Cheng Huanhuan examined the photo carefully and asked, "Siqing, what did you use to take this photo? It's so clear. Is it a DSLR?"
Deng Siqing said, "No, it's the camera I installed earlier."
Cheng Huanhuan rolled her eyes, annoyed, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? I was so worried!"
Deng Siqing chuckled, "Wasn't I just teasing you?"
Looking at the angle of the photo, Deng Siqing fell into thought.
Did Da Fei really peep at her? Or was there another secret?
Mao Feifei was first scolded by Jiang Lei over the phone, then again by Qiu Chengdong, who informed him that he was banned and wouldn't be appearing on any shows anymore.
Mao Feifei was struck dumb, his face ashen.
His father-in-law called and scolded him again, and he completely panicked.
"It's over, Da Fei isn't really going to sue me, is he?"
Chen Ya said, "You should quickly consult a lawyer!"
Mao Feifei immediately made several calls to inquire with lawyers, and the results were all the same.
If Da Fei sued him, he might really end up in jail.
General plagiarism wouldn't result in criminal charges, but Mao Feifei's plagiarism of the other party's work had already caused a very serious impact. Even if it didn't mean three years in prison, there would still be criminal penalties.
From now on, he'd have a criminal record.
Mao Feifei quickly took out his phone and called Da Fei, but unfortunately, the other party didn't answer his call at all.
Mao Feifei panicked. "Ask our dad to help find out where Da Fei's crew is, I need to go apologize quickly!"
This incident brought Da Fei a lot more attention.
Da Fei's "let the bullets fly for a while," Liang Yin hadn't understood at the time. Now she understood. It turned out it was to let the buzz grow even more.
Anyway, he had evidence, so he wasn't afraid anywhere.
"Da Fei, where did you get this photo?"
"Deng Siqing gave it to me."
"Oh."
Liang Yin and the others didn't ask any more questions. Anyway, since the matter was resolved, that was the best outcome.
"Da Fei, I checked the progress, and we should be able to finish shooting in about seven or eight days."
The filming of Swordsman was going quite smoothly. These college students were getting more and more skilled, and the veteran actors were also willing to work hard, often resting only after shooting very late.
Wang Zhi and his team were also becoming more and more familiar with the set's procedures, and the speed was much faster than expected.
Of course, more money was also spent.
It was estimated that the entire production of this drama would cost around thirty million.
Lin Chudong was satisfied with the cost. Their crew had good conditions in all aspects. They used the best props, makeup, and explosions they could get. Even the actors' food, clothing, housing, and transportation were all of a high standard. Spending more money was expected.
Lin Chudong said, "Well, it just so happens that I'll be going to the finals of Crossover Singer after filming is done. The director said the finals will be broadcast live."
Liang Yin said, "Live again? Are you singing?"
Lin Chudong shook his head. "I'm not singing. I talked to the director, and Yang Han will be a guest in the finals. Yang Han will sing a song, and the appearance fee is one million."
Liang Yin was very excited. "Really? That's great! Yang Han can make money, and our company's income is increasing."
Lin Chudong smiled. Looking at Liang Yin's happy expression, she was a money-grubber!
Praise Entertainment Company and Yang Han's personal account simultaneously released a Weibo post announcing that Yang Han had terminated the contract. They wished each other well and sent blessings.
And Liang Yin Media announced Yang Han's official joining.
This news shocked the netizens.
"Yang Han is so popular, yet she's joining Liang Yin Media? Has Da Fei's company grown to this scale?"
"I'm also a little surprised. Da Fei is indeed popular, but it feels like his company relies entirely on him. Will Yang Han do well there?"
"Yang Han, think twice! Just because Da Fei is popular doesn't mean you will be too. Your old company has more resources!"
"I feel like Yang Han's taking a wrong step. She finally got popular, and if she goes to Da Fei's company, she might cool down again."
"What's the size of Da Fei's company? Can it even accommodate Yang Han? They're being too ambitious."
"…"
Online, neither Yang Han's fans nor casual observers were very supportive of her decision.
Although many online jokingly called her Fei Girl, he had indeed made Cheng Huanhuan famous, but Cheng Huanhuan hadn't left her job to join Da Fei's company.
It was just a collaboration. Yang Han could have collaborated too. There was no need to put all her eggs in one basket and go to Da Fei's company. It was too risky.
