Chapter 127: Talent Joins

On the other side, Wu Yuchen hung up the phone and looked at the number on his phone with a smile.

Heh, the Beijing Circle?

By logic, the Beijing Circle actually refers to the Beijing cultural circle, but this scope is too big. However, in the entertainment industry, the Beijing Circle that everyone talks about is actually a small circle started by the earliest courtyard children. Because they occupy resource advantages, they expanded rapidly with the development of the entertainment industry, becoming a circle with great influence in the domestic entertainment circle.

If you want to talk about the core figure of this circle, you have to mention one person: Wang Shuo.

Mentioning Wang Shuo, many people will talk about Xu Jinglei. Wang Shuo also doesn't avoid it, telling the media directly that his house was bought by Xu Jinglei, and he calls this 'eating soft rice hard,' which seems very true to himself.

But if you want to say he is hypocritical, he is also hypocritical. Wang Shuo's relationship with Wang Ziwen later is also very interesting. He said Wang Ziwen's grandfather was his old friend, and they are bullying my friend's child—can I not care? Hahaha, he just managed the old friend's granddaughter into his home to live together!

It was open and aboveboard with Xu Jinglei, but why hide it with Wang Ziwen!

But to tell the truth, Wang Shuo being able to become famous naturally still has talent. His writing has a certain enlightening and rebellious nature, but it doesn't make people feel disgusted, saying what everyone doesn't dare to say normally, and he was quite popular among young people, and could be considered to be leading the way in popular literature at the time. Looking at the life of "Master Writer Wang," the most proud time was from 1988 to 1994, during which his books sold well, and the film and television works he participated in producing were all explosive.

Originally, there had always been controversy in the literary world about his works, and he even had a nickname: "Literary World Critic," and his works were called "hooligan literature." And after Wang Shuo gained power, his personality was also arrogant; that mouth offended too many people, cursing everyone, unable to do the 'you are good, I am good, everyone is good' thing.

Consequently, in 1993, "Shanghai Literature" published an article, "Ruins in the Wilderness—Literature and the Crisis of Humanistic Spirit," which took Wang Shuo and Zhang Yimou as targets, saying their works reflected the fragmentation of contemporary humanistic spirit and faith and the atrophy of the era's humanistic spirit, and then launched a humanistic spirit discussion in the Shanghai academic world, which subsequently spread to the entire literary and art world.

Heh, actually, it's just that set of 'literati belittling each other.' Why is it that later, whenever Zhang Yimou films a work, so many people jump out to curse him? Actually, this is the earliest source.

Zhang Yimou has one advantage: you can curse as you please, I won't make a sound or refute, so nothing happened.

But Wang Shuo is different; that is someone who curses heaven, curses earth, curses air, and curses the system!

No one knows what specifically happened between the two sides for a few years, but by '96, Wang Shuo had reached the point of being banned in all aspects—books, film, and television works, anything that touched him couldn't pass the review. He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would have personal safety issues, so he simply ran to America to avoid disaster.

That's why there was Feng Xiaogang filming Wang Shuo's works but not daring to use his original name or add his name.

Wu Yuchen didn't have contact with Wang Shuo in his past life, and he doesn't intend to have anything happen with him in this life, but he doesn't hate him either; he just feels this guy is also an example of a dragon-slaying hero finally becoming an evil dragon.

This guy himself said before: "I hate elites and successful people the most; they are nothing but a bunch of lucky people, a group of pseudo-intellectuals who just like to set up their own doors and engage in small-circle privilege culture."

As a result, he himself became the core figure of a small circle, and later this so-called Beijing Circle developed very foully.

Wu Yuchen asks himself that he can't pee in the same pot as this group of people; as long as the well water doesn't interfere with the river water in the future, that's fine.

However, this phone call also reminded him that his current Qiji Film and TV company indeed lacks talent. Although he is holding it up, it is already the limit to open two or three crews at the same time, and he is busy and also lacks management talent.

He must find suitable candidates early; otherwise, he, the director, often has to go everywhere to film, and if the company gets big, things will be impossible to handle.

At this time, a pair of fair and tender jade arms reached out from behind and wrapped around Wu Yuchen, asking with a smile:

"What are you in a daze about?"

Wu Yuchen pecked at Li Xiaoran's face: "Thinking of you~"

Li Xiaoran's beautiful eyes flowed, smiling, and then looked at "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" playing on the TV: "Is this TV drama good? I see you are so engrossed."

Wu Yuchen looked at the Qiao leader who was currently bringing his own BGM to open a 'no-double' (unmatched) state, and nodded with a smile: "Especially good; you'll know once you watch it."

The Hong Kong version of "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" achieved great success in Hong Kong a few months ago and was introduced by mainland TV stations. At this time, it had already shown the trend of a 'god-tier' drama.

