Qi Lin's filming with the crew quickly wrapped up. Director Xu Zheng found himself increasingly reluctant to let him go, adding more and more scenes for him. Qi Lin's talent was simply too terrifying, especially with Wang Xiaohua's assistance!
Once she realized Qi Lin's talent, Wang Xiaohua directly found numerous performance clips online that matched the character "William" he was portraying, and had him mimic those scenes. Qi Lin's progress was more than just rapid; it was like a bug in the system! His performance was as stable as a robot's, never causing a single NG.
This only strengthened Xu Zheng's resolve to recruit him, even personally making several calls to the higher-ups. Han Xue also called her father multiple times, as they both believed Qi Lin had the potential to become a superstar. If they didn't act quickly, it would be too late!
Finally, after a week of filming, Wang Xiaohua managed to secure an A+ contract for Qi Lin!
A yearly salary of one million, along with a company-provided RV, makeup artist, nutritionist, stylist, and driver. However, Qi Lin had to find his own assistant for the more personal role. All these salaries, including Wang Xiaohua's, would be covered by the company.
Wang Xiaohua's salary was also one million per year, plus a ten percent share of Qi Lin's earnings. Qi Lin would get fifty percent of his personal earnings, with ten percent going to Wang Xiaohua and forty percent to the company.
Many might view this as a draconian contract, but on the contrary, getting such a contract right upon entering the industry was incredibly fortunate! Currently, most entertainment companies take an 80-20 or even 90-10 split. Getting a 50-50 split right away was almost unheard of in China.
Of course, Qi Lin securing such a contract had a lot to do with Wang Xiaohua's efforts!
...
"Qi Lin, a million annual salary is not low, and it's for your future's sake," Wang Xiaohua earnestly explained in the car on their way to the interview, fearing Qi Lin might think the salary was too low. But little did she know, Qi Lin, who had little experience with the industry, was already thrilled!
It was a million a year! Even though the taxes were hefty, it was still a million! Despite the claims on Douyin (TikTok) of people making millions, Qi Lin had never actually met anyone with such an income. Now, thinking he was joining this elite group, he could only marvel at how quickly stars made money!
Seeing Qi Lin remain "silent," Wang Xiaohua continued, "Leaning on a big tree is good for shade. We can't withstand big storms right now, especially after offending Dongfang Media. Without a backer, those two are not easy to deal with."
"I've already planned our next two years. We'll stay with Tangshi to expand our resources and connections! Meanwhile, we'll start setting up our own studio quietly. Once you're famous in two years, we can establish our own studio and not be at the mercy of others."
Wang Xiaohua glanced at the rearview mirror, seeing Qi Lin still silent, and sighed inwardly. Geniuses truly had high aspirations! This contract, even for a fresh graduate from the Beijing Film Academy, would be hard to come by!
Unbeknownst to her, Qi Lin was lost in daydreams about how to spend his future earnings.
At a red light, Qi Lin snapped out of his fantasy about buying egg-filled pancakes and asked, "Sister Hua, how much longer?"
Wang Xiaohua checked the GPS, "Almost there. By the way, have you memorized your lines? And the expressions?"
Qi Lin smiled, "Don't worry, Sister Hua, those were too easy."
Knowing Qi Lin's incredible talent and memory, Wang Xiaohua didn't press further.
Five minutes later, they arrived outside a temporary production office. A sign outside read: "Fong Sai-yuk!"
Yes, this time, Qi Lin was auditioning for the main villain, the Imperial Guard Commander Ordo!
...
As they walked up to the second floor, they saw the corridor packed with people, at least a dozen. Two were even in full Qing Dynasty official costumes, clearly well-prepared!
A middle-aged man, seeing Wang Xiaohua, got up with a hearty laugh, "Sister Hua! Long time no see, you still look as radiant as ever!"
Wang Xiaohua smiled back, "Brother Wang, it has been a while! You've grown more prosperous. I heard your new artist just won the Most Popular Male Artist award?"
Brother Wang laughed but kept glancing at Qi Lin, pretending not to know him. "And who might this be?"
Before Qi Lin could speak, Wang Xiaohua interjected, "A new artist I just signed, has a bit of a martial arts background. He's here to try his luck."
Brother Wang feigned realization, "Could this be the twenty-two-year-old Wuying-level martial artist?"
His words instantly silenced the previously bustling corridor, with all eyes on Qi Lin.
Wang Xiaohua cursed inwardly. "Shooting the bird that sticks out—this guy is afraid Qi Lin will steal the opportunity from his artist!" But she was determined to secure this opportunity.
Since his identity was exposed, Wang Xiaohua boldly said, "Yes, the same one President Han supported on Weibo. We just joined Tangshi, and President Han mentioned this was a good opportunity suitable for my artist, so we came to try."
Brother Wang's smile turned a bit stiff at the mention of Tangshi. "Weren't you with Dongfang Media before? Did you switch?"
Wang Xiaohua nodded, sighing, "Couldn't refuse President Han's generous offer."
She then pulled Qi Lin in front of her, "I'm now this kid's personal manager. Brother Wang, please take care of us in the future!"
Brother Wang's expression changed again. The term "personal manager" was no small matter!
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