Tomorrow, Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao will come to Jingzhou. That day happens to be Saturday, and they can have a reception banquet at Mingyun Private Kitchen in the evening.
Today Pei Qian took a taxi and went to look at several properties near the South High-Speed Railway Station and made a good selection.
Finally, I settled on a well-decorated house, more than 140 square meters, and the price was about the same as Pei Qian expected.
Moreover, because Pei Qian paid the full price directly, the price was also discounted. After discounting the price at 95%, the total price was 1.63 million.
However, the house is not yet completed, and handover will have to wait until March next year.
In the past two or three years, housing prices have begun to rise. Good houses are all off-plan, and they are basically snatched up before the house is handed over. If you really have to wait until the house is handed over before buying, you may have to buy second-hand.
This is also something that can't be helped.
Therefore, Pei Qian considered it comprehensively and concluded that this house was the most suitable one at the moment. Although it was off-plan, he decided to buy it.
Anyway, Pei Qian is not in a hurry. The place where his parents currently live is a little small, but they have lived there for so many years, so it is not bad for a few months.
What's more, even after the house is handed over, the house inspection, soft decoration, furniture, etc. will still have to be busy for several months, and there is no rush.
I bought a house, solved one of my worries, and felt a lot more at ease.
The only dissatisfaction was that Pei Qian could only sigh with emotion when he saw that his personal property was only around 200,000 yuan, and he was really back before liberation.
But it doesn’t matter, as long as you can make some gains during this settlement cycle, you can earn back the money for this house in minutes!
…
I had a busy day on Friday, signed the house purchase contract, and went straight to rest when I came back.
On Saturday afternoon, Pei Qian asked the company's driver Xiao Sun to take him to Mingyun Private Kitchen, where he was waiting to receive Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.
Both of them flew this afternoon. Zhang Zuting arrived a little earlier and had already gone to the hotel to rest; Lu Zhiyao arrived a little later, and Pei Qian also arranged a special pick-up for him. After settling in the hotel, he came to tomorrow
Dine at Cloud Private Kitchen.
In addition, as the director of the movie, Zhu Xiaoce must also be accompanying him, and he has already arrived in advance.
Pei Qian and Zhu Xiaoce were eating snacks and waiting in the private room.
Pei Qian noticed that the briefcase next to Zhu Xiaoce contained two printed scripts, which should be given to Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.
Pei Qian also has a little headache about the script.
Zhang Zuting said before that he wanted to read the script, but was fooled by Pei Qian.
This time when Lu Zhiyao comes over, he will probably ask to read the script.
Pei Qian also knows that these two actors are very picky about scripts, and they are not the kind of actors who can film whatever they want if they have enough money, so the script must not be fooled.
Lao Zhang's side is relatively easy to talk to. After all, we all have friendship and are willing to cooperate.
Lu Zhiyao and Pei Qian are not close friends, and they have a certain celebrity status, so how can they casually accept a movie from an unknown director? Even if they are given enough money, they will read the script and decide whether to make it.
Therefore, Pei Qian was a little worried.
But looking at Zhu Xiaoce's appearance, he didn't seem worried at all. Instead, he was confident and confident.
Pei Qian felt that this was quite outrageous. Why did Zhu Xiaoce hold such a rubbish script in his hand as if he were holding a Nobel Prize-winning work?
Pei Qian asked tentatively: "Director Zhu, when Lu Zhiyao comes over today, he will probably ask about the movie script. By then..."
Zhu Xiaoce didn't wait for Pei Qian to finish speaking, and slapped his chest: "Don't worry, Mr. Pei, this is nothing!"
"Your script is so well written. Maybe Lu Zhiyao will like it more and more and ask for a reduction in salary to join!"
Pei Qian: "..."
Is that a little too optimistic?
But now that the matter was at this point, Pei Qian couldn't ask any more questions. He could only wait until they met before he could act accordingly.
Not long after, the company's seven-seater business car arrived. Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao got out of the car and walked into Mingyun Private Kitchen under the reception of the waiter.
Each of them brought an assistant with them behind them.
It is very common for celebrities to have assistants. After all, most celebrities are busy with work and must have someone by their side to help, otherwise they will not be able to do it on their own.
