Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 282: New Year's Eve of the Millennium
February 4, 2000, the 2th day of the twelfth lunar month, Lunar New Year's Eve.

The morning light pierced through the thin mist, barely illuminating the somewhat worn windows of the Beijing Film Studio's living quarters.

Wang Sheng woke up in his familiar home, covered by a fluffy, soft cotton quilt that his mother had dried in the sun, carrying the clean scent of sunshine and soap.

Compared to the executive suites he usually stays in at the Hilton, this place is smaller and the soundproofing is not great, but it is very peaceful.

However, this tranquility was shattered by the incessant buzzing and ringing of the phone.

During the Spring Festival of the new millennium, sending New Year's greetings via text message began to become popular among people who owned mobile phones.

The screen of the Motorola Pocket Edition 328 lit up repeatedly, displaying one New Year's greeting after another with similar format and content.

Wang Sheng picked up his phone and quickly glanced through his inbox.

Most of them are platitudes sent by company subordinates, partners, or even artists they've only met a few times.

He couldn't be bothered to reply to each one individually; in his eyes, these mass text messages lacked basic sincerity and were merely polite noise.

The phone calls started coming in one after another.

He muted his phone and selectively answered calls.

The first call came in from Han Sanping.

"Hey, Uncle Han, Happy New Year."

Wang Sheng answered the phone and leaned back against the headboard, relaxing his body.

A strong, even spirited voice came from the other end of the phone: "Shengzi, Happy New Year! Are you home?"

"Yes, I just got back from Tianjin yesterday. What about you? Are you in Sichuan province?"

"I've arrived. I arrived the day before yesterday." Han Sanping's laughter came through the receiver, conveying a sense of triumphant homecoming.

Han Sanping is a completely different person today. Since last year, with a series of effective measures, he successfully stabilized and revitalized the domestic film market, avoiding a market collapse that could have been caused by the suspension of imported film business. His status within China Film Group and even in the film industry has soared.

From initially temporarily overseeing the distribution of domestic films to now officially taking charge of it, and working in conjunction with the Film Special Fund Management Committee and cultural market management departments with market supervision functions, he has initially established an inspection and monitoring network covering major box office cities.

This network, like a gradually tightening fishing net, is primarily targeting the long-standing problem of box office underreporting that has plagued the industry for years.

It can be said that within China Film Group, Han Sanping is already a powerful figure who controls both production and distribution, and his influence can even reach the screening terminal through both administrative and market means.

Although the distribution of imported films was not directly under Lao Han's control, he cleverly used the "righteousness" of China Film Group's monopoly on the distribution of imported films to crack down on cinemas that dared to defy the rules and screen smuggled films. He cut off the supply of legitimate film sources and even joined forces with relevant departments to investigate and punish them. This aroused resentment among many "local forces" who relied on smuggled films for profit, and they kept reporting to higher authorities.

However, Han Sanping's achievements in "saving the market" last year were so great that they shone brightly.

Faced with the weighty achievement of ensuring that the domestic film market did not collapse and even grew against the trend, those dissenting voices and complaints seem pale and powerless.

Rumors are circulating within the company that Han Sanping, with his sufficient experience and prestige, will almost certainly take over as chairman of China Film Group after another year of steady and solid training.

Returning to my hometown in Sichuan Province for the Spring Festival this time also had a sense of "returning home in glory".

The two exchanged greetings about their recent situations and talked about the filming progress of "Lurking" and the subsequent revenue of "Happy Family".

Finally, Han Sanping lowered his voice, his tone carrying a hint of intimacy as if revealing inside information: "Shengzi, stabilizing the core market is only the first step. I've heard some rumors that the higher-ups are very determined, and the reform of the Chinese film market is about to enter a deeper phase."

Wang Sheng's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately thought of the guiding document that would be released in June of this year and would have a profound impact on the Chinese film industry for the next ten years—"Several Opinions on Further Deepening the Reform of the Film Industry," also known as Guangfa Yingzi [2000] No. 320.

