Chapter 139 – Farewell, Director Ding

Chapter 139 - Farewell, Director Ding

"Rumors have it that your company is very accommodating to artists. At first, I didn't believe it. Some of these artists who have just graduated from junior high school don't have the most sophisticated tastes. Isn't it chaotic to cater to them? Which mature company would do such a thing?

Now, it seems the rumors are true, and I'm the one who's uninformed." Ding Shiwu crossed his arms, hinting at the possibility of terminating their cooperation.

It all depended on whether Zhou Weichuan wanted to salvage the situation or help Tang Fei advance further.

Logically, it was Zhou Weichuan's turn to smooth things over.

However, Time Culture, Zhou Weichuan, and Tang Fei were not ordinary names; they didn't follow conventional rules.

Logic usually took a detour around them.

"It could be seen as accommodation or shared ideals," Zhou Weichuan raised his glass in a gesture towards Ding Shiwu, showing no intention of reconciliation.

With her boss supporting her, Tang Fei's anger subsided slightly.

She had been directly named and despised. If not for professional ethics and consideration for Zhou Weichuan's reputation, she would have flipped the table and confronted him immediately.

Zhou Weichuan and Zhou Tang wore uncooperative expressions, leaving Ding Shiwu awkwardly stranded on the rooftop with no way down.

Just as he climbed up, Zhou Weichuan snatched away the ladder beneath him.

Ding Shiwu's hands thumped against the table, his brows tightly knitted into a V-shape.

Though not among the top tier of directors in the industry, he still carried a recognizable name. Whenever he appeared on TV shows or gave interviews, he was always introduced as a renowned director.

Now that he was older, his films hadn't performed well for three consecutive years, causing high-profile projects and investors to drift away from him.

He took it in stride. If there was money to be made, he'd make it; why ruin his career for the sake of art? Thus, when approached by those seeking profit-oriented projects and leveraging his past fame, he didn't turn them away.

Who could resist money?

However, while he might have accepted the reality, being labeled as a money-hungry filmmaker was his personal cross to bear. It was anything but pleasant when someone openly called out his films as money-grabbing flops – anger was a mild reaction.

Didn't they know how to engage in the usual industry flattery?

With such blunt honesty, how could they possibly collaborate? His straightforwardness was killing any chance of a productive conversation.

He genuinely wanted to storm out, but Tang Fei's popularity was one of the selling points for his film, and he couldn't easily give up on it. Unable to control the situation, he grew anxious and tapped the table irregularly.

No one offered him an easy way out, so Ding Shiwu chuckled and found his own escape route: "President Zhou, our project budget is limited. Your artist and Xu Sheng's salaries are quite high. Special effects are also a money guzzler. Naturally, there won't be much left for on-location shooting. Money should be spent where it counts. The audience loves good-looking actors and stunning special effects, not picturesque landscapes. After all these years of catering to their tastes, I have more experience than you."

Green screen shooting had indeed become the mainstream method for films relying heavily on special effects since their rise in popularity. However, this was typically the case for movies that primarily showcased hard-core visual wizardry.

For a romantic film set to release on Valentine's Day, with green screen as the mainstay, Tang Fei felt there were issues.

On-location shooting usually cost less than special effects, unless the latter received less investment. Then what kind of film would result? Five percent special effects? That'd be too much already! Why would she shoot such a movie? Was she short on bricks for her house and hoping for people to throw her more?

He even mentioned that most of the budget went to salaries?

That didn't make sense!

Tang Fei frowned. As a newcomer in the film industry, how could her fee be exorbitant? How meager must the film's investment be?

If they lacked funds, why bother with a grand special effects production? The final product's quality would surely be questionable.

Looking at Zhou Weichuan, Tang Fei felt compelled to voice her concerns. Zhou Weichuan nodded, encouraging her to speak freely, assuring her that he had her back.

Tang Fei tried to compose herself, bringing the discussion back to rational grounds.

Actors couldn't be blamed for producing a bad film just because they were paid too much!

"Director Ding, I can lower my salary. For the good of the movie, I'd even work for free.

I believe that green screen filming hinders the portrayal of characters, and location shooting is more cost-effective than special effects. It not only helps actors immerse themselves in their roles but also enhances the realism of the movie's visuals.

In my first film, I aspire to create a masterpiece. Box office success is important, but I place even greater emphasis on the quality of the film."

"Do you think I'm incapable of making a good movie?" Facing Tang Fei's veiled criticism, Ding Shiwu could no longer hold back. He stood up abruptly. "Brat, how long have you been in this industry? I've had more experience than you could ever imagine. You dare to talk to me about character portrayal, special effects pricing, and the quality of a film?

Tang Fei, with your few fans, you've already gotten too full of yourself. I advise you to know your place. When I chose you, I didn't expect much from your character interpretation.

