Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 598, Section 596: Family Matters and Itinerary
The night passed.

February 10, 2005, the first day of the Lunar New Year, Beijing.

The morning sunlight streamed into the bedroom through the French windows. Wang Xian and Wang Ruoruo were already awake, the two little ones dressed in red New Year's Tang suits, jumping and bouncing on the bed.

"Dad! Get up!" Wang Ruoruo jumped on Wang Sheng.

"We're going to see our great-grandparents today!" Wang Xian crawled over and said in a childish voice.

Wang Sheng opened his eyes and put his arm around one child in each arm: "Alright, alright, get up now. Didn't you say last night that you were going to kowtow to your great-grandparents to wish them a Happy New Year? How's your practice going?"

"We've practiced enough!" the two children exclaimed in unison.

Gao Yuanyuan came out of the dressing room. Today she was wearing a beige wool sweater with a dark red cashmere coat on top. Her hair was simply tied up and her makeup was light and elegant.

"The clothes are all packed, and the gifts for Grandpa and Grandma are in the trunk." She glanced at her watch. "We're leaving at nine. Is that enough time?"

“We’ll make it in time.” Wang Sheng sat up. “My parents will be there to wait for us at ten o’clock.”

……

At 9:30 a.m., a black Mercedes-Benz S600 drove into a newly built upscale residential community outside the North Fourth Ring Road.

This is a property that Wang Sheng bought for his grandparents a few years ago. It has three bedrooms and two living rooms, is well-ventilated, and has excellent natural light.

The elderly people's quality of life has improved considerably since they moved here from the old alley.

As soon as the car came to a stop, Wang Xian and Wang Ruoruo couldn't wait to get out.

"Slow down, slow down." Gao Yuanyuan held the hands of the two children.

Wang Baoguo and Zhang Xiulan had already arrived at the entrance of the building.

"Grandpa and Grandma are waiting upstairs." Zhang Xiulan walked over and patted the two children's heads. "What are you going to say when you see your great-grandparents?"

"Happy New Year! Wishing you good health!" Wang Ruoruo answered quickly.

"You also have to kowtow to receive a red envelope!" Wang Xian added.

The family took the elevator upstairs.

The doorbell rang and the door opened.

Wang Sheng's grandfather, Wang Jianguo, is 78 years old and in good spirits; his grandmother, Li Sufeng, is 76 years old and has a full head of silver hair that is neatly combed.

"Great-grandfather! Great-grandmother!"

The two children's clear, childlike voices brightened the eyes of the two elderly people.

"Oh dear, come in quickly, come in quickly." Li Sufeng bent down to hug the child, but Wang Sheng stopped her.

"Grandma, they're really heavy now, don't hurt your back."

Everyone enters the house.

The living room is spacious and bright, the balcony is filled with green plants, and a group photo of Wang Sheng's parents and grandparents hangs on the wall.

Candy, melon seeds, and fruit were already laid out on the coffee table.

Wang Jianguo carefully examined the two children, his eyes filled with affection: "They look alike, so alike. Xianxian looks like Wang Sheng when he was young, and Ruoruo looks like Yuanyuan."

"Great-Grandpa, we want to kowtow to you and wish you a Happy New Year!" Wang Xian suddenly remembered his important matter.

Wang Ruoruo chimed in, "Kowtowing! Receiving a red envelope!"

Wang Sheng and Gao Yuanyuan exchanged a smile. After teaching them for several days before the New Year, the two children finally remembered this "New Year's ritual."

"Okay, okay." Wang Jianguo and Li Sufeng sat up straight on the sofa.

Wang Xian and Wang Ruoruo stood side by side, knelt down in a proper manner, and rubbed their little heads on the soft carpet.

Happy New Year, Great-Grandpa! Wishing you good health!

Happy New Year, Great-Grandma! May you live a long and healthy life!

Although their movements were clumsy, their childlike innocence made everyone present laugh.

