Generation Z Artists

Chapter 370 A certain bureau came knocking on their door.
In fact, filming for "The Intouchables" wrapped up much later than originally planned.

I don't know what's wrong with this year, there's been one important event after another.

Just two days after filming began, the Executive Committee of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games "hired" Fang Xinghe for the second time, as the deputy director of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.

To put it nicely, it's called hiring; but it's more like begging.

When Mou Zi officially took office last March, he recommended Fang Xinghe to his superiors.

The vice president of the organizing committee personally visited the place, but to no avail.

"How old am I? My skill level is nowhere near yours!" Fang Xinghe waved his hand dismissively. "No, no, no discussion!"

Others say there's no room for negotiation, but the organizing committee can still add value.

Fang Xinghe said there was no room for negotiation, and the vice chairman didn't dare to say a single harsh word.

The power of poverty alleviation through education is increasingly influencing the attitudes of official institutions towards him.

By the end of last year, Fang Da, the philanthropist, had already spent half of the richest man's fortune. While this may seem like a drop in the ocean compared to the overall situation, it has undeniably changed the lives of many people in the specific area of ​​poverty alleviation and education.

He no longer dares to publicly share his philosophy on helping students, and he doesn't even mention the word "helping students" in public anymore.

Good deeds that are too conspicuous and are frequently mentioned can actually have various negative effects. It's a minor matter if they cause gossip among petty people, but it's really unnecessary to cause trouble for those in power.

Smart people choose to keep their heads down and handle things quietly.

You can still enjoy the benefits you deserve and feel the same sense of accomplishment. Why bother showing off?

After Fang Xinghe went into "silence," the official institutions became increasingly "benevolent," discussing and deliberating on everything.

For example, regarding the assistant director, it seems they're prepared to make three visits to his home.

It's not that the organizing committee doesn't trust Zhang Yimou, but rather that with the final sprint of preparations underway, Zhang Yimou is under immense pressure and definitely needs help.

Not just anyone can be a helper in this role; in China, there are roughly only three and a half directors who are qualified.

Among them, Fang Xinghe has the highest international reputation, is the most capable of handling trouble, and has the boldest and most innovative ideas. Therefore, the organizing committee's intention is to let Mouzi oversee the overall process and entrust Fang Xinghe with certain aspects.

Unfortunately, our Director Fang wasn't very interested in this job.

Firstly, Mou Zi was doing a good job, and he disdained to interfere and steal the credit.

Secondly, it's easier said than done to identify and address shortcomings; not everyone is good at working under the constant criticism and guidance of a group of superiors.

Fang Xinghe had never worked in the system, and his career had been too smooth. He knew his weakness was that he couldn't control his temper.

The opening ceremony rehearsals were a complex undertaking, requiring time, energy, and coordination from various parties, involving numerous meetings, reviews, reports, and constant travel.

Rather than suffering in this situation, it's better to stay out of it and each do our own thing.

Fang Ge's attitude was firm, and the organizing committee suffered another setback.

This did not mean that he could evade the mission and quietly watch the excitement—just two days later, the organizing committee brought Mouzi to his door again.

"Xiao Fang, if you don't want to be the assistant director, you can at least perform a show on stage, right?"

Fang Xinghe immediately understood: "Martial arts?"

"Correct!"

Mou Zi enthusiastically urged, "We won't trouble you with anything else, but you're indispensable for the martial arts performance. The Taoist Association is also eagerly awaiting your arrival!"

Moo: You'd better agree quickly, or I'll force you to go after your sect...

Fang Xinghe didn't need his sect to urge him; if it was just about performing, he was still willing to contribute his modest efforts to the Olympics.

"Okay, what should we perform?"

The vice chairman was overjoyed: "You decide what to perform, and the directing team will definitely give you enough time, right, Director Zhang?"

"Okay." Mouzi nodded. "Just go up and fight. If you need any assistance, just let me know."

"Okay, I'll prepare first. Once the content is finalized, please come and watch the rehearsal."

That was about enough about the business, but Mouzi couldn't contain his curiosity and insisted on asking, "Give me a little hint, what kind of equipment are you planning to use? You can't go empty-handed, can you? The space is too big and it's hard to see the details."

"Secret."

