Chapter 1671: The Big Shot

"Why not?"

Zhao Fusheng was somewhat surprised. In his view, this wasn't a big deal. The inside stories of the entertainment industry were often exposed by various news media, especially self-media, in later generations, and they still survived just fine. So why did Jiang Wen react so strongly when he suggested filming it?

"Of course not."

Jiang Wen shook his head and said seriously, "You have to understand, this circle is big and also small, but in the end, it's a platform where many people make a living. If you destroy their foundation, what do you think the consequences will be?"

Zhao Fusheng was taken aback and said casually, "But I see those media..."

He meant simply that the media were frantically writing, and online forums like Tianya were all sorts of exposés.

Nothing happened to them, so why couldn't he make a movie?

"You don't understand."

Seeing Zhao Fusheng's expression, Jiang Wen knew he was still confused and explained helplessly, "Think about it, whether it's the media or the internet, there's always the issue of buzz. Once the buzz fades, people naturally forget.

But conversely, if you make it into a movie, what would be the result?"

Zhao Fusheng was stunned by these words.

"So you're saying it's like the emperor's new clothes?" Zhao Fusheng asked Jiang Wen in surprise.

He really hadn't thought of it that way.

"Yes, everyone knows this circle isn't clean, but no one will call it out." Jiang Wen nodded and shrugged. "Overall, that's the reality. Even you and I can't break it. If we speak out, we'll become everyone's enemy."

Zhao Fusheng fell silent. He naturally understood this reasoning. If it was really as Jiang Wen said, then he had indeed misspoken.

"In that case, forget it."

After a moment, Zhao Fusheng shook his head.

It had only been a spur-of-the-moment idea; since it wasn't feasible, he would drop it.

……

……

The next day, Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen arrived at the filming location together.

"Xiao Ming?"

Seeing someone squatting nearby eating a boxed lunch, Zhao Fusheng was startled, then laughed: "What are you doing here?"

"Chairman Zhao, hello."

Seeing Zhao Fusheng, the Jiao Zhu quickly stood up and greeted him respectfully.

"Sit, sit." Zhao Fusheng smiled. "How's the filming going?"

"Pretty good."

The Jiao Zhu showed his two big front teeth, smiling brightly: "I'm very happy to be part of this event."

It was clear that he was genuinely happy.

Zhao Fusheng had no ill feelings toward him. The Jiao Zhu had many flaws, but one had to admit he was quite hardworking.

Of course, his wife, worth eighty million, had significantly tarnished his image.

"Eat up. I'll take a look around."

Zhao Fusheng patted Huang Jiao Zhu on the shoulder and turned to leave.

Watching Zhao Fusheng's retreating figure, the Jiao Zhu's eyes gleamed with excitement. To him, this big shot he had met at a Beijing circle dinner was now a figure he could only look up to. He didn't expect any favors from him; he simply hoped to leave an impression, so that someday, if he had the chance, he might collaborate with him.

No, not collaborate, but be brought along on a project.

"Brother Ming, do you really know Zhao Fusheng?"

At that moment, a figure walked up behind Huang Jiao Zhu and said to him.

"Bing Bing, don't mess around."

The Jiao Zhu turned to look at the woman behind him, an actress from the same company known for her hard work: "I wouldn't say I know him. I've met him at a few dinners before; I just know his name."

He was smart enough to know he wasn't qualified or had the capital to claim he was Zhao Fusheng's friend.

This was no joke; not everyone was worthy of being on brotherly terms with a big shot of that level.

Although claiming to be good friends with Zhao Fusheng would make many envious, the Jiao Zhu was well aware that if he did that and was exposed, he would face dire consequences.

In the current situation, for Zhao Fusheng to blacklist someone, he didn't even need to act personally; just showing disgust toward that person would suffice.

"Oh, oh..."

Watching Zhao Fusheng's back, Bing Bing seemed thoughtful, a playful expression on her face.

The Jiao Zhu glanced at her, hesitated, and considering their decent relationship, lowered his voice: "Bing Bing, this man is not ordinary..."

"Hmm?"

Bing Bing turned to look at the Jiao Zhu.

The Jiao Zhu shrugged and said nothing more.

Some things were best left unsaid. Although they had a good relationship, it was only that of ordinary colleagues. He wouldn't speak too frankly with someone he wasn't close to.

The Jiao Zhu had always been clever.

