Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 263, Section 261: Mundane
The banquet ended in a joyful atmosphere, with the lingering aroma of the wine and the warm greetings seemingly still present in the cozy corridors of the Shencheng Hotel.

Mayor Xu and his entourage personally escorted Wang Sheng and Han Sanping to the elevator, shook hands firmly, and then left accompanied by his secretary.

Wang Sheng and Han Sanping's rooms were on the hotel's executive floor, and their rooms were next to each other.

Han Sanping took out his room card, but instead of immediately swiping it to open his own room, he tilted his head toward Wang Sheng and said, "Shengzi, come sit in my room, sober up, and then we can talk."

Wang Sheng naturally had no objections and followed Han Sanping into the suite.

The suite's living room was spacious, exuding the grandeur and luxury characteristic of high-end hotels of that era.

Han Sanping took off his suit jacket, casually draped it over the armrest of the sofa, loosened his tie, walked to the small bar to pour himself a glass of warm water, and handed Wang Sheng a bottle of mineral water.

"Sit down." He sat down on the main sofa, drank most of a glass of water, and the alcohol on his face seemed to dissipate a bit, his eyes regaining their usual sharpness and clarity.

Han Sanping looked directly at Wang Sheng: "Shengzi, don't try to fool me. Do you have a clear idea of ​​that 'Crossing the Guandong' film and television base, or rather, an even larger film and television city project, that you mentioned at the banquet? What are your specific plans?"

Wang Sheng unscrewed the bottle cap, took a small sip of water, and leaned back on the sofa in a relaxed posture, but his face showed just the right amount of humility, even a hint of "embarrassment": "Uncle Han, you've really put me on the hot seat. Such a big project involves land, policies, local relations, huge investments..."

As a small business owner in a private company, how could I dare to think about how to "do" it? I was just emboldened by the alcohol, following Mayor Xu's lead, and sketching out a long-term vision to add some luster to our cooperation.”

He paused, his tone becoming extremely flattering and earnest: "A cultural industry project of this caliber must be spearheaded by a national-level force. Looking across the country, is there anyone more suitable than our China Film Group? This project should naturally be led by you, Uncle Han."

We at Shengying are content to simply follow behind your aircraft carrier, getting a share of the profits and doing some of the actual execution work. The Northeast is a murky place, with deeply entrenched relationships; without your and China Film Group's banner, our small business couldn't possibly thrive.”

Han Sanping was a man of great stature, a seasoned veteran who could navigate Wang Haisheng's banquet with ease. How could he not hear the flattery in Wang Sheng's words?
This guy, ostensibly complaining and praising him, is actually stuffing the biggest policy risks, coordination problems, and the most glamorous "leading role" into his hands, while he himself hides behind the scenes, holding onto the bulk of the actual operations and future profits.

He pointed at Wang Sheng and laughed and cursed a few times: "You slippery fellow! You still want to play these tricks on me? If you, Wang Sheng, were afraid of the deep waters, you wouldn't have gone to eastern Guangdong to inspect that batch of counterfeit cameras, let alone formed some kind of alliance with 31 film studios! I think you're not just bad at handling things, you're very shrewd. You want to push this old man out to take the fall so you can make a fortune in the background!"

That's what he said, but Han Sanping's face showed no anger. Instead, he wore a knowing smile of being pleased. At his position, what he needed were "his own people" who were capable, knew how to get things done, and were willing to give up the credit.

He accepted Wang Sheng's flattery quite comfortably.

"But you're right,"

Han Sanping's smile faded, and he said seriously, "Letting your private enterprises take the lead is indeed easy to attract criticism and cause unnecessary trouble locally. The China Film Group brand is indeed useful in many things."

This year, the series of initiatives undertaken through the China Film Group platform gave Han Sanping a completely different sense of control compared to when he was the director of the Beijing Film Studio. Although his administrative rank remained unchanged, the resources he could mobilize, his influence within the industry, and his right to influence others had all been greatly enhanced.

For example, establishing a monitoring system for cinemas is something the director of Beijing Film Studio could not do at all, but it could be done through China Film Group, which monopolizes the distribution rights of imported films.

Han Sanping pondered for a moment, clearly having made a decision: "In that case, the main body of the project will be led by China Film Group, as you said. However, in terms of funding, the group has just been established, and with its large size and expenses, it's unrealistic to come up with too much cash all at once."

My idea is for the three of us to collaborate: China Film Group, your Shengying Media, and the local government of Shenyang.

China Film Group provides the brand, policy support, and is responsible for communication and coordination with higher levels; Shenyang City provides the land, supporting policies, and is responsible for smoothing local relations and ensuring infrastructure construction; Shengying Film Group is responsible for the main financial investment, and—most importantly, the overall planning, construction, and long-term operation and management of the project.

