Chapter 179

Chapter 179

Although she couldn’t receive her payment right away, Lu Mingzhu was very concerned about the feedback after her work was adapted for the screen.

It would be embarrassing if it wasn’t well-received.

She valued her reputation highly.

Fortunately, Xia Lin’s star power was undeniable, and coupled with the fact that *The Swordsman* had a solid readership, the film was successfully released in various cinemas across Hong Kong. The first day’s box office hit 34,000 yuan, rose to 41,000 yuan on the second day, and climbed to 52,000 yuan on the third day, with numbers still rising. The highest single-day earnings reached 62,000 yuan.

When Wang Tao saw Lu Mingzhu, he congratulated her.

She was entitled to half of the company’s profits, and as Zhi Wei, she could claim 20% of the box office. The other boss, Ming Hui, received less than she did, so who else was there to congratulate?

Lu Mingzhu was delighted. “This is a testament to everyone’s hard work.”

The company had its own reward system, so she didn’t need to intervene.

She was currently strapped for cash, relying solely on rental income to cover her monthly expenses, so she saved wherever she could.

As they sipped tea and chatted, Ming Hui walked in. Seeing Lu Mingzhu, he immediately smiled and said, “Mingzhu, what brings you by today? *The Swordsman* is a huge hit, and many people want to book Xia Lin for ads. I told them she’s busy filming the sequel to *The Swordsman*, so they’ve backed off for now.”

Lu Mingzhu stood up. “I just came to check on the box office.”

“Don’t sweat the box office; you should have faith in your work,” Ming Hui said, sitting down beside her and gesturing for her to do the same. “*Yang Guifei* is also quite well-written. We brought in Director Lao Tan to helm it, and he’s a cut above Tan Hong. He’s been full of praise for the script.”

Lu Mingzhu modestly replied, “Director Lao Tan is being too generous.”

Mentioning *Yang Guifei*, she thought of the voluptuous beauty Yang Huan and asked how the filming was going.

Wang Tao smiled. “It’s going smoothly. Today, they’re shooting the ‘Rainbow and Feather Garment Dance.’ Miss Lu, Chairman Ming, care to check out the set? The choreography and music are top-notch.”

He had personally inspected it.

Lu Mingzhu’s eyes lit up. “Is Mr. Ming tied up?”

If he was busy, she’d go to the set alone.

Unlike the complicated Xia Lin, she favored the straightforward and pure-hearted Yang Huan, whose face radiated joy. She was voluptuous and glowing, exuding charm.

Ming Hui chuckled. “I dropped by the company because I’m free—of course I have time! Is the *Yang Guifei* crew shooting in our unfinished film city?”

“Yes, the Tang Palace is done, and that’s where they’re filming,” Wang Tao replied.

“Then let’s head over and check it out together,” Ming Hui said. He hadn’t met Yang Huan yet but was intrigued by the actress, who was the first to debut from the training class. Hearing that Lu Mingzhu handpicked her as the lead added to his curiosity.

Though Wang Tao suggested her, it was Lu Mingzhu who had the final say.

Lu Mingzhu first asked about the number of people currently working on the *Yang Guifei* crew and ordered afternoon tea from the teahouse to be sent to the set based on the headcount. Then she remembered *The Swordsman* crew. “Are they shooting in the film city too? If so, we can swing by on our way.”

Wang Tao smiled. “*The Swordsman* went to the mainland for location shooting. They’re not here.”

Hong Kong is too cramped with limited scenery, unlike the expansive and stunning mainland, dotted with majestic mountains. For martial arts films, the mainland is the first choice.

Lu Mingzhu nodded.

They took a car to the under-construction film city. When they got out of the car, they found the workers working hard, with most of the project already completed. Not only was the "Yang Guifei" crew filming, but there were also other crews, busy with people coming and going.

Upon closer inspection, most were in ancient costumes, predominantly Yue opera.

Wang Tao told Lu Mingzhu, "Since the company started building the film city, it has given jobs to many locals."

Most of the construction workers were hired locally, and food stalls popped up. Additionally, women could find work doing laundry and other chores, making life much better than before.

Ming Hui looked around, "When will we stop pouring money into this?"

Lu Mingzhu’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

The film company had only two owners, each with half the shares. Since building the film city required investment, Lu Mingzhu’s father decided to use the dividends to continue investing, so they hadn't received any dividends for a long time.

Actually, Ming Hui was in a tighter spot than Lu Mingzhu!

