Chapter 9: You Are My Brother!

After the year 2000, especially following the quiet start of the "Golden Decade of Coal" in 2002, a large number of coal bosses who had struck it rich flocked to the Imperial Capital’s film and television circle to invest.

It was also during this time that many "film and television teams" specializing in swindling coal bosses appeared in the Imperial Capital.

They would first find a student to write a rough script, then round up some D-list celebrities to fawn over the coal boss. Once the contract was signed and the investment money transferred, the other party would immediately vanish without a trace.

It was essentially a "honey trap" for the film industry.

Zhao Decai had already encountered similar situations several times, and each time he would look at his lower half with regret.

"Why can't I keep my pants zipped!"

The other party’s routine always started with a lot of big talk.

"We’re going to get Old Mouzi to direct this film."

"Our lead actor is Tang Guoqiang!"

"Once we start filming, I’ll have Chen Hong come keep you company for a drink..."

Now, facing Zhang Yuan, he felt this routine was all too familiar.

Consequently, his expression gradually faded, and his excitement began to settle.

"Brother Zhang, what you say sounds great, but can you really pull it off?" Zhao Decai paused for a moment, squinting at him.

"It’s already been pulled off," Zhang Yuan said, putting on his most sincere expression.

"What do you mean?"

"You’re worried that the stars I mentioned won't actually appear in the film, right?"

"Exactly."

"Then you can rest easy. Our show, *Conquest*, is almost finished filming. If you want, I can show you the rough cut as early as tomorrow."

"What!" Zhao Decai stood up abruptly.

The show was almost finished filming... He had truly never encountered this situation before.

Usually, those who approached him were talking about pre-production investment, before the cameras had even started rolling.

This was the first time he’d encountered one that already had a finished cut!

Zhang Yuan knew Zhao Decai’s history, so he saw right through his thoughts.

"Boss Zhao, you must have been in the Imperial Capital for several years now, but I’m afraid you haven't had a single investment project worth showing off yet, have you?"

Zhao Decai frowned and didn't answer.

"I can't guarantee how the ratings for this show will be, but at least you’ll have a finished product in your hands, right?"

"It’s better than coming away empty-handed."

*At least I’ll have a show to show for it...* Zhao Decai repeated the thought to himself several times.

"If you’re willing, I can arrange for you to visit the set, have a meal with the director and the stars, and chat with them. How does that sound?"

Every word Zhang Yuan said hit the mark, completely manipulating the other man.

In truth, at this time, Zhao Decai’s family coal mine company was still managed by his father; he was just a good-for-nothing spendthrift.

In his past life, he had mentioned at a drinking party that until 2003, he didn't have a single broadcasted TV series to his name, which led to his father dragging him home to Jin Province by the ear after a beating.

Now that a proper TV series that was almost finished filming was placed right in front of him, how could he not be tempted?

"Then... can you arrange it for me?"

"No problem!"

Zhang Yuan was escorted by Zhao Decai all the way to the elevator before the other man turned back.

*Phew...*

Zhang Yuan also let out a sigh of relief. His first pot of gold was likely secured!

He took out his phone and called Gao Qunshu. The other man was probably busy, as it rang for a long time before he picked up.

"Hello, who is this?"

"Director Gao, it’s me, Zhang Yuan."

"Oh, Yuan, how’s life back in the Imperial Capital?"

Gao Qunshu started chatting casually, not treating him like an outsider.

"Director Gao, I’ve found an investor for you. Are you free to meet tomorrow night?"

There was silence on the other end of the line.

It wasn't until half a minute later that Gao Qunshu spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Zhang Yuan, you aren't joking with me, are you?"

Only now did Director Gao recall that at the wrap party, Zhang Yuan had said he would help him find a buyer.

He had always thought the other party was joking, but now he felt like he was the joke.

"I wouldn't joke about the film. The other party is a coal boss from Jin Province; he has money on hand."

"I..." Gao Qunshu was speechless.

Who could have imagined that Zhang Yuan, who was just a minor extra a month ago, could achieve something like this? He wouldn't even dare to dream this big.

Could this kid be a lucky star sent by the heavens to save me?

"Director Gao, are you still there?" After the long silence, Zhang Yuan thought the call had dropped.

"I'm here. I'll make arrangements for tomorrow."

"It's a deal."

The following evening, Zhang Yuan rode in Zhao Decai’s car all the way to the International Village set.

The crew had intentionally finished work early today. From the director to the lead actors, everyone was waiting in a large private room at the hotel, just for Zhang Yuan’s arrival.

"Yuan is here! And this must be Boss Zhao, right? Welcome to the *Conquest* set!"

Zhang Yuan led Zhao Decai into the room. After entering, the chubby Zhao scanned the room, and his lingering doubts began to dissipate.

