Chapter 31: The Big Star Who Knows When to Yield and When to Stand Tall.

Page (1/3)

After such a splendid trailer finished playing, there was only a brief silence before everyone began praising it.

“Wow, this trailer really didn’t disappoint!”

“Exactly. The hazy editing, infused with such a romantic atmosphere, is filled with Eastern beauty.”

“Ethereal as an immortal—tut, tut. This series is probably going to be a hit!”

Everyone began discussing it animatedly, their eyes filled with pleasant surprise.

The investors and producers seated near the top were especially delighted, nodding repeatedly.

Who wouldn’t want to make money while earning an excellent reputation as well?

I stood perfectly straight!

“Wonderful. Truly wonderful. No wonder it’s Director Ma.”

Zheng Jun and Gao Jun exchanged a glance, both of them visibly astonished.

They had expected the quality to be decent, but they had never imagined it would be this solid—almost dazzlingly so.

“That Li Can is truly remarkable…”

Zheng Jun’s interest in Li Can had increased considerably.

In the capital market, the logic behind investment was actually quite simple: could he make his wallet fatter?

It was plain to see that Li Can was gradually forging a brand of his own.

Stable, high-quality output would make consumers feel secure and fill them with confidence about the future. They might even come to associate his name instinctively with the words, “This must be good.”

Zheng Jun could not help but start considering the possibilities.

Someone like this was best invested in as early as possible. But… Starry Entertainment treated him very well, and he did not appear to have any desire to strike out on his own.

“Tsk, what a shame. Starry Entertainment has picked up a treasure.”

Zheng Jun shook his head, feeling somewhat regretful.

Starry Entertainment was already a huge company and had no need for investment at present.

All he could do was wait for the shares of Starry Entertainment he had bought privately to rise a little further and earn himself some pocket money.

Gao Jun’s thoughts were simpler still.

No wonder Director Ma had emphasized the theme song. This was truly a rare talent.

Even someone with no understanding of art whatsoever would be left with a powerful impression of the music after watching the short film.

Perhaps he could draw on some of his distribution connections and ride this wave of popularity to claim a share of the profits. After all, Ding Sheng would never bother with a small project like this, nor would they snatch money from a minor business and disrupt the market. For Red Leaf Ventures, however, it was just the right size.

“Allow me to introduce someone.”

Director Ma gestured toward Li Can with his eyes.

Li Can withdrew his gaze from Luo Zhongwen, which had remained fixed on him, rose to his feet, and smiled as he nodded at everyone.

“This is the music collaborator for our production, an independent music producer with Starry Entertainment—Li Can.”

Applause broke out.

The crowd exchanged glances.

An independent producer with Starry Entertainment.

What an unfamiliar concept.

Starry Entertainment actually had the courage to treat him like a thousand pieces of gold used to purchase a fine horse’s bones—to lend him its name, give him money and resources, yet still allow him to remain an independent musician from the perspective of a collaborator?

Page (1/3)

Page (2/3)

At once, everyone began paying closer attention to Li Can.

With the dazzling presentation of his work, “A Glimpse of Startling Beauty,” coming first, even those who did not know Li Can could recognize his importance.

What followed was Li Can’s interpretation of the television series, along with an explanation of the reasons behind his collaboration on the trailer, his inspiration, and the possible stylistic direction of his future works.

“The singers of ‘A Glimpse of Startling Beauty’ are my classmates, Lin Feng and Han Jiayin. Not only are they my classmates, they are also members of the same band as me and indispensable members of our studio. I conceived the idea for this album partly because I wanted to support my old classmates.”

“This is a mutually beneficial collaboration, and Director Ma and I reached an agreement on that point.”

“Ah, I’ve actually been to the set. I had some very lively conversations with the actors, especially Mr. Luo Zhongwen. His… his fight scenes were especially thrilling. I hope we’ll have the chance to exchange more ideas in the future.”

Li Can smiled and began revealing a few behind-the-scenes details.

Everything he disclosed had been agreed upon in advance, including his introduction of Lin Feng and Han Jiayin to people in the industry.

First, it was a way of lending them his support and protection. Second, of course, it was preparation for the upcoming publicity campaign.

Some people in the room were curious, some impressed, and some perhaps even a little envious.

But there was one person whose entire body was nearly drenched in sweat.

His heart pounded violently, dread rising within him.

Luo Zhongwen did not even dare look at the many guests below the stage.

Especially when Li Can mentioned his name—and then deliberately paused before saying “his… his fight scenes”—Luo Zhongwen had nearly been scared out of his wits.

