The only sun in Huayu

8 month 1 day.

A new company called "Dengfeng Pictures" was quietly established.

Initially, no one paid attention to the company's founding.

The opening ceremony of Peak Pictures was so simple it was almost rudimentary.

There were no media invitations or lavish banquets; it was just a small-scale ceremony held within the company.

This is indeed a small matter.

So small that it didn't even cause a ripple in the vast ocean of public opinion before the Olympics.

Occasionally, someone in the industry would catch a glimpse of this business registration information, but most would just glance at it and think that "Dengfeng Pictures" was more poetic than "Shandeng Culture".

Some people muttered to themselves that they felt "Shandeng Culture" was more recognizable and had already gained a certain reputation.

However, public attention was quickly overwhelmed by more speculation about the Olympic opening ceremony and celebrity updates.

However, it was of great significance to Shen Shandeng.

Shandeng Culture, as the holding parent company, owns its first entity with film production qualifications, Dengfeng Pictures.

This marks a significant step forward for Shen Shandeng's film empire, moving from project-based operations to a more systematic and corporatized model.

At the ceremony.

Shen Shandeng did not deliver a lengthy speech, but instead had his administrators distribute a short written address that he had personally written.

A few words were printed on a white A4 sheet of paper.

"Colleagues, today, 'Summit Pictures' is officially established. The name 'Summit' is not because reaching the summit is easy, but precisely because climbing is difficult."

"It is precisely because it is difficult, precisely because it is dangerous, that we must climb it! That is why climbing is meaningful!"

"This is not something that can be accomplished overnight. I hope we can all strive together and take this as a starting point to climb ever higher."

The words were simple, but they stirred the hearts of the company's employees.

Shen Shandeng offered a generous contract with comprehensive benefits that are unparalleled in the industry; compared to other film and television companies, doubling the salary is just the beginning.

To catch up with international advanced levels, working overtime is almost the norm; without generous compensation, there can be no fighting spirit.

As for the earliest employees, they knew that Shen Shandeng did not care about fame or fortune.

They followed Shen Shandeng from the arduous journey of "The Eunuch" to its groundbreaking debut, and then to the unique style of "Lost in Thailand".

As long as you don't fall behind, the benefits are huge.

The ceremony is over.

Shen Shandeng convened a small meeting with Ma Youde, Zhou Qifeng, and other members of the management team.

In the conference room, Shen Shandeng leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over the familiar faces before him, and joked, "To put it bluntly, Dengfeng Pictures at this stage is still a makeshift operation."

"But don't underestimate the village chief; even a makeshift team is still a team!"

Shen Shandeng continued, "At least we've taken this first step and set things up. This is the hardest step, going from zero to one."

"Compared to hanging up a sign, what's more important is the rules and regulations. After all this time of struggling with the production, directing, and screenwriting classes, we've finally managed to put together a curriculum system."

“From ‘The Eunuch’ to ‘Jiajing’ and then to ‘Lost in Thailand’, we have also reviewed and summarized a set of methodologies for doing things.”

"Whether this system works or not, whether it's effective or not, still needs to be tested and refined through subsequent projects. But at the very least, a framework has been established."

He gestured to Zhou Qifeng to distribute a freshly printed document, still smelling of ink.

On the title page of the document, the words "Outline of the Peak Climbing Plan (Draft)" are prominently displayed.

"Today, we will formally confirm this in the form of a document."

Shen Shandeng’s voice was steady and powerful: “The core goal of the Peak Climbing Project is to establish our own reliable film industrialization production system within five years.”

"And the touchstone of this system's achievements is 'Brotherhood of Blades,' a super project that will launch our 'Dynasty Cinematic Universe.'"

"Brotherhood of Blades" is also a film that helped Shen Shandeng prove his status as a great director.

John Woo was right when he said that only super productions can give birth to super directors.

In addition, film genres are also important.

Drama films, comedies, or award-winning art films are just minor genres and cannot produce great directors.

Historical epics, based on thousands of years of Chinese history, represent the mainstream genre.

If successful, a major project can produce a great director.

Such directors are capable of leaving their mark on the history of a nation's cinema.

