Huayu: Reborn in 97, transferring to the Central Academy of Drama's star-studded class

Jiang Lai turned to Jiang Wen beside him and quietly asked, "What's going on here today?"

Jiang Wen took a drag of his cigarette, looking at Jiang Lai with surprise. "Damn, are you in the industry?"

"I wasn't originally one," Jiang Lai said, shrugging.

Jiang Wen leaned closer and lowered his voice, "In early February, several film companies in Beijing were reorganized into China Film Group. From then on, it became the leading film company in our country. Third Master will serve as the vice chairman and be in charge of projects."

Jiang Lai suddenly realized who the main seat was reserved for, and he also instantly understood that these people had come to pay their respects.

"This news hasn't been announced yet, so don't tell anyone," Jiang Wen reminded him again.

Jiang nodded to indicate that he understood.

This year, China Film Group underwent restructuring and reorganization. In a short period of time, Third Master quickly integrated resources and became the person in charge of Chinese films, completely creating the Lunar New Year film season and ushering in the era of commercial blockbusters in Chinese cinema.

It's fair to say that without this person, the film industry would have had to figure things out for several more years.

Not long after, the door to the room was pushed open, and Third Master strode in.

Everyone stood up in unison.

"Oh, boss, you didn't even tell me you were coming, so I could have come to pick you up," Feng Xiaogang greeted with a smile.

Third Master waved his hand and walked directly to the head seat.

"I'll just say a few words and then leave. I know what you're thinking. Just like before, there's nothing to worry about."

Third Master turned to look at both sides, "And the Wang brothers and Xiao Jiang, it's hard to say about the private enterprise, let's wait and see."

After saying those two sentences, Third Master poured himself a glass of wine. "That's all I have to say. We can contact each other privately later if there's anything else. Come on, let's have a drink."

Everyone quickly raised their glasses, and even Jiang Lai poured himself a glass of wine, though he only took a sip.

"Alright, I'll be going then. You guys have a good meal and drinks." Third Master turned around, thought for a moment, and said to Jiang, "Little Jiang, this is the first time we've met, but I've known about you for a while. Not bad, you're a great young man."

"Not at all, you flatter me." Jiang Lai nodded modestly. Although he didn't know what Third Master meant by speaking to him alone, he just went along with the conversation.

Third Master chuckled and patted Jiang Lai on the shoulder. "Young man, you're quite modest. That's good. Let's keep in touch more often. You...you come out with me for a bit."

Third Master nodded to everyone and then walked out, and everyone smiled and saw him off.

Jiang looked at the others and then followed them.

Outside the door, Third Master cupped his hands in front of him. "Xiao Jiang, I heard that you also funded the films directed by Jia Kezhang and Lou Ye? Oh, right, and Zhang Yuan and the others too."

"Yes, that's right." Jiang Lai nodded; there was nothing wrong with admitting it.

Third Master pondered for a moment and said, "Tell them to keep a low profile recently. The higher-ups' attitude has always been that if the people don't investigate, the officials won't take action. But now someone is trying to sabotage them. The higher-ups originally wanted to ban them, but I managed to stop them after much persuasion. You know them well, so please pass on the message to them."

"Alright, Third Master." Jiang Lai agreed verbally, but he was becoming more and more confused. No matter how much sincerity the other party had in saying that they would stop him, they were genuinely showing goodwill. However, Jiang Lai couldn't figure out what the other party wanted.

"The potential of our country's film market is enormous, as evidenced by the fact that 'Titanic' grossed nearly 4 million yuan, accounting for almost half of last year's total box office. But do you know how many films we released last year?"

Jiang Lai shook his head.

"Nearly one hundred films, including more than a dozen imported blockbusters, mean that on average, the profits from each film are not enough to cover the costs."

Third Master sighed, "While there are certainly issues with the film's quality, I think the biggest problem is that the budget isn't big enough."

"Xiao Jiang," Third Master said seriously, "you should start your own company. You can't just keep investing in movies on your own. And you need to have a long-term vision and look at the whole country."

Without saying anything more, Third Master patted Jiang Lai on the shoulder, "That's all for now. I'll visit your father later. I'll be going now."

"Okay, Third Master, please take care."