Generally, contracts were signed for one year. If things didn't go well during that year, the previous popularity would be wasted.
Yang Han ignored these voices online. She had already anticipated that joining Da Fei's band would definitely attract some criticism.
But it didn't matter; she believed Da Fei wouldn't let her down.
Tian Yingxiong: Yang Han really did go to your place. You didn't lie to me this time.
Lin Chudong: Why would I lie to you? Are you in or out? If you come now, I'll give you a great deal. It won't be this good later.
Tian Yingxiong: I can't go. The company agreed to your deep cooperation agreement. Hurry up and write me a song.
Lin Chudong: Okay, I'll give it to you in a bit.
Tian Yingxiong: Don't play dumb. You must have written it already. Just send it over!
Lin Chudong: Damn... How did you know?
Lin Chudong obviously couldn't give Tian Yingxiong the song right away. The crew still wasn't finished, and they hadn't recorded the accompaniment yet.
Their group had become incredibly popular thanks to the previous "Most Dazzling Ethnic Wind". "Flying Bird Legend" was now also quite popular.
If Lin Chudong gave him "Free Flying" later, that guy would definitely be on his knees, calling him "godfather."
In the afternoon, Sun Xuan came to visit the set.
Lin Chudong was a little surprised and wanted to put down what he was doing to entertain Sun Xuan.
Sun Xuan quickly stopped him, "You film, I'll watch and chat with you."
Sun Xuan sat in front of the monitor for a while, also full of anticipation for this drama.
"This drama will definitely be popular, where are you planning to air it?"
"CCTV-8, I've already made contact."
Sun Xuan was stunned, "Alright, you're really blossoming everywhere on CCTV now."
Lin Chudong said, "Brother Sun, you came to see me for something, right?"
He flew all the way from Shanghai, it's impossible that he just came to stroll around the filming crew.
Sun Xuan lit a cigarette, a look of worry on his face. He said, "Your proposal wasn't approved by the station. They said the production costs were a bit high. The station spent a lot on Crossover Singer and doesn't have money to invest in my program now."
Lin Chudong frowned. The excuse was too clumsy.
What variety show on any TV station didn't find sponsors first and then produce the show?
They simply didn't like the proposal, and they didn't like Sun Xuan either.
Sun Xuan had come from Modu TV and then joined CCTV, participating in the Spring Festival Gala's production.
Now, he was transferred to Jingcheng TV. Everyone knew it was temporary, so the station didn't want to give him too many resources.
After all, Sun Xuan would eventually return to CCTV. If they nurtured him, wouldn't it be the same as making clothes for the Central TV station?
But Sun Xuan desperately needed results, otherwise, he wouldn't have any leverage to return to CCTV. It was quite awkward.
Lin Chudong listened to Sun Xuan's explanation and thought for a moment before saying, "Brother Sun, how about this?"
"Our company will be the exclusive sponsor, and I'll arrange the artists for the first few episodes. However, the sponsorship fee will have to be reduced accordingly, and the show's broadcast time slot needs to be good."
Sun Xuan was taken aback. "You're the exclusive sponsor?"
"Yes, for Audition. I'm looking to advertise."
Sun Xuan frowned. Lin Chudong's game was quite popular and should have made a lot of money. Logically, sponsoring a variety show made sense.
"But, can you handle the artists?"
For these kinds of shows, besides the variety show's setup, the most important thing is to have good jokes and be entertaining.
Guests need to be interesting or have a lot of traffic; otherwise, it's hard to create a good effect.
Da Fei definitely has to be there.
Recently, these variety shows have been doing great as long as Da Fei is on them. Da Fei has too many talents; that's undeniable.
But it's not realistic for one person to carry a whole variety show. Even a comedian needs a straight man to play off of.
Lin Chudong said, "You can rest assured about that. We can provide people from our own company: me, Yang Han, and Li Komugi."
"Tian Yingxiong can also appear; he's practically part of our company now."
"Deng Siqing, Lin Qiqi, and Cheng Huanhuan can all be on the show as well. Wouldn't these people be enough to handle the first few episodes?"
Sun Xuan thought for a moment, "This lineup should definitely be enough. As for sponsorship fees, what's your bottom line?"
