Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 32: Can your cat do somersaults?

The hustle and bustle and enthusiasm inside the Beijing Film Studio canteen, like warm yellow lights, pierced through the windows and spilled into the deepening night.

This lively atmosphere, however, stung the ears and hearts of some people.

In the apartment building in the residential area, Zhao, the head of the factory's propaganda department, was having dinner in a somewhat somber atmosphere.

The meal was simple, and Zhao Xiaojun, the son of Section Chief Zhao, picked at the rice in his bowl, but had no taste for it.

His father, Director Zhao of the factory's propaganda department, put down his chopsticks after finishing his meal.

Smoke curled from the cigarette between his fingers, blurring his furrowed brow.

Director Zhao glanced at his son, seemingly seeing through his thoughts, and his tone became somewhat heavy: "Don't be unconvinced. Xiaojun, our factory is probably going to change a lot in the future."

"Changed? Isn't this the reform we're talking about now? Encouraging people to make their own way in the world, isn't that what Wang Sheng and his group are doing?" Zhao Xiaojun muttered, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible bitterness and confusion.

“I’m not referring to these petty squabbles.” Director Zhao took a deep drag on his cigarette, exhaling thick smoke as if to release the pent-up emotions in his chest. “I’m talking about the Beijing Film Studio itself, which might be shut down or… merged away any day now.”

"What?!" Zhao Xiaojun looked up abruptly, nearly dropping his chopsticks. "Dad, what nonsense are you talking about? Our factory has over a thousand employees, it's one of the top eight factories, with impeccable revolutionary credentials, how could this be?"

The eight major film studios established after the founding of the People's Republic of China include Changchun Film Studio, Beijing Film Studio, Shanghai Film Studio, August First Film Studio, Xi'an Film Studio, Pearl River Film Studio, Emei Film Studio, and Xiaoshan Film Studio.

"Why not?" Director Zhao sneered, his eyes filled with the worry of someone with experience and the knowing look of someone well-informed: "Look at the situation outside now. Which film studio in the country isn't facing numerous difficulties? Changchun Film Studio, Xi'an Film Studio, Pearl River Film Studio... are they having an easy time? The higher-ups are pushing forward with film system reform, and they're not just talking about it. Streamlining institutions and integrating resources is an inevitable trend. Our Beijing Film Studio is large and burdened, so it's at the forefront of the reform."

He lowered his voice and spoke of the information he had heard and come into contact with: "It may not go bankrupt, but it is very likely to be merged into some newly established large film group or broadcasting and film group."

But can the new company take in all of our factory's employees? Especially those of us who work in offices..."

Director Zhao pointed to himself, then to his son: "By then, skilled workers, those with expertise, like photographers, lighting technicians, and editors, will never starve. In fact, those like Wang Sheng, who figured out the market early and built their own businesses, might be the ones who thrive the most. Our seemingly leisurely management positions with a bit of power might become redundant. Times have changed."

These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over Zhao Xiaojun's head, jolting him out of his simple jealousy and resentment towards Wang Sheng, and giving rise to a huge sense of panic and chill.

What upset him even more was that he heard that those children of workers who used to drink with him and gossip about Wang Sheng and his ilk, especially the son of Qian Qianjin, the deputy head of the purchasing department, were now running off to a training course at Shengying Media to learn photography!
They keep saying "multiple skills mean multiple paths," completely forgetting their "bold words" about "defending the bloodline and dignity of the children of Beijing Film Studio"!

The feeling of being betrayed by an "ally" was even more frustrating and painful for him than being slapped in the face by Wang Sheng.

Friends of the fair are ultimately unreliable; when the tide turns, they go their separate ways.

……

Over in the cafeteria, the banquet was drawing to a close.

Wang Sheng was very sensible and did not let everyone indulge in drinking. He repeatedly emphasized that there was still a lot of work to be done tomorrow, the equipment needed to be inventoried and put into storage, the training needed to officially begin, and new orders were also in the queue. He said that it was enough to just give a token gesture.

Although the crowd was not completely satisfied, they understood and gradually dispersed.

On the way back, Wang Baoguo and Zhang Xiulan were surrounded by family members of employee representatives or department heads, who praised Wang Sheng and envied their "effective parenting."

"Baoguo, Xiulan, your Xiaosheng is really something!" someone gave a thumbs up. "It hasn't been long, and he's already made such a big splash. The whole factory depends on him for their livelihood!"

"Yes, yes, we'll have to ask Mr. Wang to take good care of our son in the future..."

Mr. and Mrs. Wang waved their hands repeatedly, saying humble things like "it was all the child's own messing around" and "thank you all for thinking so highly of him," but the slight upturn of their lips and the smile lines around their eyes could not hide their inner joy and pride.

