1978 Synthetic Writers

Chapter 539 What's so great about a lousy drama?

In a state-run restaurant in Fengtai.

Lu Liping and Jiang Xian sat on opposite sides as the waiter brought over plates of food, looking impatient.

"Is this stir-fried pork heart with scallions yours?"

"Yes, yes, comrade, they are ours."

"Paji."

The waiter tossed the plate of food onto the table with an air of indifference, then strolled off to serve the next dish.

Jiang Xian and Lü Liping didn't dare to speak, fearing they would be beaten. They obediently used their chopsticks to pick up the few scallions that had fallen on the table and put them back on the plate.

Several more dishes were served quickly: braised fish chunks, two steamed bowls of crispy pork, Kung Pao chicken, stir-fried cabbage, and shredded pork with garlic sprouts—a traditional, old-fashioned dish. It tasted good, with more meat than vegetables.

"Teacher Jiang, is the food alright?" Lu Liping asked with a forced smile; it was her treat today.

"Okay, okay, okay."

Jiang Xian stuffed something into his mouth, "This tastes pretty good."

"Don't let the small size of the place fool you, I asked around and the food is delicious and the chef is skilled. It's very famous in this area."

"Uh-huh."

After a few words of small talk, Lü Liping finally revealed the true purpose of today's meal:

"Comrade Jiang Xian, I have thought it through."

“After you said those things to me last time, I went home and quickly came to terms with my own thoughts.”

“I’ve thought about it, and you’re right. The domestic options are too limited. I should broaden my horizons. Besides, you only get a few chances in life. Going abroad is something that others dream of, and I have to seize the opportunity.”

"Ah."

Jiang Xian put down his chopsticks, looked at Lü Liping and nodded, "I'm very pleased that you think this way. It's good that you can understand these things at such a young age. It shows that I didn't misjudge you. You are indeed a talented person."

Having received another affirmation from Jiang Xian, Lü Liping happily scratched his head, his face beaming with smiles.
"Which country should I go to?"

"USA."

"Wow, we're going straight to such a nice place." Lu Liping's smile was harder to suppress than an AK.

America, what a wonderful place! It's so big and beautiful, truly a paradise. It's technologically advanced, with fresh air, and people have no worries about food or drink. Poor people from all over the world are desperate to get in.

In fact, Lü Liping had guessed before that she might go to the United States, but she was never quite sure until now, when she finally felt a little relieved.

"Then what kind of movie should I make in America?" Lü Liping asked immediately.

"Hmm, no rush."

Jiang Xian said calmly, "Think about it. You're used to the Chinese way of filming now, but it's different in America. The habits and theories are very different. Moreover, filming there is all about efficiency, so they won't give you time to adapt. So I think you'd better go and learn first."

"Study?" Lu Liping was a little stunned.

But then I thought about it again, and Jiang Xian was right. We do need to study. Wasn't the first thing Chen Chong did when she went to America to study?

I had heard that Chen Chong's learning process was quite difficult. It was said that she was bullied by her classmates and even sexually assaulted by the school doctor. In addition, she worked part-time washing dishes everywhere. I don't know if this is true.

As Lü Liping was pondering, Jiang Xian suddenly asked:
"Did you resign from the factory?"

"Resign? Hmm... Teacher Jiang, do I really have to resign? I'll keep my organizational affiliation for now."

"Didn't you say you'd figured it out?"

Jiang Xian wiped his mouth and said, "There's no room for ambiguity here. Your Shanghai Film Studio has to be willing to release people before I can arrange for you to go abroad."

Of course, we're not forcing a sale. Yes, I admire you, but I also respect you. If you really can't bear to give up your secure job at the film studio and your monthly salary, then we can call it a day. There are so many film studios and so many actresses in China. There's Lü Liping, and there are Wu Liping, Zhang Liping, right?

"Teacher Jiang, you've misunderstood!"

Upon hearing this, Lü Liping became anxious. "It's not what you think. Oh dear, I'm definitely quitting this job. I've already made plans. I'll discuss the details with you today, and tomorrow I'll take the train back to Shanghai to resign from the factory."

"Would your factory be willing to let you go?"

"Ok?"

"We've put so much effort into training you, so I'm afraid we won't let you off so easily. It'll be tough for you for a while," Jiang Xian said.

Lu Liping thought about it and agreed.

The film studio provides these actresses with resources and positions, and some are even allocated housing. They wouldn't let you just leave whenever you want; at least they wouldn't let you leave so easily.