Fang Xinghe had already made up his mind. It was a brilliant idea, guaranteed to be amazing, but he didn't utter a single word, leaving Mou Zi scratching his head in frustration.

Are you in a hurry?
Once I've mastered the basics, you'll all understand what's going on.

……

Just as Fang Xinghe was about to continue filming, another unpleasant guest arrived – the Sports Federation.

The Blue Association probably knew its own limitations and felt it couldn't persuade Fang Xinghe, so it called on the leaders of the General Administration of Sport to intervene. Yao Ming, who had already gone home to fish, also accompanied them.

When this group arrived at the film set by car, it instantly alarmed all the media in the vicinity.

"Is that Yao Ming?"

"No doubt about it! Who else could be that big besides him?"

What are they doing here?

"Have you all forgotten that Fang Xinghe is more than just a director?"

"Holy crap! Could it be... the Olympic basketball qualifiers?!"

This wasn't entertainment news, but these entertainment reporters acted like they were on steroids, suddenly blocking the aisle of the film set.

Before the General Administration of Sport even started talking to Fang Xinghe, news broke online, instantly attracting the attention of netizens across the country.

In just a few seconds, the fans were also full of energy.

"Holy crap! We finally have a chance to see Fang Sheng play basketball in the country?"

"Damn, guys, I have a bold idea..."

"Don't spit it out! My heart can't take it!"

"Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, and Fang Sheng... a dream lineup for Chinese basketball!"

"It's just another double MVP who treats long-range three-pointers like drinking water, drives like crossing the street, and dunks on Shaq like dessert. Calm down, calm down, I've seen it many times in my dreams."

"Can it really come true? Will my father give me the time of day? I'm shaking so badly!"

"Probably not? Fang Xinghe didn't accept the call-up for the Asian Championships or the 04 Olympics. Didn't the Basketball Association publicly criticize him for not considering the overall situation?"

"Times have changed. The Olympics at home are of different importance now. No matter how explosive Fang Xinghe's temper is, he can make sense when it comes to important matters."

"If we can't get Fang Sheng to come, I'll have the entire Blue Management Center crash!"

"Right! We can't put pressure on Fang Xinghe at a time like this. Just yell at the Basketball Association. Damn, I get so angry just thinking about Yao Ming's situation!"

"Any guys around here? Go find out what's going on!"

"I've arrived on set. Wait for my good news!"

The crew of "Touch of the Light" is currently filming on location in Shanghai. The Sports Federation's representatives had only been at the hotel for ten minutes when Shanghai fans began to flock to the vicinity.

This is the moment when Chinese basketball fans can truly feel proud.

Fang Xinghe's legend is still fresh in everyone's memory, Yao Ming has embarked on a glorious path of winning championships year after year, and Lian Mei is widely favored; news of multiple NBA teams highly favoring her is still prominently featured on website homepages...

Compared to the embarrassing performance of Chinese football, Chinese basketball truly has something to boast about.

Achievements bring glory, and glory brings passion. Therefore, the Chinese basketball market has not only doubled in size compared to its predecessor, but fans are also firmly believing in and highly anticipating the next top honor.

—It must be the Beijing Olympics, and it can only be the Beijing Olympics.

With already high expectations, coupled with the sense of glory of hosting the Olympics, it's easy to imagine how excited Chinese football fans are right now.

Excitement, anticipation, and restlessness will all translate into immense pressure, weighing down on the shoulders of everyone involved.

Who bears the greatest pressure?

Blue tube.

So as soon as Fang Xinghe saw someone, he immediately gave them a hard time.

"I'm filming here right now, why do you have to come and cause trouble at this time?"

He frowned, his face contorted like a dog's, and stared directly at the people from the Blue Association.

That guy seemed to be some kind of deputy director. His smile froze on his face, and he was at a loss for words after being confronted.

Turning against him? He wouldn't dare, nor was he worthy. The sports administration leader gave a wry smile, his heart pounding: They've even started causing trouble; this is a real problem…

However, the matter still needs to be handled.

He had no choice but to coax Fang Citou in a kind and gentle manner, as if he were coaxing his grandfather.

"Director Fang, we know you're busy, but the situation is truly urgent. The country and the nation need your strength!"

