After Transmigrated as a Black-Hearted Entertainment Boss [Transmigration] - Chapter 19

That evening, Tao Zui arrived in Qing City and checked into a five-star hotel.

The hotel was far from the city center and close to the suburbs. It didn’t look like a business traveler’s first choice, but it fit Tao Zui’s standards perfectly. By leaning against the railing of the floor-to-ceiling windows and looking out, he could see the nearby film and television industrial park. It was China’s first industrialized movie production base, equipped with cutting-edge facilities, and was the primary destination of his trip.

After staring at the brightly lit studio lots from afar, Tao Zui turned around, walked to the bed, and flopped straight down on his stomach.

“So tired…”

It wasn’t that he hadn’t traveled for work before. When things got busy in the past, he treated hotels like a laundromat—showering, changing, and heading right back out. But this trip felt more exhausting than any before.

To put it plainly, it wasn’t his body that was tired; it was his mind.

In other transmigration stories, the protagonists have cheat codes and guides to conquer the world. Why did his situation have to be riddled with constant setbacks? At this point, forget cheat codes—he would thank the heavens if he could just keep things on the right track.

Burying a sigh into the comforter, Tao Zui lifted his head, dragged over the files scattered beside him, and looked at the printed casting calls with a sinking heart.

Gu Nan’s role as Bone in Day and Night had been snatched, and Criminal Litigation had fallen through. Out of the three initial projects, only the two most unreliable ones remained. But no matter how sketchy they were, he had to push forward. This time, Tao Zui had come to Qing City specifically for The Afterlife.

The Afterlife was an incredibly bizarre project. It had been greenlit two years ago, but aside from a single casting call notice, there was absolutely nothing to show for it. The director had embedded himself with a team at the Qing City Oriental Movie Metropolis, tinkering away at something unknown.

After Gu Nan selected this movie, Tao Zui had tried to contact the director to ask about the casting requirements. Yet, the first thing the man said was:

“I don’t even know if we can keep this thing going.”

The statement had left Tao Zui completely speechless for three seconds.

“Then… what is the reason?”

“The reason…” The director’s voice had drifted, as though his thoughts were floating away. After a few seconds, he added, “Why don’t you come over and see for yourself?”

“Huh?”

“Come over and see. I’m losing confidence the more I tinker with this. It might be a good thing if you come look. I’m at Stage 22 of the Oriental Movie Metropolis.”

“…Oh.”

And so, Tao Zui came. The more he thought about it, the more he regretted it. The project was already peak unreliable—how could it get worse? If even the director had lost confidence, what good would an outsider’s gaze do?

Was he really going to waste time on a project like this?

Tao Zui rolled over on the bed and hugged a pillow, wishing he could smother himself.

The fact that The Afterlife was greenlit meant they had raised at least half of the required funds. Being able to secure one of the world’s largest soundstages to fiddle around also didn’t suggest they were broke… Think about that CG short. Think about that sleek script summary!

Tao Zui hypnotized himself for a long moment before steadying his urge to immediately book a return flight.

Regardless, he should go check it out. Looking around wouldn’t cost anything… right?

While Tao Zui was caught in endless hesitation, back in North City, the five youths were also feeling deflated.

During lessons, they could focus their attention on learning, but once they idled, thoughts of the auditions and the disappointing results involuntarily crept back in. Su Jiqiu was particularly sensitive, and the oppressive atmosphere inside the company had subtly begun to take a toll on him.

Seeing the somber mood at the dining table, Zhang Ling feigned anger. “What’s wrong? Is my cooking that bad? Why the long faces?”

“It’s just that it can’t compare to Papa Tao’s… Ah! Zeng Xiao Nuo, why did you kick me?” Diwu Zou widened his eyes.

Zeng Yinuo rolled his eyes. “If you don’t know how to talk, keep your mouth shut.”

Diwu Zou: “What did I say?”

Zeng Yinuo: “Don’t you know what you said?”

Diwu Zou: “Is it a crime to tell the truth?”

Zeng Yinuo: “Even the truth depends on the occasion!”

“Alright! Stop it!” Zhang Ling raised her hand to separate the two, turning to flash a sinister grin at Diwu Zou. “The truth is fine, but you still have to eat it even if it doesn’t compare. Once Gu Nan and Su Jiqiu join their respective crews and Young CEO Tao gets busy, you’ll only have my cooking. So, learn to be sweeter, got it?”

“Brother Nan and Qiu-qiu are joining crews?” Diwu Zou’s eyes lit up, and he quickly pressed for details. “When? Which drama? I thought they were passed over… Ah! You kicked me again!”

Zeng Yinuo ignored him, turning directly to ask Zhang Ling, “Sister Zhang, are you talking about The Afterlife and The Case Files of Dali Temple? Are these two about to start filming?”

Zhang Ling wasn’t surprised they knew about the two projects, since they all lived under the same roof. “Not yet, but the reason Young CEO Tao went to Qing City today is precisely for The Afterlife.”

Hearing this, Gu Nan paused his movements and looked up at Zhang Ling.

Zhang Ling didn’t notice his gaze and continued, “As for The Case Files of Dali Temple, there’s some progress there too. Getting it approved shouldn’t be an issue. Casting is estimated to begin around late June or early July.”

“Casting…” Hearing the word, Su Jiqiu couldn’t help but feel a tremor in his heart. The more positive the feedback he received during his last audition, the harder the subsequent blow felt. If he were to be rejected again…

Failing to catch Su Jiqiu’s emotional shift, Zhang Ling muttered to herself, “Even if neither of these works out, there are other projects. We’ll find the right one eventually. Worst-case scenario, Young CEO Tao is already prepared to fund and produce a project ourselves.”