Although the document was not yet finalized, it was not surprising that Han Sanping, given his current position and connections, had prior knowledge of the high-level personnel's movements.

Wang Sheng replied sincerely, "I understand, thank you for your guidance, my teacher."

He didn't force himself to call him "mentor." Whether it was for the kindness of being recognized or the strong support in his career, Han Sanping deserved it.

"Well, there's no need for formalities between us. The new year will bring even greater opportunities and challenges, so be prepared." Han Sanping stopped there, his tone becoming more relaxed: "By the way, Jia Nu is right next to us, do you want to say a few words to her?"

"Okay."

There was a rustling sound on the other end of the phone, followed by a clear, girlish voice that was going through puberty and trying to sound composed: "Uncle Wang, Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year, my dear daughter." Wang Sheng smiled, recalling the image of the little girl with pigtails who would argue with her father over math problems a few years ago: "I have good news for you. 'Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit 3000 Questions' will be broadcast on CCTV-7's Animation City program on the first day of the Lunar New Year, which is tomorrow. Remember to watch it."

At that time, CCTV-7 was called the Children's, Military, Agriculture and Science Channel. In 2001, the Science Channel was established, and it was renamed the Children's, Military and Agriculture Channel. The Children's Channel was finally established in 2003.

However, Han Jianu's response surprised him: "Uncle Wang, I don't like watching cartoons anymore."

Wang Sheng was slightly taken aback, then smiled knowingly. It was just his habitual way of thinking.

In 96, Han Jianu hadn't even entered fifth grade yet. Now, a few years later, she's already in the second year of junior high last year.

It's perfectly normal to have a shift in interests when you enter puberty.

"Oh, right, right, I forgot that our beautiful ladies are all grown up."

Wang Sheng readily agreed: "So what do you usually like to watch? Movies? Or TV series?"

"Hmm... I read books and watch movies occasionally." Han Jianu's answer carried the reservedness typical of her age, an attempt to project maturity.

Wang Sheng didn't say anything more, just casually asked a few questions about his studies, and then heard Han Sanping answer the phone. The two chatted briefly, wished each other well, and then ended the call.

……

I had just put my phone down when it rang again. Looking at the caller ID, it was Li Xiaoran.

"Hey, Happy New Year, you busy person!" Li Xiaoran's voice carried a hint of lazy coquettishness.

"Happy Chinese New Year. Are you at your parents' house?" Wang Sheng asked.

“Yes, I’m spending the New Year with them. What about you? Are you free tomorrow, the first day of the Lunar New Year? Come visit me?” Li Xiaoran asked tentatively, her tone full of anticipation.

Wang Sheng said calmly, "Have you forgotten? The 'Lurking' crew is going to resume work on the second day of the Lunar New Year. I also have other things to take care of on the first day. I can't go."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Li Xiaoran's slightly annoyed muttering: "I knew you were busy... You don't even take a break during the New Year."

"I'm hanging up now. Please give my regards to your uncle and aunt." Wang Sheng didn't explain further and simply ended the call.

Immediately after, Gao Yuanyuan called, her first words carrying a hint of playful reproach: "Who are you calling? Why is the line always busy?" Then she remembered the important matter: "Happy New Year!"

"Happy New Year," Wang Sheng replied. "I just chatted with Director Han about something."

"Oh..." Gao Yuanyuan drawled out her words, not delving into the matter further, and instead began to chat about her trivial matters at home, her tone light and cheerful, like a chirping little bird.

Fan Xiaopang's phone call followed immediately. His New Year's greetings were concise and to the point, and he also briefly reported on his travel plans during the Spring Festival, revealing a strong sense of "I'm very busy and have a strong work ethic."

I had just finished dealing with those few calls when a Hong Kong number called in; it was Cecilia Cheung.

"Daddy, Happy New Year!" Cecilia Cheung's Mandarin was much more fluent and standard than when they first met, but this way of addressing him... whether in private or on the phone like now, she insisted on calling him that, with a touch of Hong Kong-style intimacy and dependence.

