Entertainment from Divorce

On the morning of the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, fine snowflakes drifted down over the capital.

Tan Yue's office was warm and cozy, with the air conditioning set at 24°C and a handmade paper-cutting given to him by an employee the day before on his desk.

A pair of dragons, zodiac animals, pasted on red paper, with gold dust still clinging to their edges, exuding the joy of the New Year.

He was wearing a dark gray wool sweater, sitting behind a large solid wood desk, his fingertips tapping on the keyboard. On the screen was a schedule of the company's film and television projects for next year, ranging from science fiction to realistic themes, listed densely.

"Mr. Tan, these are the documents that need your signature today, as well as interview invitations from foreign media. I've categorized them by region." Chen Ye walked in carrying a stack of documents, his black suit still damp with the chill from outside. He gently placed the documents on the table and handed over a cup of hot coffee. "I just got this from the break room. You said yesterday you wanted a hand-drip coffee."

Tan Yue took the coffee, his fingertips touching the warm ceramic cup, the warmth spreading from his fingertips.

He lifted the lid of the cup, and the rich aroma of coffee filled the air; it was his usual Mandheling.

"Thank you for your hard work. Is it snowing heavily outside?"

“Not much, just snowflakes that melt as soon as they hit the ground.” Chen Ye stood by the table, pointing to the file categories. “This stack on the left is the project approval form, including the project application for next year’s realistic film; the middle one is the calculation list for employee year-end bonuses; the blue folder on the right is full of interview invitations from foreign media, including The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and the French Cahiers du Cinéma.”

Tan Yue picked up the blue folder, opened the first page, and found an interview letter from The New York Times. The letter was printed with the newspaper's logo in gold foil. The letter mentioned that they wanted to invite him to talk about "the future development of Chinese science fiction films" and also hoped to shoot a series of photos of his daily work.

He quickly flipped through a few pages and found that most of them were similar invitations.

Some wanted to delve into the creative details of "Interstellar," some wanted to learn about his personal creative experience, and others wanted to ask him to comment on the current trends in global science fiction films.

"Let's postpone these interviews for now." Tan Yue closed the folder and put it back on the table, his tone calm but firm. "The movie hasn't officially left theaters yet, and accepting interviews now feels like trying to capitalize on its popularity. Besides, it's almost Chinese New Year, and the company has a ton of things to do. There's the annual meeting preparation, employee benefits distribution, and preliminary coordination for next year's projects. I simply can't find the time."

Chen Ye nodded and took out his notebook to write: "I understand, you want to wait until the movie is completely over before responding. So when I reply, I'll say that you're currently focused on follow-up work, thank them for their attention, and that we'll communicate again at a more appropriate time?"

“Okay, but be tactful. Don’t let them think we’re putting on airs.” Tan Yue picked up the project approval form and circled the “Realistic Film ‘Dust in the Fireworks’” column in red pen.

"The script for this project needs further polishing by the writing team. The protagonist's character arc is not clear enough yet. We'll have a meeting after the New Year to finalize it."

He flipped to the year-end bonus list, his eyes scanning over the names of each department, pausing for a few seconds at the special effects team's section.

The special effects team for Interstellar worked for nearly a year, and at their busiest time, they didn't get a weekend off for three consecutive months.

"The special effects team's year-end bonus will be increased by 15% on the original standard, and each of them will also receive a custom-made aerospace model. I saw them mention in a previous chat that they liked this."

"Okay, Mr. Tan, I'll coordinate with the finance department right away." Chen Ye jotted this down in his notebook, the sound of his pen gliding across the pages as soft as snowflakes falling. "By the way, those foreign media outlets also asked if we could arrange for reporters to go to the cinema to film audience reactions or interview the special effects team. What do you think..."

"We can let them interview the special effects team, but we need to inform Engineer Wu in advance so that the team can prepare. They should focus on their creative process and not just talk about technical parameters. They should talk more about how they combined science and emotion."

Tan Yue took a sip of coffee, the warmth sliding from his throat to his stomach.

"Also, make it clear to the media that they should not over-exaggerate and should just tell the truth."

Just as Chen Ye nodded in agreement, there was another gentle knock on the office door, and Qin Tao walked in carrying a thick folder.

"Director Qin, are you here to report on the artists' performance at the Spring Festival Gala?" Tan Yue put down his coffee and pointed to the chair opposite him. "Sit down. I was just about to ask about the situation."

Qin Tao sat down, opened the folder, and saw a list of TV program invitations received by the company's artists. The progress was marked with different colored pens: "Currently, eight artists from the company have received invitations to various TV stations for the Spring Festival programs. Among them, Teacher Deng received an invitation to CCTV's Spring Festival Gala, wanting him to sing the theme song 'Star Journey' from 'Interstellar'; and..."

