Artists under the Rebirth of the Coal Boss

Chapter 286 An Incomparably Noble Person! (Reviewed and approved)
The dinner featured a table full of dishes that encapsulated the essence of Shanghainese cuisine...

Rich and dark soy sauce, perfectly seasoned, soft, tender and mellow.

The bright red and tempting braised fish tail, the fresh and delicious crab roe tofu, the savory and rich pickled bamboo shoots and pork belly, and the refreshing and plump braised pork belly with clover...

Crispy-shelled and tender stir-fried river shrimp, soft yet firm sea cucumber with shrimp roe, and smooth and delicate shepherd's purse and yellow croaker soup – a feast of Shanghai flavors!
Wen Zhang also took out a bottle of French Bordeaux Margaux red wine.

Ma Yili personally poured the wine for Lin Xingzhuo, then cut a piece of sea cucumber with shrimp roe and placed it in Lin Xingzhuo's bowl with serving chopsticks, saying:

"The most time-consuming process for soaking sea cucumbers is to add enough cold water and refrigerate them for two or three days, changing the water every day during this period."

"This 75-head dried sea cucumber from Zhangzidao was a gift from an advertising director named Hu Ge. He was originally planning to try making stuffed sea cucumber."

"Luckily, Xingzhu reminded me that we could make sea cucumber with shrimp roe, otherwise it would have been a waste!"

"Quickly try my cooking!!"

Lin Xingzhuo ate a large, glossy, and plump sea cucumber with shrimp roe and said, "Delicious! Soft, chewy, and smooth, tender but not mushy!"

Teng Huatao also picked up a piece of sea cucumber with shrimp roe, chewed and tasted it, and said:

"Commander Ma learned her Shanghainese cuisine from Li Borong, a master chef and the number one expert in Shanghainese cuisine. Her skills are unparalleled in our circle!"

Ma Yili looked at Lin Xingzhuo and said with a smile, "Even with good skills, you still need a discerning eye!"

Wen Zhang raised his glass to Lin Xingzhuo and said, "That's so true! Talented horses are common, but discerning judges are rare. I'd like to toast you, discerning judge!"
"Brother, I'll drink to you! I'll finish mine, you can drink as you like!"

Li Nian was eating stir-fried river shrimp, while Wen Zhang was drinking red wine and pretending it was Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor).

She couldn't help but doubt the veracity of the claims that Ma Yili and Wen Zhang were truly bad-tempered and arrogant...

Because this couple, rumored to be the most arrogant and individualistic in Shanghai's social circle, became as docile as Hello Kitty in front of Lin Xingzhuo!

…………

Screenwriter Qiqi clinked glasses with Ma Yili and said, "Old Ma, Xiao Wen, I'm going to tell you the truth, but you two might not like what I'm about to say."

"In our crew, everyone is handsome and beautiful. But in terms of talent, Lin Xingzhuo is the best!"

Qi Qi gave Lin Xingzhuo a thumbs up. She had struggled with writing "The Art of the Mind" for two months and only managed to write three thousand words.

However, Tiger Shadow Star Culture insisted on signing a pre-sale contract for the copyright of "The Art of Medicine" at a price of 80 yuan.

The most expensive copyright this year was for Jia Ping'ao's novel "Ruined Capital," which sold for 1 million yuan. And that's a completed novel, while Qi Qi's "The Art of the Mind" is only at the beginning of its 3,000-word run.

Therefore, Tiger Shadow Star's offer to Qiqi was incredibly generous...

…………

This book, "The Art of the Mind," is one of the pinnacle works of Qi Qi's professional career.

This drama had a huge impact back then, and many high school graduates applied to medical school because of it. It had a very profound message!
Especially the scene in the finale where the old man brought his other grandson to them to contribute to medicine—it really brought tears to my eyes!

The campus square of Peking Union Medical College in Beijing, posted on Renren.com.

An alumnus once posted a rave review: "When I was a mentor at the freshman orientation for medical students, I specifically recommended this show..."

"Even after all these years, I still think this is the best domestically produced medical drama!!"

…………

Producers Zhu Jinghong and Lin Xingzhuo downed half a glass and said, "The fact that the drama 'Dwelling Narrowness' was able to pass the review so quickly and be broadcast on satellite TV is largely thanks to Xingzhuo."

"Xingzhuo's segmented review strategy is a first in the industry! Otherwise, who knows how long it would have taken to get it approved before it could be broadcast!"

