Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 260, Section 258: Turmoil in the Lounge
October 20, 1999, Shenyang, Liaoning Province.

In late autumn in Northeast China, the air was already filled with a biting chill, but inside and outside the Shenyang Gymnasium, the scene was one of bustling activity.

A red carpet was laid out, colorful flags fluttered, and a huge banner hung above the main entrance of the stadium—"The 19th China Golden Rooster Awards and the 22nd Popular Cinema Hundred Flowers Film Festival Awards Ceremony and Closing Ceremony".

The long red carpet was packed with media reporters and enthusiastic fans from all over the country, and the flashes of cameras were going off like crazy, turning the evening sky into daylight.

A black Audi A6 slowly came to a stop at the starting point of the red carpet.

The car door opened, and Wang Sheng, dressed in a dark blue fitted suit, got out first. He straightened his collar, his expression calm, and his gaze steadily swept over the noisy scene before him.

Following closely behind was Han Sanping, also dressed in a suit and tie. As the vice chairman of China Film Group, the head of Beijing Film Studio, and an important guest of this film festival, he wore his usual, slightly dignified smile.

Next to get out of the car was director Huo Jianqi, who was wearing a relatively casual suit, with the gentle demeanor of an artist and a hint of nervousness about the upcoming awards announcement.

"Let's go, Shengzi, Jianqi." Han Sanping patted Wang Sheng on the shoulder and nodded to Huo Jian. The three of them stepped onto the red carpet side by side.

Instantly, the commotion in the press area intensified.

"Director Han! Look this way!"

"Director Wang! Director Wang Sheng! Over here!"

"Director Huo! Postmen in the Mountains!"

"Wang Sheng! 'The Pursuit of Happyness'!"

Countless microphones tried to reach over the barrier, and questions rained down like a machine gun:
"Director Wang, how do you feel about participating in the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival for the second time?"

Are you looking forward to the Best Director award tonight?

"Director Han, the box office of 'The Birth of a Nation' is about to break 100 million yuan. What are your thoughts?"

"Director Huo, are you confident that 'Postmen in the Mountains' will win Best Picture?"

Wang Sheng smiled and walked at a leisurely pace, occasionally nodding to the media and fans on both sides. When asked about specific questions, he responded with platitudes such as "Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to the results," appearing calm and composed.

His youthful face stood out among the group of middle-aged filmmakers, but the aura he possessed, honed through numerous commercial successes and industry consolidation, was impossible to ignore.

Han Sanping, on the other hand, seemed even more at ease, waving to the reporters he knew while also managing to crack a few jokes, fully demonstrating his connections and status in the industry as "Master Han."

Huo Jianqi, on the other hand, was relatively reserved, mostly smiling and nodding, giving the spotlight to the two rising stars beside him.

After walking down the red carpet and entering the stadium, the noise subsided slightly.

Guided by staff, they arrived at the VIP lounge before the ceremony began.

Pushing open the door to the lounge, a wave of warmth and a slightly noisy chorus of greetings washed over me.

The lounge was already quite full of people, mostly veterans of the film industry, seasoned directors, well-known actors, and leaders from major film studios.

The air was filled with the aroma of tea and perfume, as well as an invisible sense of social etiquette and power struggles.

As soon as Han Sanping entered, his smile became even more enthusiastic and humble. He quickly walked towards the main sofa area in the center of the lounge.

"Director Xie! You've arrived early!" Han Sanping first extended his hand to Director Xie Jin, who was sitting on the main sofa, with a full head of silver hair but looking very energetic.

Director Xie is one of the most respected figures in Chinese cinema.

"Sanping is here." Director Xie Jin smiled, shook his hand, and patted it.

"Director Wu! Are you feeling alright?" Han Sanping turned to Director Wu Tianming beside him, his tone concerned.

Wu Tianming was the previous director of Xi'an Film Studio.

"Okay, everything's fine," Wu Tianming replied with a smile.

Following that, Han Sanping shook hands and greeted several other veteran artists, such as Director Li Jun and Teacher Yu Lan, with great respect, showing the utmost courtesy befitting a junior.

While exchanging pleasantries, he subtly led Wang Sheng to his side.

"Dear teachers and seniors, this is Wang Sheng from Beijing Film Studio, or rather, China Film Group Beijing Film Studio Production Company and Shengying Media." Han Sanping introduced with a smile, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible praise: "Young man, just messing around, made a few films, and I'm grateful for everyone's support."

Wang Sheng immediately stepped forward, bowed slightly, and shook hands with each of the veteran artists in turn, speaking sincerely: "Hello Director Xie, Hello Director Wu, Hello Director Li, Hello Teacher Yu... I am Wang Sheng, a junior learning from my seniors."

He kept a low profile, but his upright posture and calm eyes made it impossible to regard him as an ordinary "young man".

Director Xie Jin looked Wang Sheng up and down a few times, his eyes filled with admiration: "Wang Sheng, I know you. '30 Days,' 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' and recently 'The Birth of a Warrior,' you've made quite a splash! Not bad, young people have ideas and drive!" Director Wu Tianming also nodded and said: "I heard that the film studio alliance and TV movie you started have helped a lot of old studios, that's a good deed."

