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That afternoon, Xiao Ran brought Han Ling to find Su Ning.

After Huang Yunyun informed them, she led the two into her office.

"President Su, Xiao Ran and Han Ling have arrived," Huang Yunyun said to Su Ning.

"President Su," Xiao Ran greeted him somewhat reservedly.

Standing next to Xiao Ran, Han Ling also whispered, "Hello, President Su."

Su Ning stood up from behind her desk. "Sit down! Yunyun, pour some tea."

The two sat down on the sofa, and Huang Yunyun poured tea and went out, gently closing the door behind her.

"Did you need something?" Su Ning asked, her gaze sweeping over the two of them.

Xiao Ran glanced at Han Ling, who took a deep breath and said, "President Su, I... I'd like to find a job. I heard the company is still hiring, and I'd like to give it a try."

Suning picked up his teacup, blew on the foam, and asked, "What kind of job do you want to do?"

"I...I studied dance, I don't know if the company has any related..." Han Ling's voice grew softer and softer.

“Dance?” Su Ning shook his head. “Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics is an electronics company, not an arts troupe. They don’t have any dance-related jobs, or they’re investing in Starlight Entertainment, which is owned by Sun Yumei.”

Han Ling lowered her head, somewhat disappointed.

Xiao Ran quickly said, "President Su, Han Ling just... just wants to find something to do. Any job is fine, clerk, receptionist, administration, anything. She's very meticulous."

Looking at Han Ling, Su Ning suddenly remembered the plot of the original drama.

In "Ten Years of Love", Han Ling and Xiao Ran came to Shenzhen and were unemployed for a long time.

Every day, she waits at home for Xiao Ran to come back. Her social circle is getting smaller and smaller, and she is becoming more and more dependent on Xiao Ran.

Later, Xiao Ran became busy with work and social engagements, which caused problems in their relationship. Han Ling, who had no job and no social life, became more sensitive and suspicious, ultimately leading to a series of tragedies.

What if... what if Han Ling had a job all along?
If you have your own career, your own social circle, and your own income, wouldn't you be less dependent on Xiao Ran?
Would that avoid those conflicts?
Su Ning's heart skipped a beat.

"The administration department needs a clerk. The job mainly involves document organization, meeting minutes, and employee attendance. No technical skills are required, but you need to be meticulous and responsible. Can you do it?"

Han Ling's eyes lit up. "Yes! I can do it! I'm very meticulous!"

"The monthly salary is 800, with a three-month probation period during which the salary is 600."

"Yes, yes!" Han Ling nodded repeatedly. "Thank you, President Su!"

Xiao Ran breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, President Su."

"Okay." Su Ning picked up the phone. "Yunyun, come in for a moment."

Huang Yunyun pushed the door open and came in, "President Su."

"Take Han Ling to the administration department to report for duty and complete the onboarding procedures," Su Ning said. "Tell Manager Wu that this is my arrangement and ask her to take good care of her."

“Okay.” Huang Yunyun said to Han Ling, “Miss Han, please come with me.”

Han Ling stood up and bowed to Su Ning, "Thank you, President Su!"

He then said to Xiao Ran, "Xiao Ran, I'll go report for duty first, and we'll talk when I get home tonight."

"Okay, let's go."

Han Ling followed Huang Yunyun out.

Only Su Ning and Xiao Ran remained in the office.

The atmosphere was a little awkward.

Xiao Ran rubbed his hands together. "President Su, thank you. Han Ling has been staying at home for two months and she's getting bored. Having a job will make her happier."

“Okay.” Su Ning nodded. “But Xiao Ran, I have to remind you. In the company, you are just ordinary employees. Don’t act special, and don’t let people gossip.”

"I understand," Xiao Ran said. "We will definitely work hard and not cause you any trouble."

"Also," Su Ning thought for a moment, "Han Ling is your girlfriend, so you need to take good care of her. Shenzhen is a place with many temptations and a lot of pressure. The two of you need to understand and support each other. Since she chose you, don't let her down. I feel that Han Ling is quite clingy."

Xiao Ran was a little surprised by his sincere words.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Su. I will."

"Okay, go to work." Su Ning waved her hand.

Xiao Ran stood up, and as he walked to the door, he turned back and said, "President Su, no matter what happened before, now... thank you."

After saying that, he opened the door and went out.

Su Ning sat in a chair and took a sip of tea.

Arranging work for Han Ling is not only helping her, but also helping Xiao Ran, and even changing the plot.

In the original drama, the tragedy of Xiao Ran and Han Ling was largely due to the changes in their status and mentality.

Xiao Ran went from a poor boy to a big boss, and his ego inflated, making him feel that Han Ling was no longer good enough for him.

Han Ling went from being a school beauty to a housewife, becoming increasingly insecure and lacking self-esteem.

