Chapter 1692
Forced Reconciliation
From the moment the cold dishes were taken away, Zhang Yuan had been very careful with his chopsticks.
Because he was afraid someone would poke his butt from behind.
In the course of one's life, one has many friends, but even more enemies.
He glanced at the crowd and sighed inwardly.
Despite my frequent presence in Beijing, I'm still not really part of the capital's elite circles.
Because I don't have that bloodline!
This isn't based on household registration, accent, or address; it's based on birth.
If you're born without it, then you're born without it.
However, what sets him apart from others is that, unlike others, he doesn't experience worry.
He's not the one who's worried; it's others who are troubled.
Many people wish he were a member of the imperial circle, as it would save them a lot of trouble.
At the dinner table, everyone remained silent, even though the cold dishes had been served for quite some time.
They're all important people, not children; nobody's craving food.
Everyone was waiting for today's protagonist, Lao Han, who was officially retiring from China Film Group, to take the stage for his final leadership speech.
"Oh, everyone is being so kind to me."
"Why make it so formal?"
"Okay, okay, I'll just say a few words."
The banquet was organized by China Film Group Corporation to bid farewell to the leaders.
This is still important. It's one thing for people to become distant once they leave, but it's another to become distant before they've even left.
Old Han even put on an act, giving off a "you guys have really put me through this...hehehe" vibe.
He put on airs of leadership one last time.
There won't be another chance like this in the future.
People are afraid of this, especially leaders.
Having spent half a lifetime bossing people around and giving orders, it's easy to be sidelined and suffer greatly.
Zhang Yuan had already arranged for him to be his expert consultant.
Old Han still puts on airs.
I'm old, retired, and it's time for me to go home and enjoy my retirement.
No, no, it's not appropriate.
The future belongs to you young people. People like me are outdated and can't offer any value.
Don't be naive and actually believe it!
If you go along with what he says, he'll definitely turn on you.
Zhang Yuan knew perfectly well that he was playing a game of three refusals with me.
In addition, it was also to get him to offer better terms.
Finally, Zhang Yuan said that there was no need to work regular hours; he would reserve a large office for him, and he could come whenever he wanted, whether to work or entertain friends.
If you don't want to come, I'll have someone from the company deliver the documents and materials to your home.
The remuneration is an annual salary of 12.
Of course, this is just a facade; it's simply a pretext for paying experts to rehire their services, something for outsiders to see.
In reality, producers receive additional compensation for their work, with each instance costing at least several hundred thousand.
Old Han was acting like, "I'm retired, and you keep causing me trouble...hehehe."
A short while later, after Lao Han on stage said a few words, a host came up to present flowers and gifts, including a China Film commemorative album filled with old photos and posters of old works.
The host also used the big screen to recount Lao Han's "great achievements".
People cheered and clapped.
Zhang Weiping once criticized Lao Han, calling him the "Mountain Eagle" of the Chinese film and television industry. This nickname originated from Zhang Weiping.
Given Lao Zhang's arrogant attitude and his sharp tongue, it's no wonder that after Lao Zhang broke up with him, nobody paid him any attention.
It's true that he dominates the top of the food chain in the Chinese film and television industry.
But it also deserves credit.
It's not like some people claim, as if without Han Kuo-yu, there would be no modernization of Chinese cinema.
That's not the case. Even if Ma Yun is gone, there's still Wang Yun and Li Yun.
Even if Lei Jun is gone, there will still be Zhang Jun and Wang Jun.
As the saying goes, times create heroes; when the times are at a crossroads, heroes will naturally emerge.
Old Han received the mission to establish China Film Group Corporation, which is like the pig riding the wave of China's film and television industry.
And these were pigs that were specially raised and fed by the higher-ups.
If it weren't for Lao Han, at this point, the higher-ups would have found someone else of high moral standing and strong ability to do this.
But Lao Han did a good job, and his direction wasn't wrong either.
Some say he's ambitious and eager for quick success, and that's true to some extent.
However, encouraging the production of blockbuster films does indeed align with the current era of soaring capital after the turn of the millennium.
And he really does help directors raise money.
And most of them were successful... except for the one that died at the hands of John Woo.
