Chapter 1604: A Proposal

The gathering naturally had a purpose, but since everyone was smart, some things didn't need to be spelled out—just an indication of intent sufficed.

Hanxing Investment intended to enter the film and television industry, while Song Kang-ho, Bong Joon-ho, and the others wanted to strengthen their ties and expand their connections in China.

They hit it off immediately.

Under such circumstances, it would have been strange if the atmosphere wasn't good.

"To be honest, I've heard about some of the bad practices in the Korean entertainment industry before, but I didn't expect things to be this serious."

Zhao Fusheng ate barbecue and casually said to Song Kang-ho.

Park Sun-young translated for him, and the faces of the Korean filmmakers visibly reddened, especially the men, who were so ashamed they wished they could find a hole to crawl into.

There was no helping it—Koreans naturally had a strong sense of pride. This time, not only had they been rescued by Zhao Fusheng, a Chinese, but he had also witnessed the dark side of the Korean entertainment industry firsthand. They had truly lost all face.

"Please don't misunderstand."

Seeing their expressions, Zhao Fusheng smiled faintly: "My wife is also an actress, so I can understand all of you."

Hearing this, the expressions on their faces softened a little.

Given Zhao Fusheng's status, there was no need for him to lie about such matters.

"President Zhao, I'm truly sorry for making you laugh at us."

As their representative, Ahn Sung-ki apologized to Zhao Fusheng in English: "Our Republic of Korea always has some rotten elements."

"You're too kind, Teacher Ahn."

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "I understand. People like Shin Ji-hyo are, after all, a minority."

Though he said this, he knew very well that such things were all too common in the Korean entertainment industry.

Don't forget, South Korea is the country with the highest number of celebrity suicides!

Surprising, isn't it?

South Korea, with a population of just over fifty million, has no shortage of celebrities, yet its suicide rate is the highest in the world. Zhao Fusheng hadn't realized this until he specifically asked Park Sun-young.

"But then again, this problem is ultimately caused by the artists themselves being too weak."

Zhao Fusheng shifted the topic and said to Ahn Sung-ki: "Often, the more we yield, the more the other side pushes. Decency isn't about smiling after being bullied or being polite after being offended. Decency is not offending others first, not judging others with malice, and not attacking others with words."

Ahn Sung-ki nodded, but his gaze was fixed on Zhao Fusheng. He felt that Zhao Fusheng must have more to say.

Sure enough, Zhao Fusheng calmly continued: "But once a good person is violated, I believe that an eye for an eye is the decency an adult should have!"

Ahn Sung-ki stared blankly at the smiling Zhao Fusheng, feeling that behind his gentle smile lurked a cold blade.

This guy was no pushover!

Ahn Sung-ki had always thought that decency was synonymous with gentlemanliness, a kind of grace. But now, hearing Zhao Fusheng's words, he realized his previous understanding was somewhat off.

There are some people in this world who, once they reach a certain status, no longer pursue material things but instead seek fame.

Ahn Sung-ki was such a person!

As the top actor in the Korean film industry, surpassing the 'Three Carriages,' Ahn Sung-ki was already an undisputed pinnacle of fame.

Such a person no longer cared about material evaluations.

After all, as long as he starred in a film, the production company couldn't pay him too little.

In other words, what Ahn Sung-ki cared about was his reputation!

What is reputation?

It's one's reputation in the entire country and within the industry.

Why did Jiang Wen participate in the 'Seven Gentlemen' incident back then? The main reason was that he also wanted to leave his name in the history of Chinese cinema.

Ahn Sung-ki had the same need.

"President Zhao, what do you mean...?" Ahn Sung-ki looked at Zhao Fusheng with a hint of confusion in his eyes.

Clearly, he hoped to hear from Zhao Fusheng how to fight back.

After all, the bystander sees more than the player. More importantly, given Zhao Fusheng's status, if they could get his help, it might benefit the improvement of the current state of the Korean entertainment industry.

"I think, Mr. Ahn Sung-ki, you could take the lead in establishing a Korean Filmmakers Mutual Aid Association."

Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and said to Ahn Sung-ki.

Korean Filmmakers Mutual Aid Association?

Ahn Sung-ki was taken aback, and everyone around who heard Zhao Fusheng's words was also stunned.

"President Zhao, do you mean we should unite?"

Bong Joon-ho asked instinctively, looking at Zhao Fusheng.

Song Kang-ho, on the other hand, remained silent.

He had always been a low-key person in the industry. Although he had made many films with a democratic slant, he tended to keep a low profile.

The same went for that woman, Kim Hye-soo.

"Yes, not only unite but also bravely fight against unfair things." Zhao Fusheng said seriously.

Everyone who heard his words, whether they understood them or not, could feel the sincerity in his tone.

They looked at each other, clearly at a loss after Zhao Fusheng's words.

Not to mention them, even Jiang Wen looked at Zhao Fusheng in bewilderment, completely unable to understand why he had suddenly thought of this.

"Of course, it's just a suggestion. You can think it over. I just feel that Korean artists are too pitiful, with no guarantee of their personal rights..."

Zhao Fusheng poured himself a glass of juice and said calmly.

He didn't drink alcohol, so naturally, no one else said anything.

Ahn Sung-ki and the others didn't say much either. After all, it was just a suggestion; whether to adopt it was up to them.

The meal was quite pleasant—at least Zhao Fusheng felt it was much more enjoyable than the banquet at the Shilla Hotel earlier.

Koreans usually liked to have a second round after drinking. Although Zhao Fusheng wanted to go, he was really tired today. He declined the invitations from Song Kang-ho and the others, let Jiang Wen follow them, and returned to the hotel with his translator.

On the way back, Park Sun-young sat in the passenger seat. After hesitating for a long time, she asked Zhao Fusheng: "President, may I ask a question?"

Zhao Fusheng laughed: "What, are you curious why I gave that suggestion to Mr. Ahn Sung-ki?"

"Yes."

Park Sun-young nodded and said cautiously: "I don't mean anything by it; I'm just curious."

After all, as a translator and assistant, asking such a question was already somewhat overstepping.

"It's nothing."

Zhao Fusheng smiled faintly: "I said my wife is an actress. What happened to Miss Song Yun-ah today made me feel that maybe I should help do something."

"Just for that?"

Park Sun-young was startled, somewhat surprised.

Zhao Fusheng smiled but said nothing more.

As a boss, saying so much to Park Sun-young was already a great favor.

In other words, even if Zhao Fusheng didn't explain, she would have to accept it.

But Zhao Fusheng wasn't that kind of person. He wasn't the type of boss who wanted all his subordinates to be yes-men.

In Zhao Fusheng's view, for a company to develop, it needed all kinds of talent.

While loyal subordinates were convenient to use, subordinates who were both capable and loyal were even better.

...

...

The next morning, while Zhao Fusheng was having breakfast, that guy Jiang Wen slipped in.

"Not easy—you're up this early?"

Zhao Fusheng looked at Jiang Wen and teased casually.

Every time this guy got drunk, he would basically sleep until the next morning. That he was up so early today surprised Zhao Fusheng.

Clearly, this guy had something to discuss with him.

"What, can't you guess why I'm up so early?" Jiang Wen sat across from Zhao Fusheng and started eating a breakfast.

Zhao Fusheng shrugged: "I can guess, but I don't want to say, understand?"

"You bastard..."

Jiang Wen was speechless for a moment, then frowned: "You're not scheming against someone again, are you?"

Instinct told him that Zhao Fusheng really seemed to be up to something.