Chapter 0825: The Game

Actually, Jiang Wen had come to see Zhao Fusheng today because he had something on his mind.

"What?"

Zhao Fusheng stared at Jiang Wen in disbelief: "You want to take the lead in submitting suggestions to the higher-ups!"

"Yes, I think film classification is a matter of utmost urgency," Jiang Wen said seriously. "The higher-ups need to hear our voices. If things continue like this, the passion of filmmakers will be completely worn away."

"It's useless." Zhao Fusheng glanced at Jiang Wen and shook his head. "Your idea is good, and I admit it will certainly cause some stir, but frankly, doing this is completely useless."

"Why?" Jiang Wen clearly didn't understand Zhao Fusheng's words. In his view, his plan was entirely feasible—rallying a large number of well-known directors, actors, and even industry professionals to collectively petition the Film Bureau. The higher-ups would surely take this force seriously, and as the leader, he would gain immense prestige.

"First of all, you're thinking too simply. Do you think that if you act as the spearhead, what impression will you leave on the higher-ups?" Zhao Fusheng said helplessly to Jiang Wen. "Besides, after all these years, haven't you seen clearly how our supervisory departments operate? When have they ever cared about grassroots opinions? To put it bluntly, unless the central government issues a document or news leaks out, film classification or protecting domestic films is just a slogan."

Since only the two of them were present, Zhao Fusheng didn't care about his tone or wording and directly dismissed Jiang Wen's idea.

Hearing Zhao Fusheng's words, Jiang Wen frowned and opened his mouth to retort, but found he had nothing to refute, because what the guy said were indeed objective facts.

But Jiang Wen was an old hand after all. He gritted his teeth and said, "You can't say that. We can also mobilize the power of the media..."

Before he could finish, Zhao Fusheng interrupted him: "Do you really think those media outlets will seriously report on your actions? Believe me, at most they'll just ride the wave of popularity and hype it up. Besides, how many of those celebrities do you think will stick with you to the end and confront the Bureau?"

Jiang Wen fell silent.

He understood this circle better than Zhao Fusheng. As Zhao Fusheng said, in the film and television industry, everyone has their own agenda. He wanted to use the power of the masses, but they might be playing the same game.

Moreover, the most crucial point was that, as Zhao Fusheng said, the heat of this matter definitely couldn't be stirred up.

The reason it's called 'stirring up heat' is because both sides need to cooperate.

Simply put, the one stirring must know how to stir, and the one being stirred must also express various opinions to respond. That way, back and forth, the matter can maintain a high level of attention.

But the problem was, if it involved the Film Censorship Committee and filmmakers, then the heat couldn't be stirred up.

After all, the biggest characteristic of domestic media, regardless of the time, is that they only dare to point fingers at ordinary people, while they are extremely timid towards the authorities.

And the general public, like the legendary fish with only seven seconds of memory, easily forget what they have seen and heard.

In the end, the whole thing would easily become a joke with much thunder but little rain.

"Then what do you suggest?" After a long while, Jiang Wen looked up at Zhao Fusheng.

"Wait."

Zhao Fusheng shrugged, glanced at the bewildered middle-aged man, and said calmly, "This matter requires timing."

"Timing?"

Jiang Wen was somewhat surprised, clearly not understanding Zhao Fusheng's words.

"That's right, timing. Only when the higher-ups realize that reform is necessary will they truly begin to consider this issue." Zhao Fusheng looked at Jiang Wen and smiled. "You should know better than I do that reforms in our country can only be truly implemented from the top down."

This time, Jiang Wen didn't refute Zhao Fusheng. As someone from a大院 background, just as Zhao Fusheng said, he understood the true situation of the country better than Zhao Fusheng.

"Don't overthink it. This matter will have to wait at least another two years," Zhao Fusheng said, seeing that Jiang Wen still seemed reluctant.

Although he didn't remember clearly, it seemed that the domestic film classification system actually started in the early 2000s. From then on, the state increased support for domestic films and also granted some policy leniency to filmmakers like directors who had previously made banned films.

That's why Zhao Fusheng told Jiang Wen to wait.

For many things, going against the current is not a good choice; going with the flow is the best way to handle them.

Jiang Wen was a bit downcast, but regardless, he still trusted Zhao Fusheng. Although this guy was young, it had to be admitted that on many matters, Zhao Fusheng saw further than those older people.

Of course, the most important thing was that Zhao Fusheng didn't explicitly oppose his idea but told him to be fully prepared before acting. This gave Jiang Wen confidence, making him feel that his direction was correct.

Zhao Fusheng didn't know that Jiang Wen originally lacked confidence and had actually gained encouragement from him; he just told him what he knew.

Fan Baobao had gone to shoot a film. Although Zhao Fusheng was very worried, life had to go on, and he had to attend to his own matters.

Future Advertising had been busy lately. Zheng Yao was a person of action; since she decided to move the company to Beijing, she quickly started the process.

And since the headquarters was planning to relocate, the Beijing branch also needed to be reorganized.

Recently, Dong Chenxi, Bai Jie, and others had been meeting with Zheng Yao every day, discussing how to merge the branch and the headquarters.

One day, Zhao Fusheng arrived at the company in Zhang Qian's car. He originally planned to go to the office to find Dong Chenxi, but found the office door locked.

Frowning slightly, Zhao Fusheng grabbed a passing staff member and asked, "Where's Manager Dong?"

"Ah, probably in a meeting," the person said. He seemed to be a newcomer and didn't recognize Zhao Fusheng, looking at him curiously. "Do you need something from Manager Dong?"

"Nothing much." Zhao Fusheng shook his head and asked again, "What about Manager Bai?"

"They should all be there. It seems General Manager Zheng from headquarters is giving a meeting, and everyone above the deputy minister level has gone," the person said to Zhao Fusheng.

Frowning, Zhao Fusheng's expression turned unpleasant.