"What should I do?"

"I'll think of a way to get you out of Shanghai Film Studio as soon as possible."

"Hmm? Please go ahead."

Jiang Xian leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, "Here's what you do: you take the blame for the disciplinary action. That way, it won't be considered a resignation, but rather being fired. It's a way of turning a passive situation into an active one."

"what did you say?!"

Lu Liping was startled, and the commotion attracted the attention of people at the next table. Fortunately, she quickly realized her lapse in composure, adjusted herself, and leaned forward to lower her voice.

"You'll be punished!"

"You're not kidding me, are you?"

Having grown up under the red flag, Lü Liping had always kept her distance from the word "disciplinary action" since childhood, feeling that it was a red line that could not be touched.

"What are you talking about?"

Jiang Xian said with a serious expression, "Yes, punishments are something you shouldn't take lightly, but have you thought about it?"

"Think about it? Think about what?"

"Think about your future."

Jiang Xian reminded him, "You'll be developing your career abroad and in the international film and television industry. To be honest, once you go abroad, you won't be able to come back more than a few times."

Besides, if you have the opportunity in the future to transfer your citizenship and become a legitimate foreigner, what impact will these domestic disciplinary actions have on you then?

Jiang Xian's words were like a wake-up call, opening a new world for Lü Liping.

Yup!

Anyway, I'll be developing my career abroad from now on.

As for these trivial matters in China, what does that have to do with her?

But even if you say it, it takes a long time to really harden your heart.

Fortunately, Lü Liping lived up to his reputation for success in the film and television industry. First of all, he was ruthless and decisive, and he genuinely loved America and longed to go abroad.

"Then what kind of punishment do you think I should receive?"

"You'll have to figure this out yourself. I won't teach you, lest you blame me later and say I'm the one who harmed you."

"Oh, no."

Lu Liping was almost in tears. "What kind of person do you take me for? You are my great benefactor. I can't blame you, no matter who else I blame."

"Alright then, I'll give you an idea, but if you get caught, you can't say that I taught you it."

"I promise I won't tell, I'll confess even if you kill me."

"Row."

Jiang Xian glanced around, then mysteriously leaned close to Lü Liping's ear and whispered, "You do this..."

"Hello, my name is Li Dongbao."

Ge You held the phone, looking rather simple-minded. "Winter as in winter, baby as in baby. I hope this can help you. What's your name?"

This is a segment from the popular TV show "Human Guide" called "Big Sister Daddy," where the host makes phone calls to people and helps them solve their problems. The professional "Big Sister Daddy" on "Human Guide" is none other than Ge You.

"My name is Zhang Xu, the 'Xu' in 'gentle spring breeze'."

"Oh, it means warmth. Another name I envy." Ge You rubbed his hands together, squinting and grinning mischievously. The people at "Seahorse" found it hilarious.

Wang Shuo couldn't help but slap his thigh, "Do you think we were influenced by Comrade Ge You to write Li Dongbao? Otherwise, I can't explain how he fits the role so well."

"Yes, he, he's practically Li Dongbao himself."

"Oh dear, that's because you didn't see how hard Comrade Ge You worked behind the scenes."

Zhu Hong said from the side, "I often see him squatting in a corner, adjusting his expressions in front of the mirror when he's not filming."

Ge You: "What do you do for a living?"

Zhang Xu: "I am a life model at the Academy of Fine Arts."

Ge You: "Oh, then you must be an exceptional girl. Is there something troubling you?"

Zhang Xu: "I love my job, but I often face criticism and slander from those around me. Even my family doesn't understand me and says I'm a disgrace to them."

Ge You took a deep drag on his cigarette. "Oh, that was really wrong."

After saying that, he quickly covered the microphone and shouted to the others, "Hey, hey, hey, my notebook, my notebook, in the drawer, in the drawer."

Liu Bei sighed and found it for him.

Which article?

"Page two, second to last page."

Ge You took the notebook from her hand, looked at it, and resumed his gentle tone, leaning against the wall and smoking.

"I think so."

“When nudity becomes art, it is the most sacred; when morality degenerates into hypocrisy, it is the most vulgar.”

"Be brave and do what you believe is right, and don't be bothered by worldly gossip."

"Remember, be like the lotus flower, rising from the mud unsullied."

"If I have the chance, I'd like to put your photo on the cover of our publication so that our readers can enjoy the beauty."

"What?" the other person exclaimed in surprise, "A human body!"

"No no no."

