Chapter 355: Speaking Openly

Cao Yang landed in Jingcheng, and Dong Xuan was there to pick him up.

After shaking off the jet lag at Dong Xuan’s place for a day, the fatigue from the flight vanished into thin air.

Once a man is full of energy, he is bound to want to do something else.

What made Cao Yang feel a bit of regret was that the aftereffects Dong Xuan had from starring in "Black Swan" had disappeared; during the day, she was no longer that shy and quiet "White Swan" who would cover her mouth and bite her lip even during moments of intense passion.

Fortunately, her fiery enthusiasm remained, such as with things like single ponytails or double ponytails.

However, just as Cao Yang was embodying a valiant knight, riding and whipping his horse with great satisfaction, Dong Xuan said some rather ominous things.

Things like "I'm going to die..." or "I really can't go on..."

What could Cao Yang do? He quickly dismounted, let Dong Xuan lie down properly, and then gave her artificial respiration...

After a long while, Dong Xuan sat up, let down her ponytail, shook her head to straighten her hair, and then lay back down.

Anyone with experience knows that if the ponytail isn't let down, lying on one's stomach, kneeling, or bending over is fine, but lying flat isn't quite as comfortable.

Of course, even if she was lying down at that moment, she surely forgot about the discomfort of the ponytail for the time being; only after that period passed and things calmed down would she feel it.

Cao Yang touched her bamboo-shoot-like tips and suddenly thought about the discussion from a few days ago regarding promoting people and boosting their status; it seemed the movie Dong Xuan starred in also had people from Wanwan, and he wondered if she had been used to boost someone else's status.

It was like this: for the movie "The Knot," co-produced by China Film Group, Xiangjiang’s Emperor Group, and Wanwan’s Longxiang Entertainment, one of the female leads, Wang Jindi, needed a mainland actress to play the role.

Initially, Emperor Group wanted to give this role to an artist signed with Huayi Brothers, with whom they had a very good relationship—that is, Li Bingbing.

But the director, Yin Li, who graduated from the 1978 Art Department of the Beijing Film Academy, wanted one of the current faces of the academy’s actors, Venice Best Actress winner Dong Xuan, to play the role.

Emperor Group naturally opposed this; they had numerous collaborations with Huayi and a close relationship, and since Huayi’s Young Master Wang had put in a word, Emperor Group naturally wanted to facilitate the matter.

Thus, the reason they gave was that Dong Xuan was too expensive, while Li Bingbing was cheaper.

Yin Li also had his own persistence, and his reason was that "The Knot" was a special art-house film, and Dong Xuan had better acting skills and was more suitable for the role.

Of course, under normal circumstances, if one is not a big director, it is very difficult to contend with a production company, and in the end, one would surely compromise.

However, after Han Zong of China Film Group learned about this, even though he personally had a good relationship with the two Huayi brothers and Huayi’s Young Master Wang had specifically spoken to him, what Han Zong said was very interesting—art-house films should be cast with actors who have good acting skills.

Who has good acting skills?

Naturally, it was Dong Xuan, who had won the Venice Best Actress award and automatically ascended to become one of the Four Dan Actresses.

This was equivalent to a clear-cut show of support for Dong Xuan.

This infuriated Young Master Wang; he had patted his butt, his head, and his chest to guarantee it when communicating with Skinny Bing, never expecting that the old man surnamed Han wouldn't give him any face at all, and didn't even use vague language.

Just like that, Dong Xuan got the role of Wang Jindi in "The Knot."

"In the promotion for 'The Knot,' are you and that Wanwan actress, Xu Ruoxuan, billed as co-leads?"

Cao Yang asked curiously.

Xu Ruoxuan also had quite a big reputation in Wanwan; she was a very famous... female singer.

But in the film industry, whether in terms of domestic influence or international influence, how could she possibly compare to "Cao Girl" Dong Xuan, who had won the Venice Best Actress award?

Just like a "Mou Girl," as long as one has acted in Zhang Yimou’s films and is recognized by the public as a "Mou Girl," even a newcomer can become famous with one film, and their starting point is basically aimed at being a first-tier actress.

Moreover, Cao Yang’s fame and influence were even greater than Zhang Yimou’s, and his "Cao Girls" were even more exaggerated; the recognized "Cao Girls" almost all had an award from one of the three major European film festivals.

Dong Xuan slapped Cao Yang’s hand, signaling him not to act up.

