Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 559, Section 557: Observation

On the afternoon of August 11, 2004, an Air China Boeing 747 aircraft roared its engines and was ready to take off on the dedicated tarmac of Beijing Capital International Airport.

Wang Sheng has joined the cultural and sports exchange and observation group organized by the government offices in the capital.

Our destination is Athens, Greece, where the flame for the 28th Summer Olympic Games will be lit.

The delegation was of a high caliber, personally led by a municipal leader in charge of culture, education, health and sports. Members included officials from departments such as culture, sports and planning, as well as specially invited entrepreneurs and experts who are representative in the cultural and sports industries, like Wang Sheng.

In addition, two senior reporters from major Beijing newspapers will provide full coverage of this observation and exchange activity.

Wang Sheng wore a well-fitting light gray casual suit without a tie, which made him look both formal and comfortable for a long trip.

After exchanging pleasantries with the deputy mayor and several key officials leading the delegation, he walked to his first-class seat under the guidance of the flight attendants.

"Chairman Wang, we're sorry to trouble you to travel with us again this time."

Vice Mayor Li smiled warmly, showing his high regard for Wang Sheng, this young business tycoon and leading figure in the cultural industry.

After all, the Beijing Olympics four years later will not only be a sporting event, but also an important opportunity to showcase the country's image, promote the development of the cultural industry and economic construction. Wang Sheng and Shengying Media behind him are undoubtedly an important force that can be relied upon.

"Mayor Li, you're too kind. It's an honor for me to have the opportunity to personally experience the Olympic atmosphere and learn from Athens' experience. It's also to prepare for our own grand event four years from now," Wang Sheng replied humbly and sincerely.

During the long flight, the cabin was not entirely immersed in a restful atmosphere.

Vice Mayor Li convened several small-scale discussions, focusing on the organizational model of the Athens Olympics, venue operation, cultural display, and its driving effect on urban development.

Although Wang Sheng is not talkative, every time he speaks, he hits the nail on the head, offering insightful views on market operations, cultural dissemination, and brand building, which drew frequent nods of approval from the officials.

The two accompanying journalists also occasionally joined the discussion, taking notes on key points.

After nearly ten hours of flight, traversing the vast Eurasian continent, the flight finally landed smoothly at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.

On the evening of August 11 local time, Athens welcomed guests from the East with its signature dry heat wave, mixed with sea breeze and historical dust.

The delegation took a short rest at the Grand Regent Hotel, located in the heart of Athens with a view of the Acropolis.

After a simple welcome dinner, despite the fatigue of the journey, the observation group had a rather tight schedule due to their mission.

On the morning of August 12, the delegation first went to the Olympic Sports Centre, located in the northern suburbs of Athens, which is also the main stadium of this Olympic Games.

The massive reinforced concrete structure and iconic double arches appear exceptionally magnificent under the intense Aegean sun.

Athens arranged dedicated staff to accompany and explain the venue's design concept, construction process, and operational plans during the Games.

Wang Sheng followed beside Vice Mayor Li, listening attentively to the introduction, his gaze sweeping over every detail of the venue: audience flow, media area, commercial facilities, accessibility facilities...

He occasionally whispered to the Beijing planning officials who were traveling with him, comparing their ideas for the future Olympic venues in Beijing.

“Their post-event utilization plan for the venues is worth studying in depth,” Wang Sheng whispered to Vice Mayor Li. “Building them solely for the events would incur huge maintenance costs later on. We must consider the transformation path towards commercialization and community development from the very beginning.”

Vice Mayor Li wholeheartedly agreed: "Yes, Chairman Wang, you have a keen eye. In this regard, Shengying has experience in the operation of large-scale events and the commercial development of venues, so please offer more suggestions."

In the afternoon, the delegation drove to the Olympic Village.

The Olympic Village is situated in a relatively open area, with a simple and modern architectural style that is full of Mediterranean charm.

Since the village has not yet officially opened, some areas are still undergoing final preparations, but the overall framework has already been established.

Inside the Olympic Village, they were fortunate enough to encounter some members of the Chinese delegation who had arrived earlier and were conducting acclimatization training. The atmosphere immediately became lively.

On behalf of the observation group, Vice Mayor Li expressed his condolences and encouragement to the athletes.

Wang Sheng also chatted with several athletes with a light laugh.

Liu Wei, a tall and resolute member of the shooting team, said shyly, "It's my first time participating in the Olympics. I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited."

Wang Sheng said calmly, "Just stay calm and perform to your usual training level. The whole nation supports you."

He was well aware of the pressure and expectations these athletes carried.

Yang Qing, a volleyball player standing next to him with a bright smile, seemed more relaxed: "Thank you, Chairman Wang, thank you, leaders! We will definitely do our best to achieve good results!"

"..."

Wang Sheng then exchanged a few words with the team official in charge of athletes' psychological counseling, mentioning Sheng Ying's observation and portrayal of athletes' psychological state when participating in the production of some sports-themed films and television dramas.

The two accompanying reporters keenly captured these moments of interaction, with camera shutters clicking frequently.

The footage of Wang Sheng interacting with the athletes not only showcased the approachability of the observation group but also enhanced his and Shengying Media's positive public image.

Time flew by amidst the hectic schedule, and night slowly fell in Athens.

August 13th finally arrived, the day of the opening ceremony.

As evening fell, Athens seemed to be injected with some kind of boiling energy, as tourists, athletes, and officials from all over the world flocked to the Athens Olympic Stadium (OAKA Main Stadium), and the air was filled with festive jubilation and anticipation.

Wang Sheng, along with the observation group, entered the stadium, which was about to become the focus of the world, through a special passage using VIP credentials.

Inside the enormous horseshoe-shaped stadium, the lights were on, and the stands were packed with people. Colorful flags from various countries waved in the stands, creating a magnificent sea of ​​color.

Their seats were located to the side and rear of the podium, offering excellent views.

At 8:45 p.m., as the clock hands precisely struck the appointed time, all the lights in the venue suddenly went out.

After a moment of silence, a long and deep bell rang out through the sound system that filled the entire venue, as if it came from the ancient Acropolis of Athens, traversing thousands of years of time and space.

The opening ceremony has officially begun.

A huge pool appears in the center of the venue, symbolizing the Aegean Sea, the origin of Greek civilization.

Then, an epic of ancient Greek civilization, created by actors and technology, unfolded slowly in the center of the venue, as if stepping out of a historical scroll: from the Minoan civilization of Crete, to the heroic age in Homer's epics, and then to the philosophy, art, and sporting spirit of the Classical period...

The scenes closely link Greece's long history with the origins of the Olympic Games, full of allegorical elements and visual impact.

Wang Sheng watched intently. As a content creator and the maker of visual feasts, he was not only watching the spectacle, but also trying to understand the intricacies of the experience.

When the Olympic flame, symbolizing the Olympic ideals, was lit in an extremely ingenious and poetic way, and the blazing flames illuminated the night sky, the entire stadium erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

Wang Sheng was also deeply moved by this, and this shared human emotion and ideal that transcends national borders, races, and beliefs is precisely the charm of the Olympics.

Then, the entrance of the delegations from various countries began.

As the "March of the Volunteers" played, the Chinese delegation, dressed in red and yellow formal attire and led by their flag bearers, marched spiritedly into the field. Wang Sheng, like all the members of the observation group, stood up and applauded enthusiastically.

(End of this chapter)