Chapter 772: Chapter 762: Scheming

It was lunchtime, the crew was resting, the staff ate boxed meals, and the actors had special work meals, clearly hierarchical.

It’s not at all like what’s said online, where top stars share meals with staff and extras, all eating the same food.

It’s not that such actors don’t exist, but they’re rare. Most actors enjoy their privileges, like staying in star-rated hotels and eating specially prepared meals.

And it’s not just the actors; even the various leaders within the crew eat differently. But this is normal; fairness isn’t abundant in this world. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many people trying to squeeze into the entertainment circle.

Still, even the extras’ boxed meals are quite decent, with both meat and vegetables, and even a chicken leg.

In the director’s room, Su Qing and Wang Fan were accommodating Director Deng and others for lunch.

"President Su, I toast to you!" The assistant director quickly stood up upon seeing this.

Su Qing raised his glass: "Don’t be so formal, though I can’t hold my liquor well, I’ll just have a bit of beer, excuse me!"

As he spoke, Director Wang chimed in beside him, "This younger brother of mine barely drinks, so you all should hold back a bit; don’t delay the afternoon shoot!"

Speaking, he glanced at Deng Wenxiong, hinting not to push it.

Recently, Wang Fan had been a regular at such banquets, naturally familiar with these situations.

"Yes, yes, work comes first," Director Deng received the signal and quickly said with a smile.

Su Qing didn’t completely abstain from alcohol, although he just took a sip. But the dishes on the table were indeed quite sumptuous.

Having eaten enough, Su Qing started talking business: "Director Deng, how much more does our crew have to do, roughly when will we wrap up?"

Upon hearing this, Director Deng and others became serious: "We’ve completed seventy to eighty percent; with a bit of a rush, it should wrap by the end of this month or early next month, then add post-production time, it should be released in June. We will promote it in advance, striving for a good result.

Also rest assured, you’ve seen our script. Though it’s a remake, it’s already market-proven, and our cast is absolutely great. I’ve seen their level firsthand, no doubt about it, I have confidence in our work."

Su Qing had seen the main cast; they’re all well-known comedy actors, and he had no doubts about them.

They’re almost all from Mahua, so their acting skills are undeniable, especially the female lead. She formed a golden duo with the military art school’s heartthrob, having performed on Spring Festival Gala, and with Mahua’s comedy films performing well domestically these past years, as long as the script is good, it almost can’t be a bad film.

Creating classic memorable scenes one after another doesn’t need additional commentary; Su Qing himself felt confident facing this kind of script and cast.

"I’m looking forward to it; it’s just a pity that our film can’t make the May Day release!" Su Qing said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Deng Dao awkwardly laughed twice without responding further. As an insider, he surely knew about Teng Hua using his and Director Wang’s names to gain traction lately.

Some had even privately asked Wang Fan, so naturally, everyone understood. For such matters, avoiding them is best; after all, it doesn’t benefit anyone.

Tang Nan, meanwhile, went to communicate with fellow actors as she’d soon have a project, potentially recruiting for her own crew.

Actors have their circles, and directors have theirs.

The lunch was quite decent; Su Qing was not only here for inspection but wanted to see their filming site.

At 1:30 in the afternoon, the director and others gathered the staff, the actors took their places, ready to start work, while Su Qing and Director Wang were positioned in a prime spot.

Though most eyes were on the actors, some attention was also directed towards them.

But luckily, this was the crew, Su Qing wasn’t afraid of being watched. He was at most an influencer here, surrounded by stars, there was nothing to fear.

"Cut, one more take! Teacher Wei, control your expression, Teacher Ma, don’t laugh!"

"Director, I can’t help but laugh whenever I see him, it’s hopeless, wahahaha!"

Ma Dongmei’s version of the iconic laugh echoed, causing surrounding staff to chuckle.

Watching behind-the-scenes at the site felt like spectating a comedy skit.

Regarding professional affairs, Su Qing never commented impulsively, just laughing along was fine. Since the commentary already indicated this film wouldn’t lose money, and would profit significantly, why worry about the process?

"Little brother, what do you think? The crew seems fun, huh?" Wang Fan asked with a smile.

Su Qing nodded, "Indeed, but it’s all about the big figures’ glory, while the little figures remain unnoticed!"

"Oh, which industry isn’t the same? You’ll get used to it. Just now, Director Deng mentioned he’d arrange for some friends to have dinner with you tonight; they’re circle insiders beneficial for your company’s future growth."

"Rest assured, big brother, I know, even if I have money and wish to invest in good scripts, I need to know more people. By the way, where’s Brother Nan?" Su Qing looked around, not spotting Tang Nan.

"President Su, President Tang took a call and left; it’s probably her project’s director who arrived," Hu Xiaoling said from beside.

Hearing this, Su Qing paused, not expecting her to move so quickly.