“Produce it ourselves? Does the company have money?” Zeng Yinuo asked in surprise.

“Why wouldn’t we? Young CEO Tao… ahem, anyway, the company has its plans. Put your hearts at ease, study hard, and strive forward. Leave the rest to us.” Zhang Ling picked up her rice bowl, stuffing her cheeks like a chipmunk.

Seeing Zhang Ling’s look of “almost letting something slip,” Gu Nan’s brow furrowed.

The company had indeed produced film and television projects in the past, with some successful cases. But due to heavy losses, the entire production department had been dissolved a year ago. Over the past month, Young CEO Tao had hired so many tutors for them; the training fees alone were no small sum. The company’s agents had fled, and the remaining artists were waiting out their contracts to jump ship… The company had no income, so where would the money to produce a project come from?

Zhang Ling had just mentioned Young CEO Tao… Could it be that the funds were raised by Young CEO Tao himself out of his own pocket?

Connecting this to Tao Zui’s sudden move into the staff dorms, Gu Nan lowered his eyelids to hide his emotions, only resuming chewing his food after a long pause.

After dinner, I’ll watch the director’s CG short for ‘The Afterlife’ again. Even though the script summary is just a single sentence, it clearly relates to ghosts and spirits. Maybe I can find some reference films… Forget Western ones; I can watch more Hong Kong ghost movies.

Having made up his mind, Gu Nan looked up at Su Jiqiu. “Qiu-qiu, I’m going to analyze some ghost movies in a bit. Want to join?”

Su Jiqiu was stunned. Previously, they had always analyzed films separately and never together. Why the sudden…

In an instant, Su Jiqiu recalled what Zhang Ling had just said, and remembered the script summary for The Afterlife. He immediately understood Gu Nan’s intention and knew what he needed to do.

Su Jiqiu shook his head and flashed a small smile at Gu Nan. “No, I think I’ll find a historical costume drama to watch.”

The two looked at each other and smiled, the lingering hesitation and gloom instantly vanishing. Just as Zhang Ling had said, they only needed to work hard. For everything else, trust the company—trust Tao Zui.

The man bearing everyone’s high hopes was currently standing at the main gates of the Qing City Oriental Movie Metropolis early the next morning, locked in a staring contest with the security guard.

“I was invited by the director of The Afterlife to visit the crew at Stage 22!”

“Do you have a pass? No pass, no entry for anyone.”

Faced with the guard’s unyielding righteousness, Tao Zui finally admitted defeat. He squatted on the curb and dialed Zhou Fanghong, the director of The Afterlife.

The first call went unanswered, the second was declined, and it wasn’t until the third attempt that Zhou Fanghong’s lethargic voice came through: “Hello…”

Suppressing a wave of complaints, Tao Zui spoke in a tone as calm as possible. “Director Zhou, I am Tao Zui, the agent from Taoli Entertainment. I’ve arrived at the Oriental Movie Metropolis as you requested, but I can’t enter without a pass. Could I trouble you to come pick me up? Or you could just let the guard know.”

After his voice fell, a full five seconds passed before there was any signs of movement on the other end.

“Holy crap, you actually came? Hey, someone… wait a minute, hold on! Wake up, quick! The sucker is here…”

The call abruptly cut off. Tao Zui’s eyelids twitched. Shaking off the heavy wave of distrust brought by the word “sucker,” he stood up and looked toward the studio gates.

Ten minutes later, a golf cart sped toward him, driving right out of the gates and stopping right in front of Tao Zui. Two individuals dressed in identical outfits hopped off.

They both wore black tank tops, mid-length black athletic shorts, and flip-flops. Their hair was styled in matching bedhead bird’s nests, and their faces were covered in stubble. If one weren’t chubby and the other lean, they would have looked like twins at a glance.

“You must be CEO Tao, right? Hello, hello!” The slightly chubbier man lunged toward Tao Zui, grabbing his hand and shaking it vigorously up and down. “CEO Tao is truly a fine figure of a man! One look and I can tell you’re destined for great things!”

…I. Want. To. Run!

Tao Zui screamed internally, but his face betrayed nothing. Maintaining a flawless smile, he matched the chubby man’s rhythm in shaking arms, appearing even more enthusiastic than his counterpart. “Hello, hello, you flatter me. I’m just an agent making a living off others; it’s nowhere near as impressive as you guys relying on raw talent. Um… excuse me, are you Director Zhou?”

Before the chubby man could answer, the lean man took a step forward. “I am Zhou Fanghong. He is the screenwriter for The Afterlife, Wang Dafa. You can just call him Dafa.”

Tao Zui feigned a look of sudden realization, shook hands with Wang Dafa a couple more times, and then let go to extend his hand toward Zhou Fanghong. “Hello, Director Zhou. I am Tao Zui, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Thank you so much for giving me this oppor—”

“Hey! No need for such politeness! Since you’re here, don’t think about leaving… ah, no, I mean, since you’re here, come take a look and give us some advice… Come, come, get on the cart!” Zhou Fanghong ignored Tao Zui’s extended hand, wrapped an arm around his neck, and dragged him toward the golf cart, acting as if he were terrified the man might flee.

Tao Zui was thoroughly dazed by Zhou Fanghong’s unusually enthusiastic display, only snapping out of it after being shoved into the cart. Watching the little vehicle head down the road toward a soundstage spanning tens of thousands of square meters, he couldn’t help but look at the asphalt below—

If I jump out at this speed, I shouldn’t get hurt, right?