Chapter 887
The Lou Brothers Part Ways
The night sky of Shenzhen was ignited by dazzling neon lights, and the colorful lights outside the car window outlined the vibrant silhouette of this special economic zone. The black sedan smoothly merged into the traffic flow that had not yet completely subsided during the evening rush hour. The low hum of the engine mixed with the ambient noise, forming the unique background sound of Shenzhen.
Inside the car, Jay Chou's back was stiff, and he gripped the old canvas bag on his knees tightly with both hands.
Inside the bag were his creative manuscripts, which he cherished as his life. The stack of sheet music, which embodied countless sleepless nights and was almost soaked with sweat, now felt like a heavy stone, weighing heavily on his heart, yet carrying a kind of illusory burning sensation.
The new boss Lu Yang's indifferent, almost apathetic attitude, the awkward dinner with only the slight clinking of cutlery, and the inexplicable, seemingly quest-driven group photo... all of this formed an extremely stark contrast to the "great news" he had just heard from Lu Nini.
"Our top priority next year is to do everything we can to help you debut and release your solo album."
This created an incredibly strong contrast.
"What merit do I have...?"
These four words swirled repeatedly in his chaotic mind, like a tight headband.
He was just a low-level assistant struggling to make a living in a small, musty studio in Ximending. It was common for his songs to be rejected, and the demanding task of churning out fifty songs in ten days almost exhausted him.
The boss Wu Zongxian's evaluation of him as "ambitious but unrealistic", "singing skills so-so", and "can't even speak clearly" is like a brand etched on his self-esteem.
What makes him so special that after that powerful, high-powered mainland tycoon spent a fortune to acquire the company, he specifically requested to meet him first? And even planned his album for next year?
Is it because of those fifty songs?
But the boss never asked about it, and didn't even glance at the canvas bag he was clutching tightly.
Was it because of Brother Xian's recommendation?
The possibility is extremely slim; before leaving, Brother Xian probably only felt disgusted with himself.
Could it be that... the boss really has a keen eye and discovered my insignificant talent through some channel?
This thought made Jay Chou's heart race, but he was immediately overwhelmed by a huge sense of unreality.
This feels like a dream, a strange dream that is cold in the first half but promises a brilliant future in the second.
A great deal of confusion, overwhelming fear of being flattered, and uncertainty about the unknown future were clashing violently in his young heart.
He secretly glanced up and looked at Lu Nini's calm profile in the rearview mirror.
This capable, efficient, and powerful female secretary was, at this moment, his only connection to that mysterious and unpredictable upper-class world.
“Sister Nini…” His Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice carrying the softness unique to Yizhou dialect and his current unease, as he cautiously began to speak, “I… I still don’t quite understand.”
Lu Nini looked at him in the rearview mirror, her gaze behind the glasses carrying a hint of understanding and an imperceptible gentleness.
She could roughly guess the turmoil in the young man's heart.
"The boss has his own reasons for doing things, which are often unexpected, but in the end they all prove to be right."
Her tone was calm, as if she were stating an objective fact: "Just because he didn't say it doesn't mean he didn't see it. He personally named you and brought you here from Yizhou, arranged your accommodation, and even gave you a clear instruction to release an album for you next year. This is the greatest recognition and signal. Wu Zongxian can't give you the opportunity, but he can, and he can give you an even bigger one."
She paused, then softened her voice: "Xiao Jie, your boss doesn't need to shower you with attention or explain why. He's given you a platform and made promises; all you need to do is seize it and prove his judgment right with your talent and hard work. Don't worry about anything else."
These words acted as a reassurance, temporarily suppressing the doubts churning in Jay Chou's mind.
Although his boss's indifference still hurt him somewhat, the core message Lu Nini pointed out—that tangible promise leading to his dream—was as clear and alluring as a lighthouse in the darkness.
An opportunity! This was the opportunity he had been dreaming of!
No matter how strange the boss's attitude was, the opportunity itself was real! It was the starting point he had longed for after pouring his heart and soul into writing songs and enduring Wu Zongxian's difficult behavior!
A surge of passion welled up inside me, dispelling my confusion.
He took a deep breath, his gaze hardening, and nodded forcefully at Lu Nini's eyes in the rearview mirror, as if making a solemn promise to himself:
"Nini, don't worry! I will definitely work hard to write songs, and I will do my best to write them well! I will try my best to have all the best songs I wrote used in my first album next year!"
His voice carried a hint of youthful stubbornness and a do-or-die determination: "The boss gave me this opportunity, and I will definitely work hard to repay this kindness!"