"Okay, okay, get up quickly." Li Sufeng's eyes were moist as she took out two thick red envelopes from her pocket. "These are New Year's money from your great-grandparents."

Wang Xian took the red envelope and curiously squeezed it: "So much money!"

"We can't demolish it now," Gao Yuanyuan reminded softly. "You should say thank you."

"Thank you, Great-Grandpa! Thank you, Great-Grandma!" the two children said obediently.

Wang Jianguo looked at Gao Yuanyuan and beckoned her over: "Yuanyuan, come here."

Gao Yuanyuan approached.

The old man took out a red velvet box from his pocket, opened it, and inside was a heavy gold bracelet with a traditional dragon and phoenix design, and exquisite craftsmanship.

"Here, this is for you." Wang Jianguo handed over the box.

Gao Yuanyuan was stunned: "Grandpa, this is too precious..."

"Take it." Li Sufeng grasped her hand. "You've worked hard these past two years. Taking care of the child and managing your career. We know what kind of person Wang Sheng is. It's not easy for you to be with him."

Zhang Xiulan looked at the gold bracelet from the side, her heart filled with mixed feelings.

She had been married into the Wang family for decades, and her mother-in-law had never given her such valuable jewelry before!

"Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma." Gao Yuanyuan's eyes were slightly red as she took the box.

Wang Sheng interjected at the right moment: "Alright, alright, let's not talk about this during the New Year. Dad, Mom, what do you want to eat for lunch? I've booked a private room at a nearby restaurant."

“Let’s eat at home,” Li Sufeng said. “I’ve prepared all the dishes, just a few simple ones. It’s rare for the whole family to get together like this; eating out doesn’t have the same atmosphere.”

"Then I'll help you." Gao Yuanyuan stood up.

"No need, no need, you and the child sit down. Xiulan, come and lend a hand," Li Sufeng said to her daughter-in-law.

Zhang Xiulan responded and followed him into the kitchen.

……

At noon, a table of home-style dishes was set on the table.

Braised pork ribs, steamed fish, garlic broccoli, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, winter melon and pork rib soup... Although simple, they have the taste of home.

"Ruoruo, be careful of fish bones when you eat fish." Gao Yuanyuan carefully picked out the fish bones for the child.

Wang Xian then took a small spoon and tried his best to shovel rice into his mouth, even though he spilled it all over the table.

"Eat slowly, don't rush." ​​Wang Sheng wiped his son's mouth.

Watching this scene, Wang Jianguo sighed, "Time flies. Wang Sheng used to do the same when he was a kid, spilling food all over the table. Now his children are all grown up."

“You have great-grandchildren now, it’s time to enjoy your retirement,” Wang Baoguo said as he poured wine for his father.

"Enjoy your life." Li Sufeng picked up a piece of pork rib and gave it to Gao Yuanyuan. "Yuanyuan, eat more. Taking care of the child is hard work. Look how thin you are."

"Thank you grandma."

The atmosphere at the dinner table was warm and cozy.

The two children's innocent remarks often made everyone laugh.

……

At 3 p.m., the family said goodbye and left.

On the way back, Zhang Xiulan, sitting in the back seat, couldn't help but say, "Mom, that gold bracelet, I've been married for over thirty years and she's never given it to me."

Wang Baoguo frowned: "Why are you making a fuss about this?"

“I’m not being petty, I’m just saying,” Zhang Xiulan muttered. “But Yuanyuan has really had a tough time. Mom gave her to her because she acknowledges her worth.”

Sitting in the passenger seat, Gao Yuanyuan said softly, "Mom, if you like the bracelet..."

"No need, no need," Zhang Xiulan quickly waved her hand. "What's given to you is yours. I was just saying it casually."

Wang Sheng glanced at his mother in the rearview mirror but didn't say anything.

……

From the second to the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Wang Sheng and Gao Yuanyuan stayed at home with their child.

This property is located on the banks of the Wenyu River in Shunyi. It is a detached villa with front and back yards, offering excellent privacy.

