Chapter 75 Investing in Fan Binbin

Chapter 75 Investing in Fan Binbin

The next day, Zheng Hui got up very early.

He didn't let Li Zongming come along, but only took Lin Dashan with him.

The VIP Lou Hotel has its own fleet of limousines, so he simply rented a black Audi and had Lin Dashan drive it towards the Beijing Film Studio.

There were several cases of Wahaha in the trunk of the car, including bottled water and cola.

Zheng Hui brought these along casually. Since he's a spokesperson, bringing some of his own products when visiting the set is both a favor and a form of publicity.

It's winter now, so he didn't bring much; just a token amount was enough.

They soon arrived at the gate of the Beijing Film Studio. When the security guards saw the Audi and Zheng Hui handed them his business card, their attitude immediately became much more polite.

After a simple registration, the car drove in smoothly.

Following the address given by Fan Binbin, Zheng Hui instructed Lin Dashan to drive the car to an area marked with a sign for a Ming and Qing Dynasty-style street.

Before even getting out of the car, I saw a crowd of people gathered ahead, with various equipment and cables spread out on the ground, clearly indicating the location of the film crew.

As soon as Zheng Hui opened the car door, a staff member jogged over.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Zheng Hui?"

Zheng Hui nodded.

"Oh, Mr. Zheng, hello!"

The man's face was beaming with smiles as he warmly extended both hands: "I'm the production manager of the film crew, my surname is Liu. I've been waiting for you!"

Zheng Hui shook hands with him: "Producer Liu, you're too kind."

He pointed to the trunk: "It's my first time here, so I didn't know what to bring. I just grabbed some water and Coke to quench the thirst of the crew."

Producer Liu said politely, "Oh, how could I accept this! It's already an honor for us that you're here, let alone cause you to spend money!"

He spoke politely, but with a wave of his hand, he called out to someone not far away, "Xiao Zhang! Xiao Li! Come over here quickly and move the gifts Mr. Zheng brought for everyone!"

Two stagehands immediately ran over, opened the trunk, and took away several cases of drinks.

Producer Liu led Zheng Hui inside: "Mr. Zheng, we are currently filming the second part of the movie. Today we are filming the interior of Shufangzhai."

Zheng Hui nodded and followed him inside, with Lin Dashan following behind.

The studio was warm, and the lights were as bright as day.

In a makeshift room, two girls dressed as Qing Dynasty princesses are rehearsing a scene.

One was Zhao Zhetian, and the other was Lin Xinru.

The director sat behind the monitor, surrounded by a group of staff.

Zheng Hui's arrival caused a small commotion.

Many staff members recognized him and whispered among themselves, frequently glancing in his direction.

The director glanced back, nodded to Producer Liu, and then turned back to continue watching the monitor.

Producer Liu led Zheng Hui to an empty seat next to the director.

"Mr. Zheng, please sit down and watch for a while. This scene will be finished soon."

He chatted for a bit about the daily life on set, then changed the subject and tentatively asked a question.

"Mr. Zheng, if I may ask, are you interested in acting?"

Zheng Hui turned to look at him.

Producer Liu rubbed his hands together, a hopeful smile on his face: "We still have a few roles to fill in for the rest of the film. They may not have many scenes, but they're all quite memorable."

"If you're interested, we can ask Mr. Fan and arrange one for you. Don't worry, it won't take up too much of your time; it can be filmed in a day or two."

Zheng Hui knew perfectly well that this was Fan Xiuqiong's idea. Although "My Fair Princess" was a huge hit in both mainland China and Hong Kong and Taiwan, it was a phenomenal success in mainland China, while in Hong Kong and Taiwan it was a massive hit but not in a league of its own. Given this situation, the production company would naturally not miss any opportunity to boost the show's popularity in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

He shook his head: "Thank you for your kind offer, Producer Liu, but I have no plans to film any movies for the time being."

He gave himself a good reason: "I don't have any feelings about Qing Dynasty dramas, and I'm not used to shaving my head, so I'll pass."

Disappointment flashed across Producer Liu's face, but he quickly smiled again.

"I understand, I understand, we were being presumptuous."

He knew in his heart that it was normal for someone of Zheng Hui's caliber to look down on such minor roles, but he figured he might as well try his luck.

As the two were talking, the director called out "Cut!" from the courtyard.

"Okay! That's a good take! Ten-minute break!"

The atmosphere in the courtyard relaxed, and the actors and staff dispersed to rest.

Fan Binbin had already spotted Zheng Hui, and as soon as the director yelled "cut," she rushed out of the house, lifting her skirt.

"Zheng Hui!"

With barely suppressed joy on her face, she jogged over and stopped in front of Zheng Hui. Because she had run so fast, her breathing was still a little unsteady.