"No, Han Zong put me at the very front; she and Chen Kun are co-leads."

Dong Xuan replied, but then thought for a moment and added: "In Xiangjiang, I am also the top billing at the front, but in Wanwan, they put Xu Ruoxuan at the front."

"Heh..."

Cao Yang couldn't help but want to laugh; it was truly petty.

On this point, Wanwan was not as good as Xiangjiang.

Xiangjiang was still relatively practical; even if they were unhappy with Dong Xuan, for the sake of the box office, they still unhesitatingly put the most influential Dong Xuan at the front.

It was only because it was Dong Xuan; in the film industry, neither her fame nor her influence could be matched by Xu Ruoxuan. If it had been changed to Skinny Bing, across the mainland, Xiangjiang, and Wanwan, she would definitely have been suppressed and forced to obediently boost someone else's status.

This was the point that annoyed Cao Yang the most—an actress who was one of the Four Dan Actresses of the mainland film and television circle was actually not as highly ranked in the industry as a Wanwan singer.

Earning money from the mainland, discriminating against people from the mainland, and still acting as if it were only natural.

So this matter must be changed.

He had called Han Zong and Old Hou to mention it last time, and this time, while in the country, Cao Yang decided he would emphasize it again to the people from the Beijing Film Academy: don't let that group of people mess around, and don't let just any unknown person come to the mainland and suppress the billing.

"Cao Yang, for this year’s Golden Rooster Awards, do you think I can get two nominations?"

Dong Xuan turned to look at Cao Yang, her two large eyes watery, as if they could speak.

Cao Yang pondered for a moment; Dong Xuan’s words were not wishful thinking.

Cao Yang had specifically watched this version of "The Knot" when he returned for the New Year; her acting was clearly several levels higher than Xu Ruoxuan’s, and according to common sense, getting a nomination for Best Actress at the Golden Rooster should be no problem.

Why was he so sure?

"The Knot" involved sensitive topics, although it was explored very shallowly and they didn't dare to dig deep—of course, if they had dug deep, the mainland might not have passed the censorship, and Wanwan might not have been able to screen it.

But objectively speaking, "The Knot" was not a bad film; the beautiful visuals and the moving details that appeared from time to time were still worth savoring.

The director honestly filmed a conventional and regrettable love story; for them, the era was just a superficial conflict-driver and a stage for sweet smiles and intimacy.

The exquisite cinematography, unique camera movements, and the pictures that frequently appeared in the staging made the viewing process constantly full of surprises in terms of visuals and details.

Although compared to "City of Glass" or "Farewell My Concubine," which were also stories about small people against the backdrop of a grand era, "The Knot" was too simple and too shallow, but being able to film it like this was already very difficult.

Getting a few more nominations at the Golden Rooster Awards was still very easy, especially the Best Actress nomination.

Additionally, because the Golden Rooster Awards were now held every two years, movies released in these two years could be selected, so "Black Swan," released in 2005, also met the requirements.

Without a doubt, "Black Swan," which won the Venice Golden Lion and Best Actress, was a dimensional strike against the Golden Rooster Awards; as long as it participated in the Golden Rooster Awards, nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress would definitely be there.

This was the reason Dong Xuan asked if she would get two nominations.

Cao Yang knew Dong Xuan’s concerns.

Don't look at the fact that she had already won the Venice Best Actress award; she still really wanted to win the domestic Golden Rooster Best Actress award, as this award represented official recognition to a certain extent.

The Golden Rooster Awards used to have an unwritten rule that art-house films with high box office returns were basically impossible to win.

The box office of "Black Swan," compared to Cao Yang’s films in recent years, was considered very small; it only had a box office of over 80 million in the mainland, and Cao Yang hadn't paid much attention to it, nor had he promoted it much.

But for most films participating in the Golden Rooster Awards, this box office wasn't just a dimensional strike; it was an existence that one could only look up to and still not see the edge of.

The box office that Cao Yang didn't care about was, in the eyes of others, an unimaginable number for an art-house film.

Dong Xuan was just worried that "Black Swan" had too high a box office to win the Golden Rooster Best Actress award, and wanted to see if she could make a push with "The Knot."

"Don't worry."

Cao Yang rubbed Dong Xuan’s raised head and said with a smile: "Two years ago, there might have been people who would make an issue of 'Black Swan's' high box office, but this year, they definitely won't."

