Chapter 293: Chi Ye: I Usually Settle Grudges On The Spot
Sister Shang: “……”
Seeing Sister Shang with a constipated expression, wanting to say something but not saying it, Chi Ye smiled: “Ran Qiao should participate, as for the others… wait for the official announcement, the female lead hasn’t been decided yet.”
“……Do you think I have a chance?”
“You?”
Chi Ye looked her up and down a few times: “You have a chance.”
“Oh, having a chance is fine.” Sister Shang was satisfied, and her injured feelings were finally soothed to some extent.
“Are you going to act?”
“No.”
“…”
While Chi Ye and Sister Shang were chatting casually here, on the other side, at the doorway outside, a school leader who had just talked with Chi Ye called over a few students.
“Liu Qi, Guo Chen, and Deng Ziman, you few come over.”
The few students called were among those with excellent professional performance at Beijing Film Academy. Hearing the teacher call their names, they exchanged glances and walked over with pounding hearts.
“What’s up?”
“No idea.”
“Can we go in? I really super want to take a photo with Chi Ye and get an autograph…”
“Who wouldn’t want to.”
As they talked, since the gala after the activity was internal, ordinary students like them weren’t qualified to enter, so many could only linger outside, eyeing the crowd of “idol seniors” inside.
But now the teacher calling them over—did that mean they had a chance to sneak in and see?
—There were all big stars inside; if spotted and signed by one, or just showing their face, it might become the Bole of their life.
Of course… some female students had other purposes, feeling their “self-confidence” was greater.
“You few… yes… just these.”
The school leader saw them come over, checked the list sent by Chi Ye Studio on the mobile phone, confirmed it was correct, and couldn’t help shaking his head with a smile: “Chi Ye Studio really knows how to pick people, all students with good looks, professionalism, and ability.”
“……For them, this is also an opportunity.”
The colleague next to him smiled and nodded.
There were his students among them, so he was quite happy now.
After all, participating in a top big production like 《Mars Rescue》 before graduation—calling them heaven-sent wouldn’t be overkill.
Liu Qi and the others, who had just arrived and only heard bits and pieces, felt a stir in their hearts. While more nervous, their eyes showed both shock and joy as they exchanged disbelieving glances—what’s the situation?
What picking people… what Chi Ye Studio…
They didn’t hear wrong, right?
Teacher Wang just mentioned Chi Ye Studio…
This…
Connecting to the news they got before the activity started, the students’ hearts began pounding uncontrollably.
“Students, prepare simply, then come with me to meet Pool… President Chi. Someone from their studio should have contacted you before, right?”
Teacher Wang, leading them, took in their expressions and smiled without speaking; he fully understood their current mood.
If it were him, he’d probably feel the same.
It could only be said that after Chi Ye’s several successes, he already had quite the aura of Chen Sicheng from a few years ago.
Indeed attractive enough.
“Uh… contact… someone called me, but… didn’t say which company, just asked simply about my situation.”
Liu Qi, hearing this, recalled the form and phone call from school not long ago.
But such situations weren’t rare for them—students about to graduate with some fame at school.
Beijing Film Academy was Beijing Film Academy after all; despite the current film and TV general environment where few ultimately debut and become famous, with the rise of short dramas, many short drama companies targeted them.
Of course… having gotten into Beijing Film Academy with good performance, generally, this group of “arrogant” “academic overlords” wouldn’t actively choose the short drama track.
Unless really unable to find film crews, seeing no hope of entering mainstream entertainment circle, then perhaps for livelihood, forced into the sinking market.
Liu Qi actually had quite a big reputation at Beijing Film Academy, and she wasn’t a pure newcomer; during her junior year, she acted in a great director’s movie… though just a supporting role, her acting skills were eye-catching.
On the Douyin short video platform, many classified her among the post-02 potential little flowers.
Hmm… with 00 flowers not yet started and 95 flowers in their prime, the so-called 02 flowers were just for fun.
So she didn’t take it seriously herself.
