Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 167, page 165: Nationwide Release

On the evening of January 5, 1998, Beijing was shrouded in the winter twilight and the glow of the city lights just coming on.

As Wang Sheng stepped out of the main building of the Beijing Film Studio, a chilly yet refreshing breeze swept over him, invigorating his weary nerves from dealing with work.

At the factory gate, a brand-new black Audi sedan was parked, its surface gleaming with a calm and dignified luster under the streetlights.

This is one of the vehicles that Shengying Media acquired a few months ago after expanding its business, for business receptions and travel of core executives.

The car model is the Audi 100/200 series based on the Audi C4 platform. In Beijing in the late 1990s, this streamlined, square, and imposing German sedan was a significant symbol of status and strength. It was more upscale than the common Santana, Xiali, and even some Japanese cars, which suited Wang Sheng's current status in the industry, without being as eye-catching as the Mercedes-Benz W14.

The driver, Dajun, was already standing respectfully beside the car. When he saw Wang Sheng come out, he immediately opened the back door.

Dajun was originally an employee of the factory's security department. Last time, when he accompanied Wang Sheng and Li Xiaoran to Hong Kong Island, he served as a bodyguard. When dealing with Cecilia Cheung's affairs, he was calm, alert, and skilled. He didn't talk much, which left a good impression on Wang Sheng. As a result, he was transferred to serve as a full-time driver and bodyguard.

……

Dajun started the car and drove smoothly out of the factory area, asking in a low voice.

When the car arrived at the Beijing Film Academy, which was just across the street, the school gate was in the middle of the peak of the day.

Students dressed in colorful winter clothes poured out of the school gate, their youthful energy dispelling the chill of the winter night.

Wang Sheng didn't get out of the car, but rolled down the window slightly and searched the crowd with his eyes.

Soon, he spotted Li Xiaoran.

She was wearing a long white down jacket and a red scarf, her face slightly red from the cold, and she was walking out chatting and laughing with several classmates.

Upon seeing the conspicuous black Audi and the faint outline of Wang Sheng inside, her eyes lit up. She quickly said goodbye to her classmate and jogged over.

"Have you been waiting long?" Li Xiaoran opened the car door and got in, bringing in a blast of cold air, her face beaming with the joy of seeing her lover.

"Just arrived." Wang Sheng smiled and gestured for Dajun to drive: "Let's go to the Kunlun Hotel."

Tonight, a celebration banquet for the film "30 Days" surpassing 50 million yuan at the box office was held in the banquet hall of the Kunlun Hotel.

The reasons for choosing this location are threefold: first, it is prestigious enough to match the history-making film; second, its location is relatively central, making it convenient for guests from all sides; and third, the Kunlun Hotel was one of the most important venues for high-end business banquets in Beijing in the 1990s, carrying a symbolic significance of success.

The car is well heated.

Li Xiaoran took off her scarf and excitedly chatted about the interesting things that happened at school that day, as well as her classmates' envy and congratulations for her role in "30 Days".

She was learning while already having a remarkable masterpiece, a state that made her feel confident and fulfilled.

“But studying acting is so tough. If only I could write my own sick leave notes like you do,” Li Xiaoran said, snuggling into Wang Sheng’s arms.

Wang Sheng pondered, "If I ask you to pursue a master's degree or a doctorate in the future, wouldn't you be even less able to handle it?"
You can't stand it, that's for sure!

The school is great; it effectively encloses people.

……

Upon arriving at the Kunlun Hotel, the banquet hall was already brightly lit and bustling with activity.

Core members of Beijing Film Studio, Forbidden City Film Industry, and Sheng Ying Media, along with the main creative team, lead actors, close media partners, and representatives from other film studios within the alliance, gathered together.

Stephen Chow has returned to Hong Kong Island due to scheduling conflicts, but he specially recorded a video message to express his congratulations and gratitude.

The arrival of Wang Sheng and Li Xiaoran immediately caused a small climax at the scene.

As the absolute core and leading lady of the project, they are undoubtedly the focus of tonight.

Leaders including Han Sanping and Zhang Heping delivered enthusiastic speeches, praising the milestone significance of "30 Days", thanking all participants for their hard work, and looking forward to a broader future after the implementation of the revenue-sharing system.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, a sense of joy, excitement, and boundless anticipation for the future filled the air.

Li Xiaoran had changed into a proper evening gown and stood beside Wang Sheng, responding to congratulations from all sides with poise and grace.

She clearly felt that the way people looked at her was no longer simply as "Wang Sheng's girlfriend" or an advertising model or TV actress, but rather as recognition and respect for a successful movie leading lady.

The success of "30 Days" truly allowed her to establish herself in the entertainment industry and have her own weighty representative work.

The celebration banquet continued in a warm and harmonious atmosphere until after 9 p.m. before gradually dispersing.

After bidding farewell to Han Sanping and other key leaders, Wang Sheng and Li Xiaoran left in an Audi.

"Let's go back to my place?"

Li Xiaoran leaned on Wang Sheng's shoulder and spoke softly, her face flushed with the effects of alcohol and a hint of shy anticipation.

"it is good."

Wang Sheng shook her hand.

The car drove towards Li Xiaoran's residence.

When they arrived downstairs, Wang Sheng told Dajun to come pick them up the next morning, and then he and Li Xiaoran went upstairs.

……

Upon entering the house, a wave of warmth hits you.

With graceful steps, Somersault Cloud approached and rubbed against Wang Sheng's trouser leg.

Wang Sheng bent down and picked it up, scratching its chin. The Somersault Cloud made a satisfied "gurgling" sound.

Li Xiaoran changed her clothes, then came out and helped Wang Sheng take off his clothes, saying, "Let's go take a shower together..."

……

Li Xiaoran was particularly emotional tonight; her nails almost dug into Wang Sheng's skin as she whispered his name in his ear, expressing her excitement and satisfaction.

……

The following day, Tuesday, January 6th.

early morning.

As most cities were just beginning to awaken, newsstands and reading boards in provincial capitals and municipalities across the country began to be filled with fresh morning and metropolitan newspapers.

The Yangcheng Evening News published a prominent article in its culture and entertainment section: "Eagerly awaited! '30 Days' will premiere in Guangzhou on January 9th. Stephen Chow and Li Xiaoran will bring you a joyful Spring Festival!"

The Chengdu Business Daily's headline was even more direct: "Good news! The domestic box office miracle '30 Days' will premiere in Sichuan this Friday!"

Jiangcheng Morning Post: "Say goodbye to the wait! '30 Days' finally gets a release date, and movie fans in Jiangcheng can see 'Stars' this week!"

On this day, mainstream newspapers in almost all major vote-holding cities, including the Shenyang Daily, Chang'an Evening News, Zhongyuan Daily, and Xingcheng Daily, published similar news.

The reports were largely similar, confirming that "30 Days" would be released nationwide on January 9 (Friday), and briefly reviewed the box office miracle and social discussion created by the film during its first run in nine cities. They also emphasized Stephen Chow's transformation, Li Xiaoran's refreshing performance, and the film's heartwarming comedic family-friendly qualities.

While some reports still revealed a complex attitude towards the implementation of the revenue-sharing system, most were reports on the arrival of this phenomenal film and expectations for its market performance after its local release.

These reports, like a series of unified clarions, announced that "30 Days," the "catfish" that stirred up the entire Chinese film market at the end of 1997, was finally about to truly swim into the view of audiences nationwide.

From the initial sparks of revolution in nine cities to the nationwide raging fire of today, a revolutionary fire ignited by Wang Sheng and the Beijing Film Studio alliance has finally spread across the most important film markets in China.

(End of this chapter)