Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 150, Section 148: Coming-of-Age Ceremony
September 29, 1997, Monday morning.

The autumn sunlight streamed through the bright glass windows of the Light Media conference room, illuminating the entire space.

The conference room was filled with smoke and bustling with activity.

The national coordination and promotion meeting for Enlight Media's "Super Girl" project is being held here.

In addition to the core team of Enlight Media led by Wang Sheng—including Wang Changtian and others—the attendees were, more importantly, representatives from the six preliminarily selected regional television stations:
The competition is divided into four regions: North China (Beijing/Tianjin), Northeast China (Shenyang), East China (Nanjing), Central and Southern China (Guangzhou), Southwest China (Chengdu), and Northwest China (Chang'an).

These program department heads or channel directors from various provincial capital television stations were all influential figures in their respective regions. At this moment, they gathered in this not-so-spacious conference room at the Beijing Film Studio, their eyes all focused on the excessively young figure at the head of the table.

As the person in charge of the project, Wang Changtian stood in front of the projection screen, his spirits high, and reported on the progress of the preparations in a loud voice:

"Distinguished leaders and colleagues, after our intensive preparations, the 'Super Girl' project has basically completed negotiations with the cooperating TV stations in each competition area! The division of competition areas, venue preferences, and the basic framework of the local auditions have all been finalized!"

He skillfully switched between PPT slides, showcasing the initial poster design, the "Sing If You Want" logo, the registration form template, and the script for the planned audition promotional video.

"Regarding publicity, we have prepared standardized press releases, radio advertisements, newspaper article templates, and two versions of TV promotional videos, one 15-second and one 30-second, ready to be distributed to each competition area at any time to launch the first round of publicity blitz! The preliminary plan is for each competition area to simultaneously start registration in mid-October, using two weeks for the first round of publicity and registration, and for the on-site preliminary selection to begin in early November..."

Wang Changtian spoke fluently and logically, breaking down the massive project plan in a clear and organized manner, demonstrating his strong project control and execution capabilities.

The representatives from various television stations listened attentively, frequently taking notes or exchanging opinions in hushed tones with their colleagues, their eyes mostly sparkling with excitement and anticipation.

This program format, called "Super Girl," shattered their perception of traditional singing competitions.

"Zero barriers to entry," "grassroots," "voting by mail," "reality show elements"... each concept exudes novelty and contains enormous potential for success.

With the prestigious reputation of the Beijing Film Studio Alliance and Shengying Media, and the young leader Wang Sheng, who has repeatedly created miracles, no one doubts the potential viewership frenzy and advertising revenue that this project could bring.

After Wang Changtian finished his report, he turned his gaze to Wang Sheng.

Wang Sheng listened quietly, his face expressionless, making it impossible to discern his true feelings.

The meeting room fell silent as everyone awaited his final statement.

Wang Sheng raised his eyes, his gaze calmly sweeping across the entire room, lingering briefly on the faces of each representative, as if confirming their resolve.

His gaze wasn't sharp, but it carried an invisible pressure that completely silenced the previously noisy conference room.

"It sounds like everything that needed to be prepared has been prepared, and everything that needed to be coordinated has been coordinated."

Wang Sheng finally spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears: "Now that the path has been paved and the obstacles cleared..."

He paused, then his tone suddenly became crisp and decisive, carrying an undeniable sense of resolve:
"Then let's get started."

Those five simple words, like the sound of a starting gun, instantly ignited the atmosphere in the conference room.

"Don't worry, Mr. Wang! Our North China region will definitely make a great start!"

"We in the Northeast region will absolutely not let you down!"

"There's no problem in Guangzhou; all resources will be allocated to it!"

Representatives from each competition area expressed their determination, eager to return and make a name for themselves.

Wang Sheng smiled faintly and instructed Wang Changtian beside him, "Brother Changtian, I'll leave the rest to you. You'll be fully responsible for liaising with the representatives from various stations and coordinating follow-up support. Tonight, host a banquet at the Kunlun Hotel to properly entertain all our friends who have come from afar, and make sure everyone feels the sincerity of Enlight Media."

"Understood, Mr. Wang!"

Wang Changtian straightened his back and answered loudly.

The meeting concluded in a warm and energetic atmosphere.

……

September 30th, afternoon.

Wang Sheng had just returned home to the Beijing Film Studio's residential area from the Beijing Film Academy. Before he could even change out of his coat, he heard a knock on the door and a slightly timid call.

"Brother Wang Sheng... is he home?"

Wang Sheng walked to the door and saw Gao Yuanyuan standing prettily outside the courtyard gate.

The autumn sunset bathed her in a soft golden glow. The young girl stood gracefully, dressed in a simple white sweater and blue jeans, as fresh and lovely as a gardenia with dew on its petals.

She had her hands behind her back, a faint blush on her face, and her eyes held a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.

"Yuanyuan? Come in and talk to me." Wang Sheng opened the courtyard gate.

Gao Yuanyuan shook her head and did not go in.

She took out an elaborately crafted invitation card tied with a pink ribbon from behind her back and handed it to Wang Sheng with both hands.

"Brother Wang Sheng, next Sunday, October 5th, is my 18th birthday... My parents are throwing a small party for me at home." Her voice was soft, tinged with girlish shyness. "I'd like to... invite you. I wonder if you... have time?"