Lin Chudong said, "I won't beat around the bush with you. For exclusive naming rights, we can take at most ten million."
"Including our artists, that saves the production team at least another ten million. These terms should be acceptable."
Lin Chudong offered ten million, which basically covered the entire production budget.
Not considering the fees for inviting artists, this money was enough to make a big production. Even if the station leaders were cautious, they had no reason to refuse, right? Sun Xuan nodded, "Then I owe you a big favor."
Lin Chudong said, "Don't be so polite with me. But you'll be the producer for the show, and I'll be the director."
Sun Xuan chuckled, "You, trying to steal my job?"
Lin Chudong smiled wryly, "I wouldn't dare. It's just to shoot the variety show effects I want. You can just be my leader."
Lin Chudong helping Sun Xuan for free was no problem. He might as well give Audition (Dance Game) a wave of advertising, treating it as promoting himself.
Sun Xuan nodded, "Alright, I'll go back and discuss it with the station leaders. If they agree, you can come help me right after you're done with your stuff."
Lin Chudong nodded, "No problem."
After sending off Sun Xuan, Liang Yin asked, "Da Fei, is ten million enough? We still have money."
After filming Swords of Glory, they should still have over thirty million, and there would be more income later. It wouldn't be a problem to sponsor more.
Lin Chudong said, "Ten million is enough. As long as Brother Sun gives me the power, I'll definitely give him a hit show."
Liang Yin nodded. Since Da Fei said so, then there was definitely no problem.
"What's the new show called?"
"Yearning for Rural Life."
In the evening, just as they were about to finish work, Wang Zhi suddenly walked in and said.
"Brother Fei, Mao Feifei is here."
Everyone was stunned, immediately stopping their work, ready to watch the excitement.
Lin Chudong said, "Let him in."
Liang Yin stood beside Lin Chudong, arms crossed, like a personal bodyguard.
It was unlikely Mao Feifei would cause trouble; there were many people in their crew.
Mao Feifei and Chen Ya walked in, both looking displeased. Seeing Lin Chudong, they quickly put on smiles.
"Da Fei, sorry to interrupt your filming."
Lin Chudong said, "It's okay, we're done for the day. What's up?"
Lin Chudong spoke without any emotional fluctuation, as if he were discussing business with someone he wasn't very familiar with.
Just watching these two chat, it was hard to imagine they'd been at each other's throats online just moments ago.
Lin Chudong had ruined him overnight, but Mao Feifei didn't dare to do anything now. If Da Fei really sued him, he wouldn't be able to handle it.
Mao Feifei looked at the crowd watching and felt a little embarrassed.
"How about we let everyone go, and we talk about this privately?"
Lin Chudong nodded. "Everyone, wrap it up."
Many actors and staff wanted to watch the excitement, but since Lin Chudong had spoken, they couldn't continue to watch.
After everyone left, Mao Feifei took out a bank card and placed it on Lin Chudong's table.
"I was in the wrong, I apologize. My Weibo account is banned, so I can't apologize publicly."
"There's three million in this card. Consider it compensation. Please, let me off the hook."
Liang Yin was somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected Mao Feifei to come all this way to apologize, and to offer three million as compensation.
That was quite a show of sincerity.
Lin Chudong smiled. "Where are you planning to go next?"
Mao Feifei said, "I can't do comedy anymore, I've withdrawn. I won't be in this industry anymore."
Lin Chudong nodded. "Alright, then let's end it here. We'll sign an agreement regarding the compensation."
Three million was not a small sum, it couldn't just be given away casually. Otherwise, if Mao Feifei turned around and accused Lin Chudong of extortion, the matter would never end.
After signing the settlement agreement, Mao Feifei and Chen Ya left the film crew.
Liang Yin asked, "Da Fei, is there any trickery in this?"
Lin Chudong said, "No, we've signed the settlement agreement. Everything's fine. He's genuinely scared."
"If we'd actually gone to court, the court might not have awarded this much in compensation."
This whole thing with Mao Feifei was actually quite profitable.
Liang Yin gave all three million to Lin Chudong. This was personal compensation and didn't involve the company.
Lin Chudong's salary this month alone was already several hundred thousand. With these three million, he now had several million in savings.
Later, when the company had more funds, he would take out some money to open a treasure chest.