I decide how the film will be shot. My production doesn't need an actor who meddles in matters beyond their role."

Ding Shiwu grabbed his coat, ready to leave. Having sacrificed his dignity by stepping down, he was taken aback by Zhou and Tang's persistence. "A junior high school graduate turned actress, known for her awful dramas, lecturing me on directing? President Zhou, if you don't improve the caliber of your artists, they'll soon run out of projects."

Ding Shiwu's words hinted at his intention to use his connections in the film industry to unofficially blacklist Tang Fei.

It doesn't matter if you don't cooperate. If you offend others, it will make it difficult for you to move forward in this circle that values personal connections.

Director Ding, over there, felt deeply wronged, while on this side, her education, capabilities, and intelligence were all being scorned. Tang Fei sat patiently, her forced composure on the verge of breaking under the strain of maintaining her rationality.

From the beginning, the director's vision didn't align with hers. If they couldn't cooperate, then so be it! What was so great about a movie? Could a pile of trash wrapped in the guise of a film suddenly become fragrant?

With the facade of cordiality shattered, she no longer felt the need to hold back or show restraint.

She had to voice her thoughts, to dispel the director's damned sense of cinematic superiority.

Zhou Weichuan remained silent, and Tang Fei feared that he might give in due to her threat. She stood up and confronted him head-on. "Director Ding, no matter what you say, I can't see your sincerity towards this film or your determination to create a quality production. It seems like all you care about is deceiving the audience into buying tickets since they can't be refunded. You're just trying to make a quick buck.

This isn't the kind of movie I want to be a part of. If it means not having any roles, then so be it. I can always find another profession with my abilities; I won't starve. I refuse to earn money this way."

Ding Shiwu was taken aback by such a direct and critical response from a junior. It was a blow to his pride.

As he had mentioned, Tang Fei was merely an internet celebrity with a junior high school education and no significant work to her name. Had casting her as the lead actress backfired on him?

What bad luck during the New Year festivities!

"Very well, young lady, you've got guts. I'll convey your words to all the directors. As long as I'm around, Miss Tang won't be able to step foot in the film industry! I'll just wait a few years and see the day you play the mother of the female lead in a drama series."

Ding Shiwu's face had turned ashen from Tang Fei's remarks.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Weichuan gently set down his glass. Known as the smiling tiger, it was rare for him to show such a stern expression, but he did now.

"I have a piece of advice for you, Director Ding."

"So, Young Master Zhou has finally decided to speak up? I almost thought that Tang Fei was the owner of Time Culture, not you, Zhou Weichuan," said Ding Shiwu with a twisted belly, turning back to face him. "I'm curious to hear what Young Master Zhou has to say."

"Reputation is hard-earned and shouldn't be easily tarnished. You can cheat the box office once, but only once. Those who deceive the audience will eventually be abandoned by them. You're only in your forties, at the peak of your career. Why resort to self-destruction?"

Zhou Weichuan sighed, looking at Ding Shiwu with an earnestness that suggested he genuinely wanted to give advice.

"Haha, how impressive. Two younglings lecturing an old-timer?" Ding Shiwu forced a smile, his expression revealing a mix of anger, humiliation, frustration, and resentment.

Indeed, what he'd said was true, but could he still show his face if he was lectured by someone younger than him?

"I've read all your previous works and was once a fan. But after meeting you today, I must say I'm truly disappointed."

Ding Shiwu's gaze flickered for a moment. He met Zhou Weichuan's sincere look but quickly averted his eyes. Finally, he sneered, "I hope you two will focus on making good TV dramas in the future."

Zhou Weichuan frowned but soon regained his polite smile.

"Director Ding, I have one more thing to say."

Zhou Weichuan's tone softened.

"What is it? Does Young Master Zhou have more advice to offer?" Ding Shiwu paused, wondering if an apology was coming, but his words remained stiff.

"At 9 o'clock, not only can we launch a drama, but also a film. Even if Tang Fei doesn't do any exterior scenes, I can still help her reach the peak." Zhou Weichuan smiled and spoke calmly, "You don't need to worry about what she'll be shooting."

"Haha, I'll be watching then!" Ding Shiwu brushed off his clothes, slammed the door shut, but the well-decorated room absorbed the noise. Frustrated, he stomped away.

"Till we meet again, Director Ding!" Tang Fei called out from the room, further enraging Ding Shiwu who now stomped even harder.

Back in the room, Tang Fei held her chin with sparkling eyes. "Boss, you were amazing just now!"

"How is he handsome?"

"As handsome as when he whipped out a gold card to pay for my meal at the cashier!"

"I'll go pay. No gold card, only WeChat Pay."

"Boss, after the payment, bring me eight boxes. None of it has been touched. It'd be such a waste. I'll take them home."

"..."