Lin Xingzhuo served a bowl of shepherd's purse and yellow croaker soup and said, "I only did a little policy interpretation. The success of 'Dwelling Narrowness' is mainly due to everyone's efforts."

Ma Yili filled Lin Xingzhuo's glass and asked:
"Xingzhuo, there's a film from China Film Group here. They're facing a tight budget for post-production, and the project manager asked if I'd be interested in investing. Could you take a look?"

"My Shencheng Shuju Film and Television Culture Studio has just been established; it's a small operation and can't withstand any major storms..."

Lin Xingzhu drank a bowl of soup and said, "Bring me the documents to take a look."

Ma Yili handed Lin Xingzhuo a "Film and Television Investment Return Analysis Report" that she had prepared beforehand.

Lin Xingzhu glanced at the information and said, "No Man's Land? This film won't pass censorship. All the characters are negative, the police have a negative image, and there are a bunch of problems..."

When Wenzhang saw Lin Xingzhuo's outrageous remarks, he couldn't help but interject. After all, he had pulled strings to get this movie, which affected his already dwindling family standing.

"Brother Zhuo, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television is implementing a 'one-file, two-approval' system in the film industry and delegating some review authority to provincial departments."

"The producer of this film from China Film Group has already communicated with the provincial broadcasting department, so there shouldn't be any problems!"

Lin Xingzhu swirled his wine glass and explained, "Next March, new regulations will be introduced, namely the 'Regulations on the Filing of Film Scripts (Outlines) and the Management of Films'."

"Article 22 of this regulation requires that films produced by film production companies must be submitted to the Film Censorship Committee of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television for review. They no longer need to be reviewed by provincial departments."

"The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television knew the strong influence of established film studios such as Shanghai Film Studio, Shanghai Animation Film Studio, Shanghai Translation Film Studio, Changchun Film Studio, and Xi'an Film Studio in local areas, so it came up with this system to plug the loopholes."

"The post-production of your show, plus the Chinese New Year holiday, means that when you submit it for review, it will run right into the cracks of the newly released regulations!!"

"Besides, China Film Group isn't short of money. The fact that they started seeking investment in the later stages of filming clearly indicates that the leaders in charge heard rumors and wanted you to take on the risks and responsibilities."

Wen Zhang glanced awkwardly at Ma Yili and said stubbornly, "You said yourself that China Film Group has plenty of money, so why are you dragging us in to take on the risks?"

"The executive producer of this film is Mr. Han, and its subject matter and style are unique in China, making it a very promising investment!"

Lin Xingzhuo put down his bowl and chopsticks, took out a cigarette, and Chen Guang, who was next to him, stepped forward to hand him a lighter and lit it.

Click!

His smoking skills have been unleashed once again!
In the flickering firelight, the people at the dining table vaguely saw the shadow of Guo Xiaopeng, the chairman of Haizhou Pharmaceutical Group, from the TV series "Black Ice"...

Lin Xingzhuo delivered a long, epic-level breath reflex, slowly exhaling smoke, and said: "The executive producer is Han Sanping, but he's not the one in charge of the actual projects! China Film Group also started mixed-ownership reform after the millennium, implementing a performance evaluation system that assigns responsibility for film and television projects to specific individuals."

"This film is indeed of good quality, and it's a rare road movie genre in China, so it will definitely make money in the end..."

"But the key issue is the time cost of money!!"

"I think this movie needs major revisions, and it won't be released for two or three years..."

Wen Zhang looked embarrassed and didn't dare to say anything more. He lowered his head and started sending text messages.

Ma Yili glared at Wen Zhang, then moved closer to Lin Xingzhuo, her ankle touching Lin Xingzhuo's calf, and said:

"You're an expert! Okay! I'll listen to you! Our studio is just starting out, we can't afford to tie up such a large sum of money for several years!"

…………

There is a kind of love called letting go, giving up forever for love.

If staying together requires you to give up everything, then let true love take me away.

There is a kind of love called letting go, ending a long-lasting relationship for the sake of love.

If my departure gives you everything, then let true love take me away and we say goodbye.

…………

After a while, Wenzhang's phone rang with the song "There is a kind of love called letting go"!
He apologized to everyone at the table, then took his phone and went to the balcony to make a call.

Now everyone knew that Lin Xingzhuo was probably right!

