Chapter 1514
Catering to Their Preferences
When it comes to interpersonal communication, everyone has their own understanding.
Some people rely on flattery, while others rely on sincerity.
But for Zhang Yuan, his understanding of interpersonal communication is more complex.
But one of the most important things to understand is the four characters "大".
Cater to their preferences!
Moreover, there are nuances to catering to someone's preferences.
Never bet based on the other person's profession.
Discussing grain cultivation with Yuan Longping doesn't mean catering to his preferences.
Playing chess with him is the way to go.
The same goes for Lao Wang; if you try to talk to her about singing, she won't even bother with you.
When it comes to playing cards, I get really excited!
And what would be the best way to do it?
Even though their skills are terrible, they still try to satisfy the other person's vanity regarding their hobbies.
Therefore, after contacting Guo Jinming, Zhang Yuan planned early on to cater to his interests, and it couldn't be about talking about writing.
There's not much to talk about. Anyone can do CTRLC and CTRLV...
Writing is certainly his pride, after all, he has made a lot of money from it.
So Zhang Yuan specifically bought a second-hand book in advance.
It must be secondhand!
It's obvious I've flipped through it many times, and then deliberately placed it next to me.
That way, the other person will feel that they enjoy watching it.
Actually, he was too lazy to read it, especially this book, "Tiny Times".
It's not that the book is bad.
It's not a matter of whether it's rotten or not.
The difference lies in the target consumer group.
The main consumer group for Xiao Si's works is primary, junior high, and high school students, especially girls.
Even the main consumer group doesn't include college students.
Zhang Yuan recalled his past life, when a girl in junior high school "lent" him a copy of Xiao Si's "City of Fantasy".
They say it's really good, I definitely have to see it.
He was completely absorbed in Warcraft and Counter-Strike at the time, and had a bunch of Hollywood blockbusters to watch, so he didn't have time to watch this.
Looking back now, it probably wasn't that the girl liked me and just wanted to find common ground...
In short, Guo Jingming's works are very good at capturing the hearts of young girls and cater to their preferences.
After all, women understand women best, his orientation... right?
Zhang Yuan couldn't stand it anymore; he felt that Korean food was easier to digest.
Perhaps this is what some women call a "straight man's" way of thinking.
He was very proud.
In addition to creating an atmosphere of "I love watching" to make the other person feel respected, he also made some other preparations.
This apartment is in the best location in Shanghai, in the best high-rise building, and has the best layout.
The key is that it's expensive and well-known.
He never hosted banquets here, since the furniture wasn't even fully prepared.
The reason for specifically inviting the other person here to meet is to match another major characteristic of theirs.
vanity!
His vanity was extreme, so much so that it seemed to emanate from his writing.
Overlooking the Huangpu River, drinking expensive imported mineral water.
This feeling deeply resonated with his imagination of what "high society" looked like.
Zhang Yuan felt that this was probably what the poet Chen envisioned as "high society."
Mr. Tian Pu estimated it to be about the same.
These guys are all the same type of people.
He deliberately acted very pretentiously because he would usually personally greet guests at the door.
I made a special trip today to ask them to bring the person over.
He also asked his assistant to walk slowly and not rush around.
Make sure the other person takes a good look at the house when they pass by.
Meanwhile, she posed on the balcony, waiting for the other person to arrive.
What we're after is that superficial sense of top-tier luxury.
It can't be truly luxurious yet.
The truly wealthy and cultured people in China don't flaunt their wealth easily; they don't go out wearing big gold watches or gold chains.
But the tea someone offers you might be a top-grade tea worth ten thousand yuan a qian, and only a few dozen jin are produced each year.
The tea jar was a prized possession from an auction.
This is suitable for older, sophisticated people.
Maybe I'll even spread out some Xuan paper, and we can all drink tea and practice calligraphy together.
This approach won't work on Guo Jingming.
They need to come up with some "idol drama" level rich people images.
Ultimately, it's about conforming to the image of the noble young masters and wealthy scions described in his books, because that's his imagination.
