Chapter 2208: An Invitation That Cannot Be Refused

"Chairman, you wanted to see me?"

Xu Shanzheng asked Zhao Fusheng cautiously.

He wasn't stupid; there was no reason for Jiang Wen to call him over out of the blue unless it was because Jiang Wen missed him.

To put it bluntly, the two of them didn't have that kind of friendship.

Most likely, Jiang Wen had mentioned him while eating with Zhao Fusheng, which was why he was summoned.

In short, there must be something going on.

Facing Zhao Fusheng, it was impossible for Xu Shanzheng not to be nervous.

After all, this man was a super-rich tycoon, his own boss.

Even now, when Xu Shanzheng had already made a name for himself and achieved success, he still felt utterly without confidence in front of Zhao Fusheng.

People, after all, are creatures that constantly waver between reason and emotion.

Xu Shanzheng was no different.

His dilemma now lay in this: on one hand, his desire to make money independently had never died; striking out on his own was his dream. But on the other hand, he was well aware that without the support of Future Films, he might not be able to go far, or might even fall into decline.

Making choices is a difficult thing. Most of the time, when faced with a major decision, we all waver among multiple options.

Few people can be as hard-hearted as iron.

It's often said that one's background determines their horizons, and that makes sense.

Take Xu Shanzheng, for example. Although he wasn't from a wealthy family and wasn't prone to arrogance, the problem was that his horizons were too narrow, making him indecisive in many matters.

That was a big problem.

Seeming to notice Xu Shanzheng's inner conflict and worry, Zhao Fusheng chuckled lightly and waved his hand at him: "Sit down first, eat slowly, and we'll talk slowly."

Xu Shanzheng was a bit puzzled, but he still sat down in front of Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen.

After taking a few bites, Jiang Wen smiled at Xu Shanzheng: "So, any plans lately?"

"Uh, not for now."

Xu Shanzheng was taken aback, but quickly replied.

He was telling the truth; he had been resting lately.

After the release of Lost on Journey, he was also exhausted. For an actor and director, it was normal to let his mind relax after finishing a film.

Otherwise, if he remained immersed in the previous film, he really wouldn't be able to move on.

Of course, Xu Shanzheng didn't have the excuse of needing to spend time with family.

After all, he and Tao Hong had long since made a pact: they each lived their own lives and didn't interfere with each other.

Many couples in the entertainment industry are like this.

Everyone knows that the temptations in this circle are too many, and not everyone can resist them.

But even if you can't resist outside temptations, you should at least have a bottom line and not go too far.

"Good, that's fine."

Jiang Wen nodded with a smile, leaving Xu Shanzheng puzzled. What did he mean? A new film?

"Teacher Jiang, do you have a new film?"

After hesitating, Xu Shanzheng cautiously asked Jiang Wen.

Regardless, Jiang Wen's words clearly hinted at something different. Could it be that he was planning to shoot a new film and wanted to collaborate with him?

Otherwise, why would he ask such a question?

Jiang Wen laughed but waved his hand: "No, no, it's not me with a new film. Don't misunderstand."

Then he looked at Zhao Fusheng: "Maybe you should tell him."

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "Alright, I'll do it."

Xu Shanzheng was even more confused. What were these two big shots up to?

To be fair, he knew that Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen had an excellent relationship. In fact, it was no exaggeration to say that everyone in the Future Group knew that Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen were as thick as thieves.

But even so, that couldn't be the reason they both invited him to dinner.

Honestly, Xu Shanzheng knew very well that he hadn't reached the level where he deserved an invitation from both Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen.

If it were just Jiang Wen, it might be possible.

But with Zhao Fusheng, the group's boss, Xu Shanzheng was truly baffled.

Self-knowledge is a valuable trait.

Xu Shanzheng understood this principle well.

He, Xu Shanzheng, might be a rising director in the entertainment industry, but in the business world, he was nothing.

After all, Zhao Fusheng represented capital, and capital, in any place or circle, was always invincible and above all.

The gap in status between the two was like heaven and earth.

So when Zhao Fusheng said he would explain, Xu Shanzheng actually became a bit nervous.

Seeing Xu Shanzheng's expression, Zhao Fusheng laughed and waved his hand: "Teacher Xu, don't be nervous. I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Chairman, please go ahead. If there's anything you need me to do, I'll do my best."

