Chapter 1395: Savage Growth

Zhao Fusheng could only force a bitter smile at Yu Feihong's words.

"Surprised?"

Looking at Zhao Fusheng, Yu Feihong smiled. "Didn't expect me to say that, taking your side, right?"

Zhao Fusheng nodded. "Yeah, I really didn't expect it."

He had always thought that the rules he brought from the future for Future Films were sound, but both Ye Jing and Yu Feihong had criticized them as worthless, which left him somewhat frustrated.

"Silly brother, you're too kind."

Yu Feihong looked at Zhao Fusheng seriously. "To be honest, I've never met anyone kinder than you. Although you always say making money is the most important thing, everything you do considers others..."

Zhao Fusheng remained silent. He was indeed that kind of person. Despite trying to become more mercenary and materialistic after his rebirth, his long-standing habits and the calmness of a middle-aged man made him always leave some leeway in everything he did.

Give others a chance, and leave yourself an escape route.

After all, middle age is different from youth. Young people are always sharp, radical, and passionate. But by middle age, one's persona is basically fixed, no need to maintain it with effort. Friends in your circle already know each other's true looks, cooking skills, children's level, partner's looks and hair volume, consumption level, talent and ability, bragging skills, etc. So often, middle-aged people do things steadily and cautiously, which can feel a bit stifling.

But that's how it is.

You can't expect a guy whose edges have been worn down by life, who has already lived half his life, to charge around like a young man.

"Sis, I just think, although I'm in business to make money, artists are the same—they also want to make money. Since our goals are the same, we're equal, and we should leave some buffer for each other, right?" Zhao Fusheng said to Yu Feihong with a wry smile.

Yu Feihong shook her head. "That's not how it is. People are born equal, or rather, we all believe people should ultimately be equal. But ideal equality needs practical conditions. Can a smart person and a fool be equal? Can a hardworking person and a lazy person be equal? Can a literate person and an illiterate person be equal? Moreover, do you think you and a beggar can be equal?"

"The prerequisite for equality is to first narrow the gap in conditions."

"For example, in the entertainment industry, do you think male and female actors are equal?"

Yu Feihong's final question made Zhao Fusheng pause, then he smiled bitterly.

In fact, the topic of gender equality is always a sharp one, and even Yu Feihong couldn't avoid it.

"Sis, that's not how it's said. The basis of equality between people is the issue of responsibility. Those who can't bear responsibility are actually not qualified to enjoy the benefits of power. For women to be equal to men, the prerequisite is that they have their own abilities. With that precondition, I think the rest is a process of proving themselves and then striving for power." Zhao Fusheng said calmly to Yu Feihong.

Yu Feihong paused, then glared at Zhao Fusheng. "Don't try to change the subject. We're talking about your problem now, not gender equality."

She knew her eloquence was no match for Zhao Fusheng's, so she didn't give him a chance to convince her.

It was clear that Yu Feihong had been holding these words in for a long time.

"Listen to me, don't interfere with the company's affairs." Yu Feihong looked at Zhao Fusheng seriously, word by word. "Let Ye Jing reorganize however he wants. What he's doing is turning Future Films into a正规 film production company. As the boss, you can comfort people afterward, but don't intervene."

She paused, then said proudly, "Not everyone is qualified to sign a studio contract with my brother's company, and not everyone can come and go as they please! Without a Best Actor or Best Actress title, hmph, dream on!"

Seeing her proud and coquettish look, Zhao Fusheng couldn't help but laugh.

"I know you're doing this for my own good." Zhao Fusheng nodded to Yu Feihong. "Don't worry, sis, I know what to do."

Yu Feihong smiled with satisfaction.

They chatted for a while longer, mostly Yu Feihong talking and Zhao Fusheng listening.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was noon. They called Jiang Wen out, had a meal together, and then went their separate ways.

...

...

When he got home, Fan Baobao was already back. Seeing Zhao Fusheng enter, she smiled and said, "What's this? I heard Sister Feihong got Old Jiang drunk?"

She had been with Zhou Yun, so naturally she heard about Zhao Fusheng's gathering with Jiang Wen and Yu Feihong.

Zhao Fusheng nodded. "They played rock-paper-scissors. Old Jiang lost six times in a row and drank six glasses of baijiu, three liang and three each. Tsk, it was a mess!"

"Hahaha..." Fan Baobao laughed heartily, clearly the couple was gloating.

"By the way, do you know about the company's restructuring?"

Fan Baobao remembered something Zhou Yun told her today and asked Zhao Fusheng casually.

Zhao Fusheng nodded. He hadn't expected so many people to be paying attention to this matter.

"What, is there something you're not satisfied with?" Fan Baobao asked curiously.

She had never been very involved in the film company's affairs, given her different status.

Zhao Fusheng smiled and repeated what Yu Feihong had said to him today. "Sister Feihong's idea is that I shouldn't be too merciful, since I'm a businessman, the capital side."

Unexpectedly, Fan Baobao nodded matter-of-factly and said seriously, "I also think Sister Feihong is right. Honey, you used to be too kind. You're in business; why should you consider the actors under you?"

Huh?

Zhao Fusheng was stunned, blinked, and wondered if his ears were playing tricks on him. But looking closely, he saw that Fan Baobao's expression was serious, not joking.

"Baobao, don't you think I'm like a vampire, squeezing these actors?" Zhao Fusheng hesitated and asked.

Fan Baobao smiled. "But the thing is, isn't a boss just a vampire?"

Stunned by her words, Zhao Fusheng was silent for a long time.

Thinking about it carefully, it really was that way.

"What, am I wrong?" Fan Baobao laughed and asked Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng smiled bitterly and had to nod. "No, you're right."

"I know you're a good person, wanting to treat others well so they'll be grateful." Fan Baobao looked at Zhao Fusheng softly. "But the problem is, some people, no matter how good you are to them, it's useless. They only care about interests, not feelings."

Zhao Fusheng remained silent.

He had to admit that Fan Baobao was right.

The entertainment industry, after all, is a vanity fair where people only care about interests, not friendships. His current approach, though advanced, was too humanistic and might indeed be a wrong decision.

With that thought, Zhao Fusheng looked at Fan Baobao. "I know what to do now. Don't worry."

Fan Baobao nodded. Her man always had his own opinions, so she didn't need to say much.

She gently kissed Zhao Fusheng on the cheek and said cheerfully, "I'm going to take a shower."

Zhao Fusheng was startled, then felt a stir in his heart, quickly understanding her meaning. He smiled and watched her leave.

Once Fan Baobao entered the bathroom, Zhao Fusheng called Ye Jing and told him to start the restructuring of Future Films as soon as possible, not to consider others' feelings, and to prioritize the company's interests.

Ye Jing wasn't surprised by this result and agreed.

Hanging up the phone, Zhao Fusheng showed a bitter smile. Perhaps from now on, he would become more and more like a businessman.