With the anniversary schedule approaching, the entire Shanghai Theatre Academy is tightly preparing.
Although Gu Bai serves as the chief planner, professional matters still need to be handled by professionals, so the entire stage setup and program arrangement have been left to people dispatched by Lu Ang to handle.
Fortunately, Shanghai Theatre Academy is an arts academy, and almost every student possesses a special skill. Performances and similar programs only require a few days for communication and rehearsals to proceed normally. Gu Bai is busy with other matters.
As an arts academy’s anniversary, celebrity presence is naturally indispensable.
Outside Hengdian Film City, a pure black Rolls-Royce Phantom and several ordinary business cars are parked at the side.
Inside the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Gu Bai is smiling as he makes a phone call.
"Sister Yin Yin, it’s the 72nd anniversary of our academy. You absolutely have to come. You missed the 70th anniversary, but this time our dean has insisted repeatedly that you must attend."
There aren’t many big stars from Shanghai Theatre Academy, but in the mixed bag of the entertainment industry, stars who have graduated from Shanghai Theatre Academy can be summed up in one word: professional.
Li Yin Yin, who’s on the call with Gu Bai, can be described as one of Shanghai Theatre Academy’s leading stars, not only in China but also claiming a spot in the international film industry.
Additionally, Hu Ge, Xu Zhen, Tong Dawei, and others have reached first-line fame in terms of reputation and stature.
Li Yin Yin, listening to Gu Bai’s invitation, responds with a smile, "I regretted missing the 70th anniversary last time, so with Chairman Gu personally calling me, no matter how busy I am, I have to come in person. Rest assured, I’ve booked a flight tonight and will return to the country tomorrow."
The 72nd anniversary of Shanghai Theatre Academy has already spread throughout the Shanghai Theatre Academy circle. Even if Gu Bai doesn’t mention it, Li Yin Yin would give her alma mater face, especially since Gu Bai personally called to invite her. It’s even more impossible to decline. At least on the surface in the entertainment industry, Gu Bai’s face carries more weight than Shanghai Theatre Academy does, not to mention that this time Gu Bai represents Shanghai Theatre Academy, an arts academy with a 72-year heritage and an industry-leading tycoon. This leaves Li Yin Yin with no inclination to refuse.
"Then it’s settled. We’ll meet at our school in three days."
After a round of pleasantries, Gu Bai hung up the call.
Far across the globe, Li Yin Yin put her phone away and addressed her manager beside her with a serious expression, "Sis, book me a flight returning to the country by tomorrow at the latest."
A woman next to Li Yin Yin, who resembles her a bit, looked at her puzzled, "Our collaboration project here is at a critical stage, and you tell me you need to return to the country?"
Li Yin Yin’s manager is called Li Xue, her younger sister, so she speaks without reservation.
Li Yin Yin nodded, "Hollywood can only be considered a market exploration. The center of my work has to be in the domestic market. You’re aware of Shanghai Theatre Academy’s 72nd anniversary, aren’t you? This time, I must attend." Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝔫𝔢𝔱
"You postponed the 70th anniversary, and now you’re delaying a film project that has been negotiated for so long for the 72nd anniversary? You know that once it’s done, you can expand your influence in Hollywood and even globally."
"I know what you’re saying, but these things are uncertain. I’ve already played many supporting roles in Hollywood and don’t lack this one."
Seeing the resolute expression of Li Yin Yin without any room for negotiation, Li Xue couldn’t help but want to persuade her further.
Looking at her sister’s expression, Li Yin Yin gently shook her head and said, "Do you know who just called me? Chairman Gu of Black Swan Group. Now, Black Swan Cinema Line is flourishing in the domestic market, and within two years, it will undoubtedly become a giant like Wanda or Ali Film and Television. No matter how I develop in Hollywood, I can’t reach the level of Emma Stone. Hollywood is offering me these opportunities because they’re envious of the domestic market. Therefore, we need to pay attention to the changes in the domestic market even more."
The person she mentioned, Emma Stone, was the Oscar-winning actress in 2017.
"A school anniversary, and Chairman Gu personally invited you?"
Li Yin Yin smiled as she explained to her, "Chairman Gu is now the face of Shanghai Theatre Academy and can be said to be its spokesperson in the entertainment industry. This is a well-accepted fact within the Shanghai Theatre Academy circle. There’s nothing to be amazed about."
"But in terms of seniority, he’s far from qualifying..."
"Seniority? For us who rely on being stars for a living, if we can’t reach the level of Brother Chen Long, even a hundred years of mixing won’t make us more than just stars.
But someone like Chairman Gu is different. He’s someone who controls resources. Despite his youth, looking at the entire entertainment industry, only reaching the status of Brother Chen Long gives you even a slight chance to be on equal terms with him. And this is because Chen Long has transformed from a star who needs resources for development into an industry tycoon who holds resources.
So don’t talk about seniority; in the face of absolute wealth and resources, seniority is merely a decoration."
After these words, Li Xue, having partially understood and partially not, followed Li Yin Yin’s advice and obediently got up to book her return flight. Li Yin Yin remained seated, not knowing what she was thinking.
As for Li Yin Yin’s inner journey, Gu Bai had no interest in knowing, as a bodyguard standing about two meters tall, with muscular build stretching a suit tightly, opened the door and slowly stepped out of the Rolls-Royce Phantom.