Chapter 2508 - 2295: The Tree That Stands Out in the Forest (Part 3)
Chapter 2508: Chapter 2295: The Tree That Stands Out in the Forest (Part 3)
"On the second day of joining the film crew, Feng Yuzhi hit my lead actress. Now, my actress has both feet blistered, and tomorrow she has to shoot scenes where her feet are bare. She almost ruined my film. Now, you’re sitting here telling me I should let her be my lead actress?" Zhou Yuanzhi asked Feng Yuhao while shaking his head.
"Who told that little bitch to have no manners?" Feng Yuzhi tilted her head, hugging her arms with one leg over the other, looking sideways at Zhou Yuanzhi, and answered smugly.
"I, Zhou Yuanzhi, will never work with someone like her." Zhou Yuanzhi turned to Yan Shoucheng and said.
"Old Zhou, come on now, you’re not getting any younger. Why throw a tantrum like a child? Shen Jiayan wasn’t even that famous to start with. Working with you, she’s bound to make it big sooner or later. Why rush it this time?" Yan Shoucheng tried to persuade Zhou Yuanzhi.
"Spare me the speeches. I chose Shen Jiayan because she was recommended by a benefactor. Now, I’m refusing Feng Yuzhi as my lead because I simply don’t respect her character." Zhou Yuanzhi told Yan Shoucheng.
"Director Zhou, my sister’s character is none of your concern. Everyone’s aware of what’s going on. Even if Yan Shoucheng replaces you, he will still make sure my sister is the lead actress." Feng Yuhao glanced at Yan Shoucheng and said to Zhou Yuanzhi.
"Don’t forget, Boss Niu is here because of my reputation!" Zhou Yuanzhi said to Feng Yuhao.
"Director Zhou, stop fooling yourself. Is it really a film? Year-end is approaching, and Boss Niu’s online shopping site needs advertising. Your ’film’ is basically just an ad. Do you really think it’s a movie?" Feng Yuhao said to Zhou Yuanzhi.
Zhou Yuanzhi was left speechless.
"Director Zhou, like you said, I’m not the one investing in this movie. So, loss or gain, it’s none of my business. Don’t blame me for any tricks I pull on set later." Feng Yuhao added.
"A brother like that fits a sister like that. Don’t try to scare me. Even if I decide to cancel this movie, I absolutely won’t use Feng Yuzhi as the lead actress!" Zhou Yuanzhi was resolute in opposing Feng Yuzhi.
"Director Zhou, we’ve been collaborating for so long, can’t you give us some face?"
Chapter 2297: Mountains High, Waters Long
"This is just a one-off collaboration with Boss Niu. We have plenty of future opportunities. Why offend all of us just for cozying up to Boss Niu once?" Yan Shoucheng said to Zhou Yuanzhi.
"Director Zhou, that lead actress you picked really isn’t up to par, no fame, no experience. She’s practically a newbie. The movie won’t sell tickets at all." Feng Yuzhi also said to Zhou Yuanzhi.
"The movie has been shooting for quite a few days now, but there’s no progress. Don’t think I don’t know. Shen Jiayan is injured, and there are many scenes requiring the lead to be barefoot. She won’t make it as the lead. And Boss Niu hasn’t paid you yet. All current expenses in the crew are covered by me, all with Boss Feng’s money. Every day the production halts, you know how much money we waste? I don’t care, today is your last day of downtime. Tomorrow, no matter the reason, you must start shooting. If Shen Jiayan can’t shoot tomorrow, Feng Yuzhi will be the lead, or I’ll have Boss Feng pull the plug." Yan Shoucheng said to Zhou Yuanzhi.
Yan Shoucheng’s words hit Zhou Yuanzhi where it hurt.
Though Boss Niu and Song Xiaodong both promised to invest in Zhou Yuanzhi’s movie, neither had actually paid yet. All current expenses in the crew fall on its own shoulders, meaning Yan Shoucheng, whose funds come from Feng Yuhao.
"Are we done talking? If so, I’m leaving." Zhou Yuanzhi stood up to leave.
Feng Yuhao nodded dismissively at Zhou Yuanzhi.
"Old Zhou, think this over. It’s not worth ruining things with Boss Feng over a third-tier starlet like her." Yan Shoucheng said to Zhou Yuanzhi.
Zhou Yuanzhi didn’t answer, stood up, and walked out directly.
After leaving the restaurant, Zhou Yuanzhi didn’t go straight home but headed to the crew to find Shen Jiayan in the infirmary.
Shen Jiayan’s feet were wrapped in thick bandages, as if both had been amputated, and she rested on the infirmary bed.
"Director Zhou, you’re here!" Shen Jiayan forced a smile and greeted Zhou Yuanzhi as he arrived.
"Hmm." Director Zhou wasn’t in a good mood either.
"How are you?" Zhou Yuanzhi asked Shen Jiayan.
"The physician said to rest." Shen Jiayan replied.
"Alright, just rest well." Zhou Yuanzhi said.
"Director Zhou, I’m sorry for causing trouble." Shen Jiayan said apologetically to Zhou Yuanzhi.
"You’re a good kid. There’s nothing to apologize for. Besides, you’re not to blame for this."
"It’s no coincidence Feng Yuzhi joined my crew. Her brother, Feng Yuhao, has worked with my producer Yan Shoucheng for a long time. So this time, Feng Yuzhi obviously doesn’t want to miss the chance to work with Boss Niu, gaining both money and fame, hence why she’s so hostile towards you." Zhou Yuanzhi explained.