Chapter 469: Open and Aboveboard

Fang Hong and Tan Sijiang sat down on single sofas in the leisure area, exactly four people, one for each side.

The secretary served each of them a cup of tea.

Liu Tianxian did not disturb them; she sat at Fang Hong's desk reviewing the wedding company's planning proposal, which required using the computer.

Because there were PPT files and some animation files.

Recently she had been very attentive to this matter—after all, it was her own wedding, so she naturally wanted to review and ponder it carefully.

"Director Fang, after consulting with our liaison officer, we've agreed to let you host the Macau Film Festival," Tan Sijiang said, sipping his tea.

"Since you have such faith in me, I can only say I'll do my best—but it's already nearly July, and there are only a few months left before the Macau International Film Festival opens," Fang Hong replied modestly.

Last night he had thought it over and decided to accept; if he refused now, he might never get another chance, and if he ever wanted to organize something like this in the future, they might never come to him again. So whether big or small, he'd get it done first—break open this door, and as long as he did better than the Macau authorities, it would be a success.

They were here for tourism; the film festival was the best promotional tool for culture, capable of raising the city's profile and boosting commerce.

The others chuckled along.

"Oh, okay!" Liu Tianxian closed her laptop, grabbed her bag, and ran over.

These matters weren't important, and previously they had handled them terribly—anyone coming would expect major reforms.

After dinner, after three rounds of drinks, night had fallen. By the restaurant's entrance, under the dim streetlamp beside a black business car, several people chatted and laughed.

"Since Director Tan and Councilor He have said so, I can only grit my teeth and take it on—if I mess it up, don't blame me," Fang Hong laughed.

"Yes," the liaison officer nodded.

And hosting this film festival would let him leverage Macau's resources, benefiting him by getting Yutu recognized in the field of cultural authority.

Tan Sijiang declined the offer of escort, waved to Liu Tianxian, and said, "We're leaving, you stay here—let's meet again another time."

Moreover, Chang'e Video and Bilibili also needed such an event—the internet needed this name.

"Let me see who it is," Fang Hong said, turning toward the spot, then moving to find the reporter.

That small place only needed to stimulate a bit of tourism to sustain itself—it had few people.

Now they were bypassing these departments; without coordination with the relevant agencies and without attaching Yutu's name, it couldn't be done.

For example, if another department came knocking, they could block it for you.

"No need to see us off—we have a driver."

The Macau side only provided policy and venue, ensuring you had unimpeded access.

"Huh?" Fang Hong was surprised—wasn't it agreed to use Chang'e and Yutu's names?

They had eaten at a nearby Cantonese restaurant; the guests were southerners, so they had to cater to their tastes.

Their mission was liaison—foreign cultural exchange and propagation.

Fang Hong thought for a moment and asked, "You just want the name? Can I understand it that way?"

Yet their scene in the night was secretly photographed by a reporter from afar.

Tan Sijiang, Councilor He, and the liaison officer waved to them, then got into the black business car.

After all, he had the Chang'e Technology platform for promotion and live streaming; when Douyin emerged, he could elevate the film festival's influence even further.

He spread his hands: "Then what's the point of me organizing this?"

Tan Sijiang waved his hand and smiled: "This is our first collaboration—it naturally requires some adjustment, some experience to be gained."

"We can cover half the cost—50%," Tan Sijiang thought organizing such an awards ceremony wouldn't be expensive.

"I don't understand why," Fang Hong still didn't get it—he was putting up money and effort to organize this awards ceremony, yet he could only be a co-organizer, merely assisting.

"There's a reporter taking secret photos," Liu Tianxian said, then added, "Let's go!"

"We understand." Fang Hong was embarrassed by the praise.

At least it would be more prestigious than Weibo's whatever-night or Tencent's Starlight Gala.

Tan Sijiang patted Fang Hong's shoulder: "Director Fang, you've picked a great wife—generous and poised."

The International Cultural Communication Center was also a formidable organization, directly under deputy-ministerial rank, housing many central agencies.

She didn't like this kind of secret photography.

Although they had all drunk alcohol, none were drunk.

"Of course."

If done well, giving Liu Tianxian the title of Image Ambassador for the Macau International Film Festival would add serious prestige.

Fang Hong nodded and called to Liu Tianxian: "Xixi, let's go eat."

Of course, if done well, it would also bring great satisfaction, win favor from local and higher authorities, and prove his capability.

In that case, it would be acceptable—the film festival's audiovisual rights and commercial interests would all belong to him.

Private enterprises may participate, but they must fly the national flag! "Of course we won't shortchange you—you can enjoy certain rights; all intellectual property benefits from this brand belong to you—we don't want them."

Their communication flowed smoothly, thanks to the liaison officer's coordination—it was much easier to talk.

"We understand. If you have any requirements, speak freely—we'll accommodate you. Our original intent is simply to make this film festival a success," Tan Sijiang knew it was indeed difficult to approach them at this late hour.

"Yes, whatever you need, just say it—we'll make it happen," Councilor He chimed in.

This was effectively official recognition!

Communication with other departments should involve the Radio and Television Bureau, the Film Bureau, the Film Association, the Literary and Artistic Federation, and other related agencies.

"What's wrong?" Fang Hong asked.

"Hahaha, no, no." "Alright, I have no objections," Fang Hong said.

They'd spend only a few million; how expensive could the Principal's version be?

For example, if someone ignored Yutu, they could disrespect Yutu—but they couldn't disrespect the higher authorities.

Fang Hong understood his meaning: Macau was one of the windows to the outside world, and the film festival held here needed the attribute of a "national calling card."