This is the project manager at China Film Group who, having heard some rumors, is looking for someone to fill the gaps and make up for the losses...

In the film and television industry, many projects can continue even if they lose money because there are various means such as finance, taxation, off-balance-sheet fund circulation, and money laundering that actually make money.

If someone is shouting about making a fortune and trying to recruit others to join them, you should be careful—they might just be trying to trap you!
Because at that time, it's often true that you actually lose money!
…………

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, and having finished three bottles of red wine, the conversation began to dabble in all sorts of topics, from all corners of the world.

The conversation ranged from Ding Junhui breaking his title drought and winning the UK Snooker Championship, to the passing of Qian Xuesheng, the founder of China's space program, and Rio de Janeiro's successful bid to host the Olympics, defeating Chicago and Tokyo.

Finally, the conversation turned to the trend of spy dramas in the entertainment industry...

Following the success of "Lurking," "Cold Arrow" sparked a ratings frenzy, being broadcast on CCTV-1, CCTV-8, and more than ten satellite TV channels in turn...

Nearly 50 spy dramas, including "Sword Spy" and "Underground and Above Ground," were also airing at the same time, creating a screen phenomenon of "everyone playing the role of an undercover agent, catching moles everywhere, and being surrounded by espionage!"
…………

At the dinner table, Lin Xingzhuo displayed an astonishingly extensive knowledge, and on every topic, he demonstrated a prediction that was half a version ahead of the curve.

Some of the comments, though unexpected, were not sensationalist; rather, upon closer examination, they were indeed plausible and reasonable.

Li Nian's gaze towards Lin Xingzhuo was almost dripping with sarcasm.

Ma Yili, standing next to her, is naturally a top star in Shanghai's entertainment circle and has an exceptional ability to read people's expressions!

She keenly sensed that Lin Xingzhuo was holding back a lot of things he wanted to say, clearly indicating that he was keeping his mouth shut.

After all, being half a version ahead is genius! Being a full version ahead is madness!!

In the torrent of worldly trends, the line between genius and madness is very thin!
Is this the perspective and information gap brought about by a top-tier Celestial Dragon family?

…………

In fact, when Lin Xingzhuo was helping to review the materials for "No Man's Land" just now, Ma Yili's heart was already in turmoil.

She didn't trust the young man in her family that much.

Therefore, upon seeing this pie, she immediately consulted Mr. Wu Yigong, the chairman of the Shanghai Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

This is a top figure in Shanghai's film circle who founded China's first international A-list film festival, the Shanghai International Film Festival.

Back when Wu Yigong was filming his famous works "Bashan Night Rain" and "Old Tales of South City", five-year-old Ma Yili was the youngest extra in the crew, appearing briefly on screen.

Although they had no connection at the time, once Ma Yili's fame rose, that childhood connection naturally became the key to getting into the sights of this bigwig in Shanghai's entertainment circle.

Wu Yigong's words were very veiled and indirect, only hinting that there might be significant changes in subsequent policies...

In comparison, Lin Xingzhuo's approach is quite outrageous! It's so blunt that it's chilling upon closer examination!
Not only can it identify the file numbers of documents that have not yet been published!

Damn it! They can even specify which number?!
This is no longer within the scope of ordinary Celestial Dragons' skills; it's already in the realm of a pureblood genkai SSR-level forbidden technique!
Ma Yili originally thought that Wen Zhang was experiencing the plot of the TV series "If I Were Real" starring Tan Yonglin.

Who would have thought that we would actually encounter such an extraordinary person!

........................

Around 10 p.m., the dinner party ended, and everyone was leaving.

When Lin Xingzhuo went downstairs, Wen Zhang said awkwardly:

"Brother, I really owe you a lot this time. I have a high-end hot pot endorsement deal here, and the pay is very high."

"If you're interested, I can act as a go-between..."

Lin Xingzhuo was taken aback and asked, "Haidilao?"

Wen Zhang said, "No, this is even better than Haidilao! I'm talking about the hottest hot pot chain in the country right now, the Xi'an Pangma Hot Pot, which just won the China Food Health Seven-Star Award this year! This company's valuation is much higher than Haidilao's!"

“Brother Zhuo, I see that you follow a food-related theme on Weibo and often share food content, so you would be a perfect fit to endorse this product.”

Lin Xingzhuo was stunned when he heard this.

Is this bastard trying to retaliate? Is he trying to get back at me?
(End of this chapter)