Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 250, Section 248: Punishment

Dinner ended hastily in an indescribable and eerie atmosphere.

Fan Xiaopang barely tasted his food.

The exquisite dishes on the table tasted like wax to her.

She forced a professional smile and mechanically answered Wang Sheng's casual questions about his experiences promoting the film in various places, reporting on the box office performance and market response of "Flying Colors," but her eyes kept uncontrollably glancing at the person opposite her.

Gao Yuanyuan behaved exceptionally well-behaved and considerate, frequently serving food to Wang Sheng and introducing the dishes in a soft voice. Occasionally, when she glanced at Fan Xiaopang, her eyes, besides their usual innocence, seemed to hold a subtle, almost imperceptible glint of a victor's light.

The light was like fine needles, pricking Fan Xiaopang's heart again and again.

Wang Sheng seemed oblivious, or perhaps too lazy to delve into the undercurrents swirling beneath the dining table.

He listened to the report with an air of composure, occasionally responding lightly to Gao Yuanyuan's attentiveness, and leading the conversation at the dinner table, yet always maintaining an invisible barrier between them.

The "battle report" that Fan Xiaopang had prepared in advance, which was filled with a bit of showing off and wanting credit, now sounded pale and laughable to her own ears.

She felt like a clown putting on a great show but receiving no applause. All her efforts and achievements seemed insignificant in the face of Gao Yuanyuan's silent declaration of "intimate relationship."

"Mr. Wang, Yuanyuan, I... I'm a little tired. I have an early announcement tomorrow, so I'll head back now." Fan Xiaopang finally couldn't bear the torment any longer, put down his chopsticks, and tried his best to maintain his last shred of dignity.

"Yes, go back and get some rest. You've worked hard this past month." Wang Sheng nodded, his tone a typical boss's praise for a capable employee, without revealing much extra emotion.

Gao Yuanyuan quickly stood up as well: "Bingbing, let me see you off..."

"No need!" Fan Xiaopang blurted out almost without thinking, his voice a little shrill, but he quickly suppressed it: "You guys eat slowly, the car I called has arrived."

She practically fled the private room, feeling like she was being pricked by the gazes behind her.

I sat alone in the taxi, watching the Beijing night view rushing past the window, the colorful neon lights blurring into a cold halo.

Fan Xiaopang bit his lower lip hard until he tasted a trace of blood in his mouth, only then realizing that his lip had been bitten through.

Feeling wronged, angry, resentful, and with a stinging sense of betrayal... all sorts of emotions gnawed at her heart like venomous snakes.

“Gao Yuanyuan…President Wang…” she murmured to herself, tears finally welling up uncontrollably, but she wiped them away fiercely.

"I hate it so much!" She clenched her fists.

Do you hate Gao Yuanyuan's scheming?
Or do they hate Wang Sheng for being "blind"?
Perhaps what I hate most is myself, I hate myself for not being born a year earlier!
At this moment, something pure within Fan Xiaopang seemed to shatter, and a flame called "ambition" and "competition" burned even more intensely.

She secretly vowed that she would never let it go like this!

……

Meanwhile, Wang Sheng and Gao Yuanyuan also left the restaurant quickly.

The atmosphere in the car was silent on the way back to the Hilton Hotel.

Gao Yuanyuan glanced nervously at Wang Sheng's profile. He looked no different than usual, but she could sense that the atmosphere around him was a bit tense.

"Brother Sheng..." she began timidly, wanting to explain something, but not knowing where to begin.

She did have a little scheme in mind, wanting to use the opportunity of Fan Xiaopang's return for a dinner gathering to subtly assert her "ownership," or rather, to test Wang Sheng's attitude towards it.

Wang Sheng didn't respond until he entered the hotel suite.

"Go take a shower," he commanded calmly, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger.

Gao Yuanyuan did as instructed, feeling uneasy.

……

"Brother Sheng, I'm done washing up."

Gao Yuanyuan stood in front of Wang Sheng, who was sitting on the sofa.

Wang Sheng's eyes flickered slightly. He pulled her over and pressed her onto his knees, lifting the hem of her bathrobe.

"Ah!" Gao Yuanyuan exclaimed in surprise, not yet able to react.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

A crisp slap landed firmly on her pert buttocks, with considerable force, carrying a punitive meaning.

Gao Yuanyuan was stunned at first, then a huge sense of shame and a little pain made her whimper.

Wang Sheng's voice rang out above her head, carrying an undeniable authority: "Behave yourself."

After a few moments, he let go.

Wang Sheng ignored her and went to the bathroom to wash up.

When he came out, Gao Yuanyuan had already silently lay down on the bed, her back to him, her shoulders still twitching slightly.

Wang Sheng lay down and hugged her from behind, feeling her body stiffen. "Sleep."

His tone softened, and he gently rubbed the spot where she had been hit.

Gao Yuanyuan's body gradually relaxed.