Dong Xuan was stunned for a moment, then an excited expression appeared on her face.

She understood what Cao Yang meant; since no one dared to make an issue of the box office, then "Black Swan," which had won the Golden Lion and Best Actress, wouldn't have too many obstacles.

"Honey, I want to reward you."

Dong Xuan said with seductive eyes.

Afterward, she began to kiss from Cao Yang’s chest, moving down bit by bit...

Finally, Cao Yang’s handle was seized.

"Don't... don't... don't stop..."

...The next day, Cao Yang went to the school.

He first went to Old Situ’s office; as expected, there was no one there. Old Situ had long been in a semi-retired state and rarely came to school.

Not far from Old Situ’s office was Cao Yang’s office.

Cao Yang rarely came to the office, but after entering, he could clearly see that it was cleaned frequently and was very tidy.

He hadn't been sitting for long when he heard a knock on the door; before he could call out to come in, he saw Old Tian pushing the door open with a grin.

"Rested well? I guessed you would definitely come to school today."

Cao Yang laughed; with you saying that, where else could I go if I didn't come to school?

Sitting behind the desk, Cao Yang pursed his lips toward the office door.

"When was that sign hung up? When did I become an assistant to the dean? Also, since I'm an assistant to the dean, shouldn't my office be in that office building over there? Why is it hung in the Directing Department?"

Old Tian rolled his eyes, sat down on his own, and complained: "Who knows what Old Hou was thinking, insisting on giving you the title of assistant to the dean at the faculty meeting; it's simply baffling."

Then he added: "I was still thinking about taking over his position as dean after he gets out of here; now it's great, I’ve gained a competitor for no reason."

Fine, Old Tian had been the head of the Directing Department for several years; he usually looked serious and earnest, but whenever he was in front of Cao Yang, his mouth had no filter, spouting nonsense like a runaway train.

"Forget it, you're older than Old Hou, and you still want to outlast Old Hou? Even if you retire, Old Hou might not retire; you’d better think about outlasting your old classmate, Senior Brother Xiaojing, first; that’s the most realistic thing."

Cao Yang also followed along with the nonsense.

Xie Xiaojing was the head of the Directing Department before Old Tian and was now the vice dean and the head of the Youth Film Studio.

The two of them were just chatting aimlessly.

"Hey, I might just win another Venice Golden Lion, damn it. By then, with two Venice Golden Lions, I can squeeze out whoever I want; Xie Xiaojing is nothing, and Old Hou will have to obediently give up his seat to me."

Old Tian continued to ramble.

The two Venice Golden Lions he mentioned—one was Cao Yang’s "3-Iron" at the time; in order to win the Golden Lion, he gave Old Tian the position of producer.

Broadly speaking, the Venice Golden Lion is for the Best Film, so it’s justifiable to count the producer as one of the recipients.

However, the top awards of the three major European film festivals are implicitly considered the director’s credit, and the director is also the biggest beneficiary.

"Fine, do you want me to help you ask if Dean Hou is willing to give up his seat for you?"

Cao Yang asked with a smile.

Old Tian smacked his lips and said as a matter of course: "That goes without saying, Old Hou will definitely be eager to..."

"Ahem!"

The coughing sound at the door interrupted Old Tian’s words, making Old Tian’s eyes widen.

He slowly turned his head and saw Hou Keming standing at the door, not knowing how long he had been there.

Old Tian turned his head and glared fiercely at Cao Yang, who was struggling to hold back his laughter; he was fuming inside.

"You little bastard, I just bantered with you a bit, and you go and dig a pit for me? Is there any junior brother like you under the heavens?"

"You want to be the Dean?"

Old Hou asked with some curiosity.

Old Tian’s ox-eyes widened, and he stiffened his neck as he said, "Of course!"

Cao Yang was just about to give Old Tian a thumbs-up to praise his bravery, but who knew Old Tian would change his tune.

"Dean Hou, it’s not that I’m criticizing you, but our Directing Department has the strength and the fame. Isn't it popular nowadays to upgrade departments into schools and rename colleges into universities?

In my view, we should apply to the Ministry of Education to change it to Jingcheng Film University, abbreviated as 'Beida'. Our Directing Department should have been renamed the Directing School long ago, and I just want to be the Dean of the Directing School."

Uh, Cao Yang didn't even know how to roast that, because it was full of things to roast.

However, he saw Old Hou nodding thoughtfully, appearing somewhat tempted.