Now, spending ten million for a single opening of ten treasure chests is quite cost-effective.
Based on the previous calculations, opening four more times should bring the total to one hundred.
I wonder what powerful items will be in the hundredth treasure chest.
I hope to get the acting-related items soon.
"Swords of Glory has wrapped! Thanks to all the hardworking staff for their efforts. Seafood buffet tonight!"
With the wrap of Swords of Glory, everyone cheered.
The busy work was finally over.
Liang Yin arranged a seafood buffet with a per-person cost of 300 yuan for the evening. Everyone on the crew and the actors were invited, but not the student extras.
Everyone had a great time at the wrap-up party. Many people drank, and the crew members took turns toasting the director. Da Fei didn't refuse anyone. Amidst the laughter and joy, the drama perfectly concluded.
Lin Chudong held his glass and said,
"Boss, aren't you going to have a drink? You don't have to drive tonight."
Liang Yin thought for a moment, "Then you have to help me back if I drink too much."
"Sure."
Liang Yin smiled and poured a glass of red wine, clinking glasses with Lin Chudong.
"Cheers."
Everyone was filled with joy and anticipation, eagerly awaiting the release of Swords of Glory.
They had all witnessed the birth of this drama, which was sure to sweep across the entire film and television industry.
Da Fei was truly a genius director!
Even before it aired, even before they had seen the finished product, everyone was brimming with confidence in this drama.
They were toasting and drinking, continuing until the late hours of the night.
Liang Yin was already flushed, and although the landlady's alcohol tolerance was decent, she couldn't keep up with the sheer number of people.
These main actors, seeing the director was not to be trifled with, immediately targeted Director Liang.
After several rounds of toasts, Liang Yin finally succumbed.
Everyone gradually made their way back to the hotel.
Wang Zhi asked, "Fei-ge, is the boss okay?"
"She's fine. You go ahead. I'll take her back."
"Okay."
Lin Chudong put Liang Yin's arm over his shoulder, and put his arm around her waist as they walked back.
Under the streetlights, their shadows were stretched out.
The boss's figure was too outstanding; it was inevitable that there would be physical contact while holding her like this.
Lin Chudong wasn't drunk, and this made it seem like he was taking advantage of the boss.
Liang Yin wasn't as tall as Deng-jie, so it was a little difficult to hold her like this.
Looking at the distance, it wasn't far. He just carried her on his back.
Of course, it wasn't to take advantage or anything, definitely not. It was just to save effort and be convenient.
Entering the elevator, Lin Chudong put her down.
Liang Yin opened her eyes, her cheeks flushed.
Arriving upstairs, the elevator door opened. Lin Chudong squatted down, about to carry her again.
Suddenly, Liang Yin retracted her hand and lightly punched him.
"Alright, that's enough."
After saying that, Liang Yin, her face red, walked out of the elevator and swiped her card to enter her room.
Lin Chudong awkwardly touched his nose. What did "that's enough" even mean?
Back in Modu, everyone could finally relax.
Lin Chudong asked Yao Qiang about the situation. Currently, the users of Audition (Dance Game) were still increasing, but the growth was slow because they hadn't advertised much.
However, the game's operating costs weren't high, and the recharge rate was very good. Monthly profits were now increasing rapidly. If they ran a strong advertising campaign, a net profit of over a million a month shouldn't be a problem.
Lin Chudong told Yao Qiang about the exclusive sponsorship plan and told him to prepare. In case it worked out, they'd need to add some relevant events in the game.
At nine in the morning, Yang Han came to the company to report.
Although this had been decided long ago, they had been at the filming crew the whole time. Today was Yang Han's first day reporting to the company.
Bang!
Liang Yin had specially arranged the office and set off two small confetti cannons to give Yang Han a welcoming ceremony.
Lin Chudong held Yang Han's hand and said,
"Welcome to Liangyin Media."
"It's my honor."
Yang Han sat in Lin Chudong's office and said,
"Time flies. I remember you were still at that music store, it feels like only yesterday."
Lin Chudong smiled. "Yeah, the music store is still there, it's the employee dormitory now. I live there. Why did you terminate your contract early?"
Yang Han said, "The company is changing its benefits. Seeing that I was determined to leave, they terminated my contract early. The new benefits won't include me."
