Chapter 40: Li Dawei Wants to Direct The Story of a Noble Family

Just as Chen Siyuan’s family began their new life in Beijing, Chen finally waited for the person he had been expecting. This person was Li Dawei, the director of "The Story of a Noble Family" from the original timeline.

Ever since he married Liu Xiaoli, Chen had begun making preparations for Liu Yifei’s future, including her debut work, "The Story of a Noble Family." Chen believed the role of Bai Xiuzhu was crucial for her, and he was confident that this version of Liu Yifei would be able to interpret the character even more brilliantly.

Coincidentally, Zhang Wuding, the son of the original novel’s author Zhang Henshui, lived in the United States and happened to have business dealings with Chen. After they became familiar with each other, Chen often chatted with Zhang about his father’s work. Although a Hong Kong adaptation titled "Dream of the Capital" had been produced—which helped launch the careers of Liu Songren and Wang Mingquan—the Zhang family was unsatisfied with it and had shelved the rights ever since. After several conversations, Zhang Wu was shocked to discover that Chen understood "The Story of a Noble Family" better than he did.

Therefore, when Chen proposed purchasing the television adaptation rights, Zhang Wu, though confused as to why a lawyer would want them, did not hesitate to agree out of trust. In fact, Zhang only charged Chen one dollar for the rights. With the rights secured, Chen sat back and waited, and today, Li Dawei finally arrived.

"Li Dawei."
"Chen Siyuan."

In an ordinary Beijing coffee shop, the two men shook hands and sat down across from each other.

"Director Li, what would you like to drink?" Chen asked proactively.
"An Americano, please. Thank you."
"Two Americanos!" Chen signaled to the bar.

A silence followed. It wasn't until the coffee arrived that Li spoke up. "Mr. Chen, I heard from Zhang Wu that you have purchased the television adaptation rights to 'The Story of a Noble Family'?"

Chen smiled and nodded. "Yes. I enjoyed his father’s work when we spoke about it, so I bought the rights, hoping that one day more people would get to see it."

Li’s eyes lit up. "Mr. Chen, let’s collaborate. Let’s bring 'The Story of a Noble Family' to the screen!"

Chen smiled, took a sip of his coffee, and remained silent. Seeing this, Li gave a bitter smile. "Mr. Chen, forgive my presumption, but I truly want to film this."

"I don't mind admitting to you, Mr. Chen—although I have directed 'Xi Qi Bi Ren' and 'Hero Zheng Chenggong,' the success of those films was entirely due to my mother. At best, I was just a director in name only. I don't want to live under my mother’s wings forever. I want a signature work that is entirely my own, and 'The Story of a Noble Family' is the piece I want to use to prove myself."

"I have analyzed the story in depth. To surpass the Hong Kong version, we need high-impact moments. I plan to incorporate techniques from Japanese and Korean idol dramas, pushing all the conflicts to the extreme right from the start..."

Before coming, Li had researched Chen. Knowing he had little leverage, he chose to be completely honest about his personal dilemma, his ambitions, and his vision for the show.

"Director Li, having the support of one's parents in one's career is something many people dream of but never attain. I think you should try looking at it from a different perspective," Chen said, steering the conversation away from the show and offering advice instead.

Had Li not been in need of Chen’s help, he might have walked out upon hearing this. But instead, he fell into deep thought, while Chen watched him with a smile.

Why was the original "The Story of a Noble Family" successful? The contribution of Li’s mother, Liu Guoquan, was indispensable. Chen didn't know how to direct, but he understood people. Especially in the current domestic film and television industry, passion alone wasn't enough to succeed.

Li was a smart man, and he quickly understood why Chen said what he did. A bitter expression appeared on his face. "Mr. Chen, I understand what you mean. As long as you allow me to direct the show, I will communicate properly with my mother."

"Director Li, you might want to have an honest, heart-to-heart talk with her. I suspect she has been waiting for this day as well," Chen said with a nod.

Li was stunned, then overjoyed. "Mr. Chen, are you agreeing to let me direct it?"

"Director Li, do you have any preferred candidates for the cast?" Chen asked suddenly.

Li glanced at him, wondering if he was trying to insert his own people into the production. "I have a few candidates in mind. For the lead, Jin Yanxi, I am considering Lu Yi and Chen Kun. For the female lead, Leng Qingqiu, Zhao Yanzi or Qin Hailu could audition. For the supporting role of Bai Xiuzhu, I am leaning toward the South Korean actress Song Hye-kyo. However, it will ultimately depend on the audition results."

Li didn't hold back and shared all his thoughts.

Chen nodded calmly. "Then let’s proceed according to your plan. As for the investment, make a proposal; as long as it’s not too outrageous, I can provide the backing!"

Li was taken aback. He had only expected to get the rights; he hadn't anticipated this additional support. Although his mother's connections already made it easier for him to secure funding than other directors, having Chen’s backing gave him much more confidence in his negotiations with her.

"Mr. Chen, I’ll go prepare immediately!" Li stood up in excitement.

"Director Li, good things are worth the wait. There’s no rush. Why don’t we continue discussing the plot of 'The Story of a Noble Family'?"

Chen proceeded to discuss the story with Li. While the original version was a massive success, public opinion was mixed. Standing on Li’s foundation but viewing it with the perspective of someone who knew the future, Chen quickly won him over. Everything Li thought of, Chen had already anticipated, and things Li hadn't considered, Chen had already foreseen.

What kind of magical investor was this?

"Mr. Chen, you..." Li’s eyes were filled with nothing but admiration.

"Haha, Director Li, don't mind me. These are just some of my immature opinions. The actual filming depends on you, the director."

Chen’s humility made Li feel ashamed. These were far from "immature opinions"—they were practically handing him the blueprint for success on a silver platter.

"Mr. Chen, don't worry. I will definitely produce the most perfect version of 'The Story of a Noble Family'."