Thinking of this, Zhang Yuan glanced at Big Dog sitting next to him.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Dog Brother, who was clapping, asked out of the corner of his eye.
"I see your forehead is dark..." Zhang Yuan suppressed his thoughts and shook his head with a smile.
You and Lao Han will both die at the hands of one of them.
"Hey Dog, shall we have a few more drinks later?"
"After all, they are all preparing to go public."
"Hey...of course."
When this was mentioned, the other person laughed, but there was a slight stiffness in their smile.
After a short while, everyone started eating after Lao Han's polite words, "Eat and drink well, we won't leave until we're drunk."
Zhang Yuan was starving, so he picked up a mustard green and ate it. One bite sent a chill straight to the top of his head.
Mustard rolls are made by rolling up the heart of a cabbage and drizzling it with yellow mustard sauce.
This is considered a traditional Beijing snack; the appeal lies in the freshness of the cabbage and the spiciness of the wasabi.
It does, however, refresh and invigorate the mind.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled Dog Brother's expression more clearly. She turned and asked.
"Hey Big Dog, how have you been lately?"
"Was the IPO successful?"
"Dude, I won't lie to you." He, who usually has a very loud voice, was now whispering in someone's ear.
"Everyone at this table is a boss, but the two of us have been together recently."
Zhang Yuanxin's words made no mistake.
Companies like Huayi, Fiber Optics, and Bona have all gone public, regardless of the methods they used.
The remaining companies that are not yet listed have no plans to go public in the near future.
Both of them are pursuing IPOs, and it's a crucial period for them.
In just a few months, the decision was finalized!
Dog Brother confessed to him that after failing to list on the US stock market, Xiao Ma's attempt to list on the Hong Kong stock market also failed.
Now I'm planning to go for the A-shares.
"Brother, if I had as many Hong Kong businessmen as your backers, I probably would have gotten through this." Dog Brother said, then gulped down a glass of baijiu.
"Every family has its own difficulties, and I still have to deal with so many people."
"Unlike you, whose main shareholders are all family members."
"That's true." Dog Brother nodded.
Zhang Yuan only said the nice things.
In reality, even his own family members were unreliable. After he died in his previous life, his own family members were the first to fight each other for power.
“It’s alright.” He clinked glasses with Zhang Yuan again: “As long as my big film, ‘The Crossing,’ is released soon, everything will be fine.”
"With this performance, the accounts will look good and everything will go smoothly."
Zhang Yuan is having a hard time keeping his composure; he shouldn't curse himself...
"You're really something else. You made such a big splash with 'Pacific Rim,' and it's already grossed 12 billion at the box office. I'm so envious."
"Actually, I just smear lard on myself when I go out and pretend I'm eating meat," Zhang Yuan explained. "The cost is very high, and I don't make any money."
In the past, when the descendants of the Eight Banners fell on hard times, they would wipe their mouths with pigskin and pretend to be eating and drinking at home, their mouths covered in grease.
In reality, most companies that want to go public are just doing sham business.
"How about we raise a glass together to wish President Han a happy retirement?" Zhang Yuan suggested.
No one could refute his words, and even Xiao Wang slowly raised his wine glass.
How's Mr. Wang doing lately?
"I haven't been to Huayi in a long time, is that alright?"
"I heard you signed a performance-based agreement with Director Feng. I wish you great success."
"I have high hopes for Huayi's future."
Zhang Yuan was saying nice things, but Xiao Wang heard it as sarcasm.
If he knew that Zhang Yuan had bought over 3000 million yuan worth of Huayi shares through a bunch of companies and accounts, he wouldn't have thought that way.
As a major A-share investor, I sincerely hope that Huayi will thrive.
As Zhang Yuan spoke, several cold laughs could be heard from behind him from time to time.
It originates from Lu Taijun and Yao Cheng's husband, Cao Yu.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Zhang Yuan went to the main table to toast Lao Han.
As soon as he saw him arrive, Old Han patted him hard on the shoulder.
"The Chinese film and television industry still needs young people like you to make a name for themselves and get things done."
It seemed like a polite remark, but he continued talking.
"Peikang, aren't you right?"
He turned to look at the old man beside him.
He is his successor, the next chairman of China Film Group.