Wang Sheng took the invitation card, which emitted a faint fragrance, opened it, and looked at it. The time and place were clearly written.

He looked up at Gao Yuanyuan's hopeful eyes and smiled.

"October 5th, the coming-of-age ceremony... it's very meaningful." Wang Sheng closed the invitation card and nodded affirmatively: "Okay, I understand. I'll definitely be there."

"That's great!"

Gao Yuanyuan's face instantly lit up with a bright smile, as if the sunlight in the entire courtyard had brightened up a bit: "Then... it's a deal! Brother Wang Sheng, you're busy, I won't bother you anymore!"

After saying that, as if afraid Wang Sheng would change his mind, she happily turned and ran away, her ponytail swinging behind her head, radiating youthful energy. ...

the following few days.

Wang Sheng made some simple arrangements for the future development of Gao Yuanyuan and Zhang Bozhi.

He called the two of them into his office.

After a period of Mandarin and physical training, Cecilia Cheung's wildness as a rebellious young woman has been somewhat toned down, but the liveliness and stubbornness in her eyes remain.

Gao Yuanyuan remained as quiet and well-behaved as ever, but when she looked at Wang Sheng, there was something else in her eyes.

"The 'Super Girl' project will soon launch nationwide auditions."

Wang Sheng got straight to the point, "The company has already registered you."

These words startled both of them.

Zhang Bozhi was surprised that she would be pushed out to participate in a competition so soon after signing the contract, while Gao Yuanyuan was somewhat surprised that Wang Sheng would make such an arrangement.

"Mr. Wang, I... can I do it?" Zhang Bozhi was still somewhat aware of her own poor Mandarin.

Gao Yuanyuan also asked softly, "Brother Wang Sheng, my singing... is just average."

"I didn't expect you to win any prizes."

Wang Sheng's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable force: "This is training. Being under the spotlight, facing the judges and the audience, is the fastest way to hone your mentality and accumulate stage experience. Zhang Bozhi, you go to the Central and Southern Region, Guangzhou. You'll adapt to the language environment there more easily and sing Cantonese songs. Gao Yuanyuan, you compete in the North China Region, Beijing, which will make it easier to balance your studies and training."

He looked at the two of them and emphasized, "Remember, just do your best and show your strengths. The ranking doesn't matter; what matters is what the process brings you. This is a mission, but also an opportunity."

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing nervousness and a hint of eagerness in each other's eyes.

"Yes, I promise to complete the mission!"

The two responded almost simultaneously.

……

October 5th, Sunday evening.

Gao Yuanyuan's home.

The living room was carefully decorated with ribbons and the words "Happy Birthday," and the dining table was filled with home-cooked dishes and a custom-made birthday cake.

Today's protagonist, Gao Yuanyuan, wore a brand-new light yellow dress, her hair was carefully styled, and she wore light makeup, making her look exceptionally bright and charming.

She kept looking towards the door, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Although she felt a strange "dislike" for Fan Xiaopang and Zhang Bozhi—she always felt that they took away too much of Wang Sheng's attention and resources—Gao Yuanyuan still invited them, considering that she and Zhang Bozhi had celebrated Fan Xiaopang's 16th birthday last month and that they worked in the same company, so she had to save face.

Fan Xiaopang and Cecilia Cheung arrived on time.

Fan Xiaopang was dressed as beautifully as ever, carrying a carefully prepared gift; Cecilia Cheung seemed a little reserved, her Mandarin was even more stumbling in this setting, but she tried her best to blend in and offered her blessings.

Mr. and Mrs. Gao warmly welcomed their guests. They felt both proud and somewhat embarrassed that their daughter had managed to invite someone like Wang Sheng.

When Wang Sheng appeared at the door, the atmosphere in the living room paused for a moment, then became even more lively.

"President Wang is here!"

"Brother Wang Sheng!"

Gao Yuanyuan's eyes lit up, and she immediately went to greet him with a radiant smile.

Wang Sheng was dressed casually today, but his aura remained strong.

He handed Gao Yuanyuan a beautifully packaged long gift box: "Happy birthday, Yuanyuan. You're an adult now, a grown woman."

"Thank you, Brother Wang Sheng!" Gao Yuanyuan took the gift, hugged it tightly, and asked curiously, "Can I open it now?"

“Of course.” Wang Sheng nodded.

Gao Yuanyuan carefully opened the packaging; inside was a dark blue velvet box.

Upon opening the box, a delicate platinum necklace lay quietly inside. The pendant was an abstract musical note shape, inlaid with tiny diamonds that shimmered with a warm glow under the light.

"Wow! So beautiful!"

A chorus of envious gasps and exclamations arose from those around them.

Fan Xiaopang looked at the necklace with a complicated expression.

I didn't receive a birthday present!
Cecilia Cheung blinked but didn't say anything.

Gao Yuanyuan's face flushed bright red, her heart filled with sweetness. "Thank you... I love it so much!"

Wang Sheng smiled and said gently, "I'm glad you like it. The musical notes have a nice meaning; I hope your future path will be filled with beautiful melodies."

He didn't linger. He exchanged a few brief pleasantries with Gao's parents, encouraged Gao Yuanyuan to study hard and train diligently, nodded to Fan Xiaopang and Zhang Bozhi, and then took his leave, citing work commitments.

(End of this chapter)