He was no longer the young man who was so flustered and nervous in the rooftop restaurant of the Century Tower that he couldn't even hold a knife and fork properly.
At this moment, a surge of motivation from being recognized and a yearning for the future seemed to straighten his thin shoulders.
Looking at the flame burning in his eyes, Lu Nini smiled genuinely.
Although this young man was inexperienced, awkward, and even a bit clumsy, his pure determination and gratitude, once ignited, unexpectedly made people feel at ease.
She reached out and gently patted the back of Jay Chou's hand, which was resting on his canvas bag, through the gap between the seats. The gesture was natural and carried the warmth and encouragement of an older sister.
"Xiao Jie, it's great that you think this way." Her smile looked especially warm in the light and shadow flowing outside the car window. "Remember this spirit, maintain this pure passion and loyalty to the boss, I have faith in you."
The gentle touch on the back of his hand, Lu Nini's sincere encouragement and trusting gaze instantly soothed the lingering unease and resentment of being ignored in Jay Chou's heart.
A warm current flowed through his body. He felt a little embarrassed, but mostly grateful, and almost blurted out:
"Thank you, Sister Nini!"
The subtle shift in address, from the unfamiliar "Miss Lu" to the intimate "Sister Nini," signifies the beginning of a bond between the two based on shared goals and trust.
The tense and stiff atmosphere inside the car vanished, replaced by a warm and tacit understanding of working towards a common goal.
The car drove through the brightly lit streets toward the temporary accommodations arranged by the company.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Suzhou, on the set of "Suzhou River".
Night also enveloped this ancient water city, but the atmosphere in the air was completely different from the vibrant city of Shenzhen.
Deep in the old alleyways, in a rented old house courtyard, simple stage lighting reflects the shimmering water props.
Filming has wrapped up, and the set is filled with a dull atmosphere of fatigue and anxiety.
In a simple rest shed in the corner of the courtyard, the atmosphere dropped to freezing point.
Lou Yuan paced back and forth irritably, his ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts. His brows were furrowed, his face ashen, and he pointed at Lou Hua, who sat silently on a small stool, head bowed. His voice was filled with suppressed anger:
"Brother! How long are you going to be so stubborn?! Look at these ledgers!"
He slammed a crumpled notebook onto a creaking, old table beside him. "Suzhou River! Suzhou River again! How much did it cost to build this shabby water scene? How much did it cost to hire those professional actors? Props, film, personnel costs… isn't every single one of that money? Money!"
He became more and more agitated as he spoke: "Yes, the boss hasn't been pressuring us for profit returns! Over the years since Century Light and Shadow was established, the head office has never stopped allocating funds to us. But let me tell you, that's because the boss is generous! It's not capital for us to squander! Look at what we've produced over the years? One film after another! 'The Edge,' 'Lost,' 'Breathing'... the names are all more mysterious than the last, but what about the box office? Is it even enough to pay the rent for this old house for a year?!"
Lou Yuan, panting heavily, said with great distress: "Besides trying your luck at a few small film festivals in Europe and getting some impressive-sounding but actually useless 'Artistic Contribution Award' or 'Special Attention from the Jury,' what else is left? Reputation? Can reputation put food on the table these days? Can it support this whole bunch of brothers in the company? Let me tell you, Lou Hua, you're not pursuing art, you're just wasting the boss's money! You're committing slow suicide!"
Lou Hua, sitting on a small stool, was wearing a faded director's vest and his hair was somewhat messy.
He kept his head down, his fingers unconsciously picking at the edge of the canvas stool.
Lou Yuan's questions pierced his heart like needles, but he kept his lips tightly pressed together, his eyes filled with an almost obsessive stubbornness.
Only after Lou Yuan finished shouting did he suddenly raise his head.
Under the lamplight, his face was somewhat pale, but his eyes were exceptionally bright, with an almost martyr-like fervor and persistence.
“Brother!” His voice wasn’t loud, but it was exceptionally clear, carrying an undeniable stubbornness. “In your eyes, is box office success the only path for movies? Is making those market-driven, melodramatic, and vulgar commercial films the only legitimate way?” He stood up, looking directly at his enraged cousin: “Film is art! It’s the seventh art! It should have thought, soul, and an exploration of the depths of human nature! Commercialization? That’s the most thorough desecration and alienation of film! Turning film into a mere commodity is the ugliest thing! I’m upholding the dreams and original aspirations of filmmakers! I’m protecting the dignity that film as an art form should possess! How can you call it nonsense?!”