"Happy New Year." Wang Sheng was already used to this greeting. "In the capital?"

"Yes, my whole family is spending the Lunar New Year in Beijing!" Cecilia Cheung said excitedly. "I bought a villa here! Last year was incredibly busy. I filmed the TV series 'The Four 2'... and movies like 'King of Comedy' and 'Fly Me to Polaris.' My schedule was packed with commercial performances and advertising endorsements. I only had a few days off during the Lunar New Year."

Last year, she was indeed one of the most sought-after money-making queens under Shengying Media and Enlight Media, enjoying immense popularity in both regions. Buying a villa was no problem for her.

After exchanging New Year's greetings, Cecilia Cheung changed the subject, lowering her voice and asking with obvious expectation, "Daddy, are you... free tomorrow?"

How could Wang Sheng not know what she was thinking?

He thought for a moment and said, "Let's meet at the hotel tonight. After our New Year's Eve dinner."

Immediately coming from the other end of the phone was Cecilia Cheung's smug chuckle: "Okay! I'll wait for you!"

After hanging up with Cecilia Cheung, Wang Sheng received several more New Year's greetings calls from company executives and important partners.

When the noise finally subsided, it was already bright outside the window.

He got up, dressed, and left the room.

Mother Zhang Xiulan had already prepared the paste, while Father Wang Baoguo carried the newly bought couplets and the character "福" (fortune).

Wang Sheng took the paper, moved a stool, and carefully pasted it on the door of his house. The red paper with black characters exuded a strong festive atmosphere.

After putting up the couplets, the family ate a simple breakfast—dumplings and millet porridge.

After the meal, Wang Sheng picked up the dog leash and whistled at Digua, who was sunbathing on the balcony.

Sweet Potato immediately wagged its tail and ran over, nuzzling affectionately against his trouser leg.

"Come on, let me take you out for a walk." Wang Sheng put a leash on it and led it out of the apartment building.

The winter sun was warm and bright, the living area was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, children were setting off firecrackers in their new clothes, and the air was filled with the mixed aroma of gunpowder and food.

Sweet Potato excitedly sniffed around, occasionally raising its hind legs to mark familiar telephone poles.

Wang Sheng strolled leisurely, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility and the vibrant, everyday atmosphere of the city.

……

That evening, the Wang family's New Year's Eve dinner was exceptionally lavish. Zhang Xiulan used all her skills to prepare a table full of dishes.

Wang Baoguo opened a bottle of good wine, and the father and son drank a few cups together.

The television was playing a preview of the Spring Festival Gala, and laughter filled the small living room.

Sweet potato also received a special meat feast, which it ate with great relish.

After finishing the New Year's Eve dinner and watching the Spring Festival Gala with his parents for a while, around nine o'clock, Wang Sheng got up and said, "Dad, Mom, I'm going out for a bit, I have something to do."

"..."

……

Wang Sheng put on his coat, stepped out of his house, and found his driver already waiting downstairs.

The car drove out of the residential area, merged into the relatively quiet traffic on New Year's Eve, and headed towards the Hilton Hotel.

The air conditioning and heating were turned up very high in the executive suite on the top floor of the hotel.

Cecilia Cheung had clearly prepared carefully, wearing a silk slip dress that accentuated her youthful curves. She had removed her heavy stage makeup, revealing a fresh and lovely natural look.

Upon seeing Wang Sheng enter, she immediately ran barefoot over and clung to him like a koala, pleading in her Cantonese-accented Mandarin, "Daddy, you're finally here! I've been waiting for you for so long!"

Wang Sheng patted her on the back and let her walk to the sofa and sit down: "Your Mandarin has improved, it's not so fake anymore."

"Of course, I've been studying hard!" Zhang Bozhi proudly raised her chin, then her eyes became hazy and seductive as she leaned close to his ear and breathed softly, "Daddy, what game do you want to play tonight?"

Wang Sheng cooperated with her impromptu role-playing game... (several words omitted)
(End of this chapter)