Super Zoo

This movie, The Great Fairy Tale, is a quick shoot, with a total filming cycle of less than two months. At most, they'll spend three weeks filming at the zoo, featuring ten animals. Even with a full count, Suming wouldn't earn much from it, less than the site fee.

"Mr. Wang, you're my idol, you know. It'd be embarrassing to even mention such a small sum of money to you." Suming chuckled, his gaze drifting once again over Nangong Huang and Jiao Shou.

Wang Jin was a clever man and, seeing the look in Suming's eyes, immediately grasped his intention and slapped his thigh, "There's also something else I need your help with. I'm short of an assistant director and a Male No. 3. Would Mr. Su be willing to part with these two talents and lend them to me?"

Talking with smart people is comforting. No need to spell it out, a look or a word, and both parties understand each other well. It's clear they're helping each other out, yet they make the other feel indebted, leading to mutual satisfaction.

For now, Nangong Huang is primarily sticking with acting, familiarizing himself with filmmaking through his roles, whereas Jiao Shou has experience directing web series. Starting out as an assistant director, he aims to transition into a film director from there as soon as possible.

When it came to learning how to make commercial films, Suming couldn't think of anyone more suitable than Wang Jin.

After nailing down the main details, they chatted idly about the upcoming film The Great Fairy Tale.

The cast Wang Jin had assembled completely took Suming by surprise. The lead actress was AB, and the lead actor was Zhao Youting – neither of whom seemed to fit into a comedy. He just couldn't fathom what this big guy was thinking. Was he really planning to make a romance? Not to mention, how high AB's fee must be.

The second male lead had a bit of a connection with Suming – the elusive Zhang Jiahui, who'd been holding a part-time title without ever showing up, was cast as Yan Chixia.

Looking at this lineup, Suming felt exasperated. A film where both the director and actors seemed lackadaisical.

At Wang Jin's level of filmmaking, his thoughts were probably different from those of a novice like Suming, much more relaxed.

This was evident even in their dining habits. Ordinary directors would focus on business at the dining table, but after covering a few serious topics, Mr. Wang's attention truly shifted to the food and wine, treating his filming trip to Yangchuan more like a holiday, an experience of life.

"You know, we can only live for a few decades. Whether it's being a person or doing things, being happy is what matters," said Wang Jin, mouth greasy from eating, "Such rare delicacies, eh? Su Sheng, can I book a private room here during the filming? Is that okay?"

"Of course, we have private rooms on the second and third floors," Suming said with a smile. "But they are quite expensive. Do you have enough in your budget, Mr. Wang?"

"You've got to spend the money you earn, right? When faced with such delicious food, if I was too stingy to spend, not only would the crew think I'm a tightwad, but I would also let down my own belly," Wang Jin exclaimed, patting his belly.

When it came to culinary delights, Suming suddenly recalled an old Xiangjiang movie: The Banquet. Starring Leslie Cheung, Anita Yuen, and Kenny Bee.

"Tsui Hark's film, right? It left a lasting impression on me," said Wang Jin, pointing with his chopsticks to a plate of crystal sweet and sour pork on the table.

Suming considered asking Wang Jin if he was interested in remaking it. With a ready-made beautiful chef on hand, redoing The Banquet would be no problem, even if it didn't make money. Through the film, Whisperwind Pavilion's reputation could be significantly boosted overnight, possibly providing an opportunity to expand and break into the foodservice industry.

After some thought, Suming swallowed the words that had reached the tip of his tongue. The timing wasn't right just yet. Besides, if it came to making movies, Wang Jin might not necessarily be the director for the job.

...

After dinner, Suming accompanied Wang Jin to the back mountain to take a look at the filming area.

Wang Jin had chosen two scenic spots, Ancient Moon Xian Residence and Lanruo Temple Hot Springs. He was a famous director, who would be recognized wherever he went. To avoid chaos, Suming found Mr. Wang a special outfit: a type of wide-brimmed hat worn by beekeepers, with a cloth curtain hanging down that could cover the face from all 360 degrees to prevent being seen.

Suming knew two people surnamed Wang who were both overweight, Wang Hao and Wang Jin, with Wang Jin a bit heavier than Wang Hao. Back then, he was known as Xiangjiang's fat mantis. After putting on the hat, Nangong Huang chuckled and said, "Mr. Wang, you could play Kung Fu Panda without even needing makeup."

"The fat mantis's fans will be disappointed," Wang Jin said in good humor.

Without meaning much by it, but with Nangong Huang taking it seriously, his eyes lit up and he tugged at Suming, whispering, "Brother-in-law, now that you mention it, it makes me think of the version of the World of Warcraft game with the pandaren; it even has a Mantid Empire. We could totally make a film about it in the future!"

Of course, Suming had considered World of Warcraft since the day he had prepared to make a movie! This online game had a terrifying fan base around the world, having lasted over a decade and could be said to have grown up with a generation. Most of its races were animal-like, and making a World of Warcraft movie with animals would certainly rake in a fortune!

"I know, there will be an opportunity in the future," Suming nodded and smiled without showing much emotion.

As he had just thought about imperial feasts, Suming had a huge natural advantage in the film industry because he had animal resources. This was also why he was determined to enter the film and television industry.

But one must eat bite by bite, walk step by step. Precisely because Warcraft was such a super-large IP, nearly inexhaustible as a gold mine, that he couldn't act rashly. To force a film production when he lacked the necessary capabilities in all aspects would only ruin such good material.

When the time comes for him to secure an investment of five to ten billion Huaxia currency and his film company has rich industry experience, it would not be too late to make a move.

The world is full of temptations, but to reach the distant peak, one must first take each step in front of them well.

"Mr. Wang, please…" Suming gestured and led the way down the path towards Ancient Moon Xian Residence.

Standing at the foot of the mountain, Wang Jin let out a sigh of admiration; the hillside in front of him was like a pastoral ink painting.

After renovations, terraced fields were carved out of the hillside. Beautifully crafted water wheels were scattered around the fields, squeaking as they drew water from Shuijun Lake to irrigate the terraces. A water channel drawn from the Qinling Mountains gathered into a small waterfall on the hillside, cascading down layer by layer.

The terraced fields were truly planted with crops, all high-quality rice brought in from all over the country by Suming. Most of the water used to irrigate this rice came from Shuijun Lake. Because the bottom of the lake connected with Shuixie Lake, the lake's water was indirectly that of the powerful deity's; thus, all the grain on the hillside grew very well.

In the fields, small scarecrows could be seen everywhere. Various species of birds, not at all afraid of the scarecrows, perched on their shoulders and heads, chirping and singing.

Some Lure People wearing straw hats were busy working in the fields.

The total area of the fields wasn't very large, around two hundred acres or so.

Halfway up the terraced hills, one could vaguely see a small village nestled among the peach blossoms.

Of course, it wasn't humans who lived here but Fox Immortals.

Stone paths wound through the terraces, leading to Fox Immortal Residence. On the path, tourists were aplenty, stopping from time to time to take photos of the beautiful surroundings.

"Wow, no wonder Brother Shi insisted that I come here for location scouting!" Wang Jin was almost stunned by the sight.