These two each only bring one assistant when they go out, which is already quite low-key. Some popular actors bring ten or eight assistants when they go out, enjoying the feeling of being surrounded by stars all the time.
This was the first time Pei Qian met Lu Zhiyao in real life. Before, he had seen his photos and movie clips on the Internet.
Pei Qian's first impression of Lu Zhiyao was: handsome!
Actors are also divided into those who are photogenic and those who are not. Some actors are good-looking in the camera, but in reality they are so beautiful that their whole body seems to be shining, which is beyond the comparison of ordinary handsome boys and beauties. Some actors are not particularly conspicuous in reality.
But with makeup, you can add a lot of points after being photographed.
Lu Zhiyao is even more special. He is very handsome in real life, but not so handsome in the movie...
I have to say that actors really rely on "popularity with the audience". Some actors are very good-looking, but they just don't like the audience. There's nothing we can do about it.
"Mr. Pei! Long time no see."
Zhang Zuting quickly stepped forward and shook hands with Pei Qian.
"Mr. Pei, nice to meet you."
Lu Zhiyao followed closely behind.
After exchanging a few words, Pei Qian led everyone to the private room and took their seats.
It was still the largest private room on the third floor of the villa. Zhang Zuting looked through the floor-to-ceiling windows as the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the infinity swimming pool outside. He couldn't help but think of the scene when he first came here.
This scene is really making people...can't stop drooling.
When Zhang Zuting thought of the delicious food he had last time, he couldn't help but yearn for it and couldn't wait to start the meal.
However, Mr. Pei neither looked at Zhang Zuting nor Lu Zhiyao at this time, but stared at Zhang Zuting's assistant.
It was you who memorized the location of Ming Yun's private kitchen last time and attracted all the wealthy people in Jingzhou City!
Mr. Pei is very angry, but there is nothing he can do. For the sake of the fried pig's trotters, he won't argue with you.
Pei Qian introduced the identity of director Zhu Xiaoce to Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao. After a while of greetings, the dishes were served one after another.
Although Lu Zhiyao had eaten a lot of good food, he still had an expression of surprise on his face when he saw the dishes here.
Before coming here, he heard that there was a very good unknown restaurant in Jingzhou City, but he didn't have high expectations. After all, he has been filming all over the country all year round. What kind of good restaurant has he not been to?
When he finally tasted it, he realized that the food here was not inferior to the best restaurants he had ever been to, and even the environment and service were even better!
When it comes to delicious food, Lu Zhiyao’s depression has eased a lot recently.
The new movie hit the market, and Lu Zhiyao was isolated at home for several days. He originally had no plans to take on any new movies in the near future.
The cast of the last movie was so good that it was all over the place. Do you want to make another film and continue to beat the crowd?
I can't stand it.
Lu Zhiyao actually had no idea whether to accept this movie or not. Relatively speaking, he came to Jingzhou more to relax than to work.
However, at this time, watching the delicious dishes being served one after another, and feeling the waiter's attentive and thoughtful service, Lu Zhiyao felt that Mr. Pei valued him.
Originally I just wanted to come and have a look, but after eating this meal, I suddenly felt a little embarrassed.
As the saying goes, those who eat people are soft-spoken and those who take advantage of them are short-handed. Although Lu Zhiyao had not decided whether to take on this drama, it was still appropriate to take the initiative to chat.
Thinking of this, Lu Zhiyao took the initiative and said: "Mr. Pei, Director Zhu. Let's briefly talk about this drama."
"To be honest, I have been feeling depressed recently and my condition is not good. Mr. Zhang must know that the condition of an actor has a great impact on the performance of his acting skills. I have always declined before, mainly because I was worried that I would not be able to perform well in this drama. For everyone
Cause trouble."
"Besides, I'm a 'box office poison' now, so I'm afraid I'll hurt you."
Lu Zhiyao's words were not fatal, but he first adopted a relatively low profile, so that if he refused in the end, it would make things easier for both parties.
As for whether to make this movie, you have to read the script and understand the sincerity of the other party before making a decision.
If it's a bad movie, then decline it politely; if you think it has the potential to become a hit, then you can give it a try.