Lou Hua's chest heaved slightly, clearly moved by his words: "When the boss took us in and founded Century Light and Shadow, was it just to make money? If that were the case, he could have easily gone to those directors who make commercial films! What he valued wasn't my unique perspective and persistence in making art films? Mr. Lu understands film! He's my mentor! A scholar will die for one who understands him! I swore that I would make a film that truly touches people's hearts, that shines at the three major European film festivals, to bring glory to the boss and repay his kindness! That's what I'm striving for!"
He paused, looked at Lou Yuan, his eyes sharp, "Brother, you don't need to persuade me anymore. If the boss himself called me and said, 'Lou Hua, you're not allowed to make this film,' then I would stop filming immediately without saying a word! But you're not the boss! How do you know the boss doesn't like me making art films? How do you know the boss doesn't support my dreams?"
"You!" Lou Yuan was so angry at this "twisted logic" that he almost fainted. His finger trembled as he pointed at Lou Hua. "You...you're just stubborn! You don't understand business at all! What talent scout? What opportunity? The boss is a businessman! A businessman ultimately looks at profits! Returns! He may have appreciated your talent at first, but that doesn't mean he can tolerate you running unprofitable businesses! If the company continues to be dragged down like this, sooner or later..."
Just as the brothers' argument was about to escalate again, and the atmosphere was about to reach its peak of tension.
Beep...beep...beep...
A clear and steady cell phone ringtone abruptly and resolutely interrupted Lou Yuan's roar.
The two of them were stunned at the same time, and the argument stopped abruptly.
The noise on set seemed to disappear instantly.
This ringtone... is a special ringtone they set up specifically for their big boss, Lu Yang!
Lou Yuan's angry expression froze instantly, then was replaced by a hint of tension and anticipation.
A flicker of stubbornness flashed in Lou Hua's eyes, and he subconsciously straightened his back.
Lou Yuan frantically pulled his somewhat bulky phone from his pocket, took a deep breath to calm his earlier excitement, pressed the answer button, and instantly switched his voice to an extremely respectful tone:
"Hello? Mr. Lu! Hello! This is Lou Yuan!"
On the other end of the phone came Lu Yang's highly recognizable, calm yet imposing voice, cutting straight to the point without any pleasantries:
"Lou Yuan, is Lou Hua next to you? Put the phone on speakerphone."
"Yes, yes, yes! Put it on speakerphone, Mr. Lu, please speak!" Lou Yuan quickly did as instructed and placed the phone on the table.
Lu Yang's concise voice carried clearly throughout the small rest shed:
"The group recently acquired a music studio in Yizhou called Alpha Music. We have now decided to integrate the studio's business into your Century Light and Shadow Media. Century Light and Shadow will then manage and operate it uniformly."
boom!
This news struck Lou Yuan and Lou Hua like a bolt from the blue!
Acquisition? Yizhou Music Studio? Merging into Century Light and Shadow?
How many years has it been?! The big boss has finally remembered their little "art film workshop," which was tucked away in a remote corner and almost forgotten?!
And the first move was such a big one!
Acquiring a music company in Yizhou is definitely a big move. Although the exact amount is unknown, a cross-border acquisition like this is certainly not cheap! What does this mean? It means that the boss has not only not given up on them, but is also going to inject new, cross-industry resources into them!
Lou Yuan's heart pounded with excitement, his face flushed instantly, and the unpleasantness and argument from before were long forgotten.
He seemed to see a glittering golden road to transformation; this was the real business, the business that could make money.
Lou Hua's eyes lit up as well.
Although he wasn't particularly interested in pop music itself, the boss's move undoubtedly demonstrated his great attention to and investment in resources for the "Century Light and Shadow" platform.
This means the company will have greater energy and space, and perhaps... it will also indirectly support its future film creation?
"That's wonderful! Mr. Lu! This is fantastic news! Thank you for your trust!" Lou Yuan's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement.
"Hmm." Lu Yang's voice remained calm. "Next, you two brothers should discuss the division of labor. Someone needs to be specifically in charge of the music studio, and someone also needs to oversee the film business on the mainland. Decide as soon as possible who will go to Yizhou to take over Alpha and who will stay on the mainland?"
As soon as Lu Yang finished speaking, Lou Yuan answered almost without hesitation, his voice firm and resolute:
"I'm going! Mr. Lu, I'm going to Yizhou!"
His answer was too quick, too decisive, and even carried a sense of eagerness to escape.
This opportunity is like a godsend!
What could be a better choice than taking over a brand new, promising music company in Yizhou, completely escaping the endless civil war over "art versus commerce," and getting out of this quagmire with no prospect of profit?
