Chapter 34: An Invitation from a Talent Agency

"Hahaha!"

The remark drew laughter from everyone.

"So, are you really that unscrupulous?" Han Han asked again.

Zhou Le nodded. "If we’re talking about getting things done, then yes, it’s a bit unscrupulous."

The director looked at Zhou Le with appreciation. "If that’s how you see it, then I’m wide awake now."

As he spoke, he raised his glass. "Maybe we really can get along. Let’s look for an opportunity to collaborate in the future."

"No problem, I’m at your service whenever you need me."

Zhou Le clinked glasses with him.

Han Han had developed an interest in Zhou Le, and later asked which company he was with and who his agent was.

"I haven't had the chance to join a company yet. I’ve just been doing bit parts on sets, and I don’t have an agent."

Han Han nodded thoughtfully. "Are you interested in trying out with me? No guarantees you'll make the cut, though."

Zhou Le had been worrying about how to land his next role, and here was someone handing him a pillow just as he was getting sleepy. He couldn't possibly refuse.

He had originally intended to keep it a light, healthy evening, but in his excitement, he drank a bit more, and naturally, everyone ended up over-indulging.

As they walked out of the hotel, Da Peng reached over and leaned heavily on Zhou Le’s shoulder. "Actually, I was thinking just now... Le, you really should join a company. It saves a lot of trouble. But you have to choose carefully, don't let anyone scam you. I was at Sohu before, and it was okay at first, but look at this time—they wouldn't even give me the time of day, so I just decided to set up my own project."

Zhou Le thought for a moment. "Brother, do you think it would work if I just did it on my own?"

"Absolutely not! Let me tell you, twenty years ago you could have done that, but ever since the new millennium, the entertainment industry has basically been monopolized by agencies. The market is only so big—why would they share the cake with you? Take my advice: join a company. At worst, once you're famous, you can just jump ship later."

Zhou Le nodded.

"Alright. But would it be okay if I joined your company? I trust that you wouldn't scam me, Brother."

Da Peng: "??? What is wrong with you? Don't you want to make it? Look at the state I'm in right now. You’d starve to death following me!"

"Then what if I follow my godfather?"

Da Peng sighed. "Le, I know you prefer to trust the people around you, but to be honest, you know Meng Hetang, right?"

"I do."

"He’s also Master Qian’s godson, and look at him—he’s still just working for someone else. If you really want to make it big, you have to get out there!"

Zhou Le could tell these were words of genuine concern. But he was completely in the dark when it came to this business. Regarding agencies, he only really knew of Jaywalk Studio, founded by Yang Mi and her partners, as well as companies like Emperor Entertainment, Huayi Brothers, and Tangren Media.

"One step at a time. I’ll see who reaches out to me, then negotiate the terms. Even though you’ve got a bit of fame now, you probably won’t get a great split. Like I said, what you lack most is opportunity. This time, it was pure dumb luck that you ran into Han Han, and even then, it’s not certain you’ll get in. Just take that role from earlier—do you think if Eddie Peng came along, you could compete with him?"

"I couldn't."

"Exactly. Eddie Peng doesn't have many projects right now, and while some people don't want to use him and some are afraid to, he’s still better off than you are right now."

Zhou Le understood. Given his current situation, joining a company was indeed the better path. Even though he had a good relationship with Yu Qian, Da Peng was right—no matter how close they were, could he compare to someone like Meng Hetang? Certainly not.

The entertainment industry is vast, operated by capital behind the scenes. Although he had some fame, in terms of current status, he was barely even a third-tier celebrity.

But the company matter could wait. After all, his chances for Han Han’s upcoming film were looking very good.

A few days later, Zhou Le received his first offer from an agency.

Tangren reached out via his Weibo inbox. During the follow-up phone call, Zhou Le learned from industry insiders that they were offering a 30/70 split.

Zhou Le felt he needed to think it over. Although Gulnazar was currently at Tangren, and it would be easier to work with someone he knew—and easier to drum up publicity—Zhou Le couldn't shake the feeling that Tangren was a spent force. Their former star, Gulnazar, couldn't even get good projects for herself, let alone a newcomer like him.

