Chapter 0834 New Film

The conversation that followed was rather dull. After all, Zhao Fusheng and Liu Xiaoyao were not familiar with each other, and their relationship was far from being intimate enough for heart-to-heart talks; they merely engaged in casual chitchat.

During the conversation, Zhao Fusheng did complain to Liu Xiaoyao about the issues in the film market. In his mind, since this man was a big shot, he must have some connections in the censorship committee, and perhaps he could influence some people's opinions.

Zhao Fusheng really couldn't bear to see people like Li Yang and Lou Ye repeatedly make efforts only to face disappointment time and again.

Time passed quickly. Seeing that it was about time, Liu Xiaoyao signaled that the meeting was over by lifting his teacup. Zhao Fusheng, being perceptive, took his leave.

"Let's go."

Getting into the car, Zhao Fusheng said to Zhang Qian, who was dozing off with his eyes closed.

Zhang Qian nodded and quickly started the engine.

The car slowly drove away. Zhao Fusheng let out a long sigh, as if he had accomplished something significant.

"We've never met this guy before, have we?" Zhang Qian asked while driving.

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "A big shot. The connections of Zhao Baogang and Ye Jing are not something we can reach."

Actually, there was something he didn't say: this man seemed more like he was playing around rather than genuinely interested in the entertainment industry.

Zhao Fusheng couldn't fathom the thoughts of such elites, nor did he intend to. Keeping them at a respectful distance was the best way to handle them.

The car drove steadily. Zhang Qian was far more skilled at driving than Zhao Fusheng.

As they passed by the gate of the Central Academy of Drama, Zhao Fusheng saw from a distance a crowd gathered there. It seemed some celebrity was surrounded by fans, and there were even media taking photos.

Zhao Fusheng frowned slightly but said nothing, though the disdain at the corner of his mouth revealed his feelings.

"These celebrities nowadays, they seem sick. They should just mind their own business, but they have to stir up a bunch of fans," Zhang Qian said with a curl of his lip.

Zhao Fusheng laughed: "This is nothing. Just wait a few years and see. I guarantee that when these people appear, there will be screams and cheers loud enough to deafen you. Then, escorted by security, they'll struggle with all their might to squeeze through the crowd, work up a sweat, get heat rash, and even after getting in the car, they won't be able to rest. They'll have to speed away to escape the pursuing fans, all while worrying about getting into a car accident..."

"Hey, hey, hey, you're going too far," Zhang Qian quickly stopped Zhao Fusheng's nonsense. In his view, Zhao Fusheng really lived up to his reputation as a screenwriter; the script he just described was absolutely brilliant.

Zhao Fusheng smiled but didn't argue with Zhang Qian. He couldn't tell him that this was actually a real phenomenon that indeed happened.

Although it all happened to those young idols with little real talent or backing, one had to admit that as times progressed, it would eventually reach that ridiculous stage.

"Let's go, home."

Not wanting to bother with those fanatics, Zhao Fusheng simply had Zhang Qian take a detour home.

Nothing happened that night. The next morning, Jiang Wen called back and told Zhao Fusheng that Wang Qiang had been noticed by someone again.

"Come on, is he really that good?"

Sitting speechless in Jiang Wen's villa, Zhao Fusheng looked helplessly at Jiang Wen and pointed at Wang Qiang, who was sitting on the sofa happily eating fruit: "Look at his face. Tell me, does he have acting skills? Does he have looks?"

"Look at you. What they see in him is exactly this kind of natural, unpolished quality," Jiang Wen chuckled and said to Wang Qiang: "Qiangzi, do you have a girlfriend now?"

"Girlfriend?" Wang Qiang looked up, bewildered, then shook his head: "I don't."

"Oh, how long have you been single?" Jiang Wen raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Uh, are you asking how old I am?" Wang Qiang blinked and said with a sudden inspiration.

Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen were both taken aback, then couldn't help but burst into laughter.

It had to be said, Wang Qiang had a knack for making people laugh.

"Actually, it's nothing special. It's an art film. The director is an acquaintance of mine. He thought Baoqiang was suitable, so he called me," Jiang Wen explained to Zhao Fusheng. "He saw his performance in 'Blind Shaft.'"

After Li Yang's 'Blind Shaft' was finished filming, although it couldn't pass censorship for domestic release, it was allowed to participate in international film festivals and was said to have received good反响.

"Since that's the case, Qiangzi, do you want to act in it?" Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and asked Wang Qiang.

Wang Qiang replied very bluntly: "Brother, you decide. My sister said, if I don't understand something, I should ask you. You're clever and won't let me get the short end of the stick."

Zhao Fusheng slapped his forehead, feeling that he shouldn't talk to this guy anymore, or he might lower his own IQ.

"Hahaha..." Seeing Zhao Fusheng at a loss for words, which was rare, Jiang Wen laughed particularly mischievously.

Wang Qiang was a good person, but sometimes his personality was too direct. To put it nicely, he was straightforward and outspoken, but from another perspective, it could be hard to take.

But it had to be said, his personality was rare in the entertainment industry.

Of course, it might also be because he had just entered this circle and still retained that youthful innocence. Perhaps in ten or eight years, he would become a truly 'smart' person.

"Since he has no objections, let him act," Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and said to Jiang Wen. "By the way, keep an eye on the payment. He should get at least eight or ten thousand."

There was no helping it. In those days on the mainland, only top-tier actors like Jiang Wen and Chen Daoxing had the leverage to demand high salaries. For newcomers like Wang Qiang, a few thousand was already decent.

Even the future 'five-billion box office emperor' only got five thousand for his first film, let alone Wang Qiang.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Jiang Wen said to Zhao Fusheng with a hint of exasperation.

He didn't need Zhao Fusheng to remind him of such things. After all, to Jiang Wen, Wang Qiang was also one of his own.

"By the way, did your Fan Baobao act in 'Beijing Bicycle'?" After finishing the main topic, Jiang Wen suddenly brought up something.

Zhao Fusheng was startled, then laughed: "You know?"

Jiang Wen rolled his eyes and pointed at Zhao Fusheng: "You, I said why you suddenly asked me about Xiaoshuai's film that time. Turns out it was because Baobao was in it."

Zhao Fusheng nodded helplessly: "I can't help it. She wouldn't let me follow, saying it might affect the director's mood. What do you think of that? This girl really gives me no peace of mind."

Although he and Fan Baobao were the same age, speaking in this old-fashioned tone didn't feel out of place at all.

Even Jiang Wen, who was listening to Zhao Fusheng, found it perfectly normal.