As for the mainland... Didn't Lou Hua keep saying he wanted to stick to his art-house film dreams? Didn't he consider the boss his mentor and supporter? Fine! Let him stay here and struggle on his own! Let's see if, without Lou Yuan's meticulous planning and scraping together funds from behind the scenes, without Lou Hua's involvement in TV drama investments to earn a little extra money, the company can really survive on the boss's "not pushing for profits" leniency and Lou Hua's meager "artistic pursuits." Ideally, it should survive until it's completely bankrupt, so the boss fully realizes the impracticality of Lou Hua's approach and the hard work Lou Yuan has put into maintaining the company all these years!
Countless thoughts flashed through Lou Yuan's mind in an instant, but he had only one goal: to leave this place of trouble immediately and embrace new, more lucrative possibilities.
Lu Yang on the other end of the phone seemed unsurprised by his decisiveness, or rather, unconcerned about the reasons behind it, simply confirming:
"Okay, then it's you."
Then, another task was presented:
"You'll fly to the Pengcheng headquarters to report for duty the day after tomorrow morning. There's a young man here, Zhou Jielun, who came from Alpha Studio. Since you're going back to Yizhou to take over, take him with you on the way. Get to know him well on the way and build a relationship. He's a new talent the company plans to promote next year, so get to know him beforehand."
A rising star being heavily promoted?
Lou Yuan hesitated for a moment, but immediately agreed: "No problem! Mr. Lu, please rest assured! I will arrange everything properly! I will report to headquarters on time the day after tomorrow!"
Since this is a newcomer that the boss specifically instructed to "promote", it is natural to pay attention to them. It's a good opportunity to find out their background and whether they are worth investing resources in.
A businessman's mindset instantly took over.
"Okay." Lu Yang seemed to offer no further explanation and hung up the phone cleanly and decisively.
Beep...beep...beep...
A busy signal sounded.
A brief silence fell over the small rest shed.
Lou Yuan held his phone, his excitement still lingering, his eyes shining brightly, as if he could already see the new world of Yizhou full of commercial potential.
Without even glancing at Lou Hua again, he immediately began planning how to book plane tickets, hand over his work, and learn about Alpha Music's materials.
Lou Hua stood there, watching his cousin's relieved and eager-to-leave expression, feeling a mix of emotions.
The boss's call and decision were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing his earlier fervor in arguing for art, but also giving him a clear signal: the company was about to change direction. He silently sat back down on his small stool, picked up the script again, and traced the three characters "Suzhou River" on the cover with his fingers. His eyes were complex, showing both persistence and a hint of barely perceptible bewilderment. This brotherly struggle about dreams versus reality was temporarily suspended in an unexpected way.
A new era of change has already begun.
Two days later, at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.
The massive Boeing airliner roared deafeningly on the runway as it slowly took off, piercing the clouds and flying toward Yizhou.
Inside the first-class cabin.
Lou Yuan leaned back in the large chair, dressed in a suit and tie, his hair neatly combed, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest as he pondered the integration plan and potential profit points after taking over Alpha Music.
He felt relaxed and even slightly excited. Having escaped the "quagmire of art" in Suzhou, he was about to take charge of a new business. Even the slight weightlessness he felt as the plane climbed seemed to carry a sense of upward freedom.
His gaze swept toward the seat next to the window.
A thin young man dressed in a plain white shirt and jeans, wearing black-rimmed glasses, sat there nervously, clutching a rather old and even somewhat worn canvas bag.
He seemed very uncomfortable in the first-class environment, unsure of what to do with his hands and feet, his gaze wandering as he looked out at the rolling sea of clouds, appearing somewhat nervous and... out of place.
Is this the newcomer that the boss specifically instructed to "promote"?
Lou Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly, observing the other party without making a sound.
Too ordinary. Temperament? Almost nothing at all, just a youthful awkwardness and restraint. Image? You'd be completely lost in a crowd. This is far removed from the "rising star" image Lou Yuan envisioned, the one the boss was willing to invest heavily in promoting.
What is the boss thinking? Does he really have some hidden talent? Or... has the boss misjudged him this time?
A hint of doubt quietly rose in the mind of Lou Yuan, this shrewd businessman.
He decided to follow his boss's instructions to "cultivate a good relationship" and also to find out more about the young man.
He cleared his throat, a professional yet scrutinizingly kind smile breaking the silence:
"Xiao Zhou, right? Don't be nervous, relax, how about we talk?" (End of Chapter)