Nobody knows movies better than me

Chapter 81 The Domineering Man

Chapter 80 The Domineering Man

"Come on, come on, eat up!"

In a private restaurant in Beijing, Uncle Benshan, Fan Wei, and Zhang Jun were eating and drinking.

Despite being a king of sketches and a comedy master on the Spring Festival Gala stage, Uncle Benshan is actually quite serious and reserved in real life.

However, Uncle Benshan was still very hospitable when having dinner with Zhang Jun.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Uncle Benshan finally revealed the purpose of his visit to Zhang Jun.

"Xiao Zhang, I also started my own media company, and in the past two years I've produced some TV series and movies."

The TV series turned out quite well; it seems to have been a success.

Zhang Jun nodded: "I know, I've read 'Ma Dashuai'."

Uncle Benshan continued, "But in terms of movies, it's so-so. Don't be fooled by how popular our sketches and duo performances are; our TV dramas are pretty good too."

But the film and television industry has always treated us as outsiders.

You're also a newcomer to the film and television industry, could you explain the ins and outs of it?

Zhang Jun put down his wine glass, considered his words for a moment, and then said, "I'll just share my opinion. Please point out any mistakes I make."

"No, no, I'm here today to ask for your advice." Uncle Benshan was a little expectant.

"Alright, then I'll share my personal opinion!"

Zhang Jun said, "Actually, Uncle Benshan, you should also know that the film and television industry is a place with regional differences and sectarian biases."

The well-known directors and actors we used to know either came from state-owned film studios or cultural troupes, thus forming their own circles.

People within a circle naturally need to take care of their own members, otherwise they will be ostracized.

Fan Wei nodded: "That's right, I'm from the coal mine art troupe. Every year, countless kids try to use my connections to get acting roles."

My stance remains the same: if you don't have the skills, don't take on a job you're not qualified for.

Zhang Jun nodded in agreement.

He paused, then continued, "These circles are generally xenophobic, and some are people whose identities cannot be revealed, such as children of high-ranking officials or remnants of the old regime. There are quite a few of these people."

They will definitely prioritize their own people or take care of their younger generation; it's very difficult for an outsider to integrate.

So I think it's better to focus on doing my own thing than to waste time dealing with these people.

My secret is to make good films. The industry may belong to them, but the audience doesn't.

Can they prevent you from entering the film and television industry, or can they prevent your audience from supporting you?

This resonated deeply with Uncle Benshan, who immediately picked up his glass and toasted with Zhang Jun: "That makes sense. As long as we take good care of the audience, we don't need to worry about those other people."

"That's right!"

Zhang Jun added, "I spoke with Mr. Han from China Film Group before. The government supports private capital entering the film and television industry, and the market will continue to open up in the next year or two."

When it comes to marketization, no circle or network matters; the market is the most important thing.

As long as your work is well-received by the market, you will be successful in everything you do.

"Thank you, thank you!"

Uncle Benshan clinked glasses with Zhang Jun again: "As expected of a top student from Tsinghua University, your words have cleared up many of my doubts."

"Not at all, Uncle Benshan, you'll figure it out soon enough," Zhang Jun said with a smile.

After having dinner with Uncle Benshan (Fan Wei), Zhang Jun returned home slightly drunk, where Fan Wei happened to be.

"You're back! Why did you drink so much?" Fan Pangbing waved the air in front of his nose.

While changing his shoes, Zhang Jun said, "I had a meal with Uncle Benshan and drank a little, but I'm not drunk."

"Only when you've had too much to drink will you say you're not drunk."

Fan Pangbing helped Zhang Jun take off his clothes: "I've prepared hot water for you, go take a shower quickly, you reek of alcohol."

.

After taking a shower, Zhang Jun was drying his hair in a bathrobe when he heard Fan Bingbing talking to her agent on the phone, saying that several projects had come up to her for roles.

"What did director Li Yu say about 'Apple'?" Fan Bingbing asked.

The agent on the other end of the phone didn't know what to say, but Fan Bingbing nodded repeatedly.

"There's no rush for this movie. I'll ask him what he thinks first, and then have a meal with Director Li Yu to discuss this matter."

"apple"?

Zhang Jun had heard of the film title and guessed it was aiming for international awards. However, this film was rather unconventional and quite explicit, so it probably wouldn't be able to be released in China.

If it were his girlfriend or wife making this kind of film, he would definitely object. But his relationship with Fan Bingbing was limited to being bed partners, so he had no reason to demand that she not appear in the film.

So Zhang Jun didn't pay any attention and leaned against the bed, looking at the new story he had created in the past two days.

After finishing her conversation, Fan Pangbing went to bed and lay down next to Zhang Jun, resting her head on his strong chest and feeling his heartbeat.

"Zhang Jun, I have a question for you!" Fan Pangbing's tone was filled with anticipation.

Zhang Jun continued flipping through the text, ignoring Fan Pangbing's bright, large eyes.

"What's the problem?"

"Here's the thing, my agent got me a role in a movie called 'Apple,' saying it could win international awards," Fan Bingbing said.

"That's great! If you actually win an award, you can be called an international superstar, that's wonderful."

It was said to be good, but Fan Bingbing couldn't detect any emotion in Zhang Jun's tone.

"Hey, let me finish!"

Fan Bingbing continued, "It's just that—it's just that—this movie is very explicit, there might be quite a few passionate scenes—"

Fan Pangbing carefully observed Zhang Jun's expression, trying to discern shock, anger, or disappointment from his face.

