Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 72, Section 71: A Turn of Fortune

In early August 1996, the heat in Beijing was still intense, and the cicadas were chirping incessantly, making people feel restless and irritable.

Feng Xiaogang curled up in a rattan chair. The curtains in the room were tightly closed, blocking out the glaring sunlight and the noise of the world.

The air was filled with the sour smell of leftover instant noodles and a strong smell of smoke.

More than a week has passed since Xu Fan stormed out that day. He tried to call to apologize and explain, but Xu Fan either didn't answer or, once connected, would remain silent for a long time before hanging up.

This cold treatment made him feel more suffocated and panicked than a heated argument.

His career was stagnant, his relationship was on the verge of collapse, and an unprecedented sense of failure clung to him like vines, tightening its grip.

He recalled how, a few years ago, at the Beijing Television Art Center, he followed Wang Shuo and Zheng Xiaolong, full of youthful vigor. "Stories from the Editorial Department" became a hit across the country, and his name, Feng Xiaogang, began to be known.

He thought that leaving the system and working with Wang Shuo to run "Good Dream Company" would open up a whole new world for him. Who would have thought that Wang Shuo, this big tree, would fall down so easily, leaving him, this monkey, bruised and battered.

Just as he was staring blankly at a water stain on the ceiling, almost swallowed by self-pity, his cell phone, which was placed beside him, rang sharply.

He picked it up lazily and casually turned on the screen—it was Zheng Xiaolong.

Feng Xiaogang's heart skipped a beat.

Zheng Xiaolong?
He hasn't contacted me proactively in a long time.

Since Wang Shuo's incident, Feng Xiaogang has become synonymous with "bad luck" in the eyes of many people, and Zheng Xiaolong has not contacted him at all.

What could this be?

criticize?

Or... an opportunity?
A mixture of anticipation and fear compelled him to immediately spring up from the wicker chair, sit up straight, pick up his phone, and answer the call.

The call connected, and it was Zheng Xiaolong's familiar voice, calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Xiaogang, where are you? If it's convenient, come to the center now, I have something to discuss with you."

"Hey, Director Zheng! Convenient, convenient! I'm nearby, I'll be right there!" Feng Xiaogang replied hurriedly, his voice a little dry from nervousness.

He put down his phone, took a few deep breaths of the scorching air, and tried to calm his wildly beating heart.

He didn't care about his appearance anymore. He ruffled his greasy hair haphazardly, hailed a minivan, and headed straight for the Beijing Television Art Center.

Stepping into that familiar little building again, Feng Xiaogang felt a mix of emotions.

Every blade of grass and every tree here, the mottled paint on the walls in the corridor, even the faint smell of ink and film in the air, evoked countless memories for him.

He was once a key member of the team and one of Zheng Xiaolong's trusted screenwriters.

Now, returning, I feel like a child who has made a mistake, filled with unease and anxiety.

He walked familiarly to Zheng Xiaolong's office door, straightened his collar, and then gently knocked on the door.

"Come in," Zheng Xiaolong's voice came.

Feng Xiaogang pushed the door open and went in.

Zheng Xiaolong was sitting behind his desk reading documents when he looked up and saw him. He pointed to the chair opposite him and said, "Sit."

Feng Xiaogang sat down carefully, placing his hands on his knees and sitting up straight, like a student waiting for a teacher's reprimand.

Zheng Xiaolong put down the documents and, without beating around the bush, went straight to the point: "Xiaogang, how have you been lately?"

"It's...it's alright, just busy doing nothing," Feng Xiaogang mumbled, not daring to complain. Zheng Xiaolong glanced at him, his gaze seemingly able to pierce through his feigned composure.

He didn't press further, but instead said, "I called you here because there's a job for you. The center is planning a project, to produce a New Year's TV series."

Feng Xiaogang's heart jumped.

Lunar New Year drama?
He immediately thought of Wang Sheng's book, "Harmony in the Family Brings Prosperity to All Things," which had been widely discussed recently.

Zheng Xiaolong seemed to see through his thoughts and continued, "Let's use the same formula as 'Stories from the Editorial Department' to make a sequel, tentatively titled 'Stories from the Editorial Department: May All Your Wishes Come True.' Three episodes, airing around the Spring Festival."

Feng Xiaogang's eyes lit up instantly!

The sequel to "Stories from the Editorial Department"!

For him now, this is a big project with a strong audience base!

If you can get involved, even as a screenwriter, it would be an excellent chance to turn your life around!

He was so excited he almost stood up.

"Director Zheng, what do you mean...?" he asked tentatively, suppressing his excitement.

"You'll take the lead on the screenwriting," Zheng Xiaolong said confidently. "You're familiar with the original cast and crew, and you can handle the style. Come up with a script outline as soon as possible. It needs to be lively, festive, and fit the New Year's atmosphere, while also having that humorous and satirical edge of 'The Editorial Department'."

"No problem! Director Zheng, don't worry! I will do my best to write the notebook well!" Feng Xiaogang patted his chest and assured him, feeling his blood boiling.

This is his area of ​​expertise, and it's his chance to prove his worth!

After the initial euphoria, an even bolder idea emerged.

He licked his slightly chapped lips, and with a hint of flattery and probing, cautiously asked, "Brother Long, as for directing, do you think I have a chance..."

He was interrupted by Zheng Xiaolong before he could finish speaking.

Zheng Xiaolong's face remained expressionless as he simply said, "The station and the center have already considered the director, and Baogang is the initial choice. He is experienced and reliable."

Zhao Baogang!
Feng Xiaogang's heart skipped a beat, as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water.

Although I had a premonition, hearing it with my own ears still left me feeling disappointed.

Zhao Baogang is Zheng Xiaolong's protégé, capable and in a stable position. My current situation is indeed incomparable to his.

Seeing Feng Xiaogang's eyes dim instantly, Zheng Xiaolong softened his tone, adding a hint of admonition: "Xiaogang, focus on doing your job as a screenwriter well first. The script is the foundation of a play; if the script is solid, the play is halfway to success. What you need most right now is a presentable work to regain your footing. Don't think about things that can be achieved overnight."

These words pierced Feng Xiaogang's heart like needles, causing both pain and a wake-up call. He understood that Zheng Xiaolong was telling the truth, trying to enlighten him. Giving him the opportunity to be a screenwriter was already a matter of past friendship and recognition of his abilities.

To ask for more is to be ungrateful.

He suppressed his resentment and bitterness, forcing a grateful smile: "Yes, I understand, Director Zheng. Thank you for thinking of me and giving me this opportunity. I will definitely write the report well and live up to your trust!"

"Okay." Zheng Xiaolong nodded: "You should coordinate with Baosteel regarding the specific requirements and timelines. They also have a lot of ideas, so you two should communicate more. Hurry up and try to get it started as soon as possible."

"Okay, Director Zheng, I'll go find Director Zhao right away!" Feng Xiaogang stood up and said respectfully.

As Feng Xiaogang walked out of Zheng Xiaolong's office, he let out a long sigh of relief.

Finally, things turned around.

Once this project is completed, Xu Fan should be able to make it back, right?
(End of this chapter)