Chapter 0912: A Helping Hand

Zhao Fusheng was naturally not crazy; he was just telling the truth. But obviously, Fan Baobao didn't understand his words, thinking he was joking. She rolled her eyes at him and turned back to studying the script.

She took her acting career very seriously, treating every role with care. Even if a role had few scenes and only a few lines, Fan Baobao always remembered what her teacher had told her: no matter how insignificant the role, it was still a part of the production.

She might not be able to guarantee the quality of every production, but she could ensure that every role she played lived up to her conscience as an actress.

In early August, the weather in the capital had begun to cool slightly, especially in the mornings and evenings, when it was no longer so hot.

This was not yet a time when cars filled the roads and every household had air conditioning, so the power of nature still dominated the seasons and the feelings they brought.

The fragrance of earth in spring, the coolness under tree shade in summer, the gentle breeze of autumn, and the vast snow of winter.

Twenty years later, for people, the four seasons would be reduced to just winter and summer, with summers hotter and winters colder. Meteorologists' brain cells would be nearly exhausted, as they could no longer describe the weather.

The TV drama Fan Baobao had acted in was over; she had only played a small guest role. Now she was focusing mainly on commercials. Future Film and Television had an abundance of advertising resources, after all, since its parent company was Future Advertising, and Fan Baobao was the only signed actress at Future Film and Television.

Not using such good resources would be a terrible waste.

Smart people knew that any successful model, if one tried to replicate it in another field, another place, or even another time period, was unrealistic and would likely lead to failure.

Success required adapting to reality, to the needs and habits of the time and place.

So Zhao Fusheng basically let Fan Baobao develop on her own, allowing her to make her own choices without any restrictions.

In Zhao Fusheng's view, Fan Baobao actually had talent; she just needed an opportunity.

This was actually quite frustrating. For some gifted individuals, they really didn't need much accumulation; once the opportunity came, they could soar to great heights.

The most obvious example was Wong Kar-wai.

That guy had an extraordinary keen insight into capturing visual imagery on screen, as well as those elusive yet moving moments that touched audiences.

That's how movies are. Sometimes we watch a film and can't remember the entire plot. For example, movies like Iron Man—you watch them and then forget.

But other films, perhaps you don't feel much when watching them, but at some moment in a certain month of a certain year, you recall a scene or a line from the movie, and you might burst into tears.

For instance, the confession in A Chinese Odyssey, or the incomparably beautiful and tragic bird without feet.

Some things just have that power to move people.

And Wong Kar-wai was that kind of director, with that kind of ability.

In all of mainland China, the only one comparable to him was probably Zhang Yimou. He came from a photography background, and in terms of directing actors, the two were evenly matched. In their grasp of visual composition, they were also equally brilliant.

The two great actresses, Gong Li and Maggie Cheung, emerged from their hands respectively, showing their skill.

Zhao Fusheng naturally knew that Fan Baobao certainly didn't have the talent of those two great actresses. After all, in his previous life, classmate Fan Baobao, though known for her purity and cuteness, was essentially a花瓶 (pretty face) throughout her acting career, wasting her talent.

There was no way around it. It might not be so obvious now, but in a few years, the domestic entertainment market would be enormous. There would be many famous actors, and female stars would emerge like carp swimming upstream. The Four Dan and Two Bing would still face a host of rising young actresses chasing after them, let alone Fan Baobao.

A花瓶 (pretty face) who started in commercials was lucky to get a role at all, let alone have the chance to hone her acting skills.

But now, with Zhao Fusheng's existence, everything would change.

Zhao Fusheng didn't really understand acting. He wasn't a professional; he knew nothing about performance theory.

But from an audience perspective, Zhao Fusheng felt that an actor, no matter how many roles they played, succeeded as long as they brought the role to life.

An actor acts their whole life, encountering many roles. How many are truly suited to them?

To encounter a role that matches one's personality and allows one's acting skills to shine—one might not find it in a lifetime.

Those classic roles become classics sometimes because the role made the actor, and sometimes because the actor made the role. For example, Chow Yun-fat meeting Mark Gor, Chen Daoming meeting Kangxi, Li Youbin meeting Li Yunlong.

Zhao Fusheng hoped that Fan Baobao would also meet her role.

That day was not far off.

…

…

By mid-month, Zhang Qian returned to Zhao Fusheng's side. Naturally, the matters he had to handle were taken care of.

