Keli Entertainment Company had been established for decades, once fostering the success of numerous top-tier stars.
When the film industry was just emerging, they seized the opportunity, investing in and producing several comedies and youth idol films, which garnered significant box office revenue.
As everyone knows, comedies and youth idol films have the lowest production costs and yield the greatest returns, as these types of films even save on five-cent special effects.
Especially youth idol films, aside from the higher cost of casting two popular stars, require very little expenditure.
In the past few years, two relatively famous youth idol films came from their company, starring artists under their own banner. With an investment of less than ten million, they grossed seven to eight hundred million at the box office, a truly lucrative venture.
Hu Li lay on his sofa at home, patiently awaiting a reply. He was brimming with confidence; with Director Zhang stepping in, no matter was unsolvable.
With Director Zhang on the case, even the two Ma's would have to accompany him for tea.
Meanwhile, Director Zhang, on the other side, did not delay with Hu Li's request. After all, they were old friends; helping a friend with a small favor and saying a few good words was not too much to ask.
Director Zhang's first call was to Old Wang, as Yida Group's film division was quite substantial, and they often interacted.
"Hello, Director Zhang, what good news brings you to me today?" Old Wang asked with a smile.
When Old Wang saw Director Zhang's call, he understood the reason.
It was undoubtedly to plead on behalf of Hu Li. Unfortunately, this time, he would not show deference to anyone; whoever was unhappy could take it up with Elder Li.
"Old Wang, we haven't had a meal together in a while. Why don't you come find me for dinner sometime?" Director Zhang smiled.
"It has been quite a while; it's been almost a year since I last dined with Director Zhang. I'll bring a couple of good bottles of wine and chat with you when I have the chance."
Old Wang gave a perfunctory reply, knowing full well whether he had the time. Being in the same capital, who didn't have time for a meal?
"Haha... That's great, I'm just afraid you, the big boss, are too busy," Director Zhang laughed.
"No matter how busy I am, I'm not busier than Director Zhang," Old Wang replied.
Director Zhang did not bring up his reason for calling, and Old Wang would never mention it.
He wasn't in a hurry anyway. Recently, Old Wang had been a bit too confident.
"Old Wang, I'm calling you today. You should have guessed my intention, right? We're all in business; there's no need to completely crush someone. If there's anything, we can all sit down together, discuss it, and I'll host,"
Director Zhang stopped beating around the bush with Old Wang and got to the point.
"Director Zhang, what are you saying? I don't understand," Old Wang feigned ignorance.
"Look at what you're saying. Hu Li must have angered you, otherwise, you wouldn't be talking like this," Director Zhang said with a hint of displeasure. Old Wang was clearly deliberately evading his words.
Hadn't he made his intentions clear enough? Did he really need to say, "Hu Li's matter, can you drop it and make peace? Just give me some face?"
Isn't understanding the leader's thoughts your usual forte?
Don't I have any face?
Although Director Zhang was somewhat displeased, he did not show it, as he was asking for a favor.
"Oh, so Director Zhang is talking about this matter. I didn't react immediately," Old Wang quickly chided himself.
"So, what do you say? I'll host, and we can all sit down and chat?" Director Zhang asked again, patiently.
"No," Old Wang refused outright.
"Old Wang, are you really going to be this absolute?" Director Zhang's tone suddenly deepened.
"Director Zhang, some things are beyond your control. If you really want to treat me to a meal, then I'll invite Elder Li as well, and we can all talk."
Old Wang began to act important, even bringing up Elder Li.
What connection did he have with Elder Li? If it weren't for Xia Feng, he wouldn't even have the qualification to speak with Elder Li.
However, times were different now; one had to know how to build and use momentum. Old Wang had mastered this perfectly.
He could bring up Elder Li so naturally and without any awkwardness, allowing himself to act important.
In terms of acting important, the two Ma's couldn't even compare to Old Wang.
"Which Elder Li?" Director Zhang, not paying attention to Old Wang's tone, asked about Elder Li's identity.
This couldn't be blamed on him; who would have thought Elder Li was *that* Elder Li.
"Those who live in the courtyard, that Elder Li," Old Wang's voice lowered slightly.
"You mean Elder Li?" Director Zhang exclaimed, gasping.
"Of course," Old Wang chuckled.
Director Zhang remained silent for a long time, the phone in his hand feeling somewhat out of place.
Did Old Wang connect with Elder Li?
Impossible. Old Wang didn't have that kind of influence, and besides, would Elder Li bother with such trivial matters?
"Are you sure?" Director Zhang took a deep breath, trying to calm the tumultuous waves within him.
"Director Zhang, do you think I would joke about something like this? Can I joke about this?" Old Wang retorted.
"En, I understand. You're busy. How about I treat you to dinner tomorrow?" Director Zhang changed his tone and invited Old Wang for a meal.
"We'll see. I'll contact you when I have time." Old Wang's reply was ambiguous, neither refusing nor agreeing. At this moment, he needed to maintain an air of mystery, preventing Director Zhang from figuring out his intentions.
"Alright, I'll wait for your call," Director Zhang sighed, completely deflated.
Even after hanging up, Director Zhang hadn't recovered.
Recalling the assurances he had just given Hu Li, he felt a pang of shame.
No wonder even Penguin Ma and Jack Ma had joined forces. If it was *that* person, then it made sense.
But how could Hu Li have offended *that* person?
They were from entirely different worlds; this seemed unrealistic.
Director Zhang couldn't fathom it, but he knew one thing: he was powerless in this matter today.
Not only was he powerless, but he also needed to distance himself from Hu Li immediately, lest he get dragged down with him.
Hu Li, who had been lounging on the sofa, leisurely drinking red wine, suddenly saw Director Zhang's call. His spirits lifted, and he sat up straight to answer.
"Director Zhang," Hu Li said obsequiously.
"I can't help you with this matter. Eat when you should eat, drink when you should drink. Don't contact me again," Director Zhang said before hanging up.
Hu Li stood there, bewildered.
Director Zhang's words echoed in his mind.
What did "eat when you should eat, drink when you should drink" mean?
Am I about to die?