Chapter 1483: A Good Teacher and Helpful Friend Zhao Fusheng

"No Man's Land" is a good script; Zhao Fusheng did not deny that.

In fact, Zhao Fusheng liked the script even more than Ning Hao and understood its potential better.

But now, he had to pour cold water on Ning Hao.

The reason was simple: "No Man's Land" was not suitable for the current market.

It was often said that timing and luck mattered. Many times, the success of a film or TV drama was not solely due to its high quality—that was only one aspect. More importantly, the work had to align with the era's background.

For example, "Wolf Warrior" or "Never Say Die" were both huge hits in their respective release periods, becoming box office champions.

But if released at a different time, who could guarantee the box office would reach that height?

It wasn't that the films were of poor quality; rather, the market wasn't as large at that time.

So those big shots who time-traveled and bet with a few scripts were practically gods. Zhao Fusheng admitted he couldn't do what those ruthless people did.

Not only could he not do it, but he also wouldn't allow such people under him.

"Director Ning, forgive me for speaking bluntly. There's something I'm not sure if I should say." Zhao Fusheng looked at Ning Hao. Though his words were polite, the content was far from委婉.

"First, I really like this script. I have to say, it's my type." Zhao Fusheng looked at Ning Hao and slowly continued, "But Director Ning, you must admit the script isn't polished yet, right?"

Ning Hao was taken aback but nodded.

Although he was stubborn at heart, he wasn't the type to stick to conventions without adapting. He naturally understood that Zhao Fusheng's words were not wrong—in fact, they hit the nail on the head.

The script for "No Man's Land" was far from complete.

To put it bluntly, the current script was at best a rough idea of Ning Hao's, far from ready for theatrical release or production.

One could be confident, but one must distinguish between dreams and reality.

Ning Hao understood this well.

"I know what you mean. This script really needs more work." Ning Hao said to Zhao Fusheng.

Arguing was pointless. To silence others, one must first do one's own job well.

Zhao Fusheng smiled. If Ning Hao thought that way, the conversation would be much easier.

Often, the reason investors disliked young directors was that they were too rigid and inflexible.

A work might be good, but good works came in rough and finished forms. If you held a rough draft but wanted to sell it at the price of a finished product, and even forbade anyone from saying a bad word, how could business be done?

Admittedly, for directors, a film was their child, painstakingly created not for others to criticize.

But the problem was, for investors, it was a business.

For audiences, it was a leisure time they paid for.

You couldn't take their money and then not let them speak, could you?

The customer is king—get that.

"To be honest, I've always admired you..."

Zhao Fusheng started by feeding Ning Hao a cup of sweet talk, praising him a few times, then shifted gears. He said seriously, "But you're still a new director now. Although your first film did well at the box office, what we need to do now isn't to pursue ideals but to strike while the iron is hot and build your reputation. What do you think?"

Ning Hao remained silent. Clearly, Zhao Fusheng's words didn't convince him.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled and winked at Ning Hao. "You're a contracted director of the company, now a rising star. Think about it: if your first two or three films guarantee profits, when you make a genre film like 'No Man's Land,' how many people will wave checks and rush to our company?"

Hearing this, Ning Hao's eyes lit up.

Zhao Fusheng was very frank. He didn't talk about vague ideals with Ning Hao but directly discussed interests.

No matter how much he pursued ideals or longed to shoot his own material, Ning Hao was still a mortal living in this big city, with a wife, a house to buy, and children to have.

In this circle, fame and fortune were shackles no one could escape.

Even someone like Pu Shu was forced by reality to participate in talent shows he hated most, let alone others.

Looking at Zhao Fusheng, Ning Hao hesitated for a moment and said, "Chairman, do you mean the company will support me in making this kind of film?"

Obviously, he had lacked confidence before, worried that Ye Jing would oppose him making a crime film.

Zhao Fusheng laughed. "Don't overthink it. Although I don't meddle much in Future Film's management, I know that President Ye thinks highly of you. You should know how much promotional effort went into 'Crazy Stone.' President Ye reported to me that he plans to make you the company's top commercial film director. From now on, if the company has a good script, you'll be the first choice."

Ning Hao was extremely excited after hearing Zhao Fusheng's words.

"Chairman, I..." Standing up, Ning Hao was too excited to know what to say.

Before joining Future Film, he had been somewhat uneasy, after all, Future Film had Jiang Wen, and Jiang Wen and Zhao Fusheng were close friends—no secret in the circle.

In short, Ning Hao had even worried he might be deliberately suppressed.

But now that Zhao Fusheng had made a promise, he felt relieved.

After all, at Zhao Fusheng's level, deceiving a small new director like him was pointless.

"Go back and prepare for your next film." Zhao Fusheng waved his hand, signaling Ning Hao to sit down, and said seriously, "The next film is crucial not only for you but also for the company. 'Crazy Stone' was a success, but many in the industry think you're a flash in the pan. This time, we'll use facts to shut them up!"

When it came to serving chicken soup for the soul, who could beat Zhao Fusheng? After all, the countless motivational articles on the internet had made him immune to all toxins.

Now, dealing with a mere Ning Hao, a few words were enough to get his blood boiling and his motivation soaring.

With the carrot-and-stick approach, Ning Hao, still a novice in the industry, was completely led astray by Zhao Fusheng.

He had completely forgotten why he came to see Zhao Fusheng today and instead looked forward to his new film.