Old Zhou

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Zhou Chongguang (老周), commonly called Old Zhou
Alias(es)	President Zhou; Brother Zhou 21 158 299
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Bai Youlou's company
Occupation/Role	Talent agent, head manager, producer, and former assistant director 3 159 299
Education	Graduate of Yanjing Film Academy 5 6
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 3

Background / History

Before working as Bai Youlou's agent, Old Zhou had served as an assistant director. He later spent several years as an agent, building industry contacts through both his professional experience and Film Academy background. 3

When Bai Youlou's scandal threatened to damage Old Zhou's own prospects as an agent, Old Zhou intended to leave the profession and return to behind-the-scenes work. Bai Youlou sent him 50,000 yuan, however, prompting him to return and continue working for him. 3

Old Zhou initially struggled to prepare Bai Youlou's first film project, Whiplash: he had only a temporary crew, no confirmed leads, and no investment. The failure reversed the power dynamic of their former artist-agent relationship, with Bai Youlou now paying his salary and directing their next moves. 5 Old Zhou and Bai Youlou subsequently returned to Yanjing Film Academy to seek resources from their alma mater. 5 6

As Bai Youlou's team expanded, Old Zhou became its practical manager. He drafted and presented Long Ziqiang's artist-management contract, negotiated business matters, arranged acting work, and handled relationships with outside companies. 21 61 104 His responsibilities later shifted increasingly toward company operations, including brand collaborations, profit-sharing negotiations, staff management, and project development. 159

By the time Bai Youlou's company began planning The Wandering Earth, Old Zhou was overseeing its expansion and acquisition of a special-effects company. The project's scale left him facing a far heavier workload than the company's earlier productions. 291

Personality

Old Zhou is pragmatic, money-conscious, and willing to state uncomfortable realities. He returned to Bai Youlou's side because he was paid, and he considers it his responsibility as head manager to be the “bad guy” when Bai Youlou is overly generous. 3 21

He balances competence with frequent exasperation. Old Zhou worries about Bai Youlou's impulsiveness, public behavior, enemies, and romantic entanglements, yet he continues to support his plans and capitalize on opportunities around him. 65 78 159

His humor is blunt and teasing, particularly toward Long Ziqiang and Bai Youlou. He is also an avid gossip, though his confidence in his own speculation regularly exceeds the evidence available to him. 109 118 159

• A heavy smoker who frequently shares cigarettes with Bai Youlou and the others. 5
• Particularly uneasy around powerful women such as Liu Manli and An Luning. 131 158
• Often presents himself as a rough, business-oriented man more comfortable negotiating with male executives over drinks. 159

Abilities & Skills

Talent Management and Contracting

Old Zhou's years as an agent give him a practical understanding of artist development, contracts, and the entertainment industry's barriers to entry.

• Drafted Long Ziqiang's management contract himself for Bai Youlou's company. 21
• Recruited Long Ziqiang by emphasizing the value of established guidance and Bai Youlou's songs. 21
• Arranged acting opportunities for Long Ziqiang, including a crime-thriller role and a lead role in a low-budget film. 104
• Replaced Long Ziqiang's agent when problems surrounding his marriage and management became apparent. 246
• Delegates routine agent duties as the company grows, while personally handling matters that inexperienced agents cannot manage. 159

Production Management

Old Zhou has experience across both talent management and film production, though his early preparations for Whiplash were inadequate.

• Previously worked as an assistant director and retained industry contacts from that period. 3
• Attempted to assemble Whiplash's crew, secure investment, and cast its leads. 5
• Sought Film Academy assistance alongside Bai Youlou when the project lacked resources. 5 6
• Helped launch and coordinate the Heart Flower Road Release project. 219 221
• Became a well-known producer in the industry while remaining Bai Youlou's head manager. 299

Business Negotiation and Operations

Old Zhou serves as the company's primary operational negotiator.

• Attends industry receptions and handles copyright discussions so Bai Youlou does not have to negotiate directly. 61
• Successfully negotiated with copyright holders following Bai Youlou's Cannes success. 66
• Handles brand collaborations, profit-sharing discussions, and other company business. 159
• Oversees the company's expansion into special effects for The Wandering Earth. 291

Relationships

• Bai Youlou — Formerly his artist and now his employer, business partner, and closest professional associate. Old Zhou is protective of Bai Youlou's career but openly complains about his behavior and workload. 3 5 65 159
• Long Ziqiang — Recruited and managed by Old Zhou after signing with Bai Youlou's company. Old Zhou guides his career, arranges work, and routinely mocks his appearance. 21 104 159
• Zhang Xiaorong — An artist under the company's orbit whose career matters Old Zhou increasingly delegates to her newer agent. He remains involved in her work and is wary of her reactions when Bai Youlou's private affairs surface. 157 159
• Xiao Wu — Company colleague and director supported by Old Zhou and Bai Youlou during the development of Heart Flower Road Release. 221 291
• Liu Manli — A powerful industry figure whom Old Zhou is reluctant to offend. He later recognizes the value of Manli Entertainment's public-relations resources. 65 158 248
• An Luning — Another prominent actress Old Zhou considers difficult to handle, partly because of her status and her history with Bai Youlou. 131

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Return to Bai Youlou — Abandons plans to leave the agent profession after Bai Youlou pays him 50,000 yuan, then joins the effort to make Whiplash. 3 5
• Film Academy and Whiplash — Returns to Yanjing Film Academy with Bai Youlou for production support and helps build the initial team around the film. 5 6
• Company Formation — Takes charge of contracts and signs Long Ziqiang as an artist, establishing himself as the practical counterweight to Bai Youlou's generosity. 21
• Career Expansion — Handles negotiations, casting opportunities, outside collaborations, and the growing needs of Bai Youlou's artists. 61 104 159
• Company Leadership — Becomes increasingly consumed by operational work as Bai Youlou's company expands into larger productions and special-effects development. 159 291