However... Zhang Yuan might have been a little too good.
So much so that he noticed Xiao Si, who was drinking mineral water with excessive bacteria, was looking at him with increasingly intense eyes.
Zhang Yuan: ...
Hey!
Don't do that!
“This…Teacher Guo,” Zhang Yuan began politely.
But when I call out to the other person like that, I always feel like I'm talking to my senior brother.
“I’ve read quite a few of your works,” Zhang Yuan casually remarked.
I regretted it a little after I said it.
If the other party asks, the truth will be revealed.
He quickly continued.
"In the current Chinese literary scene, we will not discuss literature about trauma or poetry."
"Speaking of popular literature, I think..."
He had a smile on his face and an incredibly sincere look in his eyes.
"Only a wise ruler and Han Er."
In today's popular literature market, the best-selling works are Guo Jingming and Han Han, without any rivals!
"Ghost Blows Out the Light" and "The Grave Robbers' Chronicles" have become popular, but these two are not only older and have sold more physical books, but they have also transcended the simple act of writing books.
These two follow similar paths: starting from the periphery and gradually moving into the entertainment industry, especially the film and television industry.
They both run magazines and write lyrics and compose music.
Xiao Si started earlier than Han Han, because Han Han was so obsessed with racing that he was "neglecting his duties" for a while.
Guo Jinming facilitated the adaptation of the novel "The Promise" in 06 with the poet Chen's consent.
Let's just say they get along well and have similar tastes.
But whether it's Xiao Si or Han Han, their ultimate goal is to move from the publishing industry to the film and television industry, a platform that is more profitable and, from a creative perspective, more prestigious.
Because they are popular authors, they have a clearer understanding of the upper limit for writers and screenwriters.
And what are the limits of directors and producers?
It's at least an order of magnitude different.
Speaking of which, after these two entered the film and television industry to make money, they were even paired up as a couple by netizens.
It's called "Shanghai Love Story".
Han Han is from Shanghai, while Xiao Si, although from Zigong, Sichuan, yearns for the extravagance of the Bund and has lived in Shanghai for a long time.
Both of them live in Shanghai, have written youth literature, and are making movies around the same time.
From novels to box office success, these two should be considered rivals, with a love-hate relationship.
Netizens are like this: they ship couples even if there's no actual pairing. In this regard, these two are among the earliest writers to enjoy this kind of treatment.
Many "intimate photos" were also photoshopped onto them.
Whether Xiao Si is happy or not is unknown, but Zhang Yuan guesses that Han Han probably isn't.
He looked down on Xiao Si.
As for Xiao Si, after hearing his "praise," he smiled with his eyes narrowed, revealing his slightly messy teeth.
He hasn't been on many shows yet, so his appearance hasn't undergone extensive "adjustments" like it has later.
Her appearance is just so-so, as for her figure...
That's all he could say. If they played basketball together, even Yao Ming couldn't stop him.
Because Xiao Si can crawl between someone's legs.
“I have a relationship with Han Han,” Zhang Yuan said slowly.
"Oh, you two are dating?" Xiao Si asked curiously.
“We’re just friends, it’s a normal interaction.” He quickly explained, “We’ve met many times at the Shanghai International Stadium.”
"He has always had a dream of making movies."
"They also talked to me and expressed interest in collaborating."
"Oh, I see..." Guo Jinming nodded.
Zhang Yuan noticed that he seemed a little disappointed.
What's wrong? My relationship with Han Han isn't the kind you're imagining, and you're feeling down?
"I believe that you and Han Han are both top-notch Chinese novelists."
"Since he has the idea of adapting his work into a movie, do you have one too?"
In this respect, Han Han is smarter than Xiao Si.
Han Han tightly controls the adaptation rights to all of his books.
The copyrights to many of Guo Jingming's works have already been sold.
He has more material needs.
A few years ago, the copyrights to "Tiny Times" were sold, including the film, TV series, web series, and stage play rights, for a total price of tens of millions of yuan.
Tens of millions of yuan in copyright fees over about 10 years, that's incredible!