……

……

Zhao Fusheng naturally didn't know that he had become the target of a certain woman, nor that someone had warned her on his behalf.

To him, today's itinerary was just a task.

Yes, just completing a task.

After all, he had initially spread the word and personally planned this promotional event, which led many to join voluntarily.

Now, by showing up and interacting with everyone, he was giving them face.

As for what happened afterward, Zhao Fusheng didn't think about it, and those people knew that just because they participated in this event, they wouldn't gain Zhao Fusheng's favor.

Ultimately, some opportunity was needed.

Moreover, this promotional event also brought benefits. Although there was no pay, participating in such an official event was an honor for any artist, and no one would refuse.

A win-win situation, that's what it was now.

"How is it? Not bad, right?"

After walking around, Jiang Wen said to Zhao Fusheng with a smile.

"Yeah, not bad."

Zhao Fusheng nodded with satisfaction.

It was clear that Jiang Wen had put real effort into this. The arrangements in all aspects, the allocation of personnel, were all well done. Even someone as picky as Zhao Fusheng had to admit that the guy had some talent for business.

Or rather, people often unconsciously overlook their own abilities in certain areas until they are forced into a corner, and then they burst forth.

Just like Jiang Wen. If Ye Jing hadn't gone to the US and had no time to manage Future Films, Zhao Fusheng wouldn't have thought to let him take the lead. Now it seemed Old Jiang was doing well, making a good impression, and not disappointing Zhao Fusheng.

"Next, we plan to launch a promotional film..."

Jiang Wen said to Zhao Fusheng, "A sports inspirational one, inviting some celebrities to cameo, and then airing it on CCTV."

Filming this kind of movie was essentially a political task; there was no worry about not being able to sell it.

Of course, the investment wouldn't be too large, since it was certain there wouldn't be much box office.

Poor box office performance for mainstream films had been the norm for years, and everyone was used to it.

Even Old Jiang couldn't change that pattern.

Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment, nodded, and said nothing.

Although he wanted to tell Jiang Wen that in the future, a batch of mainstream films would achieve high box office results, on second thought, the success of those films was due to the era and various factors. If placed in the present, they might not turn out the same.

Say the right thing at the right time—Zhao Fusheng understood that principle.

"The Wang brothers invited me to dinner tonight. Do you want to come?"

Jiang Wen said casually to Zhao Fusheng.

"The Wang brothers?"

Zhao Fusheng was startled: "What do they want with you?"

After all, Jiang Wen was not only an actor and director but also the head of Future Films. Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei taking the initiative to meet Jiang Wen—if there wasn't some ulterior motive, Zhao Fusheng wouldn't believe it.

Hearing Zhao Fusheng's question, Jiang Wen shook his head: "I don't know either. Wang Zhonglei called me, saying he wanted to introduce me to a friend."

After a moment, he said, "I guess he wants to introduce me to a director or screenwriter."

"Oh? Looking for investment?"

Zhao Fusheng's eyes flickered as he vaguely guessed the Wang brothers' intention. It seemed they saw the cooperation between Future Group and Samsung and thought Future Group had ample cash flow, so they planned to collaborate with Jiang Wen.

"What, can't I go?"

Jiang Wen was taken aback and asked in surprise.

"Go, of course you should go." Zhao Fusheng smiled. "We have to see what tricks these two Wang bosses are up to!"

Then he pointed to himself: "I'll go too."

"You're going?"

Jiang Wen was surprised: "If you go, and they propose cooperation, it'll be hard for us to refuse, right?"

After all, Zhao Fusheng was the boss, the chairman of Future Group. If he appeared at the dinner, there would be no room for maneuver. If Wang Zhonglei or Wang Zhongjun made a request that was hard to refuse, with Zhao Fusheng absent, Jiang Wen could use the excuse of needing to consult him. But with Zhao Fusheng there, that excuse wouldn't work.

Zhao Fusheng laughed: "It's fine. We'll deal with whatever comes. If I'm there, I believe Wang Zhongjun won't dare make excessive demands."

He was confident in this. Although the two Wangs were powerful in the film and television circle and were now local tycoons, in front of him, they were nothing. Zhao Fusheng could manipulate them however he wanted without caring.

This was the power of capital, the power of money!

Although Zhao Fusheng was reluctant to admit it, he had to say that when a person's wealth reached a certain level, that wealth became their source of strength.