No, Old Hou, do you really want to change the name to the abbreviation 'Beida'?

Fine, setting aside whether the school's various conditions could meet the requirements, even if it were changed to a university, it would still be abbreviated as 'Beidian' at that time, so there wouldn't be much substantive difference.

Old Hou surely considered problems differently than Cao Yang; the simplest point: when a certain Principal is in office, upgrading a college to a university... just this point alone is enough to be a mentionable achievement in school history.

There are many other invisible benefits, for instance, just from the school name alone, it would be enough to pull ahead of the Central Academy of Drama and the Shanghai Theatre Academy in status.

These are things for Old Hou to consider; Cao Yang couldn't care less.

Old Hou closed the office door, walked over, and sat down on the sofa.

Old Tian knew it was time to talk business, but he didn't leave. Instead, he poured himself a glass of water, and when he brought it over, he acted as if possessed and placed it in front of Dean Hou, then went back to pour another for himself.

Old Hou hadn't expected the stubborn Old Tian to pour him water, so he nodded at him and then said to Cao Yang, "The school's graduate students are about to begin their thesis defenses; can you take charge of this matter?"

Cao Yang shook his head, "I don't have that much time."

Old Hou felt a bit regretful and continued to ask, "The selection of the undergraduate and graduate graduation projects for the school..."

Cao Yang shook his head again, "Dean Hou, there is still a huge pile of things waiting for me over in the States; I really don't have that much time and energy this year."

Old Hou felt regretful again and finally stated his ultimate goal: "You can at least attend the school's graduation ceremony, right? Giving a speech to the graduates then will be fine, won't it?"

As the saying goes, once or twice is fine, but not a third time; it was just attending a graduation ceremony, just giving a speech... Cao Yang nodded and agreed this time.

Old Hou breathed a sigh of relief.

Cao Yang hadn't attended the school's graduation ceremony for several years, which made many graduating students feel very regretful; they kept leaving messages on the school's official website and even organized a grand petition campaign.

For a time, it put a lot of pressure on Old Hou, who was truly afraid that this group of students would stir up some big trouble.

Subsequently, Old Hou took a piece of paper from his pocket, handed it to Cao Yang, and said, "Didn't you want the school to provide a list for reference? This is what we old guys came up with after repeated deliberation for a long time; take a look."

Cao Yang took the list, glanced over it roughly, then folded it and put it in his pocket.

This was a reference list of candidates for the Golden Rooster Award selection committee that he had asked Old Hou to make. Regarding this, Old Hou certainly considered things more and more comprehensively than Cao Yang, so it had great reference value.

"How about I recommend you to be the Chairman?"

Cao Yang asked Old Hou.

He had just glanced at it and saw Old Hou's name, but it was among the ordinary committee members.

Old Hou smiled and shook his head, explaining, "Teacher Li Qiankuan and Teacher Situ graduated in the same year, both in '64, only Teacher Situ stayed at the school to teach, while Teacher Li was assigned to the Changchun Film Studio.

Letting Teacher Li be this Chairman, whether in terms of seniority or other conditions, is the best choice."

After finishing, he smiled and looked at Cao Yang again, asking in a low voice, "Do you think there is a big difference between Teacher Li being the Chairman and me being the Chairman? On the contrary, with Teacher Li sitting in charge at the front, I can better get things done."

Afterwards, he continued to offer guidance: "Actually, there are many tricks to this. To achieve your goal, you don't necessarily need to charge into the fray yourself. For example, there is no need to put too many Beidian graduates in; you only need to reach a certain number.

Think about it, can others be as united as Beidian? We don't even need one-third, and we can absolutely achieve our goal. It's impossible for the rest of them to all twist into a rope and work against us.

Also, if you are still worried, even if they aren't from Beidian, you can put in some people who have connections to Beidian or to you personally. Can these people still work against you? They will definitely unite around the Beidian people.

Do you understand what I mean?"

Cao Yang nodded thoughtfully; what Dean Hou said was a bit complex, but it wasn't hard to understand.

Old Tian, on the other hand, first curled his lip, but seeing Hou Ke look over, he gave Old Hou a thumbs-up and said, "Impressive, no wonder you can be the Dean; you are truly too devious... too high-level."

In fact, what Old Tian was thinking was that this guy Old Hou was too devious, and he must never offend him in the future, otherwise he wouldn't even know how he was played to death.

(End of this chapter)