Lao La is different from Lao Han.
Old Han comes from a genuine military family and is an absolute role model for the elite circle.
And Lao La is a student who studied abroad!
A top student from the French Department of Beijing Foreign Studies University, he spent several years in Paris after graduation. Therefore, upon assuming his position, he placed great emphasis on exchange and cooperation between the Chinese and international film and television industries.
It can be considered to be in line with the times.
Zhang Yuan glanced at me, praised me, and then asked, "Are you old?" Hmm... Was this a message to me, or was he checking if the other person was still listening to him?
He felt it was both.
The old man looked much more refined than the old man, and they knew each other.
"Brotherhood of Blades" was produced under his name.
"Mr. Han is right."
I said, "Your Excellency's opinion is excellent."
"We should encourage young people to strive. Zhang Yuan's progress in recent years is obvious to all, and China Film Group should support him."
Since China Film Group is a shareholder of the company, and they will still have to deal with Lao La later, Zhang Yuan quickly raised his glass as well.
“Que tout se passe bien.” Then he said again.
A French blessing wishing him good luck.
When the old man heard this, he was quite happy that someone was singing a celebratory song for his new appointment.
Moreover, Zhang Yuan was happy that he could speak French, as very few people in the industry could.
"We were just talking about something," Old Han said after taking a few bites of food.
"Starting after the Lunar New Year, China and South Korea will begin comprehensive cultural exchange and cooperation."
"Both sides' top executives contributed to a fund of 2000 billion won."
"Half of it will go to the film and television industry, including tax subsidies, artist activity funding support, project investment, and company investment."
"This matter was discussed when the South Korean leader came to China, and it has already been approved by the higher authorities."
"Do you understand now?"
"Understood!" Zhang Yuan nodded repeatedly.
This is the benefit of having connections; otherwise, you wouldn't even know which way the door to billions in subsidies opens.
With Lao Han around, he'll definitely know all the details of the matter, how to get the subsidy, right away.
Zhang Yuan had long wanted to take action against South Korea and had been waiting for an opportunity.
The government offered discounts and subsidies, and I also had ample funds after the IPO, so it was just right.
Well… Zhang Yuan glanced at his own table out of the corner of his eye.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who knows this news.
After chatting with the two leaders, one old and one new, for a while, he returned to his seat.
Not long after, Lao Han returned the favor, toasting each table.
When it was his turn, everyone stood up.
"We're all family, no need to be polite."
"Come, come, come."
"Zhang Yuan, come here."
“Zhong Lei is here too.”
"And Lu Chuan, Cao Yu, come on over, let's all drink together."
Seeing this, he no longer doubted whether Lao Han's seating arrangement was a coincidence or intentional.
It must have been intentional.
"We are all in the same industry, and we should work together to overcome difficulties."
“There were some minor conflicts before, nothing serious.”
"Drink this cup of wine, and let it drift away with the wind!"
Old Han didn't even hint; he said it outright.
Zhang Yuan knew perfectly well that this was his venue, his retirement banquet.
He just gave me a long list of instructions to my father, and now it's time for me to "repay" him.
Old Han hopes to accomplish all the important things while he still has the energy.
Reconciliation among people is also a big deal. If you guys start fighting, no one can stand it, and the loss will be felt by the entire Chinese film and television industry.
Lu Chuan was supported by Lao Han, Cao Yu was a veteran of two generations of Beijing Film Studio, and Hua Yi and Feng Xiaogang were also helped by him.
Zhang Yuan's company today is theoretically due to his support.
If he doesn't support them, he won't be able to gather so many people, and he'll easily be attacked.
So in Lao Han's eyes, they were all "one of his own".
"Mr. Han is right."
As the saying goes, "At home you rely on your parents, but when you're out in the world you rely on your friends."
"I have no parents to rely on, so I treat President Han like a parent. When I go out, I have to rely on the friends here."
Zhang Yuan spoke.
The people around them were secretly teasing each other, wondering if Old Han was their father or mother.
But seeing that Old Han was pleased to hear this, he dared not say anything.
When you're out and about, it's all about who has the thickest skin.
"Director Lu, is that right?" Zhang Yuan turned to the side and handed the wine glass to Lu Chuan.
