Huayu: It's normal for me, as a director, to mentor young actresses, right?

Chapter 67 There are still smart people out there.

"Oh, Mr. Wang, what a rare guest!"

Lin Yu looked at Wang Zhongjun, who had arrived early in the morning, and was a little curious. It was Wang Zhonglei who called Han Sanping yesterday, but it was Wang Zhongjun who called him.

These two brothers are interesting.

"It is an honor to have such distinguished guests at our humble abode!"

"Director Lin, you're too kind." Wang Zhongjun sat down cautiously opposite Lin Yu. "I dare not call myself a distinguished guest in your presence."

Looking at Wang Zhongjun's respectful demeanor, Lin Yu was completely baffled.

This sudden politeness made him feel a little uncomfortable.

"Mr. Wang, tell me, what important matter is worth your personal trip?" Lin Yu poured a cup of tea and handed it to him.

Although Lin Yu didn't have a good impression of the two brothers from Huayi, he still showed them basic hospitality.

Wang Zhongjun took the tea, not minding how hot it was, and took a sip before putting it down. Then he said, "Director Lin's new drama is making quite a splash. The stills from the first day of filming are already all over the internet."

"Is that so? That's great." Lin Yu smiled. "I've been on set lately and haven't been paying much attention to what's happening online. Mr. Wang didn't come here just to give me good news, did he?"

"It's definitely not just about reporting good news," Wang Zhongjun leaned back. "Such a great project, I wonder if Director Lin could let Huayi have a piece of the pie too?"

Now, let's get to the main topic.

These "big shots" always have to talk about something else before getting down to business; they're never straightforward.

"That's a great honor. I'm so glad that my little project has caught Mr. Wang's eye." Lin Yu picked up his teacup and took a sip. "However, since the film's share has already been distributed, I'm afraid I won't have the honor of working with Mr. Wang again."

"It's alright. Next time there's a project, Director Lin must remember Huayi." Wang Zhongjun remained respectful. "We at Huayi have always looked forward to working with Director Lin."

This attitude is almost too good, and they didn't dwell on the TV series at all.

It seems they have a mastermind behind them, who has seen through Lin Yu's scheme and proactively disengaged.

Lin Yu put down his teacup and leaned back on the sofa. "Mr. Wang, tell me your thoughts. Let's talk about it."

Knowing that Wang Zhongjun's purpose for this trip had nothing to do with "My Love from the Star," Lin Yu didn't bother with any more pleasantries.

"Director Lin is straightforward." Wang Zhongjun smiled. "Third Master gave me some hints about your ideas."

"Zhonglei's side is already in talks with the studio about the sponsorship," Wang Zhongjun continued. "The money will be ostensibly for sponsoring the production team to recreate authentic history, and the price is negotiable."

Lin Yu nodded without speaking, signaling Wang Zhongjun to continue.

It's normal for someone to be able to see the difference in such a simple fishhook; after all, not everyone is a fool.

However, if someone knows it's a hook and still actively tries to bite it, then they must have other intentions.

After Wang Zhongjun finished speaking, he looked at Lin Yu's expression before continuing, "I also hope that Huayi can achieve great success under Director Lin's leadership."

After saying that, he took a contract from his bag and handed it over.

After Lin Yu took it, he continued, "This is 8% of Huayi Brothers' shares. If Director Lin is willing, it can take effect immediately."

Lin Yu glanced at the contract and confirmed it was indeed a share transfer agreement for Huayi Brothers, involving 8% of the shares, but the transfer price was not specified.

Based on Huayi Brothers' current valuation, 8% is 8 million yuan.

That's a big investment.

But Lin Yu shook his head almost without hesitation.

"Mr. Wang, do you not want to play with those people anymore?" Lin Yu casually tossed the contract aside. "The shares are unnecessary; I won't accept something for nothing."

"I can't hide it from Director Lin. This is just a small token of my sincerity." Wang Zhongjun didn't seem to mind. "Whether Director Lin wants to find someone to hold the shares on his behalf or use other methods, I can cooperate."

It seems that Wang Zhongjun is determined to pledge allegiance to me and cut ties with those people.

Eight percent of the shares may not seem like much, but given Huayi Brothers' current shareholding structure, it already places them among the top three shareholders. If Lin Yu so chooses, he can influence all of Huayi Brothers' decisions.

"When Mr. Wang was starting out, he received a lot of help from those people," Lin Yu joked. "Now that he's achieved success, it's not right for him to abandon his old employer."

Those people certainly provided support for Huayi's initial development, but it's hard to say exactly how much support they provided.

However, it's not enough to just talk about cutting ties; we need to take concrete steps and make real changes.

An 8% stake is ultimately just money; it can be explained as a normal business transaction and won't stop the Wang brothers from betting on both sides.

"I've always been dissatisfied with their influence on the entertainment industry." Wang Zhongjun adopted a serious expression, his tone becoming somewhat agitated. "How can we embrace the future of China if we're always clinging to the 'glory' of our ancestors?"

"No one in the industry has been able to lead us out of their influence before, but Director Lin, you've come."

"You have brought hope to those of us suffering from their influence and shown us the way."

Wang Zhongjun took a deep breath, his eyes becoming even more sincere: "You are our only..."

"Stop, stop, stop." Lin Yu quickly suppressed his smile and waved his hand to interrupt him.

Why are you suddenly starting to flatter me?

Honestly, I don't like that kind of food.

But if I let him keep talking, I'll have to take him out and shoot him.

"Shares are unnecessary, and I don't care about them." Lin Yu changed the subject, "Who's funding Wang Zhonglei's sponsorship?"

"Qing-Han Culture Promotion Fund." Wang Zhonglei immediately gave the answer.

"Qing Han... what a fine Qing Han." Lin Yu frowned. "They didn't use your money? How much could they possibly contribute at most?"

"Thirty million. Huayi didn't have the money. I made an excuse that all the cash flow had been invested and we were a bit tight," Wang Zhongjun explained.

"Really stingy." Lin Yu wasn't too satisfied with the amount, but since it was a risk-free business, he didn't mind. "Make them pay as soon as possible, and make sure it's clearly stated in the contract that they will help the production team restore history and create a true historical image of the Qing army."

"This was all agreed upon beforehand, and it will definitely be written on it." Wang Zhongjun nodded. "However, they require that they check the effect after the finished product is completed."

"It doesn't matter. Even if they don't ask, I have to let them see it first," Lin Yu said. "If they don't see it, how can I continue to swindle money?"

Wang Zhongjun was taken aback. Was there a second challenge?

Seeing Wang Zhongjun's somewhat puzzled expression, Lin Yu didn't explain and continued to talk about other topics, "If you want to cut ties, you have to be thorough. I'm not asking you to point your fingers at them and curse them."

Lin Yu paused for a moment, then looked at Wang Zhongjun seriously. "You must have connections with all those people online who support the Qing Dynasty, right? Once they've paid up, find a chance to expose them."

This is the true pledge of allegiance.