Ge You quickly replied, "Of course it's a portrait. We're not a professional art publication. At most, it's a full-body swimsuit against the light."

Thank you for your kind words.

Let's encourage each other.

Ge You said with a fawning smile, "If you still have any questions, you can call us. 'Human Guide' will help you as always. Okay, goodbye."

"Okay, card!"

Zhao Baogang gave the order, "Very good, very good."

Those watching outside couldn't hold back anymore; they were all laughing their heads off. Jiang Xian patted the "Seahorse" crew on the shoulder and said, "Who wrote this episode? It's pretty good."

"Oh, you're too kind," Wang Shuo said shyly, indirectly admitting that he was the one who did it.

"Not bad, not bad. Add a chicken leg for lunch. Alright, everyone stop making a fuss. Old Zhao's filming speed is much faster than your scriptwriting speed." Jiang Xian waved his hand, shooing the screenwriters away.

Just then, Zhu Hong came over and said, "Director, they're here."

Jiang Xian's lips curled up. "The people from Bailong Mineral Water Kettle?"

"ber."

Zhu Hong shook her head, "Another one."

"Which one?"

Toilet cleaner.

"Let's go take a look."

Jiang Xian followed Zhu Hong and soon saw the "toilet cleaner" people. A short, stout man approached them with a smile.

"This must be Comrade Jiang Xian!"

"Yes, that's me. May I ask your name?"

"My name is Dai Jun, and this is my business card."

Dai Jun handed a business card to Jiang Xian, who glanced at it:

Dai Jun, General Manager of "Dailaoli Toilet Cleaner".

"Mr. Dai, you're here for investment matters too, right?" Jiang Xian asked.

"Yes, I used to love watching movies, but I didn't have the means back then. Now that I do, I don't have the time. Whenever I have free time, I watch TV at home. After your people told me about this TV series, I became very interested."

"You're too kind, please sit down."

After exchanging familiar pleasantries, Jiang Xian arranged for the "labor substitutes" to sit down. The "labor substitutes" were also very good at handling things and immediately took out their toilet cleaner.

"This is our company's own product. When you're cleaning the toilet, just take this product, pour a little in, and wash. It saves time and effort, and there's no odor or disgusting smell after washing," Dai Jun said, as he eagerly poured some out for Jiang Xian to try out right there and then.

“Ah, this should have a good market,” Jiang Xian said.

At that time, finding a toilet was a huge problem for people in Beijing. More than 90% of them used public toilets and had to go there to clean them every day.

It's alright in winter, but in summer, the smell is awful, just thinking about it makes my nose sting.

At this point, pulling out a toilet cleaner can indeed solve the biggest problem.

However, the predicament of "labor substitutes" is similar to that of "Bailong Mineral Water Kettles"—their products are too new, and ordinary people don't know or understand what they are or what they are used for.

Therefore, advertising and promotion are needed.

"I am a loyal fan of Comrade Jiang Xian. I have read all of Comrade Jiang Xian's novels, movies and TV series."

Dai Jun said, "I have high hopes for this TV series, and I hope that your TV series can help us with our publicity while doing some 'labor'."

"Easy to say, easy to say."

Seeing that Dai Jun was more knowledgeable than Sun Yingui, Jiang Xian didn't waste any more words and went straight to the point, "How much investment do you 'Dai Laoli' plan to make in our 'Stories from the Editorial Department'?"

Dai Jun stretched out a hand with a snap. Zhu Hong was still pondering whether this meant the same thing as Sun Yingui: five thousand per episode.

"Fifty thousand dollars."

"Oh my, you mean..." Zhu Hong was startled.

Dai Jun withdrew his hand. "I just need you to put an ad for our 'Dai Laoli' in the opening credits. I don't know much about TV dramas, but at least there should be at least thirty seconds of screen time."

Zhu Hong rolled her eyes.

So that's a total of 50,000 yuan.

Before she could say anything, Jiang Xian waved his hand first.

"We can't negotiate this price, Zhu Hong, see them out."

"Hey? Comrade Jiang Xian, we can talk again," Dai Jun quickly said. "How about 60,000? 70,000? 80,000?"

"Show them out." Jiang Xian got up and left impatiently.

The remaining group of "labor substitutes" were kicked out under Zhu Hong's unfriendly gaze.

"Too arrogant."

"Yes."

"What's so great about it? Bah, what a terrible TV series."

The group exchanged a few words at the door, then left grumbling.

(End of this chapter)