Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

"What was CCTV thinking, inviting a director like me to present an award to a singer?"

Zhuang Huai'an stared at the invitation in his hand, utterly perplexed.

"It's probably because you also released a single," Zhang Lu said, suppressing a laugh. "And 'Bauhinia Blossoms' was also nominated this time."

In today's Chinese film and music scene, the three regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China each have their own prestigious awards: Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards and Golden Melody Awards, Hong Kong's Hong Kong Film Awards and Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Awards, and mainland China's Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards and CTV-MTV Awards.

Compared to the other two, which are self-operated, the mainland award is a semi-official one.

The event that invited Zhuang Huai'an to attend was the CTV-MTV Awards.

As the most authoritative music award in mainland China, this is a battleground for singers from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong.

"Brother Zhuang, are you going?" Zhang Lu asked.

"No rush, let me ask first."

Zhuang Huai'an took out his phone, found the familiar message box, edited a short message and sent it, and the other party replied instantly.

"Yes, this is my first time attending an awards ceremony. Senior Zhiyong gave me a three-day break after he heard about it."

That's fine.

Meeting Zhang Lu's strange gaze, Zhuang Huai'an remained calm and composed, saying, "Arrange the itinerary, I'll go."

"Okay." Zhang Lu instantly switched from a doting smile to a meaningful look at her boss.

Zhuang Huai'an glanced at her, too lazy to bother with her.

When I dialed the number, a soft, sweet, baby voice came through the receiver, sounding like someone who had just woken up.

"Senior."

Are you sleeping?

"You're awake. We filmed a night scene yesterday, so you're resting this morning."

Zhuang Huai'an glanced at his watch; it was 11:35. No wonder he was someone who slept until he was no longer grumpy in the morning.

"When are you going back to the capital?"

"The awards ceremony is the night after tomorrow, I'll go back the day after tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll wait for you at the company, and we'll go to the venue together."

"OK."

Perhaps she hadn't slept enough, because Liu Yifei sounded weak and listless. Zhuang Huai'an didn't say much and hung up the phone to let her continue sleeping.

In the afternoon, Zhang Lu brought in another invitation.

Jay Chou on concerts?

Zhuang Huai'an found it strange, so he opened the invitation and took a look.

THE ONE World Tour

2008 – Beijing Awaits You

Jay Chou on large-scale solo concerts

The first performance in mainland China will be held at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing on September 12th at 9:19.30 PM.

Below is a line of handwritten text: Hello Director Zhuang, I am your fan Zhou Jielun. This is my first large-scale concert in mainland China. If you have time, you are welcome to come.

September 12th? Workers' Stadium?

Zhuang Huai'an opened the drawer, took out the invitation to the MTV Awards, and compared it with the invitation.

Well, both venues opened at 7:30 pm on the 12th, one at the Workers' Stadium and the other at the Workers' Stadium, which are just across the street from each other.

Zhuang Huai'an shook his head and chuckled; this was quite amusing.

"Brother Zhuang, what do you mean?"

"What can I say? First come, first served."

Although Zhuang Huai'an also really wanted to go to Jay Chou's concert, he had to give up the invitation from CCTV first.

"Go order a few flower baskets, write the company's name and my name on them, and then call the other party to explain."

"Okay." Zhang Lu took out her notebook and wrote it down.

"Oh, by the way, do you like his songs?"

"It's about half and half, his love songs are still quite refreshing."

"I see..."

Zhuang Huai'an looked at the tickets in the envelope—five VIP seats. "Take one and go. The remaining four are company perks; let them draw lots to decide."

Jay Chou's gesture was so kind; I couldn't let it go to waste.

"Okay." Zhang Lu took the envelope and went out.

After thinking for a moment, Zhuang Huai'an took out his phone and edited a message.

[Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to you. Jay Chou recently held his first concert in mainland China in Beijing and kindly sent me five tickets. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend. To express my apologies, I was planning to send him a message, but I don't have his contact information. I heard that you have a good relationship with Wu Zongxian, so I would like to ask you to help me find out Jay Chou's or his assistant's number. Your humble servant wishes you well.]

After the message was sent, the other party replied very quickly.

[To my dear brother Huai'an, I am well. I have already sent you Zhou Jie's phone number with this letter. Also, I am overjoyed and honored to learn that your film "Parasite" has been a huge success. I look forward to your visit to Taiwan again when you have time. I will certainly welcome you with open arms. Fei Yuqing.]

Tsk, what's with this feeling of finding a kindred spirit amidst the flowing water and towering mountains?

However, this writing style is quite in line with the Zhou Dynasty's rites.

After noting down Zhou Jielun's number, Zhuang Huai'an sent him a normal text message. The other party was pleasantly surprised to receive it. After exchanging pleasantries, the two agreed to meet up again next time.

Tsk…

No. 12

Liu Yifei arrived at Company 91 early and chatted with Zhang Lu about gossip for a long time before finally remembering that someone was waiting for her upstairs.

"Senior..."

Pushing open the office door, Liu Yifei couldn't help but laugh when she saw Zhuang Huai'an's resentful gaze. "Why do you look like a woman in her boudoir, full of resentment?"

"It could also be a 'waiting-for-wife'... cough, a 'waiting-for-husband' stone."

"Pah, you're being inappropriate again!"

After casually flirting with the young girl, Zhuang Huai'an unconsciously curled the corners of his mouth and went into the lounge to change into a suit.

"Ugh, it's this outfit again."

Liu Yifei recognized him at a glance. "If I remember correctly, you always wear this outfit to formal occasions, senior."

"Isn't this outfit good?" Zhuang Huai'an looked down and glanced at his own clothes. It was a black suit and a black shirt, and it was quite comfortable to wear.

"The brand is Armani!"

Zhuang Huai'an couldn't help but mock her, "With your taste, you dare to criticize my outfit? Have you even prepared your own dress?"

"Of course, I spent a long time choosing!"

"Did you choose it yourself, or did Aunt Liu choose it?"

"I picked it myself!"

Liu Yifei looked proud, and Zhuang Huai'an immediately sensed something was wrong.

Did you bring it?

"Yes, I brought it. It's downstairs."

"Has Zhang Lu seen it?"

"Not yet. I was just saying I'd let Sister Zhang Lu take a look, then I remembered I haven't come to see you yet."

OK, then there's no need to say more.

Zhuang Huai'an slapped his forehead and said weakly, "While there's still time, hurry downstairs and have Zhang Lu accompany you to buy another set."

"What do you mean?" the girl was furious. This bad guy had repeatedly questioned her aesthetic sense!

Zhuang Huai'an said earnestly, "Qian, listen to my advice, give up your own judgment, you can't control it."

"I don't believe it!"

Liu Yifei stormed downstairs, determined to show this person the little dress she had carefully chosen.

Less than five minutes later, the little girl came back dejectedly, followed by Zhang Lu, who was trying not to laugh.

Zhuang Huai'an laughed at her, "Have you given up now?"

Liu Yifei wrinkled her nose and stubbornly muttered, "I think it looks pretty good, but Sister Zhang Lu just won't let me wear it."

"Come on, you should learn from Aunt Liu."

Zhuang Huai'an glanced at her with annoyance, then turned to Zhang Lu and handed her a bank card.

"Go ahead and pick out a nice outfit for this girl."

"Yes, sir!"

Zhang Lu took the bank card, pulled the still sullen Liu Yifei, and went out.

Shopping with public funds during work hours, tsk, Brother Zhuang is so generous!

No, I have to buy him a set too. Those two... cough, those two...

The eldest brother, let alone the second brother, has no sense of aesthetics at all!