Lu Mingzhu earned a lot of box office earnings from her scripts, while Ming Hui only had a modest salary as the chairman. Moreover, Ming Yue had suggested that the shipping company invest heavily in a 10,000-ton cruise ship, which Pingan agreed to, and other shareholders also supported not taking dividends but continuing to invest. To avoid diluting his shares, Ming Hui had to go along with it, receiving a salary that was meager compared to dividends.

"Is Mr. Ming short of money?" Lu Mingzhu asked him.

Ming Hui coughed lightly, "Not really, I still have some savings. I just suddenly thought of it today. If we don't see returns soon, I might consider selling my shares to someone else. There are quite a few people interested."

The company's net assets were substantial, and selling the shares could fetch a large sum with a high return rate.

Lu Mingzhu became alert, "Who wants to buy? The company has matured to this point. Would you really want to sell?"

Being a co-owner with someone else wouldn't be as good as collaborating with Ming Hui.

With He Yun in charge, Ming Hui's investments in other businesses always seemed to falter, so he focused on managing the two existing companies, not taking their futures lightly.

Ming Hui smiled, "It's Chen Feng, the Sugar King of Southeast Asia, who wants to buy it as a dowry for his granddaughter Chen Wan."

Lu Mingzhu recalled Chen Wan from the birthday party, plain-looking but elegantly dressed and poised, and frowned, "Why does their family want to enter the film industry?"

Ming Hui understood, "Diversifying. Relying on one industry is risky."

If an industry faces insurmountable difficulties, it could be a huge blow to a family. That's why many wealthy merchants, after accumulating a certain amount of wealth, don't focus on investing in just one field.

Not just He Yun, but Lu Mingzhu’s father, Xie Junhao, Lu Pingan, and others are all like that.

Ming Hui now wished he’d spread his investments across more industries.

Even if He Xuan took half his shares, he could still live comfortably with the other half.

Wang Tao chimed in, "The funds for the film city project are all in place. Dividends will be distributed to both owners in July."

He didn't want to change owners.

Although Ming Hui was half-owner, he devoted all his energy to the Hui Shipping Company. Except for initially overseeing the company, he rarely came by later. A new owner might not treat him as well.

Ming Hui said, "That's good, I'll wait."

Lu Mingzhu could tell he was strapped for cash.

Indeed, he had to support Ming Heng and his wife, along with Ming Heng’s mother Ye Lili, and also Ming Yao and her mother Mo Shuhui. He might even be secretly bankrolling actresses like Rong Yan and He Huihui. Without money, how could he manage?

Who among them wouldn't want to squeeze money out of him?

The group slowly walked into the filming location of the "Yang Guifei" crew. Although Lu Mingzhu was followed by ten bodyguards, making a big show, and accompanied by Ming Hui and Wang Tao, they were in the middle of a crucial scene. Director Tan Fei didn't call for a stop, and the actors stayed in character, with only the producer coming over to greet them.

"Director Ming, Director Wang, Miss Lu," he greeted with a beaming smile and a respectful demeanor, "The Dance of the Rainbow and Feather Garment is about to begin. Would you like to sit down and enjoy the performance?"

Wang Tao chuckled, "We’re here just for the Dance of the Rainbow and Feather Garment."

Upon hearing this, Director Tan gave them a polite smile and continued to focus on the camera, making slight adjustments.

Lu Mingzhu and the others moved behind him and sat quietly on the chairs that had been brought over, watching intently.

Lu Mingzhu didn’t blink once.

This was the true grandeur of the Great Tang!

Whether it was the set design, the costumes and makeup, or the demeanor, everything exuded the opulence and magnificence of the Great Tang.

Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, seated on the high platform, was played by an actor in his late fifties or early sixties, with graying temples, a face full of wrinkles, and noticeable eye bags. His eyebrows and the corners of his mouth drooped slightly, giving him a weathered look. Despite his distinguished appearance and noble bearing, dressed in imperial robes, he clearly appeared to be someone who had indulged excessively.

Lu Mingzhu was thoroughly satisfied.

This was exactly how Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, who was thirty-four years older than Noble Consort Yang and gradually became tyrannical, should be portrayed. What would it look like to have a handsome, scholarly middle-aged man with just a fake beard portray him?

"Where is Prince Li Mao?" Lu Mingzhu wanted to see him.

Upon hearing this, the producer quickly gestured to a young man with clear, handsome features and an elegant demeanor. When he approached, the producer reminded him, "Li Mao, Miss Lu has some questions. You’d better answer them well."

Li Mao was very obedient. He walked up to Lu Mingzhu and said politely, "Miss Lu."

