China Entertainment’s rescue plan is hard to come by

Chapter 1012 Family Banquet [Part Two]

Sun Yi felt embarrassed to leave first and politely declined Zhao Benshan's offer. However, the old man was not one to follow the rules. He grabbed Sun Yi's hand tightly and pulled him into the courtyard.

Sun Yi had no choice but to follow.

Zhao Benshan's villa is a newly built one in the last two years. It is a typical new Chinese style. Upon entering, you first see a screen wall, and then a spacious main courtyard. The ground is paved with bluestone slabs, and there is a corridor around the perimeter. In the middle of the courtyard is a square feng shui flower pond.

Upon entering the house, they found themselves in a large living room with a ceiling height of over 6 meters. Zhao Benshan pulled Sun Yi to sit on the sofa, set up a tea table, and took out cigarettes.

Sun Yi waved his hand.

Zhao Benshan was taken aback. He remembered that Sun Yi used to smoke, back during the Spring Festival Gala.

"Give it up?"

Sun Yi chuckled awkwardly, "Not really, but I've been smoking much less lately. I need to take care of my health, so it's not convenient for me to smoke."

Having been in the entertainment industry for so many years, Zhao Benshan is a shrewd and experienced man. Just by looking at Sun Yi's expression, he knew that his family probably wouldn't allow it. But now that he's out and about and isn't smoking, and he says he needs to take care of his health, he must be planning to have a baby.

He put away his cigarette and laughed, "Yeah, that's right. Young people should be more careful. They should smoke less of this stuff. I'm just getting old, otherwise I'd like to quit too. I have a plan. When are you planning to do it?"

"It wasn't really a plan, after all, I'm getting old, and my parents are also thinking about me. I'll just go with the flow and leave as soon as possible."

Sun Yi readily admitted it.

"Hmm, good attitude, not in a hurry, not too slow, it's a gift from God. By the way, where's your wife? Liu Yifei, that girl is great, she's a great actress and a good person. I saw the news today, saying that you two donated to a primary school and even went to be substitute teachers for charity. That's a role model for our industry."

Yi took the teacup: "Thank you, Teacher Zhao. It's what we should do. Yifei was supposed to come with me, but unfortunately, she had a brand event in Paris that happened today, so she couldn't come. She asked me to give you her regards."

"Alright, alright! It's nothing." Zhao Benshan nodded repeatedly. "Young people having a career is a good thing! Unlike my apprentices, who all know how to do nothing productive."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Sun Yi understood the implied meaning.

Although Benshan Media has grown in scale and influence over the years, the development of his apprentices has been uneven, and some have even been involved in negative news, which is probably a source of worry for him.

However, from this perspective, Sun Yi might still be able to offer some small help, or at least provide some opportunities.

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while, talking about the climate in Northeast China, the development and local customs of their hometown in recent years, and the latest developments in the film and television industry.

Zhao Benshan was very talkative and enthusiastic, but Sun Yi could sense that this enthusiasm carried a kind of seasoned caution.

Sure enough, after chatting for more than half an hour, Zhao Benshan checked his watch and said, "Brother Sun, you just got off the plane and haven't eaten yet, have you? You must stay tonight! I've made arrangements; it's all at my home, authentic hometown dishes! I've also invited a few of my apprentices to keep you company; you've all met them before, like Xiao Shenyang and Ya Dan."

"Teacher Zhao is being too formal; it makes me feel a little embarrassed."

"What's there to be embarrassed about? Let's not even talk about our past relationship. Just because you're from the same hometown, it's no problem for you to have a meal here. When you come here, you'll feel right at home."

Sun Yi knew in his heart that they were about to get down to business.

Dinner parties and drinking parties have always been the best occasions for discussing business.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Teacher Zhao," he said with a smile.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, Xiao Shenyang, Ya Dan, Song Xiaobao and the others all arrived and greeted Sun Yi warmly.

Sun Yi couldn't be too formal with Zhao Benshan, after all, he was an elder, but he didn't need to be overly humble with his apprentices; he just greeted them with normal politeness.

The banquet was held at Zhao Benshan's home, at a proper large round table that could seat ten people. At that moment, half of the tables were occupied, which was just right—neither too crowded nor too distant.

Before long, all the dishes were served, a very hearty spread. The main dish was a pot of fragrant sauerkraut and pork belly, accompanied by stewed pork with mushrooms, braised chicken with mushrooms, stir-fried potatoes, green peppers, and eggplant, sweet and sour pork, braised pork slices, and beef, lamb, chicken, and duck. Finally, there was a steamed large scallop from Xingkai Lake. It was a full spread of hearty Northeastern dishes, and the wine served was homemade liquor, eight bottles in total.

