Guide to Rising to Power as a Wife in Beijing's Elite Circle

The air seemed to freeze in the small conference room of the Department of Policy and Regulations of the Cultural Affairs Bureau.

Beside the oval conference table, the nine experts of the final rating and special review meeting for "The Silent City" had finished their three-and-a-half-hour closed-door discussion.

The ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts, and the tea kept getting cold despite repeated refills. The junior clerk, sitting at the last seat and responsible for taking notes, had a sore wrist but dared not slack off in the slightest.

The chief review expert, a retired curator of the film archive, pushed up his reading glasses, cleared his throat, and glanced at everyone present.

Vivian Chow looked serious, the head of the Arts and Literature Department of the Publicity Department seemed thoughtful, two university professors nodded slightly, a senior producer in the industry had a subtle expression, and two specially invited representatives from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television had inscrutable expressions.

"So, regarding the work 'The Silent City' by young director Chen Nuo..." the old curator's voice was slow and clear.

"After thorough evaluation, considering factors such as artistic value, social impact, policy guidance, and production quality, the judging panel unanimously concluded that the film has a profound theme, outstanding artistic expression, strong social relevance, excellent overall production, conforms to the core socialist values, and has positive significance in reflecting the changes of the times and focusing on people's livelihood."

The conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Chen Nuo, sitting in the audience by the door, had his fingertips digging into his palms and was holding his breath.

"Therefore," the old curator paused, glanced at the final opinion form in his hand, "I give this film the highest rating of 'Featured Film,' recommend that it be vigorously promoted across all channels, and submit it as a key work of this year's outstanding realist films for higher-level award selection."

Top rating!

Chen Nuo's heart pounded in her chest, and her ears rang. She saw Zhou Huimin nod almost imperceptibly, and the other experts also signed their names on the opinion forms in front of them.

But it's not over yet.

The former curator opened another document and continued, "Furthermore, in view of Director Chen Nuo's profound social insight, mature directing techniques, and unwavering pursuit of realism in this film, he has been specially nominated by the review panel and submitted to the relevant higher authorities for approval..."

He raised his head, his gaze falling on Chen Nuo, with the approval of an elder for an outstanding junior, and said, "It has been decided to award Comrade Chen Nuo the Best New Director Award of this year."

With a "buzz," Chen Nuo felt a surge of heat rush to his head, and his vision even blurred briefly.

Best New Director Award!

This is not only one of the highest recognitions of her professional abilities in the industry, but also a shining achievement in her future resume!

She subconsciously looked at Vivian Chow, whose face was still expressionless, but the sternness in her eyes seemed to have softened a little, and she even nodded to her almost imperceptibly.

The review meeting concluded, and the experts left one after another.

Vivian Chow called out to Chen Nuo, who was still somewhat dazed.

"Chen Nuo," Director Zhou's voice was low but clear, "you've heard the judging results. The film itself is solid, that's fundamental. But you need to understand," she changed her tone, her gaze sharp,

"This rating and award are recognized not only for the quality of the work, but also for the timing of its emergence, the social discussion it has sparked, and... the positive exemplary significance it carries."

Chen Nuo's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately understood what Director Zhou meant.

The film's success is also inseparable from the public opinion environment created by Fang Jingxiu's series of ruthless measures and his tragic undertone of speaking out for the people.

Zhao Zhiqiang's sudden repentance and surrender, Wang Yongkang's son's cooperation with the investigation, and even the continued escalation of Grandma Li's tearful accusations...

All of these factors elevate "The Silent City" beyond a mere work of art, transforming it into a symbol of social emotional expression and reflection.

The judging panel's highest praise certainly reflects artistic merit, but it also undoubtedly took into account its significant positive social impact and stabilizing value.

This is a special case handled specially, and it is also politically correct in a certain sense.

"I understand, Director Zhou." Chen Nuo took a deep breath, his attitude respectful. "I will cherish this opportunity and keep in mind the social responsibility of film creation and future work."

"Hmm." Vivian Chow seemed satisfied with her answer, took a document stamped with a bright red official seal from her briefcase, and handed it to her.