The son not only overcame his previous gloom, but also made them stand tall in the factory with his solid achievements.

Seeing the company achieve a successful start and gradually get back on track, their worries finally eased a little.

……

Wang Sheng did not go home with his parents.

He was stopped by Li Xiaoran.

“Mr. Wang, seeing you so successful today makes me feel honored as well.” Li Xiaoran took out a slender, beautifully packaged box from her bag and handed it over with a slight smile: “It’s just a small gift, nothing special, but it’s to celebrate the start of your career and to thank you for giving me that opportunity back then.”

Wang Sheng was somewhat surprised. He took it and opened it to find a Parker fountain pen with a simple and sleek design. The silver-gray body exuded a low-key quality and looked quite valuable.

In this day and age, this is considered a very presentable gift.

"This is too much trouble." Wang Sheng closed the box and sincerely thanked her, "Thank you, Ms. Li. The success of the advertisement is well-deserved; your own qualities and professional attitude are the key." "Don't mention it," Li Xiaoran smiled, her eyes sparkling in the night.

Wang Sheng: "Well then, to show my gratitude, I'll take you home."

In 1996, although the overall public security had improved somewhat, the crime of hooliganism had not yet been abolished, so it was indeed unsafe to let a pretty and eye-catching girl like Li Xiaoran go back alone.

"Okay."

Li Xiaoran readily agreed.

The two walked out of the factory area side by side and flagged down a yellow minivan that hadn't been phased out yet.

Although the ride comfort was terrible, the interior space was quite spacious compared to sedan-type taxis like the Xiali. Also, with the windows rolled down, there was no unpleasant smell.

The two got into the car, and Li Xiaoran gave them her address.

The car started and drove into the night of Beijing.

For a moment, neither of them seemed to know where to begin, and a somewhat awkward silence fell over them.

Finally, Li Xiaoran spoke first, her voice soft amidst the engine noise: "Speaking of which, I have to thank you for your reminder last time. When I signed the contract with Xinbaoyuan, I specifically asked a lawyer to help me review the terms."

"Oh? How long was the final signing period?" Wang Sheng asked.

"One year."

Li Xiaoran's tone was a mix of relief and helplessness: "The lawyer said that the domestic artist management business is like this now, not very standardized, and there are many traps in long-term contracts. Xinbaoyuan didn't force me, maybe they also felt that I might not become famous, so they signed me for a year to test the waters. They didn't plan any development path for me, just said they would recommend me if there was an opportunity."

Zhao Baogang does have limited resources at this time. He and Feng Xiaogang were both promoted by Zheng Xiaolong, a bigwig in the Beijing circle. Signing Li Xiaoran was not his idea, but his wife Ding Xin's. Ding Xin is to Zhao Baogang what Shi Nansheng is to Xu Ke, a very famous couple.

Li Xiaoran's tone became slightly lighter: "But thanks to your advertisement, the title of 'Most Beautiful Bride' is quite useful. I've received quite a few advertising invitations recently, for toothpaste, shampoo, skincare products, and so on, and I've earned tens of thousands of yuan. Of course, it can't compare to you, the big boss, and I have to give half of it to the company."

It's definitely not very standard; the company shouldn't split the profits 90/10 with you.

Wang Sheng muttered a complaint under his breath, then continued, "This revenue sharing ratio is alright. It's a viable path to establish a foothold through advertising, build brand awareness and capital. A year is enough to seize one opportunity."

Li Xiaoran sighed softly, turned her head to look at the colorful streetlights outside the window, her tone tinged with confusion and self-deprecation: "Sometimes I think, I should have just followed you like Xiaobing and the others."

It seems that although things are tough for you, your path is widening and your goals are clear. Being an actor is such an uncertain path; it's like walking in a fog, not knowing whether the next step will be flat ground or a pit.

Wang Sheng didn't respond to that topic and instead started talking about other things.

……

The car quickly arrived at the entrance of the residential complex where Li Xiaoran rented an apartment.

This is a residential community that looks pretty good.

The cool night breeze caressed my face.

Li Xiaoran did not leave immediately after getting out of the car.

She turned around, the night outlining the contours of her beautiful face. She looked at Wang Sheng, her eyes shining brightly under the streetlights.

"Um... thank you for bringing me back." She seemed to hesitate for a moment, then, as if gathering her courage, asked softly, "It's still early, would you like to... come upstairs and sit for a while? Or have a glass of water?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the night air seemed to freeze for a moment, filled with a subtle ambiguity and probing.

Are you using this to test a hot-blooded young man?

That young man can withstand such a test!

A smile appeared on Wang Sheng's handsome face as he asked, "Can your cat do somersaults?"

"Huh? I don't have a cat..."

(End of this chapter)