Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 592 (590): My Dream
December in Beijing is chilly, but the film market continues to heat up.

Since its release on December 3, "Havoc in Heaven" has been like a fire ignited in winter, with its box office soaring all the way.

The film grossed over 1.25 million yuan in its opening weekend, breaking the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for a domestic film.

Entering the second week, the box office performance remained strong on weekdays, with daily box office revenue consistently above 20 million yuan.

According to data from the Maoyan Movies platform, as of December 15, "The Monkey King" had accumulated a box office of 12 million yuan, just one step away from breaking the 3.8 million yuan mark.

This achievement not only surpassed the annual box office record for domestic films set by "Kung Fu" at the beginning of the year, but also directly challenged the box office ceiling for domestic films set by "Hero" in 2002.

In front of "China Film Grand Cinemas" across the country, long queues of moviegoers are forming. IMAX and giant screen screenings are in high demand, and even scalpers are reselling movie tickets—something unimaginable in the past Chinese film market.

In the media, discussions about "Havoc in Heaven" have expanded from the initial visual effects and industrial standards to deeper issues such as cultural significance and industrial impact.

Southern Weekly published a lengthy report titled "Havoc in Heaven: A Coming-of-Age Ceremony for the Chinese Film Industry," which stated:
"If 'Hero' opened up the commercial exploration of Chinese blockbusters and 'Kung Fu Hustle' demonstrated the localization of genre films, then 'The Monkey King' marks the Chinese film industry's leap from 'apprentice' to 'craftsman' in terms of hard power such as technology, art, and production processes."

More importantly, it is not a simple copy of the Hollywood model, but a creative transformation rooted in its own cultural genes. The magnificence of the Heavenly Court, the fantasy of the Peach Garden, and the array of heavenly soldiers and generals—behind these visual elements lies a modern expression of the aesthetics of traditional Chinese painting, architecture, and opera.

Wang Sheng and his team have proven through practice that Chinese filmmakers are fully capable of telling purely Eastern stories with international-level industrial standards. This is not merely a technological breakthrough, but also a manifestation of cultural confidence.

Industry peers have a more complex feeling.

Feng Xiaogang sat in his studio, looking at the box office figures, and silently smoked a whole pack of cigarettes.

“A 300 million investment, and we’ll recoup our costs in less than three weeks.” He stubbed out his cigarette and said to Wang Shuo beside him, “Hollywood would be envious of this rate of return.”

Wang Shuo leaned back lazily on the sofa: "They're playing the whole industry chain. Production, distribution, theaters, post-production derivatives... box office is just the first layer. I heard that the merchandise for 'Havoc in Heaven' has sold like hotcakes, toys, clothing, stationery, that's another big hit."

……

December 22nd, the winter solstice.

The annual board meeting of Shengying Media Group was held as scheduled in the conference room on the top floor of Jingxin Building.

Seated around the long conference table were the group's core management team, heads of major subsidiaries, and independent directors.

Wang Sheng sat in the main seat, with Han Sanping to his left—as the chairman of China Film Group and a director of Shengying Media, he represented the state-owned capital side; and Song Xinmin to his right, the general manager of the group's strategic development department.

The meeting room was well-heated, a stark contrast to the cold wind outside.

"First of all, on behalf of the group's management, I would like to report to the board of directors on the key operating data for 2004." The group's CFO stood up and began to play the PowerPoint presentation.

On the screen, groups of numbers appeared...

……

The impressive data drew frequent nods of approval from the board members present.

"Especially in the fourth quarter, with the successful hosting of SAIFF and the box office success of 'Havoc in Heaven,' the group's brand value and market influence have been significantly enhanced," the CFO summarized. "The capital market's valuation logic for the company has shifted from a simple film and television production company to an ecosystem-based media group with 'content + channels + platform.'"

After the report, Wang Sheng began, "Everyone has seen the data. I'd like to hear your thoughts on next year's work."

Wang Changtian, General Manager of Enlight Media, spoke first: "In the TV drama and variety show sectors, we plan to increase innovation while maintaining our existing advantages. In particular, we need to accelerate the introduction of Korean and European and American formats for reality shows."

"Regarding artist management," Cai Yinong continued, "the internal trial operation of the 'Star Track Project' is progressing smoothly. We plan to open the rating system to closely cooperating external agencies in the first quarter of next year. At the same time, the service module for foreign artists has been completed, and the number of artists signed from South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong and Taiwan has tripled year-on-year."

The head of the cinema chain reported on the plan to build 50 new cinemas next year, with a focus on third- and fourth-tier cities; the Maoyan Movies team proposed the development of a mobile APP - although smartphones are not yet widespread, the team has already foreseen the future of the mobile Internet.

When it was Song Xinmin's turn, he adjusted his glasses and said, "The Strategic Development Department suggests that we focus on three things next year: First, complete the first phase of the Huairou Zhongbeisheng Digital Cinema Base and ensure it is put into use by the middle of the year; second, promote the pilot implementation of the 'Star Trail Project' throughout the industry and strive for official document support from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television; third, prepare for the second China-US International Film Festival and consolidate SAIFF's international status."

