Hear this life

Two months later.

It was the height of summer, the weather was unusually hot, the sun shone brightly on the grey concrete floor, and the cicadas in the trees chirped non-stop.

At noon, a car quietly drove into the back alley of the "Hongmian" Spinning Mill under the scorching sun.

The driver was Wen Tingli.

She wore a baseball cap and western sunglasses. The car she drove was rented from Xiangsheng Car Dealership. She drove stealthily all the way to the back door of the spinning mill. She did not get out of the car, but hid in the car and secretly looked outside. Not long after, a young woman in a gray cheongsam flashed out from the back door.

Wen Tingli quickly leaned out of the car window and waved to the other party.

The woman ran over and stuffed the things in her hand to Wen Tingli: "The foreman's eyes are like eagles. He stared at me when I approached the women's dormitory. The women workers are used to being submissive. It is harder than climbing to the sky to dig something out of their mouths. Last night, I sneaked into the women's dormitory when no one was paying attention and took a few photos. I don't know if the photos can be developed. Miss Wen, you can use them as they are."

Wen Tingli took out a banknote from her wallet and handed it to the woman, saying gratefully, "If you find anything else, please remember to contact me as soon as possible."

Cao Renxiu pushed the banknote back and said, "I'm not asking for money. I just feel sorry for these women workers and that's why I'm asking for your help."

She turned around and pointed at the gray-black factory building that looked like a pot lid, and said bitterly, "It's so hot, and more than 40 female workers are crowded in a palm-sized room. The toilet is placed next to the floor. At night, dozens of people take turns to use the toilet. Once you go in, the stench is overwhelming. They only give two meals a day, and they have porridge in the morning and at night. One of them died of illness last month, and no one cared from beginning to end. At night, the boss directly asked people to carry the body out. I heard that he was only 18 years old. Miss Wen, you are a big star, you are more capable than us, please help them."

Wen Tingli was silent for a while, then nodded solemnly to Cao Renxiu.

"I have to go back." Cao Renxiu ran a few steps inside, then turned back and said shyly, "Miss Wen, we agreed before that if I lose my job, you have to help me find a new job."

Wen Tingli patted her chest and told her not to worry.

She and Miss Cao had met half a month ago. That day was the final exam day and the campus was full of dusty students. Wen Tingli was one of them. She had finished the last exam in a panic and was busy checking answers with her classmates outside the classroom. At this time, a classmate named Liu Ronghua came to her with a young woman.

"Wen Tingli, do you still mean what you said last time?"

"Which sentence do you mean?"

"You said you wanted to make a feature film that reflects the miserable conditions of the workers. Here, I found the material for you."

Liu Ronghua pushed the woman next to him in front of Wen Tingli and said, "This is my cousin, Cao Renxiu. She graduated from Shanghai Teachers College and has been working in the account office of Hongkou Red Cotton Spinning Mill since graduation. She has seen some unfair things in the factory in the past few months and would like to talk to you. Do you have time?"

"I'm free! Of course I'm free!" Wen Tingli said hurriedly, looking down at the time on her watch, "Why don't we go to a restaurant across the street and eat and chat."

In this way, Wen Tingli learned about the miserable situation of the female workers in the Hongmian Spinning Mill. She and Liu Ronghua were so angry that they slammed the table on the spot. The prosperous Shanghai Bund hid many unknown and dirty corners. The female workers in the Hongmian Factory were not only miserable, but even worse than pigs. She felt obligated to help the female workers get an explanation.

After seeing Cao Renxiu off, Wen Tingli began to think about what to do next, and soon came up with an idea: why not make a movie about the experiences of these female workers to arouse sympathy and help from people from all walks of life for the female workers.

Of course, in order to implement this plan, she must first get the support of Huang Yuanshan and the company, and before that, she must first come up with the story outline.

It was summer vacation and she had a lot of free time, so she filmed in the studio during the day and sorted out materials and conceived scripts at night.

Today, she has obtained a new batch of materials from Cao Renxiu, and can't wait to go back to the company to find Sister Huang.