"President Su, here’s my recent work report for your review!" Dong Li handed over a folder, Su Qing glanced at her and casually received it, flipping through.

"This Killer Is Not Very Calm" Financial Details

The first page marked total investments, followed by the main and supporting actors’ remunerations. The highest-paid wasn’t the leading man Wei Chenggong but the female lead Milan played by Teacher Ma, 15 million, while leading man Wei Chenggong’s was only a fraction, along with other supporting roles ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand. This thing truly was lucrative.

Of course, Su Qing knew the figures on this sheet weren’t accurate; he just scanned it roughly.

Since upon seeing this financial detail, the commentary already hinted.

[The visible billing, subject to the actual items; Dong Li received some perks from it as well, but they were insignificant.]

Regarding this situation, although Tang Nan had already mentioned it to him before, he was still a bit unhappy. Of course, he knew that it wasn’t entirely Dong Li’s fault.

After all, before he went there, the crew had already started shooting, and there were some things she didn’t fully know. If the director wanted, they could naturally manipulate the situation.

The rest involves construction costs, employee wages, food standards, and prop wear and tear—each item clearly marked. I have to say, the preparation work was done very seriously.

"What’s the matter, brother?"

Seeing Su Qing frown occasionally, Wang Fan couldn’t help but ask.

"It’s nothing, just didn’t expect making a movie to be so expensive, especially the extra costs!" Su Qing laughed.

Upon hearing this, Wang Fan immediately understood what he meant, gently covered the detailed list with his hand, and said with a smile:

"Brother, you’re an investor, so it’s natural to think about it, but if you were to personally handle every part, how could you do anything else? These things..." Saying that, he glanced at Dong Li, then continued, "Just take a look, don’t take it seriously. Unless it’s a low-budget production, you might achieve relative precision, don’t you think! Even with the eighty million you finally invested in me, I’ve splurred quite a bit. Let’s just focus on the results."

Even though Wang Fan didn’t say it outright, it was more or less clear; there are a lot of twists and turns because everyone needs to make a living.

To this, Su Qing nodded as well. The narration had reminded him before, that his collaboration with Director Deng was a one-time deal, with no further cooperation possible, mainly because the other party was well-known and wouldn’t lack investments in the future.

Soon, an afternoon passed, and the crew finished early today. Director Deng enthusiastically pulled him and Director Wang both aside.

"President Su, I’ll be the host today, you must honor us with your presence. I have a few friends who’ve wanted to meet President Su for a while."

"Sure, I’d like to meet some new friends too."

Soon, at a high-end restaurant in the city, he met Tang Nan, who had been called back.

"Have you settled everything on your end?"

"More or less, chatted all afternoon, going to the company tomorrow to finalize it, you can help me check then!"

In response, Su Qing nodded.

Quickly, the three of them were led by Director Deng into a private room where there were already quite a few people, nearly a dozen.

As they pushed the door open, everyone inside stood up to greet them.

"Old Deng, you’re finally here!"

"We’ve been waiting for you!"

"Come sit, come sit!"

The people in the room greeted them warmly. Although they were speaking to Director Deng, their eyes were on Su Qing, clearly having received the news.

"Hahaha, let me introduce everyone. This is Wang Fan, Director Wang, and Tang Nan, Miss Tang. You all should know them, so I won’t say much. This is President Su, our crew’s investor, who has now established a film investment company, and I’ve brought him here today to meet everyone!" Director Deng introduced.

As soon as they heard this, everyone hurriedly stepped up to shake hands.

"President Su, hello, I’ve heard so much about you!"

"President Su indeed is young and promising!"

"I’ve wanted to meet President Su for a long time, Old Deng often talked about how generous you are, it’s great to finally meet you!"

Su Qing shook hands with them one by one, while Deng Wenxiong whispered introductions to him, mentioning that they were all directors, assistant directors.

Of course, the room wasn’t only filled with directors; besides them, there were four stylishly dressed women. Two of them seemed familiar to him, perhaps from seeing them online, but he couldn’t remember their names for the moment.

To be simple, they were fourth or fifth-tier actresses—familiar faces, but names that eluded your mind.

"Hello, President Su, I’m a fan of Da Huang, I’ve also followed your account and often watch your videos."

Just then, one of the women, dressed seductively, revealing a fair expanse at her chest, stepped forward and greeted with a handshake.

And when Tang Nan saw her, she frowned instantly.

"Hello!" Su Qing shook her hand.

But in the next second, he felt a scratch on his palm.

"We must have a good few drinks with President Su later!"

[Knowing you were coming, not only the directors but some actresses also wanted to make acquaintance, using the beauty trap among the thirty-six stratagems.]

Su Qing expressionlessly nodded, released his hand, and seeing this, Tang Nan quickly whispered in his ear:

"Zhang Hanjing, an actress not known for a good reputation, you should be careful!"

Su Qing: ...

Suddenly he felt that tonight’s dinner might not be so enjoyable.

...

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