Sun Honglei was there, Shi Zhaoqi was there, and Liu Weiwei too—all the leads Zhang Yuan had mentioned were present.

This put him much more at ease.

"Hey, why isn't the female lead, Jiang Shan, here?" After sitting down, Zhao Decai asked in a low voice.

"Have you seen *The Grand Mansion Gate*?"

"Of course. Chen Baoguo starred in it; the ratings were sky-high."

"Sister Jiang Shan rushed off to film the sequel to *The Grand Mansion Gate*. She’s the female lead in that one."

"Oh..." Zhao Decai didn't ask any further.

The first *Grand Mansion Gate* was too popular. If Jiang Shan could be the female lead in the sequel, her popularity would definitely rise further, which would certainly be a good thing for *Conquest*, in which she also starred.

Zhao Decai wasn't stupid; he understood the game well.

The dinner started smoothly. After three rounds of drinks and a few courses, Director Gao had the hotel bring in a television to play some of the edited footage for Zhao Decai to watch.

"Isn't that the guy who sings that song... 'Do You Love Me or Not'? Our show even has him in it!"

Zero Band’s lead singer, Zhou Xiaoou, was the first target killed by Liu Huaqiang in the show. His scenes were filmed early, so Zhang Yuan hadn't met him.

"It’s Jiang Shan! She’s really beautiful."

The promised stars were all at the table and all appeared in the finished footage. Zhao Decai’s anxious heart was finally completely at ease.

As his spirits rose, he let himself go and started drinking heavily with Sun Honglei and the others.

Meanwhile, Director Gao pulled Zhang Yuan aside.

"Yuan, my brother!" With that, Gao Qunshu grabbed his hands and shook them vigorously.

"From now on, you are my own brother. In this circle, no matter what you encounter, as long as it’s within my power, I won't say a word—I’ll just do it!"

[Received thanks from Gao Qunshu: Directing Basics +8, Cinematography Skills +5, Storyboarding +9, Art Fundamentals +6, Film Editing +8!]

Glancing at the system panel, Zhang Yuan understood that the other man meant every word.

Another week or two passed, and the crew officially wrapped up filming. Gao Qunshu called Zhang Yuan.

"Yuan, our show is finished. Boss Zhao, whom you introduced last time, has already signed the contract. Honglei and the others and I want to come find you to celebrate."

Zhang Yuan readily agreed and jumped off his bed in the shared apartment.

"Yuan, going out to eat? Bring me back a few steamed buns, will you?" Zhao Jin, in the next bed, said casually.

"Buy them yourself. I have a dinner with Director Gao and the others."

Zhang Yuan hurried out, while Zhao Jin looked at his retreating back, feelings of envy and bitterness flooding his heart once again.

He’s already able to attend dinners with directors, while I can't even land a gig...

Arriving at the reserved restaurant room, as soon as he walked in, Gao Qunshu excitedly came to greet him, trying to lead him to the seat of honor.

After some back-and-forth, he and Sun Honglei ended up sitting on either side of the director.

No one at the table had the slightest complaint about this seating arrangement.

Not convinced?

If you had Zhang Yuan’s ability, you could sit next to the director too!

"Zhang Yuan, your contribution this time is just too great. Let me toast you." Sun Honglei took the initiative to raise his glass.

He had been worried that the show wouldn't sell and couldn't be broadcast, which would have meant his months of hard work filming would have been for nothing.

Now that Zhang Yuan had solved his biggest headache, how could he not be happy?

[Received thanks from Sun Honglei: Acting +3, Line Delivery +4, Dance Skills (Breakdancing) +12, Body Language +3!]

"Zhang Yuan, I’ve seen many young people, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone as capable as you. I’ll toast you too." Teacher Shi Zhaoqi also raised his glass.

[Received thanks from Shi Zhaoqi: Performance Basics +2, Emotional Control +5, Eye Contact Control +8!]

"I’ll toast you too."

"And me..."

After round after round of drinks, even with the "alcohol tolerance" points he had farmed from the *Conquest* crew, he was starting to struggle.

He made an excuse to go to the restroom; these "alcohol-tested" veteran actors were truly not human.

After relieving himself, Zhang Yuan shuffled back slowly.

Halfway there, as he passed a small room with the door half-ajar, several curses rang out from within.

*Probably some drunkard causing trouble...* Zhang Yuan thought, glancing inside before continuing forward.

Two seconds later, he frowned and stopped. He walked backward, returned to the doorway, and poked his head in to look.

He saw a diner with a flushed face spraying spit all over a waiter, cursing in the most vile language.

And a waiter with a round face and small eyes, who looked less than 20 years old, could only stand there helplessly, enduring the other man’s storm of abuse.

The cursing wasn't important.

Being cursed at wasn't important either.

What was important was that Zhang Yuan recognized the person being cursed at!