Chapter 288: Powering the Olympics

On July 31, 2001, Beijing's bid for the Olympics succeeded, and the whole nation rejoiced.

In the high-level conference room of Fei Min Entertainment's headquarters, Cai Wen sat in the main seat, surveying the executives present: "The Olympic bid succeeded. This is a national event, and Fei Min must show its support."

Chief Financial Officer Li Mei looked at Cai Wen and raised her hand: "President Cai, following precedent, shouldn't we prepare a congratulatory gift?"

Chief of Publicity Li Xin picked up the thread: "Should we consider sponsoring Olympics-related activities?"

Cai Wen tapped the table lightly: "President Xiang is on vacation, but before leaving, he already handed over all company matters to me for full authority. I propose donating 30 million to the Huaxia Sports Commission, and jointly establishing a sports school."

Ren Quan frowned slightly: "Will this amount..."

"President Xiang once said," Cai Wen interrupted, "what Fei Min needs to do now is not just make money, but set an industry benchmark."

The crowd exchanged glances and nodded.

The next day, at the Huaxia Sports Commission headquarters in Beijing, at a press conference, camera flashes went off one after another. Cai Wen, dressed in a navy-blue suit, stood at the signing podium alongside the Director of the Sports Commission.

A CCTV "Morning Know" reporter raised his hand: "President Cai, what was the consideration behind Fei Min's generous donation this time?"

Cai Wen spoke into the microphone, his voice steady: "The success of the Olympic bid is the glory of all Chinese people. As a Huaxia enterprise, Fei Min should do its modest part for the nation's sports cause."

Director Liu of the Sports Commission took the microphone: "Fei Min's actions embody the social responsibility of enterprises in the new era. We plan to use these funds for cultivating young sports talent."

The moment the signing pen came down, thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall.

The next day, at the Fei Min press conference venue, Cai Wen stood before a giant poster of "Huaxia Sports," facing dozens of media outlets.

"Today, I am honored to announce that Fei Min will invest in producing the tribute film 'Huaxia Sports.'"

The audience below immediately stirred, the sound of shutters firing in a continuous stream.

A Phoenix TV reporter raised his hand in puzzlement: "May I ask what the creative intention of this film is?"

Cai Wen smiled: "We want to use the language of cinema to tell the stories of Chinese sportspeople's struggle. The entire film will feature artists under Fei Min, and is scheduled for release next summer."

A Southern reporter: "Will former domestic Olympic champions be invited to appear?"

"Negotiations are underway," Cai Wen said with a mysterious smile. "What I can reveal is that the screenplay has already received guidance from the General Administration of Sport."

A few days later, in a Ministry of Culture conference room, Vice Minister Qi Guo of the Ministry of Culture shook Cai Wen's hand: "Fei Min's approach this time is highly exemplary. We plan to list 'Huaxia Sports' as a key supported project."

"This is our honor," Cai Wen replied respectfully. "Fei Min will go all out to produce a work that reflects the spirit of the times."

Qi Guo nodded with satisfaction: "The National Radio and Television Administration has already been notified; the review process will be handled as a special case."

At the Huaxia Film Guild reception, Wang Zhonglei of Huayi came over: "President Cai, Fei Min is really stealing the spotlight this time."

Cai Wen raised his glass and took a small sip: "President Wang, you flatter us. Everyone is contributing to the nation."

Not far away, several directors whispered among themselves:

"I heard the investment for this film is too small..."

"Fei Min is now taking the high-level route..."

Meanwhile, at a villa in Repulse Bay, Xiangjiang. Bai Long handed over a satellite phone: "Fei-ge, President Cai is asking about the film's start date."

Xiang Fei lay on a lounge chair by the pool, his eyes squinting slightly behind sunglasses: "Tell him, proceed as planned."

After hanging up, Xiang Fei gave a light laugh to Zhou Huimin: "Wen-ge is doing better and better."

Zhou Huimin, whose belly had grown noticeably larger recently, handed him juice from the side: "You're good at slacking off, aren't you."

"Fei Min grew up under Cai Wen's watch," Xiang Fei gazed out at the sea. "And Fei Min has long belonged to more than just the three of us."

At the Beijing Film Studio, on the red-carpeted opening ceremony site, Xu Haifeng stood shoulder to shoulder with Fei Min artists.

Cai Wen solemnly announced to the cameras: "'Huaxia Sports,' officially starting production!"

As the clapperboard sounded, three thousand doves of peace were released on site.

The next day, People's Daily's front page carried an article: "Fei Min Powers the Olympics, Setting a New National Benchmark"