Lin Chudong nodded. "That's perfect. I've arranged for you to be a guest on an episode of Crossover Singer. I've already made the arrangements. I've written a new song for you, you can sing it in the finals, and try to make a splash again."
Yang Han smiled, "Thank you, boss."
Yang Han took Wang Zhi and the others to the recording studio to record songs, Liang Yin said.
"I can't believe it, we've actually become Yang Han's bosses."
"Not just Yang Han, Tian Yingxiong is also half an employee of ours. If he dares to yell at you again, just deduct his pay directly."
Liang Yin said, "He probably wouldn't dare."
He had witnessed the boss's ferocity.
"How long will it take to edit and review Swords of Glory?"
"It'll be at least twenty days, don't rush. Approval for war dramas is a pain, especially since it's for CCTV. It's slow."
"Yeah, we just have to wait then."
In the afternoon, after Yang Han and the others finished recording their song, Lin Chudong held another company-wide meeting.
He talked about the company's recent work situation.
"The filming of 'Swords of Glory' is going very smoothly, thanks to everyone's hard work. Everyone will receive their salary this month, including the part-time pay for your positions."
"Audition (Dance Game) has already started to get on track. There will be events every month, and the other activities of the company's game department don't need to participate for now."
"The next work focus is the commercial performances for Yang Han and me. Yang Han usually sings solo, so the musicians don't need to follow her. But you'll still need to cooperate when recording."
"We might start recording a reality show in a few days. Wang Zhi, come with me, be my assistant. The rest of you, follow the boss lady's orders."
"Alright, that's it."
The brief meeting ended, and everyone was once again filled with energy.
Especially Wang Zhi and the others, who seemed to have a feeling of entering the management of a big company.
Although Da Fei didn't mention recruiting new musicians.
But if the company recruits artists in the future, this set of musicians definitely won't be enough, and maybe they'll recruit more.
If they recruit new people, wouldn't they become veterans? After there are more people, they'll naturally become the management.
This time in the crew, everyone acted as small leaders, and their abilities were rapidly improving. Becoming entertainment big shots in the future is just around the corner!
The next day, Lin Chudong, Yang Han, and Wang Zhi arrived in Beijing.
Tomorrow is the live finale of Crossover Singer, and then I'll contact Sun Xuan to prepare for Yearning for Rural Life.
Sun Xuan also sent word that the conditions Da Fei proposed are entirely beneficial to the TV station; there's no reason to refuse. Now we just wait for the leaders to approve it.
After settling the two of them in the hotel, Lin Chudong changed clothes and prepared to go to Deng Siqing's place.
The song for the finals had already been sent to her in advance, but he hadn't heard how she sang it yet.
Although Deng Siqing is very talented at singing, she sometimes doesn't quite understand the techniques and needs some guidance.
Besides...
Every time he came to the capital, he stayed over there.
Wang Zhi said, "Fei-ge, go where you need to go. I've got a standard room here, and I know what to say if the landlady asks."
After saying that, Wang Zhi raised an eyebrow at him, looking like he understood.
Lin Chudong pointed at him, "You're a real talent, it'd be a crime not to promote you."
-----------------------
Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
Guys, I've uploaded some High Quality english translated fanfic on my Patreon shop! Feel free to check it out-if you're interested, you can grab a copy and support me there.
Here are a few titles of recently uploaded fanfics:
New Addition:
" The Prosperous Dynasty (18+) "
" I Want to Be the Man of the Immortal Lord and Demon Emperor (18+) "
" The Scent of Rural Blossoms 🌸 (18+) "
" You Refused to Side with the Villain—So Why Cry When I Let You Go? (18+) "
" Succubus Physique: I Really Am Surrounded by Beauties (18+) "
" Many Children, Many Blessings—Starting with the Willow Deity (18+) "
" My Filial Piety Could Never Possibly Go Wrong (18+) "
" I'm Clearly the Villain—Why Are All the Heroines Throwing Themselves at Me? (18+) "
" Trapped in Enemy Territory, the Female General Tells Me to Open My Mouth (18+) "
" Douluo: Flame Lance Chongli and Fallen Heart Flame Cheat (18+) "
Your support means a lot-thanks in advance, legends!
many more are available 60+
patreon.com/RoyalStories
(End of Chapter)