Upon hearing Director Liu Mei’s words, Zhu Youzhao was filled with joy, excitement, and anticipation.
As the director of the Film and Television Academy at Mist City Arts and Science University, and the one in charge of the production of "A Bite of Xia Country", the opportunity to partner with NTS on the sequel to this food documentary series was more than ideal for the academy.
Moreover, Director Liu Mei mentioned that a slot would be specifically reserved for the sequel of "A Bite of Xia Country" next year.
The documentary team from NTS would also assist. Zhu Youzhao was already looking forward to the production of the second season of "A Bite of Xia Country".
"Then, Director Liu, I look forward to our second cooperation," Ding Yue said to Liu Mei with a smile.
Liu Mei nodded, "Alright."
Seeing Ding Yue had established a connection with the channel director from NTS, Ma Wenhai realized that Ding Yue must be quite a force.
However, Ma Wenhai didn’t actually care too much about this.
As for his "grudges" against Ding Yue, after being enlightened by his friend Chen Dachun, Ma Wenhai had come to peace with some of it.
What Ma Wenhai cared more about now was to make his next movie a success. Yet, he was still unsure about what kind of original sci-fi film to make.
Nevertheless, Ma Wenhai had already asked some of his screenwriter friends for suggestions. Meanwhile, Chen Dachun would also lend a hand to his old friend.
After all, Ma Wenhai’s sci-fi work, "Space Fortress", had failed badly this time, which was bound to have a significant impact on his directorial career. If his next film were to fail as well, then the consequences would be very serious.
A director’s fall from grace was often followed by a downward spiral. If they failed to recover, they would struggle to rise again and would be forgotten.
"Principal Ding, it is great that you get to cooperate with NTS. I wish Mist City Arts and Science University all the best. See you later," said Chen Dachun. Sensing the delicate atmosphere, he bid his farewells to Ding Yue and left with Ma Wenhai.
After Director Chen and Director Ma left, Ding Yue turned to Zhu Youzhao, the director of the Film and Television Academy, and said, "Director Zhu, as you heard Director Liu Mei say earlier, I will leave the follow-up matters regarding the collaboration between us and NTS to you."
Ding Yue did not want to spend too much of his energy on the production of the sequel to "A Bite of Xia Country".
He had initially provided the idea of "A Bite of Xia Country" to the academy, and the students and teachers had successfully produced a good final product. Therefore, he believed that they would surely produce a good sequel as well.
Consequently, Ding Yue handed over all matters related to the cooperation with NTS for the sequel of "A Bite of Xia Country" to Zhu Youzhao.
"Yes, Principal Ding, I will certainly live up to your expectations!" Zhu Youzhao nodded excitedly and nervously after receiving the task.
Zhu Youzhao had initially asked Principal Ding for a chance to produce a work on behalf of the academy. Although the process was a little rocky, this time Principal Ding directly entrusted all relevant matters to Zhu Youzhao, showcasing his trust in him.
Given such trust, he, who was well paid and awarded bonuses, must carry out his duties faithfully and not disappoint Principal Ding again.
It was public knowledge that Principal Ding had been disappointed in the academy once. Zhu Youzhao did not want to take the risk of triggering a second disappointment.
After all, if it were to happen again, whether he could remain in his position as director would be in question.
"Alright, let’s go back to the hotel now."
Ding Yue turned towards the elevator after he finished speaking.
Zhu Youzhao, Wen Ruohan, Tang Yuanhua, Shen Ling, and others immediately followed.
Seeing everyone else get up, Su Yangfan also followed, as they had agreed earlier that he would stay with Principal Ding at the Shangri-La Hotel for the night. He would have his luggage packed and sent to the Shangri-La Hotel tomorrow.
Then, tomorrow he would travel with Ding Yue and his party to Mist City.
After arriving at the underground parking lot of the NTS building, a car from the Shangri-La Hotel was already waiting for them.
On the trip, Su Yangfan could not hold back and asked Principal Ding, "Principal Ding, you mentioned earlier that you have some understanding of science fiction and even have a sci-fi idea. Can I know a bit more about it?"
Upon hearing this, Ding Yue turned his head and glanced at Su Yangfan.
Ding Yue could tell that Director Su was looking for a sci-fi pitch and hoped to produce an excellent sci-fi film.
Su Yangfan was stunned at Ding Yue’s response.
After a moment, Ding Yue offered a faint smile and said, "Well, I have a friend who likes to brainstorm and write some sci-fi novels. I will ask him if he has any good ideas."
Ding Yue immediately called upon his "I have a friend" routine.
Su Yangfan responded at once, nodding vigorously.
Sitting next to Ding Yue, his secretary Wen Ruohan couldn’t help expressing her thoughts upon hearing his reply, "Principal Ding, your friends are amazing. The one who wrote the songs for Lin Zhirou last time is truly a genius."
Wen Ruohan figured that someone as capable as Principal Ding must surely have many friends who are equally talented in their respective fields.
"Are you talking about the two songs, ’The Fragrance of Rice’ and ’Confession Balloon’? There is also a national wind song, ’Blue and White Porcelain’, that hasn’t been released yet, right?" Su Yangfan showed interest in this topic.
Ding Yue nodded immediately, "Yes, but it will be released soon. ’Blue and White Porcelain’ will officially be released on Double Eleven."
Seeing Wen Ruohan and Su Yangfan referring to his "friends", Ding Yue chuckled and said, "My friends are all very low-key. Given our relationship, combined with the generous copyright fees I offer them, it’s rather easy to directly buy the copyrights."
Wen Ruohan and Su Yangfan listened with all seriousness, unaware that Ding Yue’s "friend" was a fabrication. Nobody usually delved into such matters.
Plus, as Ding Yue had just said, he paid for the copyrights, making him the official copyright owner. Who would care about his "friends" then?
"I believe Principal Ding’s friend will certainly create an outstanding sci-fi novel. It could potentially be viable for film and television adaptation!"
Su Yangfan was hopeful.
He desired to create a success even more splendid than "Transdimensional Contact" once again. However, such an opportunity existed only with Principal Ding. He must seize it!