Those who haven't experienced the popularity of "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" might not know it; 34 provincial stations were almost all playing it, creating a precedent in Chinese TV history, directly forcing the SARFT to issue a regulation next year that Hong Kong dramas cannot be played during prime time.

Wu Yuchen pulled Li Xiaoran into his arms and asked: "How is it in the crew?"

"It's pretty good; the people in the crew are all taking good care of me. Teacher He Saifei's acting is especially good, and I've learned quite a few things from following her~"

"Oh? What did you learn?"

"Quarreling~" Li Xiaoran smiled playfully.

"Hmm?"

"It's just that in the script, she and Teacher Li Youbin quarrel every day—three small quarrels every day, one big quarrel every two days; I've learned enough~"

Wu Yuchen tapped her lightly: "You don't learn the good things, but learn this?"

"I'm just joking with you~ Teacher He is also not from a professional acting background, but she told me quite a few of her own experiences; she's a very good person!"

Hearing He Saifei, Wu Yuchen couldn't help but think of her finally winning the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress more than 20 years later, crying and laughing while speaking on stage—very sincere and cute.

Subsequently, Wu Yuchen asked: "Eh, I heard you almost fell while filming a horse-riding scene; are you okay?"

"It's okay; it's just that the horse was startled a bit, ran with me for a while, and then stopped."

"Pay attention in the future; it's not a small matter if you fall. Muscle and bone injuries are light. Come, let me check if there's anything wrong."

"It's really okay... hey, why are you taking off my clothes... woo woo..."

In the TV's BGM, Wu Yuchen used the Qiao leader's unique skill, the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, and reached toward Li Xiaoran...

"Karen, I have some problems with my funds here; I can't take care of the company side for the time being."

"Mr. Jiang, our company has great prospects now! The TV drama 'Beijing-Hong Kong Love Line' filmed in cooperation with CCTV has also been broadcast, and we've made a connection. As long as we develop well, the future will definitely be promising..."

Cai Yinnong hurriedly tried to persuade her company boss, not forgetting to draw a pie, but before she could finish, the other side of the phone interrupted her:

"Karen, I'm sorry; I plan to withdraw my investment. You fend for yourself!"

Cai Yinnong still wanted to say something, but only heard the busy signal coming from the phone, which made her angry and anxious, but helpless.

At this time, Li Yapeng walked over and asked: "Sister K, can our company still make it?"

Cai Yinnong looked at Li Yapeng in front of her, opened her mouth, gritted her teeth and said: "Yapeng, even if the company can't make it, Sister will definitely lead you to success. I'll go back and start a company myself; if you believe me, wait for me for half a year."

Upon hearing this, Li Yapeng didn't answer directly, but said: "Sister K, then why don't I go out and take roles myself first? I can't just be idle..."

Li Yapeng is not a very honest person. Seeing that the company is not going to make it, he won't hang himself on one tree. Who knows what the situation will be in half a year?

Upon hearing this, Cai Yinnong sighed in her heart, knowing that her current situation couldn't make people believe her, so she braced herself and nodded at him with a smile.

After Li Yapeng left, Cai Yinnong sat down exhaustedly, rubbing her temples and couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Cai Yinnong's ancestors were also wealthy. Her grandfather was once the Deputy Mayor of Xiamen City, a patriotic overseas Chinese. After returning to the country, he founded the first Fujian Chamber of Commerce and served as the president.

But during a certain special period, her family underwent drastic changes due to their background. As soon as the special period ended, her father immigrated to Hong Kong. To support the family, he worked as a decorator, a printing factory worker, and also as a security guard.

Five years later, she and her mother went to Hong Kong to reunite with her father. Her mother, who was a pillar in the theater troupe, worked in an electronics factory and also worked as a cashier in a tea restaurant.

Watching her parents work hard from early morning to late at night to support the family, Cai Yinnong swore that she must succeed in the future.

After graduation, she started as a reporter and step by step became a magazine editor, publicity director of Hong Kong Cable Television, production coordinator of the Hong Kong Film Awards Organizing Committee, and director of the actor resource department and market department manager of Hong Kong Super Talent Film and TV Company.

And in this process, she got to know a large number of people in the circle.

As the market department manager, she would go to the scene to watch directors film movies when she had nothing to do. In this process, she mastered the whole process of TV drama from production to distribution.

Half a year ago, at the invitation of a boss, she became the general manager of this company named "Hong Kong China Film Group." Don't look at the big name, as if it were an official institution; in reality, it was just a small company.

In the year of Hong Kong's return, they cooperated with CCTV to film a TV drama named "Beijing-Hong Kong Love Line." The male lead was Li Yapeng, who had just signed into the company, and the female lead was Wu Qianlian.

Cai Yinnong originally thought that since they had connected with CCTV, they would make it big, but the boss suddenly withdrew all the funds!

And that phone call just now completely cut off her hope. This company is estimated to be dissolved soon. Starting a business halfway and collapsing midway—she is not reconciled!

