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Lu Chen called Sister Li because he wanted to sign a few promising newcomers through Sister Li's talent agency.
The recent contract disputes with Fang Hui, Zhang Liwei, and Hu Yang made him realize that if he wanted to make a real mark in the film and television industry, he needed a dependable core team, one that could respond instantly and deliver results.
If people like Zhang Liwei and the others had been directly signed under Lu Chen's studio, then all these problems would have been easily resolved. There'd be no need to haggle over contracts; the contracts would already exist internally.
But with Lu Chen's current studio still in its growth phase, expanding too quickly wouldn't be wise. After all, one must eat bite by bite and walk step by step; if you rush too fast, you'll just end up tripping over yourself, and that would be anything but pretty.
Fortunately, the entertainment industry today is highly developed, and there are many ways to handle such issues. Lu Chen thought of partnering with Sister Li's agency to co-sign new artists, sharing contract rights and profits, with her company managing daily affairs while his studio could call on the talent whenever needed.
This kind of partnership already had many precedents in the entertainment world and was perfectly suited to his studio's current situation.
Sister Li had been in talent management for many years, with extensive contacts and invaluable experience. Partnering with her Rainbow Agency would be a strong alliance of two capable forces.
More importantly, their personal relationship was excellent. Sister Li even served as the chairperson of the Chen Fei Charity Foundation.
Truthfully, if Lu Chen really wanted to poach talent, it wouldn't be difficult. With his current fame and the success of Blue, many artists would jump at the chance to join him.
In fact, quite a few had already come forward in recent weeks to recommend themselves. But first, Lu Chen wasn't particularly satisfied with most of them, and second, he had no intention of stealing talent from other agencies. He preferred to personally discover and nurture the right people.
After hearing Lu Chen's idea, Sister Li was fully supportive: "No problem at all! Whatever kind of collaboration you want, we can work it out. We're all good friends here, after all."
True to her personality, she was bold and straightforward, the kind who wouldn't mind taking a little loss for the sake of friendship.
Lu Chen smiled and said, "I trust you, Sister Li."
Despite her easygoing appearance, Sister Li was actually quite perceptive. She asked with concern, "Little Lu, did something happen? You don't usually call me out of the blue like this."
Lu Chen didn't hide anything and briefly explained the situation with Fang Hui's contract.
After listening, Sister Li said, "It's normal for her to have her own conditions. It's not strange for an agent to have opinions. But one thing's for sure, if she gives up on your new series, she's going to regret it later!"
"As for directors for your TV drama, I know dozens of them. I can definitely help you find someone suitable. And as for newcomers…"
"There are a few promising students from the Central Academy of Drama and the Beijing Film Academy. How about I take you to meet them?"
Lu Chen couldn't help but feel tempted.
The Central Academy of Drama (commonly called Zhongxi) and the Beijing Film Academy (Jingying), together with the Communication University of China (Zhongchuan), form the top three talent training centers in the capital's entertainment scene.
Over the years, they've produced countless famous directors and actors, even internationally renowned stars.
Especially Zhongxi, whenever it holds an alumni event or anniversary celebration, the number of celebrities and industry heavyweights who show up rivals that of a film festival. Its influence extends across all of Asia.
Many film and television companies prefer to scout fresh faces directly from Zhongxi or Jingying. Students from these schools are highly selected, professionally trained, and, most importantly, still affordable in terms of pay.
Recruiting from Zhongxi or Jingying was far more reliable than poaching talent from others, and came without any messy drama or feuds.
He agreed without hesitation.
Sister Li had connections in all three major academies and had gone to the Central Academy of Drama several times before to scout talent. The two quickly set a time to go together.
Tap, tap.
Just as Lu Chen put down the phone, there was a light knock at his door.
He said, "Come in."
The door opened, and a young girl stood there holding a gift bag. Her voice was bright and clear as she greeted him, "Brother Lu Chen!"
Lu Chen was pleasantly surprised. "Xiaochu? What brings you here? Come in, have a seat."
The sweet girl in a white floral dress was none other than Mu Xiaochu, a member of the popular girl group MSN.
Mu Xiaochu walked in, placed the gift bag on the table, and said, "We were performing out of town a few days ago, so I couldn't make it to your housewarming. This gift is just a little token from me."
Lu Chen smiled. "You didn't have to! Didn't your company already send a flower basket?"
Mu Xiaochu wrinkled her nose playfully. "That was arranged by the company. This one's from me personally, it's different!"
Lu Chen chuckled. "Then thank you very much."
Mu Xiaochu offered, "Let me open it for you. I bought it at Deep Sea, the shop owner said it's imported from the Netherlands."
She carefully unwrapped the package. Inside was a ship in a glass bottle.
The crystal-clear glass bottle sat on a wooden stand, flawless and gleaming. Inside, the miniature ship was exquisitely crafted, every detail visible, clearly the work of a skilled artisan.
Even without considering its price, the ship in a bottle symbolized smooth sailing ahead, an auspicious and thoughtful gift. Mu Xiaochu had clearly put genuine care into choosing it.
Lu Chen admired it. "It's beautiful!"
Mu Xiaochu's eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled. "As long as you like it."
Lu Chen then asked how she'd been, they hadn't seen each other for a while, both being busy with their own work.
After MSN debuted, Mu Xiaochu officially took a leave of absence from her studies. She had been attending Capital City Foreign Languages University, but it was impossible to balance both her academic and entertainment careers, so she ultimately chose the latter.
MSN's debut album 'Not Yet Lovers' had become a huge hit, sending the trio's popularity soaring. Their schedules were now packed with variety show appearances, commercial performances, and endorsement deals, fully booked well into the second half of the year!
Currently, there were over twenty active girl groups in the country. Although MSN couldn't yet compete with the long-established top-tier groups, their momentum was clear. Flying Stone Records intended to cultivate them into one of the label's flagship acts.
That also meant Mu Xiaochu's workload, and stress, had grown significantly. She had only just returned to the capital yesterday and had carved out a rare bit of free time today to personally deliver the gift, partly because she lived nearby.
Her mother even complained that she'd lost several jin (a few pounds).
Mu Xiaochu chatted a lot while Lu Chen mostly listened. It felt like talking with a younger sister, casual, genuine, warm. She shared her joys, frustrations, and little secrets, making the atmosphere light and comforting.
They talked for nearly an hour before someone from the studio came in to ask Lu Chen to sign some documents.
Only then did Mu Xiaochu suddenly realize the time. "Oh no, it's already past ten! I have to go. Brother Lu Chen, you're busy, see you later!"
And with that, she scampered off like a startled little rabbit.
Lu Chen smiled, shaking his head, then carefully moved the glass ship onto the display shelf in his bookcase.
(End of Chapter)