Entertainment: 1990

Chapter 176 Returning to CCTV
Although he was supposed to be giving lectures to representatives from various television stations, Zhang Yan was actually not in Tianjin at the moment, but at the Beijing Film Studio in Beijing.

After several months of procrastination, Guan Hu finally finished editing "Hair Messed Up," and Zhang Yan, as the producer, definitely had to take notice.

How to describe this film...

Although he and Yu Hua had revised the story, he still didn't really like it. Only the 'death rock' part had a strong sense of magic and was somewhat exciting to watch.

"How about it?"

Guan Hu, with a cigarette dangling from his lips and legs crossed smugly, said, "The studio has mixed opinions about our film, some praising it and some criticizing it, but they all say it has created a new style, and its core is different from that of the fourth and fifth generation directors."

"Yes, yes, you are the new generation's pioneer."

Zhang Yan replied evasively, "When will our film be released? It's not on the first day of the Lunar New Year, is it?"

"I plan to release it on May Fourth Youth Day. We'll have a premiere then, invite everyone in the rock scene, and have a good time!"

"Hehe~ If you're not afraid of getting beaten up, then I won't stop you."

The plot in "My Hair Is a Mess" isn't exactly a smear campaign against rock bands—but even if it's the truth, you can't just say it out loud.

"I think you'd better stop dawdling."

At this moment, Gao Qi, who had also been called to watch the finished film, said to Guan Hu: "I heard that Zhang Yuan also made a movie related to rock and roll, called something like 'Beijing Bastards.' If he beats us to it, you won't be able to be the pioneer you're talking about."

"Really?"

Guan Hu immediately tensed up and stood up, saying, "Then I'll go and inquire about it. I'll see if it can be released soon—but if it can, the box office can't be guaranteed."

What kind of box office appeal does this kind of movie have?

"You decide for yourself."

Zhang Yan also grabbed his car keys and stood up, saying, "I have to go to CCTV. Jiang Kun's crosstalk performance was rejected, and they want the singer who is pursuing his dream to take his place."

"Brilliant!"

Guan Hu gave a thumbs up and said, "This New Year's Eve concert was definitely worth it!"

Gao Qi was filled with envy when she heard this. Unfortunately, the fact that rock music could make a name for itself on "I Am a Singer" was already a major breakthrough. It would be a few more years before it could be featured on CCTV's Spring Festival Gala.

"Not only for concerts, I also serve as an advisor for the Spring Festival Gala, but I don't usually ask about it, and I don't care."

After leaving the Beijing Film Studio, Zhang Yan first took Gao Qi home, and then drove to CCTV.

On the way, he suddenly received an international call from Feng Xiaogang.

As soon as the call connected, Feng Xiaogang cried out on the other end, "President Zhang, for the sake of the Party and the country, you absolutely have to help your brother out!"

"What the hell?"

Zhang Yan asked in bewilderment, "Did you make a mistake abroad? Did you betray national intelligence, or tarnish the country's image?"

"I need to have that ability too!"

Feng Xiaogang said angrily, "Our production team's funding chain is about to dry up—these Americans are all obsessed with money, and our script was too conservative!"

"Then you've come to the wrong person."

Zhang Yan complained, "Recently, because of the August 1st Film and Television Base incident, everyone on Beijing TV has been cursing me a lot. They're practically ready to hang a sign at the entrance saying 'Zhang Yan and dogs not allowed'—do you think it's appropriate for me to sponsor your production team now?"

"If you don't want sponsorship, you can find two investors for me! Let me tell you, our show is absolutely amazing, it's guaranteed to be a huge hit once it airs!"

Feng Xiaogang's actions were somewhat desperate and he was grasping at straws.

The main problem with "A Native of Beijing in New York" is that things are really in chaos. Crew members defect every now and then, and there are all sorts of tickets every day. They've already paid tens of thousands of yuan for traffic violations alone.

Moreover, the second female lead, Wang Ji, became pregnant as soon as she joined the cast...

These factors all contributed to increased production costs, causing the series to be unable to continue after three-quarters of its runtime.

"Then go ahead and publish a plea for sympathy in the newspaper."

Zhang Yan thought for a moment and gave a suggestion: "It should be broadcast domestically and internationally. Emphasize the difficulties that Chinese film crews face abroad, and beautify the purpose of making this TV series. Maybe someone will be willing to help you out."

