Chapter 157: The Reason

Wang Jinghua was a clever woman. She had transformed from an ordinary employee assisting others into the top agent in the entire country, relying not only on meticulous care for her artists but also on treating their affairs as her own after signing each one.

Simply put, she always operated on the principle that business may fail, but goodwill remains.

Mu Qingwan and He Yunzhi never quite understood this; they always felt that as investors, they should hold absolute initiative.

But sometimes, money isn't always that effective in certain matters.

To understand what someone is thinking, the way and means they do things are often more important than what they do. A person's inner world is often most clearly reflected in their methods of action.

Zhao Fusheng favored open strategies; he never liked to achieve things through covert schemes. In his view, those accustomed to using cunning and deceit to succeed would also become accustomed to living in the shadows, taking shortcuts.

To accomplish great things, opportunism might bring temporary success, but in the end, one would be eliminated by the wheels of history.

Now, Zhao Fusheng laid a path before Wang Jinghua, letting her choose for herself.

As an agent, the opportunity to become the sole representative of a superstar was undoubtedly an irresistible temptation, and Wang Jinghua felt the same.

She knew well that Andy Lau also wanted to break into the mainland market, and this advertisement was a rare opportunity.

As one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Hong Kong and Taiwan, although Andy Lau wasn't the best at singing, dancing, or acting, he excelled in diligence and had a good image. Wang Jinghua was confident that if she secured his management contract, her career would surely advance further.

"In that case, I'll contact him right away." She glanced at Chen Dao, who nodded, then said to Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "I'll leave that to you. I've paved the way; whether Sister Hua succeeds or not is up to fate."

Wang Jinghua smiled, walked outside, and began making a phone call.

Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and said to Chen Dao, "Teacher Chen, I'd like to ask you to introduce me to a female celebrity."

"Oh?" Chen Dao was taken aback, then laughed: "Tell me, do you have someone specific in mind?"

He naturally understood Zhao Fusheng's intention. At first, he thought Zhao Fusheng had taken a fancy to some actress, but then it dawned on him that he was probably considering a partner for Andy Lau in the ad.

Zhao Fusheng tilted his head and thought: "Preferably from the mainland, with a high status and high public recognition. Simply put, she needs to be famous enough."

"Singer or actress?" Chen Dao considered and asked.

Zhao Fusheng pondered for a moment: "Either is fine, as long as she's famous enough. Of course, it's best if she's young and pretty, to match well with Andy Lau."

Chen Dao nodded: "Based on your description, there is one candidate. She's an actress who occasionally sings, started as a child star. Last year, she acted in a film by the renowned director Chen Yimou, and this year she's in a film by Zhao An. Rumor has it she might attend the Oscars, and there's an American A-level production contacting her."

Zhao Fusheng was startled. Could it be Zhang Ziyi?

Then he thought it impossible, because he had previously inquired at the Central Academy of Drama. The class of '96 didn't have the so-called Eight Golden Hairpins he remembered from his past life. There were eight female students, but their names were different from what he recalled.

With that in mind, Zhao Fusheng looked at Chen Dao: "Teacher Chen, who are you referring to..."

"Ah, I forgot you're not in the entertainment industry." Chen Dao smiled and waved his hand: "My fault, my fault. Her name is Zhou Feifei. She acted with me; she's a decent kid."

Zhou Feifei?

Zhao Fusheng vaguely remembered that shortly after his rebirth, he had seen news about her on TV, touted as a new-generation diva. Given Chen Dao's age, someone he called a kid would be in her twenties, at least meeting Zhao Fusheng's age requirement.

"Hmm, I recall she announced her retirement from acting?" Li Jian interjected from the side.

Chen Dao waved his hand with a smile: "Just media rumors. She's still studying. She got too immersed in her last role, so I suggested she announce her retirement to get some proper rest. Well, that's not wrong; from this year to next, she doesn't have any new films coming out. Zhao An's film has wrapped, and next year's film won't start shooting until July."

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "That's fine. Since you think she's suitable, Teacher Chen, have her agent contact me later, and we'll discuss the details. But I should say upfront, her endorsement fee definitely won't be higher than Andy Lau's—that's for sure."

Chen Dao hummed in acknowledgment: "I understand. Talk it over with Jinghua later."

Zhao Fusheng suddenly realized why Chen Dao was so familiar with Zhou Feifei—she was an artist under Wang Jinghua.

While Wang Jinghua was out making calls, Zhao Fusheng chatted with Chen Dao, and Li Jian played the role of a waiter, occasionally refilling Chen Dao's tea.

Chen Dao was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. He was a very traditional actor, or rather, a very pure one. He took few endorsements, let alone participated in promotional shows. His speech was textured and humorous.

Zhao Fusheng clearly remembered that in later years, a friend from the advertising circle who had dealt with Chen Dao described him as a very genuine person.

By 'genuine person,' it meant that Chen Dao was always sincere and frank in his dealings. Anyone who interacted with him knew he never blustered or was harsh, nor was he self-righteous. His mind was calm and tolerant; there were almost no irreconcilable conflicts in his presence. He was such a kind-hearted benevolent person. A benevolent person loves others. From his face, you almost always saw sincere smiles. When speaking with friends, his tone was calm and gentle, his eyes warm as he looked at the other person, giving a particularly亲切 feeling.

Now Zhao Fusheng truly experienced Chen Dao's character. Before him, Chen Dao didn't act condescending because he was older; he even occasionally found topics to chat about with Li Jian.

"By the way, Xiao Zhao, you're only a junior in college and already starting a business. Isn't that too rushed?" Since he was a friend of Wang Jinghua, Chen Dao naturally knew Zhao Fusheng's background and was curious about his early entry into society as an ad designer.

"Yeah, at your age, it's better to enjoy the beautiful campus life," Li Jian chimed in with a smile.

Hearing this question, Zhao Fusheng was momentarily stunned, then smiled slightly.

"Teacher Chen, do you know? I once had a dream," Zhao Fusheng began. "In the dream, after graduating from college, I accomplished nothing. It took me nearly ten years to squander my family's savings, including money from a good brother who helped me out. Moreover, when my parents were old and frail, they had to go out to work and suffer, and I couldn't help at all. Until they left this world, I couldn't fulfill my filial duty as a son..."

Chen Dao was taken aback. For some reason, he could feel that Zhao Fusheng's emotions seemed somewhat different.

"We live in different worlds. You live on a luxurious ship with everything—endless wine for a lifetime and many lucky people aboard like you. And me? I cling to a plank, drifting hard. Waves crash one after another, impossible to dodge. I'm in constant danger of drowning, and I have to worry about sharks nearby."

"Do you think, at such a time, I have the leisure to stop and admire the beautiful sea view?"

After hearing Zhao Fusheng's words, Li Jian and Chen Dao fell silent.

Just then, Wang Jinghua walked in, beaming with excitement at Zhao Fusheng: "It's done. Andy Lau will arrive in Beijing in three days. As long as you're fine with it, we have no problem."

Then, she looked curiously at the silent Li Jian and Chen Dao: "What's wrong with you two?"

Zhao Fusheng smiled and shrugged: "Nothing, probably contemplating life."