Future Capital was the name of the company that now held Zhao Fusheng's shares in Future Advertising, Tencent Technology, Shanda Technology, and Huayi Brothers.

The company name was chosen by Zhao Fusheng. Although Zhang Qian found it a bit strange, he registered it according to Zhao Fusheng's instructions.

These were Zhao Fusheng's four core holding companies. As for his other domestic assets, in Zhao Fusheng's eyes, they were not as important.

Or, to be more precise, they each had their own uses and didn't need to be included in Future Capital's management scope for now.

NetEase's stock price is indeed falling...

Zhang Qian said seriously to Zhao Fusheng, 'I had Lawyer Cheng Gong inquire before. Over at NetEase, they say it's almost unsustainable.'

For some reason, Zhang Qian felt that when he spoke with Zhao Fusheng now, the pressure was increasing, as if he had an aura that made people bow their heads.

Actually, the principle was simple. It was like how Zhang Ziqiang, such a fierce criminal, after kidnapping Li Ka-shing's eldest son, initially negotiated ferociously with the tycoon, but soon became obedient and polite in conversation. Same logic.

Truly outstanding people have a kind of charisma that makes those around them unconsciously trust them, and it's effortless to turn that trust into admiration.

The most obvious example was Jack Ma.

Even Zhao Fusheng himself, now someone born with a golden key, had to admit that although the guy was short and not handsome, when it came to eloquence, he was almost like a cult leader—really good at talking people into things.

Zhao Fusheng knew he didn't have Jack Ma's skill. What he could rely on was only his own personal charm.

Since that's the case, let's prepare.' Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and said to Zhang Qian.

He didn't know when NetEase's stock would hit its lowest point. The article he had read only mentioned it briefly, so to be honest, Zhao Fusheng himself wasn't sure.

But regardless, since NetEase's stock was indeed declining and various information confirmed that what he remembered was correct, Zhao Fusheng definitely intended to get involved with NetEase's stock.

After all, he only had two million US dollars, so it wouldn't have too much impact.

When it came to stock trading and futures, Zhao Fusheng's consistent principle was to use small capital for big gains. Using high leverage to enter the market was absolutely out of the question.

To give the simplest example: if Zhao Fusheng used high leverage, say thirty times leverage, then if the candlestick chart changed by just three percent, he would need to prepare margin. If the change was a bit higher, he would face a margin call in no time.

Zhao Fusheng would never take such a risk, even if it killed him.

He truly admired those reborn predecessors who stirred up trouble in the stock market. They were real geniuses. As for himself, he was at most a small fry.

When buying the stock, be careful not to be noticed. Absorb it slowly.' Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and said to Zhang Qian.

Zhang Qian nodded. 'I'll tell the trader over there.'

There was no way around it. NetEase was a US stock, and Zhao Fusheng had no one available abroad. He had to have Future Capital hire professional traders to handle the operations.

To be honest, Zhao Fusheng really disliked the feeling of entrusting matters to foreigners. In his view, non-ethnic Chinese were of a different mind. But the problem was that he had no talent who understood this area, so he had to make do for now.

Talent...

After Zhang Qian left, Zhao Fusheng sat on the sofa at home and muttered to himself.

He was truly short of people. Zhang Qian wasn't originally good at handling such matters, but since Zhao Fusheng had no trusted confidants available, he had to force Zhang Qian to do these things.

After thinking it over, Zhao Fusheng felt it was time to recruit some people.

With that in mind, he dialed Zheng Yao's number.

Something up?' Zheng Yao asked Zhao Fusheng, a bit puzzled.

She knew well that Zhao Fusheng wouldn't call her for no reason. His style was to never go to the temple without a cause; he usually didn't think of her unless he had something.

I plan to take Dong Chenxi away from Future Film and Television.' Zhao Fusheng got straight to the point.

Chenxi?' Zheng Yao was taken aback. 'Why?'

I need a trusted person to steer the ship.' Zhao Fusheng didn't hide it from Zheng Yao. 'Originally, you were the most suitable, but you can't leave Future Advertising, so I have to use her.'

Hmm, I see. That works too. Bai Jie should be able to handle Future Film and Television on her own.' Zheng Yao thought for a moment and nodded in agreement with Zhao Fusheng's opinion.

People strive to move upward, just as water flows downward. Naturally, she didn't want to be a stumbling block that hindered Dong Chenxi's advancement, offending people for no reason. Zheng Yao wasn't stupid.