Reborn in the Hong Kong entertainment industry in the 1980s

Shao Yitao rejected Hu Xiaoxiao not only because he was older and lacked the drive he used to have, but also because he knew he was suited for television dramas and not movies. Switching jobs would mean starting all over again; even though both are directors, making television dramas and movies are completely different, and making movies is much harder than making television dramas.

Shengshi Entertainment doesn't produce TV dramas. If they did, he could give it a shot.

Although Hu Xiaoxiao felt regretful, she knew she couldn't persuade them. Seeing Nie Jinlong coming downstairs with a water glass, she explained the purpose of her visit: "Teacher Nie, you know people in the martial arts industry. Do you have any suitable martial arts instructors you could introduce me to?"

Nie Jinlong first found the God of Wealth's seat for the day, and after putting down his water glass, he asked Hu Xiaoxiao, "Are you making a new movie? What kind? What kind of martial arts choreographer do you need?"

"The new film hasn't been finalized yet, but our company is short of a martial arts choreographer. If Teacher Nie knows anyone who seems good, please introduce me." Hu Xiaoxiao picked out her favorite snacks and placed them on the fruit plate so she could eat them while she was fighting.

Nie Jinlong pulled out a chair in front of the mahjong table, intending to sit down and shuffle the tiles, but upon hearing Hu Xiaoxiao's words, he stopped shuffling, walked over to the sofa, sat down, and earnestly asked Hu Xiaoxiao, "Shengshi Entertainment is hiring a martial arts instructor? How much is the salary?"

"Base salary plus bonuses, depending on your performance. The stronger your performance, the more money you'll earn." Hu Xiaoxiao advertised her company, "Our company pays higher salaries than other companies, and the bonuses are generous. Don't worry about not making enough money, the only concern is not having enough ability. If you have the ability and skills, you can name your price, and as long as you dare to name it, our company dares to pay it."

Hu Xiaoxiao wasn't exaggerating; the company had just made a fortune and was quite wealthy, with no worries about money. Huang Yuliang had also acquired a plot of land in District 5, and had some high-quality properties that he hadn't sold yet, keeping them to collect rent each month. All of these accounts were included in the company's finances.

Hu Xiaoxiao glanced at Gao Zhiyuan again, "Our company not only hires full-time employees, but also part-time employees. If Director Gao doesn't have any films running, he can cooperate with our company and get a share of the profits."

Gao Zhiyuan was somewhat tempted by these words, but he had too many films scheduled and couldn't leave to earn this extra money.

"Xiaoxiao, what do you think of me?" Nie Jinlong asked, introducing himself.

Hu Xiaoxiao came with the idea of ​​getting a recommendation from Nie Jinlong, but she didn't expect Nie Jinlong himself to be interested. She quickly asked, "Are you serious?"

She had collaborated with Nie Jinlong on several dramas and was very impressed with his professionalism. However, after working at the television station for so many years, he seemed to be just like Director Shao, only wanting to retire there.

"Of course it's true. When have I ever lied to you?" Seeing that everyone here was an acquaintance, Nie Jinlong had no reservations and spoke his mind. "I had planned to leave a long time ago, but the film industry is not easy to make a living in. I have elderly parents and young children to support, and I was afraid that I would end up achieving nothing, so I stayed at the TV station."

"Xiaoxiao, ever since you left the TV station, no matter how we film this show, I just can't feel right." Nie Jinlong was the one who was most reluctant to see Hu Xiaoxiao leave the TV station. After she left, none of the subsequent actors could give him a sense of accomplishment or artistry. Hu Xiaoxiao's departure felt like the end of his career. "You don't know what those actors are like now. Their fighting is so weak, their wire work is so shaky. None of the men can compare to Mingxu, and none of the women can compare to you. The shows they produce can't even compare to when you were here..."

Back when Hu Xiaoxiao was around, it was the most carefree time of his action choreographer career. No matter how many wild ideas he had, Hu Xiaoxiao could bring them to life, turning all his ambitions and dreams into reality.

Perhaps it was all too wonderful in the past, which is why we can't accept the mediocrity of the present.

He could continue to endure a mediocre life.

Having witnessed and created brilliance, how can one be content to return to the ordinary?

Shao Yitao, an old friend of Nie Jinlong, spoke up for him, saying, "Xiaoxiao, if Jinlong wants to go, let him give it a try. The TV station is doing market research; martial arts dramas are starting to lose viewership compared to modern dramas and lighthearted period dramas. Last year and this year's ratings champions were both modern dramas. The company's executives plan to gradually reduce the number of pure martial arts films they produce. Period dramas will mainly focus on comedy, love-hate relationships, crime-solving suspense, or stories like Bao Qingtian. The pure martial arts market is declining. Even Charlie has reduced the number of martial arts dramas he produces each year, focusing instead on modern dramas and heartwarming, comedic period dramas."

Nie Jinlong nodded in agreement and said, "Charlie now prefers to make dramas about lawyers or police officers. Unless it's a martial arts drama by a famous writer that already has a lot of buzz, he doesn't want to make martial arts films. Especially since Linda's modern dramas have been getting record-breaking ratings in recent years, he's even less willing to give up the modern drama market."

Hu Xiaoxiao recalled recent TV dramas and realized that this was indeed the case, with more modern dramas appearing. Linda mostly starred in legal dramas and family-friendly shows, while Charlie mostly starred in crime dramas and police dramas. Pure martial arts dramas were relatively rare, with most being lighthearted period dramas. Sometimes, modern elements were even parodied into period dramas, creating a new type of nonsensical period drama.

This is related to the audience's aesthetic preferences. Audiences prefer to watch lighter dramas to pass the time, and the audience is mostly housewives. Warm, funny, and romantic dramas have a larger market.

“Teacher Nie, it would be wonderful if you were willing to join Shengshi. Even if Ji Sheng has objections, I will still invite you to come, as long as you are willing,” Hu Xiaoxiao said.

Nie Jinlong laughed and said, "Ji Sheng won't care. It's not like the TV station will be without martial arts instructors just because I'm gone. My assistant and apprentice, Li Shen, is ready to graduate a long time ago. He can take my place. Li Shen has been working at the TV station for so many years, and his salary has always been the same. After I leave, he can get a raise by giving up his position."

"In that case, you can come to Shengshi Entertainment to report anytime," Hu Xiaoxiao said happily, her mission for today perfectly accomplished.

Overjoyed, Hu Xiaoxiao occasionally let the other players win, and this time, unlike before when all three players won in one round, the other three players won quite a bit.

The next day, Nie Jinlong went to the TV station to submit his resignation letter. Since there were no martial arts dramas being filmed recently, he could go to the personnel department to complete the procedures immediately without having to wait.

The TV station knew Li Shen was quite capable and could handle the work of a martial arts instructor, so they promoted him and gave him a raise. Of course, this raise couldn't compare to Nie Jinlong's previous salary, since Nie Jinlong had a greater reputation and more seniority in the industry.

Even so, Li Shen was very satisfied.

Nie Jinlong was even more satisfied. The new job paid several times more than before, and there was a year-end bonus. The job was also more flexible. He cherished this job very much and vowed to do his best to help Hu Xiaoxiao train artists.