As an actor at Da Ming Film Company, he naturally knew that the original boss Lu had been replaced by the current Miss Lu.

Lu Mingzhu asked curiously, "Isn’t Li Mao the character’s name?"

"I’m also named Li Mao," Li Mao replied, somewhat embarrassed. "The director thought my looks, demeanor, and age fit the image of Prince Li Mao, so he cast me in the role."

Lu Mingzhu nodded.

He was indeed a perfect fit.

Handsome, with gentle eyes, impeccable manners, and an air of grace and charm.

When the film comes out, the audience will surely feel deep sympathy for him and Noble Consort Yang.

What young woman would willingly leave such a talented, handsome, and considerate prince for an old man?

Who’d believe Emperor Xuanzong didn’t take her by force?

Noble Consort Yang and Prince Shou surely had deep feelings at first. During the five years from Noble Consort Yang's entry into the nunnery to her official appointment, Prince Li Mao did not marry or have children. It wasn’t until Emperor Xuanzong wanted to give Noble Consort Yang a title that he arranged a marriage for Prince Li Mao with Lady Wei before the official appointment.

However, Prince Li Mao and Lady Wei had a loving marriage and had many children.

Whether it was genuine love or just for show in front of Emperor Xuanzong, the family ultimately had a peaceful ending.

It’s just a shame for Noble Consort Yang, who was ordered to take her own life at Mawei Slope at thirty-eight.

Speaking of Noble Consort Yang, Yang Huan, in full costume, stepped out of the makeup room. Seeing Lu Mingzhu and Wang Tao, her eyes lit up, and she quickly walked over, holding her skirt with both hands, "Miss Lu."

Her eyes were filled with genuine respect.

Having been personally chosen by Lu Mingzhu to play the lead role in "Yang Guifei," she would receive a salary of 2000 yuan. Combined with the little savings she had previously accumulated, she could buy a flat for her family to live in, ending their life of renting.

Lu Mingzhu gazed at Yang Huan, full of admiration.

Even in modern attire, she already looks like Noble Consort Yang, and now even more so.

Her voluptuous figure, snow-white skin, and sparkling eyes, along with the floral ornament between her brows, enhance her beauty. At this moment, she embodies the grandeur of the Great Tang Dynasty, radiating wealth and prosperity.

"I came to watch you perform the 'Dance of the Feathered Robe'," Miss Lu smiled.

Yang Huan smiled softly, "That's wonderful, Miss Lu. I’ll make sure to dance my best for you."

As the Noble Consort, she is also the lead dancer in this performance.

Once everyone was ready, Director Lao Tan called out, "Noble Consort Yang, get ready to enter. Li Mao, return to your seat. Everyone else, take your positions and be prepared."

Soon, Miss Lu witnessed the dance described as "floating and spinning like snow, gracefully moving like a startled dragon."

All the elegance and charm were concentrated in Noble Consort Yang.

The supporting dancers were also excellent, with soft waists and light movements, but they couldn’t steal the spotlight from Noble Consort Yang. She had a magnetic charm that kept everyone’s eyes on her.

On stage, Emperor Ming of Tang was utterly captivated, while Li Mao in the audience was heartbroken but hid it well.

As Director Lao Tan watched the scene, he said to Miss Lu, "Miss Lu, your script is brilliant. In the past, Peking Opera only glorified the love between Emperor Ming of Tang and Noble Consort Yang, with plays like 'Drunken Concubine' and 'The Palace of Eternal Life.' Few have portrayed Emperor Ming of Tang's lustful and reckless behavior as vividly as you have."

The An-Shi Rebellion was his doing, so how can it be blamed on Noble Consort Yang, who never dabbled in politics?

Director Lao Tan valued this point and, despite the company's objections, insisted on directing 'Noble Consort Yang.'

Director Lao Tan believed that despite her youth, Miss Lu had a delicate and compassionate heart. She sympathized deeply with the female protagonists in her works, unlike many male authors who blamed the downfall of nations on women, whether it was Noble Consort Yang now, or Xi Shi and Diao Chan before.

They were unfortunate women trapped in feudal society.

Their joys, sorrows, honors, and disgraces were all dictated by men.

Given the choice, Xi Shi would have stayed by the stream washing yarn, Diao Chan would have avoided the drama between Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu, and Wang Zhaojun would have stayed far from the frontier.

Whether they are remembered forever or infamous for centuries, those who judge them didn’t live their lives. Who truly understands the bitterness and pain in their hearts?

