Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 420, Section 418: Retirement Gift

Beijing Capital International Airport, May 21, 2002.

A cultural exchange delegation led by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television gathered here, preparing to board a China International Airlines flight to Los Angeles, USA.

The delegation included a deputy director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, an official from the Foreign Affairs Department, Zhu Yongde, general manager of Shanghai Film Group, along with two senior producers and a director under his command, as well as Wang Sheng as a "special advisor" and his two accompanying assistants and translators.

Inside the waiting room, the atmosphere carried the unique mark of a business trip—slightly serious, yet mixed with a sense of anticipation for a distant country.

Wang Sheng's arrival undoubtedly injected a different flavor into this team, which was heavily influenced by the system.

Today he was wearing a simple dark casual suit without a tie, exuding a calm and composed demeanor, standing out among the group of members who were either serious or reserved.

As the invited party, Disney covered all travel expenses for the trip.

Therefore, it is called first class.

Wang Sheng's position happened to be next to Zhu Yongde's.

"President Zhu, it's been a long time. You still look as energetic as ever," Wang Sheng greeted him with a smile.

Zhu Yongde is sixty years old this year. His hair is neatly combed, and he is wearing a well-pressed shirt and trousers. Although he is in his sixties, his eyes are bright and he shows no signs of aging.

He laughed heartily, his voice booming: "I can't compare to you young people! Mr. Wang, it's been years since I last saw you, and your Shengying Media is getting more and more impressive! 'Shaolin Soccer' really made us Chinese filmmakers proud during its run in North America!"

The two sat down and fastened their seatbelts.

"It was luck, plus the help from my friends at New Line Cinema," Wang Sheng said modestly, his tone calm.

"Excessive humility is arrogance!"

Zhu Yongde patted Wang Sheng's arm, his tone carrying the appreciation of an elder for an outstanding junior and a hint of barely perceptible emotion, "I've watched you take each step steadily over the past few years, starting with wedding films, then building alliances, running theater chains, and now you're making waves in Hollywood. Amazing, truly amazing!"

He then changed the subject, his tone tinged with self-deprecation and expectation: "Unlike our Shanghai Film Studio, an old state-owned enterprise with heavy burdens and many rules. When I retire next year and hand this business over to the next person, I really don't know if it can develop as vigorously and energetically as your Shengying Film Studio."

Upon hearing this, Wang Sheng gently shook his head: "President Zhu, you flatter me too much. Shanghai Film Group has a solid foundation, with cinema chains and film studios, and its local resources in Shanghai are unparalleled."

Backed by the international metropolis of Shanghai, its potential is limitless. Our Shengying is merely fortunate to have taken advantage of the reforms at China Film Group and the film industry, getting a head start.

He looked at Zhu Yongde with sincere eyes: "In my opinion, the future Chinese film market will inevitably be a place where a hundred flowers bloom."

However, the leading position may very well recreate the situation of the Beijing Film Studio and Shanghai Film Studio standing side by side and shining brightly in the north and south in the past.

China Film Group is a large company with strong resource integration capabilities; while Shanghai Film Group, with its geographical advantages, economic strength and historical heritage in Shanghai, definitely has the potential to become the other pole.

Competition will invigorate the market and drive industry progress.

"North-South confrontation? Twin stars shining brightly?"

Zhu Yongde pondered the words, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes, followed by a hearty laugh, "Haha, good! I appreciate your kind words! Competition is indeed a good thing; it forces everyone to make better films!"

The plane's engines roared to life, and the massive fuselage slowly glided toward the runway. Taking advantage of this lull, Wang Sheng casually remarked, "Competition can lead to progress, but cooperation can also lead to mutual progress."

Zhu Yongde, being extremely astute, immediately picked up on the implied meaning. He turned his head, his eyes narrowed slightly, his smile unchanged, but his tone became inquisitive: "Oh? Cooperation? What brilliant idea does President Wang have? Could it be that you want to cooperate with Shanghai Film Group?"

The plane accelerated on the runway, a strong push-back sensation came through, and then the nose lifted up, soaring into the sky.

Once the flight had stabilized, Wang Sheng slowly spoke, his voice still clear amidst the low noise of the engine: "I wouldn't call it a brilliant idea, just a preliminary thought."

Mr. Zhu, as you can see, the main reason we went to the United States this time was for Disney's "China Glimpses" project.

This is a cultural project spearheaded by the government, and it's of great significance. But besides this, could we also use this opportunity to do something more market-oriented and with greater international influence?

He paused for a moment, then offered a long-awaited suggestion: "For example, Shengying, Shanghai Film Group, and Disney could join forces to make a co-produced film."

I'll direct, I'll write the script, we'll share the production costs proportionally, and we'll share the profits from the global market.

Seeing the sudden sparkle in Zhu Yongde's eyes, Wang Sheng added sincerely, "If this project succeeds, consider it my retirement gift to you, Mr. Zhu. I hope it will become a solid stepping stone for Shanghai Film Group's internationalization."

Zhu Yongde's breathing quickened slightly!
Directed by Wang Sheng himself!

He wrote the script!

A three-way collaboration!

What is Wang Sheng's current standing?
He is a benchmark for domestic commercial films and a genius producer who just proved his abilities in North America with "Shaolin Soccer"!

He offered to collaborate and even provided the script and direct the film himself—it was like a windfall!
Zhu Yongde knows Wang Sheng's abilities all too well. From "First Love" to "My Sassy Girl" and then to the record-breaking "Kung Fu Soccer", Wang Sheng's grasp of market trends and cross-cultural operation capabilities are terrifying.

If he can really lead the production of a co-production blockbuster, it will not only bring economic benefits to Shanghai Film Group, but also a huge boost to its brand and a breakthrough in its international influence!

"Is this really true?!" Zhu Yongde leaned forward unconsciously, staring intently at Wang Sheng, as if afraid he was joking.

"There is no joke in the army."

Wang Sheng said earnestly, "As long as you, Mr. Zhu, support us, we can work together to negotiate with Disney. I believe that with the future potential of the Chinese market and the strength of both of our companies, Disney will not be unmoved."

"Support! We absolutely support it!" Zhu Yongde declared without hesitation, his tone resolute. "Old Wang, don't worry! This time in the US, when negotiating with Disney, as long as it's about this co-production project, Shanghai Film Group will fully cooperate with you! We'll provide manpower and resources! We must secure this project!"

He could almost see the glorious scene after the project's success, on the eve of his retirement, where he would secure such a major international collaboration for the Shanghai Film Group, which had been struggling since he took office. This would undoubtedly be the perfect ending to his career.

After the initial excitement subsided, Zhu Yongde couldn't contain his curiosity and asked in a low voice, "Old Wang, tell me quickly, what kind of film are you planning to make? Do you have a direction in mind?"

Wang Sheng smiled and said, "President Zhu, do you remember our previous collaboration on 'The Pursuit of Happyness'?"

"A remake of this?"

After a moment's thought, Zhu Yongde nodded slightly: "Perhaps it can work..."

(End of this chapter)