As soon as I entered the company's gate, I saw Manager Bai from the Social Department putting up calendar cards, and many colleagues were chattering about something next to him.

"Miss Wen, you're back just in time. Boss Liu just came over to announce that the sequel to "Mr. Detective" has already surpassed the attendance of the first film. Now everyone is calling you a box office magic weapon. Is it reasonable for you not to invite everyone to have a good meal at Jinchun Restaurant?"

Wen Tingli smiled and said, "On Saturday night, I will treat the seniors to a meal in the 'Celebrity' box on the second floor of Jinchun Hotel. No one is allowed to be absent."

There were bursts of cheers at the scene. Wen Tingli stayed where she was and joked with her colleagues, then hurried upstairs to find Huang Yuanshan. As soon as she reached the corridor, she heard Huang Yuanshan arguing with Liu Menglin.

This was already the fourth time they had had an argument this month, and the conflict between them seemed to be getting worse and worse.

"Why did you give up making money and film about female factory workers? Is it you who is crazy, or is it Wen Tingli who is crazy?"

"Have you read the outline I gave you carefully? The situation of the female workers at the Red Cotton Textile Factory is worse than one can imagine. This is a great subject for a social film. As long as we conceive a good script based on the material provided by Wen Tingli, we may be able to make a film that is both well received and popular."

"Nonsense! Apart from offending people, what benefits can this kind of film bring to the company? Yuanshan, don't get so angry when you hear that the company is going to shoot the third part of "Fair Detective". If it's a profitable film, what's the problem even if it has ten sequels? "Fair Detective" has become the most famous brand of our Golden Pictures, and it has also become Wen Tingli's personal label. Now when she walks on the street, who doesn't call her "Detective Fu"? It's rare to have so many ready-made fans, and there's no need to rush to make props and costumes. It can easily take two months to shoot a new film. That's not right...."

Liu Menglin suddenly laughed: "Wen Tingli is on summer vacation. In three months, she might be able to shoot two sequels and make a lot of money easily. She is not a fool. You can help her calculate the income from the first two months and you will know whether she is willing to continue shooting."

"I don't want to!" Wen Tingli pushed the door open and walked in. "I've read the script for the third part. It's not as innovative as the first two parts. If we continue filming, it will only damage the reputation of "The Fair Detective". We might as well quit while we're ahead."

"The script can be changed. How about I ask Mr. Liu to come over right away and change the script in front of you until you are satisfied?"

Wen Tingli sat on the sofa with a smile: "Boss Liu, recently there are at least ten film companies in Shanghai planning to shoot campus detective films. There are many different styles and tricks. I heard that one company has invited the famous writer Zhuang Xiaosheng to write the script, and someone is preparing to put the courtesan kidnapping and murder case (note) from a few years ago on the screen. If this continues, our "Fair Detective" may not be able to maintain its original appeal. Why not take this opportunity to find another way? You forgot that we didn't want to repeat the routine of martial arts films, so we chose a new title, which led to the success of the "Fair Detective" series."

Liu Menglin laughed and said, "You are really good at talking, you keep saying the right thing and the wrong thing, and you won't stop until you achieve your goal. What you said is not unreasonable, but the company has already evaluated the market this year, and it is still a long way to go for "Sister Detective" to become obsolete. This morning, the company officially announced the start of filming of the third part of "Sister Detective", so your objection is invalid. Yuanshan, don't be angry, it doesn't matter what you shoot. Anyway, the company will not reduce your salary."

Huang Yuanshan suddenly changed his tone to a very serious one: "Boss Liu, do you still remember what you said to everyone on the first day of the company's establishment?"

Liu Menglin was stunned.

Huang Yuanshan said in a clear voice: "Film is the eighth art form in the world. It can sow the seeds of promoting good and suppressing evil in people's hearts. As filmmakers, we should not blindly seek popularity, but should have the courage to take social responsibility." The reason why I joined your company without hesitation was because of what you said. But look at you now, how narrow-minded, ignorant, and stubborn you are. You have already become an out-and-out film philistine!"