This was also why Chi Ye Studio selected her; overall, her looks, figure, and acting skills were all top-notch, very suitable for cultivation.
“I didn’t get a call…”
“Uh… I asked last time, and they said it was Chi Ye Studio, but I thought it was a scam… Chi Ye Studio never signed people before…”
“No, didn’t Shi Daifu sign with Chi Ye Studio?”
“That’s different; Shi Daifu is Chi Ye’s… um…”
The loose-lipped Guo Chen was about to say everyone in the circle knew what relationship Shi Daifu and Chi Ye had… don’t talk pure friendship; Shi Daifu was so pretty, from becoming popular again to now, almost every work was personally handled by Chi Ye—lyric writing, composition, arrangement, harmony…
And you tell me that’s pure friendship?
The industry never heard news of Chi Ye being punched to death by Shi Daifu, so… not just him, many thought their relationship was unusual.
But speculation was speculation—could this be said outright?
Especially at this critical moment.
Guo Chen shut his mouth.
Teacher Wang pointed at him: “You want to get punched, huh?”
“……Teacher, I’m wrong, sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”
Guo Chen jumped in fright.
“Let’s go, no need to be too nervous later… but can’t be too relaxed either.”
Teacher Wang walked ahead, leading them inside, kindly reminding: “Chi Ye’s side really wants to sign a few people this time, but how many and who depends on your own performance.”
“His company isn’t big now, but you should know, lots of resources; Chi Ye himself has plenty… grasp the situation yourselves; if signed, it could be a life-changing opportunity, got it?”
“Got it, teacher.”
“Thanks, Teacher Wang.”
Hearing Teacher Wang, they grew more nervous, with barely controllable excitement and agitation.
—Chi Ye Studio isn’t a big company?
NO, they just needed to know it was called “Chi Ye Studio.”
With “Chi Ye” in the name, in the industry, it was no less than a “big company.”
In the crowd, Liu Qi took deep breaths, forcing her wildly beating heart to calm, cheering herself on: Come on, you can do it, Liu Qi!
……
The meeting and signing would happen after the event; Chi Ye chatted with Sister Shang for about ten minutes when he received a very unexpected message.
“You say Teacher You called, saying Zhu Yao Lin wants to ‘snatch’ 《Latent》?”
Chi Ye was dumbfounded at first hearing this; though Zhu Yao Lin’s route was similar to his and Si Zi’s—both film and TV—he had a focus.
Since winning the Golden Rooster Movie Emperor, his team seemed to have said he wouldn’t consider TV notebooks short-term.
Moreover, it was a spy war piece, currently a cold market type.
What did he mean?
Chi Ye couldn’t figure it out, but didn’t need to; Zhu Yao Lin trying to “tear” resources with him, especially one he was investing in, was obviously outmatched.
Before 《Influenza》 release, maybe some waves, but now…
“Yes, Director Jiang said Zhu Yao Lin approached another investor for 《Latent》, plus connections at Mountain City Film and TV, asking if the role was set.”
“How did Director Jiang reply?”
“Said it was set, and that you’re investing.”
“Oh.”
Chi Ye nodded, gaze falling on Zhu Yao Lin in the crowd not far away, toasting and chatting with familiar school leaders.
Seeming to sense his gaze, Zhu Yao Lin turned, slightly startled, nodded with a smile.
Chi Ye smiled back, while telling the staff on the phone: “For those scripts Zhu Yao Lin has now, have someone contact them, say I’m interested too, see if any fit.”
“Ah?”
The other side paused, then quickly nodded: “Okay, got it, President Chi.”
“Mm, that’s it.”
Chi Ye hung up; nearby Keke asked: “He’s stirring trouble?”
“Panicking, testing me.”
Chi Ye yawned: “No big deal, I’ll snatch some of his too.”
Keke: “…”
“Speaking of, Sister Shang really has no fate for gossip; nothing happens when she’s here, trouble the moment she leaves—isn’t this metaphysics?”