Tan Sijiang acknowledged this and added: "But one thing must be clarified—the official host must still bear the names of the Macau Film and Television Media Association and the International Cultural Communication Center."

Although copyright and ticket revenue belong to him, award ceremonies are rarely profitable—they only earn reputation, namely the city's reputation; otherwise, the Golden Rooster Awards wouldn't rotate among cities.

Put it this way, many award ceremonies, group events and the like all need the relevant departments to review and approve, and need the relevant departments to cooperate.

"Then I'll have to trouble General Manager Fang to spend a little." Tan Sijiang said gladly.

But now that the Jade Rabbit and Chang'e names have been partially stripped away, he definitely can't operate at a loss.

In his previous life, it was banned by the Network Audio-Visual Conference.

"Then if there's a chance in the future, we'll have to ask Miss Liu to show us the way, take us around Beijing and have a good time." Councilor He said with a smile.

"That's true, this is my first time doing something like this too, there might be some things I haven't thought of, or some people I haven't looked after properly. If there are any problems, you'll have to remind me." The subtext of Fang Hong's words was: the official figures, you'll have to shield me from them.

"I have no objections, it's just the matter of funding." Fang Hong looked at Tan Sijiang and the two Macau people.

The four then discussed the details of this Macau award ceremony. Fang Hong said the rules needed to be changed and a large venue was needed; the Macau side had no objections either.

Liu Tianxian seemed to sense something, looked toward a certain spot, her eyes narrowing involuntarily, taking on a dangerous glint.

"When it comes to food, I'm not really familiar with it, but my wife is more familiar with it, let's listen to her." Fang Hong gestured with his hand.

It's just that the higher-ups are turning a blind eye and letting him do as he pleases; after all, no harm has come of it, and there's actually been benefit.

For example, education, technology, film and television, supervision, etc. — it's very well-developed.

The liaison officer explained again: "You'll also be given a certain degree of autonomy — how this film festival should be run, how it should be organized and planned, it's all up to you. As long as you don't violate the regulations, that's fine. Coordinating with other departments, we'll handle the communication for you."

"If that's the case, then Miss Liu should be very familiar with Beijing." Tan Sijiang said.

That is, he can designate which platform broadcasts the Macau Film Festival gala, and all the text, graphics, audio, video, etc. generated belong to him.

At the dinner table, Liu Tianxian appeared perfectly at ease, very talkative — a casual remark or two from her was enough to spark people's desire to chat.

"That's true." Fang Hong nodded. Having the nameplate of a relevant government department hung up was indeed more convincing than having a private enterprise's nameplate.

The bad part was that Jade Rabbit and Chang'e had to hang co-organizer nameplates.

The meaning was: you put in the effort, but the name belongs to them.

"Anything's fine, as long as it's not too spicy — we southerners generally don't eat much spicy food." Tan Sijiang said with a smile.

"Let me explain."

"You're also a very capable, very smart person. I hope you can understand our intention here." The liaison officer said.

"Fairly familiar. My mom and I lived here for over ten years." Liu Tianxian said.

50% is already enough — no matter how much Fang Hong puts in, Macau puts in half.

These departments already monopolize all the major domestic film festival award ceremonies; anything like this requires the approval or leadership of these departments.

Once Macau's cultural image is elevated, he gets credit too.

The country needs a cultural image, Macau also needs a cultural image — I trust you understand what I mean!"

Without the relevant departments, it simply can't be done, because it's not permitted.

"Sure, no problem!" Liu Tianxian came across as very cheerful and agreeable.

After roughly two hours of discussion, the few of them finally reached an agreement and rose. Fang Hong said: "Let's go have a meal. You've come all this way with such difficulty, I have to entertain you properly."

"Then please take your time." Liu Tianxian stepped forward two paces.

And sponsorship fees, advertising fees, ticket fees, etc. were also rightfully his — of course, he had put in money and effort too.

Tan Sijiang gestured for him to hold on, then said: "You can hang co-organizer nameplates — the function is the same."

"You're too kind. I just don't know what you like to eat, whether you're used to the food up north here." Fang Hong said.

After negotiating to this point, suddenly not letting them hang the Chang'e and Jade Rabbit nameplates — wouldn't that be luring someone in only to kill them?

"Don't be hasty, let me finish."

Such a cultural symbol being handed over to Jade Rabbit — that's not allowed.

The liaison officer straightened his posture, then began: "Here's the thing — Macau is also a window to the outside world, and the film festival is an international-class film festival. It's essentially a calling card, so it still needs to be taken seriously.

Actually, that summit thing Fang Hong put on, if you want to get strict about it, isn't allowed either — it needs the relevant departments to take the lead.

The main issue is that the time is too tight, there's been no preparation at all, asking someone to suddenly jump into it — it does feel a bit inconsiderate.

"This benefits you too — with our nameplate hung up, those people will be more convinced." The liaison officer added.

"You're too kind. Which hotel are you staying at? I'll take you there." Fang Hong said.

"Good. If you still have any objections, any concerns, feel free to raise them. We'll try our best to be open and frank, lay everything out clearly. Of course, the ultimate goal is to get the job done well." The liaison officer said.

That startled the reporter, who warily prepared to pack up his equipment and run.

"Forget it, let them film if they want to." Liu Tianxian pulled him back again, choosing to let the matter rest.

"You're way too soft-hearted." Fang Hong said.

"What's the point of getting into a conflict with someone? We haven't done anything wrong — it's all out in the open." Liu Tianxian made a fair point.

(End of chapter)