Liu Menglin laughed instead of getting angry: "If I don't film about female factory workers, I'm going to be a philistine in my movies? Well, then I'll be completely philistine for once! Let me tell you clearly, even if I don't make a sequel to "Sophie Fletcher," I won't make a film about female workers either. It's because I don't want the company to lose money."

"you--"

Liu Menglin pointed at Huang Yuanshan and said, "You have a long career, but don't think the company can't do without you. I've been putting up with you for a long time, always opposing this and protesting that! There are a lot of talented directors in the company. If you don't shoot, there are plenty of people who will. From today on, you have to take a half-month leave, go back and sort out your mind, and then come talk to me again."

Huang Yuanshan smiled coldly: "No need, we have different ideals and cannot work together, I will resign now." Wen Tingli and Liu Menglin were both shocked when he said this. Wen Tingli hurriedly stopped Huang Yuanshan: "Sister Huang, don't say angry words."

"I'm not saying this out of anger. There's no point in staying in this kind of company. If he doesn't want to shoot, I'll shoot it myself."

Liu Menglin was feeling a bit embarrassed. Hearing this, he said sarcastically, "Okay, so you plan to start your own film company? Go ahead! I, Liu, will never stop you from making a fortune, but don't blame me for not reminding you that starting a film company is not like being a director. You can't just say 'action' and start it. If you can make a film that doesn't lose money, I, Liu Menglin, will consider you the winner. You really don't know your place!"

"Let's wait and see." Huang Yuanshan opened the door and walked away in a casual manner.

Wen Tingli started to catch up with her, and Liu Menglin shouted from behind, "You want to start a film company with her too? She's not in a clear mind, do you want to follow her and make mistakes?"

Wen Tingli didn't bother to pay attention to him and just followed Huang Yuanshan.

***
yellow house.

Wen Tingli sat down on the sofa, panting and taking out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off her face: "You run too fast. I can't catch up with you even if I chase you from behind."

Huang Yuanshan didn't say anything, just rummaged through the drawers looking for something.

Wen Tingli looked at her and said, "Now it's just the two of us, Sister Huang, tell me the truth, were you angry with Boss Liu just now, or do you really want to resign?"

Huang Yuanshan put the cash box heavily on the coffee table: "Of course I really want to resign. Once you say something, it's like spilled water. Would I joke about such a thing?"

Wen Tingli was shocked: "Are you really planning to start your own business? However, it is not easy to set up a film company. Just building a studio will cost a lot of money."

Huang Yuanshan was quite optimistic, pointing to the cash box in front of him: "I still have some savings, so it's no problem to buy a few cameras and carbon lamps. As for the studio, I can rent it now. I've already inquired about it. There are several old factories in Huajie that are now looking for rent. The rent is not unaffordable."

Wen Tingli thought to herself that it seemed like Sister Huang had been planning to resign for a long time. She had always admired Huang Yuanshan's courage, so she decided to plan for her seriously: "Equipment and film are secondary, and the cost of personnel is the biggest expense. A film company must have a business department, a production department, and a publicity department... Costumes and makeup also require manpower, and there is also an account office. The company can't just run in a muddle... Sister Huang, where can you find so many available talents temporarily? Once you find them, these people will need to be paid every month."

Huang Yuanshan looked around and smiled carefreely: "At worst, I can just sell the house. This house was my mother's own dowry. She left it to me before she died. My father has many children, but my mother only has me. If my mother hadn't strongly supported me to study abroad, I wouldn't have been able to study film. Now I want to open my own film company. If my mother knew about this, she would definitely be proud of me."

Wen Tingli was inexplicably touched by these words. She lowered her head, opened her handbag, and resolutely wrote down a number on the checkbook.

"Since Sister Huang has thought of everything, I have to be the first to support you. You can take this money first. If it's not enough, I will make up for it."

Huang Yuanshan was shocked: "Wen Tingli, I know you are rich, but I didn't know you are so rich now. Or do you want to give me all your savings? Take it back quickly! I am not short of money!"