On the morning of the second day of the Lunar New Year, Chen Liang arrived first with his wife, Su Ping.

"Uncle Chen! Aunt Su!" The two children excitedly rushed over when they saw familiar faces.

Chen Liang picked up Wang Xian: "Oh dear, you've gotten heavier again! Did you miss your uncle?"

"Yes!" Wang Xian hugged his neck.

Su Ping took out two gift boxes: "These are New Year's gifts for Xianxian and Ruoruo."

Upon opening it, I found two sets of LEGO bricks: one for a fire station and one for a princess castle.

"Thank you, Aunt Su!" The two children's eyes lit up.

"How are you two doing?" Wang Sheng asked.

Chen Liang smiled and hugged his wife: "It's all good. Su Ping is pregnant, three months along."

"Really?" Gao Yuanyuan exclaimed in surprise, "Congratulations!"

"So I came today to share in your family's joy." Su Ping touched her lower abdomen, "I hope I can also give birth to twins, a boy and a girl."

“That’s a lot of pressure,” Chen Liang joked. “Wang Sheng has set the bar too high.”

Everyone laughed.

After a simple lunch, Chen Liang and Su Ping said goodbye after two hours—they were going to Su Ping's parents' house.

……

On the afternoon of the third day of the Lunar New Year, Cecilia Cheung arrived.

She wore a beige long down jacket today, without makeup, and wore sunglasses and a mask, keeping a low profile.

"Auntie Zhizhi!" Wang Ruoruo liked Zhang Bozhi the most because Zhang Bozhi always brought a beautiful dress when she came.

"Ruoruo, my darlings!" Cecilia Cheung crouched down and took two gift boxes out of her bag. "Look what Auntie brought you!"

Wang Ruoruo received a pink princess dress, while Wang Xian received a suit.

"Try it on quickly to see if it fits."

The two children ran back to their room with their gifts.

Cecilia Cheung then took off her sunglasses and looked at Gao Yuanyuan: "Sister Yuanyuan, Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year." Gao Yuanyuan smiled. "What would you like to drink? Tea or coffee?"

"Tea."

Wang Sheng sat on the sofa, watching the two women interact politely but distantly.

Cecilia Cheung took the teacup and glanced around the living room—a family photo of Wang Sheng, Gao Yuanyuan, and their two children hung on the wall. Although it wasn't a formal wedding photo, the warmth of it touched her eyes.

……

On the morning of the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Li Xiaoran arrived.

She was carrying a large fruit basket and two boxes of imported children's milk.

"Aunt Xiaoran!" The two children were very familiar with her because Li Xiaoran often came to visit.

"good."

Li Xiaoran patted the child's head and looked at Gao Yuanyuan, "Did I disturb you?"

"How could that be? Come in quickly." Gao Yuanyuan took the fruit basket.

Li Xiaoran was dressed casually today, wearing a gray sweater, jeans, and her hair tied in a ponytail, looking like the girl next door.

Where is Wang Sheng?

"I'm taking the phone in the study," Gao Yuanyuan said. "Work at the company doesn't stop even during the Spring Festival."

“The capable should do more.” Li Xiaoran sat down on the sofa and naturally picked up Wang Ruoruo. “Ruoruo has grown taller again.”

"Aunt Xiaoran, when are you going to have your baby?" Wang Ruoruo suddenly asked.

Li Xiaoran was taken aback, then laughed: "Auntie isn't even married yet, how can she have a baby?"

“Then you can have a baby with my dad,” Wang Xian interjected. “Aunt Su Ping had a baby with Uncle Chen Liang.”

Children's innocent words caused the air in the living room to freeze instantly.

Li Xiaoran laughed and said, "The child is ignorant and talks nonsense."

She quickly changed the subject, taking two DVDs out of her bag: "I brought a Blu-ray of 'Havoc in Heaven.' I heard the picture quality is really good. Shall we watch it together?"