"This is your employment transfer order and job assignment. You will be a staff member in the Film and Television Content Review and Guidance Division, Policy and Regulations Department. You will officially report for duty next Monday. The Human Resources Department will handle the relevant procedures with you."

Chen Nuo accepted the thin yet incredibly heavy red-headed document with both hands.

With black ink on white paper and a red seal, it officially marked the end of her student days and the beginning of her career within the system.

My heart was pounding in my chest, a mix of excitement, tension, disbelief, and a slight sense of exhaustion as if everything had finally settled.

"Thank you, Director Zhou! I will definitely work hard and live up to the organization's trust!" Her voice trembled slightly, but her eyes were firm.

Looking at her young yet already composed face, Zhou Huimin unusually added, "The work in the review department is not easy; there are many rules and a lot of pressure. You were brought in as a special talent, so your starting point is not low, but there will also be more people watching you. In your future work, observe more, listen more, learn more, and speak less, especially paying attention to your words. If there's anything you're unsure about, you can report it to the senior colleagues in the department or to me, following the procedures. Remember that."

She concluded by emphasizing, "Here, both professional competence and political awareness are indispensable."

"Yes! I understand!" Chen Nuo replied solemnly.

Stepping out of the solemn and dignified building of the Cultural Bureau, the afternoon sun was a bit dazzling.

Chen Nuo stood on the steps, clutching the copies of the transfer order and award notification tightly in his hand, his fingertips turning slightly white from the force.

Overwhelmed with joy and belated shock, she was momentarily dazed.

She really did it.

The film received the highest recognition and won prestigious awards. And with all of this, she officially entered the system that countless people dream of, starting from the core department.

All of this seemed to happen naturally, but only she knew how much effort, resources, and even risks someone had put in to dig this canal inch by inch for her.

From the initial three drinks that secured her a ticket to the young director program, to later shielding her from the open and covert attacks in Yongzhou, to using connections to expedite the film's approval, skillfully guiding public opinion to promote the film, and even going so far as to act as a bridge and offer wine as a gift, personally arranging last night's crucial entrance ceremony for her...

Fang Jingxiu's every move was calculated precisely, and he never regretted his decisions.

Zhao Zhiqiang's surrender was a strategic move he made during the purge in Yongzhou. It not only dealt a blow to the Bai family's outer defenses but also provided the most shocking real-world context for the film, silencing those who might criticize the film for being fictional and exaggerated.

Wang Yongkang's son's cooperation was the result of his intimidation and pressure at the dinner table, ensuring that the film's post-production and promotion would no longer be secretly hampered by the Bai family.

That night, he personally offered cigarettes and drinks, lowering his stance, not only to help her pass Vivian Chow's test, but also to make a silent declaration to the entire cultural system.

I, Fang Jingxiu, am watching her path.

These seemingly independent points were eventually connected by him, converging into a powerful force that steadily propelled her to where she is today.

Whether she wins the award or not, she could have gotten in anyway, but with this Best New Director award, her special talent recruitment is more legitimate, and her future promotion path will have less gossip about relying on connections and more confidence based on her achievements.

This is not a simple love story; it is a meticulously planned and carefully orchestrated act of support.

Chen Nuo walked to a relatively quiet corner, took out his phone, and his fingers trembled slightly with excitement.

She opened Fang Jingxiu's WeChat chat window; the background was still the photo she had secretly taken of his sleeping profile. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her turbulent emotions, and typed a line:

"Got the documents, starting next Monday. Brother Xiu... how about a treat for you tonight?"

This time, the "typing" status lasted for a few seconds, and then the reply came. It was still concise, but it made Chen Nuo blush and her heart race instantly:

"(Smiling) Don't worry about working overtime. Save your energy, there's plenty of time in the future."

Chen Nuo's cheeks flushed as she looked at the message, but she couldn't help but smile even more sweetly.

[I'll do it.]

She held her phone to her chest, feeling the weight of the transfer order and the pounding of her heart.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed her in a warm golden light.

The road ahead is destined to be bumpy. The work of the censorship department is a new battlefield, and the interpersonal relationships within the system are a complex maze. The turbulent waves around Fang Jingxiu may also affect her.

But at this moment, holding this starting point in her hands and relying on the steady support of the mountain behind her, she is filled with unprecedented strength and determination.