Chapter 0929: The Good Samaritan Zhao Fusheng

People habitually sympathize with the weak and dislike the strong.

No matter where or on what occasion, even when law enforcement is carrying out its duties, it's the same.

Whenever a dispute arises, even if the weaker side is wrong, the stronger side will unconsciously be resisted.

People always seem to like to put themselves in the shoes of the weak, forgetting that, aside from a few psychologically abnormal or domineering people who enjoy bullying others for no reason, most people are ordinary; no one likes to lose their temper for no reason.

Of course, if one were to speculate about human nature with Xunzi's idea that human nature is evil, then there would be no good people in this world.

In fact, in Zhao Fusheng's eyes, there are no pure good people in the film and television circle.

Even though Yu Feihong and Jiang Wen are his friends, he still thinks so.

Because in this circle, good people cannot survive; of this, Zhao Fusheng is deeply convinced.

The backside determines the head, interests determine speech.

What a person says is not important; what matters is what he does.

In Zhao Fusheng's view, people should not fear being humble, but fear losing hope in life. A life without a glimmer of light is like falling into the darkness of an abyss; living is also dying.

Just like his days in his previous life.

And now, his life is full of hope.

"You, say something."

Seeing Zhao Fusheng sitting there silently, not even chiming in with himself and Yu Feihong, Jiang Wen frowned and spoke.

Zhao Fusheng sighed and said helplessly, "What can I say? The problem now is not with the policies of the General Administration; it's whether you can guarantee that if restrictions on films and TV dramas are lifted, facing foreign cultural invasion, you insiders can maintain your current spirit of pursuing your ideals."

"What do you mean?" Yu Feihong and Jiang Wen exchanged glances, both looking puzzled; clearly, Zhao Fusheng's words were hard for them to understand.

"Nothing. For example, many people now like Korean and Japanese stars, and being fans of Korean and Japanese culture has become a trend. Tell me, if the country further opens up the cultural market, what will happen?" Zhao Fusheng looked at Jiang Wen and said slowly.

Jiang Wen was taken aback, then frowned deeply.

Zhao Fusheng sighed and didn't continue; he believed Jiang Wen had understood his meaning.

Whether it's European, American, Japanese, Korean, or even Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment culture, whether TV dramas or stars, the fundamental reason they can become popular in China is the weakness of the domestic entertainment industry.

The mainland market is huge, but facing such a large market, domestic practitioners have never produced competitive products to meet the growing demands of the masses. So losing the audience's attention is only a matter of time.

This point is already showing signs; the most obvious example is that Hong Kong and Taiwan stars are more favored by audiences. Even if they have all kinds of scandals, they still become popular.

None of this stems from unrealistic issues like patriotism; it's like why many people choose Apple or Samsung over domestic phones—they're just looking for the best option that meets their needs. But cultural products are highly penetrative; love me, love my dog.

"You mean, in the final analysis, we need to produce more good movies and TV dramas?" Yu Feihong, who had been silently listening to the conversation between Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen, suddenly interjected.

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "As long as there are choices, no one would willingly chase foreign stars, and the authorities wouldn't want to suppress domestic practitioners. Old Jiang and others always say independent films are suppressed, but let's look at it from another angle: what kind of films are you making? Which ruler would allow those kinds of films to be broadcast?"

Jiang Wen opened his mouth to say something but couldn't speak.

Zhao Fusheng shrugged: "Since we've come this far, I'll be straightforward. Don't think those foreign films that supposedly expose darkness are really reflecting social reality; there are reasons behind them. They have backers; without them, it's impossible to make those films."

This was his heartfelt opinion. In later generations, many people called Korean filmmakers the conscience of society, heavily criticizing the domestic General Administration for being inhumane and not allowing films reflecting social reality to be released or pass censorship.

But in reality, the good films in their eyes weren't so simple to get released.

For example, the films 'Silenced' and 'The Attorney.' The former became famous for depicting the sexual violence tragedy at Gwangju Inhwa School for the deaf, shaking all of South Korea. The line 'We struggle not to change the world, but to prevent the world from changing us' became a motto admired by many. The latter moved the nation with the story of a civilian lawyer defending an innocent student imprisoned by a dictatorial government. The courtroom scene about democracy and civil rights excited many domestic democratic elites and public intellectuals, who claimed such a film would never appear in China.

But in reality?