The company that bought the copyright is called Xiangxiang Film Industry.
Although it's called a film company, it actually only makes movie merchandise and sells advertising; it doesn't actually make films.
A few years ago, when Zhang Yimou filmed "Under the Hawthorn Tree," a "hawthorn tree perfume" appeared around the same time. This company bought the copyright and released it.
If it's not about production, that's easy; I can produce it. Zhang Yuan meant that if Han Han is making a film, you can make one too; he knew the other party had this intention.
But Xiao Si misunderstood.
"Of course, of course I want to adapt it into a movie."
"And I think you're perfect for the role of Gong Ming, you're practically the embodiment of him!"
This Gong Ming is the boss of Lin Xiao, the female protagonist in "Tiny Times".
He was described as having a model's physique and being coldly handsome like a mannequin.
A cold and domineering CEO with severe mysophobia.
This setting has a very strong flavor.
The moment he saw Zhang Yuan sitting in this mansion, silently gazing at the Huangpu River, he felt that the character in his novel had come to life.
That's why he looked at her with such fervor.
However, Zhang Yuan was speechless at this guy's imagination.
Let's put aside the model's figure for now.
Me, a cold and domineering CEO, and also a germaphobe?
I can perform crosstalk, and I even eat Brother Qian's cold dishes. I can be a germaphobe... I'm lucky if I don't have pica.
You're really overthinking it.
You can't judge a book by its cover, you know?
"The film adaptation of my work 'Tiny Times' is progressing actively, and I hope you can star in my work."
"It will definitely become your masterpiece!"
This is what Mr. Guo said with great passion.
It seems that neither of the two Guo teachers is very tall.
"I don't act in bad movies..." Zhang Yuan held back his words.
One scene in "Tiny Times 1" depicts the female lead's meticulously arranged catwalk on the banks of the Huangpu River being accidentally destroyed.
And this unexpected event was... a blizzard.
Shanghai, a blizzard.
Even people in Shanghai are baffled by this.
Where the hell did I go?
Is this still in China?
Let alone blizzards, it doesn't snow in Shanghai every year.
The rare snowfall has made even the most unsophisticated Shanghainese go crazy with joy.
It would be a miracle if a story with plots that disregard logic entirely for the sake of conflict could be made into a first-rate work.
He understood that the other party thought he was there to "apply for a job".
I chuckled to myself, thinking to myself, "With my current status, can you afford to hire me?"
“I think you may have misunderstood,” Zhang Yuan replied gently.
Let's skip the topic of acting altogether.
"I invited you here today to discuss the joint development of this novel."
“I have my own production company, which you may not know much about.”
Zhang Yuan gave a brief overview, reviewing the PPT content he had presented to the foreigners a few days prior.
Xiao Si was completely dumbfounded.
More like a domineering CEO!
What was once just a resemblance has now become reality!
"This, this." After hearing this, the other party quickly recovered from their initial surprise.
His gaze immediately became slightly more cautious.
"Oh ho..." Zhang Yuan sneered inwardly.
That old guy actually has some brains.
He originally wanted me to act in the film, but he took the initiative.
Now it's my turn to take the lead; I want to cast him in a movie.
As circumstances changed and the roles of Party A and Party B shifted, he immediately became much more cautious.
I'm afraid of getting scammed!
"As for the movie 'Tiny Times'... I've already been in discussions with some partners."
"I see." Zhang Yuan nodded calmly.
They didn't say much, just something like "actively strive for it".
Instead, he stood up and greeted the other person.
"Teacher Guo, I've heard you have excellent taste."
"Since you're already here, why don't you show me around and give me some suggestions on how to furnish this house?"
“Okay.” Xiao Si immediately stood up.
Zhang Yuan changed the subject, which made him feel relieved.
At the same time, I was thinking that this CEO doesn't seem so domineering.
Also, he got up very quickly, ever since he entered the room.
Oh, no, it's more like he's been quite interested in this place ever since he entered the community.
I want to see what a luxury mansion looks like.