All eyes in the courtyard instantly turned to this side.

Zhao Zhetian and Ruby Lin also came out of the room. When they saw Zheng Hui, they both showed surprised expressions.

They couldn't understand how this currently popular singer in Hong Kong and Taiwan could be here.

And judging from the looks of it, they've come looking for that maid.

Fan Binbin's shout confirmed that Zheng Hui had come to visit her on set.

Those in the crew who had previously been somewhat skeptical now looked at Fan Binbin with a completely different gaze.

Envy, jealousy, curiosity—a mix of emotions swirled together.

Zhao Zhetian and Ruby Lin exchanged a glance and then walked over.

"Hello, Mr. Zheng," Zhao Zhetian greeted him with a smile.

Ruby Lin nodded in agreement: "Hello Mr. Zheng, I didn't expect to see you here."

Zheng Hui stood up and nodded politely to them.

"Hello, I'm here to visit Binbin on set."

He made his purpose clear in one sentence, without intending to engage in any polite small talk with them.

The smiles on Zhao Zhetian and Ruby Lin's faces froze slightly; they hadn't expected Zheng Hui to be so direct.

Their intention in coming here was to take this opportunity to chat with this popular singer and build a relationship.

After all, in this industry, having more connections means having more opportunities.

But Zheng Hui's words shut them up completely.

"So you came to see Jin Suo."

Zhao Zhetian quickly composed himself and said with a smile, "We never expected that Jin Suo would know such a big star as you."

These words sound like a joke, but upon closer examination, they carry a subtle hint of sourness and probing.

The various news stories about these two people in later generations made Zheng Hui dislike them.

He just smiled faintly: "I met Binbin before when we were doing a commercial performance in Shenzhen. We became friends after that."

After saying that, he stopped looking at them and turned to Fan Binbin, saying, "It's too crowded here, shall we go walk over there?"

Fan Binbin paused for a moment, then nodded vigorously: "Okay!"

She couldn't ask for more.

Zheng Huichong nodded to Producer Liu and Zhao and Lin as a greeting, and then led Fan Binbin to a relatively quiet corner outside the film set.

Zhao Zhetian and Ruby Lin stood there, watching the two figures from behind, their expressions somewhat unpleasant.

They were used to being the center of attention on set, and after their first film became a hit, they were greeted with smiles everywhere they went. They had never been so blatantly ignored before.

Zheng Hui and Fan Binbin walked to a quiet corridor where there weren't many people.

The winter sun shines through the eaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

"Thank you," Fan Binbin said softly, her head bowed.

"What are you thanking me for?"

Fan Binbin looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you for coming all this way to see me."

Zheng Hui looked at her, took a box out of his pocket, and handed it to her.

-

"For you."

Fan Binbin looked at the box with the Nokia logo: "This is—a mobile phone?"

"Okay. I forgot to give you my number last time, so I'll just give you my contact information this time. It'll be easier to contact you in the future with this."

Fan Binbin quickly pushed the box back: "No, no! This is too valuable, I can't accept it!"

She knew how much a mobile phone cost these days—several thousand yuan, almost half of her salary for a film. She also understood some things about the industry, and she assumed Zheng Hui thought the same way, so she quickly refused.

Zheng Hui had no idea what she was thinking. He looked at her and said seriously, "Take this first, consider it a loan from me."

"I'm sure you'll make a name for yourself and become a big star. Once you're famous and rich, just buy me the best phone you can have then."

Fan Binbin held the box, looked up, and stared into Zheng Hui's eyes.

There was no trace of frivolity, desire, or charity in those eyes, only trust.

"I'm sure you'll become famous."

These words struck her heart more deeply than the expensive phone in her hand.

Since she came to Beijing and entered this circle, all she has heard is doubt and denial.

People on the production crew thought she was just a nobody with no connections, and the company thought she had no commercial value.

Everyone thought that she was incredibly lucky to get the role of Jin Suo.

Only this person in front of her, this man she had only met twice, affirmed her future with a tone of unwavering conviction.

Fan Binbin's eyes immediately reddened. She is not a girl who cries easily. No matter how much she suffered injustice or how badly she was ostracized on set, she always bore it all alone.

But at that moment, Zheng Hui's simple words shattered all her strength in an instant.

She sniffed, held back her tears, and nodded vigorously.

"good!"

She didn't refuse again, but instead hugged the phone box tightly to her chest.

"I'll accept it. When I become famous, I'll definitely buy you the best phone in the world!"

Zheng Hui smiled and said, "I'll be waiting."

The two walked slowly along the corridor, and the atmosphere became relaxed.

Fan Binbin started talking and began to tell Zheng Hui about her troubles on set.