"Yes, yes!" The children's attention was drawn to it.

When Wang Sheng came out of the study, a movie was playing in the living room.

The two children watched the scene of Sun Wukong causing havoc in the Heavenly Palace with rapt attention.

……

The Spring Festival holiday has come to an end in the blink of an eye.

On February 16, the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Shengying Media Group officially resumed work.

In his top-floor office at the Jingxin Building, Wang Sheng looked at the Spring Festival box office report that Li Tingting had brought him.

"The Monkey King was released on December 3 last year, and its theatrical release was extended twice. As of yesterday, it had grossed 6.27 million yuan," Li Tingting reported. "This has set a new box office record for domestic films, nearly double that of Night at the Museum."

Wang Sheng nodded: "What about the others?"

“During the Spring Festival period, we had a total of five films in theaters. Films from Shengying Group contributed approximately 5.8 million yuan in box office revenue, accounting for 78% of the total national box office.”

This number is astonishing.

The total box office revenue for the Chinese film market in 2005 was estimated at around 55 billion yuan.

Sheng Ying's films accounted for one-tenth of the total box office revenue during the Spring Festival season.

"How's the market feedback?" Wang Sheng asked.

“Excellent. Merchandise related to ‘Havoc in Heaven’ continues to sell well. Sales of Sun Wukong dolls, Golden Cudgel models, and Heavenly Palace building blocks have exceeded 8000 million yuan. The number of members of ‘China Film Grand Cinema Circuit’ increased by 120 million during the Spring Festival, bringing the total number of members to over 500 million.”

Li Tingting continued her report: "In addition, the transaction volume of the 'Maoyan Movies' online seat selection system exceeded 1000 million yuan during the Spring Festival, representing a year-on-year increase of 100%."

Wang Sheng nodded in satisfaction.

"What about the Berlin Film Festival?" Wang Sheng asked.

Li Tingting opened another document: "The 55th Berlin International Film Festival opened on February 10 and closed on February 19 with awards presentations. 'Seoul Farewell' was nominated for the main competition and received four nominations: the Golden Bear for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress. The jury president was Roland Emmerich, an American director."

She paused for a moment: "The organizing committee has sent a formal invitation, hoping that you can attend the closing ceremony and awards ceremony. In addition, a 'Chinese Film Night' event will be held during the film festival, and the Film Bureau hopes that you will speak as a representative of Chinese filmmakers."

Wang Sheng: "Is the itinerary all arranged?"

"Preliminary arrangements have been made."

Li Tingting opened the folder in her hand, placed it on the desk, and pushed it in front of Wang Sheng: "Based on the official schedule of the Berlin Film Festival and our actual needs, we have prepared three plans. Please take a look."

Wang Sheng took the folder and gestured for her to sit down and talk.

"The first option is the standard itinerary: fly directly from Beijing to Berlin on the morning of February 18th. Arrive at Tegel Airport in the afternoon local time and check into the Adlon Kempinski Hotel, an official partner hotel of the film festival. Participate in the closing ceremony series of events on the 19th, and attend the awards ceremony in the evening. Hold two meetings with European film distributors on the morning of the 20th, visit the Babelsburg Film Studio in the afternoon, and take CA932 back in the evening, arriving in Beijing on the 21st."

Wang Sheng flipped through the detailed schedule: "Continue."

"The second option is a tight schedule: depart on the evening of the 18th, saving a day. Stay in Berlin only on the day of the awards ceremony, and immediately head to the airport after the ceremony to catch a midnight flight back. This way you can be at the company for a meeting on the morning of the 21st."

"The third option is to extend the itinerary: depart on the 18th and stay in Berlin until the 22nd. In addition to the film festival activities, we will add in-depth talks with major European distributors such as Canal+ in France and BetaFilm in Germany, and arrange a visit to the Berlin Film and Television Academy to discuss cooperation in talent development."

Wang Sheng thought for a moment: "Use the third option."

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)