"How are Deng Gaofei's preparations going?" Tan Yue was most concerned about Deng Gaofei, after all, this was his first time appearing on the Spring Festival Gala stage since his rise to fame. "The song 'Starry Road' is quite difficult, especially the vocal runs in the chorus. How is his practice going?"

"Teacher Deng is very dedicated. He practices for more than four hours every day in the recording studio and also hired a vocal coach for guidance."

Qin Tao smiled and pulled out a recording clip from her phone.

“Listen, this is a demo he recorded yesterday. It’s much more stable than before, and the emotions are much stronger. He said that every time he sings the line ‘crossing light-years to go home,’ he thinks of the scene in the movie where Cooper is looking for his daughter, and he always gets teary-eyed when he sings it.”

Tan Yue clicked on the audio. Deng Gaofei's voice was deep and powerful, and the transitions in the chorus were smooth and natural, carrying a touch of warmth. It was indeed more infectious than the previous version.

“Good. Let him polish the details, especially the last line, ‘Starlight is the witness, love is the way home.’ He needs to sing it with that feeling of relief and determination so that the audience can hear the story.”

“I’ve written it down, I’ll tell Teacher Deng later.” Qin Tao then flipped to another artist’s sketch script. “This sketch is a family-themed one, about a daughter who works away from home and comes back for the New Year to resolve misunderstandings with her parents. It’s quite realistic. She’s been going over the lines with her teacher every day and is improving very quickly.”

"Tell her not to be nervous, just relax and act naturally, and get into character," Tan Yue instructed, her tone gentle and expectant. "Whether it's singing, performing a skit, or a newcomer's song and dance, make it clear to them that they must take it seriously. Audiences watch Spring Festival programs for the excitement, but even more so for sincerity. Even if it's just a three-minute song and dance, as long as you show your attitude, the audience will feel it."

"Don't worry, I've spoken with every artist, and they all understand." Qin Tao closed the folder, her eyes full of confidence. "Especially the newcomers, they cherish this opportunity and stay in the rehearsal room until late every day. Some even take the initiative to ask their seniors for advice on stage presence."

Tan Yue nodded, recalling how she was when she first entered the industry. She cherished every opportunity, even if it was just a minor role on set, she would memorize all her lines in advance.

"It's not easy being a newcomer, so let's give them more encouragement. If they encounter any difficulties, the company will provide full support."

Qin Tao agreed and reported on the business collaborations of several artists. After confirming that there was nothing else, she left with the folder.

After she left, Tan Yue glanced at the time. It was already 11 a.m., and there was only one week left until the Spring Festival. There were still many things to be settled at the company. He picked up the internal phone and dialed Chen Ye's extension: "Chen Ye, go and call Engineer Wu. I want to ask him about the follow-up of the movie and also talk to him about the Spring Festival work schedule."

Half an hour later, Engineer Wu walked into the office.

"Have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up first." Tan Yue handed over a cup of ginger tea. "It was just brewed in the tea room, it'll ward off the cold." Engineer Wu took the ginger tea, and after taking a sip, the spicy warmth shot from his throat to his limbs, instantly dispelling the chill.

He took out his tablet and opened the real-time data report for "Interstellar": "Mr. Tan, the film's global box office has reached $39.8 billion, almost breaking $40 billion. After the extended theatrical run, the global screening rate is still around 25%, with IMAX theaters having the highest occupancy rate. Many theaters in North America and Europe have added screenings."

He swiped the screen and brought up screenshots of audience feedback: "In China, viewers who have watched the show two or three times are still sharing new discoveries. For example, some people noticed that the Pu'er tea cake in Cooper's spacecraft is actually ancient tree tea from Menghai, Yunnan, which is consistent with the tea that astronauts bring in reality. Overseas viewers are discussing the concept of time in five-dimensional space. Many philosophy professors have even written analytical articles, saying that this reflects the Eastern concept of 'cyclic time'."

Tan Yue listened attentively, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table: "You don't need to compile these feedbacks for me. Just let the team below keep an eye on them. The peak of the film's popularity has passed, and now it's just a matter of natural fermentation. There's no need to spend too much energy on promotion anymore."

Engineer Wu paused for a moment, then subconsciously said, "But Mr. Tan, we're only 20 million short of 4 billion. Should we launch another round of promotion to try and reach that round number?"

"No need." Tan Yue shook his head with a smile, his eyes filled with relief. "Box office numbers are just a symbol. There's no need to deliberately promote them just to round them up. Besides, it's almost Chinese New Year, and everyone is busy celebrating. Their minds aren't on the movie. Forcing it would only make the audience resentful. You should go home and be with your family. Your home is in Suzhou, which isn't close. Going back early will also help you prepare for the New Year."

