As the shock of the crowd slowly dissipated.
Gu Bai looked at the gentle and jade-like Hu Ge in front of him and softly asked, "I wonder if senior is interested in leading this production?"
With a buzzing sound, Hu Ge’s mind shook, and he looked at Gu Bai in disbelief.
Not only Hu Ge, even Zhang Ruoyun and Yang Function gazed at Hu Ge with envious eyes.
A production exceeding 2 billion, and a film aimed at the global market, being able to play the lead role, its influence is enough to seal one’s status as legendary! Provided, of course, the film doesn’t flop.
But even if this film flops, its influence definitely exceeds those top domestic films.
The highest investment in domestic film history, a counterattack against Hollywood, such titles are enough to create a superstar, there is no doubt, and such an opportunity is what all stars in the entertainment industry desire.
Not letting excitement cloud his judgment, Hu Ge calmly asked Gu Bai.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and Hu Ge, having been in the entertainment industry for so many years, knows this thoroughly. When such a big chance lands on him, his first feeling is not excitement but apprehension.
Gu Bai did not immediately answer him; instead, he picked up his chopsticks again, took a bite of West Lake vinegar fish, and started chewing slowly.
Half a minute passed, yet no one spoke.
After wiping his mouth, Gu Bai slowly spoke, "There are naturally my reasons for inviting you, senior. First, your usual film image really aligns well with the role of the protagonist, Chen Nan.
Second, truth be told, I am still your fan, and with your acting skills taking the lead role, I feel more at ease.
As for the third, there are no other reasons. I want you to take the role; it’s that simple."
A multi-billion production, the selection of the protagonist purely based on personal mood, such casualness—if not a Divine Rich, who else could do that?
"Then I must congratulate Hu Ge here. Even Oscar-winning actors might envy such a big production, aren’t you going to thank Chairman Gu?"
Yang Function congratulated Hu Ge with a smile.
Mr. Hu Ge gave Yang Function a grateful smile, then turned to Gu Bai. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢•𝓷𝓮𝓽
"Then what do I need to give back? I believe there’s never a free lunch. Although I don’t know where my value lies, I believe Chairman Gu surely wants something from me, right?"
Ignoring Yang Function’s constant winking beside him, Hu Ge straightforwardly asked.
Yang Function was suddenly fuming, seeing Hu Ge’s actions as somewhat ungrateful. With Gu Bai’s status and position, extending an invitation personally, and yet still being hesitant—that’s ungrateful, isn’t it?
As Hu Ge finished speaking, the dining table fell silent again.
Everyone originally thought Gu Bai would get angry, but unexpectedly, Gu Bai laughed and applauded lightly.
"This is what I appreciate about you, senior, being able to stabilize your mindset in front of great interests. The rumors that years ago you could settle down to perform in theater during your popularity surge don’t seem baseless.
For senior to develop to your current extent, it turns out it’s not coincidental."
"Chairman Gu, you overpraise."
Hu Ge answered modestly yet firmly.
With a shift in tone, Gu Bai continued, "You’re right; there’s no free lunch in this world. Of course, I have requirements for inviting you to take the lead role."
"Then let me be frank. This movie is entirely financed by our group, from shooting to distribution, all funded by me, and I don’t plan to distribute much of its share.
Since it’s exclusively funded, the first thought is naturally for our own people."
Saying this, he looked at Zhang Ruoyun sitting nearby, continuing, "For instance, Zhang Ruoyun is now considered an artist under our company. He will definitely have a role in this movie, and the role won’t be minor.
So, the oriental roles in this film will mostly employ our own people. Do you understand, senior?"
Hu Ge remained silent, while Zhang Ruoyun became excited.
If he can play a substantial role in such a massive production, it would be a tremendous opportunity, and just this one movie could even give him a chance to break into the first line of the film industry!
"Thank you, Chairman Gu!"
Zhang Ruoyun was very grateful for his choice this afternoon.
"I wonder if senior is interested in joining my Black Swan Artist Agency? I can guarantee in front of everyone here, no matter how the future develops, you will always be the top artist in the company, with resources always prioritized for you.
Moreover, I can promise that within ten years, I can make you the top male actor in the country! I can even place you in a prominent position in Hollywood."
Although Gu Bai’s words contained a bit of boasting, it wasn’t purely boastful.
Although his capital is not abundant now, after a few more years, once the system is fully developed to Level 3, or even Level 4, what a sight that would be?
It will certainly surpass global wealth!
By then, not to mention securing a prominent position for Hu Ge in Hollywood, even buying the entire Hollywood wouldn’t be a dream.
After a long silence, Hu Ge finally spoke slowly.
"Thank you, Chairman Gu, for your kind offer, but I don’t want to leave my current company. Although the conditions given by Chairman Gu make it hard to refuse, I have principles. When I was in a low period, my current company did not abandon me. Now, even though Tangren Film and Television is starting to decline, that’s not a reason for me to leave Tangren."