Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 128 Talented Individuals Join the Team
On the other end, Wu Yuchen hung up the phone and smiled as he looked at the number on his phone.

Haha, the Beijing circle, huh?

Logically speaking, the "Beijing Circle" should refer to the broader cultural circle of Beijing, which is a very large scope. However, in the entertainment industry, the "Beijing Circle" that people talk about is actually a small circle formed by the children of high-ranking officials from military compounds. Due to their resource advantages, it expanded rapidly along with the development of the entertainment industry and became a very influential circle in the domestic entertainment circle.

When talking about key figures in this circle, one person who cannot be ignored is Wang Shuo.

When Wang Shuo is mentioned, many people will mention Xu Cairen. Wang Shuo does not shy away from this and directly tells the media that his house was bought for him by Xu Cairen. He is living off a woman's money and acts like he is very genuine.

But if you call him hypocritical, he is hypocritical too. Wang Shuo's later relationship with Wang Ziwen is also quite interesting. He said that Wang Ziwen's grandfather was his old friend, and how could he ignore them bullying his friend's child? Hahaha, he just took his old friend's granddaughter into his home and they lived together!
She was so open and honest with Xu Cai Ren, but why is she hiding it from Wang Zi Wen?

To be honest, Wang Shuo's success was undoubtedly due to his talent. His writing was inspiring and rebellious, yet not offensive, expressing what people wouldn't normally dare to say, making him very popular among young people and a leader in popular literature at the time. Looking back on the life of this "great writer," his most successful period was from 1988 to 1994, during which his books sold extremely well, and the films and television dramas he participated in were all huge hits.

His works have always been controversial in literary circles, and he even has a nickname, "the literary critic," with his works being called "hooligan literature." After Wang Shuo gained power, his personality became arrogant, and his mouth offended many people. He would curse anyone and nothing could be harmonious.

In 1993, the Shanghai Literature published an article titled "Ruins in the Wilderness: The Crisis of Literature and Humanistic Spirit." The article targeted Wang Shuo and Zhang Yimou, saying that their works reflected the shattering of contemporary humanistic spirit and the shrinking of the humanistic spirit of the times. This sparked a major discussion on humanistic spirit in Shanghai's academic circles, which then spread to the entire literary and artistic circles.

Haha, it's really just that kind of mutual disdain among intellectuals. That's the earliest source of why so many people jump out to criticize Zhang Yimou's films later on.

One good thing about Zhang Yimou is that you can criticize him all you want, but I won't say a word or argue back, so nothing has ever happened to me.

But Wang Shuo is different; he's the type to argue with everything and everyone!
No one knows exactly what happened between the two parties in the intervening years, but by 96, Wang Shuo was completely banned. Any book or film that touched on him could not pass censorship. Fearing for his personal safety if he stayed any longer, he simply went to the United States to avoid trouble.

That's why Feng Xiaogang adapted Wang Shuo's works but didn't dare use his original name or add his name.

Wu Yuchen had never met Wang Shuo in his past life, and he didn't plan to have anything happen between them in this life. He didn't dislike Wang Shuo, but he felt that this guy was an example of a dragon slayer who ended up becoming a dragon himself.

This guy once said: "I hate elites and successful people the most. They are nothing but a bunch of lucky people and a group of pseudo-intellectuals who like to set up their own small circles and create a culture of privilege."

As a result, he became a key figure in a small circle, and this so-called Beijing circle later developed into a very distasteful place.

Wu Yuchen knew he couldn't get along with these people, so he decided to keep to himself and avoid conflict from now on.

However, the phone call did serve as a reminder that his Miracle Film Company was indeed lacking in talent. Although he was managing it, running two or three film crews simultaneously was already the limit; they were too busy and also lacked management personnel.

We need to find a suitable candidate as soon as possible, otherwise, as the director, he will be constantly traveling around filming, and with such a large company, he simply won't be able to handle everything.

At this moment, a pair of fair and delicate jade-like hands reached out from behind, encircled Wu Yuchen, and asked with a smile:

"Why are you dazed?"

Wu Yuchen pecked Li Xiaoran on the cheek: "Missed you~"

Li Xiaoran's beautiful eyes sparkled with a smile as she looked at the TV series "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" playing on the screen: "Is this TV series good? I see you're so engrossed in it."

Wu Yuchen looked at Chief Qiao, who was currently performing a series of amazing feats with his own background music, and nodded with a smile: "It's really good. You'll see when you see it."

The Hong Kong version of "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" was a huge success when it was released in Hong Kong a few months ago, and was subsequently introduced to mainland television stations, already showing signs of becoming a legendary drama.