Teacher Yu Lan said gently, "I watched 'The Pursuit of Happyness' and was very moved. Ge You acted well, and you directed well too."

Despite receiving such high praise from these esteemed figures, Wang Sheng remained humble: "You flatter me, seniors. I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time. There is still much I need to learn. It was mainly thanks to the support of Director Han and the Beijing Film Studio platform, as well as the foundation laid by you seniors."

These tactful words earned nods from the veteran artists present, who looked at him with even more approval.

After the pleasantries, the delicate arrangement of seating began.

The main sofa area has limited space, so it's naturally reserved for the most senior and highest-ranking people.

Although Han Sanping was already a senior executive at China Film Group, he still took the initiative to defer to these seniors and pulled Wang Sheng to sit on a sofa a little to the side.

This position shows respect for seniors while not being too far removed from the core group, allowing for a clear view of the entire lounge area.

They had barely sat down when the door to the lounge began to open and close repeatedly, with more invited guests entering one after another.

Soon, a group of people walked straight in their direction.

Leading the group are Li Xuejian, a currently sought-after male actor in the domestic film industry, who recently gave an outstanding performance in "The Birth of a Warrior," and Ning Jing, who has firmly established herself as a first-tier actress with films such as "Yellow River Love."

"Director Han! Director Wang!" Li Xuejian spoke first, his voice steady, and extended his hand.

After shaking hands with Han Sanping, he immediately turned to Wang Sheng, grasped Wang Sheng's hands with both of his, and bowed slightly, "Director Wang, it's been a long time, congratulations!"

Their attitude was even more polite than towards Han Sanping.

Ning Jing smiled brightly as well. She greeted Han Sanping first, then looked at Wang Sheng with even brighter eyes: "Director Wang, you look so energetic today! We were just saying outside that we're counting on you and Director Han to bring glory to our Beijing Film Academy tonight!"

Wang Sheng stood up and shook hands with them, repeatedly saying, "You don't deserve it," and "You're too kind."

Just as we finished speaking, director Chen Kaige walked in with his wife Chen Hong.

Chen Kaige had a clear goal. After greeting the seniors, such as Director Xie, he walked towards Han Sanping and Wang Sheng.

"Chairman Han, President Wang."

Chen Kaige shook hands with Han Sanping, then his gaze fell on Wang Sheng with a complex mix of scrutiny and mockery: "I heard about 'Postmen in the Mountains' in Japan. It grossed 11 million US dollars. That's impressive. Mr. Wang, you are now a true 'King of the Box Office'."

He deliberately emphasized the title "King of the Box Office".

"Director Kaige, you flatter me,"

Wang Sheng responded casually, "The grand scale of 'The Emperor's Shadow' is what makes it a big production; ours are just small fry."

He mentioned Chen Kaige's recent film, which was a box office flop, in a calm tone, without any hint of sarcasm, but rather as a form of comfort.

Upon hearing this, Chen Kaige's face flashed with a barely perceptible embarrassment, which quickly turned into a wry smile as he patted Wang Sheng on the shoulder: "When it comes to the market... I still have to learn from you."

Next to enter were Pan Hong, a popular actress who is often compared to Ning Jing for her roles in films such as "Red River Valley" and "Yellow River Love," and Chen Daoming, a veteran actor known for his roles as emperors.

After they entered, they first greeted the veteran artists, and then they all walked towards Han Sanping and Wang Sheng.

"Director Han, Director Wang." Pan Hong greeted Wang Sheng with an elegant demeanor and smiled as she shook hands with him, "Director Wang, next time you have any good scripts, you must think of us old folks."

Chen Daoming, with his characteristic reserve and arrogance, also smiled when shaking hands with Wang Sheng: "Hello, Director Wang. I received the invitation to 'Lurking,' and I am honored to be able to star in your first TV series."

Despite his high status, he still maintains sufficient respect for Wang Sheng, a young producer and director who can control huge resources and promote his works to the international market.

Subsequently, Ge You, Tao Hong, Jiang Shan, Wang Zhiwen, Zhao Benshan, Song Dandan... one after another, the names that shone brightly in the film industry in the late 1990s entered the lounge. After completing the basic social etiquette, a considerable number of them would take the initiative to come to Wang Sheng and greet him warmly, humbly, or with the intention of making friends, and shake hands with him.

Wang Sheng remained composed and dignified throughout.

He maintains respect for his seniors; he gives full respect and appropriate encouragement to his peers and popular celebrities.

He did not show any pride despite the adulation he received; instead, he appeared more like a composed controller, calmly observing everything.

Han Sanping watched from the side, a gratified smile on his face, occasionally exchanging a few words in hushed tones with those he knew.

He knew perfectly well that the “humble” treatment Wang Sheng was receiving was not only because of the box office success of the films he directed, but also because of the deeply entrenched “Shengying Group” alliance behind him, and because of the production resources and star-making ability he possessed.

In this industry, those who can bring fame are always the most sought-after.

(End of this chapter)