Chapter 531: Prototype of a Luxury Empire

Chapter 531: Chapter 289: Prototype of a Luxury Empire

Competition between female celebrities is all about who has the most luxury brand endorsements.

In the world of jewelry, Tiffany’s status is on par with Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.

To secure such a resource for just a few reshoots was undoubtedly a massive win for her.

Besides Jiang Shuying, all other actors involved in scenes featuring the jewelry were temporarily called back to reshoot their parts.

There wasn’t much new footage to begin with, so it only took three days to get everything done.

Everyone received a generous bonus.

Meanwhile, Director Zhang Xiaobo rushed back to the company and immediately started working on post-production with the editing department.

‘As for the boss’s intentions, Zhang Xiaobo didn’t dare to guess. He just had to follow orders.’

Compared to the other entertainment companies he had worked with before, Universal Entertainment’s sheer wealth and extravagance were a huge shock.

Their office building in Qiantan, where every inch of land is worth a fortune, was property the company owned outright.

‘How many companies in the Chinese Entertainment industry had that kind of guts?’

Moreover, Universal Entertainment was brimming with talent.

Take the editing department, for example. The team he had been working with for over two months had already shown him the depth of a large corporation’s talent pool.

In just one week, the editing for the entire series was officially completed and sent for review.

Barring any surprises, it would be ready to air by the end of February.

Zhang Xiaobo let out a sigh of relief. He had finally finished before the deadline set by Chairman Qi.

“Director Zhang, Chairman Qi is very satisfied with your performance.”

“The screenwriting department has produced some excellent scripts. You can choose the one you’re most interested in and start preparations.”

Yuan Kai had called Zhang Xiaobo to his office and was now giving him a subtle hint.

“But for the female lead, it’s best to cast one of our own company’s actresses.”

“I understand. As long as the acting is up to par, I will definitely prioritize selecting from within.”

Zhang Xiaobo didn’t commit completely.

‘If they assigned Jiang Shuying to his production, her acting was so bad it would be painful to watch. The final result would be unwatchable.’

“Good, I’m glad you understand, Director Zhang. Why don’t you head over to the screenwriting department now?”

Yuan Kai smiled and nodded. “By the way, your director’s fee for this show is 10 million.”

“Thank you, President Yuan.”

Zhang Xiaobo was pleasantly surprised and quickly thanked him.

“Don’t mention it. As long as you do good work for the company, neither Chairman Qi nor the company will treat you unfairly.”

Yuan Kai waved his hand. “Go on, you can get to it.”

“Okay.”

Beaming, Zhang Xiaobo left and took the elevator to the screenwriting department’s floor.

As the soul of the company, the screenwriting department occupied an entire floor by itself.

That level of importance was unheard of in the Chinese Entertainment industry.

“Director Qin, President Yuan told me to come over and choose a script.”

Zhang Xiaobo knocked on the open office door, speaking cheerfully to Qin Wen, who was at her desk with her head down, working.

“I’m aware. Please have a seat, Director Zhang.”

Qin Wen pulled out several scripts and walked over to the seating area.

“These are all projects the company has tentatively designated for A-Level or higher investment. Director Zhang, you can choose the one you’re most interested in filming.”

“Alright, let me take a look.”

Zhang Xiaobo was curious to see the quality of the scripts produced by the screenwriting department, a division the company clearly valued so highly.

“*Past Life*, *Si Teng*, *Rebel*, *Qiao Family’s Children*, *Mountain and Sea Love*.”

Just from the titles, he could guess what a few of them were about.

*Past Life* had to be a historical drama.

*Rebel* was definitely a spy drama.

*Mountain and Sea Love* was most likely a mainstream-themed production.

The other two, however, were not so easy to guess.

After reading through each script, Zhang Xiaobo found himself more conflicted than ever before.

Any one of these scripts could be made into a good show.

But if he had to pick a favorite, it would undoubtedly be *Mountain and Sea Love*.

Zhang Xiaobo even felt the urge to direct it for free, just to make sure it was done right.

Of course, the thought was fleeting.

‘Working for free was out of the question, of course.’

But he subconsciously set the other scripts aside, his hand tightening its grip on the script for *Mountain and Sea Love*.

“Director Zhang, have you chosen?”

Qin Wen smiled faintly, not at all surprised by Zhang Xiaobo’s choice.

Even within their screenwriting department, *Mountain and Sea Love* was the most highly-rated script.

“AHEM. Director Qin, rest assured, I will do everything in my power to direct this show well!”

Zhang Xiaobo made up his mind. He would direct *Mountain and Sea Love*.

If he passed on this show, he knew he’d regret it for the rest of his life.

“It’s not about doing your best. It’s a must!”

Qin Wen’s expression suddenly turned serious. “This show is our company’s most important project this year, bar none. The investment budget is unlimited!”

“I…”

Zhang Xiaobo was dumbfounded. He hadn’t expected *Mountain and Sea Love* to be rated so highly.

“Director Qin…”

“Director Zhang, we can give this show to you, but I expect you to do justice to this script, and to the company’s investment in the Northwest.”

Qin Wen waved her hand. “To shoot this show, the company is planning to invest in a film studio in the Northwest. This will facilitate future filming for the company’s other film and television projects with similar themes. The total investment won’t be less than 500 million!”

After hearing what Qin Wen said, Zhang Xiaobo was more stunned than ever.

‘Building an entire film studio just to shoot one show… What an incredible investment!’

Just the thought of it made Zhang Xiaobo’s blood boil with excitement!

“Director Qin, I truly love this script. I will give it my absolute all to make this show a success and not disappoint you, President Yuan, the company, or Chairman Qi!”

Zhang Xiaobo gritted his teeth. “If this show doesn’t satisfy you and the company, I won’t take a single cent!”

‘A man’s got to be reckless at least once in his life.’

‘If he passed up an epic, mega-production like this, he might never get another chance.’

“In that case, congratulations, Director Zhang. *Mountain and Sea Love* is yours!”

Qin Wen also smiled, standing up and extending her hand to Zhang Xiaobo.