But what can she do if she is not reconciled? Without money, she can't do anything.

Just when Cai Yinnong's mood was very frustrated, the phone rang again.

Cai Yinnong cheered up and picked up the receiver again:

"Hello, hello, I am Cai Yinnong..."

Immediately after, Cai Yinnong's eyes widened: "What? Wu Yuchen? You are Wu Dao!"

……

In a coffee shop, after Cai Yinnong arrived, she saw a handsome young man waving at her. She hurriedly walked over, bowed slightly, and smiled fawningly: "Wu Dao, I'm really sorry to have kept you waiting!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and took the initiative to reach out and shake hands with her: "Cai Zong, it's okay, I just arrived too. I heard you Hong Kong people like to drink coffee, so I chose this place."

After Cai Yinnong sat down, she said: "You are too polite. Actually, I am not a Hong Kong person; I grew up in Xiamen before I was 10, so after Hong Kong returned, I really wanted to come back to develop; after all, it's hard to leave one's homeland!"

"Hahaha, what a 'hard to leave one's homeland'; I appreciate someone like you, Cai Zong!" Wu Yuchen praised.

He looked at Cai Yinnong in front of him, thinking of "Chinese Paladin," thinking of Hu Ge, 'Blind Sister', thinking of Da Mimi, Nazha...

Although netizens in the later life complained about her various questionable operations, you can't deny that as a woman who started a business from scratch in her twenties, Cai Yinnong is quite capable!

If it weren't for his influence, she would have started her own business in half a year and founded Tang Ren Film and TV with Li Guoli.

The two first exchanged pleasantries, and then Wu Yuchen said with a smile:

"Cai Zong, I won't speak in riddles. To tell you the truth, I appreciate your talent and ability, so I want to invite you to join our Qiji Film and TV. I wonder what you think?"

Upon hearing this, Cai Yinnong felt happy in her heart. She didn't expect that when she was at the end of her rope, there would be a turn for the better. The company she was at was just about to collapse, and here someone was inviting her, and the one inviting her was the big director Wu Yuchen!

Over the past half year, she had also been traveling between Hong Kong and the mainland; how could she not know who Wu Yuchen was?

His "Run Lola Run" won the Berlin Best Director half a year ago and also achieved a box office of over 18 million in Hong Kong. If nothing unexpected happens, this result can enter the top ten of Hong Kong's annual box office.

And in the mainland summer file that just passed, he joined hands with Wang Zuxian to take over 70 million in box office on the mainland with "My Brothers and Sisters." This explosive box office result has already ignited the entire entertainment circle; no one doesn't know it!

Therefore, the invitation from this big director Wu Yuchen naturally made her happy. And unlike the previous boss, Wu Yuchen's main business is film and television; this kind of withdrawing investment and running away is basically something she won't experience again.

However, while Cai Yinnong was happy, she remained calm and replied with a smile:

"Many thanks to Wu Dao for your appreciation. I have also admired Wu Dao for a long time! I wonder why Wu Dao took a fancy to me?"

This sentence of hers was actually also a probe, mainly to see what Wu Yuchen intended to let her do and how much he valued her. If he was just looking for her to do some trivial things, that definitely wouldn't meet the expectations in her heart, and she would have to carefully consider whether to join Qiji Film and TV.

Wu Yuchen was clear about her thoughts, smiled, and said:

"Cai Zong, I have inquired about your resume. If you are willing to come to our Qiji Film and TV, then the TV drama production business of the company will be fully responsible by you."

Upon hearing this, Cai Yinnong's eyes lit up. This power is already not small, and it is exactly what she wants to do, enough for her to display her talents.

But this wasn't all; Wu Yuchen continued:

"And the reason I am looking for you, Cai Zong, is also because you have rich experience in Hong Kong and are a rare talent who is familiar with both the mainland and Hong Kong.

In the future, if there is business with Hong Kong and Taiwan, you may need to take care of it, such as 'My Brothers and Sisters,' for which we plan to sell the Hong Kong and Taiwan copyright. And I also plan to open a company in Hong Kong; you will have to worry about this as well."

Cai Yinnong immediately asked: "Wu Dao, do you want to go to Hong Kong to develop?"

Wu Yuchen shook his head lightly: "It's a shell company for the time being, but it might be useful in the future."

Cai Yinnong understood in her heart that it was about the same as the company she was at that was about to collapse; Wu Yuchen's focus was still on the mainland.

That is to say, if she enters Qiji Film and TV, she will be responsible for the TV drama production business, and at the same time, she will have to take care of the connection with Hong Kong and Taiwan. This can already be called high position and great power. And backed by the big director Wu Yuchen, what else is there to hesitate about?

Cai Yinnong immediately revealed a brilliant smile: "Wu Dao, since you think highly of me, it would be ignorant of me to decline. If I do anything not in place in the future, I ask Wu Dao to give me more pointers!" ===== CHAPTER 128 =====