He looked intently at Wang Sheng: "The management rights are yours. I can tell you have ideas about how to run this film and television city; it's not just about building a set for filming 'Crossing the Guandong'."

Is it like what happened in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, or is there some new trick? I trust you with this. As for China Film Group, we'll just be a 'quiet' investor and, incidentally, help you fend off any potential 'local bullies' from all sides.”

These words essentially set the tone for cooperation and the distribution of power.

China Film Group gained official recognition and top-level protection, Shenyang City gained political achievements and boosted the local economy, and Shengying provided funds and efforts while controlling the core operating rights and profit rights.

This is a typical model of government-enterprise cooperation, a partnership between state-owned and private enterprises, where each party gets what they need. Wang Sheng knew this was the best offer Han Sanping could make, and it also reflected his immense trust in him.

He stopped "refusing," sat up straight, and became serious: "Since Uncle Han trusts me so much, I will definitely do this well."

We want the operating rights, and we'll take on the corresponding investment and risks. Our initial idea is that this film studio shouldn't just serve one film, "Crossing the Guandong"—that would be a waste.

We aim to establish ourselves in Northeast China, radiating across the country, and develop into a multi-period, multi-themed outdoor filming base encompassing Ming Dynasty villages, forest farms and snowfields, and modern industrial landscapes. Simultaneously, we will provide comprehensive supporting facilities including hotels, restaurants, post-production centers, and even film and television education and training institutions, forming a complete industrial chain.

In the future, it will not only be able to host film crews, but also develop tourism, becoming a cultural landmark for China Film Group in Northeast China.

Han Sanping nodded repeatedly as he listened; Wang Sheng's ideas were clearly more ambitious and clearer than he had anticipated.

“Good! That’s the vision we have! You can start discussing the specific details with the Shenyang side in the next few days. I have to fly back to Beijing first thing tomorrow morning; there’s a ton of work to do at the group. I’ll have my assistant stay behind to temporarily represent China Film Group and assist you with the investigation and negotiations. Once I get back, I’ll immediately push for project approval within the group and get the cooperation framework agreement signed as soon as possible.”

"Understood, Uncle Han, don't worry." Wang Sheng nodded solemnly.

The two exchanged views on some potential difficulties and matters of principle. Seeing that it was getting late, Wang Sheng got up to say goodbye.

……

Over the next few days, Wang Sheng's schedule in Shenyang was packed.

During the day, accompanied by officials from Shenyang's cultural, planning, and tourism departments, he would travel by car to various potential candidate sites in the suburbs for inspection.

In late autumn, the Northeast Plain offers a wide-open view, with withered grass and yellow trees, exuding a desolate yet majestic beauty.

Wearing sunglasses and a thick overcoat, Wang Sheng carefully examined the terrain, transportation, and surrounding environment in the cold wind, occasionally exchanging opinions in hushed tones with the officials beside him and the Sheng Ying team accompanying him.

Zhao Benshan, as a representative of the local arts and culture scene and an important partner of Wang Sheng in Northeast China, accompanied him almost throughout the entire trip.

His warm Northeastern accent and witty remarks often had a remarkable effect on enlivening the atmosphere and bridging the gap during somewhat serious official inspections.

"Mr. Wang, look at this piece of land. It's flat, close to the highway exit, and there's a small ditch next to it. It'll look great once it's developed!" Zhao Benshan pointed to a vacant lot in front of him and introduced it enthusiastically.

Wang Sheng nodded slightly and asked the deputy director of the planning bureau beside him, "Director Liu, what is the land use designation for this area..."

In the evenings, there are often banquets and meetings of various scales.

The Shenyang authorities did not dare to neglect this "God of Wealth" who had just won multiple awards at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival and held enormous resources, and received him with the highest level of hospitality.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, the intention to cooperate was reiterated time and again, and details were initially discussed in the midst of the lively conversation.

Wang Sheng remained polite and restrained, neither making overly enthusiastic promises nor creating awkward silences, always maintaining the pace and appropriate measure of the conversation.

Han Sanping's assistant, representing China Film Group, aptly supplemented the state-owned enterprise's position and demands, relieving Wang Sheng of a lot of pressure.

During breaks from his busy official duties, Zhao Benshan would also do his best to be a good host and arrange some "programs" with more Northeastern characteristics.

For example, you can try authentic local dishes like "pig-killing feast" and "sweet and sour pork," or experience a lively Errenzhuan (a traditional Chinese folk art form) performance...

That's so tacky!
……

(End of this chapter)