Chapter 648: How About a Few Bottles of Liquor

"Haha, Bin, what made you think of calling me today?" The phone had barely rung twice when Director Kong picked it up. "Are you asking me to bring something for you? Don’t worry, this time I specifically got some top-quality dried abalone from Ah Yi Abalone. I guarantee you’ll eat your fill."

"Oh? That’s the good stuff! I’m just afraid my cooking skills won’t do it justice and I’ll waste it." This was the kind of stuff that could go up for auction. Even though he had learned how to prepare abalone from a master chef Director Kong introduced him to on his last trip to Xiangjiang, Shen Yibin still felt a little nervous, afraid he’d mess it up.

"No problem, I’m bringing a lot, enough for you to practice with!" Director Kong wasn’t concerned in the slightest. "I’m going to be living next door to you for a month this time, so I’m counting on you for my daily meals!"

"No problem. When you come over, not only will there be good food and good wine, but I’ve also gotten some fine tea. We can try it together then." ’Hmm, I can also take the opportunity to talk to him about the yard and ask him to clear out a few spots for me to grow tea and herbs.’ After the pleasantries, Shen Yibin got down to business. "Director Kong, I actually have something serious to ask for your help with this time."

"Just say the word. As long as it’s something I can do, I guarantee I won’t hesitate." Director Kong immediately puffed out his chest and promised. He was actually hoping Shen Yibin would come to him with a problem—and the bigger, the better. That would give him leverage to press the issue of *Panda Hero 2*.

"Here’s the thing. Sun Qian recently opened a studio in Yunzhong City and is already recording her new album. All the prep work is pretty much done; all that’s missing is a music video. Neither of us really knows anyone, so we have no choice but to trouble you to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut!" Shen Yibin explained with a smile.

"A small matter, a small matter. When does filming start? Send me the details. I haven’t shot an MV in ages. Now that you mention it, my hands are getting a little itchy." Director Kong agreed without a moment’s hesitation, though he felt a bit disappointed inside. ’Sigh, this is too small of a favor. It’s not worth much.’

"Whenever you get here is fine. This won’t interrupt your vacation, will it? I’ll send the files to your email right now." Shen Yibin saw Qianqian approaching with a laptop.

"It’ll only take two or three days. Think of it as a trip down memory lane. I’ll bring my team and equipment with me, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. If you feel bad about it, just bring out a few more bottles of that Monkey Wine." With a grand wave of his hand, Director Kong settled the matter. They agreed on a time to meet, and then he hung up.

"Alright, it’s settled." Shen Yibin put down his phone, sat down in front of the laptop, and took the mouse. He clicked open the files and glanced through them. "Are all the files here? I’ll send them to Director Kong right now then."

"Yes, that’s all of it," Qianqian said joyfully. In just a few moments, Shen Yibin had easily solved her biggest headache. Not only had he roped in Hah’Er to star in the music video, but he’d also secured Director Kong and his team. Director Kong was one of the most preeminent directors in the Chinese-speaking Community. He hadn’t shot a music video for anyone in over ten years; his last one was for King Zhou. That news alone would be enough to cause a huge sensation in the entertainment industry.

Combine that with Shen Yibin’s social media post and the news of Hah’Er starring in the MV, and as soon as the word got out, they wouldn’t even need to pay entertainment media outlets for advertising. They’d all be willing to provide massive, wall-to-wall coverage for free. Sun Qian’s new album was sure to become widely known.

"Okay, email sent." After sending it, Shen Yibin also sent Director Kong a message to let him know. He quickly received a reply, "Looking at the files now. I’ll send you a script outline tomorrow. Have all your preparations done before I leave for Yunzhong City."

"Mr. Shen, what about Director Kong and his team...?" Qianqian asked hesitantly. ’It wouldn’t be right to let them help for free, would it?’

"Oh, when the time comes, just prepare a payment for each member of the team. Pay them the standard market rate. You don’t need to worry about Director Kong. I’ll just give him a few bottles of wine!" Shen Yibin said after a moment’s thought. ’If I didn’t mention it, Director Kong would probably take care of his team himself, but that wouldn’t feel right.’

"Okay, I’ll get it ready." Qianqian breathed a sigh of relief. The team’s compensation was manageable; the studio had enough funds left to cover it. But Director Kong’s fee was something they could never afford.

"We’re troubling Director Kong again?" At that moment, Sun Qian came out of the recording booth. It was her break between sessions.

"It’s nothing, just a matter of a few bottles of wine. It’s no trouble at all." Shen Yibin took full responsibility for the matter.

"I’m really troubling you all. How about this: when Director Kong starts shooting his next film, if he still thinks I’m good enough, I’ll sing the theme song for free." It felt inappropriate to talk about money now, so Sun Qian thought of this as a way to repay Director Kong. ’But repaying Director Kong’s favor was one thing; what was she supposed to do about the debt she owed Bin?’

"I’m sure he’d welcome that. You’re an internationally famous star now!" Shen Yibin was very pleased with Sun Qian’s reaction. Thanks to singing the theme song for *Panda Hero*, Sun Qian could be said to have become the most influential singer from the Chinese-speaking Community on the world stage. Director Kong would definitely not refuse.

With her most vexing problem now solved, Sun Qian completely relaxed. Aside from owing Shen Yibin yet another huge favor, all her other difficulties had been resolved. She instantly felt much happier. ’As for Shen Yibin, well, she already owed him so much. She’d just have to figure out how to repay him slowly in the future.’

"I’m going back in to record then. Don’t you dare leave tonight; stay for dinner." Humming a tune, Sun Qian went back into the recording booth. Now relaxed, she unknowingly hit her peak form. Each song she recorded was of higher quality than the last, making the sound engineer and other staff members flush with excitement. An album like this was sure to be a massive hit, and they would be carried along with it, quickly rising to the top of the industry.

Sun Qian was in top form, and the team members were united, pouring all their skills into producing the album for the sake of their own bright futures. In just a few short days, the recording for all the songs was complete.

Meanwhile, Director Kong had also finished writing the script and sent it to Shen Yibin’s email. After Shen Yibin, Sun Qian, and the others read it, they were extremely satisfied. ’As expected of a master. It’s even better than we imagined.’

「A few days later」

Shen Yibin, Sun Qian, and Qianqian arrived at the Yunzhong City airport. Director Kong and his team were flying in from Xiangjiang, and they were there to pick them up.

After a short wait, an announcement came over the broadcast system that the flight had landed safely.