Here, the terms "卧龙凤雏" (Wòlóng Fèngchú) are used in a positive sense.
Chen Mingzhang excels at directing contemporary dramas, while Hua Ruyi possesses profound expertise in ancient romantic dramas, often producing mega-hit productions.
The brother and sister duo, Ye Xianxian and Ye Pengpeng, owe their current standing to their roles in Hua Ruyi's dramas, which catapulted them to fame.
Facing such a powerful director capable of cultivating stars, Ye Pengpeng dared not put on airs.
"Hello, Director Hua, I'm Pengpeng!" Ye Pengpeng said with fawning respect.
"Hello, Pengpeng!"
Hua Ruyi's voice was tinged with the strong dialect of the northeastern provinces, sounding very friendly and masculine.
It was truly difficult to imagine that such a masculine man would have such a delicate and elegant name.
Even more unbelievable was that beneath his rough exterior lay a sensitive heart that crafted works precisely targeting women's emotions, making them utterly captivating.
"Director Hua, I've been studying the script you sent. I truly love the character of the second male lead; the entire script is brilliant. I'm confident that once filmed, it will be a huge hit, no less than 'When a Prince Becomes a Frog'."
"You've got a sweet tongue!" Hua Ruyi chuckled.
"Not at all, your capabilities are so strong, I don't need to flatter you," Ye Pengpeng replied with obsequious laughter.
"Ah..." Hua Ruyi sighed, his tone suddenly becoming serious. "While the second male lead's character is indeed likable, but... how should I put it? I don't think your image is quite suited for this role, so... the role of the second male lead might have to be recast..."
"Why? What makes me unsuitable?" Ye Pengpeng was somewhat frantic.
"Unsuitable is unsuitable. There are things I can't explain too clearly. Let's leave it at that. Don't call me again!"
With that, before Ye Pengpeng could respond, Hua Ruyi hung up the phone.
Within twenty minutes, three significant resources had been rejected.
No matter how arrogant Ye Pengpeng was, or how muddled his mind, he could sense that something was amiss.
Subsequently, over a dozen more calls came in. While their phrasing varied, the core message was identical: a change in cast.
His film and television resources were being bombarded, and even his most lucrative advertising endorsements began to face problems.
Numerous international top brands such as LV, Gucci, Lange, Balenciaga, and Boucheron began to terminate their contracts.
Panicked, Ye Pengpeng called to inquire about the reasons, only to receive despair-inducing answers.
"Pengpeng, we can't do anything about it. This is the leadership's decision; we are merely executing it."
"Mr. Ye, your image does not align with our brand, and the termination is unavoidable. If you wish to sue us, please feel free; our legal department is always ready to receive your lawyer's letter!"
"Mr. Ye, terminating the contract with you is an order from above, please do not make things difficult for us. As for the specific reason, I am also unclear!"
"There is no room for negotiation. The president's intention is very clear: to terminate all cooperation with you!"
The barrage of calls left Ye Pengpeng deathly pale, his eyes vacant, as if struck by lightning.
"Sister Wang, why? Why is this happening?"
Ye Pengpeng frantically grabbed his hair, his emotions spiraling out of control, smashing things in front of him with an incessant clatter.
Sister Wang's expression was as cold as a piece of cloth. "You're asking me? Who can I ask?"
It was clear that someone was targeting Ye Pengpeng from behind the scenes.