As expected of a leader, he immediately found the words that Fang Xinghe least wanted to hear.

"Can you represent the country?" the madman retorted, his face as cold as ice. "Or can you represent the nation?"

Ignoring their expressions, Brother Fang raised his hand to Yao Ming, whose face was now contorted with embarrassment: "Sit down, Yao Ming. I don't like looking up at people."

Oops: Oh no! Brother Fang used me to pressure the boss!

Yao Ming is a pretty smart guy. He chuckled and sat down properly on the sofa. After greeting everyone, he didn't say a word.

Under normal circumstances, the two leaders would probably have already started yelling at each other, first pointing their fingers and making a big deal out of it, then storming off, and finally using all sorts of methods to deal with the troublemaker.

This is not the normal situation now, and Fang Xinghe is not someone that just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can deal with.

Thus, the two leaders fully demonstrated their composure by remaining unmoved by insults, refusing to sit down and continuing to smile obsequiously.

"I'm so sorry, I've been using too much bureaucratic jargon at work, and now I can't communicate properly anymore. It's my fault!"

"Director Fang, I know that the Blue Association did some things that were not very ethical before. I'm here today to apologize. If you want to hit me or scold me, just do it! I'll take care of these 200-odd pounds of mine with you today!"

Yao Ming involuntarily glanced sideways, his mouth agape wide enough to fit a duck egg.

its not right!
Is this the big boss from the General Administration that I know?
Is this the deputy director of the center who's all talk and no action with me?
Oh, so the person sitting opposite me is Fang Xinghe... Oh, that's alright then.

Fang Xinghe was also disgusted. This group of petty bureaucrats who prided themselves on having mastered the wisdom of survival were really annoying with their obsequious attitude towards their superiors and subordinates.

"Alright, you two, stop wasting my time. Tell me what you want."

There are three things in total.

First, the athletes walk at the front and carry the flag when they enter the stadium; they are the representatives of the national team.

The leaders of the State General Administration of Sport said: "This position can only be yours, and must be yours, otherwise the people of the whole country will not agree!"

He started issuing orders again, and Fang Xinghe was too lazy to scold him anymore. We'll take on this job without hesitation.

It wasn't for reasons of gaining followers or exposure—Fang Xinghe didn't lack those things—he just couldn't let others take the blame.

Just imagine, if he slacked off in the group and someone else took over as leader, how badly would this guy be scolded?

As a representative of the highest achievements in the sports and cultural fields, Fang Xinghe must step forward and act as the mascot to showcase the nation's image.

"I agreed, and then what?"

Second, he was in charge of the lighting ceremony.

The sports administration leader added, "Although the final method for ignition has not yet been officially determined, based on the current alternative plans, all of them are extremely difficult. Entrusting you with this task is both a consideration of effectiveness and a sign of trust placed in you under pressure..."

Fang Xinghe mentally reviewed the original lighting ceremony, the final part of which was Li Ning running down the side wall of the stadium while suspended by wires.

He remembers the overall picture, but not the details.

The running at that time seemed to be just a posture, and I didn't actually touch the wall.
Anyway, it was pretty cool and very innovative, but as a gymnast who wasn't good at wire work, Li Ning's coordination was good enough, but his movements lacked a sense of skill.

Gymnastics and kung fu are two different things, with huge differences in the way they exert force. In addition, there is the need to adapt to wire work. So if Li Lianjie had been in his prime in 08, he would definitely have looked better than Li Ning.

As a larger plus version of the Kung Fu Emperor, Fang Xinghe is the dream candidate to perform this action.

With his martial arts spirit blossoming, he immediately thought of ways to improve it.

Using a complex wire system with multiple points of fixation, an inward traction force is mechanically released. The wire ring is fixed around the waist, and the user relies solely on core strength to truly run by pushing off the ground against the side wall...

First, there are swift small steps, then, with the help of wires, they leap from multiple pre-set points, using superhuman strength and explosiveness to create a kung fu movie effect on a 90-degree plane.

I'm just asking you guys, isn't he handsome?!

This person is truly the only one worthy of the title!
"No problem. I'll discuss the details with Director Zhang later. I agree in principle."

Finally, and most importantly—leading the team.

