r18novel Chapter 61 Meeting with Zhang Li
Chapter 61 Meeting with Zhang Li
Before the morning mist had completely dissipated, Qi Yue, along with Bai Mengyan, arrived at Zhang Li's residence on Huangpu Road, following the address on the text message.
This is a quiet, tree-lined old-style villa area amidst the bustling city.
Zhang Li's home is an old, detached house with ivy climbing its exterior walls.
Bai Mengyan followed Qi Yue timidly, looking up at the quiet old house, her heart pounding.
"Boss, are we really coming empty-handed? Shouldn't we bring a gift since we're visiting? Fruit? Tea? Or... something more expensive?"
Upon hearing this, Qi Yue turned and glanced at her, a faint, ambiguous smile playing on his lips.
"Do you really think we're here to pull strings and ask for favors? What is Zhang Li's status and position? What kind of gift do you think can truly impress him? It would only make us look inferior."
Bai Mengyan was even more confused: "So why did we come here...?"
Qi Yue didn't explain further. He simply straightened his clothes, calmly walked up the steps, and rang the doorbell.
A moment later, a middle-aged woman dressed simply and with a gentle demeanor opened the door.
Qi Yue smiled and introduced himself: "Hello, I am Qi Yue. I have come to visit at the invitation of Director Zhang Li."
The woman smiled kindly: "Director Qi, right? Please come in. Zhang Li is in the study taking care of some things, he'll be right back. I'm his cousin, my surname is Chen."
She ushered the two of them into the house.
In contrast to its unassuming exterior, the interior is elegantly and tastefully furnished, with books, DVDs, artworks, and small ornaments scattered throughout. The walls are adorned with vintage movie posters and photos, exuding a refined and sophisticated atmosphere despite its understated nature.
Would you like some tea? Please have a seat for a moment.
"Sister Chen, you don't need to be so polite. We're not in a hurry. Let our senior brother take care of his business first."
Qi Yue was humble and spoke naturally, addressing him as "Senior Brother" to shorten the distance between them.
Bai Mengyan sat obediently to the side, curiously looking around.
Sister Chen sized up Qi Yue, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration:
"You must be Director Qi? It's true what they say, seeing you in person is even better! You look even younger and more energetic than on TV. You're truly young and promising. You're... not even twenty-seven yet, are you?"
"Twenty-five," Qi Yue answered frankly.
"Tsk tsk, impressive." Sister Chen exclaimed, her gaze lingering on Qi Yue's handsome face for a moment, finding him more and more pleasing to the eye.
"I heard from Zhang Li that you really spent a million to buy his old, outdated camera? Ugh, that thing takes up so much space at home..."
Qi Yue smiled slightly, his tone serious:
"Sister Chen, I can't agree with that. That's not just a broken camera. It's an old comrade-in-arms that has accompanied China's best directors in creating countless classic works, a living fossil that has witnessed an era of film creation. In a foreign country, it would be worthy of being treasured in a film history museum."
Just then, Qi Yue seemed to vaguely hear light footsteps coming from the direction of the study on the second floor, but he pretended not to hear them and continued speaking in a calm tone:
"Director Zhang Li's willingness to donate it to charity is commendable. As a junior, I am honored to be able to participate and contribute to charity, and at the same time, to make a small contribution to preserving this industry memory."
No sooner had he finished speaking than a soft cough came from the stairs.
Zhang Li, dressed in comfortable loungewear, walked down slowly, his face bearing his usual refined smile:
"I'm so sorry, I was tied up with an urgent document. Did I keep Director Qi waiting?"
Qi Yue immediately stood up, his attitude respectful yet tactful: "Senior brother, you are very busy, and we just arrived. We had a very pleasant chat with Sister Chen."
Zhang Li walked closer, his gaze lingering on Qi Yue, his expression carrying the scrutiny of an elder appraising a junior, with a hint of subtle inquiry:
Which year did you graduate from the Beijing Film Academy?
"Wang Hongwei was my graduation advisor in the 12 Directing Department. He often mentioned you to us, saying that you are a role model for our generation."
"Hahaha," Zhang Li laughed, seemingly pleased. "Old Wang has a good eye. To be able to train a student like you, not bad, not bad at all."
Over the next few minutes, the two chatted over tea, discussing everything from the past of the Beijing Film Academy to the current state of the industry, from filming techniques to market changes. The atmosphere was harmonious, and they talked and laughed.
Zhang Li is experienced and insightful; Qi Yue, though young, is quick-witted and has a clear understanding of the industry, and his occasional opinions elicit slight nods of approval from Zhang Li.
Bai Mengyan listened from the side, completely confused, and dared not interrupt, her palms sweating with anxiety.
As the tea ceremony progressed, it seemed the visit was about to end in this "pure" academic exchange. Zhang Li even politely offered to stay for a simple meal.
Qi Yue politely declined, saying, "I won't disturb your rest, senior brother. We have other appointments at noon."
Just as he was about to get up and take his leave, Zhang Li picked up his teacup, blew on the floating leaves, and spoke seemingly casually:
"Qi Yue, you generously donated one million to this charity gala. That's quite a bold move. It couldn't have been just to see your senior brother, or simply to support charity, could it? Is there... something else going on?"
Here he comes! Bai Mengyan's eyes widened instantly, her heart pounded, and she looked at Qi Yue with anticipation.
Mention "White Nights"! Mention awards! Even a hint would be appreciated!
However, Qi Yue's reaction surprised her greatly.
Upon hearing this, Qi Yue remained calm, even displaying a perfectly measured solemnity. He sat up straight and said sincerely:
"Senior brother, you are perceptive. Since you have asked, I will not hide it from you. Besides seeking your guidance and learning, I do have something I would like to ask for your help with."
Zhang Li put down her teacup and adopted a listening posture.
Qi Yue slowly said, "I heard that you directed a historical drama called 'Da Ming Dynasty 1566' in your early years. It was well-produced and profound. Unfortunately, after it was broadcast on Hunan TV, the ratings were not satisfactory. It was changed in time after a short time and later shelved. It was a pity that such a gem was buried."
Zhang Li was visibly taken aback, clearly not expecting Qi Yue to bring up this work, which was almost a critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful piece in his career, and even a source of regret.
The smile faded from his face, and a complex emotion flickered in his eyes:
"Yes... that was many years ago. At the time, President Ouyang stood against all odds and gave a lot of support. Unfortunately, the market response... alas, it made President Ouyang somewhat disheartened."
Bai Mengyan was stunned when she heard this. Mango TV, which has always been both praised and criticized for its entertainment-obsessed approach, has ever produced such a weighty TV series?
Qi Yue chimed in at the opportune moment, his tone earnest: "Senior brother, to be honest, I have some connections with some of the people in charge at Youku Video. Their platform has always been committed to discovering and promoting high-quality classic dramas, building a content moat."
"They highly praise 'Da Ming Dynasty 1566,' believing it to be the undisputed pinnacle of Chinese dramas, whose artistic value and historical weight have become increasingly apparent over time. They are eager to acquire the exclusive online broadcasting rights for this drama from Hunan TV, with a negotiable price, and are willing to invest the maximum promotional resources, including high-definition restoration and special features, so that this true classic can return to the public eye and be seen and understood by more young viewers."