NOVEL NEXT Chapter 65
The term "unspoken rules" was originally neutral—a set of behind-the-scenes rules that the public didn't know but were mostly known and followed within the industry, which constitutes unspoken rules. For instance, magicians not revealing secrets is an unspoken rule; exposing others' magic tricks breaks the unspoken rules. Similarly, the perpetually inflated prices of laptops are unspoken rules, and when Shenzhou exposes that inflation, it breaks the unspoken rules... However, for a period, the entertainment industry was rife with scandals involving transactions of power and sex, all hyped under the name of unspoken rules. Eventually, it nearly became synonymous with such transactions, becoming widely known to the public.
Li Yan, who used to rarely gossip, didn't fully understand the unspoken rules but wasn't out of touch with society, so he knew what they meant. Upon hearing Qiao Pan's words, he secretly despised him, thinking how he dared to say it for the sake of the movie.
However, Chu Yi's directness left him somewhat surprised.
Horse's! I'm just a small employee, and one day someone would actually hand me an opportunity for unspoken rules? Li Yan found it somewhat absurd yet amusing.
Since Chu Yi brought it up, after Qiao Pan blushed, he also became more natural about it.
"Li, my brother, with the backing of Paradise Group, things must be convenient for you. But I'm sure you're also aware that many industries in this country have things like kickbacks and rebates, which are also unspoken rules. Contributing one's body to someone with power to secure a big deal or achieve something important is not something new. The entertainment industry is a microcosm of society, where competition is even more intense, and success or failure is magnified for the public eye.
Don't assume that the unspoken rules of the entertainment industry are only about male and female stars doing something together. That's just one of the most common ways of compensation and transactions. There are many other methods. To maintain success and avoid failure, various means will be used. Dining, chatting, showing support, doing favors, and giving face are all part of it. Take, for example, Ziyi and Bingbing; they are exemplary models. They have gone through numerous successful individuals to achieve their illustrious careers! Ziyi values quality, Bingbing values quantity, while another Bingbing is unyielding in her connection to a big tree due to her sister's senior position in the company, suppressing major competitors and ensuring her rise as the top star, while Lao Xu takes a different path, expanding many connections.
These are exemplars. If you don't strive this hard, you need a powerful backing. Take, for example, Yifei with a wealthy stepfather, and Sheng Yi with a wealthy boyfriend, along with many other stars relying on tycoons, but their career achievements are far inferior. There's also those who hit it big instantly and manage to stay immensely lucky, but as the saying goes, no flower can remain red for a hundred days. Who can maintain miraculous luck always? Look at Dong Jie, who debuted with the same background as Ziyi, yet her career is not in the same league. Of course, I'm not saying which is better; everyone's values dictate their different choices.
It's not just female stars; male stars are also subjected to unspoken rules involving transactions of power and sex. Some Zhao and Hai have the capability and resources to promote people.
Film directors, major films, and superstars' events, premieres, and press conferences—why are there so many stars attending? Do they all know the big superstars personally? Many haven't even seen them once! When the publicists of big stars send out invitations, can you not go? Would you dare not to go? This is also a form of unspoken rule..."
After listening to Qiao Pan talking extensively about the unspoken rules in the entertainment circle, Li Yan rarely listened through and got a general idea of the subject. He smirked inwardly, thinking that sharing this with Wen Qianyi would be an excuse for worthwhile small talk, wouldn't it?
"Hmm, I understand and get it. Producer Qiao, please tell me more about our situation."
Upon hearing Li Yan's words, Chu Yi and Qiao Pan exchanged a knowing, satisfied glance, as men often do—they often scorn others for not having the opportunity. When they do have the opportunity, few refuse it, but the first time always brings a guilty conscience, just needing someone to rationalize it for them.
Gossiping about others was inconsequential, but when mentioning himself, Qiao Pan was much more cautious, using his fingertip to trace a few names on the table with tea water.
"All three of them have requests for me, and they've set their conditions," Qiao Pan said and then erased the names, turning his gaze toward Li Yan.
Li Yan said, somewhat puzzled, "Why is it not them personally, then? Uh, I'm just curious, not thinking too much."
Qiao Pan gave a faint smile, "Even if they started their careers through unspoken rules, once they have some fame, they'll be very selective about appearing in person. Unless it's someone who can bring substantial benefits, like directors who can make them stars, producers, or heads of movie companies, generally, they won't make sacrifices anymore."
This explanation also implied something else: Dude, although you can influence an investment, that's an investment, not some big boss throwing money around to make people stars. Be content!
Chu Yi suggested, "As it's our first collaboration with Li, my brother, there will be many opportunities ahead, so of course, we'll let you have priority."
"Haha, for example, those under Chief Chu are quite impressive!" Qiao Pan laughed suggestively.
Li Yan nodded, "I'll consider it. We'll talk after this project is settled; it's still early to cast the actors now."
Qiao Pan was a bit disappointed, continuing his persuasion, "Li, my brother, we're all men here. We're just being straightforward with you. If it were Miss Wen negotiating, we couldn't say these things. Of course, considering it is appropriate, but don't worry, we've got everything arranged maturely, so you won't have any trouble at all."
"Of course! I'll definitely pay close attention to this project and deal with Miss Wen." Li Yan deliberately showed a bit of lecherousness, "Just for today's hospitality from you two, accompanied by Chief Chu's beautiful ladies, I can't let you down!"
After reassuring them, Li Yan excused himself to leave.
Once outside, he feared other producers might use the same hospitality tactics on him, something he had already experienced and didn't bother to repeat. So, he booked a hotel room by the hour and called them to send someone to pick up the documents. Hearing that they needed to go to a hotel room instead of Paradise Group, many were suspicious about its authenticity, but after Li Yan said he didn't care whether they came or not, they promptly rushed over.
While waiting in the hotel room, resting until they arrived, Li Yan received an unfamiliar phone call. Suspecting it was the two producers from out of town sending a local friend to fetch the documents, wishing to complete the task sooner, he answered immediately.
"Is this Li Yan? I'm Ji Yi. Are you free for dinner tonight?"
Ji Yi? Upon hearing the name, Li Yan frowned slightly; however, since Ji Yi did lend a hand the day before, it would be impolite to refuse directly, so he agreed.