"Although Ms. Qiong Yao's company signed me, they never actually intended to train me."

Her voice was filled with confusion and resentment.

"They think my appearance is too aggressive and I can't play the kind of pitiful female lead they want."

So after I signed the contract, they just ignored me. Aside from running around with the production crew for promotions, they didn't give me any other resources.

"The reason we're continuing to use me for the second season is because the role of Jin Suo can't be replaced."

Zheng Hui listened quietly; these circumstances were similar to what he had learned in his later life.

Qiong Yao's company has a very fixed aesthetic style, preferring actresses with big eyes, oval faces, and delicate temperament.

Fan Binbin's striking appearance doesn't really fit her aesthetic.

"I've been considering taking on a role in an outside production recently," Fan Binbin said after a moment's hesitation.

"What kind of play is it?"

"It's called 'Little Li Flying Dagger,' and it's also a period drama. They wanted me to play a maid in it, named Xing'er."

Zheng Hui's heart skipped a beat. "Little Li Flying Dagger"?

He recalled that the show later became a hit, and the actors in it, whether it was Jiao Enjun or Xiao Qiang, became very popular. Wu Jing and Alyssa Chia also left a deep impression on people.

Fan Binbin played a maid in the show, and although her role was small, she still managed to become a familiar face.

More importantly, the production team for this show is from Taiwan, but the investors are from mainland China.

This means that if Fan Binbin accepts this role, he will bypass Qiong Yao's company and directly connect with the mainland production company.

This is her first step in breaking free from Qiong Yao's control. Fan Binbin's acting career can only truly take off after leaving Qiong Yao.

So he didn't advise her to abide by the contract or to just endure it a little longer at the company.

He simply said, "Go if you want to. It's always good to film more movies; it will help you gain experience and let more people know you."

Fan Binbin didn't expect Zheng Hui to be so supportive of her. She was originally worried that Zheng Hui would think it was wrong for her to accept roles on her own.

"But—there might be trouble with the company," she said worriedly. "My contract is very strict; if they find out, they might sue me."

"Then let them sue."

He looked at Fan Binbin and said, "If you encounter any problems with the contract in the future, you can tell me. Although I'm a singer, I know some people who might be able to help."

Fan Binbin stopped and looked at him in surprise. She hadn't expected Zheng Hui to make such a promise.

Helping her resolve the contract dispute meant going directly to Qiong Yao's company.

That was no small matter.

"Why—why are you helping me so much?" she couldn't help but ask.

Zheng Hui looked into the distance, not answering her question directly, but instead began to think about things further ahead.

He knew how high Fan Binbin's future commercial value was.

She's willing to work hard and give everything for fame.

Given a chance, she can seize it and rise steadily upwards.

Forming a positive connection with her now will be beneficial to your future self in every way.

He'll definitely become a director someday. A good director needs a group of capable and obedient people around him.

An actor who can also carry the box office.

Fan Binbin is undoubtedly an excellent candidate. Although she may not be obedient in the future, she is useful and has commercial value.

Moreover, he has so many film and television scripts that are bound to be hits in the future in his mind.

When Qiong Yao and Fan Binbin have a contract dispute, I can easily set up a brokerage company or studio and sign her.

At that time, I will invest in a few TV series that will prove to be hits in later generations.

Isn't it an easy thing to slip a female lead or second female lead into a film crew?

Rather than letting others reap this future cash cow, it's better to make arrangements now and bring her into our own camp.

These thoughts flashed through Zheng Hui's mind.

He snapped out of his thoughts, turned to look at Fan Binbin, and smiled.

"Because I think you have potential, and I don't want your talent to be buried."

He said half-jokingly, "Consider it an angel investment from me, the investor, in advance."

"

"Investment?" Fan Binbin didn't quite understand the word.

"Yes." Zheng Hui nodded. "I have high hopes for your future, so I'm giving you a hand now. When you become a big star, just remember to repay your investor."

Fan Binbin nodded as if she understood, but her heart was filled with emotion and warmth.

The two chatted for a while longer, and seeing that the break was about to end, Zheng Hui took her back to the film set.

When Producer Liu saw them return, he warmly greeted them and insisted that Zheng Hui stay for dinner.

Zheng Hui declined, saying he had something to do that evening.

Before leaving, he said one last thing to Fan Binbin in front of everyone on the set.

"The phone is very easy to use. The instruction manual is in the box; just look into it yourself. Call me if you need anything."

After saying that, he turned and left with Lin Dashan amidst the complicated gazes of Producer Liu and the others.

Fan Binbin stood there, clutching the phone box tightly in her arms, watching Zheng Hui's figure disappear around the corner.

She knew that from this day forward, the trajectory of her life might truly begin to change.