Those who haven't experienced it might not realize how popular "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" was. It was broadcast on almost 34 provincial TV stations, setting a precedent in the history of Chinese television. This directly forced the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television to introduce regulations that prohibit the broadcast of Hong Kong dramas during prime time next year.

Wu Yuchen pulled Li Xiaoran into his arms and asked, "How are things on set?"

"It was great, everyone on set took good care of me. Actress He Saifei's acting was superb, I learned a lot from her!"

"Oh? What did you learn?"

"Arguing~" Li Xiaoran said with a playful smile.

"Ok?"

"In the script, she and actor Li Youbin were arguing all the time—three small arguments every day and a big one every two days. I learned so much from that!"

Wu Yuchen gently patted her: "Why don't you learn this?"

"I was just kidding~ Teacher He isn't a professional actress either, but she shared a lot of her own experience with me. She's a really nice person!"

When Wu Yuchen heard He Saifei's name, he couldn't help but recall how He Saifei finally won the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress more than 20 years later, and how she cried and laughed while giving her speech on stage, which was very sincere and lovely.

Wu Yuchen then asked, "Hey, I heard you almost fell off a horse while filming a scene. Are you alright?"

"It's nothing, the horse just got a little spooked and ran for a while before stopping."

"Be more careful next time. If you fall, it's not a small matter. You could break a bone or sprain. Come on, let me check if you're hurt."

"It's nothing... Hey, why are you taking my clothes off... Waaah..."

To the background music of the TV show, Wu Yuchen used Qiao Feng's signature move, the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms, and reached out towards Li Xiaoran...

"Karen, I'm having some financial problems and can't attend to the company's affairs for the time being."

"Mr. Jiang, our company has a bright future! The TV series 'Love Line Between Beijing and Hong Kong,' which we co-produced with CCTV, has also been broadcast. We've made connections, and as long as we develop well, our future is definitely bright..."

Cai Yinong hurriedly tried to persuade her company boss, even offering empty promises, but before she could finish, the person on the other end of the phone interrupted her:

"Karen, I'm sorry, but I'm planning to withdraw my investment. Good luck to you!"

Cai Yinong wanted to say something more, but all she heard was a busy signal on the phone. This made her both angry and anxious, but helpless. Just then, Li Yapeng walked over and asked, "Sister K, is our company still okay?"

Cai Yinong looked at Li Yapeng in front of her, opened her mouth, gritted her teeth and said, "Yapeng, even if the company fails, I will definitely help you get back on your feet. I will start my own company. If you believe me, wait for me for half a year."

Li Yapeng didn't answer directly upon hearing this, but instead said, "Sister K, how about I go out and find some roles myself? I can't just sit around doing nothing..."

Li Yapeng is not a very honest and simple person. Seeing that the company is going downhill, he will not put all his eggs in one basket. Who knows what the situation will be like in six months?
Upon hearing this, Cai Yinong sighed inwardly, knowing that her current situation made it impossible for anyone to believe her, but she forced a smile and nodded.

After Li Yapeng left, Cai Yinong sat down wearily, rubbing her temples as she fell into deep thought.

Cai Yinong's ancestors were once wealthy. Her grandfather was the vice mayor of Xiamen City and a patriotic overseas Chinese. After returning to China, he founded the first Fujian Chamber of Commerce and served as its president.

However, during a certain special period, her family underwent a drastic change due to their class background. As soon as the special period ended, her father immigrated to Hong Kong Island. To support his family, he worked as a decorator, a printing factory worker, and a security guard.

Five years later, she and her mother went to Hong Kong to reunite with her father. Her mother, who was originally a leading actress in the theater troupe, worked in an electronics factory and also worked as a cashier in a tea restaurant.

Seeing her parents working hard from dawn till dusk to support the family, Cai Yinong vowed to make something of herself in the future.

After graduation, she started as a reporter and worked her way up to magazine editor, publicity director of Hong Kong Cable Television, production coordinator of the Hong Kong Film Awards organizing committee, director of actor resources department and marketing manager of Hong Kong Super Talent Film Company.

In the process, he made many connections within the industry.

As the marketing manager, she would go to the filming location to watch the director shoot whenever she had free time, and in the process, she gained a comprehensive understanding of the entire process of TV series production and distribution.

Six months ago, at the invitation of a boss, I became the general manager of a company called "Hong Kong Island China Film Group". Despite the grand name, which makes it sound like an official organization, it's actually just a small company.

To coincide with Hong Kong's return to China this year, they collaborated with CCTV to film a TV series called "Love Line Between Beijing and Hong Kong." The male lead was Li Yapeng, who was signed to the company, and the female lead was Wu Qianlian.

Cai Yinong thought she had finally connected with CCTV and was ready to expand and strengthen her business, but then her boss suddenly withdrew all the funds!
That phone call just now completely extinguished her hopes; the company will probably be dissolved soon. Her entrepreneurial journey ended prematurely, and she was unwilling to accept it!
But what can you do if you're unwilling? You can't do anything without money.