Wen Tingli stuffed the check into Huang Yuanshan's hand without further ado: "Sister Huang, you probably forgot how you helped me when I was in trouble. Besides, this money is not given to you for nothing. How about considering it as my investment in your company?"

Huang Yuanshan refused to accept it no matter what: "If I need money one day, how about I ask you first? As for the investment, we can talk about it when the company is officially established."

Both of them avoided talking about Wen Tingli's whereabouts, although they both knew in their hearts that making a movie requires suitable actors.

Although Huang Yuanshan has a straightforward temper, she is not reckless. Even if she is short of staff, she is unwilling to persuade Wen Tingli to resign with her at this juncture. She is well aware of how fierce the competition in the film market is. For Wen Tingli, who has just established a foothold in the film industry, it is wise to continue to stay in the powerful Golden Film Company for development.

Wen Tingli returned to the company with mixed feelings.

When Liu Menglin saw her coming back, he didn't mention Huang Yuanshan's resignation at all. He just said indifferently: "I have found Mr. Liu for you. You can work with him to revise the script of the third part of "The Fair Detective". Manager Bai from the costume department will come up later. How about changing the styles of the costumes according to your opinions?"

Wen Tingli knew very well that Liu Menglin was making a concession in disguise. Although she was very upset, she had to sit down and discuss the script as if nothing had happened.

The news of Huang Yuanshan's resignation spread quickly in the company. Huang Yuanshan is a well-known workaholic. In recent years, almost half of the company's influential films were produced by Huang Yuanshan. Her departure will inevitably make people feel uneasy.

When the crew's deputy director Tan Guiwang heard the news, his face turned pale and he immediately ran to ask Wen Tingli what happened. Photographer Deng Qizhang, Wen Guanyun, Duan Miaoqing, Luo Shuhong and other veteran actors also came to inquire about the inside story.

Wen Tingli didn't say much.

At this time, Liu Menglin showed amazing courage and urgently called a meeting of all employees, announcing at the meeting that the third part of "The Detective" would be filmed soon, with Wen Tingli still in the lead role and Tan Guiwang as the director. In front of everyone, he also raised Tan Guiwang's salary to the company's top level, making him a director of the same status as Huang Yuanshan.

Everyone had different expressions. Tan Guiwang was brought up by Huang Yuanshan. As soon as Huang Yuanshan left, the company promoted her apprentice to replace her position. This was tantamount to a slap in Huang Yuanshan's face.

It seems that the relationship between Liu and Huang has become irreversible.

Liu Menglin said amiably, "Since the beginning of this year, several of our company's films have achieved impressive results. Looking at the entire film market, Golden Pictures has the most promising development momentum. I believe that with the joint efforts of our colleagues, 'Golden' will reach new heights... Xiao Tan has worked hard since he joined the company. I, Liu Menglin, will never treat anyone who works hard for the company unfairly. Of course, if you think you have a better place to go, the company will never stop you."

As soon as the meeting was over, the impetuous hearts of the people calmed down. Profits were the most important thing, and everyone had a calculation in mind. At least Liu Menglin was a relatively generous boss. Only a fool would give up the ready-made "iron rice bowl" and run out to start his own business.

Even Tan Guiwang, who was determined to stand up for his master, was stunned in his seat because he was suddenly promoted to a first-class director by the company.

During the meeting, Liu Menglin kept an eye on Wen Tingli's reaction. Seeing that she did not show any dissatisfaction throughout the whole process, he couldn't help but show a bit of satisfaction.

Wen Tingli did compromise.

She had many practical issues to consider. As early as the days when her father was in trouble, she understood a truth: without money, there is no dignity; with money, at least she and Xiao Taozi would not have to live a life of displacement.

Leaving Golden Pictures means giving up some existing things.

It's too risky.

She couldn't afford to lose in this regard. No one knew better than her how difficult it was to get to where she is today, and she had to remain cautious in every step forward.

But she forgot that sometimes, life is either compromise or struggle. Once you compromise, you may compromise a second time, a third time, or even countless times.

(End of this chapter)