That same afternoon, a call came in from H&R Century. The split was 30/70, and the other conditions were similar: endorsements based on status, a lead role within three years, and appearances on mainstream domestic variety shows.

Through his research over the past few days, Zhou Le knew H&R Century was one of the top agencies in the country, having produced *Swords of Legends*, *Painted Skin 2*, and *The Lost Tomb*. However, the person on the other end spoke as if they had him in the bag, which made Zhou Le uncomfortable.

Later, Daylight Entertainment reached out. They were the current heavyweights of the domestic industry, having produced numerous hits, especially last year’s *Nirvana in Fire* and *The Disguiser*, followed by *Ode to Joy* this year. However, they only offered a 20/80 split. Zhou Le was also worried about the fact that they weren't lacking in male actors—Jin Dong, Wang Kai, Guo Jingfei—would he even have a chance to stand out there?

He sighed. "Capitalists are truly evil. Damn it, I wish I were a capitalist..."

But Zhou Le knew he would likely have to choose from these few options.

As the days passed, Zhou Le began to fret about where to spend the Lunar New Year. Although he was Yu Qian's godson, the relationship was informal; it was best to visit for the holidays, but he couldn't just show up at their house on New Year's Eve. Finally, he thought, he had some money now—if worst came to worst, he’d just spend the holiday in Sanya.

Meanwhile, Jaywalk Studio had also seen Zhou Le’s resume. While a third-lead role in films like *City of Rock* and *Wolf Warrior 2* wasn't necessarily stellar—since projects without market validation didn't count for much—Zhou Le still had potential.

For an agency, signing a promising actor was a win; if they blew up, they made money, and if they didn't, there were ways to squeeze out the remaining value. More importantly, even if there was only a one-percent chance of him becoming a star, they couldn't let another company have him.

"Hello, is this Mr. Zhou Le? I am the director of the talent department at Jaywalk Media. Are you interested in joining us? The terms are negotiable."

Zhou Le listened on the other end. At least their attitude was quite good.

"And the terms, specifically..."

"We initially set it at 20/80 for you, but after learning about your personal capabilities through various channels, we held a meeting and decided we can offer you a 30/70 split. We can also promise you at least one lead role next year."

Zhou Le was tempted when he heard "lead role." But then he thought about it—not all lead roles were created equal. A lead in a terrible film was still a lead.

He calmed himself down immediately and said he needed more time to think.

Just as Jaywalk hung up the phone, Yang Mi walked into the office.

"What have you been busy with lately?" Yang Mi asked curiously.

"Boss, I just called a newcomer with good potential. Offered a 30/70 split, but he wants to think it over."

When Yang Mi heard 30/70 for a newcomer, she became interested. "Who is it? Let me see his profile."

"Alright, I'll bring it to your office in a moment."

About three minutes later, Yang Mi looked at the photo on the printed document, then at the name.

"Zhou Le?"

"Yes. He’s been a bit-part actor, but this year he somehow landed two third-lead roles. He’s also Yu Qian’s godson, so I planned to sign him. As far as I know, several other companies have reached out to him as well."

"Which ones?"

"H&R Century, Tangren, and Daylight Entertainment."

Yang Mi became even more interested. "Alright, I know this person. I'll reach out to him myself."

The department director left, and Yang Mi dialed the number on the profile.

"Hello, Teacher Zhou Le, do you remember who I am?"

How could Zhou Le forget that voice? It was so distinctive—who else could it be but Big Honey?

"Of course I remember, Sister Mi. It’s been a while, you’re looking even more beautiful than before."

Yang Mi: "???"

"Wait, we haven't even met, how do you know I look more beautiful? Are you clairvoyant?"

Zhou Le laughed. "I’m not clairvoyant, that would be creepy. I just did some quick mental math."

"You have that skill, too? Then why don't you calculate why I’m calling you?"

After three seconds of silence, Zhou Le said, "Sister, how much are you willing to give me if I become your man?"

He didn't hold out much hope; Yang Mi herself was currently overwhelmed by a gambling agreement, working like a machine and rushing between sets. Asking this was just a final attempt to struggle for a better deal.