"The Olympics are full of strong teams. If the national basketball team wants to win a medal on home soil, it is still lacking the most crucial outside shooting. This task is best left to you..."

The two leaders spoke earnestly and with great remorse.

"I'm not going to mince words. If we achieve good results, we will definitely benefit. But even without considering the results, just out of my duty and as a Chinese person's dream of a strong sporting nation, I sincerely hope that the men's basketball team can create a miracle!"

"The Chinese people have been waiting for this glory in the three major men's ball sports for far too long..."

The usual tactics used to deal with hotheads failed to even make Fang Xinghe's eyes flicker slightly.

He was as calm as an AI: "Power, duty, planning. If you want me to come out of retirement, just explain these three points. Don't get sentimental; sitting in front of you is a top-notch writer."

The two leaders were extremely embarrassed, and they were so embarrassed that they were practically straining their toes.

Oh no, I got blown away by that madman and forgot the most important thing...

The two brothers exchanged a glance and decided to forget the pain they had just experienced.

"Of course, the highest authority will be given. All the privileges you have in the NBA can be given to you by the national team!"

"You have no obligation! Just go up and have fun. We wouldn't dare let you worry about any other trivial matters."

"Planning? Square planning!"

"You decide how to fight, and I'll deal with anyone who dares to cause trouble!"

These two old guys probably knew that this trip was a do-or-die situation; failure meant certain death, so their attitude was incredibly good, their sincerity was incredibly high, and their conversation was incredibly flattering.

Pressure has already determined everything.

If Fang Xinghe doesn't participate, he'll get a few million more haters and a few insults, but that's nothing to worry about.

They couldn't get Fang Xinghe to come, which led to poor results. They were criticized from above and attacked from below. They really need to stand up and apologize.

While bowing and committing seppuku are not common practices in China, marginalization and holding grudges against past wrongdoings will only cause more pain.

Therefore, the current situation is normal and reasonable.

On the other hand, Fang Ge knew he had to participate in this Olympics. From his heart, he was willing; from a realistic point of view, he had no choice but to participate.

Compared to the utter failures of other projects, he certainly hopes to continue to elevate the monument in the field of basketball.

Leading a team to victory in the gold medal is enough to secure his position as the number one athlete in Asia. There is no need for him to be involved in track and field. Anyone who knows about the mess that the General Administration of Sport has made knows that achieving results in certain fields can almost be considered aiding and abetting evil.

However, he still did not agree immediately.

"Okay, I understand your attitude. I'll think about it some more. Actually, I prefer to participate in an individual project."

As soon as he finished speaking, the other person's face turned deathly pale.

No matter how much they fawn over him, when it's time to apply maximum pressure, Brother Fang will never hold back.

Truly intelligent people should never expect officials in corrupt positions to uphold principles, keep promises, or be virtuous and responsible. Feeling sorry for them is completely unnecessary, and blindly trusting them is like planting a time bomb for yourself.

So, whether you're sincere or not, you'll all continue to suffer for me!

After using the same methods to wear them down for another month, and only after filming of "Untouchable" was officially completed did the master of patience finally give them a definite answer: temporarily accept the invitation, go and participate in a few secret training sessions to see if they can still adapt to the competition.

The reasons given are all fake; the real meaning is to observe the results – to see how you perform.

In this way, Fang Xinghe basically finalized his family's Olympic arrangements.

Then, I was busy like this until early August, when another event that I had to attend came knocking on my door.

The sole successor of the pioneer of cruel drama, the only Chinese actress born in the 80s to win the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress award, a second-generation top female star whose popularity continues to soar, and a well-behaved and adorable apprentice, Long Ling'er, is about to hold a grand coming-of-age ceremony.

How can I not go?
Fang Xinghe not only had to go, but also had to speak on stage as a senior member of the sect and offer his blessings.

He spoke confidently, but he had a feeling that if he continued like this, he would eventually be dragged down by this foolish apprentice, ruining his already limited reputation...

With a sigh, Old Master Fang still attended the event in his finest attire.

Unexpectedly, the scene this time turned out to be so big.

********
My condition has completely collapsed; a 1-centimeter cyst has swelled up above my gums. I'm practically living my life and experiencing all the ways a fragile person can die...

(End of this chapter)