If Han Ling continues to have a job, her own career, and her own income, will she be able to maintain her independence and confidence?
Wouldn't that reduce my dependence on Xiao Ran? Wouldn't that help avoid those conflicts?

Suning doesn't know.

But it never hurts to try.

At least, giving Han Ling something to do and some social circle of her own is better than waiting at home all day.

……

The administration department is on the second floor.

Huang Yunyun led Han Ling into the office, where seven or eight people were sitting and busy.

"Manager Wu, this is Han Ling, she was sent to the administration department by General Manager Su," Huang Yunyun said to a woman in her thirties.

Manager Wu stood up and sized up Han Ling a few times. "This was arranged by President Su? Okay, I understand. Han Ling, right? I'm Wu Jing, the administrative manager. You're new here, so start with the basics. Xiao Zhang, you mentor her."

A young girl walked over and said, "Hello Han Ling, my name is Zhang Li. Come with me, I'll get you a workstation."

"Thank you."

Han Ling's workstation is by the window; it's not big, but it gets some sunlight.

There was a computer, a telephone, and some office supplies on the table.

"This is your computer. The login password is 123456. Change it yourself," Zhang Li said. "The administrative department's work mainly includes: receiving and sending documents, taking meeting minutes, attendance statistics, managing office supplies, organizing employee activities... Familiarize yourself with it first."

She handed Han Ling a stack of documents, saying, "These are the company's rules and regulations, and the administrative department's work processes. Take a look at them first. Ask me if you don't understand anything."

"Okay, thank you, Sister Zhang."

"Don't mention it, we'll be colleagues from now on." Zhang Li smiled. "By the way, I heard you're President Su's classmate?"

Han Ling was taken aback. "Yes...yes, we're classmates."

"I'm so envious," Zhang Li said. "But it's best not to mention this relationship at the company. Some people will be jealous and gossip."

"I see."

"Okay, you can look at the materials first. I'll teach you how to use office software this afternoon."

"it is good."

Han Ling sat down, opened the documents, and began to read them carefully.

I felt both excited and nervous.

This is her first formal job.

We must do our best, we can't let Xiao Ran down, and we can't let Suning down.

……

Han Ling was very excited when she got home that evening.

"Xiao Ran, I learned how to use a computer today! Typing, making spreadsheets, sending emails... it's really interesting!"

"Really?" Xiao Ran smiled. "That's good."

“Our administrative manager, Mr. Wu, and his colleagues are very enthusiastic,” Han Ling said. “Now that I’m getting paid, your stress is reduced.”

"Yes, Ling'er, you are so kind."

Xiao Ran felt a little uneasy. He was actually willing to support Han Ling and let her stay at home.

But seeing how happy Han Ling was, he didn't know what to say.

"Okay, then do your best. But don't overwork yourself; your health is important."

"Okay." Han Ling hugged him. "Xiao Ran, thank you for helping me find a job. And thank you Su Ning... President Su."

When Suning was mentioned, Xiao Ran's expression became a little unnatural.

“At the company, call him General Manager Su,” Xiao Ran said. “Don’t call him by his name.”

“Yes, I know,” Han Ling said. “Xiao Ran, I think… President Su is a really nice person. He didn’t make things difficult for me and even arranged a job for me.”

“He…he’s the boss, it’s normal for him to assign work,” Xiao Ran said. “Don’t overthink it, just focus on your work.”

"Okay." Han Ling nodded. "Xiao Ran, let's work hard together from now on. You can do sales, and I'll do administration. We'll earn money together and establish ourselves in Shenzhen together."

"it is good."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

I have more confidence in the future.

……

At the end of 1993, Su Ning called Sun Yumei to his office.

"Yu Mei, you've done a good job with the girl group; they've already gained some recognition," Su Ning said. "Next, we need to do something even bigger."

"Something bigger?" Sun Yumei asked curiously. "Making a movie? Or a variety show?"

“None of those,” Su Ning said. “I want you to contact the production team of ‘Journey to the West’ and invest in the production of ‘Journey to the West Sequel’.”

Sun Yumei was stunned. "Journey to the West? The one on CCTV?"

“Yes.” Su Ning nodded. “The 1986 version of Journey to the West has been popular for so many years, but it only had 25 episodes. Many stories from the original novel were not filmed. I heard that CCTV plans to make a sequel, but they don’t have enough funds. We’ll invest in it on the condition that Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics will be a sponsor and advertise in the opening and closing credits.”

Sun Yumei's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! 'Journey to the West' will definitely have high ratings, and the advertising effect will be excellent. But... President Su, investing in TV dramas, especially those on CCTV, requires a lot of money, right?"