After years in the industry, and with a talent for judging whom he could bully and whom he could not, Luo Zhongwen naturally knew which kinds of people were untouchable.

Investors, creators of resources, and those who distributed resources.

These were all people ordinary stars absolutely could not afford to offend.

Li Can had a formidable mentor, the ability to produce top-tier resources, and the backing of Starry Entertainment, that towering tree.

He was completely beyond Luo Zhongwen’s power to provoke.

The only thing worth being grateful for was perhaps this: Luo Zhongwen worked in the acting world, while Li Can belonged to the music world.

Had he known Li Can’s identity beforehand, Luo Zhongwen would never have acted so arrogantly.

The frustration Li Can had inflicted upon him earlier instantly returned.

Making money was nothing to be ashamed of. He had already played the dog—what was so difficult about lowering his head?

If kneeling a few times could ease the conflict and help him establish a connection, Luo Zhongwen would not even have paused to wonder whether the floor was dirty.

“Very well. Thank you very much, Mr. Li Can, for answering our questions.”

Once the question-and-answer session with the representatives below the stage ended, the rest of the proceedings had little to do with Li Can.

Most of the time, he simply sat back and watched the drama unfold.

However, The Immortal Swordsman’s Romance was fundamentally different in its operating logic from productions that relied on notoriety and manufactured controversy.

Only bad shows needed that kind of publicity. If a good show tried it, the controversy would merely become a stain.

So… there was not much drama to watch after all.

It was only after the event ended that Li Can finally stretched.

…and withdrew the death stare he had been directing at Luo Zhongwen the entire time.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Director Ma and settling the subsequent coordination and production arrangements, Li Can prepared to leave the venue.

But just as he was departing, Luo Zhongwen stopped him.

“Hmm? What’s the matter, my great idol?”

Li Can raised an eyebrow, the ill intent in his words unmistakable.

Luo Zhongwen pretended not to hear it. Smiling obsequiously, he addressed Li Can ingratiatingly.

“Brother Li, I was in the wrong before. I’m truly very sorry. This is a token of my sincerity. I sincerely ask you to forgive me for my foolish behavior.”

As he spoke, Luo Zhongwen discreetly slipped a bank card into Li Can’s hand.

“Tsk, tsk… I still prefer the way you looked when you were wild and unyielding.”

Li Can glanced at Luo Zhongwen, unsurprised.

After all, for an actor this hot-tempered to have caused so much trouble and still remain successful, his entire career had clearly been built on knowing whom he could bully and whom he had to submit to.

“Oh, Brother Li, you’re truly making me feel too ashamed to show my face.”

Luo Zhongwen was not angry in the slightest. His expression did not even stiffen; his response was so natural it seemed completely heartfelt.

He continued smiling apologetically and offering one apology after another.

This was the ironclad thick skin forged in the entertainment industry.

“All right, that’s enough. I’ll consider the matter closed. Take this card back.”

Li Can waved his hand.

Whether Luo Zhongwen’s apology was sincere or not, he could not accept the money.

Who knew whether someone behind him was recording everything?

“Brother Li…”

“Don’t worry. I’m counting on this series to make money too. If you drag it through the mud, it affects me as well.”

Li Can cast a sidelong glance at Luo Zhongwen and spoke in a deliberately self-assured tone.

“Let it go this time, but rein yourself in from now on. Don’t tarnish the television series or introduce unnecessary instability.”

Then he began muttering under his breath.

“Honestly… you’re not a child anymore…”

Hearing this, Luo Zhongwen nodded so vigorously it looked as though his head might fall off.

He showed no displeasure at the thoroughly patronizing lecture. On the contrary, his smile grew even brighter and more sincere, displaying the full extent of his acting ability.

“Yes, yes, yes. I’ll certainly take your words to heart, Brother Li!”

After exchanging a few more polite refusals, Li Can left the venue.

Luo Zhongwen finally relaxed a little.

Li Can was right. In the short term, they were indeed bound together by shared interests.

But what Luo Zhongwen did not know was that Li Can possessed none of the usual entertainment-industry mentality. In the truest sense, he was a mentally abnormal mischief-maker who lived for amusement.

He held grudges, and firmly believed that ten years was not too late for revenge.

He had even brought home the imprint of the shoe that had kicked him. Did this bastard really think the matter could simply be forgotten?

“I never said anything about what happens in the future.”

Sitting in his car, Li Can nodded with conviction.

“Once his company goes public, I’ll take a bite out of it. Then I’ll deal with him afterward!”

Page (3/3)