That night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep, tormented by the slight pain in her body and the turmoil in her heart… (several words omitted)
……

In the following days, Gao Yuanyuan indeed behaved herself a lot. She no longer contacted Wang Sheng as frequently and boastfully as before, but only occasionally sent a caring text message, and her attitude became much more humble.

Wang Sheng was happy to have some peace and quiet and devoted all his energy to the final preparations for "Happy Family".

After being cast in the role, Huang Bo, the male lead, put in an almost desperate effort.

He knew that his appearance and accent were his weaknesses, and his only advantage was his willingness to think things through and endure hardship.

He repeatedly studied the script, pondered the psychological changes of the character Chen Mo, and even went to observe the eyes of low-income workers and patients with depression.

Wang Sheng took some time to give him several acting lessons, guiding him on how to combine the down-to-earth atmosphere with the character's inner loneliness, and how to strike a balance between comedic rhythm and heartwarming moments. Huang Bo listened eagerly and made significant progress.

The lead actress, Li Xiaoran, had no objection to the arrangement. She does have a somewhat laid-back attitude now and feels that playing a key female lead role with few scenes is just right—easy and allows her to maintain her exposure.

Wang Sheng was at ease with her condition; at least she wouldn't cause him any trouble.

Other supporting roles, such as the veteran actor playing Chen Mo's father, the talented actress playing his mother, the comedic actor playing his brother, and the child star playing his "younger brother," have all been confirmed.

The production department has coordinated all matters, including filming locations, equipment, and logistical support.

September has quietly arrived.

September 5, 1999, the 9th day of the seventh month of the lunar year of Ji Mao, is an auspicious day for opening a business, praying for blessings, consecrating objects, and breaking ground.

After nearly twenty days of intensive preparation, the opening ceremony for the film "Happy Family" was held in front of an old apartment building with a late 1990s vibe, specially decorated near the Huairou Film and Television Base on the outskirts of Beijing.

The weather was fine and clear, with a crisp autumn breeze.

The scene was bustling with people, with a red carpet laid out on the ground, an incense table set up high, and offerings of Guan Yu, roast suckling pig, fruit and other items placed on both sides.

Media reporters were on high alert with their cameras and microphones, and the main cast and crew were all gathered together.

Wang Sheng, as the chief director and producer, wore a simple black jacket, looking calm and capable.

Wu Yiyi, as the executive director, stood beside him.

Lead actors Huang Bo and Li Xiaoran, along with a host of supporting actors and behind-the-scenes creators, lined up in order.

Huang Bo was clearly a little nervous, constantly adjusting his specially chosen, somewhat inexpensive costume and trying to straighten his back. Li Xiaoran, on the other hand, seemed much more relaxed, smiling and greeting the reporters she knew.

The auspicious time has arrived.

Wang Sheng stepped forward, took the first three incense sticks, lit them, bowed respectfully three times to the incense table, and then inserted the incense into the incense burner.

Wu Yiyi and the others stepped forward one by one to offer incense.

Next, Wang Sheng and the production manager unveiled the red cloth covering the camera, symbolizing the official start of filming.

There was warm applause.

During the media interviews, the focus naturally shifted to Wang Sheng.

"Director Wang, after '30 Days' and 'The Pursuit of Happines,' what new breakthroughs does 'Happy Family' bring in your latest Lunar New Year comedy?"

"Director Wang, what were your considerations in casting Huang Bo as the male lead this time? Were you worried that his appearance and accent would affect the commercial performance?"

"Ms. Li, what are your thoughts on working with Director Wang again, playing such a crucial but not very large role?"

Wang Sheng responded calmly: "Strictly speaking, 'Happy Family' is not entirely a comedy. It is wrapped in the guise of comedy, but at its core is a story about family, warmth, and redemption. We wanted to try a different kind of warmth."

Regarding Huang Bo, he said, "Huang Bo possesses a very precious sense of authenticity, which is difficult for professionally trained actors to portray. The character of Chen Mo requires this kind of authentic, life-like quality. I believe his performance will bring surprises to everyone."

Li Xiaoran's answer was quite official: "I am very grateful for Director Wang's trust. This role is very challenging, and I will try my best to play it well."

Huang Bo appeared somewhat reserved when speaking into the microphone, but his words were sincere: "I am very grateful to Director Wang for giving me this opportunity. I will definitely do my best and not let everyone down!"

After the opening ceremony, the crew did not delay and immediately began filming the first scene—Chen Mo, in a dilapidated rented room, numbly staring out the window, preparing to end his life.

Wang Sheng sat behind the monitor, his gaze focused.

Wu Yiyi is directing operations on-site.

Huang Bo quickly got into character, accurately conveying the despair and emptiness that comes from being crushed by life through his eyes and subtle body language.

"Cut!" Wang Sheng watched the replay and nodded: "This take is done. Get ready for the next one."

(End of this chapter)