Mr. Wu felt a warmth in his heart; he really wanted to go home as soon as possible.

His son just started elementary school this year and asks him every day in video calls, "When is Dad coming back to set off fireworks with me?" But he always feels the movie isn't completely over yet and wants to stay on screen for a few more days. "But Mr. Tan, the movie isn't off the screens yet. There are still screenings and box office statistics to follow. If I'm not there..."

“The team below is already very mature, and they’ve learned a lot from you before. They can handle it perfectly well.” Tan Yue interrupted him, her tone filled with unquestionable certainty. “Hand over your work to your deputy and explain the important points to him. For example, check the scheduling data every day, report any emergencies promptly, and follow the procedures for the rest. Spring Festival is a time for family reunion, so don’t keep your family waiting too long.”

Looking into Tan Yue's sincere eyes, Wu's concerns gradually dissipated.

He knew that President Tan always cared about his subordinates. Previously, when someone in the special effects team had a family matter, President Tan specially approved a long leave so that he could go home and deal with it without worry.

"Well... thank you, Mr. Tan. I'll go back and hand over the reins to my deputy, and try to leave tomorrow."

"Okay, be careful on the road, and let me know when you get home safely." Tan Yue picked up the space model on the table and handed it to Engineer Wu. "This is the 'Eternal' model that we customized in cooperation with NASA. Take it back to your son as a Chinese New Year gift from the company."

Mr. Wu took the model, his eyes welling up with tears.

He had previously mentioned to his colleagues that his son liked aerospace, but he didn't expect that General Manager Tan would remember it.

"Thank you, Mr. Tan. My son will definitely love it!"

"I'm glad you like it." Tan Yue smiled and waved for him to go back. "Go on, don't waste time."

Mr. Wu carried the model and left the office with light steps.

After he left, Tan Yue leaned back in his chair, looking at the snowflakes outside the window, and suddenly felt exceptionally at ease.

The success of Interstellar lies not only in its box office and critical acclaim, but also in the fact that it cultivated a mature team.

From special effects to publicity, from distribution to artist management, everyone is capable of handling things independently, which is the company's most valuable asset.

At 2 p.m., Tan Yue finished processing all the documents, picked up his coat, and prepared to go to the company for a meeting.

As I passed by the break room, I heard the laughter of the employees coming from inside.

Several young colleagues were gathered around the table wrapping red envelopes, the red paper scattered on the table like little red flowers.

"Hello, Mr. Tan!" Someone saw him and quickly stood up to greet him.

"You guys are busy, I was just passing by." Tan Yue nodded with a smile, his gaze falling on the red envelopes on the table. "Are all these red envelopes for the annual party raffle?"

"Yes, Mr. Tan, we've prepared cash red envelopes, as well as lipsticks and perfumes—prizes chosen by everyone through voting," the young woman in charge of the annual meeting said excitedly. "Oh, and we'd also like to ask you to sing a song at the annual meeting; everyone wants to hear you sing the theme song from 'Interstellar'!"

Tan Yue paused for a moment, then smiled and waved his hand: "Let Deng Gaofei sing, he sings better than me. I'll just give everyone red envelopes later."

A burst of laughter erupted in the break room, and someone teased, "President Tan's red envelope must be huge!"

Tan Yue walked out of the tea room with a smile. Red lanterns hung in the corridor, swaying gently in the wind, making the festive atmosphere of the New Year even stronger.

He remembered what Chen Ziyu had said that morning—that they were going to the supermarket to buy New Year's goods and that they would put up Spring Festival couplets together that evening. A warm feeling suddenly welled up in his heart.

No matter how busy I am at work, having family and team by my side is the most reassuring happiness.

As they approached the elevator, Chen Ye caught up with them, holding the annual meeting agenda: "President Tan, this is the final agenda for the annual meeting. Please take a look and see if there are any adjustments needed."

Tan Yue took the process sheet and quickly glanced at it: "No problem, that's fine. By the way, have the seating arrangements for employees' family members been made? Especially for those employees from other places, if their family members can't come, remember to prepare video connection equipment for them so they can celebrate the New Year with their families."

"It's all arranged. Each out-of-town employee has a tablet computer next to their seat, so they can video chat directly," Chen Ye nodded in response.

The elevator doors opened, and Tan Yue stepped inside. Looking at his reflection in the elevator, his eyes were filled with calm and anticipation.

The story of Interstellar continues to unfold.

The elevator descended slowly. Snow continued to fall outside the window, fine snowflakes landing on the glass and quickly melting into water droplets. Tan Yue knew that this Spring Festival would be a warm and fulfilling holiday. (End of Chapter)