Actually, he should be the one feeling embarrassed, since he was surrounded by his enemies.
But as long as I'm not embarrassed, it's others who are embarrassed.
Lu Chuan wanted to curse, but when he saw the wine glass that was handed to him, he glanced at Old Han.
It's fine to disrespect Zhang Yuan, but it's unacceptable to disrespect Lao Han.
I had no choice but to clink glasses with him.
Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "You good-for-nothing! At a time like this, you're still raising your glass so high."
One must be able to take things on and let them go.
Look at Han Xin, Goujian, Jia Nailiang...
If it were him, he would definitely lower the cup at this moment, and pretend to be a brother to Old Han.
As a result, the rim of Lu Taijun's cup was half a cup higher than his.
This is utterly worthless. With this kind of mindset and perspective, you can't make a good film.
Cao Yu's toast was so shallow that they almost didn't touch.
Xiao Wang is a businessman after all; the rim of his cup is only slightly higher than his own.
Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "Don't rush. Once I successfully go public, we'll see who has the bigger cup then."
"Zhang Yuan is preparing for its IPO, and as a senior colleague, I also want to offer my congratulations." Xiao Wang not only proactively clinked glasses with Zhang Yuan, but also politely declined.
"No, no, I only became capable of doing these things because I learned from General Manager Wang."
"The student surpasses the teacher." Xiao Wang's words were also pleasant: "But the road to listing is difficult, so we must be careful."
As he spoke, he gently patted Zhang Yuan's hand.
His gaze was meaningful.
"Thanks for the reminder. If the IPO is successful, I'll have to treat you to Buddha Jumps Over the Wall just for that."
Quick-frozen, the kind that costs 15 yuan a bucket.
"Great, that's much better."
"It should have been done long ago."
Old Han had already drunk quite a bit, and now that he was in high spirits, he drank even more, his face turning bright red.
"After I retire, please don't forget my old friend."
"How could that be? Everyone still follows President Han's lead!" Zhang Yuan said, taking the lead.
The others regretted not having his mouth, which was so fast and accurate.
In the end, Old Han even pulled him aside to talk about Lu Chuan and the others, advising him like an elder.
"I'll think about it."
"I'm still considering it!"
"No...it's not that I'm not listening to you, it's just that my mind has been focused on the IPO lately."
"Once I've finished handling it and made the adjustments, I'll definitely do it openly."
“Fratricidal grudges can be settled privately, but reconciliation must be done publicly, wouldn’t you agree?”
"You said it yourself, don't go back on your word." Old Han patted the back of his head: "What you said is right, and it's respectable."
In order to win over Lao Han, he had no choice but to agree.
But we need to figure out how to handle the specific operation.
He drank quite a bit overnight and went to sleep as soon as he got home.
When I woke up the next day, I was still thinking about a few things that happened the night before.
Looking at her phone, she realized that after sending the email, Xixi hadn't contacted her at all—not on QQ, WeChat, or via text message.
Based on my deduction, she is probably still angry, but has most likely softened her stance.
She is kind-hearted by nature, and although she has a temper, she is not an unreasonable person.
Let's give her some more time; everyone's been busy lately anyway.
Like she said, give her some time to cool off. She needs to think things through, and I also need to think about how to get along with her.
With the end of the semester fast approaching, Zhang Yuan figured he didn't have to work today, so he should hurry over to the Central Academy of Drama.
I need to go there before the exam and say hello to the teachers of each subject.
After washing up, I went out without riding my bike, as I was a bit hungover and took a car instead.
After all, you shouldn't drink and drive.
He took care of all the academic subjects, and after lunch, he entered the performance class on time.
I need to see if Cheng Hao has calmed down yet.
Zhang Yuan was so worried. He felt like he was going downhill and downhill.
I used to be able to handle things with ease, but now I have a lot of potential problems to deal with.
Waiting for class to begin, a female teacher entered shortly afterward, carrying a thermos, wearing glasses, and holding a textbook.
Zhang Yuan looked up and froze.
It's not Cheng Hao.
Why is Liu Tianchi here?
I remember she didn't teach acting classes to younger students.
But class had already started, so he could only carry this question with him as he immersed himself in the lesson… (End of Chapter)