Any emotion is acceptable.

But she was disappointed. Zhang Jun's expression remained calm and unchanged as he continued reading the storybook in his hand.

She got angry, snatched the storybook from her, and threw it aside: "Are you even listening to me? Or do you simply not care about me?"

Zhang Jun wasn't angry that his storybook was taken away. He looked into Fan Pangbing's angry yet expectant eyes and understood what this woman meant.

The two were indeed bed partners at first, but as they spent more time together, Fan Bingbing discovered that Zhang Jun was not only a promising person but also a decent one.

Zhang Jun is a womanizer, but that's normal; every man is a womanizer.

But when it comes to a partner, no one in the entire entertainment industry is more suitable for her than Zhang Jun. So Fan Bingbing has been testing Zhang Jun, trying to take their relationship to the next level.

"Do you want to hear a public message or a private message?" Zhang Jun asked.

"What's the difference?"

"The difference is huge."

Zhang Jun decided it would be better to make things clear to this woman: "To be frank, taking this movie won't elevate your status; the era of winning awards is over."

If you want stardom, Europe is a thing of the past; Hollywood is the future.

Fan Pangbing was secretly delighted. Although Zhang Jun said it was a public matter, she could clearly sense the possessiveness hidden in it.

"What about private conversations?" Fan Pangbing asked.

"A private conversation,"

Zhang Jun lowered his head, his face meeting Fan Bingbing's, and the two could feel each other's breath and heartbeat.

Looking at that stunningly beautiful face, Zhang Jun suddenly kissed her forcefully and domineeringly. Fan Bingbing was startled, but then relaxed and passionately responded to Zhang Jun.

After a long time, Fan Pangbing felt like she was suffocating, and only then did Zhang Jun let her go.

"This is my private message. You are not allowed to act in it. You must refuse."

"What gives you the right to be so domineering?"

Fan Pangbing glared at Zhang Jun playfully, but secretly she was very happy, which meant that Zhang Jun still cared about her.

Zhang Jun held Fan Pangbing's soft waist, his tone still domineering.

"Because I am a very possessive man, these kinds of indecent movies will make others see things that you shouldn't show, so you are not allowed to act in them."

Did you hear that?

"I heard that, I heard that. What a domineering and stinky man."

Fan Bingbing remained nestled in Zhang Jun's arms: "Then you have to make it up to me. I gave up this movie for you!"

Zhang Jun gently stroked Fan Bingbing's soft hand: "Don't worry, I definitely won't let you stagnate. If I remember correctly, your contract with Huayi Brothers is about to expire, right?"

"Really? What's wrong?"

Thinking about the career paths of the actresses afterward, Zhang Jun said to Fan Bingbing, "Do you remember what I told you last time? You can set up your own studio and organize your own events."

Fan Bingbing nodded: "I have indeed considered this issue. Huayi Brothers also talked to me and said that my studio could be affiliated with Huayi Brothers."

They will also give me shares, making me a minority shareholder in Huayi Brothers.

Zhang Jun shook his head: "There are many pitfalls here. I suggest that your studio become independent and have no connection with Huayi Brothers."

"Why?" Fan Pangbing asked, puzzled.

Zhang Jun said, "Don't worry about it for now. I won't harm you. You'll understand how big the pitfall is later."

"If I open my own studio, what will I do about the resources?" Fan Pangbing asked worriedly.

Zhang Jun proposed a plan: "You can invest yourself, organize your own productions, and assemble your own series. You don't need to worry about film resources either; if all else fails, I can even provide you with some work."

Fan Bingbing hesitated slightly: "This is a big deal, I need to think about it!"

"It's alright, there's still plenty of time. You can take your time to consider my suggestion."

Zhang Jun abruptly changed the subject: "But you're not allowed to accept any roles in 'Apple' or similar films, understand?"

"I heard you!"

Fan Bingbing looked at Zhang Jun with a charming and alluring expression: "Darling, night is falling, let's go to bed!"

Another fierce battle ensued. Fan Bingbing truly lived up to her reputation as a captivating beauty, capable of igniting boundless desires in men. Fortunately, Zhang Jun was no ordinary man either, and he quickly routed Fan Bingbing, leaving her in disarray.

The next day, Fan Bingbing told her agent that she had turned down the role in the film "Apple".

The agent even advised, "Bingbing, this is a great opportunity, why did you refuse?"

"He disagrees!" Fan Pangbing said succinctly.

"Who?"

The agent was taken aback, then realized: "Director Zhang Jun doesn't agree, right?"

Fan Pangbing nodded slightly.

The agent was initially pleased, but then became worried: "Tell me the truth, how is your relationship with Director Zhang Jun progressing?"

"That's it—just like that!"

"What do you mean by 'just like this'?"

The agent was anxious: "Bingbing, if you can win over Director Zhang Jun, you'll be like Chen Hong, and you won't have to put up with anyone else's attitude anymore."

"Our relationship is good right now, so you don't need to worry. I know what I'm doing."

That being said, Zhang Jun never gave Fan Bingbing a clear promise regarding their relationship.

In his words, a promise is a responsibility; he can be a scumbag, but he can't be an irresponsible scumbag.

Without commitment to the relationship, there is no responsibility.

Of course, this feels like burying one's head in the sand, deceiving oneself.

But compared to most scumbags in the industry, Zhang Jun can actually be considered a virtuous and good person.

In this world, where can you even find justice?