Chapter 0963: The Difference Between a Chicken's Head and a Phoenix's Tail

When is a woman at her most beautiful?

From a physiological perspective, women of every age have their own charm, but the most beautiful period is between eighteen and twenty-five.

Simply put, it's the time from college to just after graduation when they enter society.

At this stage, a girl is at her peak in every aspect of life.

Years later, they may become more attractive due to maturity and sophistication, but youth is invincible—it's not just four empty words.

Fan Baobao was at this stage: pure, cute, and cheerful. Unless someone harbored resentment, no one would argue with such a girl. Naturally, she got along well at the People's Art Theatre.

This was something Zhao Fusheng had never expected.

He had thought Fan Baobao would need his help to expand her network at the theatre, but to his surprise, she didn't need any help. Before long, she had gotten to know many people at work. Though they weren't friends, they were at least nodding acquaintances.

Occasionally, when her colleagues had dinner gatherings, Zhao Fusheng went along a few times. They were all young people and didn't know him, but they were polite enough, and gradually they became familiar.

The accumulation of connections is generally like this. So-called connections are never about having the highest status. People at a certain level rarely rely on personal relationships, and their favors are used sparingly—each use diminishes the stock. True networking means knowing people from all walks of life, regardless of status or profession. Only then can it be called 'connections,' ensuring that when you need help, you won't draw your sword and look around in confusion.

Of course, whether they become true friends or mere acquaintances is for you to judge.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was summer vacation. Zhao Fusheng increasingly felt that he had too much free time. Every day, he either stuck with Fan Baobao or dragged Jiang Wen, who had nothing to do lately, around the streets and alleys of the capital.

Zhao Fusheng hadn't known before that Old Jiang was a glutton.

Every unique and rich soul has a place to belong.

The first time Zhao Fusheng saw this sentence, he liked it.

In his view, the purpose of life is to enjoy it. That's why he worked hard to make money—because enjoying life requires a solid material foundation.

And now, he undoubtedly had the capital to enjoy life's pleasures.

Jiang Wen hadn't taken any roles recently. Whether acting or directing, he wasn't a workaholic. Compared to his brother Jiang Wu, his laziness was appalling.

Because of this, Zhao Fusheng and he formed what Yu Feihong called the 'Eat and Wait for Death Duo.'

Indeed, Yu Feihong was busy building Hope Primary Schools in the southwest. In Zhao Fusheng's words, she was working like a dog. When she occasionally called and heard about Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen's 'great achievements,' she naturally felt resentful.

But for Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen, they didn't think there was anything wrong with their behavior—because the food was really delicious.

Palm-sized scallion pancakes, which Zhao Fusheng ate with relish; stir-fried lamb; scrambled eggs with tomatoes; cucumber salad—all home-style dishes, but they tasted special.

The shaomai at 'Du Yi Chu' on Xianyukou outside Qianmen, the buns at 'Yi Tiao Long' on Waiqiaotou, the zilaihong and zilaibai mooncakes from Daoxiangcun—these unique snacks were truly satisfying.

Even a small spring pancake had its rituals: spread with soybean paste, add scallion shreds, shredded pork in sauce, shredded smoked chicken, shredded pork with chives, spinach and vermicelli, sprinkle some seasoning, and finally serve with a bowl of millet porridge.

The taste? Heavenly!

To be honest, at first Jiang Wen thought Zhao Fusheng was just going along with him, happily wandering around every day to keep him company.

But later, he helplessly discovered that this guy was actually a foodie.

However, this made them even more compatible. After all, doing something to please others is a different feeling from doing something you love.

Soon it was September. One day, after eating, Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen strolled out of the alley and got into the car. Jiang Wen received a call.

'Well, I've got something to do,' Jiang Wen said to Zhao Fusheng with a smile after hanging up.

Zhao Fusheng nodded: 'I knew it. No matter how fake you are, you're still a Best Actor. Even if the Huayi brothers went crazy, they couldn't keep you idle forever.'

Jiang Wen rolled his eyes, too lazy to bother with him.

This was normal. Although Jiang Wen was strict about scripts, he wasn't alone. In a society built on personal connections, even an international Best Actor had to make a living and couldn't refuse every favor.