After seeing Third Master off, Jiang Lai stood there, pondering the other man's words.

Back in the room, many dishes had been served, but no one touched them until Jiang Lai sat down, at which point everyone warmly invited him to eat.

The Wang brothers engaged in a more enthusiastic conversation with Jiang.

Feng Xiaogang's eyes darted back and forth between Wang Shuo and Jiang Lai, seemingly lost in thought.

Jiang Wen, being the most direct guy, seized an opportunity to pull Jiang Lai aside and asked, "What did Third Master want to talk to you about?"

Jiang Lai replied helplessly, "I freaking don't know either."

Jiang Wen gave him a disdainful look, his face full of disbelief.

The party ended quickly, and Wang Shuo stood up and spoke his first words of the night.

"I've organized two events, shall we all go together?"

The older brother of the Wang family said he had other business to attend to and left, while the younger brother, Wang Zhonglei, stayed behind, full of enthusiasm.

As for the others, they all made excuses about having other things to do, and Jiang Lai was also not very interested and prepared to leave.

Wang Shuo gave Feng Xiaogang a wink, and Feng Xiaogang immediately went to Jiang Lai's side, earnestly inviting Jiang Lai to go out and have some fun. Jiang Lai thought about it and agreed.

In the end, besides the ones mentioned, Xu Jinglei, Zhao Baogang, and Uncle Ge were also present.

......

Inside a rented room in the west of the city.

An eighteen-year-old girl received a phone call and quickly got up to put on makeup.

After putting on her makeup and choosing a decent outfit, she stood in front of the mirror and suddenly felt like crying. She was still so young, how could she suddenly have to shoulder such a huge debt and have to beg for help everywhere?

After squatting on the ground for a while to calm herself down, the little girl resolutely walked out of the house, her figure disappearing into the cold night.

In a luxurious KTV club, she watched the glamorous hostesses coming and going, pursed her lips, and silently told herself something.

I'm different from them; I would never sell myself out!

Following the address in the text message, she found the 888 private room, where wailing and howling were coming from inside. She straightened her hair, forced a smile, and pushed open the door.

Jiang Lai never imagined that he would meet Fan Bingbing for the first time at a karaoke bar.

Since the second event, Wang Shuo had been pulling Jiang Lai aside to chat about this and that, his words implying that he was trying to get some resources and support for Xu Jinglei. The beautiful Xu Jinglei stood by, enjoying her beauty on her own, occasionally helping to pour drinks and beverages.

Jiang Lai responded with grunts and groans, already annoyed, and now he had to endure Director Feng's awful singing voice. He really could not sing.

Just then, the door to the private room was pushed open, and a girl dressed in a down jacket and jeans walked in. Jiang Lai recognized her at a glance as Fan Bingbing, but he didn't go up to get to know her.

The singing was so loud that Jiang Lai could only see the other person come in, glance around, and walk up to Wang Zhonglei with a smile. It seemed that Wang's younger brother had called her over.

Wang Zhonglei got up and put his arm around her shoulder, but the girl subtly broke free while pouring wine, poured herself a glass, and gulped it down in one breath.

Wang Zhonglei sat down again with a smile, pointed to the wine in front of him, and the young girl honestly downed several glasses in a row.

The music stopped, and Wang Zhonglei pointed at Jiang and said, "Go! Toast our young CEO Jiang!"

Fan Bingbing refilled her glass, carried it over, and said, "Hello, Mr. Jiang, I'm Fan Bingbing. I'd like to offer you a toast."

After saying that, he downed the drink in one gulp. Jiang Lai blinked, raised his drink in a toast, and took a sip.

"Go and toast everyone else!"

Jiang Lai could feel the young girl in front of him stiffen slightly, and without saying a word, he started toasting everyone in turn.

Drinking too fast or too much alcohol can easily make you dizzy; the girl's legs visibly trembled.

"Let's raise another toast!"

Fan Bingbing stood still with her head down.

"What? You don't want me to help you solve this problem?"

As soon as he said this, Fan Bingbing poured another full glass, just about to offer another toast.

"Put the wine down, I'll help you."

The six words were like heavenly music.

Fan Bingbing turned her head to look at the source of the sound, her big, watery eyes blinking. For the first time, she felt that there might really be angels in this world.