Zhao Benshan sat in the main seat, with Sun Yi to his right. The old man raised his wine glass and began his opening remarks with sincerity: "Brother Sun's presence here today is a great honor for me, Zhao Benshan. This first toast is to welcome Brother Sun, come on!"

Everyone raised their glasses in unison, and Sun Yi also stood up: "Thank you, Teacher Zhao, thank you everyone."

"What teacher or not, I don't usually care about you, but at this dinner table, we have to treat each other like brothers. I'm the oldest here, so what do you think you should call me?"

"Brother Zhao!"

"Hey, that's right, come on, let's do it."

After the first drink, the atmosphere immediately warmed up.

Ya Dan sat next to Sun Yi and immediately took on the role of host, frequently serving him food.

"Director Sun, try this fish. It's a genuine Xingkai Lake whitefish, tender and firm with an exceptionally good taste. As soon as the teacher heard you were coming, he arranged for someone to deliver it early this morning. It was just caught today. If it weren't for the fact that Chagan Lake hasn't opened yet, the teacher would definitely have gotten you the first fish."

"Oh, Brother Zhao, I've really gone to a lot of trouble for you."

Sun Yi picked up his wine glass.

"You good-for-nothing, why are you spouting all this nonsense!" Zhao Benshan glared at Ya Dan, making her lower her head in a huff. Then he picked up his wine glass, clinked it against Sun Yi's, and waved his hand, saying, "You don't need to listen to what they're saying. If you come, I'll definitely serve you the best."

Sun Yi smiled, indicating that he understood.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Xiao Shenyang, Song Xiaobao, and Ya Dan, who was closest to Sun Yi, took turns toasting him. Fortunately, they were just trying to create a lively atmosphere and didn't intend to force Sun Yi to drink. They all finished their drinks, while Sun Yi drank as he pleased.

Even so, after a round of toasts, Sun Yi had drunk four or five cups. Fortunately, he had some basic skills, and there was someone in his family who could stand on a box, and he had practiced it, so he was still able to hold on.

Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Zhao Benshan put some food on Sun Yi's plate and suddenly asked, "Brother, you came here today for the Spring Festival Gala, right?"

"Yes." Sun Yi put down his chopsticks and admitted frankly that it was a matter that was almost obvious to everyone, so there was no need to hide it.

"I would like to invite you to participate in this year's Spring Festival Gala."

The words were made clear, but the atmosphere became somewhat heavy. Xiao Shenyang and the others exchanged glances and unanimously chose to remain silent, no longer interrupting.

Zhao Benshan put down his wine glass, leaned back in his chair, and remained silent for a long time. The restaurant lights shone on his face, making his wrinkles appear particularly deep.

After a long silence, he sighed and slowly said, "Brother, in principle, I shouldn't refuse your invitation since you came in person, but there are some things I need to say beforehand."

"You say."

Sun Yi listened attentively.

"First of all, I am indeed a little disheartened."

Zhao Benshan's voice was flat, but anyone could hear the weariness in it.

"Looking back, I've been on the Spring Festival Gala stage for 21 years. Let's not talk about the last few years. There are some things that you might not understand because you're young and not in the entertainment industry."

"Brother, I get it!"

Sun Yi interjected.

At his level, there's not much difference between the film and television industry and the entertainment industry. It's just a matter of seniority and whether your word carries more weight.

"Brother, I'm the chief director of this year's Spring Festival Gala. I can't speak for others, but I can guarantee that the entire Spring Festival Gala directing team will fully support your creation. The review process will be streamlined, and we can give you more creative freedom. What we want are good works, works that can make people across the country laugh and be happy, not those so-called daily constraints."

Upon hearing Sun Yi's words, Zhao Benshan's eyes showed a strange expression, indicating that he was somewhat tempted, but he did not respond, as if he still had some concerns.

Then he sighed and shook his head, "Secondly, my body really isn't up to par. I have high blood pressure and heart disease. The doctor said I can't overexert myself or get excited. Last time I was hospitalized, I was on the verge of death. I don't think I can handle the intensity of the Spring Festival Gala."

"Teacher Zhao, I've also considered that."

Sun Yi was prepared for this.

"The program length can be shortened appropriately, and rehearsals can be divided into stages. The directing team can cooperate with you in this regard, and the medical team is on standby at any time. At the same time, we can adjust the performance style—it doesn't necessarily have to be a high-intensity skit, but it can also be a gentler style that is more suitable for your current state."

Zhao Benshan remained silent. He finally said, "Good partners are hard to find. Dandan has retired, Lao Fan has his own ideas, and as for the others, well, I can't carry a show by myself."

"Teacher Zhao, we can work together to figure out a solution to the partner problem."

Sun Yi glanced at the three people at the same table, including Xiao Shenyang, and said sincerely.

His eyes said it all too clearly.

It's practically like saying outright, "You can bring your apprentices with you."