Chi Ye turned and put the matter behind him, because his targets and opponents were never Zhu Yao Lin or Si Zi… perhaps the latter two didn’t think so, but he truly felt his opponents were the people behind them.
Keke, hearing this, thought of Sister Shang’s reaction upon hearing the news and couldn’t help laughing: “Sister You Shu really missed the fresh gossip.”
“…”
……
The “retaliation” and “response” came so fiercely; including Zhu Yao Lin’s own probe of industry attitudes toward Chi Ye now, the results caught him off guard.
First, the 《Latent》 crew; despite his investor and local leader at one filming location（, both immediately stopped supporting him upon hearing Chi Ye was confirmed.
Also, the sudden message from his agent.
—Jiang Kaige and Director Zhang’s next movie, even “family” Chen Sicheng’s new movie, all sent scripts to Chi Ye.
Hearing Chi Ye interested in their next play, the three sides barely hesitated, immediately sending full scripts and details; even backers called to confirm.
If the lead was confirmed as Chi Ye, increasing investment wasn’t impossible.
This…
This probe result chilled Zhu Yao Lin.
This outcome… far more serious than he imagined.
He’d thought after 《Influenza》’s global box office hit, Chi Ye’s star power in internal entertainment circle would rise, threatening him and Si Zi, but he clearly underestimated Chi Ye’s current influence.
Especially now when he “urgently needed” to break ice with the film circle—he needed it, but so did the film circle to be the first to “eat Chi Ye.”
White money and interests right there, especially 《Mars Rescue》 investment—everyone interested.
“Shouldn’t have stirred this up.”
Zhu Yao Lin regretted a bit, watching Chi Ye disappear into the lobby, silently sighing.
“Brother Zhu, Chen Zong called…”
The assistant leaned in softly: “He’s asking what’s going on again.”
“……I’ll talk to him myself.”
Zhu Yao Lin frowned; though regretting, if again, he’d probably do the same.
Because not testing means not knowing; testing scares you—didn’t even a year since his Golden Rooster Movie Emperor, and now another on his head?
Was he willing, and Si Zi, fighting him to the death, willing?
……
“Chi Ye at once invited scripts for three great directors’ next plays, saying he’ll consider male lead.”
On the other side.
Ling Han sidled up to her sister: “Sis, does this mean Pool Ge is reconciling with the film circle?”
Ling Bingbing’s info was even more timely; hearing this, she smiled: “Reconcile… where’s the reconciliation; Chi Ye’s slapping Zhu Yao Lin’s face this time, telling him to know his place.”
“Ah……then… will it affect our cooperation with him?”
Ling Bingbing looked at her sister in surprise: “What news did you hear?”
“Mm… I heard Brother Qian Rui has some opinion on Pool Ge; their two sides… you know, not the first time; after this, probably direct confrontation.”
“What’s that got to do with us.”
Ling Han was stunned.
Ling Bingbing glanced at WeChat.
Just before, perhaps due to this “sudden situation,” 《Latent》 investors and director, fearing more trouble, communicated with Chi Ye’s side, confirming schedule and filming time.
In other words, 《Latent》 male lead set, female lead… also set.
Ling Bingbing.
One of the four great flowers, also internal entertainment’s first big flower to cooperate with Chi Ye; her “comeback” first play was actually a TV series.
Official announcement time, probably big stir again.
“Others are others, we are us… didn’t come in vain this time; tell the team to pack, head back to company later; I’ll audition for 《Mars Rescue》 in a few days.”
“……Sis, you’re really auditioning?”
Ling Han dumbfounded: “You… you still need to audition?”
“No choice, President Chi’s rule.” Ling Bingbing half-jokingly: “Big flower has no face here.”
“……Will it work?”
“Probably not.”
“Then why go?”
“To help him save some publicity and distribution costs.”
Ling Han got it.
……
That night, Chi Ye signed the “first batch” artists since Chi Ye Studio’s founding—four in total, two males two females, all young but with good looks, figures, and business ability.
This also signaled that from this day, Chi Ye Studio was no longer a family workshop, but taking a big step toward a regular army.