For instance, the earlier film 'Warriors of Heaven and Earth' was such a case.

And now, it seemed the same.

Jiang Wen drove Zhao Fusheng home and left. But before leaving, he told Zhao Fusheng that Huayi seemed to have recovered. After this film, he planned to leave Huayi at the end of the year.

Zhao Fusheng smiled slightly and nodded without saying anything.

Old Jiang had made it clear, so he understood what it meant.

Leaving Huayi meant joining Future Films.

This had been discussed before. In fact, if Ma Dajun hadn't left for Bona, Jiang Wen would have signed with Future Films earlier.

On one hand, because of his relationship with Zhao Fusheng, Jiang Wen trusted Future Films. On the other hand, he knew that at Huayi, he would always be stuck in the middle.

Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix—that was the principle.

Given Jiang Wen's pride, he would naturally make the choice most beneficial to him.

'Is Old Jiang really going to Future Films?'

When Zhao Fusheng mentioned this to Fan Baobao during dinner, she was quite surprised.

'Isn't it normal?' Zhao Fusheng looked at his girlfriend helplessly and smiled. 'If Old Jiang stays at Huayi, there are too many constraints. You know him—he's always self-centered. At Huayi, although the Wang brothers have the final say, they still have to consider other shareholders.'

Fan Baobao fell silent. She understood what he meant. Jiang Wen had no concept of budget when filming; overspending was inevitable. Not to mention his temper and filming pace—he was almost another Wong Kar-wai.

The only difference was that Jiang Wen at least considered the investors' feelings, while Wong Kar-wai's style was: if you ask me to make a film, be prepared for delays.

As for Jiang Wen, if you ask him to make a film, be prepared for budget overruns.

This flaw wasn't a problem at Future Films, but at Huayi, it would eventually draw criticism.

The reason was simple: Huayi had more than one director, more than one boss, and even more than one star. Jiang Wen had many factors to consider when making a film.

At Future Films, he didn't need to worry about that. Future Films currently had only one signed artist—Fan Baobao. Once Jiang Wen joined, he would be the company's top star.

For Future Films, which was eager to expand its market, Jiang Wen's importance was undeniable.

A company that fully supports you versus one that might hold you back—Old Jiang would have to be crazy not to know which to choose.

Seeing that Fan Baobao understood, Zhao Fusheng smiled. 'In a couple of years, when Old Jiang can direct his own film, you'll be ready to take roles.'

'Really?'

Fan Baobao's face lit up instantly. Her eyebrows raised as she looked at Zhao Fusheng expectantly. 'You mean I can act in his films?'

Although Old Jiang was unreliable in daily life, in the film circle, he was a golden brand.

Even though they had known each other for a while, Fan Baobao still admired Jiang Wen. After all, few people had transitioned from actor to director and achieved great success. Jiang Wen was among the best.

'No problem,' Zhao Fusheng winked. 'Don't forget, I'm a screenwriter.'

Fan Baobao shot him a look. 'Come on, Zhou Yun is his fiancée.'

'Cough, cough...' Zhao Fusheng was instantly embarrassed and coughed dryly.

But Fan Baobao was right. In his memory, Zhou Yun appeared in every film Jiang Wen directed, benefiting from her husband's influence.

This was normal. In the entertainment industry, many couples did the same. Resources exist to be used. If you lack ability, that's one thing; but if you have it, why not take care of your own instead of giving it to others?

'See, I'm right,' Fan Baobao said, glaring at him.

After all, compared to her, Zhou Yun was closer to Jiang Wen. Naturally, roles would go to Zhou Yun first.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head. 'That's not how it works. Old Jiang isn't impulsive. Besides, I'm here too. Both you and Zhou Yun are actresses. If the script is suitable, there will be roles for you. If not, honestly, you wouldn't get the lead anyway.'

This was true. In his memory, Zhou Yun never became Jiang Wen's go-to leading lady. Although she appeared in most of his films with significant screen time, she wasn't really the female lead.

Old Jiang still had that integrity.

Fan Baobao thought for a moment, blinked, and seemed to believe him.