“Money is not a problem,” Su Ning said. “The key is whether we can reach an agreement. Go talk to Yang Jie, the director of 'Journey to the West,' and the leaders of CCTV. Tell them that Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics is willing to invest and support China’s cultural undertakings. The terms can be negotiated, but advertising is a must.”

“Okay, I’ll give it a try.” Sun Yumei immediately took action.

She first asked someone to find out the contact information of Yang Jie, the director of "Journey to the West", and then flew directly to Beijing.

In a teahouse in Beijing, Sun Yumei met director Yang Jie.

Director Yang Jie was in her fifties, and she looked very kind, but her eyes were sharp.

"Hello Director Yang, I am Sun Yumei from Shenzhen Starlight Entertainment." Sun Yumei handed over her business card. "Our company is looking to invest in 'Journey to the West Sequel'."

Yang Jie took the business card, glanced at it, and said, "Starlight Entertainment? Never heard of it."

“We are a new company, but our investor is Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics,” Sun Yumei said. “You may have heard of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics; they make pagers and are now well-known throughout the country.”

“Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics…” Yang Jie thought for a moment, “Oh, I remember now, it’s that ‘Shenzhen-Hong Kong Pager, making communication easier’ advertisement? It’s often shown on TV.”

“Yes, that’s us,” Sun Yumei said. “Director Yang, Journey to the West is a childhood memory for our generation, and our boss also grew up watching Journey to the West. We heard that you want to make a sequel, but you have financial difficulties. We are willing to invest.”

Yang Jie sighed, "There are indeed difficulties. The sequel is planned to be fifteen episodes, with a budget of over ten million yuan. CCTV is short of funds and only provided half. We have to find the rest ourselves."

"More than ten million?" Sun Yumei's heart tightened; this was no small sum.

But she remained outwardly calm. "Director Yang, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics is willing to invest five million. The condition is that there will be advertisements at the beginning and end of the film, emphasizing Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics' products."

“Five million…” Yang Jie thought for a moment, “Okay, but I need to report to the CCTV leaders. After all, it’s a CCTV drama, so we need their approval.”

"Okay, I'll wait for your message."

Sun Yumei waited in Beijing for two days, but there was no news from Director Yang Jie.

She panicked and used her connections to find a deputy director at CCTV.

The deputy director's surname is Wang, he is in his fifties, and he is very serious.

“Ms. Sun, I’ve heard about the investment from Director Yang,” said Station Manager Wang. “But CCTV dramas aren’t something anyone can just invest in. We have to consider the investor’s background, reputation, and whether advertising will affect the quality of the series.”

“Director Wang, Shengang Electronics is a legitimate company with a very good reputation,” Sun Yumei said. “Our investment is not just for advertising, but also to support China’s cultural endeavors. Journey to the West is a classic of our country and should be filmed so that more people can see it.”

These words struck a chord with Director Wang.

“You’re right,” Director Wang nodded. “The Journey to the West series should indeed be finished. But… how should the advertisements be placed? They can’t be too obvious, and they can’t affect the viewing experience.”

“We can discuss this,” Sun Yumei said. “For example, the opening credits could say ‘Exclusive sponsorship by Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics,’ and the closing credits could include product advertisements. We could film commercials and insert them into the middle of the main drama, or we could entertain the audience in a different way.”

Director Wang thought for a moment, "That...that's acceptable. But we need to discuss it in a meeting. Just wait for our notification."

After waiting for two more days, there was finally good news.

Director Yang Jie called, "Ms. Sun, the station has agreed. Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics will invest five million as the exclusive sponsor of 'Journey to the West Sequel.' Advertising is allowed, but it must be done according to the station's requirements."

"That's wonderful!" Sun Yumei said happily. "Thank you, Director Yang! Thank you, Station Master Wang!"

“However, there is a condition,” Yang Jie said. “The sequel will take more than a year to film, and the funds will be paid in three installments. Thirty percent will be paid before filming begins, forty percent during filming, and thirty percent before the broadcast.”

"no problem!"

Sun Yumei immediately called Su Ning to report.

"President Su, it's settled! CCTV has agreed to let us invest five million as the exclusive sponsor of 'Journey to the West Sequel'!"

“Very good,” Suning said. “Read the contract carefully, and make sure the terms are clear. The advertising location, duration, and format must all be clearly stated.”

"understand!"

The contract was signed quickly.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics and Starlight Entertainment invested five million to become the exclusive sponsor of "Journey to the West Sequel".

The opening credits displayed the words "Exclusive Sponsorship by Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics," and the closing credits featured a 30-second product advertisement.

They will also film interspersed advertisements featuring pagers from Shenzhen and Hong Kong as props, such as the scene where Tang Sanzang and his disciples can use a pager to contact the Heavenly Court.

This was an unprecedented feat in the 1990s, and it's worth noting that this type of advertising is a product of the later internet age.

