1979: The child's mother is a celestial being.

Chapter 130 Xiao Chen, are you getting promoted again? (Please subscribe!)

"How was my writing?"

Chen Fusheng had just finished reading the script his wife had adapted from his novel "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" when he looked up and met her expectant gaze.

He didn't deliberately keep people in suspense, and nodded seriously, saying, "Not bad. Wife, this is your first time adapting a script. I think you've at least passed."

"Really? You're not lying to me, are you?" Liu Xiaoli was satisfied that she had gotten a passing grade from her husband, provided that the passing grade was genuine.

"Really, although there are still areas for improvement in your script, my wife, the storyline is complete and closely follows the original work. In addition, the perspectives you added for the supporting characters are also very detailed. It's clear that you put your heart into it," Chen Fusheng commented objectively.

But he mainly talked about the advantages, and Liu Xiaoli felt a little satisfied after hearing that.

After digesting the information for a moment, he then asked, "What about the drawbacks?"

Chen Fusheng picked up the script his wife had written again and skimmed through it, summarizing as he read:
"The first drawback is that you wrote too much inner monologue. This is the way to write a novel. A script doesn't need to add too much inner monologue or psychological description to the character because that's homework for the actor. Adding it will actually hinder the actor's understanding, especially for roles that really test acting skills. They require the actor to think a lot, and the inner monologue you added might mislead the actor's judgment."

Liu Xiaoli nodded as if she had just realized something. Before Chen Fusheng could continue, she said, "Brother Sheng, wait a moment. I'll go get my notebook and take some notes."

"No need to write it down, just listen to me first, and ask me later if you don't understand anything." Chen Fusheng pulled his wife, who had just gotten off the sofa, back down.

"Okay." Liu Xiaoli stopped struggling and sat down like a good student.

Chen Fusheng glanced at her and continued, "The second flaw is that your script has too many subplots, detailed foreshadowing, and lyrical elements. It's as if you want to bring all the elements from the novel into the script. Actually, that's a mistake. A movie is only about two hours long, and there aren't many stories to tell. If you cram everything in, the final film will have a blurred main plot and a slow pace."

Seeing that his wife was listening attentively, Chen Fusheng continued his explanation:

"Secondly, there are problems with your lines, for example..."

After pointing out the problems with the script his daughter-in-law had written herself, Chen Fusheng then taught her how to revise it step by step.

After a night of learning, Liu Xiaoli felt she had learned a lot.

"That's about enough, it's almost 12 o'clock, time to go and rest."

After putting his daughter to sleep, Chen Fusheng took a shower and came out to find his wife still diligently digesting what he had told her that evening. Although he admired her diligence and eagerness to learn, he knew he couldn't let her go too far.

So I urged them a bit.

"Is it almost 12 o'clock? I thought it was still early."

Liu Xiaoli absorbed so much knowledge from her husband tonight that she was so focused on learning that she didn't even notice the passage of time.

She actually wanted to improve further, but reason told her that she should rest, and her husband was waiting beside her, so reason ultimately prevailed.

Liu Xiaoli also went to take a shower. While showering, she remembered that she had forgotten to tell her husband something, but when she returned to the bedroom, Chen Fusheng was already asleep.

Liu Xiaoli could only talk about this the next day.

The next day, morning.

"Honey, there's something I forgot to tell you last night."

"What's wrong?" Chen Fusheng was changing his daughter's diaper when he looked up at his wife, who was combing her hair.

"Yesterday afternoon, Director Yang Jie called a meeting and said that she plans to film the An Tian Conference scene after the National Day holiday. Director Yang Jie knows that you will be there that day, and she also asked me to ask you if you would like to have a cameo role on the day of filming. Do you agree?"

Chen Fusheng listened attentively, then looked up at his wife again and asked, "What role should I play?"

"I don't know either, but on the day of the Heavenly Peace Assembly, all those who come must be celestial beings."

"...Alright, but honey, could you also tell Director Yang Jie to give me a high-class deity, like the Ziwei Emperor or the Changsheng Emperor?"

"You're just making a cameo appearance, why are you making so many demands? If you ask me, you should just play a heavenly soldier," Liu Xiaoli joked.

"That's because you don't understand the value of my face. Do you believe that Director Yang Jie will definitely give me a cameo role as a deity with lines that day?"

"Not necessarily. Based on my observations on set over the past month, Director Yang Jie is a very principled director. She is determined to make 'Journey to the West' a timeless classic. I don't think she would give you more screen time just because you're popular, unless your character already has lines."

"Would you like to make a bet?"

"What are you gambling?"

"Let's bet..." Chen Fusheng suddenly leaned close to his wife's ear and whispered the bet.

After saying that, Liu Xiaoli blushed and punched her husband's arm, saying irritably, "Are you trying to kill me?"

……

September 30th.

The crew of "The Cotton Robe" finished filming their final scenes on the last day of the month.

Chen Fusheng, who is both the screenwriter and producer of the show, also made a rare appearance on set today.

"Come on, everyone, let's all stand together and take a wrap-up photo."

"Director Chen, don't hide in the back, come forward quickly, this middle spot is reserved for you."

"I'm tall, so I'll stand at the back."

"You tall one, come to the front too..."

After taking the wrap-up photos, Chen Fusheng took the initiative to talk to Yuan Heping.

"Master Yuan, how's it feeling filming in mainland China?"

"It's great. Although most of the actors in this show aren't professional actors, they are all very dedicated, including the director and everyone else. They are also very enthusiastic and friendly," Yuan Heping said frankly, without exaggeration or denigration.

"Is Master Yuan interested in staying in mainland China to develop his career...?"