After listening to everyone's remarks, Han Sanping slowly spoke up: "I'd like to add something. With the transition period for China's accession to the WTO coming to an end, the further opening up of the film market is an inevitable trend. Major Hollywood studios may seek deeper cooperation, or even enter the market with sole investment. As an industry leader, Shengying needs to have a countermeasure."

He looked at Wang Sheng and said, "I suggest we consider establishing joint ventures with international giants like Disney and Warner to exchange time and space for cooperation. We can trade market access for technology, management experience, and global distribution channels."

Wang Sheng nodded: "The teacher's advice is very important. International cooperation cannot just stay at the project level; it must be elevated to the level of capital and strategy. The Strategic Development Department will take the lead in studying this matter and will come up with a plan in the first quarter."

The meeting lasted three hours.

After the meeting, Wang Sheng kept Song Xinmin and several core executives behind to continue discussing the details.

……

December 26th, 2 PM.

The press conference hall of the Beijing Workers' Stadium was the venue for the launch of Zhang Hanyun's debut solo album, "Dream Chasing Girl." The stage backdrop featured a giant album cover: 17-year-old Zhang Hanyun, wearing a white dress, stood before a sun-drenched classroom window, turning back with a smile, her eyes clear and determined.

The album title and the title of the lead single, "My Dream," are printed in the upper right corner of the cover.

Below the stage, reporters from hundreds of media outlets had already set up their cameras and microphones.

The fan area was filled with fans holding up support signs, mostly young girls—Zhang Hanyun's resilient and hardworking "comeback" image in "Super Girl" deeply touched countless ordinary people with dreams.

In the backstage dressing room, Zhang Hanyun nervously clenched her hands.

She wore the same white dress as in the album promotional photos, her hair was tied in a simple ponytail, and her makeup was light, still retaining a girlish innocence.

"Don't be nervous." Gao Yuanyuan sat down next to her and gently comforted her, "You've practiced the song very well, and your stage performance is also fine. So many media and fans came today because they like you and support you."

Zhang Hanyun nodded, her voice trembling slightly: "President Gao, I'm just afraid... afraid of letting everyone down."

“No, it won’t happen.” Gao Yuanyuan held her hand. “Every song on this album was tailor-made for you. Especially the title track, which was personally selected by President Wang. He said this song was written for you.”

Zhang Hanyun breathed a sigh of relief when Wang Sheng was mentioned.

In her heart, Wang Sheng was an unattainable legendary figure—it was his creation of "Super Girl" that changed her destiny, it was him who signed her and gave her the opportunity to become a singer.

Although they didn't meet often, every time she saw Wang Sheng, she could feel that she was valued and expected to be valued.

……

The press conference officially began at 2:30 p.m.

After a brief opening by the host, Zhang Hanyun walked onto the stage.

Facing the dense array of cameras and gazes below the stage, she took a deep breath and revealed her signature sweet smile.

"Hello everyone, I'm Zhang Hanyun. Thank you all for coming to the launch event for my first solo album, 'Dream Chasing Girl'..."

Following the pre-prepared script, she introduced the album's production concept and song style, and thanked the production team, the company, and everyone who supported her.

During the Q&A session, a reporter asked, "Hanyun, the lyrics of the album's title track, 'My Dream,' are very inspiring. I heard there were many stories behind its creation?"

Zhang Hanyun looked at Wang Sheng in the audience and, after receiving an encouraging look, she said, "This song... was actually chosen for me by Mr. Wang. He said that this song tells a story of pursuing dreams, which is very similar to my own. I cried when I first heard the demo."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "From participating in 'Super Girl' until now, I've been through a lot. I've felt lost and doubted myself, but every time I think about how many people support me and my original dream, I tell myself I can't give up. Just like the song says: 'I will keep moving forward, no matter how much wind and rain there is.'"

The audience burst into applause.

"So, could you sing a song live?" another reporter asked.

Zhang Hanyun looked at the host, and after receiving confirmation, she nodded: "Okay."

A staff member handed over a microphone, and the intro to music began.

Clear piano music flowed out, and Zhang Hanyun closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her eyes were filled with determination:
Keep going, keep going forward.
Crazy World

Facing the pain, I saw all the dreams in my eyes.
Leave it all to time…

The clear and penetrating voice instantly captivated everyone's ears.

There were no complicated techniques, no deliberate showing off, only sincere emotions, each word striking the hearts of the listeners.

In the chorus, the volume suddenly increases:
My Dream
Say don't linger or wait.
Let the light reflect off my tear-filled pupils.

Reflecting the rainbow I most desire in my heart
Take me to that sky where you are...

Many fans in the audience already had tears in their eyes.

Many of them watched Zhang Hanyun go from the auditions all the way to the championship, witnessing the girl's growth and transformation.

At this moment, this song seems to express their shared feelings—about dreams, about perseverance, about never giving up.

After the song ended, there was a few seconds of silence, followed by thunderous applause.

Zhang Hanyun bowed in gratitude, and when she looked up, her eyes were glistening with tears.

(End of this chapter)