After hearing Director Lao Tan's words, Miss Lu smiled lightly, "Perhaps being a girl helps me empathize more with Noble Consort Yang’s state of mind, which is why I wrote this. The script is just the foundation, but the final movie depends on you to bring it to life. Hearing this and seeing the scene setup and casting, I’m no longer worried."

Director Lao Tan smiled, the wrinkles at his eyes softening, "We’ll wrap up by month’s end."

"Thank you for your hard work," Miss Lu said sincerely.

After the grand performance ended and the actors took a break, she had afternoon tea served—one for each person, all equal, regardless of rank.

Everyone felt valued and was delighted.

Yang Huan, with a faint blush on her cheeks, came over to ask Miss Lu, "Miss Lu, how was my performance?"

"Very good," Miss Lu gave a thumbs up, then noticed a flicker of infatuation in Ming Hui's eyes as he looked at Yang Huan. Her heart sank, sensing something amiss.

Hearing Ming Hui call Yang Huan to him, Miss Lu immediately spoke up, "Mr. Ming, we girls are talking here. Why are you calling her over? She is an actress I highly value and like very much. I’m counting on her to lose a bit of weight after finishing 'Noble Consort Yang' and continue to star in the scripts I write!"

Yang Huan's eyes widened in surprise, and she said without hesitation, "I will definitely lose weight."

Eating less and dancing and running more would do the trick, but due to the recent filming of "Noble Consort Yang," she couldn't slim down for now.

Ming Hui was taken aback and asked Miss Lu with a smile, "You value her that much?"

"Yeah, I think she’s got the right vibe," said Miss Lu, who has a fondness for pretty girls, especially the kind-hearted ones. She hoped Yang Huan would focus on developing her career rather than becoming a sellout for money by getting involved with someone like Ming Hui, some rich guy.

Moreover, Yang Huan is not Xia Lin and might not be into Ming Hui.

Miss Lu added, "If the company lacks funds for investment, I’ll get my godfather to chip in."

Ming Hui immediately retracted his intentions and said, "We’ve got plenty of cash. No need to bother Mr. He."

Miss Lu nodded in satisfaction, "If the company’s footing the bill, I certainly won’t seek my godfather’s help. Mr. Wang, I’m telling you now, don’t let anyone mess with Yang Huan. I’m counting on her down the line."

Wang Tao quickly responded, "Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on things."

He understood what Miss Lu was referring to.

Actresses might look glamorous, but they are often vulnerable to temptations and can easily become toys for rich guys and celebs. We’ll see whether Yang Huan can become an exception under Miss Lu's protection.

If she’s into that, it's hard for others to intervene.

Yang Huan bowed deeply to Miss Lu, "Miss Lu, thank you for giving me this opportunity."

Especially for being willing to protect her.

Young as she is, she’s heard all the stories within the company. Without someone watching her back, a girl like her’s bound to get into trouble.

She used to be dark and skinny and didn’t worry, but after growing into a normal appearance, she became very afraid.

Packing on the pounds might’ve been her way of staying safe.

Thin actresses are hotter than curvy ones. Another trainee, just a year older, already snagged a boyfriend and no longer stays in the dormitory because of her beauty.

But Yang Huan’s not too heavy—she’s just the right kind of gorgeous.

During the filming of *Yang Guifei*, knowing she had no one to rely on, a few older guys started hitting on her.

Now she’s got some peace of mind.

Hearing Miss Lu's words, Yang Huan noticed that those guys backed off and no longer stared at her brazenly.

On the way back, sharing a car with Ming Hui and Wang Tao, Miss Lu reminded Wang Tao, "Our company has funds, talent, and backing. Keep the actors in line and don’t let any shady stuff go down. I don’t like that. I like actors who take their work seriously."

"I understand, Miss Lu," Wang Tao agreed with her views, disliking how Ming Hui had been pushing his girlfriend. Fortunately, He Huihui is now in prison, which has deterred several actresses who were trying to curry favor with Ming Hui.

Although Mo Shuhui denies inciting He Huihui, it’s clear to anyone with eyes that she bears some responsibility.

The police released her only because of a lack of evidence.

Ming Hui couldn’t help but touch his nose, his eyes wandering, deciding not to look for girlfriends within the film company anymore to avoid angering Miss Lu and inviting reprimands from his former father-in-law.

There are many film companies out there, and the number of beautiful actresses surpasses those in his own company.

At this point, Wang Tao informed Miss Lu, "I plan to send *The Swordsman* Part 2 abroad for exhibition after its completion. Overseas, they value heroism, and it could make some bank."

Miss Lu felt hopeful, "You manage the company; it’s your call."

As she finished speaking, she suddenly remembered something.