"Mr. Chen..."

Yuan Heping interrupted Chen Fusheng, but Chen Fusheng regained control of the conversation.

"Don't rush, let me finish." Faced with this somewhat domineering Mr. Chen, Yuan Heping really had no temper at all and listened obediently.

Chen Fusheng continued, "Hong Kong doesn't lack action choreographers, but there's practically no such talent pool in mainland China. So if Master Yuan could stay and develop his career in mainland China, he might become the 'founding father' of your profession in the future. What do you think? Would you like to consider it?"

Faced with Chen Fusheng's claim of being the 'founding father of the industry,' Yuan Heping was genuinely tempted.

But it was only for a moment, and that was it.

“Mr. Chen, thank you for your interest. However, my family, friends, and social connections are all in Hong Kong, so it is impossible for me to develop my career in mainland China in the long term. I hope you understand.”

"I understand, I understand." Seeing that the other party hadn't been fooled by him, or rather, won over by him, Chen Fusheng wasn't too surprised. After all, he had only intended to try his luck, even if there was no chance.

But his real purpose was actually the following sentence: "Master Yuan's martial arts choreography skills are very high. If I make another martial arts film, I hope I can work with Master Yuan."

"Of course, no problem. I also look forward to working with you, Mr. Chen, soon."

"Haha, okay, it's settled then. Once I've finalized the script, if it's a martial arts film, I'll contact Master Yuan in advance."

"Yes, I will wait for Mr. Chen's good news in Hong Kong."

The two shook hands, establishing a verbal agreement for potential future cooperation.

They had just finished talking when Lingzi, who had finished her work, also came over.

"What were you talking about just now? You were laughing and shaking hands."

"Mr. Chen's next project might be a martial arts film. He took a liking to my action choreography skills and is planning to give me a chance to make a living," Yuan Heping said modestly.

"Really? Xiao Chen, you're going to film a martial arts movie next?" Ling Zi looked at Chen Fusheng curiously.

“It’s just a possibility, it’s not certain yet,” Chen Fusheng replied.

Lingzi nodded, thought for a moment and said, "But if you really want to make the film, I can volunteer to be your assistant director. I've learned some experience from this film, 'The Cotton Robe'."

"Sister Ling, is this really true?" Chen Fusheng was quite surprised.

"Of course I'd joke with you like that."

After a pause, Lingzi explained why she did this: "I've heard that you film very quickly, and I wanted to learn from your experience."

"Alright then, I'll start brainstorming the script for my next film. If I really decide to make a martial arts film, I won't look for anyone else as the assistant director."

Ling Zi nodded, and after finishing her story, she pointed to He Qun, Peng Xiaolian, and Zhao Baogang: "You've taken in Chen Kaige, Zhang Yimou, and Zhang Jianya, so what are you going to do with the three interns who came to my production team?"

"How did they perform?" Chen Fusheng asked instead of answering.

"They're all alright, especially Zhao Baogang. Although he studied acting, he has a real talent for directing. Plus, he's willing to work hard. I think given time, he can become a good director."

"Hmm... In that case, let's also arrange for them to intern in the group."

Lingzi asked with some surprise, "Isn't this decision a bit too hasty? Our group doesn't have that many positions available."

"Sister Ling, don't worry about this. Since I dared to take the initiative to bring them in, I am confident that I can settle them in."

Chen Fusheng smiled mysteriously, then added, "And even if we take a step back and assume we don't need that many people after they graduate, we can recommend them to other organizations."

Ling Zi was no novice when it came to politics. She sensed something unusual in Chen Fusheng's words, hesitated for a moment, and then lowered her voice to ask, "Tell me honestly, did you receive some kind of letter?"

"With your background, Sister Ling, you must have heard about this by now, right?" Chen Fusheng asked in return.

"I've been busy filming lately, I don't have time to gossip, so stop keeping me in suspense and just tell me."

"Well, it's not exactly a secret anymore. Our team will face major reforms and restructuring next year... as early as the end of the year."

"Really?" Lingzi was also shocked when she heard the news.

Chen Fusheng nodded.

Lingzi then pointed upwards with her finger: "So, Xiao Chen, do you have a chance to climb up another rank?"

"I don't know, but I've only just been promoted, so it shouldn't be that fast."

"No, I actually think you have the best chance... because our film production team has been established for a year, and only your film has truly generated foreign exchange for the country. In addition, Director Shi is going to be promoted and will no longer be able to lead us. If the position of team leader is not yours, but someone else, I'm afraid it will be difficult to gain the support of the people."

In fact, Deputy Director Shi had also discussed this topic with Chen Fusheng, saying that the organization might give him a chance to take charge, but some things are really hard to say until the very last moment.

So even though Chen Fusheng also felt it would be him, he didn't want to open the champagne prematurely.

To avoid some unexpected obstacle appearing out of nowhere...

"Let's not talk about this anymore. Tomorrow is National Day, so I'd like to wish Sister Ling a happy National Day in advance!"

"You too."

Ling Zi suddenly remembered something and said, "By the way, Xiao Chen, have you written another novel?"

"Uh, yes, but how did you know, Sister Ling?"

"I read the Wenhui Daily from the 25th last night, and it said your new novel will be published in the next issue of Harvest magazine..."

At this point, Lingzi recalled for a moment and added uncertainly, "I think it's tomorrow?"

"Yes!"

Chen Fusheng smiled and nodded.

"What story did you write this time?" Lingzi asked curiously.

"Sister Ling, you should buy a copy of 'Harvest' magazine tomorrow and read it yourself. I won't spoil it for you."

"Alright... I'll look forward to it."

(End of this chapter)