Pei Qian smiled: "Anyway, I think Mr. Lu, your talent has been seriously buried!"
"In the eyes of others, you are box office poison, but to me, you are the most suitable candidate for the leading actor in this movie!"
"I have high hopes for you."
Lu Zhiyao knew that Mr. Pei's words were mostly polite.
But seeing Mr. Pei's sincere eyes, he was still moved.
It seems that Pei always means it sincerely!
It's really hard to find a confidant.
"Mr. Pei, you trust me so much, which really makes me a little ashamed."
"I feel the sincerity of Mr. Pei and Director Zhu. But, can I read the script first?"
Sure enough, we still need a script.
Pei Qian also knew that if he didn't read the script, Lu Zhiyao would probably not agree to participate. He had no choice but to look at Zhu Xiaoce and ask him to hand over the two scripts to Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao respectively.
Lu Zhiyao wiped his hands with the hot towel handed by the waiter, took the script solemnly, and read it carefully.
Pei Qian watched as Lu Zhiyao's expression changed from expectation, to confusion, to shock, and finally to dullness. He felt something was wrong.
Lu Zhiyao simply finished reading the script and didn't know what to say for a while.
This kind of script is so rare!
Of course, it can’t be said that I have never seen it before. Many European and American literary films do have some specious plots, but in China, it seems that I have never seen it shot like this...
Lu Zhiyao has never played such a leading role in his acting career.
Isn't this too tragic?
I was a licker at the beginning, but in the end I couldn't get any offers. I finally got rich halfway through, so I turned around and abandoned my old love. In the end, I was tricked and I became a pauper again.
When had Lu Zhiyao ever suffered such grievances?
The male protagonists who have been filmed in the past are all winners in life, surrounded by beautiful women, and their careers are going smoothly.
Even if it is a tragedy, it must be a majestic death.
Even if he is playing a supporting actor? He is usually a cute and charming villain.
This movie is good. I was promised to play the male lead, but he turned out to be too miserable! He is neither cute nor pitiful. After hearing this story, I feel sick.
Lu Zhiyao looked at Pei Qian: "Mr. Pei...this script..."
He didn't know how to describe it for a moment.
Seeing Lu Zhiyao's expression, Pei Qian felt a little bad. Sure enough, this script about returning to the clan had a dissuasive effect on this "box office poison"...
Thinking about it, in the previous movies they made, they were either heroes or domineering CEOs, or at worst, they were rich second-generation people who had no worries about food and clothing, career elites or the like.
Now, would this person be happy if they were asked to play the role of a pauper, a dog-licker, a supercilious wolf, and in the end they were fooled around?
Pei Qian looked at Zhu Xiaoce and indicated that Zhu should take the lead at this time.
Anyway, no matter what you say, just blow this script first to stabilize Lu Zhiyao’s mentality!
However, before Zhu Xiaoce could speak, Zhang Zuting had already slapped his thigh: "What a script! This script is great!"
"In all my years of making movies, I have never seen a script with such profound ideas!"
"This is a bitter satirical drama. It criticizes the mentality of excessive addiction to consumption, the impetuousness of society and the alienation of people by money. This script is very meaningful and is worth savoring!"
"Mr. Pei, where did you find the screenwriter? The level is really high!"
Zhu Xiaoce responded promptly: "This script was written by Mr. Pei himself."
Zhang Zuting was in awe: "I can't believe that Mr. Pei is so versatile! It's true that those who are capable work hard!"
"No, Mr. Pei, the script has obviously been written. Then why did you avoid talking about it when I asked you on the phone before?"
"Oh...I understand, it's because of modesty and low-keyness!"
"Mr. Pei, it is right to be modest, but being too modest is not good. This means that we have a strong relationship. If it were another actor, he might not come as soon as there is no script. What a pity!"
"Just for this script, let alone the friendship price, even if it doesn't require salary, I will definitely come and shoot it!"
Pei Qian looked at Zhu Xiaoce and then at Zhang Zuting in confusion. The development of the situation was completely beyond his expectation.
What's going on...
Originally, I just prepared Zhu Xiaoce as a proxy to deceive Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.
As a result, Zhang Zuting was so smart that he took the initiative to help, and the three of them fooled Lu Zhiyao into coming!
