do anything for his benefit, especially in a life-and-death struggle for power. A remarkable woman should take the initiative to eliminate the greatest threat when her husband hesitates."
Guan Yinan thought for a moment and nodded slightly.
Everyone then freely shared their ideas, quickly jotting down a series of inspirations and setting the story framework from the Hongmen Banquet to the Siege of Gaixia, spanning four years and covering the most thrilling part of the Chu-Han Contention.
The discussion continued until lunchtime.
Mo Yiling clearly intended to stay until the five projects were finalized. Since Chen Qing wasn't planning to consult her boss, they all had lunch together, planning to finalize the remaining two projects in the afternoon. Mo Yiling had to return to Suzhou the next day and could only stay in Beijing for one day.
---
At the same time, at a courtyard house on the south bank of Houhai, Lin Zhao received a phone call and hurriedly left a tea art class. A female guard drove her back, and she saw her father, her younger brother, and a middle-aged stranger waiting at the gate.
She quickly got out of the car and approached them. "Dad, Xiao Yan, why are you here?"
Lin Zhao's father, Lin Dacang, glanced at the shiny black Mercedes-Benz and then at his daughter's obviously upscale attire. He stepped forward with a smile. "We came to see you."
The handsome, long-haired teenager also stepped forward. "Sis."
Lin Zhao took her brother's hand and looked him over. Before she could say anything, Lin Dacang quickly introduced the middle-aged man. "Also, Xiao Zhao, this is Vice Mayor Jiang from the city's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. Call him Uncle Jiang."
The square-faced Vice Mayor Jiang couldn't help but glance at the girl's striking figure. He reached out with a smile. "Xiao Lin, I happened to be passing by and brought your father along. I'll head back to the guesthouse now."
Lin Zhao, hearing her father's introduction, understood. It was about the matters her parents had been nagging her about during their recent calls. She felt helpless but shook hands with the man. As she was about to speak, her father said, "Vice Mayor Jiang, it's already noon. How can we let you go back? Xiao Zhao, take our guest inside."
Lin Dacang gestured toward the still-closed main gate of the mansion a few meters away.
Lin Yan, standing beside his father, looked eagerly at the car and the mansion, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Lin Zhao, however, was in a dilemma. She explained honestly, "Dad, outsiders aren't allowed in here."
Lin Dacang was annoyed and gave his daughter a meaningful look. "What outsiders? Am I an outsider? Even your own father can't enter?"
Lin Zhao shook her head slightly. "Dad, only women live inside. It's not convenient."
Vice Mayor Jiang, seeing Lin Zhao's eyes reddening, quickly intervened. "It's alright, Old Lin. Don't pressure your daughter. I've been to Beijing before and know this area is quite exclusive. It used to be where princes and ministers lived."
"Vice Mayor Jiang, you're too kind. It's just my daughter being unreasonable," Lin Dacang quickly turned to Vice Mayor Jiang, his tone apologetic. He then glared at his daughter, still unwilling to give up. "No matter how exclusive, it's not the Forbidden City. Can't we even go in for a cup of tea?"
Lin Zhao, holding back her tears, hesitated and then said, "Dad, how about I take you all out for lunch instead?"
This was a compromise.
Lin Dacang glared at his daughter again, still dissatisfied, but nodded. "Alright," he said, looking at the Mercedes-Benz. "This is your car, right? Let Vice Mayor Jiang sit in the front."
Lin Zhao paused but didn't refuse this time. She asked her father and the others to wait, got into the passenger seat, and closed the door. She turned to the female guard driving. "Sister Yan, that's my father outside. Can I borrow the car for a bit? Also, if it's convenient, could you lend me some money?"
The guard, surnamed Yan, glanced at the people outside, hesitated, and nodded. "You just learned to drive. It's noon, and the roads are crowded. It's not safe. I'll drive you. Also, don't mention this to anyone, or I'll lose my job."
Lin Zhao quickly nodded, then looked pleadingly at the guard.
Sister Yan was momentarily puzzled but, seeing the girl's embarrassed expression, didn't ask further. She understandingly handed over all the cash in her wallet.
Lin Zhao thanked her, put the money in her handbag, and got out of the car to call her father and the others.
After some polite refusals, Lin Dacang finally pushed Vice Mayor Jiang into the spacious front passenger seat. He then squeezed into the back seat with his son and daughter, apologizing profusely to the vice mayor for the inconvenience.
Once everyone was seated, Lin Zhao gave Sister Yan the name of a nearby restaurant, and the guard drove them to their destination.
______
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