'Silenced' is based on real events. The production company is CJ Entertainment, and the incident took place in Gwangju, known as the stronghold of South Korea's democratic faction. Among the judges involved, some had become high-ranking officials in the South Korean judicial system by the time the film was released. In short, the ruling party was happy to see the stronghold of the largest opposition party, the Democratic Party, thrust into the spotlight.

The result after the film's release proved this: several high-ranking Democratic Party officials from Gwangju resigned.

As for 'The Attorney,' the protagonist is based on the late South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, who committed suicide, and the protagonist's assistant is based on later President Moon Jae-in. The actor playing the protagonist, Song Kang-ho, is a well-known democratic actor in South Korea.

In the end, the fact that these two films could be made and released hides the mutual attacks between South Korea's two major political parties.

Film comes from life and serves life.

These truths, Zhao Fusheng understood, and Jiang Wen and Yu Feihong didn't not understand; they just hadn't thought in that direction.

...

...

This conversation had no conclusion.

Because both Jiang Wen and Zhao Fusheng had their own demands and needs.

Zhao Fusheng cared more about whether he could make money from the film and television circle, while Jiang Wen hoped to make films he liked.

As for the issues involved, as Zhao Fusheng had said earlier, the authorities would consider them. Under the current national conditions, making films without restraint is impossible.

No ruler would allow uncontrollable situations in the ideological field.

Throughout history, at home and abroad, it has always been so.

A week later, Fan Baobao officially started working at the People's Art Theatre. In her own words, from today on, she was a legitimate employee of a state institution.

Zhao Fusheng felt helpless about this and could only silently give Fan Baobao a thumbs up.

At the same time, he silently prayed that this girl wouldn't find life at the People's Art Theatre too boring in the future.

You see, the People's Art Theatre has quite strict management of young actors, especially in this era. Newcomers like Fan Baobao would probably have a hard time.

But for Fan Baobao, this was actually a good thing; at the very least, it would help her grow quickly, hone her acting skills, and prevent her from becoming a mere vase.

However, after Fan Baobao started working at the People's Art Theatre, Yang Panpan relaxed because she no longer had to serve as Fan Baobao's assistant; she was free.

Zhao Fusheng thought it over but couldn't find a suitable place for her at the moment.

"What can I do?" Yang Panpan was also conflicted. After all, Zhao Fusheng paid her a decent salary. Originally, following Fan Baobao gave her things to do, but now that Fan Baobao had entered the People's Art Theatre, she couldn't film TV dramas or movies, and as for commercials, it was said she was only allowed to do two or three a year.

"Well..." Zhao Fusheng sat there feeling a bit helpless. To be honest, he really couldn't think of a suitable job for Yang Panpan.

"How about you be my bodyguard?" After pondering for a while, Zhao Fusheng looked at Yang Panpan and said.

Yang Panpan was taken aback and shook her head: "Don't you have Zhang Qian?"

"Then I'm out of ideas." Zhao Fusheng spread his hands: "If it really doesn't work, just stay home, tidy up the house, cook, and when Baobao needs something, help her out."

He really had no good solution and could only do this.

"I'm not a maid!"

Yang Panpan was dumbfounded and looked at Zhao Fusheng speechlessly.

Zhao Fusheng laughed himself, tilted his head and thought for a long time, then finally said: "How about this: since you're used to being an assistant, why not go manage a company for me?"

"Me?" Yang Panpan was completely stunned, staring at Zhao Fusheng with wide eyes: "Do you think I'm cut out for that?"

She might have some confidence in fighting, but managing a company? Yang Panpan felt she'd rather get into a fight.

Zhao Fusheng laughed: "Then what do you suggest? I really have no idea."

Yang Panpan's face twisted into a grimace. She looked at Zhao Fusheng, but found him with a helpless expression, which made her even more frustrated.

"No matter what, I'm not going to manage any company for you. I really can't do it." After a long while, Yang Panpan stood up and said to Zhao Fusheng.

It was clear she was genuinely resistant to this job.

Zhao Fusheng nodded, stroked his chin, and said: "I know, this is a bit tough on you. How about this: you be Zhang Qian's assistant. He's in charge of these things now, but sometimes he's too busy. You can run errands for him, deliver documents, that sort of thing. Shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Yang Panpan was taken aback, looking at Zhao Fusheng suspiciously: "I feel like you're doing this on purpose."

"Where did you get that idea? I'm sincere. Otherwise, forget it; you can still be a maid at home." Zhao Fusheng looked innocent and righteous.