Chapter 1447: The Reason

Ning Hao and Xing Na left Future Film in high spirits. After all, signing with such a large company that offered them very favorable terms was undoubtedly a joyful thing for newcomers like them.

Those who have never been at the bottom of society cannot understand that feeling.

"Is it worth it?"

Watching the backs of Ning Hao and his wife, Ye Jing asked Zhao Fusheng.

They were standing in Ye Jing's office, watching the couple leave.

Zhao Fusheng smiled lightly at Ye Jing's question and glanced at him: "What, don't you understand?"

Ye Jing didn't hide it and nodded: "Ning Hao is very talented. I've seen 'Crazy Stone' and his earlier works. I have to admit, he's a promising new director. But for you to go to such lengths for him, even raising the liquidated damages to several hundred million, is it really necessary?"

This was his honest opinion. If a department manager had made such a decision, Ye Jing would have told him to get lost without a second thought. But since it was Zhao Fusheng who made the decision, Ye Jing didn't know what to do.

After all, Zhao Fusheng was the master of Future Group.

After hearing Ye Jing's question, Zhao Fusheng shook his head, turned to sit on the sofa, picked up the teapot, and poured himself a cup of tea. As the steaming tea rose before him, he looked at Ye Jing and suddenly asked: "If you had a choice between Wong Kar-wai and Lau G-Pou, which one would you pick?"

Huh?

Ye Jing was stunned for a moment.

Wong Kar-wai?

Lau G-Pou?

As a seasoned film professional, how could he not know the names of these two?

Both were renowned figures in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Wong Kar-wai went without saying—though he always exceeded deadlines and budgets, driving investors to curse and pound tables, you had to admit he had the skill. At major film festivals across the strait, Wong Kar-wai's films were guaranteed to win awards.

As for Lau G-Pou, he started in screenwriting in the 1980s and was once Wong Kar-wai's mentor. This Hong Kong screenwriter and director was best known for cleaning up Wong Kar-wai's messes.

How impressive was Lau G-Pou back then?

Wong Kar-wai raised thirty million in investment, assembled a cast of top Hong Kong stars including Leslie Cheung, Tony Leung, Jacky Cheung, and others, and after nearly a year of filming, produced 'Ashes of Time,' a film no one could understand!

To prevent his friend from being killed by investors who were already furious enough to draw knives, Lau G-Pou used the same cast and shot 'The Eagle Shooting Heroes' in less than half a month.

Yes, that's the film where Jacky Cheung plays Beggar Hong and keeps calling Joey Wang's character 'Cousin, I'm Hong Qi!'

Isn't that amazing?

Now, Zhao Fusheng was asking Ye Jing to choose between the two, which left him somewhat baffled.

"Well, from an investor's perspective, Lau G-Pou is naturally better. But with Wong Kar-wai, if a company has such a top-tier director, at least its foundation shouldn't be a problem," Ye Jing said, rubbing his chin to Zhao Fusheng.

Even though he knew Zhao Fusheng's question was more of a joke, he couldn't help but indulge in some wishful thinking.

After all, that was Wong Kar-wai.

Seeing his expression, Zhao Fusheng laughed and waved his hand: "Don't get any ideas. We definitely won't sign Wong Kar-wai. He's too unreliable with filming. Unless there are a dozen investors involved, never invest in his films alone."

Are you kidding? He was one of the top three gods in the cross-strait director's association for screwing investors. Even if Zhao Fusheng had a mountain of gold, he couldn't withstand Wong's pitfalls.

"Then what do you mean?"

Ye Jing asked curiously. He had thought Zhao Fusheng intended to sign Wong Kar-wai; otherwise, why bring it up?

After all, although Lau G-Pou and Wong Kar-wai had gone their separate ways in recent years, they were still good friends. If both could be brought to Future Film, the company's strength would instantly rise a notch.

Nowadays, many actors often consider the director and investor when taking on roles.

The bigger the director and the stronger the investor, the more likely they are to attract good actors.

Why were many actors willing to star in Daylight Entertainment's TV dramas later on? The reason was simple: their reputation was solid. Every TV drama produced by Daylight Entertainment achieved both critical acclaim and high ratings. Naturally, actors were eager to join their productions, as starring in one could easily make them famous.

For example, the elder sister in 'The Disguiser' gained many new acting opportunities and even appeared on variety shows thanks to that drama. Not to mention the 'old cadre' actor, who shot to fame and ended his years of bit roles.

As for his later character collapse, that was his own problem and had nothing to do with the drama.

As for big-name directors, even John Woo, despite his failure in Hollywood, still attracted a large number of actors to his works. That wasn't just because of the pay; if Woo had no appeal, only a fool would act in his films.

Currently, Future Film had no shortage of funds, backed by Future Group. Money was not an issue.

Other resources were also not a problem.

Whether advertising resources or other aspects, they were all solid.

The only thing lacking was prestige and appeal.

In the entertainment industry, having money and connections didn't mean you could do whatever you wanted. Those who treated the audience as fools would ultimately be punished by the audience.

The simplest example: Jing Tian and the Korean goddess—both had top-tier looks and exposure in their works. And the result?

It goes without saying.

So Ye Jing was seriously considering how to elevate Future Film's prestige.

That was also why he had firmly agreed when Zhao Fusheng decided to give Jiang Wen some of Future Film's shares. After all, Old Jiang's name was quite useful.

But now, what did Zhao Fusheng mean by this?

"What I mean is that Ning Hao has the potential to become a director on the level of Lau G-Pou," Zhao Fusheng said slowly, looking at Ye Jing. "In fact, I personally think he might achieve even more than Lau G-Pou."

Huh?

Ye Jing was stunned.

Because he felt Zhao Fusheng's judgment was utterly absurd.

"Are you joking?" Ye Jing asked seriously, looking at Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "I chatted with Ning Hao for a while. He's very thoughtful. And don't you think he really has that desire to succeed?"

Ye Jing was taken aback but still found it hard to believe: "But he's still a newcomer."

"A newcomer director who can earn the respect of someone as arrogant as Old Jiang, who can move me, and who can make a film that both you and Old Jiang think highly of—don't you think this newcomer is worth our investment?"

Zhao Fusheng looked at Ye Jing and said seriously: "If I were you, I'd start thinking about how to coordinate with the distribution company for promotion once 'Crazy Stone' becomes a box office hit after its release."

Then he smiled: "After all, that's our money."

Ye Jing fell silent.

Zhao Fusheng was right. A film company shouldn't turn down money. Regardless of whether Ning Hao was as talented as Zhao Fusheng thought, 'Crazy Stone' was indeed very good. In fact, as Zhao Fusheng said, the company was already predicting the film's box office could exceed ten million.

In that case, he had no reason to refuse.

With that in mind, Ye Jing looked up at Zhao Fusheng: "Don't worry. Since you think so highly of him, I know what to do."

Zhao Fusheng chuckled and said nothing more.

Facts speak louder than words. In the next few years, Ye Jing would probably understand why Zhao Fusheng valued Ning Hao so much and how much of a surprise Ning Hao would bring to Future Film.