Five years. Embroidered Spring Blade.

Shen Shandeng has a clear goal and a well-defined path.

In August, Beijing was hotter and more restless than ever before.

It's not just the summer heat, but also the nationwide anticipation for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Olympic flags fluttered in the wind along both sides of the street, and volunteers could be seen everywhere.

A mixture of immense joy and tension enveloped this ancient capital.

Shen Shandeng brought his parents from his hometown over in the days leading up to the opening ceremony.

Shen Xingguo's father and Wang Mei's mother had rarely traveled far from home, and this was their first time in the capital, so everything was new and exciting to them.

No matter how busy Shen Shandeng was, he still made time to accompany the two elders to Tiananmen Square.

Standing in the wide square, I looked at the solemn national emblem on the city gate and the national flag fluttering in the wind.

Occasionally, people recognize Shen Shandeng and ask for photos and autographs.

Seeing the proud expressions on his parents' faces, Shen Shandeng felt very satisfied.

If personal success can make one's family proud, then the struggle takes on an extra layer of meaning.

Shake.

The world-renowned August 8th has finally arrived.

At night, the National Stadium "Bird's Nest" shines like a giant phoenix rising from the ashes.

Shen Shandeng brought his parents and also picked up Da Mimi's parents.

Together, the two families found themselves in this dreamlike venue, becoming witnesses to this historic moment.

It was already late at night when I got home.

Da Mimi obediently served warm water and cut fruit to Shen Shandeng's parents. After settling the elders in to rest, she returned to her room with Shen Shandeng.

As soon as the door is closed.

Da Mimi's smile, which had lasted all night, crumbled. She leaned close to Shen Shandeng and said dejectedly, "Everything before was great, practically perfect! It's just that the theme song at the end, 'Me and You,' wasn't it a bit too soft?"

She wrinkled her delicate nose, trying hard to find the right words.

"The scene was so grand and exciting, with all the drums and gongs, that everyone's emotions were at their peak. And then this slow, soft song came out at the end?"

"It feels like, like a fire burning brightly in a furnace, and someone has poured a bucket of ice water on it."

Upon hearing this, Shen Shandeng, who was unbuttoning his shirt, paused.

To be honest, he had a similar feeling when he was there.

After such extreme glory, what's needed is a sporty, joyful song to liven up the atmosphere, rather than an overly sentimental, even somewhat abrupt, hymn to the Earth.

Especially after learning that the creator of this song was none other than the music director of the opening ceremony himself.

Shen Shandeng wanted to say that they had no shame.

However, he spoke more tactfully than Yang Mi, saying lightly, "Perhaps their ideas are more advanced; they're Earthlings with an international perspective. The handover between Beijing and London needs to be reflected in some way."

Da Mimi blinked her big eyes and asked, "But this is the Olympics! It's a sports meet, it's about being higher, faster, and stronger, and it's related to the Earth being one family, right?"

"Besides, isn't this our Olympics?"

Her question hit the nail on the head.

Shen Shandeng smiled and teased, "Mimi, you don't understand. This is called culture, this is called art."

"On such a world-renowned occasion, how vulgar and straightforward would it be to sing an uplifting and inspiring song? It has to be a lyrical and slow song like this to make these cultural figures and artists look 'clever' and 'classy'."

He walked to the bedside and sat down, patting the spot next to him to signal Da Mimi to sit over.

"Think about it, the opportunity to make a name for yourself in history is right in front of you. Grit your teeth, be a little shameless, and just put your work up the list. That'll do the trick."

"From now on, when people talk about the Beijing Olympics, they'll have to mention this theme song. We can even sell the rights and DVDs. As for whether it's appropriate or not? People are always talking about 'humanity,' 'the world,' and 'universal harmony.' Standing on that moral high ground, how can you question it?"

Shen Shandeng said, "This is what we call the outward orientation of art."

Da Mimi obediently sat down next to him, tilted her head, and asked, "Extroversion? What does that mean?"

"Simply put, it's about turning your back on others," Shen Shandeng said succinctly.

Da Mimi was taken aback at first, then burst out laughing and lightly punched him.

"You have such a sharp tongue!" (End of Chapter)