Chapter 1496: Secured

What is the greatest tragedy of being in the entertainment industry?

The answer is simple.

The tragedy for entertainers in the industry is that they can be replaced at any time.

No matter how big a star or celebrity, no one is irreplaceable.

This may sound cruel, but that's how it is.

The reason Zhao Fusheng had Ye Jing write all the demands for Brother Shanzheng into the contract was because he was certain the other party would agree.

Of course, it was possible that Xu Shanzheng thought Future Films was too small a temple to accommodate a great Buddha like him.

But that possibility was less than thirty percent.

The reason was simple: Xu Shanzheng was not doing well at the time, otherwise why would he agree to a cameo in a three-million-yuan film like *Crazy Stone*?

After all, before that, he had no connection with Ning Hao.

It was laughable when you think about it.

Although TV actor Xu Shanzheng had gained some fame from *The Legend of the Pig*, the problem was that as a film actor, Xu Shanzheng was a complete newcomer.

In Zhao Fusheng's memory, Brother Shanzheng didn't establish himself in the film circle until after collaborating with Ning Hao on *Crazy Stone*.

Before that, he was just doing cameos everywhere—playing villains, second or third male leads, even roles with barely any lines.

Of course, time didn't disappoint the diligent. With the success of *Crazy Stone*, many discovered Brother Shanzheng's comedic talent. He went on to star in several comedy films and eventually shot to fame with *Lost on Journey*, quickly becoming a hot first-line actor in the country.

As they say, timing and fate matter. It had to be admitted that Brother Shanzheng's luck was better than most actors', because his rise coincided with the most prosperous period of the domestic film market.

Better to be lucky than early—this saying fit Xu Shanzheng perfectly.

Even Zhao Fusheng had to admire his luck.

Maybe fate favors certain people at certain times.

Like Xu Shanzheng, Wen Zhang, Chen Sicheng...

Well, I've digressed.

Ye Jing naturally agreed with Zhao Fusheng's proposal.

Although he came from the film and TV circle and was a notable figure in the Beijing circle, now that he had become a big player in the capital circle, he naturally wouldn't keep his mind on the artists.

In other words, you have to support the one who feeds you; taking sides is an important skill.

It had to be said that Zhao Fusheng's judgment was quite accurate.

After Future Films took the initiative to approach him, Shanzheng quickly agreed to sign the contract.

Although his current agency treated him well, the problem was that it was a small company that couldn't provide him with resources in the film circle.

Xu Shanzheng was ambitious; he was no longer satisfied with dominating the TV industry. He wanted to step onto the big screen and become a top male actor in the country.

And the contract Future Films offered him was undoubtedly able to satisfy his ambition.

Of course, the contract was also harsh, but Xu Shanzheng didn't mind at all. If the investors' contract wasn't a bit harsh, that would be strange.

Although it was a bit odd that the contract stipulated he couldn't affect the normal promotion of the company's films due to his private life, Xu Shanzheng didn't care at all. Having been in the circle for so many years, he felt confident he could handle this issue.

Zhao Fusheng didn't know what Xu Shanzheng was thinking. If he did, he would have sneered coldly.

Xu Shanzheng's confidence came from his years of experience, but in fact, that was because in those years, the entertainment industry was closed off, and even if there was news, it was all covered up.

But with the development of the internet and the advent of the information age, paparazzi could dig up even the color of a star's underwear, let alone other secrets.

In the entertainment industry's small world, if you want no one to know, don't do it. Otherwise, if you do it, you'll definitely be found out.

...

...

The news that Huang Bo and Xu Shanzheng had signed with Future Films didn't cause much of a stir in the circle.

Even though they were personally invited by Zhao Fusheng to join Future Films, it was the same.

The reason was simple: these two weren't really big stars.

Maybe ten years later, even a single Weibo post from them would get hundreds of thousands of views and shares, but now, they were just two ordinary actors with some fame, not even comparable to that Errenzhuan tycoon who liked to play farmers on the Spring Festival Gala.

This was the entertainment industry, the most realistic place in the world.

Ye Jing, without needing Zhao Fusheng's instructions, organized the company's artists to hold a welcome ceremony for the two new members joining the company family.

This made Xu Shanzheng and Huang Bo feel warm, thinking they had joined a company with a human touch.

Zhao Fusheng was even a bit surprised, since Ye Jing was known for being cold and ruthless, yet he showed such a human side.

Curious, Zhao Fusheng asked Ye Jing for the reason, and the answer made him laugh.

"They're the ones making money for us, so of course we have to be polite."

Ye Jing's answer left Zhao Fusheng speechless, but he had to admit it made sense.

The world still needs some useless things. If everything had to be meaningful, life would be a mess.

Moreover, Ye Jing's approach wasn't entirely meaningless.

...

...

Time passed quickly, and soon it was the season for students to start school.

Occasionally passing by the Central Academy of Drama, Zhao Fusheng would look at the young men and women bustling on campus and recall his own memories with Fan Baobao there.

Recalling youth is always an interesting thing.

For anyone, it's the same.

"Say, what if we made a movie about paying tribute to youth?"

Lying in bed at home, watching TV with Fan Baobao, Zhao Fusheng suddenly asked her.

Hearing this, Fan Baobao was first stunned, then shook her head like a rattle-drum: "Not a good idea."

"What do you mean?"

Zhao Fusheng was a bit puzzled, obviously not understanding her words.

Fan Baobao shrugged, trying to look calm: "Simple, because it's not yet time for nostalgia."

Ah?

Zhao Fusheng was taken aback, then looked at Fan Baobao in surprise.

He knew she was right, but he didn't expect his wife to have such sharp insight.

"What, am I wrong?"

Fan Baobao asked curiously when Zhao Fusheng didn't respond.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "No, no, you're absolutely right."

"Good."

Fan Baobao smiled sweetly, not taking the matter to heart, and instead brought up something else.

"By the way, what do you think about setting up a girlfriend for Wang Qiang?"

"Huh?"

Zhao Fusheng was stunned again. Fan Baobao's topic change was way too fast.

They were just talking about movies, and now she was on about finding a girlfriend for Wang Qiang.

"Shouldn't we let nature take its course?" Although surprised, Zhao Fusheng still asked Fan Baobao.

"It's because of the news about him hitting someone recently. His mother called me and mentioned that maybe if there was a woman in the house, she could keep him in line," Fan Baobao said to herself.

Because of her relationship with Wang Qiang, she had met his parents and exchanged phone numbers.

Most importantly, Fan Baobao, perhaps due to her pregnancy, was overflowing with maternal instinct and had a special fondness for single guys like Wang Qiang.

"Do as you please." After understanding Fan Baobao's intention, Zhao Fusheng said indifferently, "Since it's Qiang's parents' idea, help him look around. But I think blind dates are unnecessary; it's better to introduce someone from among our friends."

He paused and added meaningfully, "I don't think it's necessary within the circle, especially those broadcasting and hosting girls. I don't think they're a good match for Qiang."

Fan Baobao didn't suspect anything and nodded: "I know, don't worry. He's my little brother."

Zhao Fusheng smiled and said nothing more.