Lu Zhiyao was still confused. He only read the script roughly and didn't get the points in the script very well.
Zhang Zuting continued to turn over the script and said with emotion: "Mr. Pei, if I guess correctly, this script should be specially tailored for Brother Lu, right?"
Pei Qian:?
Tailor-made?
I thought too much. When I wrote this script, I didn’t even know who Lu Zhiyao was...
However, it’s impossible for Pei Qian to tell the truth, right?
He could only show a confused smile, neither admitting nor denying it.
Seeing this smile, Zhang Zuting was even more sure. He looked at Lu Zhiyao next to him: "Brother Lu, can you see it?"
Lu Zhiyao fainted.
I saw a ball of yarn!
Tailor-made for me?
Do I look like a licking dog?
Seeing Lu Zhiyao's puzzled expression, Zhang Zuting explained: "Brother Lu, do you know what you lack most now?"
"It's not just a lack of a good script, it's also a lack of a good character."
"More importantly, we lack a good character!"
Lu Zhiyao's expression was still confused.
Zhang Zuting continued: "Good character design does not refer to tall and tall characters in movies. You have played many 'successful people' in movies, but the response has always been mediocre. Have you ever thought about why?"
"A good character design is not a flawless character, but a character that can highlight your own characteristics to the greatest extent so that the audience can empathize with you and remember your character!"
"Just like when I was young, I won the best actor award by playing a mentally ill person."
"The male protagonist in this script seems to be useless, but he is an out-and-out good character, complex and full-bodied."
"This kind of role is an all-round exercise for your acting skills, and it also allows you to completely get rid of the audience's stereotypes."
"Why were the roles you played in the past not popular with the audience? Personally, I think the main reason is that you are too handsome!"
"Because he is so handsome, the audience will feel that he is out of touch, unrealistic and unrealistic, and it is difficult to integrate into the drama."
"I feel that appearance has become your burden to a certain extent, and if you are unwilling to let go of this burden, it will be difficult to break through your original mentality when playing these roles."
"How can you possibly leave a deep impression on the audience if you always play people who are flawless?"
"So, this role is tailor-made for you, it's a perfect fit!"
"To be honest, if I were more than ten years younger, I would definitely play this male lead. Now, I am old, and I can only give this opportunity to you."
After listening to Zhang Zuting's words, Lu Zhiyao fell silent.
Pei Qian and Zhu Xiaoce also fell silent.
It's just that the silence of the three people is not for the same reason...
Lu Zhiyao's silence was because he felt that these were the heartfelt words of a movie star and were very useful.
No matter how popular Zhang Zuting is now, he is after all an old man whose achievements are much higher than his own.
If Zhang Zuting thinks this character is very good, then it means that this character is really very good.
Zhu Xiaoce sighed with emotion, as expected, Zhang Zuting is an experienced actor and a person who really understands movies.
Just from the reactions of the two actors after seeing the script, it can be seen that Zhang Zuting's level is much higher than that of Lu Zhiyao!
Pei Qian, on the other hand, was confused.
He originally thought that Zhang Zuting, like Lu Zhiyao, had great objections to the script, and that he and Zhu Xiaoce would work together to deceive it.
However, Zhang Zuting actually liked this script very much!
Not only did he like it himself, but he also helped deceive Lu Zhiyao, and even said such ridiculous things as "This script is tailor-made for Lu Zhiyao"...
Pei Qian wants to know now, are Lao Zhang's words coming from the bottom of his heart, or are he simply trying to fool Lu Zhiyao?
former?
It's probably unlikely. I wrote this script deliberately for Wan Du to return to his clan. How could I possibly make Lao Zhang, a seasoned actor who has acted in many dramas, fall in love with it?
Well, this is probably because I am Zhu Xiaoce's boss and Zhang Zuting's financial backer. It is difficult for both of them to objectively evaluate this script, so they praise it so much.
You see, Lu Zhiyao, who I don’t know, had no reaction to this script!
Therefore, Lao Zhang and Zhu Xiaoce should be helping to deceive Lu Zhiyao.
Well done!
These two have made great achievements today. As long as they can get "Box Office Poison" to join the crew, they must be given more money!