Feng Xiaogang hesitated and said, "Will the higher-ups approve it? This is a key project for Beijing TV, and we're just crying poverty in the newspapers..." "Well, there's nothing I can do. Your crew is really poor—anyway, I've given you the idea, whether you want to use it or not is up to you."

"Well... let me discuss it with Director Zheng."

Feng Xiaogang suddenly realized that having a leader to lead the team was actually quite good, at least someone could take the blame in critical moments.

Then he complained to Zhang Yansu for a while, saying that because he could only use the restaurant's closing time, he was living in the Chinese time zone in the United States, working day and night in reverse.

Since they couldn't afford the materials, they had to go rummaging through the trash cans with the prop master and production manager, finding broken props, rotten wood, and sometimes even usable electrical appliances.

"These Americans are really damn rich, they throw away so many things after one use, especially in the rich neighborhoods—almost three minutes have passed, hang up... beep beep beep~"

The sudden dial tone left Zhang Yan bewildered. It took him a while to figure out what was going on—international calls were too expensive, and since they had been talking about business for a little over two minutes, Feng Xiaogang didn't want to waste the time, so he added another two minutes and 55 seconds before hanging up.

It's true what they say, even a hero can be brought down by a penny.

They arrived at CCTV.

When Zhang Yan parked his car, he saw Zhou Tao chatting with someone at the gate, and they seemed to be getting along quite well.

It wasn't until Zhang Yan got out of the car and walked towards the gate that Zhou Tao bowed slightly to the man and then quickly came to greet him.

Zhou Tao joined the company on the 1st and entered the Spring Festival Gala preparation team on the 3rd. His main job was to work alongside several top CCTV hosts and experience the style of them.

Since there wasn't any specific task, she volunteered to pick up Zhang Yan.

Who is that?

Zhang Yanchong raised his chin at that person.

"Bai Yansong is a year ahead of me, but he is the same age as me and his birthday is younger than mine."

"Oh, it's your senior again."

Zhang Yan nodded meaningfully.

Zhou Tao secretly pinched him, then explained, "He was originally assigned to China National Radio, but he was recently transferred to CCTV in the same batch as me—the higher-ups value him quite a bit, and as soon as he arrived, they had him help prepare a news magazine program."

He just suggested that I check out this program after the New Year.

"So they just want to recruit you."

Zhang Yan stroked his chin and examined Zhou Tao for a while, then shook his head and said, "I feel that you are more suited to variety shows. It would be a waste of your natural affability to do serious news programs."

"That's better than having nothing to do—or you could plan a show for me, preferably a variety show that reflects CCTV's style, doesn't require a huge investment, and allows ordinary people to participate."

"Well, so you were just waiting for me here."

Zhang Yan thought for a moment and quickly came up with a few suitable suggestions. Among them, the one that best matched Zhou Tao's elegant and generous temperament was: "How about we hold a poetry competition?"

Zhou Tao was just making a routine wish, but Zhang Yan's eyes lit up and he immediately came up with an idea. So he quickly asked, "What do you mean? Explain yourself clearly!"

"Let's talk as we go, don't keep the organizing team waiting."

As Zhang Yan walked side by side with Zhou Tao, he described the general process of the "Chinese Poetry Competition" to Zhou Tao. He had only watched the commercial highlights, so his descriptions naturally focused on the most memorable moments.

Zhou Tao's eyes lit up as she listened, and when she heard the part about the flying flower order duel, she couldn't contain herself. Looking around to make sure no one was watching, she quickly pecked Zhang Yan on the cheek and exclaimed excitedly, "Zhang Yan, you're so talented!"

While feeling excited, feelings of regret and resentment lingered in my heart like a persistent leech.

If I had met Zhang Yan sooner, if I hadn't rashly gotten engaged to Yao Ke, I would be the woman standing by his side now, enjoying his care and support. Chen Hong wouldn't stand a chance!

Unfortunately, there's no going back in life. Even if they're divorced now, it'll probably be hard for anyone to replace Chen Hong.

That woman got off too easily!
He clearly intended to benefit her from the start, but somehow she ended up becoming his first wife.

"cough~"

At this moment, Zhang Yan suddenly coughed. Zhou Tao came back to his senses and realized that the two of them had arrived at the area where the preparation team was located. So he quickly perked up and took Zhang Yan to the office of the chief director, Zhang Ziyang.

(End of this chapter)