Zhang Yuan showed him around, chatting as they walked.
Should I buy Rococo-style furniture?
"Still in a Chinese style?"
“Chinese style is old-fashioned. I think European style, especially royal style, is more suitable for this kind of house,” Xiao Si said.
Zhang Yuan felt a chill run down his spine.
He hates those bumpkins who put together a bunch of so-called royal-style, ostentatious furniture.
But he didn't say that; he just nodded repeatedly.
"As expected of Teacher Guo, he has great taste. He and I are on the same page."
"How long have you owned this house? Doesn't anyone live in it?" Xiao Si asked curiously.
"I don't spend much time in Shanghai, so I haven't had time to take care of it and it's been sitting empty."
"This house is currently... I know it's impolite, but I'd like to know the current market price." This person was genuinely curious.
"Prices have risen sharply in the last two years." Zhang Yuan stroked his chin and roughly calculated: "This house is now worth about two hundred million."
Guo Jinming: !!!
Xiao Si can't stand hearing this!
That's too extravagant!
That's incredibly extravagant!
I want it so badly!
Seeing that his nostrils were flared from his rapid breathing, Zhang Yuan didn't say anything more.
If I told you that the price has doubled since I bought it, and will double again in a few months, you'd probably be stunned.
Xiao Si is almost out of control now.
Because he claimed to be multi-talented and had a high opinion of himself, he thought he was the best among writers.
Just now, when Zhang Yuan mentioned Han Han, he thought, "Why should Han Han compare to me? I earn much more money selling books than him."
But even now, neither of them tops the list of highest-paid authors.
Zheng Yuanjie: Guess who's at the top of the list?
If I do the math, all the money I've earned so far isn't even enough to buy half of this house!
The problem is, the other party doesn't even have time to live in this kind of house!
Holy crap, that's so high-class!
I thought I could imagine the happiness of the rich, after all, I've written quite a few books about it.
I could never have imagined the happiness of the rich!
The more I looked at Zhang Yuan, the more I thought, no, he must be the CEO.
Buying a house but not living in it, that's too much like a CEO.
"What a pity," Zhang Yuan said, looking around the empty house.
"What's a pity?" Xiao Si's eyes were red. How could having this house be a pity?
What's a pity about it?
"Unfortunately, I thought this place was similar to some of the scenes depicted in 'Tiny Times'."
"If it's for filming, it should be useful."
Guo Jinming: !!!
what?
Can I use this house to film a movie?
Then, then it has to take off!
The moment it's casually placed, an aura of luxury emanates from it.
And then I can promote it, saying the house used for filming is worth hundreds of millions!
The thought of this greatly satisfied his vanity.
"What a pity," Zhang Yuan said, his hands behind his back, his face full of regret.
Actually...
Xiao Si, who had been cautious just moments before, began to waver.
He was afraid that Zhang Yuan was too powerful and would devour him whole, leaving him with little benefit.
He wants to take the lead in the project.
"If we're filming, we can pay to rent it."
"No, no, no, I don't rent out my house." Zhang Yuan gave him a matter-of-fact look: "Would anyone buy a house like this to rent out?"
"I will only lend it to my friends."
"But judging from what Teacher Guo said, it seems like he doesn't consider me a friend."
“How could that be? We’re definitely friends,” Xiao Si quickly replied.
"Alright, since we're friends, I'd like to ask you for a favor."
He beckoned.
The assistant understood and took a metal dust box from the cabinet.
“I bought a bag before.”
"I've heard that you have expertise in luxury goods."
"I know a little bit," Xiao Si nodded.
"Don't be modest, you should be the most fashion-savvy person in the literary world," Zhang Yuan said rather insincerely.
"So I'd like to ask you to help me see if this bag has any collectible value."
The assistant stood still, holding the box, put on white gloves, and opened it.
With a crisp click, the box popped open a crack.
The assistant handed the box to Guo Jinming and then slowly opened it.
Lying inside was the exorbitantly priced Hermès bag he had bought in France… (End of Chapter)