“I know you have concerns and you’re tired. But think about it, the Spring Festival Gala stage needs you, and the national audience needs you too. It’s not that we need you to sing and dance like you did when you were young, but we need the kind of presence you have—sitting there, saying a few words, letting the national audience see that as long as you’re there, you can make the national audience feel the festive spirit, and you can make the national audience laugh out loud.”

He paused, then lowered his voice: "And don't you think this might be an opportunity? An opportunity to prove to everyone that Zhao Benshan is still Zhao Benshan, no matter how many years have passed, he is still the king of comedy sketches who can make people laugh, cry, and be remembered."

The restaurant was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Zhao Benshan picked up his wine glass and stared at the swirling liquid inside for a long time.

Then, he suddenly laughed.

That smile contained helplessness, emotion, and something that had been ignited within it.

"Brother Sun, your mouth is amazing," he shook his head, "it's even better than your movie-making skills."

Sun Yi didn't speak, but just smiled and looked at him.

Zhao Benshan smacked his lips and raised his glass: "Come on, let's have another one."

Sun Yi immediately followed.

The two cups clinked together, making a crisp sound.

"As for the script, I'll think about it. I have all the right people here, readily available and not lacking, they just need some revisions." Zhao Benshan finished his drink in one gulp, put down his cup, and said, "It just needs some time. As for a partner, I need to think about it more carefully."

After saying that, he looked at his apprentices and smiled.

"We also need to see if they are suitable for each other."

Upon hearing Zhao Benshan's words, Sun Yi knew the matter was settled and felt relieved.

"Brother, there's no rush. The first program review this year is in mid-December. You have at least a month and a half. You can take your time. The production team will cooperate at any time."

"Okay, since you've put it that way, then I have no choice."

Zhao Benshan's hearty smile returned, and with a wave of his hand, he called to Sun Yi, "Eat, eat! The food's getting cold!"

The atmosphere became lively again. The three apprentices started toasting, laughing, and telling interesting stories that Sun Yi had never heard of.

The dinner lasted until 10 p.m. When it ended, Zhao Benshan personally escorted Sun Yi to the door, holding his hand tightly and saying, "Brother, you've shown me something different. This year's Spring Festival Gala is definitely going to be amazing."

"What is it?"

"That's what young people should be like." Zhao Benshan patted him on the shoulder. "You have ideas, you dare to take responsibility, and you know how to respect us old guys. It was the right decision to entrust the Spring Festival Gala to you."

Sun Yi smiled, "Then I must thank Teacher Zhao for his high regard."

"Okay, go back, it's cold." Zhao Benshan waved his hand. "I'll contact you when I have some progress on the case."

"it is good."

The same car that picked him up when he arrived is now taking him home.

Zhao Benshan originally wanted Sun Yi to stay, but Sun Yi politely declined, saying that he already had a home here and there was no reason for him to stay outside.

The car drove away from the villa area. Sun Yi leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes, and tried to soothe his drunkenness.

He drank quite a bit tonight, especially after Zhao Benshan agreed to come out of seclusion. He was in a great mood and frequently clinked glasses with Sun Yi.

It almost made him unable to get out of it.

But it wasn't a waste of time.

The matter was ultimately resolved.

Although it was only a verbal promise, given Zhao Benshan's personality, once he made up his mind, he would definitely do it.

Sun Yiqiang roused himself, took out his phone, and sent Liu Yifei a WeChat message to report on the evening's results.

"It's settled. Teacher Zhao has agreed to come out of retirement."

It's afternoon in Paris, so the event probably hasn't started yet.

As expected, Liu Yifei replied quickly:

"That's great! Honey, I knew you could do it! How is Teacher Zhao feeling?"

"He's in good spirits, but he's definitely getting old."

"Then please take good care of me. By the way, I just finished rehearsals, and Chanel gave me a new season ready-to-wear outfit. I'm sure you'll like it."

Sun Yi laughed and replied:
"Of course, my Sisi looks good in anything."

"Humph, you only know how to say nice things."

Isn't that so?

"Okay, you pass. (Smug look on his face)"

Sun Yi smiled, looking at the little emoji Liu sent, and suddenly felt a little strange.

I just miss her a little.

"Sissi, I miss you."

"Shy"

Liu Yifei sent an emoji, and then there was no further response.

"?"

"??"

"What about people?"

Just as Sun Yi was getting impatient, thinking that Liu Yifei had some important business to attend to, and was about to put his phone away, it vibrated again.

This is a complete photo.

Liu Yifei stands on a street in Paris, wearing a Chanel early spring coat, smiling radiantly at the camera, with the Eiffel Tower behind her.

"Honey! I miss you too~ (blushing)"

Sun Yi sent a mischievous smiley face, then exited the app, saved the photo, and set it as his phone wallpaper.

Then I fell asleep.

(End of this chapter)