Literary Master: Starting with Refusing to Be a Child Star

Chapter 76 Early Spring Culture

Zhou He turned to look at the twelve-year-old boy, his gaze scrutinizing but not disdainful. In his years as an agent, he had seen many precocious child stars, but this was the first one who had spoken up in this kind of situation.

"What do you mean by that?" Zhou He asked.

Luo Jinnian leaned forward slightly, speaking slowly but clearly: "I want to start an entertainment company. Director Qin and Director Mo will both invest. The company's main business won't be generating traffic or hyping up idols, but creating content—I'll write the scripts, Director Qin will direct commercial films and web series, and Director Mo will direct online movies and art films. As for actors, I don't plan to sign a bunch of people; I'll start by signing a few talented actors who lack opportunities. Lao Yan will be the first."

After listening, Zhou He remained silent for a few seconds, then glanced at Director Qin. Director Qin nodded, indicating that the boy wasn't joking.

"You said you wrote the script?" Zhou He's tone wasn't questioning, but confirming.

Luo Jinnian pulled a stack of papers from his canvas bag and handed it over. It was the first twenty pages of another script he had already finished writing, titled "The Long Season," a story about the layoffs and a suspenseful case in Northeast China. He had originally planned to wait until "The Hidden Corner" was finished filming before using it, but today it came in handy.

Zhou He took the script and flipped through it. He didn't look at it closely on the spot, but only glanced at the characters' lines and scene descriptions, then closed the script and looked up to examine Luo Jinnian again.

"How old are you?"

"That's not important."

Director Qin changed his mind.

Zhou He continued to ask:

"What kind of middle-aged male actor do you need for this project?"

Luo Jinnian laughed: "The character Wang Xiang is over fifty years old, a train driver. His son and wife have died, and he has lived for twenty years to find out the truth. Of course, this role is definitely not for Uncle Yan. The character Wang Xiang's younger brother in the play is more suitable."

Zhou He nodded in satisfaction. He would be worried if the lead roles were just given to Lao Yan all at once. After all, forced roles are never sweet. Tailoring roles to actors is what truly matters.

He sighed, leaned back in his chair, and glanced back and forth between Luo Jinnian and Director Qin.

"How do you plan to sign Lao Yan?"

Director Qin chimed in, "We'll sign a three-year contract at market rate. The company's commission rate will be five percent lower than the industry average, and Lao Yan will have veto power over scripts. Most importantly—scripts come first. If my brother writes a script that suits Lao Yan, he'll get to choose first."

"Your brother?" Zhou He raised an eyebrow.

Director Qin pointed to Luo Jinnian: "This is my brother. Early spring tea."

Zhou He's eyelid twitched.

The ID "Early Spring Tea" is no secret in the industry. This bigwig wrote the script for "The Hidden Corner," and a large number of veteran actors were willing to film a web series, and the pay wasn't even top-tier—wasn't it all because of the script?

But no one has ever seen tea from early spring. Director Qin always gave vague answers when asked, only saying, "A friend who doesn't like to show his face." Now, this big shot is sitting in front of Zhou He, a twelve-year-old boy drinking a bottle of mineral water.

"You...you are early spring tea?" Zhou He's voice was a little tense.

Luo Jinnian neither nodded nor shook his head, but simply said, "Uncle Zhou, the name isn't important. Just tell me about Uncle Yan's matter, can we talk about it?"

How could a name not be important? These are all tactics used to manipulate people.

Zhou He stood up, walked to the window, and lit a cigarette. Director Qin didn't stop him, and Luo Jinnian didn't say anything either.

After finishing his cigarette, Zhou He turned around and stubbed it out in the ashtray.

"I can make the decision for Lao Yan. But I have three conditions."

"you say."

First, the contract must clearly state that Lao Yan must have at least one role each year, at least a supporting or second male lead; he can't be a complete failure as a supporting actor. He's had enough of playing supporting roles these past few years; if he continues like this, he'll ruin his career.

"Sure," Luo Jinnian readily agreed. "If 'The Long Season' is approved, Lao Yan will be the second male lead."

"Secondly, if another company offers better terms after the contract is signed, Lao Yan has the right of first refusal to terminate the contract. Of course, the compensation will be in accordance with the contract."

Director Qin frowned; this condition was a bit domineering. But Luo Jinnian nodded without hesitation: "Okay. But the compensation must be within a reasonable range; it can't be a case of getting something for nothing."

Zhou He was a little uncomfortable with the last four words—it sounded strange coming from a twelve-year-old boy saying "get something for nothing." But he didn't dwell on it and went straight to the third condition.

"Third, I want to be a partner in the company. Not just a nominal one, but a partner who actually owns shares and receives dividends. I'll bring all my resources and connections, but I demand to have a say in artist management."

This time, Luo Jinnian didn't agree immediately, but glanced at Director Qin. Director Qin shook his head slightly, meaning, "Don't rush to give it to me." Luo Jinnian thought for a moment and said, "I can't agree to your third point right now, but don't worry, the position of head of agency will be reserved for you. We can talk about it later."

Zhou He smiled, showing no surprise. In fact, he knew that it was already very kind of him to agree to the first two points.

"Okay, I'll have Lao Yan sign a letter of intent after he finishes work tonight."

When Lao Yan was called in, he was completely bewildered. Zhou He explained the situation to him, and Lao Yan was stunned for a full five seconds. Then, looking at Luo Jinnian, he moved his lips and finally managed to stammer out, "You kid, you really dare to think that way."

"Uncle Yan, just tell me if you're going to do it or not," Luo Jinnian asked with a smile.

Old Yan looked at Zhou He, who nodded. He then looked at Director Qin, who also nodded. He then looked at Gu Yanxi, who hadn't said much from beginning to end—Gu Yanxi smiled at him, revealing two small tiger teeth.

"Let's do it!" Old Yan plopped down on the bed, waving his hand dismissively. "At my age, what wouldn't I dare to do? Back when I was discharged from the army, I worked as an extra, earning fifty yuan a day. Now that someone's writing scripts for me and assembling a crew for me, what am I afraid of?"

After finishing work that evening, Lao Yan and Zhou He signed a simple letter of intent. The formal contract would be completed after the company registration. Director Qin immediately called Director Mo to tell him the results of their afternoon meeting. Director Mo only said one sentence on the other end of the phone: "Okay, just tell me how much you need, I trust this kid."

Director Qin hung up the phone and looked at Luo Jinnian: "Have you decided on a name for your company yet?"

Luo Jinnian thought for a moment and said, "Let's call it 'Early Spring.' Early Spring Culture."

Director Qin pondered the name for a moment: "Early Spring... early spring tea. Okay, whatever you say."

Gu Yanxi then leaned over and nudged Luo Jinnian with her elbow: "Hey, does your company sign child stars?"

Luo Jinnian turned to look at her: "You're coming?"

"My current contract is with my mom's company; I'm one of her artists," Gu Yanxi said with a smile. "So I'm basically a free agent. If you sign me, my mom will release me immediately."

Luo Jinnian was only anxious when the girl didn't come. In fact, he was jealous of this plate of dumplings because of the girl who was the most talented in history.

"Okay. I'll write you a special notebook later."

"What notebook?"

Luo Jinnian thought for a moment and said, "It's about a genius girl, and you'll play the female lead."