Xu Shanzheng agreed immediately without even asking what Zhao Fusheng wanted him to do.

Are you kidding?

This was the big boss of the Future Group, a billionaire worth tens of billions. If he had something to ask of him, it was clearly a show of respect.

Refuse a favor?

No way!

Xu Shanzheng would have loved it if Zhao Fusheng made a difficult request, so he could work hard to fulfill it. Success or failure aside, it would put him in the boss's good graces and make him happy.

To be honest, if it were Ning Hao or another director, they might hesitate, but Xu Shanzheng wouldn't.

Because that's just the kind of person Xu Shanzheng was.

He was a very utilitarian person.

Or rather, in this entertainment circle, Xu Shanzheng lived very authentically.

He knew clearly what he wanted. He wasn't that hypocritical.

He wanted to make money and become famous.

That was Xu Shanzheng's goal.

To achieve that goal, he tried to transition from actor to director, because he knew that as an actor, he could only earn salaries for life, but as a director, he would have a chance to negotiate with capital.

Only then might he have the opportunity to become part of the capital.

Even if he was just a small fish drinking the soup behind the capital sharks, it was better than being bossed around all day.

To be fair, Zhao Fusheng actually admired Xu Shanzheng.

After all, not everyone could see through this, or even if they did, they might not have the courage or ability to make it happen.

Having an idea and putting it into practice are ultimately two different concepts.

From this perspective, Xu Shanzheng was a courageous person and a genuine one.

That was why Zhao Fusheng was willing to keep him around.

At least, compared to that scumbag Chen, he wasn't hypocritical.

Scumbag Chen, though he had some human flashes, was too fake, which Zhao Fusheng really disliked.

And Zhao Fusheng always ignored people he didn't like.

"Well, you know about Ning Hao's new film, right?"

Zhao Fusheng didn't beat around the bush and directly asked Xu Shanzheng.

Xu Shanzheng was a bit surprised but nodded: "Yes, No Man's Land, right?"

The news that Ning Hao was making a new film was no secret in Future Films.

The script and project initiation had already sparked a lot of discussion in the company. Everyone was saying that Ning Hao was being too bold this time, not making the comedies he was good at, but instead making a road movie.

But Ning Hao himself didn't seem to care; he was happily preparing.

Xu Shanzheng had even heard that Ning Hao had turned down several directing offers for this.

In Xu Shanzheng's view, Ning Hao was foolish, even a bit endearing.

After all, idealists are often worthy of respect.

But Xu Shanzheng himself would never make that mistake.

In his view, ideals were beautiful, but ultimately just a beautiful dream; making money was more practical.

So when Zhao Fusheng asked about him, he nodded: "I heard. Is Director Ning Hao really planning to shoot this film?"

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "Yes, he came to me before and told me he wanted to make this."

Then he smiled and said to Xu Shanzheng: "I was having dinner with Old Jiang. Old Jiang was invited by Ning Hao to star in this film, but he felt he couldn't play the role. After much thought, he recommended you. Ning Hao has no objections. Now it's up to you."

He felt there was no need to beat around the bush; being straightforward with Xu Shanzheng was better.

The reason was simple: Xu Shanzheng was not Jiang Wen.

His status was what it was.

In front of Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen, Xu Shanzheng had little say; he only had the power to agree or refuse.

And the latter was something Xu Shanzheng dared not choose.

After all, he still had to make a living in this circle.

Offending Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen would mean a very difficult path ahead.

The most可怕 thing for a person is to narrow their future path.

Clearly, a smart person like Xu Shanzheng wouldn't make that mistake.

So, the moment Zhao Fusheng finished speaking, Xu Shanzheng nodded without any hesitation.

"Chairman, I have no problem."

Xu Shanzheng said to Zhao Fusheng: "Thank you for the trust, Chairman and Teacher Jiang Wen."

Regardless, the fact that two big shots came to him personally, and Jiang Wen even recommended him, was clearly a recognition of his abilities.

Xu Shanzheng had to give face.

Most importantly, he himself gained face.

Everyone happy—that was the most harmonious scene.

Imagine how awkward it would be if Xu Shanzheng refused Zhao Fusheng's invitation.

Fortunately, Xu Shanzheng wasn't that clueless. He knew that since Jiang Wen and Zhao Fusheng had called him over today, they wouldn't allow him to refuse.

If he really refused, he would be an idiot.