The news caused a nationwide sensation.

"Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics and Starlight Entertainment investing in 'Journey to the West Sequel'? That's a big investment!"

Five million! That's incredibly wealthy!

"The sequel to Journey to the West is finally going to be filmed! We've been waiting for so many years!"

The media widely reported on it.

Shenzhen Special Zone Daily: "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics invests five million yuan to support the filming of the sequel to 'Journey to the West'."

Beijing Youth Daily: "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics sets a precedent by investing in CCTV's major drama series by a private enterprise."

Economic Daily: "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics leverages 'Journey to the West' to expand its brand influence; its marketing strategy is brilliant."

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics' reputation spread rapidly from the electronics industry to the whole country.

Many people didn't know about Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics before, but they do now.

"Oh, that's the company that invested in 'Journey to the West'!"

"They make pagers, and the quality seems pretty good."

"Support Journey to the West! Support Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics!"

Sales surged again.

Suning is very satisfied.

It was worth spending those five million.

It's not just about advertising effectiveness, but also about enhancing the brand image.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics is no longer just a pager seller, but a socially responsible enterprise that supports cultural endeavors.

This will be very beneficial for future development.

……

Sun Yumei returned from Beijing and gave Suning a detailed report.

“President Su, the contract is signed, and the first installment has been transferred. Director Yang Jie said that filming will begin next month,” Sun Yumei said. “I also discussed a collaboration with them—to have our girl group make cameo appearances in the production.”

"A cameo?" Su Ning raised an eyebrow. "What role?"

"We'll play celestial fairies or palace maids from the Women's Kingdom," Sun Yumei said. "We won't have many scenes, but being able to appear in a CCTV drama is great publicity for the girl group."

"That's a good idea." Su Ning nodded. "You can arrange it yourself."

“Also,” Sun Yumei said, “I talked to Director Yang and the sequel won’t be broadcast until the end of 1994 after it’s finished filming. In that year or so, we can do a lot of pre-release promotion.”

"for example?"

“For example, we can make limited edition and collector’s edition pagers with the theme of Journey to the West,” Sun Yumei said. “We can also hold a lucky draw and give away Journey to the West souvenirs with the purchase of a pager. In addition, the girl group can cover the theme song of Journey to the West and shoot a music video.”

Suning smiled. "Yumei, you have a great business sense. You are in full charge of these matters. If you need funding, just tell me, and I will have the marketing department cooperate with you."

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Su."

Sun Yumei is full of energy.

She is now the general manager of Starlight Entertainment and a partner of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics, which has elevated her status and income.

In Shenzhen, she has her own house, her own car, and her own career.

All of this was given to me by Suning.

She was grateful and also very clear about her place.

Suning is the boss, and she is the employee.

Suning is a man, she is a woman.

Some relationships are best left unspoken.

There's no need to spell it out, nor is there any need to force it.

It's fine as it is now.

She has a career, money, and status.

Sun Yumei is not Han Ling; she will not give up everything for love.

What she wanted was something tangible.

And Suning gave her these things.

……

When the news reached Xiao Ran and Liu Yuan, they were both shocked.

"Five million to invest in 'Journey to the West'?" Liu Yuan exclaimed in astonishment. "President Su is really... generous!"

“Yes!” Xiao Ran said, “This has made Shengang Electronics even more famous. Our products are selling even better.”

"Old Xiao, how come there's such a huge difference between people?" Liu Yuan sighed. "We're still struggling to make ends meet for a few thousand yuan a month, while they can easily spend five million."

"Stop comparing," Xiao Ran said. "We can't compete. Let's just focus on our own things."

Despite saying that, Xiao Ran was still unsettled.

The more successful Suning becomes, the more pressure they feel.

Han Ling is doing very well in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics Administration Department, and Suning has not made any moves towards her outside of work.

This put Xiao Ran, who had been on tenterhooks, at ease, but it also spurred him on, making him even more eager for success.

Then Liu Yuan asked about Han Ling's work, "I heard Han Ling is doing very well in the administration department?"

"Yes, she's very attentive! She's already getting the hang of it."

"I thought Suning would arrange for Han Ling to work at Starlight Entertainment."

"Perhaps Starlight Entertainment was prepared by Suning for Sun Yumei."

Liu Yuan suddenly asked in a low voice with a strange expression, "Xiao Ran, what is the relationship between those pretty girls in the Starlight Girl Group and Su Ning?"

"Huh? How should I know?" Xiao Ran, who understood Liu Yuan's meaning, looked somewhat unnatural.

"Tsk tsk! We're all men, yet some are dying of thirst while others are drowning in floods." However, Liu Yuan revealed a face full of envy and jealousy.

"..."

...(End of chapter)