Just as Cai Yinong was feeling extremely frustrated, the phone rang again.

Cai Yinong roused herself and picked up the microphone again:
"Hello, this is Cai Yinong..."

Immediately afterward, Cai Yinong's eyes widened: "What? Wu Yuchen? You're Director Wu!"

……

When Cai Yinong arrived at the coffee shop, she saw a handsome young man waving at her. She quickly went over, bowed slightly, and said with a smile, "Director Wu, I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and took the initiative to shake hands with him: "President Cai, it's no trouble at all, I just arrived too. I heard that people in Hong Kong like to drink coffee, so I chose this place."

After sitting down, Cai Yinong said, "You're too kind. Actually, I'm not from Hong Kong Island. I grew up in Xiamen until I was 10 years old. So after Hong Kong Island returned to China, I really wanted to come back and develop my career. After all, it's hard to leave one's homeland!"

"Haha, what a wonderful saying, 'It's hard to leave one's homeland.' I admire people like you, President Cai!" Wu Yuchen praised.

Looking at Cai Yinong in front of him, he thought of the Legend of Sword and Fairy, Hu Ge, Xia Jie, Yang Mi, Gulnazar...

Although netizens have criticized her various bizarre actions since then, you can't deny that Cai Yinong was quite capable as a woman who started her own business from scratch in her twenties!

If she didn't have her own influence, she would have started her own business six months later and co-founded Sugarman Films with Li Guoli.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, then Wu Yuchen said with a smile:
"Mr. Cai, let's be frank and not beat around the bush. I admire your talent and ability, so I would like to invite you to join our Miracle Films. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Cai Yinong was overjoyed. She hadn't expected that after seemingly no way out, a new path would open up before her. Her company was on the verge of collapse, and now someone was inviting her—and it was none other than the renowned director Wu Yuchen!
She has been traveling between Hong Kong Island and the mainland for the past six months, so how could she not know who Wu Yuchen is?

After winning Best Director at the Berlin Film Festival six months ago, his film "Run Lola Run" also grossed over HK$1800 million in Hong Kong. If nothing unexpected happens, this result should place it in the top ten of Hong Kong's annual box office.

During the recent summer movie season in mainland China, he teamed up with Joey Wong for "My Brothers and Sisters," which grossed over 7000 million yuan at the box office. This phenomenal box office performance has caused a sensation in the entire entertainment industry, making him a household name!

Therefore, she was naturally delighted when renowned director Wu Yuchen invited her. Moreover, unlike her previous boss, Wu Yuchen's main business was film and television, so she was unlikely to experience a similar situation of absconding with investment.

However, while Cai Yinong was happy, she remained calm and replied with a smile:

"Thank you for your kind words, Director Wu. I have long admired you! I wonder why you chose me?"

Her words were actually a test, mainly to see what Wu Yuchen planned to ask her to do and how much he valued her. If he only asked her to do trivial things, it would definitely not meet her expectations, and she would have to carefully consider whether to join Miracle Films.

Wu Yuchen understood her thoughts, smiled, and said:
"President Cai, I've looked into your resume. If you're willing to join Miracle Films, you'll be in full charge of the company's TV series production business."

Upon hearing this, Cai Yinong's eyes lit up. This power was already considerable, and it was exactly what she wanted to do, enough for her to fully utilize her talents.

But that wasn't all, Wu Yuchen continued:
"The reason I approached you, Mr. Cai, is because you have extensive experience in Hong Kong and are a rare talent who is familiar with both the mainland and Hong Kong."

"If there's any business with Hong Kong or Taiwan in the future, you'll probably need to handle it as well. For example, we're planning to sell the Hong Kong and Taiwan rights to 'My Brothers and Sisters.' I'm also planning to open a company in Hong Kong Island, and I'll need your help with that too."

Cai Yinong immediately asked, "Director Wu, are you planning to develop your career in Hong Kong Island?"

Wu Yuchen shook his head slightly: "It's just a shell company for now, but it might come in handy in the future."

Cai Yinong understood immediately; it was similar to her current company, which was on the verge of bankruptcy, with Wu Yuchen's focus still on the mainland.

In other words, once she joins Miracle Films, she will be in charge of television drama production, while also maintaining relationships with Hong Kong and Taiwan—a position that already carries considerable weight. And with the backing of a renowned director like Wu Yuchen, what is there to hesitate about?
Cai Yinong immediately flashed a bright smile: "Director Wu, I am so grateful for your high regard. It would be rude of me to refuse. If there is anything I do not do well in the future, please give me your guidance!"

(End of this chapter)